Orange, pink, and the combination of orange and pink are spring’s most exciting and new color palette.  It’s refreshing to see this kind of unexpected, neon, funky approach to a season which is so commonly saturated with florals and pastels.  There are only so many times I can read about florals for spring being a new and exciting trend - florals are not trends!  So - the Louis Vuitton ad for Resort 2008 is the main catalyst for this break, and accordingly Richard Nicoll (above right) and Alexander Wang (above left) followed suit.  These colors scream Lily Pulitzer & Tory Burch - that polished casual prep that is usually confined to East Hampton, and while that look is something I covet for trips to the shore, there are other ways to translate bright hues into your everyday routine.

What’s so forward about Alexander Wang is that he’s thinking in terms of separates - so you can combine pieces you already have in your closet to achieve this look, an orange short with a hot pink cardigan, or picking up a new bag or accessories to transition your closet into Spring.  The Richard Nicoll look is also so fresh because the look is just not preppy at all, it’s futuristic grecian with modern colorblocking thrown in - and can be translated from runway to sidewalk easily by pairing a fuchsia skinny jean with a flowy, draped tangerine sheath.  Color developments are one of my favorite trends year round, because they’re so easy to execute on your own.  It’s not specific to fabrication, treatment, or designer - which means you’ll not only be the most on trend girl in your hood, you’ll be the most original.

Forever 21 color splash tank $14.80

Tory Burch patent wallet $94 (orig $195)

J.Crew Crawford sheer blouse $39.99

Top Shop flower earrings $11

Old Navy scarf $12.50

Since moving to Texas, I like to think I’ve been in a kind of twilight zone for five months.  The weather hasn’t really changed, I’ve never been so busy, and there’s always something new to do.  And, in said twilight zone - the typical feeling of winter and Christmas hasn’t hit me at all.  In New York - regardless of whether or not there was snow, Christmas meant there were more tourists than cabs, and everyday shopping was like Black Friday.   New York is so romantic during Christmas, the lights and the bundling up, the Mexican hot chocolate at La Esquina - oh the grass is always greener.

So, to compensate with the varying 75 degree days -  I’ve made a conscious effort to not wear a jacket out, go without tights, and enjoy this paradox called Texas. This past weekend I even spent all day sitting outside drinking bloody’s with the girls, actually feeling hot.  As a native northeastern girl, this is incredibly novel and totally messes with my head.  My mom has always said that she thinks southern girls must be so smiley all the time because it’s always sunny - and I’ve found she may be right.

As there is now a total lack of cabin fever chic in my dress as well as my state of mind, to curb my nostalgia as I spend Christmas in another totally unseasonal city (New Orleans) - I’m going to have to take it up a notch.  Fairisles, shearling, and buffalo checks are what first come to mind, but there is so much more to it than a few textures, patterns, or finishes.  Fairisles should be kept tonal or monochromatic - as pastel fairisles are majorly matronly.  When it comes to shearling, don’t over do it with a too detailed boot.  I like the simplicity of an ugg, camel colored leather, or a Michael Kors type of bootie - stay away from heavy buckles or laces.  When you hit the slopes - or your living room this Christmas, I recommend channeling a British royal.

Urban Outfitters $78

Spiegel bootie $59

Dillard’s shearling cocktail bag $14

American Eagle buffalo check coat $129.50

Old Navy knit bracelet $2.50 each