Grabbing Lunch With Neiman/Bergdorf Fashion Director Roopal Patel…

With terms like “insider information” and “white out” being shared among the gathered crowd, one may think they had stumbled into a top secret meeting rather than an exclusive Spring fashion trend presentation and luncheon hosted at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie.

Roopal Patel, Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, showcased the newest and brightest spring trends from the likes of Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors. While “insider information” was actually a nod to the styles that would outlast Summer and transition us into Fall, and “white out” referred to the warm months most anticipated trend of anything white, guests in the know easily followed the fashion banter, as models circled the floor in a rainbow of styles.

Right beyond the everyday thoughts, a woman saves a small spot in the corner of her mind where she dreams up the most perfect outfits, and as if Roopal could read those thoughts, out from behind the curtains came an explosion of color and luxury one can only hope to wear in the coming months.

Choral and color blocking -- whether in blouses, necklaces or purses -- dominated the presentation. A crocodile weave purse and Chanel jeweled shoes offset twists on traditional plaid and sailor stripes. A chic, soft leather jacket complimented a navy maxi dress just as a delicate feather-lined sheer shirt paired perfectly with classic black pants. An Elizabeth and James flowy floral frock entered to the oohs and ahhs of the crowd, proving once again that bohemian is here to stay.

The jewelry call-outs to keep an eye on this upcoming season were gold pendants in all shapes -- sunbursts, tassels and gems to name a few. An insider tip from Roopal herself: invest in a cuff bracelet. They are here to stay and will be a mark in the fashion field in the upcoming months.

David Yurman fans (is there a bigger fan than me?) can look forward to what was described as an “extremely innovative” upcoming line and Ippolita offered up a confetti of colors in rings and earrings as the perfect accent pieces to any spring outfit. And, just as an added bonus this season, jewelry is no longer just for the upper body. Chanel and Kate Spade offered flats and espadrilles, respectively, adorned in sparkles, providing your feet with part of the summer fun!

Honored at the luncheon was The Real Housewives of DC star Stacie Scott Turner. Her charity, Extra-Ordinary Life provides support services to teen girls in the Washington, D.C. foster care system. Just back from a mission trip to South Africa with a number of teen girls in the program, guests were encouraged to learn more about the “XOL” experience. With over 2,000 youth in DC alone in the foster care system, we could all use a gentle reminder that those less fortunate need our support.

Fashion is, and certainly always has been, an expression of oneself. Based on the faces in the crowd yesterday, I would argue this season’s most fashionable expression will be the smile. They were hard to wipe off as the swirling color palette of perfection not only complimented a luxury lunch, but the hearts of those with Spring on the mind.