Love is in the air (and in your closet) this spring

Everyone loves a little romance ... even in their wardrobe! This spring, a key romantic piece or two will do wonders to lift your winter-weary spirits and restore your love affair with your closet. Just be sure to pick the right piece or you could be divorcing your new style before the honeymoon is over. We play matchmaker in this edition of The Trend Report by selecting the best picks for the new romantic mood of spring 2006. Read along ... it's all right here!

Conrad C at Nordstrom.com

Very Victorian
Taken literally, the new romantic mood is a mélange of ruffles, lace and bows. But if you're over the age of 4, there's one sure place to take this trend literally — in your new, wear-with-everything romantic white blouse styled along the lines of a Victorian bed jacket. It's fresh and pretty and works wonderfully with a pair of tailored trousers, jeans or just about any understated bottom you can pair with it. This is one piece you'll get tons of wear out of this spring and summer, so don't hesitate to make it a date.

Trend tip: Some of the new romantic blouses are incredibly sheer. Before you pass them up, consider investing in a slim, finely knit white tank to wear underneath. Problem solved!

The crochet way

Victoriassecret.com

Put down those crochet hooks — even if you do have the talent to whip up one of the season's must-have crochet pieces, you'll be able to find one quite affordably priced just about everywhere right now. The romantic, open weave of crochet stitches up nicely as your new spring cardigan, which you'll wear to warm chilly shoulders from now until Labor Day. You might also go for a crocheted wrap or shrug, a crocheted tank top or sweater, or even the fashion-forward crocheted skirt — an updated replacement for last year's peasant skirt.

Trend tip: Steer clear of densely stitched crochet — it's a little too fuddy-duddy for our taste.

Bananarepublic.com

Elegant eyelet
We adore eyelet for spring! It's a brand new way to update in a feminine way while still keeping a look understated and sophisticated. In white, it's a no-brainer, of course, so do consider eyelet-accented pieces in deep, rich colors like brick, umber or brown or in sexy, chic black. You'll find entire tops and skirts in allover eyelet, but we prefer the surprise of just a touch of eyelet trimming a hem or sleeves. Opt for a pretty blouse, a summery sundress or a wardrobe workhorse like a softly flared skirt.

Trend tip: You'll also find lots of leather accessories carved to look like eyelet — handbags, shoes and belts are a fashionable alternative to clothing.

A string of posies

Gerard Yosca at Intermixonline.com

Even jewelry is feeling full of amour this spring! You'll find romantic flowers strung on necklaces, dangling from earrings, attached to shoes and handbags and belts ... and more. A little bouquet of posies is a lovely way to add a touch of the trend to your workaday outfit. Think of them as your new charms, and collect a few to wear throughout the season — the more personal and eclectic, the better. The trendiest looks are handcrafted, unique pieces that you won't see coming and going.

Trend tip: Remember, a little of the romantic trend goes a long way, so pick your spots.

Marc By Marc Jacobs at Neimanmarcus.com

Dress success
Put all the romantic trends together — flowers, ruffles, lace — and you have the makings of one excellent dress! This is the year of the dress, and if you love them you'll find enough romantic little numbers for every day of the spring and summer seasons. We love pretty floral prints, a touch of embroidery here or there, a little bit of lace or eyelet and a gorgeous, figure-flattering silhouette. Empire, wrap, babydoll, halter, sheath, fit and flare — you name it, it's out there. So get dressed!

Trend tip: Try on a number of dress shapes, even if you swear you'd never wear such a thing. You may be surprised at the results.

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

MORE FROM FASHION & BEAUTY

Fashion & beauty Section Front

Once again, first lady’s fashion sense dazzles Makeover! New look gets her a proposal   Slideshow: Victoria’s Secret feisty fashion   Wear the hottest trends for less Style 911: Update your weary winter wardrobe Kate Moss’ use of pro-anorexia slogan draws ire Winter wear: Faux fur, knits and fake leather   Transform last year’s coat   Wrap up in a stylish winter coat Ungaro: Lohan’s fashion debut was ‘a disaster’ Fashion & beauty Section Front   Add Fashion & beauty headlines to your news reader: