If a twelve page spread in March Vogue and a post from street-style demigod Garance Doré didn't convince you to fall in line with the Khaki cult for the Spring/Summer season, perhaps the NY Times T Magazine blog titled "The Khaki Brigade" will persuade you to enlist.

I especially love the pairing of black and khaki in the first image. Styling black with khaki is a great weather-appropriate way to begin transitioning the neutral hue into the Spring season now.

So while you're waiting for the warm weather to arrive in NYC, why not spend a little time daydreaming about your Spring wardrobe?! To view the blog and check out the rest of the images, click here.

xxKP

I've just finished combing through the March issue of Vogue and I must say that it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing everything from the feature on somewhat unexpected cover girl, Tina Fey, to Alexander Wang's MOD (model off-duty) style inspiration, to the "Military Issue" fashion spread shot by Mario Testino.

The twelve page spread featuring utilitarian basics of the spring season including trench coats, safari-style button down shirts, military-themed jackets and cargo pants reminded me of a recent post on Garance Doré's blog titled "Khaki is the New Black."

A khaki color palette works well with many complexions as it includes a range of hues from beige to olive to brownish. Though I'm not quite ready to trade in my predominately white/grey/black wardrobe, I am definitely inspired to incorporate a few khaki pieces for spring. I love how the subject of Doré's post mixes khaki AND black - now that's a compromise I can agree with!

This khaki craze is reiterated in Vogue's take on styling the reoccurring military theme. By pairing more masculine, structured pieces with decidedly feminine silhouettes, fabrics and details, Vogue keeps the look modern, fresh and perfect for spring! Below is Vogue's March 2010 multi-page "Military Issue" fashion spread:

Standout surplus-style pieces from the spread include a Balmain cavalry jacket with fringed epaulets and braided cord details (image 4), Burberry Prorsum cashmere V-neck sweater with gathered sleeves and washed-chiffon skirt (far left of image 5), Comme des Garçons asymmetrical cropped moss wool jacket (image 7) and Alexander Wang peep-toe ankle boots (images 11 &12.)

Will you be sporting khaki military basics this spring?

xxKP

It's currently a frigid 24 degrees in New York City and many grey days with below zero temperatures loom on the horizon. Providing a respite from the dreary weather and offering a beacon of hope for warmer, sunnier days to come, Spring 2010 advertising campaigns are heating up fashion blogs and February glossies. Photographed by Juergen Teller, Missoni's newly released Spring 2010 campaign captures a Missoni family dinner hosted at the home of founders Rosita and Tai Missoni. Angela Missoni told WWD that the approach to the Spring 2010 ad campaign was, "different and more realistic...I wanted to highlight our reality and our lifestyle, which is reflected in our unique product and in the artisanal aspect." A departure from the highly-styled images frequently used in ad campaigns, the new ads feel refreshingly natural and uncontrived.

(via WWD)

xxKP

My affinity for bows can very easily be traced back to my childhood, as documented through copious amounts of somewhat embarrassing family videos and photographs. As an embellishment on a pair of shoes, a party dress or a hair accessory, bows were consistently a part of my early ensembles. Over the years my affection for this particular adornment has endured - an appreciation that proved advantageous during my buying days at the historically bow-friendly fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent.

THEN: Yves Saint Laurent, Evening dress of silk, plastic, feathers & glass, 1967.

(image via The Costume Institute)

NOW: Yves Saint Laurent, Long sleeve short dress with bows at bib, Spring 2010.

(image via Style.com)

Consequently, I was pleased to see bows appear in a number of Spring 2010 shows this past fall - including Valentino, Monique Lhullier and Prabal Gurung - in both ready-to-wear and accessories categories. While the choice of bows was not particularly novel for Valentino, the execution was flawless and the léger fabric was feminine.

Valentino, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

Monique Lhullier, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

Prabal Gurung, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

The fascination with bows continued in the accessories category at Nina Ricci and yes, Valentino.

Nina Ricci, Black Lace bootie with back bow, Spring 2010.

(image via The Rosenrot.)

Here are two of my absolute FAVORITE Spring 2010 shoes from Valentino - a purchase that I'm trying to justify by the fact that both of these beauties are essentially season-less - don't you agree?!

Valentino, Black Peep toe cut-out bootie with side bow, Spring 2010.

(Available on pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman.)

Valentino, Black and Cream Satin bow sandal, Spring 2010.

(Available at Net-a-Porter.com)

Standing the fashion test of time, bows will reemerge (or will remain for some of us!) this Spring along with lady-like sheer fabrics and silhouettes.

xxKP