The sixties never really left us, but this season our favorite London-born, youthful, modernist trend of the decade is back in a big way. Clean lines, color blocking, mini skirts and retro hues have made their way into just about every September issue out there, as Prada, Burberry Prorsum, Jil Sander and other leading designers made the Fall 2011 runways pop with some swingin’ style. Ladies: Welcome to a mod, mod world.

But how to rock the trend without looking like you stepped out of Austin Powers, and without too much effort? Keep your outfit simple, and follow these 3 steps to easy, breezy, instant mod-town – all with pieces costing less than a Spa Week treatment.

STEP ONE:

Find an above-the-knee, brightly-colored or color-blocked skirt. Vivid contrasting stripes and polka dots are definitely game. This skirt should not be able to blow up in the wind – the material should be thick and sturdy.

Pictured: Turquoise 60s pocket mini skirt - $27; Black and white striped double layer mini skirt -$24.50; Pink Ponte mini skirt - $31.75

STEP TWO:

Find a contrasting pair of opaque tights. They can have some texture, or they can be plain, as long as they are alarmingly bright and cheerful. For a less-dramatic approach, go monochrome with a color a few shades lighter than your skirt.

Pictured: Front of the line tights in sorbet on ModCloth – $15.99; Cotton-skit leggings Sonia by Sonia Rykiel on The Outnet- $48; Solid Opaque Kate Spade tights in Curaco on Zappos Couture – $27.

STEP THREE:

Throw on a mod pair of shades… and keep the rest of your outfit simple! (Try: A light colored silky blouse, a single beaded necklace, a caped jacket, a chic pair of colored leather gloves.)

Pictured: Twig Coral sunglasses by Hayden Hartnett – $24; White Novelties (these are costume-y, but if you are going for the exaggerated mod look they’ll work when it’s not Halloween too!) – $8.58; Round tortoise shades – $10.

Check out this pretty comprehensive 5-minute mod fashion crash course. Hey mama welcome to the sixties!

It could not possibly be hotter today in NYC… 97 degrees, and the aim of the game is to wear as little clothing as possible without being naked. Unless you’re at the spa. And now that your legs are shaved to endure time with a glowing smoke & mirrors tan, it’s time to pretend you’re Cameron Diaz. (Not like that.) I’m talking legs – if you’re lacking Cam’s gams, there are ways around it while still embracing the summer trend that just keeps getting shorter and shorter and shorter.

There are 3 particular styles that work on real people, and are all trending in a big way for Summer 2011. Let’s strut through them, all for less than a Spa Week treatment, of course:

Retro and slanted

Shorts that appear triangular may seem infinitely minuscule (and they kind of are), but the shape is actually more forgiving than many shorts with straight hems because there’s more room for your leg to move. They also give the illusion of legs for days, even if they’re only maybe a couple hours. Try these two pairs, both channeling 50s glamour crossed with 90s flare: the barely visible vintage floral effect shorts, and the vintage-style Levi’s.

Scalloped/Lace hem

One of the sweetest new styles of this summer, scalloped or lacy hemmed shorts, work because they tend to fit a little baggier. Look for pleats and that slight puffing for a cute fit. Look for pairs that puff out a bit like you see above, the navy floral printed and the peach gingham pairs, both from TopShop.

Silky Printed

This is the most important (and fun!) short shorts trend of Summer ’11. Choose Tribal (on the model), artsy floral or animal print, you can’t go wrong with a pair of these and a solid top for an easy, comfortable, eye-catching ensemble. These are all 100% rayon – the silky ones are generally expensive and too high maintenance with dry cleaning expenses, so save your cash and look for rayon. And repeat after me: Elastic. Waistband.

Flattering shorts trick: Wear a pair of spandex shorts underneath your short shorts. Peeking out a little bit, these serve many a purpose. Most importantly, they keep your tummy and glutes looking and feeling tight, and eliminate inner thigh chafing. Choose a complementary color or pattern for an instantly more dynamic outfit. Lacy hems work really well for this, as do patterns. I own these – they look great with denim, black shorts, tribal shorts, even skirts and more. Oh – and let me not neglect to mention the ultimate flattering tip: your shorts will look a hundred times better with heels. Always, period, the end.

Assuming you’ll be sporting quintessential bouncy Farrah Faucet-esque curls and a matching mega watt smile, the 70′s flared leg jean is making a huge comeback for the Spring/Summer season and trust, you need these in your closet. Along with this classic American style staple we love how Heather Locklear, Elle Macpherson and January Jones paired them with basic white tops making for a look that is modern, easy and cool. We got the look with pieces under $50.

Jessica Simpson Low Rise Flare Jeans

Expressed Rouched Drape-Neck Top

Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $14.00

Gabriella Wedge, $39.90

Image via peoplestylewatch

We envy the folks who got to frolic in the sun at the Coachella Festival last weekend. Sadly, since the beginning of April we New Yorkers have been living the theme, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” Okay, maybe we got in a few bright days over 60, but for the most part our fashion outlook has been predicting heavy overcast. Rather than wait until the sun comes out to play, you can still be stylish as ever wearing one of the chicest trends of the season: A Signature Trench.

A few weeks ago, Miss Bridget Jones was spotted in a fabulous candy apple red Tommy Hilfiger trench. In between the cat-eye sunnies and tan peep-toe pumps, she strutted like a human billboard for a perfect spring wardrobe. We took a few hints from Renee to create a signature trench look for spring.

• Color - Stay in line with the current color trends . It’s okay to want to be unique and do your own thing, but a dark grey or black trench brings us horrifying flashbacks of winter. Keep it light in pastels shades like mint greens and soft pinks, or punchy in bright red or cobalt blue.
• Shape - A spring trench doesn’t work if it doesn’t give you a sexy shape. Tie the belt snuggly on the side and let straps hang loose.
• The Details – Pay special attention to the buttons and the hardware on the trench. It should be brighter or the same colors as the fabric and lighter than what we would wear during the fall.
• The Cut – It is spring of course, so you can shed a few layers. Cropped sleeves and interesting lapels are fun additions to your look.

Here are some of the spring trenches we’re eyeing and of course they are all under $50.

Sonoma Life + Style Twill Trench Coat, $26.00

Jou Jou Long Sleeve Light Belted Trench, $47.99

Forever 21 Short Double Breasted Trench, 32.80

Plaid Natasha Trench, $39.99

Image of Renee Zellwegger courtesy of upscalehype.com

Just when we thought they’ve reached the pinnacle of over exposure the Kardashian clan have side swiped us once again with another family-filled cover shoot. In mid-thigh body con dresses, nude pumps, and bold lips, this cover reminds us that barbeque’s and beach parties are just around the corner. In all of their cheesy wind blown hair glory, we have to give credit where it is due. The gang looks good in the biggest trend of the season: White Hot. In true Spa Week Daily fashion, we did the work to help you find pieces to build your summertime white hot look for under $50.

More Asos…

We just ask you to be prepared with smooth legs and a glow to match. Get your glow on at Planet Beach locations during Spa Week April 11th-17th.

Images via mediaoutrage.com