Sunday 31 July 2011

Colour me up


Hello lovely followers,

As you may have noticed there seems to have been a rainbow explosion in the high street with many stores jumping on board the current colour blocking trend.

Spring is traditionally always a time of light and fun; people start to make more social plans, outfits get a little shorter and one dreams of drenching themselves in sunshine.

There are a few designers this season who have recognised the link between these spring/summer emotions and impact of colour blocking on the spirit. Such designers include and are not limited to (everyone seems to have included at least one signature colourful piece in their collection)- Gucci, Christopher Kane (example right), Jil Sander, Versace and Dior.

As you would have noticed my main focus in each blog entry has been on the one brand that I believe introduced and dominated a trend however this week I think there is an even split of influence between Gucci and Jil Sander.

Gucci's S/S11 collection was in essence pure and simple glamour. Frida Gianni credited 1970's photographs from artists such as Guy Bourdin and Chris Von Wangenheim as well as the city of Marraskesh as inspiration for her clothing.

Both Gucci and Jil Sander did a fantastic job replicating the well established YSL colour pallette. Sander designer, Raf Simmons, summed up his bright collection with the eloquent words 'a mille- feuille of colour'.

What I love about this trend is that I think there is a colour for everyone that forces them to step out of their normal dressing comfort zones and be a little adventurous- just as the summer time should be!

I have no doubt that you will be able to visit a multitude of shops in order to feed this fashion need however I have done a little of the leg work for you.

If you feel like replicating the Gucci look then these are absolute gems:



Or if Jil Sander's interpretation is more your thing then this would be perfect:


However if you would prefer to mix and match than these two would like divine together
- Silk skirt- $89.95- http://www.bardot.com.au/Tie-Up-Shirt.aspx?p378012&cr=093008


Or maybe just include a pop of colour south of the navel with these two beauties:

- Mini skirt with pleat detail- $49.95- http://www.bardot.com.au/Diagonal-Skirt.aspx?p8794&cr=093200


Lastly maybe your tastes are best suited to embracing one colour and really owning it:



Whatever way you chose to wear it I can guarantee this trend will boost your spirits.

Until next time- happy shopping

x

nb/ all images courtesy of Style.com
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Monday 25 July 2011

The return of the stripe

Hello my lovely followers, so nice to see you again!

Now that we have injected a little brightness into your wardrobe what better time than now to introduce stripes.

I am a MASSIVE fan of stripes, I am not one for wearing too many patterns so in essence stripes are my way of branching out of my comfort territory and being a little crazy. In my own mind they are very classic, one cannot think about stripes and not think about the amazing Coco Chanel and the lasting influence that brand has had on all of its successors.
However stripes have been used in a very intriguing way this season and it’s primary influence on the high street is down to one woman- Muicca Prada. Prada’s S/S11 collection was to sum it up in two words- jaw dropping. It was cheeky, confronting and just plain quirky but it worked on so many levels. Whilst there are many, many trends that have fallen out of this collection stripes are the most memorable.

Referencing the pattern from prisoner uniforms, Prada mixed in with the black stripes amazing bright colours such as orange, pink and blue. The feature of colour gave the clothes that perfect level of fun without being borderline cuckoo- just plain interesting.

Other designers to flirt with the brights mixed with stripes trend include Jil Sander, Sonia Rykiel and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

One must be careful when attempting stripes, as I am sure every girl is aware, wear stripes the wrong way and you will end up looking about 10 pounds heavier than you actually are.

I would recommend pairing your stripes with very basic separates, a beautiful pink and purple striped skirt (currently sold at Sportsgirl, $59.95, sorry I am not able to post a link) would look amazing with a simple black T or jumper- just let the stripes do all the talking.

Alternatively there is a sub trend of clashing prints (such as the Jil Sander example to the left) so if you are going to go down this route I would recommend going for the most extreme combinations in order to have maximum effect.

For those of you who don't have the budget for Prada there are two labels who are replicating this trend on a budget- Dotti and Karen Millen.

Dotti is just oozing with some fantastic treasures, these include (and are not limited to!):

Open back orange/pink top- $49.95-http://www.dotti.com.au/shopthelook/modernelectric/281002- I've been eyeing this top for ages, i love the detail of the back, its so unexpected and sexy


Crisscross back skater dress- $69.95- http://www.dotti.com.au/shopthelook/modernelectric/28100-4 this is a classic shape that again has a great back

Electric blue jumper- $59.95- http://www.dotti.com.au/newarrivals/clothing/266505 an excellent way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe right now at a reasonable price, it genuinely looks like it came straight off the Prada catwalk


Karen Millen excelled in providing some fantastic dresses and skirts, a small collection of this can be bought on Asos, some of it at a discount:
Some other little gems out there include:
Peplum T-$209- http://www.shopbop.com/ella-striped-peplum-tee-belt/vp/v=1/845524441898804.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize- peplums are huge in hollywood right now, the shape gives the hips a nice complementary curve, if I had the budget I would buy this top in a second

3/4 sleeve boat neck Dress- $99.95- http://www.portmans.com.au/asp/product_detail.asp?category=Dresses&line=772896&name=Bold Another classic dress that will last beyond this one season

Bold Stripe Silk look scarf- $10.30- http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Bold-Stripe-Silk-Look-Scarf/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1577392&SearchQuery=stripes&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1550,1427&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Multi for those of you not brave enough to try an outfit this scarf is super cute and very adaptable at a steal of a price

Happy Shopping and ill see you next time!

X






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Wednesday 20 July 2011

A white sensation

Welcome back, so glad you have tuned in for my first analysis of a trend which I have been enchanted with from the moment I saw it.

I love a little black dress (actually what woman doesn’t!) it’s timeless and classic, able to be dressed up or dressed down and always a little suggestive. However this S/S11 the colour focus has moved from black to white.

In the same way that a black dress holds an air of mystery a white outfit in contrast is innocent, pure and girly.

Dolce and Gabbana did a fantastic job of highlighting this contrast of emotions in their S/S11 show- featuring outfits in black and white (and a glimpse of their trademark leopard print!) When interviewed about the collection the designers stated their inspiration was the hope chest- the new or handed down items a bride may receive prior to her wedding.

The collection was heavily compiled of beautiful lace pieces occasionally mixed with silk and chiffon, all in all showcasing the designers dedication to producing clothing that highlights a women’s sensuality. Proving that white can be more than a childhood playground colour.



Calvin Klein adapted this contrasting colour trend in their own unique way by creating a collection of minimalistic clothes that were streamlined to the point of boxy. Essentially they achieved the interesting combination of masculine yet sexy.

Other designers to hop on board the white trend included Alexander Wang (who showcased the colour in a series of sporty outfits), Chloe, Victoria Beckham (classic should be her middle name) and Stella McCartney.

I believe the reason for the shift in colour focus in S/S11 is a deliberate move by designers to inject some flirtation into our summer, globally we have moved through such a depressing period that it’s time to revitalise our minds and indulge in some fun.

The beauty of this trend is that it is able to suit everyone and can be adapted in many forms from an entire outfit to the simple addition of a white scarf. My personal favourite is the little white dress, but a white pant suit can look equally stunning or just a lovely silk shirt with jeans. This is the kind of trend you can weave into your wardrobe in your own individual way!

As I promised last time I have a few recommendations of sites and pieces which I feel sum up this trend nicely, they are as follows:

Topshop- Asymmetrical d£48:http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2536461&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=white&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[203984|root]^category~[208523|203984] I love the way it cascades at the bottom, a nice touch to a simplistic dress

ASOS- High neck lace dress- $79: http://www.asos.com/Rare/Rare-Lace-High-Neck-Cut-Away-Mini-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1617309&SearchQuery=white&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1632,1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=White this outfit definitely demonstrates how white can be sexy

Topshop- Sleeveless top- £32: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2558607&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=white&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[203984|root]^category~[208524|203984] much like the dress I love the way this top drapes and elongates the torso, the chiffon overlay makes it a little bit sexy

Topshop- Lace sleeveless top- £28: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2458525&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=white&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[203984|root]^category~[208524|203984] if chiffon is not your thing than this lace beauty ensures that you are bang on the D&G trend

Topshop-Tapered trouser- £42:http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2473473&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=white&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[203984|root]^category~[208528|203984] I am in love with the shape of this pant, it just screams Bianca Jagger at Studio 54, definitely an investment piece

ASOS- Blazer- $102: http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Blazer-With-Invisible-Fastening/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1632576&SearchQuery=white&Rf-700=1000&Rf900=1632&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=White much like the pant this blazer has a 70's vibe and is tapping into the masculine image used at Calvin Klein's show

Happy shopping!

X

nb/ All images are courtesy of www.style.com

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Saturday 16 July 2011

Welcome to styling the trend, a blog dedicated to delivering upcoming fashion trends to those Australian fashionista’s who like to be ahead of the curve.

I promise to deliver weekly trends based on the pieces delivered by RTW designers but I will also incorporate the more affordable high street alternatives in order to demonstrate the impact of a trend on the entire fashion market.

I will primarily be referencing the most well known and loved iconic fashion brands, those who I believe define the art as well as those who I feel offer quality and value for the mass consumer.

But to start with maybe I should explain a little about my own fashion history. I have spent the last 3 years of my life living in the UK; working, travelling and experiencing everything that this great world has to offer. However home is where the heart is and I have now returned to Australia a little older, wiser and with a strong love for fashion.

To be frank I didn’t love fashion prior to travelling, I, like most women took pride in my clothes but they were never of real importance to my day to day life. This all changed when I opened my eyes in London to how people used clothes as a way of expressing their personalities. I felt inspired, intrigued and I came to the conclusion that fashion was a very powerful art form that would with stand the test of time.

There is something really beautiful about the way certain fashion artists incorporate cultural and art references into their work. How they are able to look at a building or a colour scheme and build this into a drape or a texture- I could only wish to hold such talent.

I decided recently to have a party which would themed around the music, food and fashion of the 90’s era. Had my fashion senses been alerted at this time of my life I would have been in love with the minimalistic trends that were strutting down the catwalk, but instead like most teenagers I was following every cringe worthy trend that I could get my hands on (or rather could convince my parents that I needed). We laugh now at our overalls, ditzy floral dresses and high waisted jeans (for more hilarity please check out this TIME article dedicated to the top trends of the 90’s: http://www.life.com/gallery/34862/image/75572681#index/0) but in reality these trends have made a comeback in some form or another in the past few years. I think this demonstrates how powerful a trend can be and how even though we recycle certain trends, we can always find a way to make them different, exciting and relevant once more.

In order to conclude my first post I thought it would be appropriate to leave you with a few images from the recent collections of my all-time favourite designers which I have spilt into two categories: what I would personally wear and what I think is just pure genius.

I would like to think that my style is classic and simple. I like to invest in key pieces that are girly but can sometimes be tough (perhaps this is a reflection of my personality). I think that Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Christian Dior sum these descriptions up perfectly.


Michael Kors- Fall 2010


Calvin Klein- S/S 2011






On the flip side there are designers out there such as Riccardo Tisci and the late Alexander McQueen who know how to create perfect art, not necessarily wearable, but beautiful and thoughtful.


Givenchy- Couture 2011

McQueen- Fall 2009









I hope you have enjoyed my first post, I look forward to bringing you my first S/S11 trend next week- dressing white head to toe.

X


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