Fashion Me Fabulous

Spring dresses usually mean florals. Large floral prints are popular again (because they will always be), but there are a few other strong trends this season for the fauna averse. Stripes, graphic prints, color blocking, print mixing, and strong pastels are all big trends for 2012. Here's a little something for the trendphile and the traditionalist. Top: yellow lace balloon mini dress, ASOS $80.57 (and in plus sizes !) red print asymmetrical dress, Plastic Island at Nordstrom $108 green color block silk dress, Donna Morgan at Nordstrom $138 Middle: red and white striped maxi dress, Anthropologie $148 blue asymmetrical tonal dress, Vince Camuto $128 (Larger sizes available at Nordstrom .) sky blue pleat dress, Mod Cloth $127.99 striped silk dress, Banana Republic $130 Bottom: seersucker with neon trim, Jessica Simpson at Macy's $98 yellow floral halter sundress, Anthropologie $158 mixed print mini dress, The Limited $53.94 teal crochet sheath dress, INC International...

In four seasons, Sarah Burton has used prairie fauna, ice queens, the ocean, and flowers as her inspirations. Each show has been lovely. The fabric caressed, stitched and decorated with the greatest care. This season is no different from the snowy schoolgirls to the elaborate petal dresses made of mongolian fur, ostrich feathers and pleated silk. When it was announced Kate Middleton was wearing Alexander McQueen to marry Prince William, I feared the label was heading for a softer, more romantic image. Not that there's anything wrong with romance and frothy dreams. That's why I always looked forward to John Galliano's confections for Christian Dior.  While I appreciate that Burton decided to have a show of skill instead of a show for sale (before Alexander McQueen's death, Sarah Burton's job was to translate his runway show into the more wearable clothing they would sell the upcoming season), I feel she's channeling Galliano, not McQueen. McQueen's shows...

Comme des Garçons presented a show made for paper doll, or perhaps the show was best suited to flat Teletubbies who wore paper doll clothes. While there were interesting shapes and some fun geometry, mostly the show focused on the flat and stuck to cliches like leopard print and sequins. I guess it was a commentary on the state of fashion. Issey Miyake introduced new fabric technology and innovations, which are a little hard to follow in an online slideshow. I most enjoyed the fun tights. Junya Watanabe put punk rock styling on a collection that bounced between masculine and feminine. Classic menswear in restyled shaped mashed up against prairie dresses that eventually turned very dark and interesting. Tsumori Chisato never takes the typical approach. When most designers go for a skiing inspiration, they focus on the clothing, but Chisato took inspiration from the entire ski vacation with gondolas, scenery and slopes playfully appearing in prints with a mix of colors, knits and sha...

Who: Giambattista Valli What it made us think of: TV static and test patterns What we liked: monochrome, chrome edged shoes, 60s shapes, bold patterns, coats, metallic lizard What we didn't: fur (this season's been awful with ill-used fur), sheer slits Who: Pedro Lourenço What it made us think of: Pattern blocks and Gallop! What we liked: TV static prints, riding boots What we didn't: Widening coats, color blocking Who: Paco Rabanne What it made us think of: St. Joan of Studio 54 What we liked: chain mail, blue, silver, gold, metallic trim shoes, cocktail dresses, 60s shifts (this is a 60s revival line, so way to not pull a Balmain)   What we didn't: Lots of summer here (really, I'm just mad that this stuff isn't in my closet). Image source: style.com and vogue.com .

We now only have one episode remaining before the Project Runway All Star winner is revealed. I. Can't. Wait. What Happened The designers were challenged to created a five piece collection in four days. After a very cool visit to the Marie Claire offices, the designers had a chance to sketch and hit up Mood before returning to the workroom, which had been divided into three separate work spaces. Each of the judges visited for some Q&A time until Angela arrived with the dreaded All Star Twist (because five looks in four days to win a quarter of a million dollar prize isn't twist enough). The designers would have to create a sixth look for their original models using fabric scraps from their past challenges. Also, they would get 24 hours of help from an eliminated designer. Mondo picked Mila. Austin picked Anthony. And Micheal ruined the alphabet game by picking April (at least he stuck to "M"s and "A"s). After the short help session and best one liner ...

Who: Haider Ackermann What it made us think of: How fabric might look flowing through a rainbow hourglass. What we liked: The draping, cinching, structure, colors, layering, texture, everything. I want this collection to walk off the runway and into my closet. It's some of Haider Ackermann's best work ever. Who: Yves Saint Laurent What it made us think of: A sophisticated dominatrix who may also be a cult leader. What we liked: Belts, leather, structure, chain mail, zippers, calla lily jewelry What we didn't: Repetition Who: Rue du Mail What it made us think of: Variations on TV static and test patterns What we liked: Color blocking, textures, cutouts, shoes What we didn't: The variation of techniques often made it feel disjointed. Image source: style.com

Shop: Twigs & Honey Why We Love It: Whether you have a wedding, prom, other special occasion or the deep desire to wear delicate and pretty accessories, Twigs & Honey has a stunning selection of handmade lovelies to make your special day feel even more so. Price Range: $12 - $595 Links: Twitter / Blog / Facebook Favorite Items: Pictured top right: Bridal lace cap with veil, $350 Pictured above: Rhinestone rose & leaf tiara, $195 Beaded lace bridal cap, $395 Golden flower & rhinestone headpiece, $245 Dazzling twisted rhinestone & pearl headpiece, $325 Pictured above: Silk flower blossom halo, $525 Crystal leaf hair comb, $165 Flutter and dangle bridal belt, $295 Rhinestone adorned silk chiffon headband, $210