Yes, we all know the sales are great times to buy classic pieces at deep discount, since you know you’ll be able to wear them again next winter.  But what about something to wear sooner - like spring 2010?  What are the fashion trends to keep in the back of your mind to make that purchase user-friendly?

NEUTRALS will be HUGE this spring.  Head - to - toe.  Camel, khaki, tan, cream, olive, natural leather.  Mix textures in the same or similar colors - leather, silk, satin, heavy cotton, cashmere, wool, nubby sweaters, wood.   Safari / Utility style still in.  Likewise the neutral shoe.  Buy whatever you see in a platform, strappy neutral heel.  Or anything with a wooden wedge or heel and a neutral leather upper.  And rope accents.

WHITE.  Not just for brides, not just for apres Memorial Day.  Now, in minimalist & streamlined classics or layered, sheers with silk, wool, lace.


PALES and PASTELS.  But blush shades, and sheer washed out pales in blue and grey and lavender.  Not pastels from the crayon box and not Easter egg pastels.  Solids, mixing different pale, pale pastels with others.

PRINTS are flowery, tribal, ikat. This will be the trickiest item to buy from prior seasons as the new prints really are new.  Maybe a Liberty type print from a very good designer, avant enough last fall to be spot on come spring.  Also hot, hot?  Breton stripes, like the french sailor look.

SHOES - no major changes here, so shop freely.  Platforms, wedges, super-high, super-strappy.  Straps that wrap around / up the ankle.  Cage look and weaving still in, not so much the fringe.  And again, in neutral shades.  Not the brights or jewels tones from the fall. Sorry!