'Trendspotting'

Going Tribal in Harper's Bazaar

From a sartorial sojourn in the desert, to a mixed-media-project turned-necklace, the season’s latest trends experiment with different textures, new prints and unexpected color combinations.

Read the Small Print

Whether it’s polka dots paired with stripes, or animal prints worn with tye dye – it’s a lesson in how opposites attract. The mismatching appeal lies in the fact that the end result (when executed properly) appears so effortless, so casual and cool.

Start small by investing in a bold print with a surprising drape: this BCBG silk dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($378) features a colorful print with a series of draped panels that fall at an asymmetrical hem. Opt for subtle prints in light colors like yellow and pink in classic shapes for the office. Play it safe with an all neutral pairing of prints and create instant contrast with a colored accessory.

BCBG Print Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue

But for the more daring: Take a print and wear it in two bold colors. Go for a never-before-seen animal with tye dye print like the Diane Von Furstenberg sheath dress seen earlier this season. Only make sure that the tone always suggests the same – edgy prints for an edge, feminine prints for softness, understated prints for a modest look.

Desert Tribe

Venture to the African savannah or tough it out in the urban jungle with earthy tones, light fabrics and natural accents.

The colors are warm and rich: military greens, khaki, browns, reds and oranges. The warm shades balance out any strong graphic prints. Fabrics like linen and cotton gauze keep you cool, and denim in faded washes keep you comfortable. Look out for cargo pants, harem pants, denim vests and safari jackets.

Miguel Ases earrings

Accessories and jewelry often incorporate natural stones and animal skins. This Native American-inspired set of dangle earrings by Miguel Ases ($168 above), for example, uses coral with glass beads and leather for added visual appeal. A cross-body bag might come with fringe. A Panama hat comprised of woven straw would be perfect for a day at the beach.

Mixed Media

Take a closer look at a Dannijo necklace and you will find a piece of jewelry made up of not one, but several different elements: examples are metal, wood, beads, satin and lace. This isn’t an arts and craft project, but a good example of the direction in which most jewelry designers are now again heading.

Mixed media at Dannjio

For the bohemian, jewelry takes a recognizable animal motif (elephant, snake, bird) and might include a bracelet using chains, beading, enamel and metal fashioned in the likeness of that animal. An appliqué- heavy bib necklace might use lace, velvet and beading for a romantic allure.

That single strand necklace with tiny pendant? Too simple. Too dull. Not enough creativity!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of trend-fashion-beauty.blogspot.comsaksfifthave.com; shopbop.com; dannijo.com

'Let's Get this Party Started'

It is perhaps the one rare occasion throughout the year when our hearts and minds are focus on the past, present and future all at once.

The New Year.

This year, I will be saying goodbye to 2009 and New York City’s iconic Tavern on the Green at the restaurant’s farewell party. The Central Park landmark since 1939, known for its blowout parties and the annual marathoners’ pasta fest, will close its doors January 1 – a victim of the financial crisis and high-priced operating expenses.

It will be my first time at the famed restaurant, with its wonderland décor that includes 45 chandeliers of glass and stained-glass, 600,000 tree lights and topiary animals in its gardens, etched mirrors, and copper and gold-leaf weathervanes.

It once was a place frequented by celebrities like Grace Kelly and John Lennon and where former owner Warner LeRoy would open champagne bottles with the swing of a sword.

Kicking the New Year with the best that my city has to offer is the precedent I’d like to set for the coming year. And if that precedent is to be made in style, my New Year’s outfit better be a show-stopper.

Dramatic textures, shimmering embellishments and sumptuous fabrics guarantee that my New Year’s ensemble will deserve nothing less than the spotlight. Here’s my ultimate party wardrobe:

Fancy Feet

I like to party with the best – that includes my shoes too. Nothing comes close to the quality and craftsmanship of a Prada shoe. This suede bootie in (sold out) has a slightly pointed toe, but with its black suede straps and heel adds a cool contemporary spin to a classic silhouette.

Bare It All

This black BCBG (on sale now) with an overlay of tulle and asymmetric shoulder shows the right amount of skin. No need to wear a statement necklace because this neckline says it all. The zip closure on the side ensures a snug fit and the strap is adjustable. I plan to pair this top with a banded mini skirt, but on another occasion can be worn with leggings or even jeans. And I do admire the ruching of tulle along the bottom, which accentuates the waistline.

Rock N’ Roller

I don’t need arm candy; I need an accessory that will pack a punch. This Rebecca Minkoff 3-zip clutch (sold out in yellow) with its exotic leather print and leather fringe is sure to infuse a bit of rocker glam to a rather simple, yet stylish party outfit. Its bright yellow shade will break up the black and gray, bringing some much-needed color and attention to my New Year’s look.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of annaginzburg.com; yoox.com; BCBG and handbagsdir.com