Subscribe
Search

Entries in The Trends (795)

Thursday
Apr152010

Trend Spotting: Polka Dots

Why is it that the word 'polka dots' immediately brings to mind Minnie Mouse and people under the age of five?  Far from being juvenile, polka dots are popping up this spring as a sophisticated print for the post-secondary set.  First spotted in British fashion in the late 19th century, the polka-dot has endured the ebb and flow of fads.  According to Wikipedia, when polka dancing was all the rage, there were many other "polka" wearables, including "polka-hats" and "polka-jackets," but only the "polka-dot" fabric pattern remained popular.  Who knew?   This vintage photo from Harper's Bazaar exudes timeless appeal and impossible glamour with a simple dotted sash around the waist.   Meanwhile, Marilyn and Madonna show off the playful, flirtatious side of dots.

Monday
Apr122010

 

After seasons of hard-core shoulders, grommets and studs, I am thrilled that the fashion world is returning to its softer, more soulful side.  Like the bad dude in the horror movie that refuses to die, I'm sure that the 80's will return with a vengeance one day but for now, it's all about the 70's.  The wrists at Hermes were stacked with neutral bangles that perfectly complemented the models' outfits.   Bangles in natural textures, woods, and tribal motifs are an organically gorgeous way to update your look, especially if you're the strong, subtle type.  And what better time to embrace a more organic look than right now?  I can't remember a time in my life where it's been so cool to be natural.  Reusable shopper?  Check.  Aluminum water bottle?  Check.  Wooden bangles?  Check, check, check.  Okay, so you're not going to save the planet by adopting an eco-chic look but it will certainly keep you at the forefront of fashion.  Real Life Runway Tip:  The general consensus in fashion circles is that being matchy-matchy is a no-no.  This is one of the cases where it actually works brilliantly.  Pull a shade of cream, brown or toffee from your outfit, be it a belt, shoe or shirt, and find bangles that reside in the same colour family for maximum impact. 

Friday
Apr092010

 

I've always been a chunky jewellery kind of girl.  I can appreciate dainty and I understand its appeal but in my mind, if you're going to adorn yourself, you might as well go all out and make some sort of a statement.  Perhaps my penchant for massive costume jewels is a way of compensating for my lack of genuine gems?  Well, if Diane von Furstenberg thinks it's cool to get seriously stacked, then I know I must be on the right track.  Bangles and cuffs in a dizzying array of sizes, textures and styles were on display this season.  You can wear them on both wrists or just one, stack them like mad or stick with one large cuff.  Really, you can't go wrong.  Forever 21 has a ridiculous selection but I would dare you to overlook any preconceptions and even check out stores like Ardene or Claire's, stock up on an affordable bunch, and wear them with wild abandon.  Cheap and cheerful never looked so good.  Real Life Runway Tip:  Candy-coloured bangles are certainly all the rage but check back on Monday for a few more stories about some other hot bracelet trends.  Oh yes, your wrists are going to get a lot of summer lovin'. 

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and thanks for all of your support!

Tuesday
Apr062010

Great Whites

Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi, Spring 2010 - photos courtesy style.com

I had every intention of going to the gym last night.  Fortunately, my friend called and twisted my twistable arm all the way to Dairy Queen.  Not surprisingly, that's where our journey ended.  Ice cream flavours, I've realized, are a deeply ingrained part of one's psyche.  My mom loves Vanilla and you'd expect that would make her straight-laced, predictable even.  The real ice cream truth?  Fact is, and this is so true of my mom, if you prefer Vanilla, you are supposedly a colourful, dramatic risk taker who tends to be emotionally expressive and highly creative.  As much as I adore colour, I couldn't help but fall in love with this season's crop of gorgeous little white dresses.  The LWD made an appearance on nearly every designer's roster this spring and has all but replaced its black counterpart.  The LBD is sooo 2009.  The thing that I most adore about this new must-have is its ability, like all true classics, to be transformed by a simple little shoe change or accessory.  You can rock the Casper by pairing a white frock with lucite trimmings or go for a silver-lining as seen at Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and Fendi.  With white as your canvas, vivid red or turquoise accessories lend a dramatically gorgeous effect.  You see?  Vanilla is anything but boring.  Real Life Runway Tip:  Never, ever, and I'll add another EVER for good measure, wear a white bra or underwear beneath white.  Always go for nude underthings as they'll do an immediate and welcome disappearing act.  Concerned about looking ghost-like?  The drugstore shelves are stacked with   bronzers and self-tanners that will help lessen the effects of a Vitamin D-free winter.

Take a look at these fab LWD's and some perfect go-with accessories:

 
Friday
Apr022010

Get Cracking

Chris Benz Spring 2010, Martha Stewart.  Photos courtesy Harper's Bazaar and marthastewart.com

There's something so unapologetically pretty about Easter egg hues.  With Easter Weekend upon us, I thought it appropriate to shine a little light on the pretty, amped-up pastels that inundated the runways this season.  Chris Benz mastered the look perfectly and I like to imagine even the most jaded editors trying desperately to conceal their delight at this springy scene.  After a long winter, I think we're all very ready for spring.  Hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your family, friends and Mini Eggs.

Even though stores are closed today, check out these sweet pieces.  Oh, and if you haven't heard of Anthropologie, check out their site at www.anthropologie.com.  They now have a few Canadian locations and you can even order online!