Spring Ahead

Spring is here and the sun is -- or should I say was? -- finally out. It's time to say goodbye to those bulky sweaters and dreary colors.... say hello to fresh, vibrant Spring fashions!

To get you in the Spring spirit, here are just a few of the exciting new colors that are sure to be a hit this year. This season is all about matching neutrals with colors that pop. As Isaac Mizrahi says in April's issue of InStyle magazine: "Mix a color with a neutral, and it will work -- trust me."

Trust me too!

Making a big appearance are muted brights and neutrals -- khaki, ocean blue and misty pink to name a few.

Khaki (like black) can be worn with almost anything. These two outfits below feature khaki colored jackets with contrasting ocean blue sweaters underneath. If you wear khaki, definitely mix in a pop of color so you don't get washed out.

In addition to neutral colors like khaki, consider light, interchangeable clothing items this Spring -- they can be worn for work and/or play. For instance, the picture to the left shows a basic taupe colored cardigan with a yellow (remember my January blog?) a-line skirt and a neutral tank. Perfect: neutral, not washed out, and appropriate for work or Sunday brunch with the ladies.

You can also take that same cardigan and/or tank, throw on some great jeans or bootcut slacks, like she has on below, and you're ready for happy hour!

Check out a couple of the Red Carpet's favorites. Here's Justin T., with a neutral colored shirt and t-shirt, under a pop of color from in his light puffy vest. Simple, subdued (but not overly so) and versatile.

And look at Eva. Here she is in a khaki, safari-inspired Old Navy (yes, it's really Old Navy) jacket with skinny jeans and heels. Instead of peppering in some color, she makes the outfit eye catching with the jeans and animal print wedge heels. If you feel like skinny jeans wouldn't look so skinny on you, this jacket would also look awesome with wide leg jeans, or a pencil skirt or dress pants for a semi-casual office look.

So what about those colors that will pop with your neutrals? Khaki and 0live neutrals look beautiful with fuchsia, plum, yellow and jade green. Stone, taupe and gray neutrals look best with pink, sky blue/turquoise, denim and orange. White, navy and black -- which are considered neutral -- go with pretty much any color you pair them with.

Now that we've talked hues, let's talk shoes! This year is trending towards flats, wedges and gladiators -- styles that can add pizazz to any look, without breaking the bank.... if you know where to look.

These Rocket Dog flats from DSW come in a range of colors -- for only $34. They look great with jeans and polished with slacks. White or stone colored wide-leg pants would pair well with this orange color.

These Boutique Nordstrom 'Tate' Wedges are $59 and also come in a range of colors. What I like about these is the satin upper that dresses up the cork wedge heel. Wear them with trouser shorts, skirts, dresses and all kinds of pants.

I hear from a lot of women that they feel they can't pull off the gladiator shoe but it all depends on the style. I agree that some are so extreme that even Cleopatra herself would shy away from them! But these gladiator sandals from Steve Madden have more of a sandal feel, and the studded detailing gives them a great vintage appeal. A celebrity favorite seen on Heidi Klum, Bar Rafaeli, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Moss to name a few. (Banglez Gladiator, $89)

Men, I love the 'Gibson' leather driving loafers ($89) from Banana Republic -- they are super comfy and an easy shoe to wear with jeans, khakis or some slacks (but obviously not suit pants). Socks are optional.

Although I'm not huge fan of guys wearing basketball shoes while not on the court (you know who you are), I do like a "dress" sneaker with jeans. These BOSS sneakers are mix of canvas, leather and suede, creating a streamlined sneaker, rich with textural variety. Available at Nordstrom for $125.

So return to those neutral shades and khakis, pepper them with some color, and I promise you'll have a little extra Spring in your step!

(Pictures provided by Banana Republic, JCrew, Victoria Secret, AskMen.com, DSW, Nordstrom and Steven Madden)