2012 Styleista Fashion Predictions

It may not be doable to don our pretty pastels and maxi skirts just yet, but there's no harm in forecasting next season's must haves. I'm going to gaze into the crystal ball and make my predictions for what I think will be big trends we can actually wear for Spring/Summer 2012.

Angelic Fabrics - Designers this spring and summer are utilizing heavenly fabrics, feather light and sheer - and putting out some gorgeous whimsical designs. Soft, feminine blouses and flowy dresses that make you feel like an angel.

Mulberry

American Apparel

Pleats Please - Giving references to ancient Greece and Rome, many fashions will be sewed up with intricately, folded pleats and draping. I'm totally digging the accordion pleat craze this season. It's a cutesy look with a feminine edge, whether short and sweet or long and maxi.



Atlantic-Pacific.blogspot.com

Nautical Notion - This has been a big trend for the past few years and is still very prevalent. A classy and
polished classic look. Mainly navy and white stripes with gold
accents but try a new twist by pairing with hints
of this season's hues - pretty pastels.



　

The Dress Shirt - Not just for the office anymore. The plain collared shirt is so classic and so simple it can be paired with anything. Whether it's fitted and tucked in to jeans or slightly over sized ballooning out of a high-waisted maxi skirt, this shirt needs to be a staple in your closet. (if you don't already own a few) You need a solid dress shirt in light blue and white, at least.

 

Peplum Power - Popping up everywhere, peplum silhouettes are a key trend for Spring. Feminine tops, vintage-style dresses, and pencil skirts adopted the flouncy flares. They are ultra flattering, super sleek and girlie at the same time. Think Victoria Beckham - at the office (if she has one...)

Atlantic-Pacific

Mullet skirts - not your traditional mullet (thankfully), this party in the front, business in the back hemline is a flirty and edgy cut that is fast becoming a favourite for Spring/Summer. The happy medium between a mini and a maxi- shorter front suggests something playful and revealing while the longer back conveys a sense of elegance. These skirts will make great additions to your wardrobe as they are so versatile and are flattering on most body types. Probably my favorite trend for Spring/Summer!

High-Waisted - Throw back to the 70's high-waisted shorts, pants and skirts are going to be everywhere. The pant that Katherine Hepburn made so popular is back - the high-waisted, flare pants are so big this spring. I suggest you pair this style of pant with a great round toe heel, and a delicate top just to give the old look a bit of flare.

Romantic Rockabilly - Bring on the hot rollers, eyeliner and red lips… it's

time to get glam. The new age rockabilly is a cross between Bettie 
Page and schoolgirl, a little more sexy and femanine and a little less bad ass, 

rock-'n'-roll. Style warning: Do not try this at home, unless you have a

tattoo or play an instrument.

Mid-Finger Rings - been spotting a subtle trend on the blogosphere, it's time to blow this one up: Wearing thin, delicate rings mid-finger is the newest way to dust your knuckles. It's also a smart
way to recycle rings that
don't fit anymore.
Style tip: Keep it simple. 

There you have it - my picks for this season's street style trends. Hope this helps you when shopping the Spring collections that are hitting shelves now :)

~xoB

2012 Runway Fashion Trends

What better way to start off a new year and a new season of style with a new blog.

Please join me in talking and walking fashion with a passion.

Fashion week just ended and I though I would give you all a recap of what the top trends were for Spring/Summer 2012. I know, I know — there is still snow on the ground here, and it seems a little crazy to be fantasizing about warm weather wear. Just the thought of exposing my poor, pasty legs to a flowy skirt seems wrong, but that's not gonna stop me. Day dreaming about shopping the Spring trends gets me through Winter (along with a couple trips to +25C destinations). Judging by what was on the Fashion Week runways, we'll have a lot to lust after as some of these pieces hit stores.

 Color 

Orange - As Pantone's color of 2012, this juicy hue has already cut its way into designer duds, popping up mostly in outer wear and dresses. In some form or another, orange seems to be permanently on the runways, but this season of the haute hue takes a tangerine turn. I love the idea of a bright orange dress paired with neutral accessories.

White Out - As always...Black and white fashions defy time, and keep their well earned place as big colors for Spring and Summer 2012. All white from head-t- toe was all over the runways. From suits to dresses and dainty cutouts to sheer white overlays. Can't wait to break out the monochromatic matte paired with the perfect tan. Warning: this look should not be warn before first having 12 hours of sun or a spray tan.

Pastels - The infatuation with neon slightly fades and we begin to see soft palettes filled with colours that remind us of sherbet and ice cream. This doesn't mean we are completely over the bold, bright colors but fluorescent looks are mellowing out for spring, and more muted hues like apricot, mint green, and shades of yellow are dominating. Girly shades like blush pink, lilac, and robin's egg blue seem like a logical transition from neon trends of Fall. Colorblocking in feminine pastels is cool and modern, thanks to menswear shapes. Recreate the look with high-waisted trousers and
                                                                                                                tailored blazers in soft sorbet hues.

Styles

Gucci

Art Deco - The 2012 Spring runways had their fair share of fringe and fabulous '20s frocks. Like this gorgeous Gucci dress. Designers brought fresh spirit to the catwalk with retro silhouettes, extra-long fringe and delicate detail. Drop-waists and sequins were just some of the glamorous elements that made up the retro-inspired looks that infiltrated the runways. A throwback to the '20s, drop-waist dresses give off that babydoll look, but feel fresher, and more grown-up but you do have to have a long lean body type to pull them off.


Tribal - Beginning with animal prints, onto cultured stripes Africa was the word for Spring. Designers always indulge a love of the exotic when the temperatures start to rise, and BCBG Max Azria turned out a series of flowy, tribal-print dresses that would look perfect poolside or at a summer evening soiree. Get the look with a flowing, ethnic-patterned tunic or slipdress.

Peter Pilotto

Under The Sea - The nautical trend has been strong for a few seasons, and was still prevalent in the 2012 Spring shows, but with a deep sea twist. Lots of desingers made a splash with pearlized pallettes and watery shades from pale azure to deep, shimmering navy. Prints were mostly abstract, but they portrayed swirling swells and all things oceanic. Some designers went crazy with crustation cues - I wasn't a fan...

Graphic Art - Digital imaging was very prevelant on the Fashion Week runways. There were water-colored prints, ink blot patterns (my favorite) and flower power designs going digital. Pretty petals turned into something out
of a sci-fi fantasy, like the Lela Rose skirt below. The prints are so complex and fascinating you can get lost in them for hours. The overall message remaining clear: Spring is about getting graphic. Pair your digital design with nude accessories
for a polished, uncluttered look.

Lela Rose

Middriff Baring - Not too sure I'm ready to bring back the half top but toned tummys were popping up everywhere on runways from New York to Paris. These sexy silhouettes sparked 80's flash backs for me, however there is a modern twist with a higher hem for this era. The key is to keep the belly button covered and just expose a hint of upper midriff. Think girl with the dragon tattoo - the breakout star, Rooney Mara has sported a similar yet more edgy look in a high-waisted skirt as has Jennifer Lopez in high rise shorts with a peek-a-boo top on American Idol this year.

Derek Lam

Printed Pants - Not too sure how I feel about this one, but those who love their spots, florals, and stripes should have a field day with this print trend. Style your stems with dynamic denim or patterned pants. Forget those taboos about matchy-matchy dressing, because all-over florals to paisley head-to-toe - making sure your top and pants are equally patterned is all the rage on the runways. For advanced mixologists only, please - This can be a hard look to pull off!

Alexander Wang

Athletic Chic - Thank your designers, ladies (and gents). The casual, more-than-comfy hoodie just got a stylish kick. (who knew we'd ever be taking style advice from Sporty Spice) The modern hoodie is more streamlined wear it under a blazer or in a chic anorak-style. Alexander Wang's spring '12 collection was inspired by motocross gear, and you can see mesh, padding, and stripes replacing last season's surf-inspired neoprene and zippers. No need to do the head-to- toe ensemble, as seen here, but I am psyched to rock a windbreaker come spring - sporty - but still feminine. Mackage has some great styles! 

　

2011 was a bit of a volatile year for fashion, looking back, and I think 2012 will be even more dynamic, with more risks, more throwbacks, and more unconventional silhouettes. And if you find any of these trends strange, they just might be, not every trend is for everyone. Pick a couple that work for you, your body type, coloring and personal style and add a few pieces and accesories to update your wardrobe.

Stay tuned to Styleista for my picks of what's hot this season and how to wear the trends in the real world.

City Chic and the Downtown Girl do the RED SKINNY

  

Looking through your closet and wondering what to wear? You probably already have a ton of great things that don't seem as exciting as they once were when they were new... But don't have fashion fear, go pick up a pair of RED SKINNY JEANS - GAP, GUESS, Paige, J Brand and even forever 21 all have great styles. These will brighten up your wardrobe and transform your black tank, plain white tee and even your "boring" pumps into an instant trendy look. Anything black, white or grey goes with red and you can be daring and add a hit of blue or yellow too if you like. I have paired them with flats and a sweater with simple jewelry for day and spiced them up with heels, silk or sequins with some funky jewelry and a clutch for night. In this cold weather go with combat style boots or high heeled black booties for a sexy look. Add a chunky knit scarf for added warmth. Have a great weekend!

-Styleista