So I love to catch up on all my reading during flights – its sacred, undisturbed time for me. I usually have at least half-a-dozen WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) and then a smattering of Inc., Fortune Small Business and of course, the coveted Nieman Marcus catalogues. I love the NM catalogues…the clothes are absolutely beautiful, even if they are sometimes outrageously priced. 

I always notice the trends (according to NM). One thing that stands out at the moment in looking at the recent spring 2010 NM catalogue is color…loads of it and patterns too.    

Color is in for spring and I think I have read the tea leaves well this year as far as trends go. Funny, but the predominant colors I see are lime green, or as they call it “key lime”, bright red and of course, black and white, together and separate. You’ll also see a touch of light blue, a small bit of navy and all variations of pink. In these somewhat troubled times, people are looking for something bright, positive and inspiring and that’s what going to be “in” for spring 2010. Look for all these bright colors with patterns and textures in the mix as well. 

As far as the key lime, you’ll see new stuff from Eileen Fisher, Joan Vass and Kate Spade, and don’t forget to include Prada’s lime green flower ballerina slipper. Prada’s also loving red, with it’s red leather purses, as is Michael Kors and Christian Louboutin’s ribbon and chain print bag!

However, I don’t think black will ever go out of style because of its slimming qualities. Not to mention that just about anything goes with black. Going on a trip?...bring a pair of black pants and couple of different tops or blouses and you’re good to go! Black and white is a spectacular and clean combination. It’s so striking and you’ll definitely notice a lot of black and white combos around.

Marc Jacobs is out with a beautiful cotton candy pink purse, Jean Paul Gaultier has his hot pink and crème print top and then there’s Diane Von Furstenberg’s ruched learther hot pink dress – wow! If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will. 

Prints, prints, prints…well, you’ll see every kind of print from geometric to pop art to the animal print. A little always adds a little splash of pizzaz to any outfit.