Mad For Mod

Marc Jacobs color block dress- $398.

    Spring 2013 is bringing back the sixties with an updated twist on "Mod" styles.  Checks, stripes, color blocking and mini skirts are being seen all over the runways.  Today's Swinging Sixties-inspired take might look "mod-meets-modern," but it's a timeless motif.  Wear it, rock it, and love it-- it's groovy baby!

     In Spring '13, Marc Jacobs brought Louis Vuitton back to the Swinging Sixties with geometric shapes, trademark checks and a whole lot of acid green.  The classic Damier collection even got a much-needed facelift, boasting sophisticated yet graphic, big, bold squares of yellow, black, white and green.  The Damier has always been my favorite; most of my bags and accessories from LV have its checkered effect.  I've always found it chicer and more elegant than all-over monograms and especially now, thanks to Marc Jacobs’ fresh vision!   

      Neutral color blocking is eternally chic.  Marc Jacobs has designed dresses with beige, black, and white color blocking for both this own label and the Spring/Summer 2013 collection he created for Louis Vuitton.  He's also created pieces with bolder blocks of color, like red and green. These dresses look great when paired with subtle makeup and accessories, like nude lips and feminine jewels. Check out his Avery silk colorbock dress for $398 available at Piperlime. http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=505450&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.piperlime.com%2Fproducts%2Fmarc-jacobs.jsp

    Michael Kors is also embracing the retro trend in 2013 with sky high minis, like the Crepe Circle-Pocket Skirt.  But, if you want this runway collection look, it's going to cost you- $695 for the skirt and $895 for the sweater to be exact!
    For more affordable sixties style, visit Banana Republic.  This season's Mod looks include styles ranging from geometric print tanks and dresses to striped pants and blazers. Whether thick or thin, horizontal or vertical don't be afraid to wear stripes and prints. Just be sure to break up the patterns-- solid on top and print on the bottom, or vice versa.  When worn correctly, these looks can actually create a "skinny-fying" optical illusion!