Boston Spring Style Preview
Expect spring fashion in Boston to be filled with bold colors and plenty of accessories. Here's a preview of five spring trends that are making their way from the catwalk to the streets of Boston and where to go to get them.
Neon Brights
LIT Boutique
236 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
www.LITBoutique.com
Hours: Mon to Wed - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thurs to Sat - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Yes, neons are back! But these aren't the 1980s neons you're thinking of. This season neons have grown up and matured. Think of them as the pop of color against an otherwise polished and totally work ready outfit. Neons do best when paired with bold graphic colors or to liven up neutral looks. If you're up for making neon a big part of your look LIT Boutique has a wide dress selection in all of spring's hottest colors.
Related: Best Dress Shops In Boston
Accessorize
Zinnia
1300 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 354-1800
www.ilovezinnia.com
Hours: Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun - 11 a..m. - 5 p.m.
Forget about dainty little accessories- spring 2012 is about making a statement. Statement jewelry is the easiest way to make your wardrobe fashion forward. Jewelry should be as bold as the neon colors that are attracting so much attention this season. Your look should focus around one major piece of jewelry- a colorful necklace, outrageously colored earrings, a wide bracelet. Zinnia has a great jewelry selection at equally great prices.
Metal Maven
Ku De Ta
663 E Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 269-0008
www.kudetaboston.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Metallic fabrics were seen in many of the collections designers put out for this season. Many designers layered metallic pants with metallic tops and accessories. This can be a hard look to pull off once it's taken off the runway but there are many ways to incorporate metallic into a more real world wardrobe. A gold belt and strappy sandals look great against boldly printed dresses and neon yellow really pops when paired with a softly shimmering silver scarf or handbag. If you want to add touches of metallic to your closet check out what Ku De Ta has on its shelves.
Printmaking
Crush Boutique
131 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-0010
www.shopcrushboutique.com
Hours: Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
So many prints are on trend for Spring 2012.Tthere's sure to be at least one that you'll want to add to your closet. Architectural art deco prints are big since the 1920s are such an inspiration for designers this season. But if the clean lines of those prints don't do anything for you never fear! Many designers also took inspiration from more natural elements. You'll find a plethora of bird, butterfly, and bold graphic floral prints as well. The most important thing is to be playful with your prints- this season is about mixing colors and prints in new ways. If you're looking for fun prints for spring Crush Boutique carries dozens of designers who know how to play with print.
Hot manicure
Bebe Spa
1680 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 383-6066
Hours: Tues to Wed - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thur to Sat - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Manicures are taking center stage this season. They are an easy and affordable way to incorporate many different spring trends into the wardrobe you already own. Neon and pastels are both totally spot on for spring nails but this season nail art is getting playful. A traditional manicure can be instantly updated by adding one accent nail in another color. The biggest trend of this season is nail art- think of all the fun prints that are popular this spring and now imagine your nails painted with them. This is one trend many will want to leave to the experts. Luckily Bebe Spa in Brookline does custom nail art so you don't have to do the taping and polishing yourself.
Related: Best Plus-Size Clothing Shopping Around Boston
Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
