St. Johns Spring Fashion Tips & Trends

by Nicole Bickford, Apricot Lane Boutique

The summer season is upon us… So why not beat the heat and treat yourself to something NEW!  A new look, a new style, a new you!  Include in your summer plans a refresh of your wardrobe and take advantage of the latest trends.  Let’s take a look at a few of the fashion tips, trends and tricks for Summer 2015 so you can consider these ideas on your next shopping excursion.  And remember to always HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FASHION!

Be unique… Shop at boutiques!
Boutiques have become the way to shop!  They are considered a specialized type of retail store that offer a unique, fresh and fun shopping experience that allows you to choose one of a kind pieces that you will not see anywhere else.  Boutiques, such as Apricot Lane of Jacksonville, have handpicked apparel that is distinct in their limited availability.  You can express yourself in your own personal way.  From dresses to jackets to accessories, boutiques offer you a chance to truly own your wardrobe, shine a bright light on your personality, and make a fearless statement!  Dare to be different and break away from the mold at Apricot Lane - Unlimited in affordability, endless in possibilities!        

Kimonos…
They are everywhere!  From the catwalk to the beach, kimonos are a fabulous way to express your personality and add some flare to an everyday outfit.  Long and flowy, or short and whimsical, the kimono can be worn with leggings, jeans, skirts, and shorts.  The various styles offer a vast variety of choices – solid and simple, prints and patterns, and even fun fringe.  The free spirit vibe will take you straight into the heart of summer!

Yellow… Before you think, “that color does not work on me”, give it a chance!  Nothing says summer like “airy” and “cheerful”.  There are many different shades to the color yellow.  It is all about finding the right shade for you to specifically highlight the undertone of your skin.  Don’t want a bright clothing piece?  Try a yellow handbag or dramatic necklace and make your outfit pop with a great accessory.

Shirtdresses… It is easy and classic yet allows you to move away from the standard.   The shirtdress will be all around this season!  From sporty to billowy, flirty to preppy, you can play up your silhouette and create a fun and unique seasonal vibe.  Your shirtdress could be denim, a basic solid, or a colorful pattern.  Add a irresistible piece to include more color or a fresh contrast.  Throw on a cool belt, patterned scarf, strappy wedge sandal, or all three! 

Summer Fashion Tricks:
…”A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories” – Oscar de la Renta
Accessorize, accessorize, and accessorize some more this summer and the whole year round!  An accessory can add so much to an every day outfit.  By adding accessories, you can take something ordinary and make it extraordinary!  The trick is to ask yourself how you feel at that moment - that day, in those clothes, getting ready to head out to that party - and go where the fashion takes you!  Often times, we put an put an outfit together then we accessorize.  Think outside the fashion box, choose your fabulous accessory then piece together your items of clothing.  Whether you dress up an outfit or you decide on a more simple and subtle approach, the perfect accessory should be the finishing touch on whatever statement you are trying to make.  What is on trend?  Always add a pop of color!  This can either enhance the outfit or take it in a whole new direction.  Other trends are cross body handbags, statement earrings, gladiator sandals, and flats for every occasion…just to name a few.  Earrings can add spunk to your outfit - big, dangly, sparkly…while shoes can pull it all together.  Whether a stylish gladiator sandal or a comfortable weekend flat, you can go basic and solid or bright and bold!

Apricot Lane is the place to help you style your summer!  Come visit us at the Avenues Mall, 2nd level.  And check us out on Facebook and Instagram today!