Ask An Expert: Hottest Trends In Los Angeles This Spring

Whatever is next in style often turns into a big question mark, but certain expert soothsayers can let you in on upcoming trends. This takes a certain sort of talent only some artistic souls are able to conjure, like one Los Angeles-based stylist. Meet Alexandra Bendana!

Alexandra Bendana
Freelance Stylist
(323) 632-8434
www.twitter.com/shakystiletto

Artistic Angeleno Alexandra Bendana has worked as a personal and celebrity stylist for the better part of a decade with her sartorial efforts seen in a number of high-profile music videos and commercials. In preparation for such a fashion-forward professional, this leading style expert held a marketing job at the Gap Inc. as well as a gig at Levi's in the women's wholesale department. Alexandra loves her little pug, Lulu, shopping both thrift stores and high-end boutiques, and world travel where fashion trends can waver, depending on the destination.

Gingham Style

Alexandra says, "One of the biggest trends seen on the runway and stores for this spring is gingham." She points out that we'll see this fabric in small and in large prints "articulated in different color variations. Wear it as a top or bottom and pair it with solid colors." Bendana appreciates the Asos Fluffy Peg Trousers in gingham when worn with a white t-shirt and leather jacket. She adds, "Or, wear a gingham dress for a fresh office look or daytime picnic," and, if you prefer, put the look together "with a colored statement necklace and heels." This eagle-eyed stylist also appreciates a "full circle gingham skirt that pairs beautifully with a sweater and shirt with peter pan collar."

70s Revival

Bendana says that "peace, love and rock n' roll" are sartorial influences for spring 2015. She states, "1970s revival will continue through spring with lace and chiffon peasant tops and dresses [and] distressed jean shorts worn with boots and big floppy hats." This fashion-conscious expert sees the continuation of frocks made with bohemian prints as well as "crocheted fringe vests worn with bathing suits or tank tops." Alex adds that crocheted vests as well as suede fringe vests will be all the rage this spring at music festivals like Coachella. As for particulars? Alexandra states, "I am loving the Annina Crochet Dress by Free People, the short sleeve printed peasant top in yellow by Free People, the Kendall & Kylie crochet fringe vest, and the Open Water Charlotte dress in cobalt by Free People."

Garden Party

Bendana predicts that spring florals will be popular on garments, bold in both design and in color. She says we will see these spring-filled patterns in dresses, in tops, in bottoms, in outerwear, and, well, "everywhere this season. I am loving one floral woven top by H&M wear, worn with black skinny jeans or a skirt." She also favors a printed pleated dress with pockets from Zara when worn with gladiator sandals and Nico Midrise Skinny Jeans in Venice Floral by Hudson Jeans which she says "are fun and romantic" when paired with a white button down top and a pair of pumps. In addition, this soothsaying stylist is pleased with the DVF Amana Printed Silk Wool Coat in Twill Gardin, which she calls "a bold luxurious coat that is a gorgeous reminder of the season" when covering a solid colored dress and when worn with yellow heels.

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White Out

According to Alexandra Bendana, "One of the freshest ways to look cool is to wear head-to-toe white." Expect to see "bleach white dresses, tunics, pants and tops made from different materials like lace, chiffon, cotton and in various textures in light weight fabrics that look ethereal and romantic." This on-point stylist has a fondness for frocks by Maticevski, Valentino RTW, Mara Hoffman and Zara.

Jungle Chic

Institutional fashion inspired by the military as well as sartorial safari offerings will be on point this spring, predicts this stand-out stylist. Alexandra looks to trench coats in military green, grey, khaki and palm print motifs as she recalls the Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren runway collections which were all about this sort of statement. Bendana says these designer clothes were "literal takes on military fashion," adding that meanwhile, Mara Hoffman "brought on cool jungle palm prints and cut-out dresses."

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