The shorts of 2009 are more relaxed and “boyfriend type” than the ones before. The old school, 20’s look from the runway left a deep mark on shop’s collections.  The cuffed short comes in soft neutral shades at Hermes or Chloe but also in a variety of prints, for example the lovely line of Collete Dinnigan. If you want to stand out the hot pants are definitely the way to do it, otherwise I’ll vote for the loose boyfriend shorts, a simple high-waisted option with a bow belt.

Nudes

1. Alexander McQueen 2. Alberta Ferretti 3. Anna Sui 4. Anna Sui 5. Chloe 6. Anna Sui

We are already accustomed to try out some clear and pure pallets for spring and summer, however designers cannot stop surprising us every season with cool add-ons. Stones and studs seem to be on our lists this season so forget all about dull and boring shoes. Nudes and gold tones have hit the runways and they are addorned and shinny. You can wear these options with intense brights or blacks.

Black and Metallics

1. Dolce & Gabbana 2,3. Alexander McQueen 4.Dolce & Gabbana 5. Alexander McQueen

Cutting edge heels, lace and platforms are just some of the styles that make a note-worthy spring look. I’ve picked these unique styles from Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen S/S RTW Collections because they really are stunning. I love the all black embellishments and the soft golden straps. Mixed materials were cool last season but they are more dramatic now, so be careful not to push this trend too far on real life style. However,  you could go for a peep toe shinny ankle boot to get the hottest look when you’re having a night out.

Deep Reds

1. Dolce & Gabbana 2. Fendi 3. Louis Vuitton 4. 3.1 Phillip Lim 5. Chloe

Brights are a hit color for shoes this season and lots of designers have tried these intense shades. Even if they mixed them with metallics or other shades and materials, this style is poised to become famous. I love the charming Louis Vuitton shoes and I’ve even found a cheaper version at BEBE (actually they have lots of other runway inspired options). Wear intense colors with pastels and coordinating nail polish or accessories.

Statement Shoes

1. Anna Sui 2. Narciso Rodriguez 3. Donna Kakan 4. Dries Van Noten 5. Tuleh 6. Dries Van Noten

Floral detailing  and mettalic marbles, T-bars, ankle straps or even zippers have dazzled the runway collections for S/S 2009. You can easily match these options with simple T-shirts or casual jeans because they are already accessorized! I particularly love the Dries Van Noten shoes beacuse they bring metallics to the table and they are cool when going out .

1. Anna Sui 2. Narciso Rodriguez 3. Donna Kakan 4. Dries Van Noten 5. Tuleh 6. Dries Van Noten

For Spring 2009 runways have become ultra small, because designers haven’t considered accessory sizes at all :).  Starting with the enormous Christian Lacroix studded hoops and going to Anna Sui’s statement necklaces, everything seems rather luxurious this season in spite of the economic instability.

Bangles are layered and the metallic cuffs are becoming larger and more detailed at Phillip Lim and Armani Prive and it seems that “less is more” is no longer a quote for spring 2009 .

I love the wide cuff because it sort of gives you a dramatic, godess-like look and I hink it’s perfect to wear with Greek inspired dresses.

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History and early civilizations have always been a great source of inspiration and creation for artists and designers. Small symbols can make a link to a whole new style and fashion statement.

The Gladiator Sandals are tagged as the “it” shoe this season. Even if we saw them around since 2005, they have never been more popular than now. Whether you decide to go casual and comfy with a pair of skinny jeans or some shorts, or you can try a more sophisticated look, the gladiators are an outfit-saver if you run out of ideas. You can also choose from a multitude of colors (browns and metallics should do the trick) and lengths. (short, mid, Knee-High ).

Dresses also look amazing with the gladiator flats but don’t go for a dress that ends under your knee, as the gladiators can sometimes make you look like a little warrior princess rather than a fashionista.

So, make it either short (dresses+ pants + short jeans) or maxi (long loose dress).

I have found some interesting posts about this trend, so if you’re looking for more info you should check out the links:

http://shoesaccessories.suite101.com/article.cfm/gladiator_shoe_trend_summer_2008 

http://www.iproceed.com/jd/2007/09/how-to-wear-gladiator-sandals.html

http://coquette.blogs.com/coquette/2008/04/gladiator-sanda.html

http://www.divavillage.com/article.php?id=30554

Check out how the designers see Floral patters in this Style Agenda: