On the Radar -- Don't get it twisted...

Tia Cibani, Spring 2014

Braids were big on the spring runways -- but they've been making a comeback for a few years now.  Here's the difference -- we've now entered the phase of "How can I change this so it's REALLY different, but still a braid?"  And I love it; this is when the creativity really starts!  Here's a small sampling of how the braid is evolving:

Fishtail braids dipped in gold glitter, LSPACE, Spring 2014

Messy, winding braids at Rachel Zoe, Spring 2014

L'Oreal fishtail braids, spring 2014

Woven braid with ombre dyed ends, uncredited

And then it spreads into the rest of design.  Check these out:

Braided quilt, West Elm

Delpozo, Spring 2014

Braided nail polish

On the Radar -- Spring Scarves

Dolce & Gabbana, Spring 2013

If there is one accessory we Blackbird girls can't live without, it's a scarf.  Of course, as you lovely readers know, I collect scarves designed by Vera Neumann.  But you may not know that the other Blackbird collects all different kinds of scarves -- and she specializes in red, white, and blue ones.  We also always have lots on hand in the Etsy shop and in our boutique in Brightside Gallery.  They are very affordable, fun, and easy to wear, and they can really change an outfit.  Plus, they make for a great collection -- I use my Veras as a changeable wall display in my bedroom by using two small decorative towel bars from Ikea, and the other Blackbird has a multi-hook rack on her wall piled up with all of her red/white/blue scarves. We love to see the different patterns and prints!

So imagine how excited we were to see all the scarves popping up on the runways!  Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, and Marc Jacobs all used scarves to accent their collections, and brands that always have lots of scarves in their lines, like Hermes and Burberry, added even more options. 

D&G, Spring 2013

Hermes scarf

Hermes, Spring 2013

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2013

Recreating this designer look is easy -- we have tons of scarves in our Etsy shop and our boutique, starting at $3. Like this 1970s giraffe design for $6:

Available here.

And if you want a real designer scarf, you can still go vintage for much less than new!  Like this vintage red and white silk Diane Von Furstenberg scarf, also in our Etsy shop!

Available here.