A Guy's Eye View, Part Two

Last fall, I sat down with my (then) boyfriend and showed him what the top trends were for fall.  I was curious to know what he thought about all these looks that came down the runway.  I wanted a guys perspective on what the power fashion women of the world say is trendy.  You guys really enjoyed that post {read it here} so I thought, hey, why not do another one for spring?  {And this time he's my fiancé, so it's more fun somehow.}  Might as well kick this year off right... right?  Plus, my Fiancé has a really great eye for style and I trust his opinion {does that earn me brownie points?}.

Top Trends for Spring 2012 {as determined by Harper's Bazaar Runway Report}.
Trend One: Sports AuthorityTaking the sport vibe up a notch to sophisticated.

{Alexander Wang on left, Altuzarra on right}

{Rag and Bone on left, Versace on right}

Sarah: I like this trend in theory.  I like a sporty edge when applied to things like dresses (as in the 2nd and 3rd photos).  But an all over sports theme isn't for me (like in the first photo).  I'd like mixing and matching with more feminine pieces for a different style.

Brandon:   Anything sporty on a girl is sexy, but the first photo, she just looks stupid.  It doesn't look sporty, it looks more like euro-trash biker.  If you're comfortable in it and it looks good on you it's nice to look a little less than feminine.

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Trend Two: Buchanan's Babes

20's inspired looks with drop waists and sequins.

{Roberta Cavalli on left, Etro on right}

{Gucci on left, Carolina Herrera on right} 

Sarah:  The 20s are my favorite style era so naturally I love this trend.  I have a short torso so I like a dropped waist look to feel a bit taller.  And I like that for spring even though the overall look is very feminine, there is still a bit of an edge to it.  Who hasn't wanted to be a flapper now and then?

Brandon:  I love it!  I like the speak-easy vibe to it.  It has a trashy feel with a strong dominant female approach.  The 2nd photo she looks sexy but like she could also tell you to get bent.


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Trend Three: She's a Lady
Light colors, lots of embellishments. Demure but sexy.

{Dolce & Gabbana on left, Nina Ricci on right}

{Proenza Schouler on left, Louis Vuitton on right}

Sarah: I think this is a very pretty trend for spring.  Soft colors, florals and ladylike details.  It isn't necessarily the right trend for me but I'll definitely incorporate ladylike elements into my style.  By the way, I LOVE the first photo.

Brandon:  I'm not a fan of any of these prints, but I do think there is a time and place for these types of dresses.  The 3rd photo has a real Christina Hendricks Mad Men vibe (the shape of the dress).

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Trend Four: On Safari

Animal prints and tribal stripes.

{Burberry on left, Donna Karan on right}

{Michael Kors on left, Giambattista Valli on right}

Sarah: Animal prints seem to be a closet essential, at least in an accessory (I have leopard print shoes).  I wouldn't be one that would wear an all over animal print (though I do really love the last photo), but I like the idea.  They definitely bring to mind spring and they are so chic (when done right).  And I like that the trend has expanded to include tribal stripes.

Brandon:  I hate the 4th photo.  I don't like the mixing... it's like I'm a Zebra ohhhh but now I'm a turned Zebra.  It looks like you made it yourself in the closet.  Animal print in general in a minimal way is nice but not all over.  It says Boca Raton in all the wrong ways.

{Clearly The Fiancé and I are not on the same page about the 4th photo.}

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Trend Five: White Collar

White, white, white.. all structured.

{Calvin Klein on left, Céline on right}

{The Row on left, Dries van Noten on right}

Sarah:  I love the way an all white outfit looks, but I'm FAR too messy for that.  I once wore an all white suit to an interview with a red top underneath and felt so chic.  For the girls that can pull it off, bravo!  But for those who are like me but still want to try it, don't forget your Tide-to-Go pen!

Brandon:  It's too clinical.  It looks like something out of a bad sci-fi movie.  It looks like it's making a safe statement.  It's just boring.

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Trend Six: Graphic Art

Prints all over!

{Giorgio Armani on left, Mary Katrantzou on right}

{Peter Pilotto on left, Rodarte on right}

Sarah: I love graphic prints... usually in a frame on my wall though.  This is one trend, like another on this list, that I don't know if it's right for my body.  I have a small frame and so I'd have to be really careful when choosing a print so that it didn't overwhelm me.  I absolutely love the wild colors and crazy prints in the 2nd photo and think that type of look would be perfect for a fun party.

Brandon:  I think it's cool, it shows confidence.  If you can wear something with that much going on, it shows confidence because people are definitely going to notice you.  But you have to be comfortable with it because you will be the focal point.  {Side note: Brandon thinks confidence is VERY sexy.}

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Trend Seven: Pink Ladies

Light pink and blush tones, all over

{Chanel on left, Givenchy on right}

{Reed Krakoff on left, Lanvin on right}

Sarah:  I have a confession: I hate pink.  Does that make me a terrible female?  I can usually deal with a hot pink but usually pastel pinks I completely stay away from.  HOWEVER, I do think that a blush or rose colored hue is beautiful and it is perfect for spring.  This might be something that I work into an accessory like a pretty bag or shoe.

Brandon:  First, I don't like all over one shade of anything... except maybe gray or black.  I think it'd look best on someone with a dark complexion.  On someone with a lighter complexion I think it'd just look drab. Either way, I don't really like it.

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Trend Eight: Mad Women

Channeling the women of Mad Men- cinched waists and full skirts.

{Balenciaga on left, Jason Wu on right}

{Rochas on left, Diane von Furstenberg on right}

Sarah:  I love Mad Men.  It's such a great show and I'm glad this is the year it'll FINALLY be back on TV.  I really love the style of that time as well.  Behind the 20s it's probably one of my favorite style eras.  I don't know that this is a trend I'd wear often but it might be fun to wear on a sweet date with The Fiancé.  You know, whenever he decides to take me for a picnic in the park.....

Brandon:  I'm not a huge fan of the 1st photo, but I think the 2nd photo is really cute.  I like that it looks comfortable but it seems like that style and that era looks good on every woman.  There is something about this style that is very sexy.

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Trend Nine: Perfect Pairings

Head to toe patterns.

{Derek Lam on left, Jil Sander on right}

{Stella McCartney on left, Proenza Schouler on right}

Sarah: This is probably my least favorite trend for spring.  I don't know if there are many women that can pull off an allover print like this.  I tend to lean towards more basic, classic pieces and keep the loud prints and graphics for accessories.  This won't be a trend I try out {except in pajamas}.

Brandon:  It looks like a crappy Devo video.  Or even maybe a Robert Palmer video.  It's too reminiscent of wearing a uniform.  Uniforms work for men, not as much for women.

VERDICT.

Sarah's Favorite Trend: Buchanan's Babes

Sarah's Least Favorite Trend: Perfect Pairings

Brandon's Favorite Trend: Mad Women

Brandon's Least Favorite Trend: Perfect Pairings