Fashion: Think BOLD.
Get out from under the blankets and take a deep breath of fresh spring air - wherever you can find it. It's time to start thinking ahead in the fashion world and it never hurts to give your closet an early spring cleaning.
A Bold color. It can be a dress, a top or a pair of jeans. The hottest colors are yellow (not so mellow), green, orange and hot pink. For a cutting-edge look this spring, pick one vibrant shade and go for it.
A Bold print. There's a whole art gallery of fashionable prints this spring from pop art prints, painted looks, graphic designs, hothouse florals and ethnic prints.
A Bold dress. Still a big hit, the dresses this spring are on the softer side in halters, one-shoulder styles and classic shifts. There's a figure-flattering style for everyone.
A Bold jacket. Not your same old blazers, the jackets this season have unique style in safari looks, sleeveless designs or vested.
A Bold transparent piece. Yes, the sheer textured silks, gauzes, chiffons and organzas in jackets, skirts and tops are the perfect layering pieces for cool and warm weather days and nights.
A Bold pair of trousers. None of those wimpy, skinny little things. Go for wider legs and fluid trousers. Pick a high-waist if you can wear it. The skintight and low-waisted jeans are over.
A Bold pair of sculptural heels. There's nothing shy about the heels on the trendiest shoes this spring. From whimsical (at Prada) to architectural (at Marc Jacobs), the heels are what it's all about in footwear.
A Bold cuff bracelet. Flick those wrists this spring with stylish cuffs embellished with stones, glass and crystals.
A Bold statement necklace. No bitty items here anymore. Show off some skin with a arts-and-crafts-inspired wooden collar or a necklace dripping with huge stones and beads.
A Bold handbag. Big bags are still in, but with less bling and more hot color, even in neon brights. Bold prints are also popular in patchwork totes and tribal-inspired clutches.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.