Bewitched:

• Color — Wow! You'll need to wear your new big, plastic sunglasses to shop. Bright is the name of the game. Although not everyone loves bright colors, it's better than a store full of pastels (which we've seen in many past seasons). One of the hottest colors is some shade of teal/aqua/blue-green, whatever you want to call it. This is much better than pink (although it's a spring standard still!) since more people can wear it and look good. Be careful, big, bold prints are all the rage — tread warily — be sure you wear them, not the other way around. A little goes a long, long way (pair with a solid for the best effect).
  
  
• African-inspired — What a great look! The colors are deliciously rich and the styles make a statement. Just remember that, as with any trend, a little goes a long way. Pair a safari jacket with khakis or capris. Add a few chunky wooden bracelets in beautiful golds, yellows, orangey reds and brown. Or, pair an animal print top with a simple skirt and add a big gold choker, beautiful beads, or big gold hoop earrings. Finish any of these outfits with the shoe of the season – wedge sandals in metallics, brown or African-inspired colors.
  
  
• Metallics — Do you want less color but still some pizzazz? While navy and white are typical summer classics, metallics offer a chance to step out and try something different. Choose your favorite metallic to blend with white or another neutral. It's fresh, understated (at least compared to bright colors), and can be worn in the daytime or evening. And, we're not just talking silver, gold and bronze. You'll find pink, mauve, blue … with a metallic finish that adds shimmer and shine.
  
  
• Jewelry — This is the season for jewels! Whether your taste runs to chunky wooden bracelets and cuffs, or you prefer bright beads and things that dangle, there's something for everyone. “Pile it on” is the word about town and while that might be a bit much for all except runway models, it's meant to be fun and expressive. Just don't choose nothing!

Bothered:

• If truth be told, I'm not particularly "bothered" by any trends this spring. The truly dreadful styles of last spring have run their course. It's no longer considered fashionable to show the top of your thong wearing low rise jeans (designers are even designing thongs that stay respectfully hidden). Belly shirts are no where to be seen. And, not that they are going to disappear completely, but flip flops are much more ho-hum than last year (thankfully!). I'm thrilled that elegance and personal expression are back, but it does take the fun out of this part of my report!

Bewildered:

• Shrunken Jackets — What is the fascination with shrunken jackets? They've been around now for 3 seasons. Enough, already! With rare exceptions (and there are a few), they look like you can't afford to buy something that fits you properly or like you're 35 going on 12! Yikes, who needs that!
  
  On the other hand, short (proportioned to your body) fitted jackets add elegance and look great with jeans or a skirt.
  
  
• Bubble skirts — Somehow, thinking of putting anything on my body that is described as a "bubble" is not particularly appealing. (The bubble refers to the hem which is designed in a way to look full and poufy and is not pressed flat.) Although not particularly versatile (and a little risky), it can be pretty and very feminine. If you're in doubt about it, however, pass it by.

Be-Careful:

• Tiered Skirts — There's a bohemian revolution underway, and the "gypsy" skirt (a.k.a., the tiered skirt) is the featured performer! It's another twist on the fuller skirt that is all the rage this season. It's also one of the trickiest of that genre. Be absolutely sure there are no gathers at the waist — flat front is usually preferable or you risk adding volume where you don't want it. As with any other trend, wear only one (maybe two) bohemian styles at a time. You'll find tunics, peasant blouses, beads, embroidery, and slouchy bags. All of these (and more) can be fun… but don't "pile it on."

Be-Gone: