Spring Summer 2017 Fashion Trend Retail Report

Today marks the first day of June, and with the official start of summer just weeks away, it's time to take a look at summer 2017 fashion trends at retail. Whether you're daydreaming about your summer vacation wardrobe, looking to update your look for the warmer weather, or in search of new trend inspiration, there are lots of interesting updates in stores this season. Here are the seven themes I'm eyeing...

1. The Menswear Mix
I'm especially excited about the prominent menswear influences in women's blouses right now. Think stripes, poplin, button-front styles, and crisp silhouettes. The Merona blouse below ($27.99) has fun embroidery and flared sleeves, which are also key themes this summer.



2. Put A Ring On It
Thanks to Simon Miller's Bonsai bag, J.W. Anderson's Pierce bag, and the Chloé Nile bag, ring details are taking the handbag world by storm. Look for smaller bags with chic "bracelet" rings that allow them to be carried on the wrist. The style below ($29.99) also comes in blush pink.

3. Check Mate
Gingham prints are everywhere for spring/summer, and they are ideal for creating preppy, on-trend looks with minimal effort. Small-scale checked prints in black and white are classic and pair well with crisp summer whites, denim, or even florals. The style below by k/lab ($43.50) has gathered sleeves and a cropped length, making it a fun piece to wear with a high-waisted skirt or shorts.



Gingham figures prominently into the Who What Wear collection. The Bardot top below on the right ($27.99) sold out in under a week at my Target store.

4. New Needlework
Floral embroidery adds flair to blouses and tops this season. The Zara top below pairs of-the-moment lantern sleeves with black and white embroidery for an understated, romantic vibe. 



Denim is also embellished with patches and embroidery. The style below ($39.99) is by Who What Wear, and features a frayed hem, straight-leg fit, and a higher waist.

July 18, 2017 update - See more denim trends:

5. All Wrapped Up
The must-have skirt silhouette of the season? Wrapped, tied, ruffled, and gingham. This style below by Elle ($39.99) ticks off almost all the boxes.

6. Summer is for Slides
While tall gladiator sandals, footbed sandals, and pom pom sandals took center stage during previous seasons, summer 2017 is focused on the embellished slide sandal. Think bows, ruffles, pearls, and other fun flourishes. The Sam & Libby sandal below retails for $24.99 and comes in an array of colors. So cute with cropped pants and midi dresses!

7. Ready for Ruffles
Tops for summer 2017 are ruffled, flirty, and fun. I've seen an influx of peplums, flounces, and ruffles on both knit and woven tops. The style below by k/lab ($36) combines a one-shoulder look, bold color, and an asymmetrical ruffle for maximum impact.



September 14, 2017 update - See 9 key fall 2017 winter 2018 fashion trends in my retail report. 

Follow along on my Insta stories @thekeytochic, my Facebook page, or Pinterest trend boards, where you'll have access to trend information, fashion inspiration, shopping reports, and personal style. 

For more fashion ideas, see my spring summer 2017 Juniors' fashion forecast and my spring/summer 2017 denim trend report.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

See more examples of these top trends:

Victoria Beckham for Target Lookbook vs. Victoria, Victoria Beckham

With the launch of Victoria Beckham's collaboration with Target just a few weeks away, I thought it would be interesting to see how the Victoria Beckham for Target lookbook stacks up against previous Victoria, Victoria Beckham collections. Since its inception in 2011, the Victoria, Victoria Beckham line has become synonymous with chic yet whimsical designs such as drop-waist dresses, on-trend denim, conversation prints, bright party dresses, embellished bomber jackets, and work-ready blouses with a twist. While prices, materials, construction techniques, and tailoring may vary widely between the two collections, there are some strong similarities. Let's see just how similar VVB is to VBxTarget by taking a look at how posh style compares to lower price style. 

The embroidered sweatshirt from fall 2016 and the VBxTarget navy and white lace appliqué sweat top both feature floral designs on a dark background. While the VVB version has more color, both pieces speak to the athleisure movement with their casual silhouettes. 

The fall 2012 black collared dress is almost identical to the one in VBxTarget. Both have contrasting cuffs, boxy shapes, and whimsical designs on the collar. Alice in Wonderland vibes, anyone? 

Bomber jackets, like sweatshirts, are on-trend and easy to wear. The embellished one from VVB spring 2017 isn't so different from the bug-embellished style from the Target collection. Both appear to have a shiny finish and are paired with white loose blouses and black bottoms. Target's version is the most expensive piece in the collection at $70.

The matching blouse and pant set from resort 2017 looks somewhat like the VBxTarget calla lily look. Note the slouchy fit of the pants, long hemlines, and the large cuff on the blouses. (The whole look at Target is $70.) How's that for getting the look for less!

These two lace dresses are so similar that it might be hard to tell the difference unless you saw them in person. The pocket placement, nude lining, and soft mint color makes it an easy spring staple. Preview the Target style with info on price, fit and fabric.

The matching floral top and skirt set from VVB fall 2016 may have inspired the photo floral top and skirt from the Target line. Both have sleeve details, which are so important trend-wise right now. (The whole Target look is $58 and I can't wait to snag it for myself.)

The monochromatic tank top and flared trouser set from VVB spring 2016 is not unlike the fuchsia twill version from the Target line. Note how the top has a frayed edge and center seam. (The Target look is $40 for trousers and $26 for the top.)

Striped poplin is everywhere this spring/summer, and the resort 2017 look by VVB looks a little like the poplin gathered waist dress in the Target collection. Both have narrow vertical stripes set against a gathered waist silhouette. (Just add heels for an office-ready look, or espadrilles for a laid-back weekend look.)

The bold black graphic on the VVB spring 2016 look reminds me of the tulip appliqué shift dress in the VBxTarget line. Both looks feature A-line shapes, mod prints, and they draw the eye vertically due to print placement. Target's version will only set you back $40.

The VBxTarget line also features apparel for Plus sizes, Girl's, toddlers, and babies, so putting together adorable mommy-and-me looks for spring (and Mother's Day) will be a breeze. 

The countdown until you can #SpiceUpYourLife with the #VBxTarget launch on April 9 is on. Bookmark this page to be ready to shop. Get 14 pro tips on how to shop Victoria Beckham for Target and see more from the collection below.

Catch up with me on social media @thekeytochic for more shopping info, reviews, and launch updates. 

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Here's what I want, what I really really want...

DV by Dolce Vita Spring 2017 Shoe Review

New year, new shoes. Fortunately, Target just received their spring shipment of dv by Dolce Vita footwear. Do you live in a colder climate? I know it may be hard to think about buying or wearing sandals when your feet would rather be buried in a cozy pair of UGGs. Spring will be here before you know it! With visions of warmer days ahead, I tried on a few styles by dv that caught my eye. I'll be sharing my thoughts on comfort and fit in this review. 

September 18, 2017 update - See the latest:

See new fall styles by Dolce Vita:

June 27, 2017 update - Shop main line Dolce Vita:

May 4, 2017 update - See my new favorites:

The first pair I tried is the Marybeth laser cut cork wedge sandal ($32.99). It runs true to size and is surprisingly comfortable. They look similar to the Dolce Vita Lamont wedges ($180.) The 2.75" wedge heel is a nice, moderate height for wearing for long periods on your feet, while the laces allow for a custom fit. They also come in taupe. I'd style these with cropped trousers, midi dresses, and rompers for spring. Two thumbs up for this style!



The Roxie espadrilles run slightly small and unfortunately, I found them to be stiff. I'd probably develop blisters on the back of the heel from these, as espadrilles don't usually work well for me. They have a nice neutral color that makes them look sporty or preppy depending on how they're styled. There's a striped version as well. The verdict? I like them but they are not for me in terms of comfort. They are similar to the Dolce Vita 'Zain' sneakers.



The Angelique lace-up flats are similar to the Isabel Marant Leo flats, and I found them to run true to size. They were comfortable, with extra long laces so you can tie them up the leg if you wish. There's a zip in back, which is convenient. I love these paired with cropped black skinny jeans, ballerina skirts, or midi dresses. Like the wedges, these are another favorite from the spring dv collection.



Catch up with my shopping discoveries, trend reports, and fashion favorites on Instagram stories and Snapchat @thekeytochic.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop dv by Dolce Vita at Target:

Shop 2017 shoe trends:

DV by Dolce Vita at Target Spring 2016 Shoe Review

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links. 

You may recall the small collaboration that footwear brand Dolce Vita did with Target in the summer of 2010. They offered a well edited selection of studded oxfords, ballet flats, and ankle boots under $35. Full disclosure: I still regret not buying their buckled ankle boot. #ShoeAddict

Fast forward to February 2016 and Target has teamed up with Dolce Vita again, this time for a new collection of sandals and espadrilles under the DV by Dolce Vita line. While sandals dominate the selection, there's a notable cutaway ankle boot called the Nya that's similar to Dolce Vita's 'Noa' boot and 'Haddee' boot. The fringe peep-toe 'Josie' boot at Target looks a lot like Dolce Vita's 'Mazarine' boot. See the similarities? 

September 28, 2017 update - See new fall styles:

See the newest by Dolce Vita:

June 27, 2017 update - Shop main line Dolce Vita:

May 4, 2017 update - See my new favorites:

January 16, 2017 update - See my spring 2017 dv by Dolce Vita shoe review.

Here are some of my favorite spring 2016 styles. 



Here's a look at the bags that my Target store had to offer.





Thong sandals and espadrilles are displayed in a variety of colors, all under $30. 



Use #dvlook to share your style.



Now for the sizing. The Skye espadrilles come in two colors and run slightly small. (They remind me of the Dolce Vita 'Ceyla' espadrilles, which have studs, or the Dolce Vita 'Ciara' espadrilles, which are lacking the ankle strap and woven uppers.) If you have wide feet, I'd go half a size up for these. I found them to be slightly narrow in the toe box. They have nicely cushioned insoles and are a little stiff. 





The Ottie espadrilles come in three prints and have cushioned insoles. The black print below is similar to Dolce Vita's 'Javier' sandal. The Ottie style runs true to size and felt the most comfortable of all the styles I tried on. They're perfect for casual summer days when paired with denim, shorts, and day dresses.



I love the colors below when paired with dark denim. There's a matching wristlet for under $20. 



The Kaden thong sandals run big and have a nice back zip. They look much like the Dolce Vita 'Marnie' sandal. They were way too big in length and my foot slid around, so I'd go a full size down on these. I found them to be slightly less comfortable than the other sandals in the collection.



The Kaya thong sandals are true to size. They also come in black or tan. They're similar to Dolce Vita's 'Dixin' sandal, they felt comfortable, and have cute braiding detail on the straps.



The Kensley thong sandals run slightly big. I'd go a half size down on these. They come in three other colors. Note the metallic detail on the toe area, which gives them a dressy look. These felt similar to the Kaya pictured above in terms of comfort. 



The Nya booties are almost sold out, so had to try a 6.5 instead of my usual 7. They felt really comfortable, easy to walk in, and they fit well. 

Feb. 25, 2016 update: I tried on a size 7 (my regular size) and found them to run slightly big, so I'd go half size down on these. The same goes for the Josie fringe booties. 



Please excuse the track pants. Instead, I'd wear these booties with crochet dresses, printed rompers (like this summer-ready V-neck style under $50), and cropped denim (like this MiH pair) for spring. The Western styling and mule silhouette is particularly on-trend for 2016. In fact, you can see more of my favorite mule shoes for spring in this trend report.



There's also a selection of DV handbags under $45, including this fringe bucket bag and this chain strap crossbody bag that I have my eye on. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their shoes (especially ankle boots like these fringe 'Josie' boots which resemble the Dolce Vita 'Mazarine' open toe boot) and bags as we get closer to the spring/summer season. As far as Dolce Vita goes, I'm currently admiring this suede lace-up wedge and these lace-up stacked heel sandals. 

Love shoes? See my fall 2016 shoe trend report and keep up with my fashion and shopping adventures on Snapchat with user name thekeytochic.

Shop DV by Dolce Vita: