from blooming florals and tropical birds to playful pixels and tribal trends, the High Street will be awash with them this Spring.
More designers are experimenting with computer generated graphics in their textile prints. Bold and colourful, romantic florals, scarf prints, tropical, abstract, ethnic, paisleys and skins the conjoining element being the 3D effect of the images, making them intrinsically realistic.
Bright, refreshed, and energetic, "mashing" up different prints gives an abundance of print combinations - a tricky one to pull off successfully without it appearing like you've just got dressed in the dark.
Not for the faint hearted, clashing patterns can work so if you're bold enough to give it a go the following tips will help achieve it successfully.
- Pull the look together, by wearing a structured, simple cut boyfriend style blazer in a key plain colour featuring in the prints.
- Don't over-cook it with fussy eye catching jewellery and accessories, the patterns are enough focus. Just team with a simple pair of elegant sandals.
- Clashing patterns worn together will shorten, so if you're under 5ft 9ins, wear heels.
- For maximum effect the size of the patterns should mirror your frame.
Not keen on the "mashed up" look?
You don't need to wear head to toe patterns to enjoy these gorgeous digital prints. There's lots of digital floral print dresses tunic/tops on the high street, just wear shoes or garments on your lower half in the main or background colour of the pattern.
There's an abundance of digital printed shoes and handbags, so you can easily use this trend to update your existing wardrobe. The LBD or last years must have, neutral coloured dress will look great with a carefully chosen floral printed handbag, scarf or a pair of retro styled shoes.
Don't forget your floral printed wellies they'll take any creative fashionista to the park in style!!
whatever you choose to call this most pretty feminine colour of all, shades of Pink are key colours for Spring 2012.
Pink is the sweet side of red, both are the universal colours of love but whilst red stirs up passion and action, pink is romantic and charming - just a thought as we're nearing Valentines Day!
Wear Hot Pink, Fuchsia and brighter shades if you're feeling playful, soft pastel pink if you want to convey tenderness. It's less attention seeking than red and it's gentle and delicate tones has the effect of soothing energy levels.
How to wear pink this season?
To avoid going too girly choose pieces which have a refined silhouette rather than too fluffy - a simple shift dress, a pencil skirt or a pair or straight cut jeans always shouts "style!"
Rather than all-over pink give it a grown up twist by pairing it with lighter or darker shades of grey or navy. If you'd prefer just a subtle hint of pink in your look then add a dash of pink to your feet or an understated handbag in a pale pink shade.
For the more romantics, choose pink edgy floral patterns or lady-like lace but always accessorise with simple elegant pieces, to balance out the look - you should never wear pink the way you would've done when you were aged six.
Who suits pink?
Unlike my previous colour trend predictions, there really is a shade of pink for everyone's natural colouring. Salmon pink shades are better on people with warmer skin tones whilst the cooler baby pink through to dusky and fuchsia pinks usually look better on people with cooler natural features i.e blue eyes and a pink skin undertone.
Whatever shade of pink you decide to wear this season, makesure it's your best shade. Have fun with it and savour the postive remarks you're bound to receive.
Colour Trends for Spring Summer 2012 - part 2
Sugared-almond colours with a pearly, irridescent sheen as in Phillip Lim, Christopher Kane and Ralph Lauren's Spring Summer 2012 collections.Light reflective fabrics and shimmering sequins in pale shades of coral, sea greens, lavendar and watery blues, think exotic coral reefs, shells and mother of pearl - and you won't go far wrong.
Style Tip: If sequins and shimmer is too much then try cool metallic accessories, such as a belt, handbag or jewellery to give the pastels a more modern twist.
For a fresh summery look mix some unusual combinations such as lemon yellow and powder blue, mint green and apricot. White can also be a key neutral colour to enhance these pastels.
Romantic white lace with mint green in feminine silhouette styles will bring girlie vintage glamour to your outfit - oh and a pair of shiny silver shoes will just give a modern edge to the look.
Style Tip: Pastels look best on people with "Light" in their colour pattern. That is not to say that people with darker colouring can not wear pastels - to avoid looking washed out and break up the lightness co-ordinate with a deeper shade. Cosmetic colours which inhance deeper features will also help.
http://josmallbones.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-colours-for-springsummer-2012-part.html
Rich evocative colours of the desert, such as these juicy Tangerine and mood lifting Solar colours are enough to energise and enliven anyone's outlook this Spring.They're a good alternative to the pastels and bold primaries which are also favourites for this season.
Co-ordinate the brighter colours together for a bold statement or with warm tones of grey and Latte, ie. Solar and Grey, Tangerine and Latte. A lovely pair of neutral understated sandals and a gold cuff will finish off the look.
Style Tip: These sunny and vivacious orange shades will harmonise best with Warm, Bright colouring, especially if you choose to wear them on the top half.
If wearing alot of these colours is a little too bold but you still want to embrace the cheery/fun mood these colours can encourage. Here's some ideas on how you can use them in your accessories to update a neutral coloured dress.
Style Tip: To achieve a stylish look keep the orange and yellow tones soft - textured fabrics such as suede and knits can help achieve this.
I'm so pleased that the colour-blocking we've enjoyed this Summer using "Pop" colours is here to stay for the Autumn and berry blast hues have replaced the bright summer shades. These deep rich and pungent shades of reds, browns and purples were all seen on the Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalks and are popping up on the high street as the A/W collections start to show though. It's the fashion industries contribution to help pull us out of recession. The traditional winter greys and blacks are pushed to the background as these fun, happy colours help to lift our spirits.
So what is "Vermillion"?
Also known as China Red it's an opaque orangish red pigmentation naturally derived from cinnabar which is mined mostly in China.
How to use it in your life.
It has a dynamic energy like red but more thoughtful and controlled. It symbolises vitality and endurance and it brings focus, stimulates creativity and is also good for improving your self esteem. However too much of it can be overwhelming and it might be seen as aggressive. If you've got cool skin tones you might not feel like wearing it in your clothing or make-up. Instead you could consider carrying an orange-coloured genstone - a tangerine quartz, a sunstone or a carnelian. You might also consider using essential oils, such as amber, fennel or orange.
Is it a colour everyone can wear?
It's deep intensity will work best on people with deep colouring (dark hair, deep brown or green eyes and olive skin). It's orange undertones will also favour someone with warm colouring ie redheads, yellow skin tone and green eyes.
How to wear it.
If you're confident enough to carry it off, wear it all over in a plain dress and matching shoes, but ensure you break up the "tomato" look with neutral or skin tone tights. A really lovely take would be to introduce warm beige, sand, champagne or nude accessories such as a handbag and shoes. Rust browns forest greens and aubergine will also add a rather unusual twist if you're wanting something a little different to co-ordinating with everyday basics such as black or brown. Mixing these colourways will also bring your look up into the A/W'11 season.
As with the summer colour-blocking you could consider wearing 2-3 shades of the orange-red colour by layering and adding in different textures.
How ever you wear the new colour for Autumn - Vermillion - it's a natural mood enhancer so enjoy!
One Dress Two Looks
For many of us, tightening our financial belts has become a daily necessity so when it comes to splashing out on luxury items it's more crucial than ever to ensure your wardrobe works hard for you.
Buying a dress for a family or friends "wedding " and having it sit at the back of your wardrobe until the next time is no longer an option. What's more you may have to wait a while, maybe even a few years, so when you dust it off again it may also be a little dated and that's if it still fits - the "cost per wear" is looking extortionate!
So how do you integrate that stunningly stylish dress into the favourites section of your wardrobe and wear it again and again?
The trick is to use accessories and the finishing touches to dress it up or down so you can wear it for all occasions. Here are a couple of alternative looks based around a beautiful pink lace dress from this seasons collection at Monsoon.
ABOVE: Using suede "cowboy" boots and a tote I've "dressed down" this lace dress and made it suitable for a special lunch with the girls, a European city break, a friends' barbeque or a family garden party. A big flower cocktail ring is all the jewellery needed but as it'll draw the focus to your hands, a manicure in a girlie pink colour will set it off. The floppy hat finishes it off with an on trend 70's twist.
BELOW: Same dress, different do! I've used elegant statement accessories to introduce another colour to embrace the clashing colour-blocking trend which is in the shops and glosseys this Summer. This outfit would be perfect for cocktail/black tie evening wear, a special night out with your better half or the girls. It would also make a great impression on a first date if a swanky restaurant is on the cards - feminine yet not too girly.
FUTURE-PROOFED FASHION!
And if you're worried that this dress may go out of fashion before you get the opportunity to wear it again I have insider information that the current trends for lace and bright colours is here to stay through the A/W 2011-12 season. This shade of pink is just as good in the winter as in the summer, therefore layering it with a soft nappa leather jacket, laced up shoe boots and opaque tights is another day time look for the winter.
JUST A NOTE:
These illustrations are "mood boards" and their concepts can be applied to whatever colour patterns/styles suit your own individual colouring and body shape. Therefore if this pink is not your shade or the style, neckline length would not suit your body then find a lace dress which suits both and work back through the accessories.
Cut a dash with zero cash
The recession may continue to bite, but that’s no reason for us to loose our taste in clothes…
Whether the recession has actually hit you, or you are in “virtual recession mode” chances are your clothes buying habits have changed.
So, how do you stay looking fabulous but tone down your outgoings?
I’ve pulled out all the stops to give you the low-down on looking fabulous no matter what your budget. Feel free to forward this blog onto your friends and family – or better still, get them to sign up for free tips via the the Email Newsletter link on this blog.
WORK WORK WORK
As the job market gets more competitive, use every tool at your disposal to land the job you want - one of the best tools is to create a great First Impression.
We could all do with an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem and your wardrobe will play an important role by either helping or hindering these emotions.
So don’t instantly dismiss your wardrobe. Now is the time to rethink your wardrobe, assess what you’ve got and how to make it work harder to suit your lifestyle and circumstances.
Check out these tips to achieve Style on a budget.
Wardrobe Management
Once you’ve pulled out all the items you no longer wear or don’t fit, take a cold hard look at what’s left in your wardrobe. Sort everything into co-ordinating colours and put together outfits. As you co-ordinate these outfits, think about when you’ll wear it – for work, casual, social? If you’re not sure whether items go together, try them on. Will an accessory pull the whole look together? It’s at this stage you will discover new outfits you perhaps hadn’t thought to co-ordinate. Split up suits, can the jackets be worn with a co-ordinating pair of trousers or even to dress up a pair of jeans?
“Does it stay or does it go….?”
When you’re putting outfits together using only the garments you’re keeping you will come across some items which don’t match with anything else in your wardrobe. Ask yourself:
“What do I need to go with this item?”
If the answer is– “just a neutral pair of trousers/skirt in a colour that will also go with everything else I’ve kept” – then keep it and put a neutral pair of trousers down on your wish list – we’ll address the cost effective ways to get hold of these later.
On the other hand if you decide you need to buy a skirt/trousers in one of the unusual colours in the pattern, a matching piece of jewellery and a toning cardigan or jacket – then it’s going to cost you more to keep. You probably only ever wore it once, if at all – solet it go!!
Whether the recession has actually hit you, or you are in “virtual recession mode” chances are your clothes buying habits have changed.
So, how do you stay looking fabulous but tone down your outgoings?
I’ve pulled out all the stops to give you the low-down on looking fabulous no matter what your budget. Feel free to forward this blog onto your friends and family – or better still, get them to sign up for free tips via the the Email Newsletter link on this blog.
WORK WORK WORK
As the job market gets more competitive, use every tool at your disposal to land the job you want - one of the best tools is to create a great First Impression.
We could all do with an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem and your wardrobe will play an important role by either helping or hindering these emotions.
So don’t instantly dismiss your wardrobe. Now is the time to rethink your wardrobe, assess what you’ve got and how to make it work harder to suit your lifestyle and circumstances.
Check out these tips to achieve Style on a budget.
Wardrobe Management
Once you’ve pulled out all the items you no longer wear or don’t fit, take a cold hard look at what’s left in your wardrobe. Sort everything into co-ordinating colours and put together outfits. As you co-ordinate these outfits, think about when you’ll wear it – for work, casual, social? If you’re not sure whether items go together, try them on. Will an accessory pull the whole look together? It’s at this stage you will discover new outfits you perhaps hadn’t thought to co-ordinate. Split up suits, can the jackets be worn with a co-ordinating pair of trousers or even to dress up a pair of jeans?
“Does it stay or does it go….?”
When you’re putting outfits together using only the garments you’re keeping you will come across some items which don’t match with anything else in your wardrobe. Ask yourself:
“What do I need to go with this item?”
If the answer is– “just a neutral pair of trousers/skirt in a colour that will also go with everything else I’ve kept” – then keep it and put a neutral pair of trousers down on your wish list – we’ll address the cost effective ways to get hold of these later.
On the other hand if you decide you need to buy a skirt/trousers in one of the unusual colours in the pattern, a matching piece of jewellery and a toning cardigan or jacket – then it’s going to cost you more to keep. You probably only ever wore it once, if at all – solet it go!!
Sell your clothes – make some cash!
Take the items which are in your “Definitely Out” pile to a “Dress Agency” they will sell them for you and split the profit. There are agencies out there which specialise in good quality High Street brands aswell as designer brands. They will choose only the items they think will sell and may even ask you to bring back some seasonal items, such as winter coats if it’s the middle of summer. Take their advice they have the experience and what’s more it’s in their interest aswell as yours to get the best price for your garments.
If any items do not sell most good agencies will ask if you want them back or if you want them to go to a charity. My advice would be to “get rid” – if you’re not going to miss them whilst they’re in the shop then you don’t need them back, they will only clutter up your wardrobe again.
Take the items which are in your “Definitely Out” pile to a “Dress Agency” they will sell them for you and split the profit. There are agencies out there which specialise in good quality High Street brands aswell as designer brands. They will choose only the items they think will sell and may even ask you to bring back some seasonal items, such as winter coats if it’s the middle of summer. Take their advice they have the experience and what’s more it’s in their interest aswell as yours to get the best price for your garments.
If any items do not sell most good agencies will ask if you want them back or if you want them to go to a charity. My advice would be to “get rid” – if you’re not going to miss them whilst they’re in the shop then you don’t need them back, they will only clutter up your wardrobe again.
e-Bay?
Designer items can sell well on e-Bay but you may have to resign yourself to letting it go for a pittance its original price.
Sticking religiously to your “wish list” you may also pick up a bargain to fill the gap in your wardrobe. But follow the golden rule before buying – does the item go with at least 3 pieces in my existing wardrobe? – If it does then it’ll work hard for you.
Designer items can sell well on e-Bay but you may have to resign yourself to letting it go for a pittance its original price.
Sticking religiously to your “wish list” you may also pick up a bargain to fill the gap in your wardrobe. But follow the golden rule before buying – does the item go with at least 3 pieces in my existing wardrobe? – If it does then it’ll work hard for you.
Accessorise
This is the cheapest way to update your wardrobe. When you’re putting together your outfits check what’s needed to finish it off – a belt, bag, necklace or a scarf. Accessories are a great way to add individuality and give a High Street outfit character.
Look for accessories which are unusual. There’s lots of Summer Craft Fairs around and they’re a brilliant source for individual, usually hand-crafted, one off pieces which you can buy at very reasonable prices.
Apply the same “Does this go with at least 3 items in my wardrobe” principle to your accessories.
This is the cheapest way to update your wardrobe. When you’re putting together your outfits check what’s needed to finish it off – a belt, bag, necklace or a scarf. Accessories are a great way to add individuality and give a High Street outfit character.
Look for accessories which are unusual. There’s lots of Summer Craft Fairs around and they’re a brilliant source for individual, usually hand-crafted, one off pieces which you can buy at very reasonable prices.
Apply the same “Does this go with at least 3 items in my wardrobe” principle to your accessories.
Adapt Existing Clothes
Can you “Gok Wan” something in your existing wardrobe? Very few High Street garments fit us perfectly, we’re all different shapes and proportions. Put the item on and play around in front of a mirror, holding the hemlines on skirts and tops so they stop on different areas of your body. Pull in tops or dresses just under the bust area or on the waist or shoulders – would they look better with a little nip and tuck? Some baggy straight tops can be given a more up-to-date silhouette by just adding some elastic in the hem.
You don’t have to be an expert seamstress to do many hem adjustments or changing detailing. If it’s a nip and tuck adjustment and, like me, you don’t feel too confident in your sewing skills then ask around for a good seamstress who can subtly change the line of an item for a very reasonable price.
Sales
It’s the Summer Sale season and in an attempt to get us to part with our money, High Street brands are tempting us with incredible offers online and in the shops.
The key is to get in there fast. For advance sales info follow me on twitterhttp://twitter.com/josmallbones as I receive information on when many online and High Street brand sales start.
Be sale savvy – don’t buy an item just because it’s a bargain and you love it!! Will it go with at least 3 items in your new scaled down wardrobe? This is the time to refer to your “wish list” you made up to fill the gaps in your capsule wardrobe. Remember an item isn’t a bargain if you never wear it or have to buy something at full retail price to go with it.
“Spend Less and Wear More” should be your wardrobe mantra to see you looking fabulously stylish no matter what the recession throws your way.
Remember that knowing what suits your colouring, body-shape, face-shape and proportions and how to put together a look for any situation will save you time and money. So, if you haven’t already seen an Image Consultant, now would be a great time to start.
A good consultant will develop a personally tailored programme of style and colour just for you. This even includes how to create optical illusions like “the vanishing belly illusion”. Call me on 01626 201923.
Can you “Gok Wan” something in your existing wardrobe? Very few High Street garments fit us perfectly, we’re all different shapes and proportions. Put the item on and play around in front of a mirror, holding the hemlines on skirts and tops so they stop on different areas of your body. Pull in tops or dresses just under the bust area or on the waist or shoulders – would they look better with a little nip and tuck? Some baggy straight tops can be given a more up-to-date silhouette by just adding some elastic in the hem.
You don’t have to be an expert seamstress to do many hem adjustments or changing detailing. If it’s a nip and tuck adjustment and, like me, you don’t feel too confident in your sewing skills then ask around for a good seamstress who can subtly change the line of an item for a very reasonable price.
Sales
It’s the Summer Sale season and in an attempt to get us to part with our money, High Street brands are tempting us with incredible offers online and in the shops.
The key is to get in there fast. For advance sales info follow me on twitterhttp://twitter.com/josmallbones as I receive information on when many online and High Street brand sales start.
Be sale savvy – don’t buy an item just because it’s a bargain and you love it!! Will it go with at least 3 items in your new scaled down wardrobe? This is the time to refer to your “wish list” you made up to fill the gaps in your capsule wardrobe. Remember an item isn’t a bargain if you never wear it or have to buy something at full retail price to go with it.
“Spend Less and Wear More” should be your wardrobe mantra to see you looking fabulously stylish no matter what the recession throws your way.
Remember that knowing what suits your colouring, body-shape, face-shape and proportions and how to put together a look for any situation will save you time and money. So, if you haven’t already seen an Image Consultant, now would be a great time to start.
A good consultant will develop a personally tailored programme of style and colour just for you. This even includes how to create optical illusions like “the vanishing belly illusion”. Call me on 01626 201923.
Holiday Wardrobe on a Budget
Congratulations! You’ve got your holiday booked and you’re ready to go. Except like most of us you’re needing to save cash wherever possible…. So, how do you make your holiday wardrobe cash go that much further:
Here’s my five-point plan:
1) Check out last years holiday wardrobe – it won’t be worn out and what’s more there’s many of last year ’ s trends coming around again , eg: gladiator sandals & kaftans. A quick stitch, and you can bring them bang up to date. For example: change the buttons on a shirt or cardigan to give a new lease of life . Put diamante around the neckline of a camisole to give it instant evening glamour (you can get clip on diamante pieces so no sewing is necessary). Put elastic in the hem of a baggy top to give it a more up to date silhouette. Adjust hems on skirts and you could even make a dress into a skirt & top!! though you may need a little expertise from a seamstress here.
2) Accessorise to update - try a new belt, some jewellery and a beach bag – a far cheaper alternative to buying new clothes.
3) Put together a capsule wardrobe of 12 items and ensure the colours all co-ordinate & only include one patterned top and skirt. Now look to see what you’re missing – it may only be a t-shirt in a colour to go with everything else.
4) When you do spend – choose key pieces – these are items you can wear a couple of different ways eg: that beach kaftan can be worn as a tunic with crops aswell as on its own over a bikini! Or funk it up with some jewellery and some heels for the evening. A Sarong can be a beach cover up, a stole in the evening and a stylish scarf for cooler days – wear it in different ways and no-one ever knows.
5) Finally – sell the clothes you didn’t wear last year through a dress agency and get some cash to put towards a new KEY item (or a few more cocktails!) . You can also find some good bargains at these shops but make sure the item goes with at least 3 others in your capsule wardrobe – otherwise it’s no longer a bargain.
1) Check out last years holiday wardrobe – it won’t be worn out and what’s more there’s many of last year ’ s trends coming around again , eg: gladiator sandals & kaftans. A quick stitch, and you can bring them bang up to date. For example: change the buttons on a shirt or cardigan to give a new lease of life . Put diamante around the neckline of a camisole to give it instant evening glamour (you can get clip on diamante pieces so no sewing is necessary). Put elastic in the hem of a baggy top to give it a more up to date silhouette. Adjust hems on skirts and you could even make a dress into a skirt & top!! though you may need a little expertise from a seamstress here.
2) Accessorise to update - try a new belt, some jewellery and a beach bag – a far cheaper alternative to buying new clothes.
3) Put together a capsule wardrobe of 12 items and ensure the colours all co-ordinate & only include one patterned top and skirt. Now look to see what you’re missing – it may only be a t-shirt in a colour to go with everything else.
4) When you do spend – choose key pieces – these are items you can wear a couple of different ways eg: that beach kaftan can be worn as a tunic with crops aswell as on its own over a bikini! Or funk it up with some jewellery and some heels for the evening. A Sarong can be a beach cover up, a stole in the evening and a stylish scarf for cooler days – wear it in different ways and no-one ever knows.
5) Finally – sell the clothes you didn’t wear last year through a dress agency and get some cash to put towards a new KEY item (or a few more cocktails!) . You can also find some good bargains at these shops but make sure the item goes with at least 3 others in your capsule wardrobe – otherwise it’s no longer a bargain.