Pretty Pale Pastels to Please Your Palette

Last year, color blocking was the trend of choice. But not just any color blocking -- these neons were bright. As in, wear-your-sunglasses-indoors bright. After a dauntless debut at the 2011 Spring Fashion Shows in the RTW collections of Haider Ackermann, Prabal Gurung, and Jil Sanders (to name a few), this trend showed up again and again on celebrities throughout the year -- remember these fearless numbers?

As blinding fun as that was, it's time for a color-blocked update! Say AU REVOIR to the bold & bright neons, and say BONJOUR to the pretty, pale pastels of this season's RTW! This season's fashion shows launched collections with the sweet-as-cake hues -- including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein, Giambattista Valli, and Louis Vuitton. Here are some of my favorite looks straight from the runway!

Vera Wang

Calvin Klein Collection

Jonathan Saunders

Giambattista Valli

3.1 Phillip Lim

Fendi

Hussein Chalayan

Valentino

Richard Nicholl

But more important than the "upscale pale" is the "retail pale." See what I did there?

So where can you find these fabulous trends? The next section is what I would call "Editor's Picks" for the pastel palette of the upcoming spring season:

I love these two looks from JCrew! Their toothpick jean in twill comes in multiple pastel hues, and those patent pumps! I die. Not to mention that beautiful waterfloral dress worn over a chambray blouse. I love JCrew's preppy take on current trends!

Topshop also has great pale pieces to add to your wardrobe! Not one to shy away from a graphic print, Topshop brings pastels to new heights in their Geo Tunic, along with their Tie-Knot Tunic, Airex Crop Top, and MOTO Striped Hotpants. If that doesn't get you in the mood for spring, I don't know what will.

Nordstrom is another great place to find the best trends. Here are my favorites from the department store:

Tarnish Straw Boater Hat

Equipment Sleeveless Silk Shirt

Kate Spade Floral Dress

Caslon Short Sleeve Jersey Tee

Free People Sheer Panel Shirt

Splendid 'Palm Desert' Belted Maxi Skirt

Enjoy putting a little pale pleasure in your spring wardrobe! (Never mind the fact that it's still the middle of winter and it's actually snowing here in Seattle...)