Banana Republic has lacked flair for some time, but there is hope for a comeback this season. I recently found out from sources at the chain that a new design team is heading up the ladies wear merchandise department. Spring 2008 is the new design team’s debut collection and I like what I’m seeing in stores. The products look a little more interesting, fashion forward and fun. I would like to see Banana Republic succeed because I enjoy their quality, size range and great sales. Be sure to give this retailer another chance if they vanished from your radar like they did from mine. I’ve got my eye on them this season.

Don’t be alarmed by these brights if they’re not your thing. There are still plenty of neutrals to choose from at Banana Republic.

Not quite yellow and not quite lime, but somewhere in-between, it’s what J Crew calls “citron” (which also happens to be French for “lemon”). I like the colour best when it’s worn with ink blue, white or a rich tomato red. It is also lovely when matched with emerald green, light turquoise, cobalt blue and animal prints. Adding a neutral shade to your outfit (ink blue, slate grey, white, cream or blue denim) is the key to keeping this colour crisp and wearable.

I adore this mouth watering new neon and over the last week have added it to my wardrobe in the form of a camisole, a piece of knitwear, a pendant and a fine knit scarf. The sun is out in Seattle and the sour hue has lifted my Wintery ensembles to a cheerful Spring high.

If you feel that it’s too bright for clothing, add citron to your look through footwear or an accessory.

Footwear designers Antonio Berardi and Marc Jacobs are selling these soaring “heel-less heels” in their prêt-a porter collections. These styles weren’t just created for catwalk appeal; they’re actually selling them at a retail level. Apparently fashionistas are champing at the bit to buy them. I’m not one of those fashionistas and I can think of a million other ways to spend $3700. I can’t imagine what it’s like walking in these ridiculous shoes. Much like tiptoeing on stilts perhaps. They’re bad for your feet, back and posture and they don’t even look nice. Am I alone?

Heel-less heels from Marc Jacobs.

You may have noticed the “Bloggers Choice Awards” icon on the right hand side of our blog. We have submitted YLF for consideration. Unfortunately there isn’t a fashion or style category, so we are in the category “Best Blog About Stuff”. We’d appreciate your support if you feel that YLF is worthy of consideration. You have until the end of the year to form an opinion and cast your vote. For those of you that do vote for YLF, we thank you in advance!