Spring is officially upon us! And of course this means it’s time to put away your winter clothes and come out of hibernation. Now is the time to be inspired by this season’s bright and colorful collections and to be creative.

As different as the trends are for Spring/Summer 2008, there are some definite themes that prevail. You may recall that in my previous newsletter, “Quoi de Neuf a Paris,” I mentioned that stores in Europe seem to carry more bright colors than the stores here. I have noticed that our American buyers usually prefer neutral colors like beige and white with only a splash of color here and there.

But this spring/summer season, it seems they have taken the plunge as stores are ablaze with lively colors, flower prints and graphic designs that are very fun and cheerful. To help make your life easier, I thought it might be a good idea to make my list of 9 must-haves and 1 thing to do without for the coming warm days.

My #1 one must-have

The blouse is making a come back. It is easy to wear, easy to match and easy to create an outfit. It can be romantic, hippie or flashy. My number one must-have below can be matched with white pants, white shorts, jeans or a skirt. Solid bottoms please; another printed fabric would be too much!

My #2 must-have

If you are a classic kind of gal, a solid color may be your best bet but make it playful! Choose an orangey color if your skin’s undertone is warm, a gray/bluish color if your skin’s undertone is cool. Picture this coat with jeans for a casual look, or dress it up with black pants, black flats and black purse to match the color of the buttons.

My #3 must-have

The easy to wear, feminine and sensuous dresses that were with us last winter will definitely be with us for more months to come. I LOVE them. This dress, with its boat-neck, flowing skirt and bleu marine color continues with that trend and is a hot item this season. I find it to be ultra feminine without being too sexy. The long sleeves camouflage the upper arms; the boat-neck widens the shoulders and creates a nice horizontal line that balances the hip area.

My #4 must-have

Are you a romantic? Pick flower prints. Perhaps a robe bain de soleil (sun dress) with wide straps like the one below. Wear it with a matching bolero. Use and abuse colorful bracelets of all sizes, colors and materials (wood, leather, metals). In the evening add a colorful clutch and cream color sandals.

My #5 must-have

Are you Avant-garde? Then a graphic design is your thing. This simple dress has everything we could wish for: long sleeves, boat-neck, and fluid fabric. All you need is a pair of sandals and a tote. As far as jewelry is concerned, if you choose to wear a necklace, only small earrings please and vice versa.

My #6 must-have

For the Adventurers among you, the Aventurière Safari jacket is the perfect style this season. This year we will wear it sleeveless (sorry no pics) directly on our skin to show off our tan or, if our upper arms are no longer what they used to be, with a fitted T-shirt or a silk chemisier, sleeves rolled up to the elbows.

My #7 must-have

Shoes! There is lots of fun in store for shoe lovers. And a wide variety of styles to choose from too. You can find classic pumps that are elegant and comfortable, Gladiator styled teetering heels that are definitely daring, and thin-strapped, stylized high-heeled sandals that are feminine and sexy.

My #8 must-have

I have my eye on this bag. This ‘Etoupe’ color will go with everything. No need to match your shoes and bag. A neutral color like this great carryall will take you through all the seasons. Do be careful about matching the style of your purse with that of your outfit, e.g. a leather dressy, chic bag shouldn’t be worn with a romantic style dress with flower prints!

My #9 must-have

And finally, la pièce de la resistance, this fabulous coat dress. (By now, I am sure you have gathered I have a weakness for coats!)

My "do without"

You must wonder why I did not present any pants. Well, I want us all to highlight our feminity and bring our legs into the limelight! We have been covering them all winter long with jeans, pant suits, and opaque hosiery. Yes ladies, it’s time to showcase your curves and show off your legs! If your partner has been ignoring your looks lately, wake him up a bit by bringing back some lighthearted fun into your style and look! The men in your life are sure to be more than a little appreciative!