Spring Fashion: Floral Explosion

Thursday, February 19, 2009

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Vince Floral Print Silk Dress
Vince Floral Print Dress

$375.00
Available at: nordstrom.com
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There is a major floral explosion going on in fashion. Not necessarily splatter, but all kinds of petals are fair game. I was just watching the old Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie and the cheerleader girls were all wearing floral. Although floral has come a long way since its tacky days, such as in Buffy, it still can be over powering if paired with too many accessories or with too many colors. Yes, I know I said there are "no rules" this season… but I still have some. I suggest wearing a floral top with plain slacks or jeans, just to break up the floral a bit. This is especially true if you are a curvy woman. Some flowery patterns are just too girly for me, but floral prints are cheerful and upbeat. I want to expose flowery designs that are less scattered and girly, and highlight fashionable flowery designs that are sophisticated and wearable for all body types.

My first snazzy discovery, the Vince Floral Print Silk Dress, is stunning. I love that it is straight cut, simple and elegant. Who said bright colors equals floral fashion? Not always. The fact that this dress is black and white makes it more timeless and easy to accessorize. I usually don’t like balloon-sleeve dresses, but the unusual cut gives this dress a nice touch.

Julie Haus Andora Floral Printed Dress
Julie Haus "Andora" Dress

$156.00 (was $195-- save 20%!)
Available at: bloomingdales.com
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The Julie Haus Andora Floral Printed Dress… I have to start off by saying I want this dress. I think it’s spectacular. It reminds me of the almost-canceled show Mad Men. The colors are so delicate and feminine. The pastel background with the bold vibrant flowers gives this dress a harmonious blend; the high scoop neckline makes it sophisticated and appropriate to wear at all occasions. This is a purchase work making.

Lastly, I love this Barrymore Blouse. This fun and hip floral pattern top is bursting with small vivid flowers everywhere. This top is very fashionable, fitting into this season’s ruffle and floral categories. The beige background gives the top a tasteful look, without looking tacky. The elasticized ruffle cuff trim and billowy sleeves are a classic touch to this trendy top. This top would look great with fitted jeans or leggings. The loose fit gives a flirty fun look that gives off an instant sex appeal, and who wouldn’t want that? The best part is that this top doesn’t and will never overpower the look if paired with a solid. It’s almost bohemian as well, while accentuating the waistline slightly. If you choose to leave the waist loose, you may by detaching the tie hidden in the cinched waistline.

With a Valentine’s Day behind us, don’t let the positive loving vibe be gone-- blossom! You can start by growth of floral apparel in your closet.
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Kim Moshtaghi
Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.