The Trend Report Spring 05

[Diane]

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</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>APRIL SHOWERS</TD></TR><TR><TD>They say that April showers bring May flowers... and we say "bring it on"! You will, too, when you see the dashing rainwear that's in style right now. The latest in coats, hats and gear from head to toe are right here in the latest edition of The Trend Report... </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>

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GET TRENCHED

The classic trench coat is one piece you must own this spring – for rainy days, sunny days and everything in between. It's always a classic, but it's hotter than hot right now. If you want to make the investment, you can't go wrong with a beautifully tailored double-breasted trench in a neutral color such as beige, ivory or black. On the other hand, there are so many affordable trench coats available right now in gorgeous colors and patterns that it's hard to resist going for the fashion punch of a new spring coat in your favorite color. Get trenched!

Trend Tip: We love the spring trench coats in a multitude of colors from Perry Ellis (shown here, $118)... and from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, London Fog, Lacoste, Calvin Klein and on and on and on...

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MAY FLOWERS

You’ve got the April showers part down... now it's time for the second part of the red hot rainwear trend... flowers! A brightly colored floral print coat will be de rigueur on the streets in a couple of days, plus it's a cheery way to pop some style into your wardrobe (with a utilitarian twist.) Your floral print may be vintage-inspired in tones of pink, green, blue or lilac, or you may prefer eye-popping op art prints in boldly contrasting colors. Like the trench coat, this style looks chic in a length that hovers around the knee.

Trend Tip: You will find floral printed coats at all price points... check out Macy's or Bloomingdale's for a huge selection, or look for printed styles from Nordstrom.com or Nine West.

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CITY SLICKERS

Each season, there's always a new twist on the traditional slicker or the classic mackintosh styles. This season, the rubberized or nylon neon yellow slicker has been updated in a short cape style, thanks to Burberry. As for the mackintosh, it's always a winner for all ages whether worn in a neutral or trendy color - turquoise, yellow, orange and green. Plus, the rubberized cotton fabric in this easy button-front style is a failproof and flattering choice for most body types.

Trend Tip: We love the slickers you can find at Target and from MICHAEL Michael Kors. As for the mackintosh, you can find the real deal at Saks Fifth Avenue in floral patterns or at Vivre.com in fun solids, including pink or orange. Or check out interesting interpretations from DKNY Outerwear.

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HATS OFF

The bucket hat you wore as a child has come 'round again A case in point: the pink check Burberry bucket shown here was worn by "Marcia Cross" on a recent episode of Desperate Housewives and is this week's "gotta have it" celebrity-inspired trend. Get a hat to match your coat, of course, but you can also pick up a few more in fun prints to add a splash to your wardrobe. Brim up or brim down? You decide!

Trend Tip: Major department stores often have their own labels, offering more affordable versions of a trend. You'll find fun bucket hats in floral patterns from Charter Club at Macy's. If you prefer a more classic look, companies like L.L. Bean and Lands' End have been making all sorts of bucket hats and rain hats for years. And if you want your own customized creation, surf right on over to iLids.com, where celebs like Kirsten Dunst design and order their own one-of-a-kind creations (and you can too!).

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BOOT UP Remember those incredibly unattractive "galoshes" your mother used to make you wear? They've gone by the wayside, thank goodness, but you can still jump in puddles to your heart's content with a pair of trendy rain boots. These pull-on rubber protectors are a must-have for spring – the more outrageous the better! You will find rain boots in every color and pattern at great prices, from chic designer versions to wild and whimsical patterns. Wear them with everything to battle the elements... on your way to work, or even all day with jeans if you want to go really casual.

Trend Tip: At $19.99 a pair, there's no excuse for not picking these darling rose-printed rain boots from Target (there are lots of patterns from which to choose). You'll also find wonderful rain boots from Kiss My Feet and Tamara Henriques (try oliveandbettes.com), Polo by Ralph Lauren and Burberry.

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