14 DAY TRIAL // This summer, it's all about vibrant colors and bold prints that won't allow you to fade into the gray, heat-swooning background of understated, muted shades. Purple, red, green or olive - the summer of 2008 is all about these and so much more. Two types of print that should definitely find their way into your closet are the botanic, floral one and the fabrics that have the appearance of a work-of-art canvas. In other words, it's time to transfer your summer garden onto your tops, dresses and accessories and start enjoying the avalanche of colors and the refined optimism of the daring blends and the fabrics that have the look of hand painting, or graffiti-like scribbles and smears.
It all began with a revival of a series of vintage dying techniques that give clothes and accessories a dramatic strong look. Also, any top or dress with retro floral influences that put you in mind of the 40s and 50s is definitely in, especially if the patterns and abstract shapes are coupled with at least one of this summer's other big-time manias - tiers and semi-sheer materials. Buy tiered, vaporous dresses and tops made from light fabrics in either dramatic shades or colorful floral prints and wear them with flats in metallic colors. If you think the combination puts you a bit on the cheesy side and you feel you need to toughen your look somehow, designers recommend wearing either Gladiator-style sandals strapped around the calf, or heavy flat footwear, such as shoe boots, for instance.
The floral effect that we've seen take over our dresses this summer is enhanced by the use of such trims as fabric roses, or even plain old flowers made of silk chiffon and attached to a belt or sash, much like corsages were once made for young ladies who prepared for the ball. Any print that contains or exclusively depicts flowers, buds, blooms or blossoms is set to become your new best friend. Also, keep an eye out for the color green, as it's making a spectacular comeback along with all shades of purple. Just remember: if it's colored and blooming, it's in.
