Eve's Garden

How do you recognize spring? Flowers, bursts of color and ... is that ... sunshine? My, my. Your wardrobe should follow suit. Spring is represented this season in diverse ways. Check out H&M's Garden Collection (which we fancy) and Liberty of London's new diffusion line with Target (how we adore thee).  And these playful petal print silk trousers at right by DKNY? It is pretty apparent flowers will be in power head to toe.

Speaking of toes ... Lori's will be adding to the look with bright florals, saturated colors and brilliant whites throughout the summer. So like any proper host, may we introduce you to Jeffrey Campbell's Swansong (below left).  Platform wedge with T-strap dripping with a bouquet pattern of tiny flowers. Adorable!

And that rascal Charlie is back bearing flower patterns. (What a gentleman.) The famous wooden clog returns covered with floral cloth and accent side buckle. Cutesy! Perfect for the lady who loves being the life of the party, the center of attention or a shoe stopping conversationalist. Wear it well this spring.

Notes from New York: Tartan Plaids & Dark Flowers

We've been harping about the simple, natural look for a while. (Broken record, we know.) Don't expect it to end any time soon. In addition to leather-wrapped accessories, plaid is huge for fall. We're not talking grungy Seattle throwbacks or some new contemporary take. We're talking straight-up Highlands tartan. Forget anything south of Inverness: if it wasn't woven within site of Ben Nevis, it's not for fall.

Red is the dominant color. Not the berry and jewel tones seen in bags and jewelry, but regal, traditional red in traditional patterns. In addition to the paperboy caps that we're continuing to buy, tartan tam o'shanters – soft round caps with a brim, topped with a pom-pom – will be in the store and we're excited. Plaids will also pop up in our fall assortment of scarves and even a couple clutches.

Speaking of, expect to find flowers without the chintz. Darkly romantic flowers will show up on some bags. These blossoms are more deadly nightshade than American Beauty in blacks and deep hues made from raw silks with seams and unfinished edges.

The light and sunny of our natural look right now is going to take a lushly romantic turn in fall as designers explore the wilds of far-flung climes and aspects of nature that only bloom in the waning light.