I am seriously kvelling over spring 2013's revival of romance on the runways- Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture! In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I DIE!"
Spring runways were adorned with: ravishing ruffles, lady-like lace, sheer silks, charming chiffon, pretty pleats, astonishing appliqués, precious pastels and fancy florals. Music to my ears and a visual fashion feast for my eyes! Wednesday I'm in LOVE! I'm experiencing a pinch me I'm dreaming moment… wait, more so, please DON'T pinch me – let me stay in this dream all season long!
P.S.- If I just so happen to be wearing the stunning Elie Saab sheer silk and pink chiffon confection – pictured above – whilst dreaming, DON'T WAKE ME! 
RECHERCHÉ RUFFLES
Sculptural ruffles were all the rage on the runways – ranging in different sizes and placements. Givenchy took a minimalist approach with a powder blue fitted sheath and a diminutive garnish. Chloe kept it classic and traditionally neutral-colored with a one shoulder pale peach shift dress. Marni placed the ruffle around the waist of a boxy, navy blue short-sleeved shirt dress – adding a feminine touch to a masculine structure. Balenciaga also stuck to a minimalist approach,with monochromatic black and white, but made a huge splash with a flamenco frill cascading down an asymmetrical high slit skirt- one of my favorite Spring 2013 pieces. Newer designers, Peter Pilotto and J.W. Anderson, joined the fashion elite with their daring renditions. The former was brazen, not only with mixing colors, but patterns (not two, but three; as the eyes can see) – which is a difficult feat! I love the citrus yellow wave – wrapping from the waist all the way to the hem of the skirt (casting a splash of flirtatiousness and feminine flare). Plus, the uber thin stripe of turquoise slanted across the chest= WOW! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of Pilotto's pieces in the near future!
Elie Saab S/S Haute Couture 2013
When it comes to the master of luxe lace and intricate detailing, Elie Saab is -hands down- the créme de la créme of feminine delicacy and luxe (he is my favorite couture designer). He's my "Prince Charming" for this season. Personally, from Saab's S/S Haute Couture 2013 line, his best works were in the form of two ravishing red sheer silk lace gowns (pictured above)- both with their own personality and panache. Seriously, you cannot get more romantic than red, silk and lace! The first of the two is a sultry, body hugging monochromatic gown with a bold, stunning matching cape- which adds a powerful, sexy statement. The peek-a-boo lace and dainty beading appliqué at the décolleté and upper chest garnishes Saab's delicate detail signature. Saab added a slit down the center of the cape – perhaps to enhance the flow in movement. The second gown is a complete 180 from the former. It exudes a more lady-like grace (Kelly-esque) via a ball gown frame and a nude sheer silk overlay and bodice. Saab ingeniously places the lace fancifully – from the cap sleeves to full skirt. Breathtaking!
LACE, LACE, LACE BEBÉ
Florentine Ermanno Scervino and American Norma Kamali seemed to share a similar vision of white "lacing" up from head-to-toe with an overlay to a matching white one-piece underneath. Both Italian couture houses, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana, followed suit with black – the former being more demure and the latter a little edgier and sexier. Valentino maintained a classic A-line dress with full skirt and kept the peek-a-boo lace for the décolleté and arm sleeves whilst Dolce & Gabbana rocked a knee-length form fitting lace dress with a black bra and high-waisted briefs. I guess the third time's the charm, because Elie Saab succeeded with another ravishing red number. This time he chose a fun, flirty A-line dress with panels attached to minimally cover all the right places – just to leave enough for the imagination. Missoni, on the other hand, had an innovative approach by creating a check print lace boxy construction paired with an emerald green short sleeve dress.
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SHEER APPEAL, PRETTY IN PASTEL & APPLIQUÉ ALL DAY
Water color pastels in sheer silks and luxe chiffons- adorned with intricate beading and appliqué- dominated the runways with a fierce splash. Badgley Mischka wowed with a nod back to Hollywood glamour in a muted seafoam green lace, beaded chiffon gown. The cap sleeves were exaggerated and balanced out the fitted lace bodice with a chiffon mermaid tail. J. Mendel played with seafoam, as well, by taking a classic A-line style dress and tweaking the details for a futuristic twist – cutout panels, sheer silk, minute pleats placed in the front portion of the skirt, cinched by a slim metallic belt. Perfect for a lunchtime rendezvous! Monique Lhuillier also delivered with a Hollywood glamour appeal in a striking light cobalt blue sheer, lace asymmetrical ruche high slit gown. Christian Siriano took a more bohemian chic approach with a sheer button up blouse and a matching high-waisted wide leg sheer silk pant. Naeem Khan's powder blue beauty is a tall drink of sparkling water – it shimmers from head-to-toe in sequins and is gracefully paired with a satin blue skinny belt.
CHANEL S/S 2013
FLORAL FLUSH
It comes as no surprise that florals are perennial in the fashion world. For this season they're making a bold stance and making sure you're not going to forget their mainstay. The hues and patterns are richly saturated with bright, vibrant, bold colors. Surely, one will not forget about florals for spring. Oscar De La Renta delivered in a girlish baby blue knee-length frock with bold, rich dark pink roses. Carolina Herrera brought a refreshing take on florals with a countryside feel of bright sky blue with a garden of pink and yellow roses – scattered amongst lush greenery. Who could forget Lucy Liu's stunning appearance at the Golden Globe awards in this Herrera ball gown? My favorite of the trio is the exquisite belted silk sheath by Prabal Gurung! The striking teal and hot pink color combo is enchanting and captivating. I need this in my life a ahora, por favor!
Ladies, dive into romance and enjoy all of its wonderful, fantabulous splendors for this spring! Whether it's ravishing ruffles, lady-like lace, charming chiffon, pretty pleats or fancy florals. Now it's time for me to return to my dream world of Elie Saab and his wonderful Spring/Summer 2013 collection of candy coated colored frocks and a fine, frilly romance! Please, don’t pinch me!
