This season, designers have really gone all out to bring us fashion lovers and shoppers a pleasant mix of feminine trends which will help bring life to dull, muted wardrobes. Spring/Summer 2012 is set to be ultra girly whilst still appealing to a variety of women.
Angelic seems to sum up the iridescent trend. Colours that seem to change when seen from different angles provide a feminine flare to spring. At first glance it may seem subtle, but don’t be fooled – these exquisite garments can be attention grabbing. Materials used to create this trend are usually sequins, metallic tread or lacquered surface as seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Christian Dior and Versace.
Multi-Colour Metallic Shift Dress, £29.99 from New Look
Image courtesy of New Look
One of my favourite trends for this season is peplum detailing. It is a short flared, gathered or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist on a woman’s piece of clothing to create a hanging frill or flounce. Extremely lady like and curve enhancing and was incorporated into the clothing of Giorgio Armani, David Koma and Zac Posen to bring femininity to their collections. Peplums are usually a classic couture detail but they are finally making their mark on the high street.
Love Label Peplum Skirt, £35.00 from Very.co.uk
Image courtesy of Very.co.uk
Lace adorned stunning floor length evening dresses on the catwalks of Roberto Cavalli, Pucci and Jonathan Saunders. One of this season’s most beautiful and feminine trends which can add a luxury edge to clothing. Gorgeous lace detailing was even incorporated into sweet day dresses and skirts too.
Lace Bandage Dress, £119.00 from Mint Velvet
Image courtesy of Mint Velvet
It may seem strange to be thinking of the Autumn/Winter 2012 collections as we haven’t quite made it to spring yet, but designers have already given us fashionistas a sneak peek as to what is in store.
One of my favourite brands, Temperley London, has some gorgeous pieces in their Pre-Fall 2012 range made up of beautiful colours and shapes that will have us wanting more! There is a definite dreamlike, ethereal essence which flows through the pieces and some have a real old glamour feel to them. The looks are complimented by lady like accessories such as pearl jewellery and long elegant leather gloves, taking inspiration from the Royals themselves.
Luxury detailing such as gold brocade, sequin and diamante adorn long flowing dresses then teamed with pieces like the whiskey-coloured silk mac. A combination which you wouldn’t necessarily think would work but will sure to be the must-have look of AW12. Chunky cardigans worn with silk dresses provide a stunning contrast whilst chunky belts are used to cinch in the waist.
Gorgeous prints adorn dresses in shades of fuchsia and green to bring vibrancy to the collection that can be easily worn from day to night. Black and white pieces are teamed together to create classic elegant outfits keeping the range flowing. Silk wrap shawl collar blouses tucked into high waisted trousers and beautiful skirts enhanced the British vibe of the collection. The stylish leather trousers provided the youthful edge and were contrasted perfectly with embellished tunics.
Although we have a while to wait for Temperley London’s Pre-Fall 2012 Collection you can pick up pieces from the high street which evoke the gorgeous trends being featured. It is designers like this which make me proud to be British!
Brocade Bustier Dress, £69.00 from Very.co.uk
Image courtesy of Very.co.uk
Sheer Collarless Trench, £99.00 from Mint Velvet
Image courtesy of Mint Velvet
Spring/Summer 2012 sees bright, romantic and colourful shades and prints – everything you need for the new season. Gorgeous patterns and new finishing techniques help modernise old and new trends that will have all us fashion lovers going giddy at the mere sight of them!
There are numerous trends that are guaranteed to freshen and liven up our wardrobes with designers creating a variety of spring worthy looks. Prints play a huge part for this season bringing bold abstract shapes to garments that will be sure to make a massive fashion impact. Patterns of flowers, paisley, and aquatic scenes bring the more feminine edge to the trend too – take inspiration from Prada, DKNY and Jil Sander!
Floral Batwing Dress, £200.00 from House of Fraser
Image courtesy of House of Fraser
A great vibrant shade to bring life to your wardrobe is orange! This hot fiery shade flashed across the catwalks of Peter Som, Alberta Ferretti and Derek Lam making a fashion impact. It is a real statement colour that reflects confidence and style power. Mix and match different shades or just go bold all the way!
Applique Flower Pleat Dress, £75.00 from Next
Image courtesy of Next
Horizontal patterns created interesting twists to garments at the SS12 shows and can create the illusion of curves. It is not a new concept or technique but is still a trend to be mentioned. The variety of this trend was immense with designers such as Gucci, Oscar De La Renta and Prada bringing their own style to this pattern.
Stripe Shorts, £19.99 from New Look
Image courtesy of New Look
A more subtle trend for this spring is pastel colours which are causing a fashion storm across the country. These icy, fresh shades can be mixed and matched to create beautiful looks and were seen on the designer catwalks of Philip Lim, Fendi and Givenchy. Sometimes the most simplistic trend can be the most powerful!
Sundae Printed Dress, £60.00 from River Island
Image courtesy of River Island
Although the Royal wedding seems so long ago now everyone still can’t get enough of Kate Middleton. Seen in all the fashion magazines the Duchess of Cambridge always looks immaculate. It is fair to say that women across the country envy her style and wonder how they can fuse her fashionable choices into their own wardrobe.
Kate tends to dress conservatively but manages to remain looking young and stylish – she always finds the perfect balance. No matter what occasion the Duchess attends, her classic and lady like choice of clothing and accessories becomes a massive hit with us fashionistas - anything she is spotted in seems to sell out in a matter of minutes!
Images courtesy of Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
The mixing of couture pieces with high-street retailers is what makes Kate’s style unique and admirable. Although she is seen in pieces from designers such as Alexander McQueen and Erdem she also chooses to wear clothing from high-street labels like Reiss and L.K. Bennett. No wonder she has been placed on numerous “best dressed” lists!
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Every season brings new must-have items to add to our wardrobes. Spring/Summer 2012 is full of attention grabbing accessories that will have all us fashion lovers swooning after! From statement mega mules and cowgirl boots to brightly coloured bags and big chunky bangles – everything you need to help compliment your SS12 looks!
Duffle bags have been given a sporty re-design making these versatile pieces perfect for the day. You’ll wonder why you’ve never owned one before! For fashionistas who are after a more luxurious bag to see you through spring then choose a style in an exotic skin. It’s not the size or shape of the bag – it’s the luxe hide that counts! An ideal transitional piece to see you from day to night with ease.
Large Drawstring Hobo, £79.00 from Fiorelli
Image courtesy of Fiorelli
Snake Print Bag, £25.00 from Very
Image courtesy of Very
Dressing up your feet has never been so fun either! Cowgirl boots were seen strutting down the catwalks and they are not the kind you would normally see in an old western film – oh no! These high heeled beauties adorned quirky designs, shapes and patterns making them true statement pieces. Decorative mules will bring a fashion flare to work and day outfits. It’s the shoe to be seen in this season – all you have to do is practice walking in them!
Taupe Nubuck Cowboy Boot, £159.00 from Mint Velvet
Image courtesy of Mint Velvet
Aden Mule, £85.00 from Dune
Image courtesy of Dune
I’ve always been a wearer of silk scarves – it is the multi-talented accessory that should be in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you want to tie it, twist it, belt it or knot it the possibilities of how to flaunt this fashionable piece are never ending. Whatever the mood, whatever the style a silk scarf is here to help!
Biba Orange Animal Print Silk Scarf, £65.00 from House of Fraser
Image courtesy of House of Fraser
Simpler aesthetic style watches take over from last season’s glitter pieces making for a great change – they are complete opposites! Mannish timepieces are the way forward ladies as they are a great accessory to contrast against the more feminine trends this spring. Bangles are back too and chunkier than ever! Keep it simple and sport one bold piece or mix and match a stack of styles – perfect arm candy!
Unisex Ceramic Black Strap Watch, £135.00 from Rotary Watches
Image courtesy of Rotary Watches
Bangle Set, £12.00 from Next
Image courtesy of Next
