From the african plains to flower-filled gardens: spring fashion 2005 is high in style.

The lakes are open, the grass is green and the flowers are starting to peek out of their winter homes. Spring fever is in the air in Madison and winter’s hindrance on your fashion taste will soon be over. This year’s style is better than ever before, providing a refreshing and long-awaited burst of color and versatile, practical looks.
Always wanted to go on that African safari but never actually made it to Africa? Well, no need because the jungle has come to the United States and has stampeded the designer collections full force. Dolce & Gabbana’s spring runway show paid homage to African style featuring khaki skirts, snakeskin trim, tribal jewelry, feathers, raffia fringing and other exotic details. Make sure you don’t overdo this look - stick to one exotic print paired with eyelet to keep it feminine. Fill your arm with wooden cuffs that are easy to find – Art Gecko on State and Monroe streets has an array of chunky bangles. Skip the trip to Africa and take pleasure in stumbling upon tribal trinkets around Madison that are straight out of Africa.
While Safari-style may lead some too far over the wild side, it is one of the few fitted looks in a season where free-flowing hippie and Bohemian rhapsody looks are dominant. Embellished sequin tunics, long peasant skirts and espadrilles are key pieces to accomplish the laid back groovy earth-angel look. Mix and match these folksy threads with macramé tie belts and you will swing to the bohemian beat. Love beads are back and making a bold statement when piled on in different textures and lengths. Wood with turquoise- and coral-stoned necklaces, combined with white crocheted tops, is easy to pull off. Make sure you don’t fall into the common trap of overpaying for these must-have chunky strands and do it yourself. Sarah Vestlie, manager of Jade Mountain bead store on East Johnson Street suggests that, “more people should come in and make their own jewelry for half the price and look just as great as those they emulate in the pages of fashion magazines.”
If the mismatched look just doesn’t fly with you, and you don’t want to be mistaken as unkempt, forget eating an apple a day and wear one. Now more than ever, fruity designs are adding a playful and juicy touch to this spring season. The ultimate splurge is Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Cerises collection, a new take on a timeless design: bright red cherries adorn each bag. These fruits can be picked off the runway and put into your basket. Urban Outfitters carries an assortment of fruit accents on everything from Tees to fruit-shaped coin purses. Get on this trend before it spoils!
Just add water … or not! This year’s spring flowers don’t require anything but a keen sense of fashion to spot out the freshest bouquet. These flower prints are abloom on full knee length skirts and sundresses, both necessary additions to your warm-weather wardrobe. This flirty flower power look comes in various bunches – tropical flowers, pastel romantic florals or big and bright garden patterns. Floral shoes paired with jeans or a denim skirt is a great way to add a touch of spring style to any outfit. You can find flower prints on wedge sandals, a new trendy shoe style. Get inspiration straight from your garden and search the local vintage stores for flower prints in need of a little spring sun to renew their sheen. Too overwhelmed? These flowers won’t wilt or die anytime soon, and they are sure to grow on you!
Go “Greece” lightening is a mantra you will be hearing a lot of this spring. Leave it to the mighty Greek gods to inspire us once again. Modern-day goddesses like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss might not be omnipotent but they are surely omniscient in forecasting upcoming trends. They can be seen trekking around in gladiator sandals, draped tops, and pleated dresses with gold and ropey details. Search local boutiques, like Bop on West Gorham, and you are sure to stumble upon Grecian finds. You don’t need the help of Aphrodite to find spring love - all you have to do is dress like her.
Some of the top names in the industry have jumped into the fashion foray this season, which means cleaning up your spring wardrobe may be a little pricey. Remember, however, high fashion may be expensive, but high style is priceless.