I think this image provokes the essence of what is being produced in fashion right now perfectly. We are turning our backs on the doom and gloom of the economy, eschewing boredom, and making room for some fun. “Somewhere over the rainbow”, the lyrics to the song that is now playing on our Pandora station in the background as I begin to type. After reviewing, reveling and adoring the Spring/Summer 2011 couture collections, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is exactly how the world must be feeling. Or at least, it seems to be the way the designers are feeling. I as well am included in this, seeing color combinations from my inspiration board walking the runways, and just yesterday a Burberry add from my latest Vogue, was the exact color hues of my next collection. Wow! Even the designers with neutral preferences showed points of strong color. It seems as though we have gotten the picture of the importance of investment pieces and classic wardrobe essentials, and we are now on to the next subject. Adding a bit of pleasure to the business of dressing. It’s time to put a little spice into the mix of key fundamental wardrobe building, liven it up a bit, and add some flavor. Believe me when I say that no one gets more excited by a classic than myself, or in the beauty of white and pale colors, but mixing it up and taking the effort to ensure that your signature look doesn’t become expected in the wrong sense of the word is a lighthearted fashion achievement. Bravo to Christopher Bailey. I think that he wins the award for taking a company with such a beautiful heritage into the twenty first century, all the while keeping its bones in tack. Almost like finding the fountain of youth. Refreshing.

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Alexis C.