Late Winter Blahs? Brighten Up With Spring Fashion Ideas

For most of us, springtime brings the end of the previous month's deep freeze, with snow, ice and cold yielding to sprouts of green grass and warmer temperatures. But for the more stylish population, it’s high-time to rid the closets of drab winter clothing and let the inner fashionista out to play.

 To celebrate spring, the Wakefield Event Planning Committee has organized the , a town-wide celebration to be held on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the . The show will feature Irish step dancers and an improv group, but the headlining attraction is a fashion show featuring the latest trends from Wakefield retailers.

So what’s in style for spring? To get ahead of the curve, Wakefield Patch decided to ask several area retailers here (and in Reading) what will be all the rage this spring.

“One of this year’s  biggest trends is a 70s influence,” said Rada Frohlichstein, owner of in Wakefield. “You must add--along with your skinny and straight leg jeans--bell bottom jeans, paired with off the shoulder asymmetrical tops,” she said.

Frohlichstein also noted that Romantic influences, such as soft lace with a pop of bright color will be big this spring.

“2011 fashion trends will accommodate the fact that we’ll be buying less but spending more,” she said. “That means less bland, and more quality. Fewer indulgences, but better statement pieces.”

Next door in Reading, Julie Centrella, owner of Aine’s Boutique, confirmed Frohlichstein's assessment. 

"This Romantic look is surprisingly wearable, and looks new when paired with jeans,” said Centrella.

Another look still strong for spring and summer, she said, is Bohemian.

“Think maxi dresses layered with crochet vests, rows of mixed metal bangles, flowy sheer blouses paired with bell bottom jeans.”

Michele Salameh, owner of in Wakefield, mentioned the same trend of mixing beautiful, bold color palettes with crisp and clean whites.

Salemeh also noted that styles from the past will resurface, such as “a re-invented mini-dress which appears in an A-line shape more reminiscent of the 80s,” Salameh said. “High-wedged sandals, strappy and feminine, which can be worn with socks or with bare feet,” she said.

If one thing is clear, it’s that spring 2011 fashion could see some interesting twists: sandals and socks, tassells, mix-and-match “clashing” patterns... innovative ideas that might actually leave the runway and take root in mainstream fashion.

“As spring approaches I think we will see fashion take a fun, whimsical approach,” said Salameh. “This may be just what we need after a long, cold winter.”

To check out the fashion show and Shamrock Celebration for yourself, stop in to , , , J’Adore, Rada’s Boutique and T-Stop to buy an event ticket, as well as raffle tickets for prizes from local merchants. Tickets are $20 and include five raffle tickets.