Maximillion

And yet again the trend continues for this spring and summer; the maxi dress! Long, romantic and flowing, this pret-a-porter piece has fallen in the ranks of other wardrobe staples. This season brings a riot of different shapes, colors, prints and embellishments. This maxi serves as a tropical getaway style to a black tie affair! This is one trend that is also age appropriate for all. There are so many different options and directions you can go in this simple, yet elegant dress.

It's all in the fabric! Take a relaxing day by the pool or beach in a light-weight jersey maxi. If it gets damp, it is quick to dry and you can throw this get-up on with your favorite flat sandals, a straw hat and you are beach chic! As always, dress for the occasion. You will want to portray a softer "I'm on vacation" look, so choose a looser fitting maxi. Save the curve-hugging attire for your night out!

Once the weather warms up, we know how to throw a good barbecue! Again, think maxi! Day events such as a brunch, birthday party or shower is the perfect time to pull out vibrant prints and colors through a maxi dress. Patterns that are wowing include ikat, chevron, and damask to name a few! The is the perfect opportunity to incorporate color as well. If you go solid, you can pair it with a gold long necklace or statement necklace. Whether you choose sky high wedges or a jeweled sandal, you are sure to arrive looking stunning!

The maxi has evolved into exquisite evening wear as well. The weight of the fabric makes the statement, so choose a silk or chiffon to create the look of elegance. You can also depend on the neckline to conger the look of sophistication. A halter can offer a beaded neck in place of a necklace. As in most cases, finish the look with a strappy sandal or wedge for the ultimate in evening attire.

Seek out the most flattering look for you and enjoy the sunshine and blooms while looking like a million bucks!

Tribal Inspiration

Prints and patterns were a fashion favorite on the runways for spring and at Anna & Alice, we couldn't agree more! Taking bohemian inspiration, Mara Hoffman knows prints! Show off your vibrant side with bold colors, ikat patterns, and exotic shapes! Mara's collection is timeless, but not for the novice when it comes to color and eye-catching edge.

Mara Hoffman was born in Buffalo, New York and is now a New York city based fashion designer. She graduated from Parsons School of Design and studied at Central Saint Marins College of Art and Design in London before launching her first ready-to-ear collection in 2000. Beginning with one of a kind pieces, she often hand-dyed her fabrics and adorned the garments with African inspired touches. In 2005 she began to focus on dramatic designs and from there, her unique prints began to define the collection. In 2008 she launched her swimwear collection, which followed the trend of funky and urban pops of color and design. Hoffman's designs continue to evolve creatively with her team in Manhattan where she draws her inspiration from her affinity for travel, nature, mythology and magic!

Her style is dramatic, but her clothes are function with everything from a flowing swim cover-up to a long gown adorned with a heavily beaded neckline. Her use of color and tribal inspiration create fearless designs. Lovers of the line include Rihanna and Kim Kardashion! As warmer weather slowly arrives, this is the perfect time to experiment and drape yourself with this show-stopping collection!

Think Pink

On the tail of New York Fashion Week, we are seeing so many trends! As we transition into spring, the fashion industry is starting to warm up. Edible spring hues took over the runways and you could say pretty in pink was trending! All shades of pink are fair game; raspberry, coral, rose and blush! If NYFW didn't get you in the pink mood, maybe this Valentine's Day will! Whether you want to look sweet in pink or hot in the hue, think pink!

Pink was once thought of as girly and feminine. While still true in some cases, you can turn up the heat and create an edgy look that can be far from a country club luncheon! Go as sophisticated as you want with softer shades of the pallet. This lighter hue translates well with chiffon or lighter fabrics. It is ultra flirty and great for date night or brunch with the girls.

In love with neon? (Aren't we all?) Hot pink is, well, HOT! Neon is here to stay and electric pink is no exception. For a go big or go home look, think texture. Play with tulle, silk or a heavy taffeta for an upscale look. The fabric can make all the difference between looking like a circus performer and the ultra chic dame that you are!  Hot pink can complement more than just a neutral such as nude. It can easily be paired with equally bold colors.

Need to ease into the trend? As always you can add that pop of color with accessories. The pink trend will also mix well with gold or rose gold metals. Mix and match your gold jewelry with a soft rose colored bag or express your inner punk with a pink clutch adorned with studs.  Try a hot pink cross-body bag or pink flats. Be lively with a pink jeweled necklace and truly make a statement!

Sweet Shades

Got spring fever? It's February, when your any last remnants of a tan have faded, you are ready to push the black tights to the back of the closet and summer highlights can't come soon enough! You are in luck because your future looks bright! Kick those blues and make way for pastels! Think Easter egg hues such as guava, lavender, mint, and buttercup! Say goodbye to your primary colors of winter and welcome the lighter shades with open arms.

When wearing your colored denim, remember that this is considered your pop of color. The safest and most reliable pairing with your pastels is a neutral. The best for the season include ivory, white and light gray. Look as structured or as casual as your like from your trusty white cotton tee to a silk ruffle blouse! Feeling risky? Take neutrals to the neck level with prints in neutral tones such as leopard. You can also add some "umph" with accessories such as a leopard belt or polka dot bag. Just make sure you aren't too matchy-matchy with your accessories. For example: if you go with the leopard top, you don't need the leopard shoes as well!

Anyone divulged in the fashion world has noticed the trend...COLOR! Be brave and experiment with dual colors! Make sure the colors complement one another, but try buttercup jeans with a baby blue top. In this instance bring in your neutrals when adding accessories. Lastly, go monochromatic. You can absolutely use the same color on top and bottom. Break up the pattern with a neon belt or a slightly darker hue than your primary accents.

Stay fresh this spring and stand out in pastel!