runway trends

The softer side of spring 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Trends  tagged pastels / runway trends / spring 2012 by

Spring 2012 is all about color. While bright and bold colors are hot, Paris gave the fashion world another color palette to think about; pastels. The Paris pastel trend seemed to be nothing more than a mere introduction when it graced the runways during Paris Fashion Week last fall. Normally when a trend first appears on the runways, store buyers and Fashionistas take notice, but do not go full force into wearing the trend. Not true this spring 2012 season. Pastels are more important than one would think.

When Paris introduced pastels, many forecasters thought it was an introduction and that in 2013 and 2014 pastels would overtake the bright colors we have grown to love during the past year. Although bright colors are highly sought after and important for spring 2012, pastels are taking an equal place in the world of spring fashion.

Pastels shades are being shown in many forms from color blocking to stand-alone hues. Pastels are being shown with whites, creams, pale beige and soft neutrals on feminine silhouettes; playing up the sweet side of the pastel color spectrum.

There is no denying that pastels are a fast up-and-comer. The hues are being shown in make-up for spring as well as on store shelves everywhere. While this is no signal to stop investing in bright colors, it does tell shoppers to mix it up in spring 2012 and invest in both bright colors and pastels. Look for pastel florals, stand-alone colors and soft color blocking. Pastels are a great way to feel fresh and perfect for days when orange, the color of 2012, is just too bright for the occasion.

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Spring 2012 Fashion Trends: The IT list is in

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Shoes / Trends  tagged runway trends / spring 2012 by

The spring 2012 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London left the fashion world a bevy of eye candy. The runways were colorful and the overall vibes of the collections reflected decadence yet regard for the environment. Fashion became responsible with more vegan fabrications and eco-chic fabrications than ever before while being anything but understated.

The notice-me trends from the spring 2012 runways which are arriving on store shelves and look to be the biggest winners of the season are:

Bold Color: Bright and bold colors are continuing from 2011. There are even pops of neon harkening back to the late 1980’s when you needed sunglasses to speak with your friends. Look for shades of orange, pink, yellow, cobalt and green.

Color Blocking: Two or more colors are being shown together in the form of color blocking. While this was a huge trend in 2011, color blocking has become even more important for 2012. Look for unexpected colors mixed together such as pink with orange; as well as black and white combos.

Going Vegan: There is a huge move away from animal by products and towards vegan fashion. Faux leathers and materials are hot for spring. Look for animal friendly fashion from Stella McCartney, Olsen Haus and Jill Milan. A few designers are starting to add animal friendly items to their collections, look to Valentino for fabulous, non-leather handbags which no-one will ever guess are faux.

Flares, wide legs and small bells: While skinnies still have their place in the pant world, jeans and trousers are going 1970’s vintage with flared bottoms and small bell bottoms. The wide leg trousers ia also du rigueur. But skinny lovers need not fear! The hot way to wear neon and bold colored pants is on denim skinnies. Show off those fab gams! –Just make sure they are bright; you worked out, show it off!

Finish with Fragrance: Christian Dior once said that in order to complete a look, one must wear fragrance. We agree! You’re never fully dressed without fragrance. Look for medium-heaviness fragrances such as Elie Saab Le Parfum, Prada Candy, Jouany Marakesh, Hanai Mori No.3, Van Cleef and Arpels Precious Oud and anything by Nocturne Alchemy.

Complicated shoes: Gone are the days of the sleek and classic pump. Shoes for spring 2012 are offering sky high platforms, color blocking, unexpected mixes of colors, straps, studs, sparkles, feathers and you name it; it will be found on a shoe. For those seeking sleek and classic, stay away from nude or black and look for neon hues or bright shades of orange, yellow, cobalt and pink. If your shoe must be solid colored, let it be bright. Look for wedges and platforms; flats are so last year.

Painterly: Swishes of paint are being found everywhere from garments to cuffs to high heels. Painterly is the understated way to make a statement this spring season.

Florals: Floral prints were huge in 2011 and are continuing into 2012. Look for floral details and prints, show your sweet side ;-0

Bows: Bow are huge and being found everywhere from details on a shirt to the main feature of a handbag. Show your sweet side with a bow. Our favorite way to wear this trend is with one of Valentino’s bow handbags. Valentino makes the bow sophisticated and so up uptown; love it! 

Metallic touches: Metallic has been in style for the past few years and is showing no sign of fading for spring 2012. Combine metallics with bright colors for an over the top statement or use it to update your basic black wardrobe. 

Hats: Finishing off a look with a hat is hot for spring 2012. The runways gave us floppy hats in varying sizes and shapes while the recent Royal Wedding showed us how to have some fun dressing for formal affairs by topping off our look with a fascinator. Verdict: buy a hat! 

Spring 2012 is all about having fun with fashion. Express your inner Fashionista and pick out bright colors you love. Personalize your look with notice-me accessories and leave a trail of perfume behind you. Spring 2012 is about being noticed and enjoying everything we love about getting dressed in the morning. Have FUN, and stay fabulous 

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Spring 2012 jewelry trends from the runway

 in General Fashion / Jewelry  tagged runway trends / spring 2012 by

The spring 2012 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London left the fashion world a bevy of eye candy. Fashion got bold and unapologetic for the upcoming warm season. Spring 2012 is anything but understated, and the jewelry trends from the runway reflect that overall vibe.

Shimmer and Shine: Spring/summer 2012 is all about sparkle. As decadent luxury returns to the forefront of fashion, faux and real gemstones return to the forefront of jewelry. Look for every type of gem from opaque to fiery sparkles. Bring on the bling!

Stacked Bracelets: An arm full of candy is all the rage for spring and summer 2012. Stacked bracelets are hot and there is more than meets the eye. An armful of stacked bracelets is not only eye candy, the bracelets should tell a story or mean something. Look for bracelets which are being sold to raise money for a cause or symbolize strife. While decadence is in fashion, so is recognizing that most of the world is not as fortunate as we are. Look for bracelets with a cause such as the M2 Mary Margrill “Connect” bracelet, Stella Dot’s “Tribute” bracelet, Relief International’s “Relief Bead” bracelet and Twisted Silver’s “Tokyo” bangle.

Bold Jewelry- Necklaces and Earrings: Notice-me earrings and necklaces are all the rage for spring 2012. The bigger and bolder the better. Look for statement making pieces and wear them with simple necklines for the ultimate jewelry statement. Remember- Bigger is Better.

Statement Cuff bracelets: Make a statement with your cuff. If huge necklaces and earrings are too fussy for you, then a bold cuff is the right choice for rocking the bold jewelry trend. Look for cuffs with unusual details such as petrified wood or raw amethyst on an understated metal such as brass, copper or silver.

Eco-Chic: Recycled materials and regard for the environment are not only trendy, they are a human responsibility. Therefore, it isn’t any wonder that materials such as vintage watch faces and repurposed materials are hot for spring 2012. Look for recycled materials which are turned into artisan, bold pieces. Not sure where to start? No-one does eco-chic jewelry better than Twisted Silver. Use code INSIDERS for a 15% discount 

There you have it. Jewelry for spring 2012 is big, bold, eco-chic and statement making.  Happy shopping and stay fabulous