Winter is almost over, and here at Hush we are getting very excited to break out the new Spring wardrobe.  There are so many great styles out there this season.  We  want to know which new bold Spring style you are most excited to try out.

The Contest

Send in your top picks for the current trends you’re into and put together a fresh chic head-to-toe spring look.  You can send pics or describe your outfit.  The most original and most stylish will win.

The Prize

The winner will get this amazing Lilly skirt from Brooklyn industries.  It is super cute, with a zipper up the back and purple lining.  It looks great with a tucked in tank or tee in white or any vibrant spring colour.  Size 6.

The contest ends on February 24th.  Good Luck!!!

Stylish, yet affordable, Brooklyn Industries , a fashion forward clothing and accessory line based in New York City is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with amongst the fashionistas.  They have an online store, http://www.brooklynindustries.com/ that ships internationally and they have acquired many Canadian fans.  Though the line caters to women, men and children, we at Hush will focus on our faves in the line for women that will infuse our Spring 2012 wardrobe with an eclectic mix of chic and cheerful.

The new Spring line has something for everyone and is a great way to incorporate some of the new trends without spending a fortune.  Here are our pics for the line’s top Spring offerings;

The Lily Skirt at $58.00 is a fun and flirty way to spice up your Spring Wardrobe.  It comes in the newest “it” print version or in  basic black.  Pair with a tucked in tank shown here, with fab wedges and a great purse and you’re good to go.

It’s all about Metallics this Spring.  This blush metallic Sparkle tank comes in silver as well and looks great for night, paired with skinny’s and a pointy toe heel. At $48.00 it is affordable as well.

This Spring Isabel Marant showcased the athletic jersey as very au currant.  Ramp up this Brooklyn Industries version, Shortstop graphic t look, with cropped skinny pants or jeans and a great pair of heels to edge it up.  It’s on sale for only $29.99.

Sporty stripes are all over the runways this spring.  Brooklyn Industries has introduced this effortlessly stylish nude clutch with a hot pink stripe that will pop with any outfit.  This cherry red and black striped i-pad case is a great way to instantly add style to your wardrobe.  The clutch is $52.00 and the i-pad case is $64.00.

The graphic tee is always a wardrobe staple and this one by Brooklyn Industries, features a charcoal sketch drawing of a Brooklyn neighbourhood, and has destroyed edges for that vintage feel.  It looks great under a cropped blazer.  It is $24.00.

Lemon hues are big this spring.  This Light Beam Blouse, $54.00, by Brooklyn Industries paired with steel grey or black will look right “on-trend.”

Coloured pants are still hot hot hot this spring and this cropped version  for $68.00, looks great with heels and a tucked in tank or tee.  It has side zippers at the ankles.

Polka-dots ruled the runways as well this spring.  This adorable sheer dress would look edgy with a moto- jacket, tights and a pair of ankle boots.  It comes in white with pink polka-dots as well and is on sale for $59.99.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards were on last night and there were some amazing dresses.  The ones that were true standouts in our opinion were;

Tina Fey, who looked glamorous and sexy in her Versace black gown.  Other unique black dresses were Emma Stone who often goes for glam rather than overt sex appeal, in a vintage looking Alexander Mcqueen stunner. Jayma May looked regal in this sparkly black gown with intricate lace detail.   Glen Close radiated in her Zac Posen gown, proving that you can be sexy at any age, and of course Angelina Jolie channeled a rocker edgy vibe in her Jenny Packham black liquid metal halter dress mixed with vintage jewels.

Red was another trend last night.   Michele Williams wore her classic looking Valentino with red lace detailing, to perfection.  Sofia Vergara shone, in her red Marchesa mermaid style gown.

Lea Michele‘s metallic head to toe stunner was a show stopper, and Kristen Wiig looked elegant and beautiful in her nude Balenciaga gown which she paired with a bold choker necklace.

Amongst the worst dressed last night, these three stood out amongst all the others.  Jenna Fischer having just had a baby, wore an appropriately matronly teal number which was both unflattering and unforgettable.  Busy Phillips took boho-chic to a whole new level looking like she just threw it on over her bathing suit after a day in the sun, and Zoe Saldana looked a bit like a Mormon in her all white gown.

We are loving iconic designer of the moment, Isabel Marant.  Her hippie-chic aesthetic mixed with a luxe and sexy vibe make her a standout in fashion right now.   She always stays true to her signature look with staples such as denim, both skinny and flared, as well, she infuses a fresh take on that look with the very of-the-moment printed pants in florals, patchwork and all over fabulous pattern.  She always does a take on the quilted jacket.  This season is no exception, collaged from tie-dye denim and mirror embroidery. She also offers a variation on the boho blouse but with a modern spin.  Every item is accessible and ready-to-wear and coveted by fashionistas all over. Here is our picks for standout Spring 2012 Isabel Marant items that will be on every one’s wish list;

Floral and patterns big and small are all over the runways and streets this Spring.  This jersey dress is great paired with an edgy moto jacket, and a pair of very current flat shoes or boots.  She shows a wide array of printed pants and skirts this season with this pair of mini floral cropped pant as our personal fave.  The sporty look is also huge this season.  We’re loving the football inspired tank with the athletic chic red pants.  Isabel Marant takes her boho look to a whole new level with this adorable tank dress, paired with matching sandals and over-sized bag.  The scrunched up suede spring ankle boots are amazing with any skirt, short or skinny jean look.

Some of  our readers have inquired about where to get fabulous designer plus size clothing.  We have searched the net far and wide and came up with 6 favourite styles that look good on any body type.

Nordstroms has a great site and a variety of designer styles to choose from.  They carry Calvin Klein, Tahari, amongst other fashionable lines.  Also, we came across a site called Lola & Gigi which offers a variety of clothing lines for any occasion.

This first dress by Igigi, is the ideal black cocktail party dress.  It is cut in at the waist and flairs out a bit at the hips.  The low cut of the v draws your attention to all the right places.  This can be found on the Lola & Gigi site.

The sequined cocktail dress, also from Lola & Gigi is fitted just under the breasts and flairs out a tiny bit from the hips.  The cut and fit of this dress looks great.  Throw on a little leather jacket or jean jacket to edge it up and add a pair of great ankle boots and you have an outfit that works on any night out.

These black coated skinny jeans are so flattering and right “on-trend.”  These are from Nordstroms.  Pair them with high-heeled shoes to elongate the legs and a blousier top for a great night time look.

It’s all about florals this Spring season and usually big patterns is a definate don’t on a plus sized figure but this maxi is the perfect cut and shape to flatter any body shape.  The waist belt and halter style gives the illusion of a small waist and looks fabulous.

This indigo skinny jean and asymmetrical blouse combo looks great for day time and could easily go into night with a pair of sexy heels or ankle boots and some great jewelry.  It is also extremely flattering.

A belt tied in just the right place makes this coat super stylish and looks great on a plus sized figure.

It’s all about floral patterns and prints this spring fashion season.  Forget everything anyone ever told you about being too matchy matchy or mixing bold prints together.  Everything and anything goes this spring with the new “it” prints.  Floral pants are huge, the bolder the better.  There is a real focus on femininity but with a decidedly subversive twist.  Edgy floral and prints are a way to add a modern sensibility to your spring wardrobe.

Athletic chic is a huge trend for Spring 2012.  Take bold hues and temper it by neutral tones as seen in this sporty BCBG dress.  Helmut Lang brought out a gym locker sensibility by matching the cropped sporty pants with his signature moto sports inspired jacket.

Sorbet hues are huge for Spring.  Mint green is the hot colour of the season.  Lilac and lemon yellow look great together, paired with an icy blue shoe.  Peach, blush, nude are also very “on-trend” this spring.  The soft colours and simple silhouettes, make this an extremely wearable trend.

Six-year-old denim company J Brand will debut its own high-end sportswear line for Spring 2012.  The 140 piece collection offers various separates of office-to evening wear.  Reminiscent of Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, and Rag & Bone, J Brand has brought a collection that is easy to wear, simple yet sophisticated.  These pieces will be classic wardrobe staples and will  be priced between $200 and $1500.  

With a mix of solids like black, grey, nude, white and grey, the line infuses a variety of fabrics like silk chiffon, lambskin, and cotton knit.   They make great layering pieces as well.

They have already perfected denim, so their foray into clothing seems to be the next logical step.  Watch for accessories, and a menswear line to come.

Last night at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards,  there were some amazing dresses on display.  Of all of the gowns, my pick for best dressed of the night, was definitely Emma Stone.  She was a standout in her stunning Lanvin dress with the vintage stone embellished belt and plunging neckline.  The combination of fuchsia and plum tulle with the thigh high slit made her look like a true celebrity and style icon.

Mila Kunis was gorgeous last night in this black Dior stunner.  Her elegantly pulled back hair and the Cartier accessories were the ideal complement to the gown.

Kristen Wiig is hilarious and one of my favourite comedic actresses.  Last night she pulled off one of the most elegantly dressed at the show.  Her Bill Blass gown with Fred Leighton gold accessories was simple but also so flattering.

The fishtail bottom gown, seemed to be all over the red carpet last night.  Sofia Vergara looked beautiful in her navy Vera Wang version.

Sunny yellow is a big trend for Spring 2012.  Paula Patton was so “0f-the moment,” in her gown.  She looked refreshing and beautiful in her dress.

Charlize Theron wins for the most dramatic dress of the evening.  This Dior Couture gown with the plunging neckline, thigh high slit, flowing train and over-sized bow was the essence of Hollywood glamour.

Stylist wanted: Amongst the misses last night, three stood out as the worst.  Sarah Michelle Gellar allowed her 2 year old daughter to choose her Monique L’huillier tie-dye disaster and it was obvious.  Sometimes it’s okay to say “no” to your kids.  Nicole Kidman wore a clingy dress with gold studded detail that came off as tacky, and Meryl Streep missed the mark in this cowboy inspired shirt dress.

Alexa Chung, Ivanka Trump and Kirsten Dunst all rocked the same Rebecca Taylor frock but Kirsten Dunst works it the best with her casual black blazer, ankle boots and over-sized Louis Vuitton Duffle bag.  This is casual chic at its best.  The dress looks too pretty on Ivanka and doesn’t suit her body type.  Alexa Chung looks great in her dress paired with Miu Miu sparkle and suede booties.

While Alexa Chung looks great in this black lace-sleeved velvet Emilio Pucci dress, the shoes overwhelm the outfit and make it look a bit too severe.  Jessica Chastain has it right with her platform pumps, simple diamond drop earrings and her hair pulled back.

We adore this McQ tartan Puffball dress.  Both celebs look youthful and funky.  Chloe Moretz paired hers with ankle boots and socks for a school girl appeal and Emma Watson edged it up with pointy toe heels and a rocker leather jacket.

Recently a client of mine took a trip overseas to Paris and came back with rave reviews of some of the fashion lines she spotted as hot and current. Designers such as Maje, Sandro, and super cool line Carven topped her list. I decided to take a closer look at Carven, and now see exactly why the Parisians are so enthralled with its fall/winter collection.

Since 1945 Carven has created simple and refined designs for the modern luxurious woman. Their fashion stance is to offer a line that is free from ostentation and instead focuses on the shape and angles of the items offered.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman in the States and TNT in Toronto, Carven is a design house to look out for as it proving to be on the forefront of ready to wear fashion.