As 2012 is upon us, and many begin to look forward to new beginnings, it is also a great time to look forward to a fresh spring wardrobe. Fashion for Spring 2012 is all about intricate details and girlishness, as you will find many pleated skirts, lace gowns and floral patterns. The season will be reminiscent of the 1920’s. Expect to see a variety of dresses with drop waists and outfits with loose layers that were the style of that decade. When searching for new outfits for Spring 2012, look for the following key trends of the season:

Frilly and Feminine Girlishness- One will be able to find this element through pleats in every form. Pleats will be seen on dresses, skirts, pants and shorts. There will even be “pleated” looking silhouettes found in peplum pants and dresses. Femininity also was apparent on the runways for Spring 2012, and many designers featured dresses and gowns with delicate lace detailing while exposing the woman’s shoulders and midsection.

Prints, Prints, Prints- Spring 2012 is all about the prints, and the prints will be seen in many assortments. The prints that will be apparent for the season will be florals and zig zags, and many garments will also take on the feeling of abstract art, featuring deco details.

Pops of Color- The “can’t go wrong” colors of black and white will be seen in many Spring 2012 collections, while other fashions will pop with the citrus and cool colors of tangerine, yellow, turquoise, green and royal blue.

While these Spring 2012 key trends should only serve as a guide to help you with the new season’s wardrobe, remember that the main style element to Spring 2012 – enjoy being a girl.

Scorpion?  Flying Crow? King Pigeon? If you knew that these were all yoga poses, then you’ve probably visited Lululemon Athletica, a yoga-inspired athletic apparel company. I know that if I’m working out, I’m probably not looking my best, but this company understands a woman’s desire to be fashionable…at all times and keeps them looking that way with their line of stylish athletic apparel!

Jacki Carr, community relations coordinator for Lululemon, gave me a brief history of the company.

“Lululemon was founded in 1998 in Vancouver, British Columbia by Chip Wilson,” Carr said. “ Chip saw an exponential increase in the number of females participating in yoga and athletics, so he created Lululemon Athletica to offer technical, yoga-inspired apparel that was both functional and looked feminine. “

Jacki’s favorite piece in the line right now is the Wunder Under Crop, a crop legging for yoga (or any sweaty pursuit) made of their signature fabric, Luon, which is breathable with coverage, four-way stretch and flat-seamed. She also likes pairing the Wunder Under Crop with her Power Y Tank, made of the same Luon fabric.

Power Y Tank

Wunder Under Crop

Lululemon not only sells fashionable work-out attire, but they also regularly hold complimentary yoga classes in the store. They believe that offering classes will connect with their community, sweat with their guests and introduce them to yoga. All in-store events are open to the public, complimentary and suitable for all levels. When doing yoga, Carr says, you’ll find her doing the Vrksasana, tree pose.

An in-store yoga class

 Lululemon strives to promote athletic leaders who reflect their core values through the Lululemon Ambassador program. Ambassadors include local athletes, instructors and/or role models in communities where there is a Lululemon store. Ambassadors lead complimentary, in-store classes, including yoga and running groups. They also test Lululemon product to the limits, then provide feedback on design, fit and function. For more information on the ambassadors program and the athletes in your community, please visit www.lululemon.com/community/ambassadors.

When asked to describe Lululemon in four words or less, Carr said, “Product, quality, integrity and fun, whether it is our locking zippers, cuffins, thumb holes or ponytail holders, everything has a purpose. By producing products that help keep people active and stress-free, Lululemon believes that the world will be a better place.”

For class schedules or more information on Lululemon, visit their website www.lululemon.com.

Whether you’re seeking an evening gown for a formal event, a trendy designer outfit or a vintage ensemble – and — if your last name isn’t Rockefeller, Buffett or Gates, New York Exchange is for you.

Nestled in the heart of Castle Hills on NW Military Highway, Amanda Alarcon’s consignment boutique features designer labels and high end department store brands at delightful prices.  Plus, there’s a wide variety of accessories to complement each ensemble.

According to Alarcon, the shop features items everywhere from “size 0 to 4X,” as well as menswear and items for children. Creative displays featuring hats, accessories and vintage items highlight the color-coded racks.

Plus, you can count on quality. NY Exchange features popular labels such as St. John, Versace and Valentino, as well as vintage items from Neiman-Marcus and other high-end stores. Alarcon is picky about what they accept – everything must be in excellent to unused resale condition, and seasonal items that are not vintage must be three years old or less.

“We have something that will appeal to everyone,” Alarcon adds.

In addition, the boutique features the Motives makeup line, which they use for makeovers-by-appointment. And, there’s always something going on at the store. In fact, on May 21, the boutique will hold its annual clearance sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a variety of charities, including: SAMM Ministries, Special Needs Charities, Medina Children’s Home, St. Peter-St Joseph Children’s Home and the Battered Woman’s and Children’s Shelter.

Visit NY Exchange online at www.nyexchangesa.com or on Facebook for current information on promotions, sales and other special events.