Spring 2012 Must-Have Shopping List For Detroiters

By Raquel Parks
CBS Detroit Fashion Blogger

Spring has finally arrived and that means it's time to spruce up your look to embrace the latest trends the season has to offer. One thing is for sure, it's all about the color! From color blocking to graphic prints, there's plenty of new looks to choose from. The best way to prepare your closet for spring is to start with the basic essentials. What should you have in your closet to kick off the season in style? Here are a few key items to creating this year's spring looks.

1) Colored Handbag

Pastels and neon colors are in this spring! Therefore, a colored handbag is a definite must-have this season. A colored handbag can easily add vibrancy to a laid back outfit or accent a long Maxi dress. T.J. Maxx offers handbags from various designers and styles in vibrant colors and at affordable prices to go with any spring outfit.

2) Colored Denim

Colored denim is making a big statement! A pair of fitted jeans that are splashed with a bright or pastel color is a fun way to change up the typical casual look. Colored denim can be styled with a simple, girly blouse or graphic tee to create a look as laid back or as dressy as you make it. Express in Oakland Mall sells skinny jeans in an assortment of colors and prints that look stylish for the season.

3) Nude Shoes

Less is more! Color is very much in but so are neutral colors. With pops of colors being a popular trend, a nude shoe is the hottest accessory to compliment any spring color. Nude shoes are versatile enough to be worn with party dresses and a two-piece suit for the office. Pink Pump in Birmingham is one of the best places to find a pair of nude shoes and even a pair of funky, colorful wedges to kick it into gear for spring and summer.

4) A Peplum Accent Piece

This season is all about the short, flared ruffle overskirt referred to as the peplum. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Vera Wang have implemented the flounce design of the peplum accent in blouses, dresses, and skirts. Peplums add a very feminine, chic look for spring and seem to be everywhere so they're easy to find. Nordstrom in Somerset Mall sells a varied selection of dresses, tops, and pants that feature the peplum design so snag a peplum item for yourself.

5) New Lipstick or Gloss

Change up your looks for spring, simply, by picking up a new lip shade or two to slip into your makeup bag. Add a little umph to your pucker by trying a lip shade that's bursting with color. A bold color on the lips is sexy and a perfect change for the season. It's also a good idea to have a neutral lip color for when you're looking to keep it more basic. Lastly, don't be afraid to ditch heavy lipsticks to embrace light glosses or a lipstick with a creamier, lighter sheen. Spring is all about leaving behind the layers so why not do so for your lips? M.A.C.'s line of Sheen Supreme is an example of a lightweight lipstick that's full of color but has the shine and feel of a gloss. M.A.C. in Somerset Collection Mall is an ideal place to shop for new lip wear.

Pick up these must-have items and you're off to a perfect start for creating a fashionable, fresh look for the spring. Have fun playing with color and patterns this spring!