The Southern Eclectic: My picks for spring

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I adore all things bright. Eye-popping, beautiful and bold colors are always in style, even if fashion magazines might occasionally say otherwise. This spring, brights are out in full force though - yipee! - so here are some of my favorite picks for the upcoming season. P.S. - Most of these are dream pieces, as in, they are very expensive. Choose looks you like, and replicate them with pieces from stores like Gap and American Apparel, for example.

Matthew Williamson is The King of Brights. He can combine electric blue metallic leather with hot pink piping like nobody's business. True to form, his Spring/Summer 2010 collection was full of amazingly colorful creations with incredible detailing. The necklace might just be too cool for words {but it could take an eye out...maybe something to consider}.

Blumarine also had a beautifully bright S/S '10 collection. How gorgeous is that yellow ensemble? I wouldn't wear the pink and orange look all together; as separates each piece would be lovely though.

As much as I love the fun designers like Matthew Williamson, Blumarine, Prada, Etro, Proenza Schouler, etc., Oscar de la Renta will always be my pick for #1. In literally every single one of his collections, there are outfits for 20 year olds and 70 year olds. Always. That is the mark of an incredible designer: one that appeals to all ages and all styles, which I truly believe Oscar does. If I owned the bottom hot pink gown I would probably sleep in it.

Here is an adorable dress by Tibi that I am kind of obsessed with:

I included the following two looks from Proenza Schouler's S/S '10 collection for only the most daring. In my opinion these looks are incredible! Certainly not for the shrinking violet though.

People always forget about American Apparel. They have some of the best stuff at prices that cannot be beaten. WARNING: Their website is extremely risque {for some odd reason which I have yet to grasp} so don't let children look at it. The t-shirts below are a great way to inexpensively incorporate a pop of color into your wardrobe without burning holes in your wallet. They are only $5!!! The seersucker skirt is also fab - I came across it in Miami over New Years and bought it in green. I will probably live in it this spring.

If you tend to be a bit shy towards color in your wardrobe, go with a simple white shift dress. The one below is See by Chloe. Everyone - literally - looks great in one of these. Add in bright accessories and you're right in step with the perfect spring look.

You will be hard pressed to convince me that anyone designs better bags than Prada. One of their new spring purses is to die for. If you are into buying investment pieces, I would highly recommend going for a statement piece like this. A great bag can make the blandest of outfits look good. The Prada pattern reminds me of something straight out of the 60s but the soft colors will always keep it fresh and modern. The evening clutch is Oscar de la Renta. Could it be any more stunning? Ummm no.

J.Crew introduced a sweet little clutch that won't break the bank and is very versatile as it can easily be taken from day to night. Go for the bright orange!

Shoes. How I love thee. With so many colors on top, you can't go wrong with a beautiful neutral shoe. And let's face it, there are too many high heels for me to narrow it down to a select few on here so I went with a classic neutral flat by Michael Kors.

Raybans will always be my sunglasses brand of choice. I have been hooked ever since my dad bought me a pair of their mirrored aviators when I was little. More expensive than places like Urban Outfitters {who can beat their <$20 prices}, but less expensive than designers like Chanel and Dior, they have something for everybody. Below are two fun options for spring. Their website showcases all of their designs, including more neutral frames.