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Spring/ Summer 2011 Top 10 WEARABLE Trends

June 3, 2011 3:44:36 PM EDT

You don't need to overhaul your closet to update your style for the new season. In fact, with just a few additions and/or tweaks you can easily transform those staples ideas that are already in your closet. From 70's accessories to boat inspirations, here's what you'll need to conquer this season in style:

Color Blocking -  The easiest way to add life to your outfit is to pop in some of the season’s bright colors. The biggest mistake people make is adding too much color at once.  Small, simple additions like a bright scarf or earrings is all that is needed. Remember less is more.

Seductive 70's - Bold gold, glitter, metallic, Lucite accessories, over sized floppy hats, platforms and wide leg jeans/trousers all enhance a 70's look.

Boat Totes - You don't have to be on a boat or even near the sea but you need to make sure to rock the boat with a nautical themed bag These classic carry-alls are wonderful because they compliment every outfit – wear it day & evening.  

Be A Good Sport - Even if you are not sporty, try adding a few racey items your wardrobe, they can add some athletic energy.

The Long Skirt - Its time to say so-long mini and hello maxi... this can be a hard one to understand, with the heat of summertime most aren't covering-up more of their body.  The look is very relaxed, comfortable and in soft flowy, breathable fabrics that will have you wondering why you even bothered with the sticky, clingy minis.

Cool Cover-ups - As a new alternative to the classic denim jacket Baja pullover, techy hoodies and, sporty windbreakers are a easily and often practical up-date.

Boyish Flats - With all the newly updated classics from loafers to boat shoes; it’s never been chicer to walk in his shoes.

Graphic Patterns - Graphics are center stage this season; this might leave your mother with déjà-vu or give her another reason to hang-on to her "what she considers classic" originals.

White Jeans - Be sure to clean up your act and keep plenty of bleach handy with bright white denim.

Get Punk'd - Slashed tops, clunky but cool footwear, and studded leather are all the right pieces to get bad girl chic.  My only recommendation would be to contrast these edge items with something softer and sweeter to avoid terrifying your friends and family.

0 Comments | Posted in General Fashion Fridays By Shana Aldrich

Fashion Friday: Repeating Trends

February 26, 2011 6:27:16 AM EST

They always say that fashion repeats itself....but does it?

Designers often borrow ideas and inspirations from the past.  By taking a closer look, you will see that shapes, colors, fit, and fabrics are always updated.  Like technology, fashion trends are constantly evolving, improved upon, updated slightly or sometimes dramatically. Styles become modernized. 

Clothing trends are a product of our surroundings.  People, places, the media, and whether we are conscious of it or not, the way we dress is influenced by just about every aspect of our daily life. 

 "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.  Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening".   -Coco Chanel

In order to modernize a style from the past it is important to remember that a little goes a long way....in other words, "moderation" is key.  You would never see someone wearing bell bottoms with the quintessential polyester  butterfly-collared 70's shirt, nor would you see leggings paired with a paint splattered oversized t-shirt unless the person was headed to a theme party.  Yet both bell bottoms and leggings have had a recent resurgence in the fashion world.

So if trends are set by us, then how are the styles mainstreamed within the industry?  Have you even noticed how one color or collection of colors dominate stores?  How do different brands such as The Gap and Prada end up with such similar visions for each season?

Apparel companies use fashion or trend forecasting services.  With these services designers are able to stay current on the latest colors, styles, prints, fabrics and overall aesthetics.  fashion forecasting is used as a  researching tool that guides and defines the most up-to-date styles....in simpler terms it is an apparel designers' library. The competitive nature of the fashion industry does not fall short to these trend services. Therefore designers do not rely on one company for all their trend information.  There are many fashion forecasting services available.  Apparel designers and their companies utilize several of these forecasters in collaboration to create their own collections from season to season.

For most of the country there is still  more winter in the forecast, but for the fashion industry spring and summer are trending.

0 Comments | Posted in General Fashion Fridays By Shana Aldrich