7 ways to Trendy for Spring 2012

Hey all! I’ve already made a post on what’s trendy for spring in the beauty world, but meanwhile in fashion…

1. Chiffon

2. Neutral colours

3. Colour Blocking

4. Pastels

5. Brights & Floral Prints

6. Bold Prints

7. Peplum

 

Chiffon

It’s every where, in every shape, cut, size and pattern. I am absolutely loving it. The perfect way to a chiffon blouse without showing too much is to wear a bandeau bra or a camisole with a similar colour underneath. If you’re more on the bold side, wear a bright contrasting colour with it. That’s a sure way to make a mild romantic top pop!

Neutral Colours

It’s something simple which never goes out of style, but remember not to overdo the neutrals because it can leave you looking pale and washed out. Not at all embracing those spring tans. The best way to keep that just happening is to wear a pop of colour with your neutrals, either a neon bag, a bright tangerine shorts or a pattern that will take away from the drab of a neutral colour. I’m really liking the pops of colour with these, because it’s the perfect way to build confidence for the next trendy item…

 

Colour Blocking

This style could look really great once done in moderation.  To me, colour blocking is about the lines and shapes you can create by layering pieces of clothing of similar or contrasting colours. If an item is already made in a colour blocking style, then there is no point in trying to add more colour to your outfit. Everything does not necessarily  have to be bright or neon, but you could incorporate a neutral colour or a pastel to balance out the outrageousness of those lines you create.
Colour blocking could very easily turn from a bold expression for a love of colour to a clownish mess, so becareful with your layering and remember that balance is key.

Pastels

I love pastels, they’re so cute and remind me of sweet treats such as cupcakes, frosting and ice cream… Mmmm! I’ve been liking minty green for some time actually and with this trend, it’s one of the leading colours. These colours could be used to subtly colour block or with a denim bottom or a neutral piece and you’d look cute and effortless. In the photo there’s a cheetah print with is pastel based, I think that’s the cutest thing ever!

 

Brights & Florals

The perfect way to draw some attention to yourself. I have been seeing a lot of bright and floral bottoms. Not only floral skirts as existed all the time, but also floral denim. I’m sure this was probably aaround a long time ago too, but only just came back in. Whatever the case, I can wait to get my hands on a floral denim shorts or a bright coloured pants. (Yes I know I’m very late with this trend, but I still like it). More than likely I will be opting for these in the short versions because my legs are so long that it’s a lot of colour to hand at a glance.

Of course, the easiest way to pull off these brights are to step into them gradually, a bright bag, a bright shirt, a bright pants.. but not all at once! I think this is also a good way to prepare yourself for a bit of colour blocking. (I’m mentioning a lot of this, but it’s been here from since 2011 or 2010 and I  don’t think it’s going anywhere soon).

Along with  bright colours, I should not forget to mention that neon is also taking the world by storm. Highlighter hues are being seen from skinny belts to complete pants. A great way to add a pop to a neutral outfit, but remember again, MODERATION is key!

Bold Prints

Aztec, Futuristic to timeless Ethnic or African prints can be seen everywhere. Bangles, bat wing tees, slouchy shirts, leggings, you name it, there’s a pattern on it. I’m not too big on the patterned leggings because to me it’s ver hard to make it look like a new outfit everytime you wear it. People tend to remember a bold print easier than they remember a colour. Eitherway, it’s still nice to rock a few patterned jewellery pieces with a solid colour or an Aztec print tee without looking like you’ve overdone the trend.

Peplum Clothing

I am head over heels for this style! It’s a nice way to get that hourglass shape everyone wishes they had. I’m sure I’ve seen this in style a while ago, and I wonder how a style like this goes out. It’s definitely a classic in my book. In a good peplum skirt, the waistband pulls in around the waist, while the ruffling smooths over the shape of the hips to make them look fuller, creating the sexiest of figures. I love these, bondage skirts and pencil skirts for their sexy curves look, however I  think peplum would create an elegant shape that some of the others cannot.

That’s all for this post on Spring trends I’ve been seeing. I hope you try out some if you haven’t already and if you have please tell me all about it! What else have you been noticing this Spring?

XOXO

Trendy Beauty for Spring 2012

I’m probably more than late with this post but since these things are still trending its still a good idea to write about it. There have been a number of things I’ve been seeing with lots of buzz from winter and they may continue through to spring. I’m just going to list them off and a bit of my thoughts on them.

Lipstick-Lip balm Hybrids:
From the infamous Revlon ColorBurst lip butters to the L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm … These lip products have so much hype surrounding them. It’s like the best thing since sliced bread! Everyone is now bringing out a lip moisturiser which boasts of a subtle colour pay-off as well.

Frankly I love it! Lipsticks have been around for a long-time and one thing they needed to perfect was the moisturising properties. Now with these new series of lip products it’s just amazing how they’ve combined a good lip balm with some actual colour. Before these seemed to only be available from higher-end brands such as Clinique, Lancome and Dior, just to name a few.

However, drugstore brands have been able to knock consumers off the department store brands to their grocery stores in search of these more affordable versions. Best thing is, EVERYONE seems to be loving them all over the beauty world. I CANNOT wait until they finally reach here! (Granted it may take another 2 months hahaha)

Tangerine Tango:
Named by Pantone as one of the colours of 2012. Corals and oranges were really hot last year and it seems they’re continuing the trend this year. Appearing everywhere, from clothes to beauty products, all the newest collections are including at least one tangerine colour.
I’m not too certain about my feelings to this colour being in everything as I’m not much of a orange fan, but I will be watching to see how it turns out.

I’ve also been seeing the Bright Charteuse, Honey Gold and Pink Flambe growing in popularity with the current styles. Actually I have a hand bag in a colour very similar to the Honey Gold. I at least understand why that is popular, it’s neutral enough to go with everything, yet bright enough to be a pop of colour.

Maybelline:
This cosmetic brand has been headlining the drugstore beauty realm from the beginning of 2012 with their affordable alternatives to the infamous M.A.C. paintpots, called the Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoos. These are being coveted by beauty bloggers, enthusiasts and those in search of a great gel eyeshadow. Not only have they been winning people over with the Color Tattoos, but they have brought out a number of products with improvements on their older products, such as the Eye Studio and Dream.

Drugstore Brands:
I’ve talked about Maybelline in particular, but it really appears as if the drugstore brands are taking their game to a higher height. Improved formulas and packaging are winning over tons of cusomers who once stuck only to department store brands.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Spring 2012 and Summer as well!! What’s trending on your side of the world?

XOXO

Disclaimer: Images are not my own, hopefully I get my hands on some of these products eventually though!