Spring/Summer 2011 hot colour trends

Today, I am on fire with blog posts, your going to have friction burn on your fingers from scrolling through my posts so fast.
A bit about colours:

Some colours have meanings, other's can change atmoshperes, some can brighten our days, calm them, or provoke ideas and inspire us. Some scream fashion and some scream barf. But together, with the right eye they can create something beautiful like a rainbow, and that is why colours and shapes are so popular this year.

Orange:
Orange is an exciting new introduction too our wardrobes this spring/summer. Its bold, daring and in your face, not to be worn by the faint hearted or body conscious. There are different ways to wear orange as can be seen. For example Prada used strong tones of orange to create the illusion of fire and burning fabric. Whereas Alberta opted for softer hues and combined those with neutrals like black and pastels like beige to make it a more versatile and easier to wear colour.

It can be seen in loads of different runway shows for example:

 

White:

White is always in fashion every summer/spring because it is really versatile, its soft, cool and just appropriate for summer. Because of this i would recommend investing in some sort of white garment. This year its not just white dresses but shorts, pants and tailored skirts.

Dark purple and bright pink:

These are more winter colours (particularly the purples) but we cannot ignore them as they are being introduced into many a designers collection. They add drama and texture to an otherwise plain outfit. Plus its my fave colour.

Light grey/stone:

Although considered boring, with the right blending and accessories grey can look very sheek and glamorous. For example pairing a soft , light grey with caramels, greens or pinks can look really good. Use it wildly with a variation of shades and tints.

Lemon:

Some people say lemon or yellow is too bold or old fashioned (like a mustard colour) but i disagree.  really vibrant bit of yellow can be the injeciton of colour a wardrobe needs, be it a bright necklace, pair of shoes, skirt or other garment. This colour can be worn it its most saturated form and in its most pastel state. It can be great for a sunny day but also in evening wear for example a metallic like gold. It is elegant and vintage at the same time.

Black:
Its elegant, its slimming, it's versatile and it's always on trend, what more do you want from a colour.

Blue and navy:
Ranging from turquoise to dark navy , it is so adaptable. It looks great in a suit but could also transform a glittering evening gown. It is elegant without being in your face but it can also make a statement in for example a blazer or pair of sky scraper heels. It's a really good tone because it can be pared with so many different colours and shades, whether the desired effect is contrasting or blended and soft pastells. Some designers eg Vivienne westwood used subdued tints of blue whereas Prada used an electric blue.

Light green:
Its soft, its summery and it looks great on something with a print or texture. It can be used to give a military feel to an outfit but again can look soft.

Floral prints:
Brought back every summer and never get old. Be it a floral sash/accessory/print on a dress /skirt or pair of leggings, it is a very easy trend to be introduced into your wardrobe whatever your style. It can be found anywhere from high street to catwalk. You don't have to be a fashion junkie too know that this is a hot trend. Just wearing it puts you in the right mood on a hot summers day but it can equally brighten a gloomy one. Some deisgners used obvious sumemr pallets and floral prints, others used distorted , blurred indistinctive floral patterns and some used it to make accesories liek belts and headdresses.

Stripes:
Stripes are also popular but not as popular as floral prints. They are an easy way to add definition or to update an outfit. They can be multicoloured stripes or more artitectual.

Polkadot: Polka dots can be really effective, be it small dots on a vintage style blouse or large spots on a 50's style evening dress. I think they look cute , especially a short prom style dress with black and white polka dots and then like a red pair of shoes or belt.

Summary:
As you can see , although the colour and pattern pallete for this summer isn't very diverse or different (smae thing i guess :/ doh! ) There is alot of experimenting to be done with it and alot of fun to be had, so enjoy and thanks for reading! <3

Disclaimer:
I do not own the pictures, as you can clearly see by the fact that each one has been printed by the name of the owners website. All rights reserved. Check this out for more info, it's a great site, i found it today :
http://www.millionlooks.com/trends/color-trends-spring-summer-2011/

xx Love Pixie xx

Colour Blocking

Teeny bit about I actually love this. Its so simple, easy and bright. If you live in the Uk chances are you will have seen this sort of thing in H&M , Topshop and Primark windows. Think bold, think bright, think miss matched colours and patterns. Its back like never before but with a 70's twist. Flared jeans, full denim, Maxi skirts and highwaisted everything.

Me
Im not normally one to wear anything to bright and attention grabbing but i have treated myself to a navy highwaisted skirt from h&m, a bright turqoise vest top from primark and a luminous yellow thin belt from new look. I love this and i think the outfit actually works in practice, probably on paper it sounds awful but i like it.

Where
This look is everywhere, thanks to catwalks all over the world colour blocking is 2011's biggest trend so far. It can bring any outfit from plain to sheek but unless used carefully you could look like a walking talking rainbow but not in a goods way. In a sort of i look at you and my eyes hurt and i feel a bit queasy kind of way.

How (with asos) http://www.asos.com/Women/Women-Landing-Pages/20110307H-Women-Colour-Block/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=12989#page02_DL

Not to be beaten asos has released lots of gorgous clothes for the colour blocking trend. Even if its not your budget or personal style you can see how colours can be linked together. If you arn't one to go as full out as the models in these pictures try co-ordinating your accesories, wearing bright bracelts, or an outfit and completley different coloured shoes. It doesn't have to be over the top.



From asos.com vest £8, belt £6, trousers £40, bag "coming soon"



Here a vest top has been tucked into a pair of different coloured trousers. The belt breaks up the outfit and contrasts with both colours. I think this look is very practical and could be adjusted for any occaision. For night A pair of bright stilletoes, for work a bold blazer and for shopping perhaps a bigger bag. Its suitable for most shapes and all ages.



from asos.com Belt £20, shorts&Top "coming soon"













I like this outfit too. It incorporates both the colour blocking trend and the high-waisted one that i see everyone doing. In this look a yellow blouse top has been tucked into a pair of bright shorts and finished off with a cute bow belt. Again this look could be taken anywhere, for the beach a big oversized bag, gladiators and sunnies, for everyday some knee high socks and side satchel and for night stilletoes, clutch and big bold chunky necklace.





From asos.com dress&belt "coming soon"



Sheek and short thats what i allways say. A blue shift dress and cut out spiral print has been teamed with a yellow waist cincher belt and a leather belt thredded through over the top. The overall look is very simple but nice. If you don't want to wear lots of luminous patterns or over the top prints this is your outfit. Its not difficult to put together, the ideas can be applied to other outfits and the pallet could suit any occaision.

For the day you could put on a big chunky cardigan in say a green with some ankle boots. For night a sparkly clutch bag in yellow and high high heels and for a vintage look , ditch the yellow belt and add a thrhifted brown weave one, some knee high colourful socks, chunky ankle boots, a satchle, some rounded brown sunglasses/any colour and a longish bold necklace with lots of bits and pieces(charms). 



from asos.com vest £8, trousers "coming soon"



Who said fashion and colour blocking had to be for fashionistas?

The model (left) is colour blocking and it may not be obvious that she is because it isn't in your face, it isn't over the top and it has been done very sneakily. The overally look is simple, casual, sporty and comfy. Add some trainers and you could be off on the running track but swap them for some sandals and a hat and you could have a cosy day at the beach.

Its all about trial and error.

Summary
Ok to sum up, some highwaisted shorts, a belt and a vest top can be all you need. Stick to this basic model and then tailor it to your occaision. Wedding? swop the shorts for a skirt and add a hat. Beach? add some gladiators and some sunglasses. Work? add a blazer , swop the shorts for pants and some balley flats/low heels. Shopping? swop the vest top for an oversized t-shirt and tuck it into the shorts, throw on a cardigan, some knee high socks and a satchel with a sumemry print.

Remember it can all boil down to the accesories, a belt can add definition and a hint of colour. Sunglasses can add ease and glamour. Bracelts and necklaces can finsih a look to perfection.

Hope this helped.

Incorporate it into everyday life

http://youtu.be/Xror3zq6f7k
I love this girl, she knows what she's talking about and she's super helpful. Thats a video showing you how she colour blocks, she's american so has some different stores to us but the ideas are the same. I recomend you subscribe <3

xx Love pixie xx