It's COLD Outside...

...but I'm ready for HOT spring fashion!!!

Friday Carriage House hosted a Lafayette 148 trunk show featuring their lucious resort, spring and summer collections. It made me long for warm weather, bare legs, short skirts and patio dresses. So here are a few things to expect this warm weather season.

NAVY

Absent from the fashion scene for close to a decade, navy is back. In fact, it's so back you can consider it "the new black." And unlike many other colors, almost everyone looks fabulous in navy. Pairing it with crisp white makes for a nice combo but beware, it can easily look "sailorish." Make sure you keep it feminine. Opt for a flouncy or tulip skirt rather than high-waisted pants.

METALLIC

Popular this fall and winter, metallic is still hot for spring and summer. It can easily dress up the most casual of outfits.

LIGHTWEIGHT LEATHER

Typically leather and suede are strictly cool-weather fabrics but this year designers have used them in their spring and summer collections. They're just keeping it lightweight. We're seeing lots of laser-cut skirts and jackets in metallic and bright, punchy colors.

SKIRTS

Skirts are everywhere and no single style dominates. From A-line to boot styles, and minis to maxis. No other garmet screams femininity quite like a skirt (well, except maybe a dress). And get excited, many have pockets and waist detail like sashes and ties.

EMPHASIS ON THE WAISTLINE

Low rise has dominated the industry for years. It's time for change. Designers are cutting trousers, jeans and skirts higher...THANK GOODNESS! It's time ladies showed off their trim waistlines and this silhouette can do it.

ETHNIC INFLUENCES

You'll see lots of tribal influences with bold patterns, bright color stories and intricate beading. It's very exciting. Designers have mastered the art of merging African and Indian concepts with ladylike simplicity.

PATIO DRESSES

Lightweight, cotton and ankle-length, patio dresses are perfect for a Sunday brunch, Bunko with friends and even a trip to the grocery...depending, of course, on how dressy the piece is.

COLOR

Think candy store. Bright pinks, greens, corals and ESPECIALLY YELLOWS are back and it's a nice change from the dull grays that are so popular at the moment. The front room of Carriage House looks like Kool-Aid packets exploded!