Upsy Daisy : The Floral Fad Spreads Fast but May Not Last

Flower power is blossoming this spring and daisies rate first among the new power flowers.

“The trend is happening at all levels, from the children’s department to those for the ladies who lunch,” said June Rau, fashion coordinator for Nordstrom.

But the greatest assortment of blooms are found in the junior fashion field. At Contempo Casuals shops, daisy-decorated blouses, dresses and jackets are in hot demand, for the moment at least, explains Tracey Perley, associate buyer for the L.A.-based chain.

A strapless pique dress (pictured top, $269, at Phillipe Derey, Beverly Center) captures the trend. But to get into the look without blowing a budget, some shoppers opt for earrings (pictured middle, $24, at Accessory Collection and bottom, $14, at Contempo Casuals). Pricier accessories include bustiers (pictured above, $100, with a matching boater, $120, by Whitall and Shon at Neiman Marcus and leggings, $18, at Contempo Casuals) and hats.

Don’t expect daisy days to last forever. Rau refers to the trend as “fast fashion,” with a short season. Perley concurs: “Daisies are an important trend now, but we won’t go forward with them.”