Fashion Forward: Out Of Africa

WSVN -- When we think Africa, we used to think the wilderness and exotic animals and jaw dropping geography.

But now, when we think of Africa, we think wild patterns, animal inspired prints, and jaw dropping fashion.

At fashion edge they say natural colors are a must. Lots of beading, boned accents, even seashells are popping up all over.

Steve Gabsi from Fashion Edge: "Today they still use the crystals, but they use it less than they used to, but the mix it with flowers and natural fibers like bamboo, rock, you know coral, rock."

Jagged hemlines and unfinished stitching help give these look a laid back feel.

Steve: "It's kind of raggedy if you will, it's vintagy, it looks like it's been worn. That is what a lot of peolple are getting into right now."

But that doesn't mean you can't take the look from day to night. A sexy two piece set jazzed up with a wrap-around belt will do the trick.

Steve: "I think a lot of people are really tired of the really finesse finish on items. I think they just want it to look more natural today."

Bloomingdales is also jumping into the tribal fashion pow wow. With safari jackets and chunky layered accents - it's the perfect look to make a statement.

Allison Bass from Bloomingdales: "The look is tribal chic, it's ethnic inspired, it reminds you of nature and folklore."

You'll be the trendiest girl scout in the troop in these chic cuts. But if you miss the comfy skirts of the boho chic look, don't' worry - they are still around, but with a tribal twist.

Allison: "The white flowy skirt which is still in style, we had a white loose tunic and we added the turquoise jewelry as an accent."

Turquoise, coral and anything brown is a definite do when it comes to tribal accessories -- as long as it's chunky, it's a must.

Allison: "You can wear layered necklaces or you can wear lots of bangles down your arm, the more the better."

And jewelry isn't the only accessory that's going on safari. Everything from shoes to handbags to belts are feeling the tribal trend.

Allison: "You can accentuate your look with gold tone accents or the perfect handbag or shoes that have the beading or the shell design as well. it's a very rustic look."

Tribal is becoming such a big trend, it's even showing up in housewares.

Fashion Edge
20335 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 31
Aventura, FL 33180
305-931.1353

Bloomingdales
www.bloomingdales.com