Posts tagged Summer 2012
Color Blocking – The New Rules On How To Dress Loud
12 years ago
Summer is prime time for exciting bursts of color, fusing shades and explosive floral – and that’s just on your clothes! A trend that keeps coming back and only seems to get brighter and bolder is color blocking. So whether it’s petite, casual, formal or plus size clothing you’re after, read on to find out how to make colour blocking work for you.
There’s been a lot of talk about this trend adopting an ‘anything goes’ attitude, with no rules. There shouldn’t be an absolute carte blanche for colour blocking; otherwise you’ll just look like you’ve got dressed in the dark!
Thankfully, we’re here to tell you how to get it right!
How many colors?
Ok ladies. First up there is a limit to how many colors can be worn at once. Four or more different colors worn at once will make you look like a walking rainbow, which is never a good look. The basic idea is to mix colors that are not under one tone. If you’re new to color blocking and feel a bit nervous, try limiting your outfit to under two colors at first, and then build up to three when you get the hang of it.
Setting the tone
Color blocking in summer 2012 is not only about different tones but also totally different ones – think mixing pastels and neon, such as mint and lime, and you’ll be right on trend.
Work with solid colored pieces
DON’T try and add prints and frills to your color blocked outfits (to start), what you really want to do is emphasise the bold, striking colors of the outfit, and so don’t want anything to distract the eyes. Texture is firm friend of color blockers. Texture is preferred over prints because it will give your outfit dimension. For example, a mint chiffon blouse with lime skinny denim jeans would look great.
Accessories
When accessorising your outfit don’t wear jewelry that’s of the same shade as your outfit. We’d stick to nude tones, like black and white, and it won’t detract from your outfit.
Shades we love
If you’re still stuck for inspiration, bear these combos in mind when next perusing the high-street:
Tangerine and candy-floss pink with ice cool beige.
Slate grey with citrus, coral, fuchsia and electric blue.
Finally… be confident! Color blocking is all about being daring and looking vivid, so don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd!
London Calling
12 years ago
With just two weeks until the Olympics begin in London, I’m as giddy as the next gal to witness magnificent athletic talent from around the world competing in the 2012 Games and I look forward to the spectacle just as much as the sports.
Details of the Opening Ceremony have been unveiled and while it purports to be markedly modest compared to Beijing’s 2008 (who would want to compete?), I am hopeful and intrigued to watch the British festivities celebrated in their characteristic style of non-fussiness.
British film director Danny Boyle acknowledges he won’t be able to please all tastes. Instead he’s going for “green and pleasant.”
Boyle will transform the Olympic Stadium into the mythical British countryside complete with meadows, maypoles, picnicking families, toiling farmers, cricketers on the village green showing us the “isle of wonder” with the intention of conveying the English sense of humor a la Monty Python.
I welcome the humor, the pleasantries and theatrics of it all. And what would the show be without costume. Have you seen Stella McCartney’s official Team GB kit?
This week, Team USA unveiled their ceremony parade outfits made by Ralph Lauren. The style was inspired by the 1948 Games, which is the last time that American competed in England.
Nike will supply competition uniforms for the U.S. and outfits for the medal stand. For the opening and closing ceremony attire, apparently, Ralph Lauren Company has officially outfitted Team USA for the last three games.
Take a look at the US uniforms through the years. Call me a critic, but I think there’s an excellent opportunity for CFDA to institute a fashion competition to spotlight fresh new American talent.
NY Designer Opening Ceremony recently debuted their Olympic Games inspired collection, and while probably better suited for sporting around the Olympic Village, I am thoroughly enjoying their playful sporty designs made in collaboration with Adidas Originals.
Opening Ceremony makes a cheeky nod to athletic style that still maintains the designer’s characteristically urban aesthetic. I want those hi-tops with hidden wedges!
Check out the full collection of neoprene styles with bold prints here.
Here’s hoping that we’ll be passing the fashion baton (ahem) torch to outfit us at the next games come Rio! Until then, let’s go team USA!
Jewelry Looks For Summer 2012
12 years ago
Summer fashion tends to be diverse. This is a good thing because we do a range of activities in the summer. Jewelry trends range from bohemian to diamond studded, and tribal to vintage this summer. Bold and unexpected color combinations have popped up everywhere. In addition, large gemstones, geodes and crystals are also hitting the streets. Here are our top 4 picks for summer jewelry trends:
CROSS YOUR BODY
That’s right, crosses have returned! When it comes to crosses there are no rules. Big, bold, colorful, neutral, and delicate are all acceptable this season. The Ernest Jones Necklace collection has a lineup of beautiful diamond encrusted crosses.
DANGLE-ies
Chandelier earrings are beautiful and feminine. They can make an outfit luxurious in no time. The trend can be found in precious metals and less expensive materials this season. Add are adorned with amazing jewels or resin elements in them.
STACK IT
The ‘stacking bracelets’ trend is nothing new, we’ve been doing it for seasons. Arm candy continues into summer 2012. The more materials, finishes, textures, patterns, and colors you can pile on the better. No ensemble is complete without a high end piece for the stack. Shoot for a Pandora Leather Bracelet at John Greed.
FLORAL FANTASY
Petals and buds aren’t only featured as clothing prints this season, they also appear on necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Flowers appear on all types of jewelry materials from jewel encrusted petals to resin materials, make sure to adorn your summer outfits with flowers!
Summer Nail Trends
12 years ago
This summer’s nail trends are all about interesting designs, easy to do at home and bold neon colors. There’s a little something for every budget and taste.
Neons
Most nail polish brands are offering awesome neon colors, like Julep’s Leah, Sephora by OPI Neon Lights, SPARitual’s Dreamsicle, Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear, and so many others. What makes neon look trendier now than how it was back in the 80’s is color blocking: combining different shades to make cubist-type designs.
Not long ago Nails, Inc. introduced Magnetic Nail Polish, a very unique way to create nail art by using a specially designed magnet. To make it even more unique, the new polish and magnet creates a fishnet effect. I bought the polish a few days ago and today I noticed it was missing the magnet (ugghh) will exchange it tomorrow, can’t wait to use it!
Sephora by OPI – It’s Real 18K Gold Top Coat
I may be a nail polish junkie, but in this case I can’t see myself buying this top coat. The polish contains real gold that will make any nail color pop. At $30 each, I think I’ll pass. But if any reader buys it, please let us know what you think!!
Gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System
If you wanted to get a gel manicure, the only option was to go to the nail salon, now you can do it at home! This is a great product for women who have little time to change nail polish colors or go to the nail saloon since the polish is supposed to last up to two weeks without chipping.
This can be a pricey option since the starter kit costs $159, plus the nail polish colors are $17.50 each. And then supplies will need to re-stocked. For some women gelshine at home will make sense because of the convenience, in my case, I change my polish twice a week so it would be a waste of a great product. The good thing is that this product is now available to us!
Lush Clothing Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook
12 years ago
LUSH features fashion bloggers Rachel from That’s Chic and Julie from Sincerely Jules in its SS12 lookbook. Rachel is known for her bohemian style and use of color, while Julie is passionate about the latest beauty trends and anything street style related. Together both give Lush’s latest collection that extra kick.
Established in 2003 in Los Angeles, Lush has quickly become a favorite brand for young women. Lush’s mission is to clothe women who want to look cute, yet sexy. That’s why they strive to create designs that are both pleasing to eye.
With their amazing price points and edgy, fashion forward styles they have created a brand that has taken the fashion world by storm. Bonus: All pieces are made in the US. Retailers carrying LUSH include Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Lulu’s, and Tobi.
Here are a couple of our favorite pieces.
Hot Pink Skin Deep Trousers $50.
White Lace Cut Out Dress $50.
Navy/White Block Blazer $85.
Purple Animal Print Throw Over $44.
Everly Clothing Presents: Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook
12 years ago
Sisters Fabiana and Adriana Oh created Everly, a young contemporary clothing line that blends the simplicity of the modern girl with a hint of vintage. The collection was inspired by their love for flea markets, the idea of giving new life to something old, and most importantly their friendship.
Pieces are priced between $35-$86 and can be found at ShopSosie, Tobi, Lulus, and Kitson. All pieces are also all made in U.S.A.
Fierce Flats
12 years ago
This season there’s a huge amount of fierce flats to choose from, so step away from those skyscraper heels and take a look at the chic and comfy women’s shoes for summer…
Flatforms
This season’s opinion divider, you’ll either love them or hate them. Flatforms are an antidote to all the impractical sky high platforms on offer at the moment, and are the perfect shoes to go for if you’re looking for some extra height. The heel is barely higher than the platform sole, meaning you get the comfort of a flat but with a more feminine feel. There are so many styles to choose from including everything from floral printed espadrilles to patent Mary Jane’s. Keep it girly and wear these with bodycon miniskirts or high-waisted shorts.
Loafers
For those looking for something a bit different to the classic ballerina pumps, loafers are an androgynous alternative. Taking over from the recent trend for brogues, loafers are a great day shoe that can be dressed up or down. For a day at the office pair them with cigarette pants, chinos or a pencil skirt. On your days off slip them on with a pair of indigo or black jeans and a simple white tee. They’re women’s shoes you can experiment with by trying vibrant eye-popping color, leopard print and color-block.
High Tops
A great style for those casual, dress down days, high top sneakers are inspired by the sport-luxe trend. This season designers’ have put a feminine twist on sporty clothing, including everything from dresses to parkas and women’s shoes are no different. Opt for high top sneakers in feminine shades of grey or pastel tones. Wear your high tops with skinny jeans and an over-sized tee for effortless cool. Then pair them with cut off denim shorts in the summer months, for a laid-back, thrown-together vibe.
So these are the top three styles to look out for this season, what ones would you choose?
Saint Augustine Academy Spring/Summer 2012
13 years ago
Simplicity always looks great – a fact that the designers at Saint Augustine Academy know very well. They put together some crisp looks for their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Clean, slim-cut slacks anchor these looks, providing an easy base for classic shirts that create a lightweight look for the warmer months. The muted tones play well together, fostering looks that are easy on the eyes, but not easy enough to put you to sleep. Sandals and heeled cowboy boots don’t normally work with such polished looks, but the footwear displayed in these lookbook images look beautifully worn in and still work with the ensembles. I’m a huge fan of what they’ve done for Spring/Summer 2012.
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