“April showers bring May flowers.” While the saying may or may not be true, there’s no doubt that floral prints of all kinds are “blooming” this Spring. From Zuhair Murad to Ralph & Russo to Dolce & Gabbana, the runways were full of flora and fauna of all shapes, sizes, and designs. Whether big and beautiful or minute and abstract, the motif is just feminine enough, playful without taking itself too seriously. The key to styling your favorite floral frock is to avoid over accessorizing and opting instead for a restrained approach. Take a look at our top picks trending for Spring 2016.
FLORALS FOR THE OFFICE
Start off your Monday morning with a breath of fresh florals for the office. The trick is to go with a sleek silhouette paired with shoes and accessories for all day comfort and style. We like Hale Bob’s sleeveless floral sheath dress combined with Sam Edelman’s lace up heels and simple gold bangles from Kendra Scott. When it’s time for a meeting with the Boss, throw on Hale Bob’s black Bolero jacket over your floral frock for a perfectly polished professional look. As lunchtime approaches, pull out the homemade mini cupcakes decorated with lavender wild rose royal icing flowers from Confectionary House and you are sure to start your co-workers’ week off right. Bring a little Springtime fun to the workplace this Season.
BOHO FLORAL MAXI
Tap into your inner “hippy” this Season with a flowy Boho floral maxi. Relax in style with Hale Bob’s floral printed maxi dress, Free People’s floppy hat, gladiators from Steve Madden, suede fringe tote from Patricia Nash, and chic hand chain from Lana Jewelry. De-stress this Season by creating your own personal space outside. Throw down a colorful floral rug from Loloi, add a string of lights, table, cozy chair or hammock and take a minute to enjoy the calmness of the outdoors. Consider even starting your own flower garden for luscious scents throughout the year. Check out the Gardener’s Supply Company for tips on how to grow the most perfect roses, America’s most popular flower. On weekends, add a few chairs and invite your best friends over for a garden party with cocktails and munchies. Whether alone or in good company, take the time to enjoy nature this Spring.
VINTAGE FLORALS
You can’t go wrong in a classic vintage A line floral dress this Spring. Grab Eliza J’s floral print fit and flare dress paired with cute white kitten heels from Bella Vita and a vintage floral clutch from designer tu-anh. Even if you don’t have time to grow your own posies this Spring, you can still enjoy the Season’s fresh flowers by shopping your local Farmer’s Market or flower shop. Here in L.A., we enjoy the family owned and operated Athletic Club Flower Shop delivering flowers to customers since 1916. Search your area for the best place to buy flowers and add a little brightness to your Spring this year.
FLORAL SHIRTDRESS
Whether vacationing in Cabo or simply tending the garden in your own backyard, the very versatile floral shirtdress is one you’ll want to add into your wardrobe collection this Spring. We like Hale Bob’s “Cabana” cotton dress paired with trendy flat gladiator sandals NEW from Lucky Brand and color blocked straw tote from Straw Studios. Another styling tip is to fashion your shirtdress over a favorite pair of summer shorts or cropped pants such as Hudson’s cropped denim jeans. You can also bring your shirtdress along with you to pool or beach topped over one of Hale Bob’s colorful printed swimsuits. Lastly, don’t forget tie a comfy cotton plaid shirt around your waist when you need to layer as the sun sets. Casual or dressy, home or abroad, let your shirtdress work for you this Season.
ROMANTIC FLUTTER FLORALS
Not sure what to wear to your next wedding event or formal Spring occasion? We suggest a lovely sheer ivory flutter floral dress paired with black sandals from Calvin Klein and matching crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff. Protect your peeps with stylish “Palm Beach” sunglasses from Illesteva to complete the ensemble. For a different silhouette, we also like the faux wrap neutral silk chiffon from Hale Bob accessorized with “flower” inspired Betsey Johnson glitter “rose” bangle, Simone Rocha stud earrings, and crystal pendant from Nina. In the spirit of the Season, why not surprise the bride and groom with an arrangement of fresh flowers from your favorite flower shop.
COCKTAIL FLORALS
Take a cue from designer Emanuel Ungaro’s Spring 2016 collection with a flirty floral cocktail dress perfect for drinks with co-workers or date night out on the town. Glam it up this Spring in Hale Bob’s sequined embroidered cocktail dress paired with Betsey Johnson’s dainty flower detailed stilettos and kitsch “flower pot” crossbody. Or sparkle like a Hollywood star in a snug gold sequined floral dress accessorized with Vince Camuto’s embellished ankle strap sandals and 3D flower jeweled gold clutch. Spritz on a little romantic “Tea Rose” perfume and you’ll look and smell fresh as a Spring day.
TROPICAL FLORAL PRINT
Finally, no Spring or Summer season can be complete without a tropical floral print tank dress. Whether or not you vacation in the tropics this year, you can still get in on the fun with your own flora and fauna “Cabana” style. We like Hale Bob’s blue sleeveless tropical print summer dress paired with your favorite flat sandals and floral headpiece from Free People. Segue into the evening hours by switching out your casual flats for Vince Camuto’s white ankle strap heels as pictured above or opt for Sam Edelman’s fun floral print sandals and you are ready to shimmy the night away. Even if your year doesn’t include a trip to a getaway desert island, you’ll feel “tropical” in your very own floral print sleeveless dress while making yourself a homemade coconut cocktail from Cooky Coconut’s fresh delicious recipes.
From the workplace to destination getaway to date night, there’s a flirty floral dress to fit any occasion this Spring. Whether you choose a delicate feminine print or glamorous sequined pattern, florals are a “must do” this Season. Have fun, be you, and bring a little “flower power” style into your daily routine this Season. Don’t miss a single issue and
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