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Spring 2013 Fashion Trends With A Detroit Twist

By Raquel Parks

The layers of snow are finally starting to melt and there is a hint of sunnier, longer days in the forecast that signals spring is quickly approaching. The change in season is an exciting time to enjoy warmer, temperatures and dress up in the latest fashion trends.

Spring 2013's fashion is bringing back some traditional patterns and colors while also emphasizing some exciting new trends to brighten up the season. This year designers opted to use ruffles, flounce, black and white ensembles, and sheer fabrics to highlight the season of spring.

These major trends are adding a refreshing alternative twist to spring looks.

Balenciaga spotlighted ruffles throughout his entire collection to create a very chic, sexy new look for spring.  The collection featured long skirts with high-slits that had big ruffles cascading along the hemlines, ruffles accentuated at the waist line and on the sleeves.

Balenciaga used a few pastels colors in the collection but he focused primarily on black and white as a major color palette. The ruffles contrasted perfectly against the skin baring skirts and tops to create a loveable, high-end fashion look for the spring.

Givenchy on the other hand had small, modest flounces and ruffle accents. Givenchy's use of the feminine accents added a light, feminine touch to the sophisticated ensembles for the spring. To bring the collection together, Givenchy's designer, Riccardo Tisci mixed in ice berg blues to compliment the black and white.

In addition to ruffles and flounce, designers focused less on ranges of colors. Instead, they are showcasing crisp white and black combinations to break up the usual bright florals and print patterns expected for spring.

Marc Jacobs selected to create unique patterns and stripes to change up the typical black and white. Between the body suits and flowy dresses, Marc Jacobs cleverly implemented the classic color duo in interesting patterns that stood out on the runway.

Giles took another approach to the black and white theme by creating peek-a-boo ensembles with distinctive lace-like cutouts and a shattered glass pattern. The pattern and cutouts contrasted perfectly to present a unified yet diversified collection for spring.

Giles chose the draping of simple black and white fabrics for formal wear while also mixing in more cutouts and the shattered glass pattern.  Essentially, the Giles collection was very modern and a welcomed change for spring.

Spring is not just about colors and fun patterns but it is also about lighter layers. Many designers selected mesh and sheer materials to create light, airy collections for Spring 2013.

Sophie Theallet ushered in spring with her collection of bright colors on sheer fabrics to lighten up her collection. Theallet used a dragonfly pattern in various color ranges to pop out against the mesh and chiffon fabrics. The collection had a Bohemian, stylish carefree vibe that was unified by the use of color, patterns and flowy fabrics.

The Akris Spring 2013 collection was light but still edgy with a splash of sex appeal in each of its looks. Akris used a lot basic and patterned mesh to create looks that were either all see-through or partially see-through at the hem, around the waistline, and at the bust line.

To achieve these trend looks for spring, it's best to begin shopping in the closet first and then add in more fashion pieces to wear for the season at local stores. The key to creating the Spring 2013 looks is pairing old fashion favorite items in the closet with new accessories.

For example a black lace top and a new paid of white denim would make the perfect look. Add some black platforms and some statement jewelry to pull it together.

Remember, spring 2013 is all about mixing in old the old with the new for a fresh look.

Raquel is a Michigan native with a Bachelors in Journalism from the University of Michigan. She loves fashion and writing about life's everyday stories. She has written for various local publications that include Dearborn Press & Guide and Detroit Fashion Pages. Raquel also writes for her own local events blog, Metro Diva Pages. You can visit Raquel's blog at metrodivapages-rdp.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @MetroDivaPages.

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