SPRING HAS SPRUNG and we’ve already experienced some warm weather days to allow for some new trends to start surfacing. What’s been prowling around town as far as fashion is concerned? What is being gobbled up right now at area shops? There are a handful of staple pieces to keep you hip.

    We’ll start with the Bermuda short. For those of you who may be wondering what exactly this is, it’s the short that hits right above the knee. Personally, I have not been a big fan of this short, but seeing them invade every nook and cranny of the shops I frequent, I figured I had to give them a try. You can find them in various fabrics and prints, including plaid, denim, trouser, and twill. They have been around for a while.

    For your history-craving side, here’s something interesting. Bermuda shorts were created at the beginning of the 20th century by British military forces in London, not Bermuda! The British military wanted their personnel appropriately but lightly attired for duty in tropical parts of the Empire. Before that, “standard issue” troops were already cutting off their trousers at the knees to get some heat relief. There were British Regiments in Bermuda, and civilians there started copying the military shorts. Bermuda men had accepted these shorts for leisurewear by 1950 and still wear them today, pairing them with sport coats, neckties, and, I regretfully mention, long socks.

    Next on the hot list are tunics and flowy tops. It’s all about being comfortable, free-spirited and relaxed. Tunics come in a variety of colors and may feature beadwork or embroidery. These tops remind me of the 60’s and 70’s, which would be classified as the hippie era. Along with these tops you can find an array of accessories to send you back a few decades. Long, beaded necklaces, platform sandals, everything from handbags to belts to tops, guacho pants, and really big belts can be found everywhere you turn. I think one word explains the accessories – chunky. Chunky belts, bags, shoes, jewelry; you can’t go wrong. But don’t let the jewelry steal the show. There still is the old, unspoken rule about over-accessorizing: too much is too much! In addition to the tunic, flowy tops match up nice with a cropped jacket or sweater.

    Making a statement and still being fashionable is easy with screen prints. Tanks and tees are coming out with a variety of vintage, floral, and fun designs. It’s not all about the corny sayings anymore, like “Your Mom Likes Me” and “I do my own stunts.” Nope, we’re looking at the diversified, classy edge of screen printing. Pair a tee under a jacket, or wear it alone with a pair of cropped pants. For both men and women, they’re a way to strike individuality in how you wear them.  Summer is all about keeping it simple, fun, and unique.

    On my fashion naughty list is the leggings/mini skirt trend. When I unpacked that first pair of leggings, all I could think about was the movie “Flashdance.” Remember the main character with her oversized tees, scrunched socks and leggings? Oh my word. The only things I actually like about the 80’s era were rock ballads and Bon Jovi. Otherwise, the trends and a lot of the music should be locked up in a vault and the key thrown away. Leave the leggings in Yoga class, ladies.

    To make you stand out in a crowd, warm weather blossomed with camoflauge, tons of colors, prints, and styles that’ll keep you happy all season long! Once again we’ve witnessed the act of times passed reincarnating themselves. What’s next? Find out here in A-List Magazine. Send me your fashion secrets, do’s and don’ts, or comments. Peace, Love, and Happiness!