Spring is an ever so pretty time of year. The wind feels softer, birds sing longer, and hollies give way to delicate buds and brilliant blossoms. It is always an awakening and maybe the most beautiful time of year. Letting nature set the theme, it is time to fill your fashion canvas with a fresh new look and all the excitement of a fabulous season.

Even in spring, fashion best moves forward when drawing a little on nostalgia. I found my historical adoration through two amazingly vibrate new period pieces. The series Victoria floods the senses with extraordinary beauty in elaborate dresses, dazzling accouterments, and seemingly impossible silhouettes. In an enchanting piece, The Collection is a striking story at the creative root of modern fashion design. It graces tantalizingly beautiful art while subtly mocking and embracing western fashion from all the generations before. Both define that figure in the mind's eye of what is and what it is like to be beautiful. With a little of the past and a little of where you would like to be, in fashion, everyone has a secret path to beauty.

So what is our secret for spring? Fashionably speaking, now is the time to adorn yourself in styles that reflect who you are. Open up to being beautiful. Soft pastels with delicate detailing in fabrics that move with a spring breeze by day. Then flow into an evening in fabrics that sparkle in the night. Spring knits are always a favorite along with soft suiting for the office. Slip on a Chanel inspired jacket just to add an elegant touch of sophistication. For a bolder entrance, ramp up those pastels toward hues that speak to you. Then find that glancing rebound when you move. Nothing brightens those around you like color in motion.

Now that your canvas has a few basic strokes let us add a little playfulness to the subject. Since nude colors have become the new black, your palette is unlimited. Find your silhouette and add focus and shadows with your colors. So that you know, you are always pretty in pink and blush compliments any skin tone. A little ruffle here and a lot of ruffles there compliments everything spring. Instead of classic white shirts, off the shoulder tops in fresh new shapes striped in blue and white give a fresh look. Or add prints that are dramatic or globally inspired. Today's jeans are painted, fringed, frilled or patched and will give a unique look to your spring style.

Now that we're into the swing of spring, your accessories, makeup, and hair take center stage. Top off your look with bold round framed sunglasses, embellished slip-on shoes, your favorite tote, sporty backpack or cinch bag. For finishing, touches try drop earrings that can be worn asymmetrically. Chokers, bangles in an array of shapes colors and sizes are a great addition. Continue to follow the theme of letting what you find beautiful within you wear itself in your fashion. Whatever you and your hair stylist, nail and makeup artist choose, wear it with confidence.

Don't forget your lightweight top coat for those rainy or chilly days. The classic trench, moto or denim jacket in any style is still a must.

Middleburg's spring fashion event of the year is being held on Sunday, May 21st. Here you will see some of this season's leading trends come to life. The Windy Hill Foundation will host its 15th Annual Fashion in the Country Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Oak Spring Farm.

Local celebrities strut the catwalk supporting fashion with a cause. It is my personal motto that it is always in fashion to give our time, talent and treasure to the community in which we live. All eyes are on you.