Westbound Boarder

Though it may not seem like it (thanks El Nino!) it’s beginning to look a lot like spring in most parts of the US. Time to toss those snowboard boots in the garage and bring out your flip-flops and summer dresses! We recently caught up with Ashley LaFerriere and Akiko Senda, two fashionistas from PacSun (a store well-known for being at the brink of youth urban fashion trends) to get their take on this spring and summer’s hottest fashion trends, and here’s what they had to say:

WbB: What do you see as some of the “up-in-coming” spring fashion trends and “must have” pieces?

Ashley: I think the biggest thing we’re going to see this Spring is a lot of color. Not as much neon as last year though. We’re also going to see a lot of big prints.. everything from tribal to floral. We’re also going to see a lot more rompers.

Akiko: One of the major trends for spring is all things nautical for both guys and girls. Think stripes, anchors, chains in your basic nautical colors navy, red, and white. Lightweight fabrications like gauze and super sheer cottons as well as chambray can also fall into this trend.

For girls we’ll definitely be seeing tons of dresses with the tube top silouhette being the must have of the season. Florals, chambray, and maxis are all at the top of the dress trends for Spring. We’re also seeing the continuation of the boho chic trend with tons of ethnic and tribal prints across most apparel categories including swimwear. Bohemian inspired accessories like gladiator or braided sandals, fringe bags, and bangles are a must to complete any look. In addition, lightweight oversize tanks and rolled or cut off boyfriend shorts become wardrobe staples this Spring.

Girls Must Haves: chambray dress, maxi dress, ethnic tunic top, nautical bikini, gladiator sandals, oversize tank, boyfriend shorts.

For guys again nautical colors and styles are a must: white plaid shorts, lightweight button up wovens, and boat shoes. Vans has introduced a cool style this year. Another trend across several categories is the military inspired look that includes epaulet detailing, zippers, and plenty of army green. Shorts have become more tailored this season with flat front styling and shorter lengths in fresh neutral colors. And in denim, the cut off short is big for that more fashion forward dude. We’re also seeing tanks again this season as we saw in a small way last summer. And of course, plaid and checks are still going strong.

Guys must haves: Plaid shirt, retro tank, white plaid shorts, army jacket, boat shoes.

WbB: What about accessories? I know the summer scarf was hot last year; do you see these making a comeback or evolving as we head into spring 2010?

Ashley: The scarf will still be just as hot, but I think the biggest spring accessory will be large bold statement necklaces.

Akiko: I see the fedora as being the top headwear accessory for both girls and guys. For girls we’re also seeing the thinner stretchy headband making a comeback in tons of colors and styles and worn layered.

Must Have accessories: bangles, vintage sunglasses now more popular than last year’s wayfarer, aviator sunglasses, trucker hats, leather sandals.

WbB: What are some of the hot brands on the market, at the moment?

Ashley: Wow. There are a lot of great brands right now! Personally, I love the Spring collections from Jack BB Dakota, Roxy and Element. For guys, I’m loving RVCA and WeSC.

Akiko: Girls: RVCA, Wesc, Roxy Collection, Fox, Jack BB Dakota. Guys: RVCA, Wesc, Nike 6.0, Vans, Fox, Rogue Status. Always hot in our market: Billabong, Hurley, Volcom

WbB: What about at the beach? What swimwear will top the carts this spring?

Ashley: We’re going to see big bold prints at the beach too! Animal prints, stripes and florals are going to be big in swimwear. Black and white are going to make a splash again, but lots of bright colors are going to be just as popular.

Akiko: Tons of hot new swimwear for girls. Anything in stripes is big this season as well as ethnic prints with bohemian details like beads. Bandeau tops are major as most brands are starting to do them a lot. Also, one trend in swimwear is anything retro: bra tops, high-waisted bottoms, and vintage inspired one-pieces. Mixing and matching all your swim pieces is the way to go.

I think the guys are going to be buying the big logo branded and plaid pieces as always. Some new trends we’re excited about this season are camo, stripes, art-inspired graphics, and what we’re calling the “hybrid” which are boardshorts that look like denim or walking shorts but can be used in the water. True surfers will be more concerned with the stretch fabrication of the short which brands are focusing a lot on.

WbB: Switching gears, what about spring snow gear? I know people tend to shed their heavy coats in favor of sweatshirts and lighter windbreakers. Any recommendations on products we should check out?

Ashley: Just a hoodie would be great to wear if you’re going to continue to board in the Spring. I usually layer a tank, a long-sleeved tee and then a zip-up that’s easy to take off if it gets too hot.

Akiko: I think the best option for lighter snow gear is to go with a crossover style that can be work on the hill or on the streets like the Burton Stoker Solid Snow Jacket. We’ll definitely be seeing more of these styles later on this year. Since windbreakers are big for Spring, it won’t be hard to find one to wear to the mountain.

Do you remember those little chocolate advent calendars your mom used to give you growing up?  I loved those things, and I think for a lot of kids they really embody the spirit of Christmas (come on, chocolate santas = Christmas, duh!)

PacSun has created a little advent calendar of their own, this time for grown-ups!  It’s called the Pass It On calendar and it can be found here.  I only noticed it this morning so I don’t quite have all the details, but basically, you can head to this virtaul calendar each day to meet a different PacSun team member and “unlock” a different discount, giveaway or sweepstakes!  For example, today you can sign up towin an $100 gift card; pretty cool.

With the barometer outside in SoCal pushing 70 today, it’s nice to find some Christmas cheer online, even if it is only in the form of a calendar :)  Pass it on!