by: Jo Ann L.B. Duggins
The birds are singing. The trees are blooming. People are giddy with the sunshine. The smell of NYC 
inhabits my nose like a runaway train. That's right...Spring/Summer fashion season of 2007 is here people and I thought it my best interest and yours to tell you what's up on the trend scene.
Color. As I'm sure you all have figured out, yellow is in, in, in. Canary and Sunshine are beaming from women everywhere (Thanks Reese Witherspoon). One point I'd like to make is, ladies, if you are the color of snow you may want to veer fro
m this hue. I do not like yellow on pale people. Opinion it might be, but I prefer it on beautiful black, brown, and slightly tanner women. I would rather see you "palinese" peeps wear a bolder color such as a Kelly or Emerald green. I'm also seeing a lot of deep purple, turquoises, and hot pinks.
Prints. I love that polka dots are in. There's that retro feeling again in fashion, but a more classic and demure look is coming back. Although this season is heavy with prints (especially leopard and zebra) I prefer the simpleness of polka dots and nothing says She's a Hottie than the itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dotted bikini! Ok, not so demure!
S
horts. Shorts seem to be coming in all lengths this year. It's year of the GAMS ladies and what better way to show them off but to have a pair of cute short shorts. Not TOO short. I don't need to see the bottoms of your bottom! I like seeing these in different prints worn with a nice blouse or tank. NOW, word of advice....if you are short then PLEASE don't wear 
bermudas. They do not compliment you. I'm sorry, but I'm going to use the expression my mother uses when seeing these on short people, "they look like two stuffed tamales!" My mother has a knack for 
expression. If you have short legs then go the short shorts route. This style shows off your legs while adding length and look very chic with a nice strappy heel. You can also don the capris which are always stylish in my book. Tall people are blessed that they can wear short shorts and bermudas, but I do not like to see capris on very tall women. They look like they are waiting for the flood.
Dresses. They are back and back strong. I'm seeing a ton of these cute 
unstructured dresses accompanied by leggings. I have revisited high school and the '90s many times this season. I don't hate this look, I just don't like it when
the leggings are some horrid color and you're wearing them unmatched. I love these cute baby doll dresses in jersey knits. I do not however enjoy a cutesy baby doll dress on a grown woman...something about it annoys me in that we women don't want to be cute, we want to be sophisticated and sexy. Now, that that is not to say that when "playing" I don't enjoy this look because for me it's the only place it should show up on a woman ( at the beach, out with 
the kids, in the park, etc).
The '60s shift dress seems to be prevalent this season as well. It's been modified with gorgeous beading or lace to dress it up or made with jersey knits and bold prints for a more casual look. I'm also seeing a lot of the shirt dress making appearances with it's cinched waist and spring colors. Hemlines seem to be shorter this season but I'm seeing a whole lot of calf-length ones as well.
Pants. The hipsters can keep that super tight look. T
he problem with this look is that I don't want to know what you look like underneath. I also have been witness to the "butt eating the pants" and "camel toe" look. Ladies, if you are overweight....for the love of all that is holy, stop wearing tight clothes! It's super unattractive and those looks you've been getting on the subway ain't because you're butt looks fabulous with the fabric in it's crack. On the other end, I don't like seeing super skinny women in super skinny clothes. This is not a look that promotes sexiness or the feminine mystique. Like I said, I don't want to know what you look like naked...HE might, but not me.
Tops. I love the empire waist! Can't say enough how this is a savior to
women trying to hide the winter wobblies! I like the fluidness and the simple peasant girl look. It can look casual or it can be a chic number when adorned with the right accessories. I also am partial to this tube look. I like that you can wear this in the heat of the summer and NO TAN LINES! Bonus! In the Fall you can accompany this look with a nice jacket. Once again ladies,make sure it fits and isn't too tight or else your back fat will the the talk of the fashion po po.
Now for the Breakdown. Ok ladies, what have we learned here today about Fashion for Spring/Summer 2007?
Do w
ear a pale shade that will compliment your skin tone. No one wants to see a dead fish walking around.
Do wear clothes that fit and that will compliment your figure no matter what it may be. Ladies that like to show it all...DON'T. I don't need to see those rolls over your pants or your boobage hitting people in the eye.
Do have a nice pair of comfortable strappy sandals for the summer. Heeled ones will compliment a pair or short shorts or mini skirt.
Do NOT wear leggings that aren't covered up. Once again, cameltoe is NOT attractive! Also, sheer leggings? I'd opt for no.
Do NOT wear boots when it's over 70 degrees outside. OH, and if you didn't get the memo, that cowboy look has gone bac to the Texans. Get rid of 'em.
Do know that it's the year for legs - make sure those suckers are shaven, waxed, and ready for their debut.
Do have some blues in your wardrobe this season, in addition to yellow, this color has been getting a lot of play as the season progresses
Do NOT wear flip flops everywhere ladies. This look is TIRED. What if you meet
this incredible looking guy on the way to the market and he asks you to a nice restaurant that day? Whatchu gonna do then? At least carry a nice pair of shoes with you in case of event emergency.
Do NOT wear a see-through skirt. I know some of you love to wear white on the bottom and that's nice and all but PLEASE make sure we don't see your bum or hooha!
Do wear shorts which will elongate your legs not make you look like "stuffed tamales" as my mother would say.
Do make sure your feet are pedied ladies. No one likes to see some fugly ass toes. Besides, it'll be a reason to pamper yourself and make you feel good (that's why we get them guys)!
Do look and smell fresh. Carry a body spray with you and a nice shade of lip cover and for the love of god, please make sure your deodorant works.
...and last but certainly not least, the best accessory you can wear is CONFIDENCE! If you look and feel good you will come off like a million bucks. Show those legs. Strut your stuff and enjoy the season because in a few months you'll be covering it up all over again and renewing a whole new wardrobe!