Trends

Cork for spring 2012

 in Eco Chic / General Fashion / Trends  tagged cork / runway trends / spring 2012 by

Cork is one of the hottest fabrications found on accessories for the spring 2012 season. Eco-chic cork is found mainly on shoes for the spring 2012 season, but the innovative fabrication can also be found on handbags, jewelry and even as trim on belts and apparel.

Cork graced the runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London last fall when designers showed off their new spring 2012 collections. These cork designs have taken store shelves by storm and as the weather warms up, they will soon overtake the streets. Designers such as Prada and Stella McCartney are showing cork for the spring 2012 season, and many moderate priced brands are following suit with cork collections of their own for spring.

Normally found used for stoppers on wine bottles, or for noteboards, cork has become an innovative material over the past few decades. Builders use cork for insulation in homes and it has also been used as chic floor and wall tiles. Cork originates from the “Cork Oak” tree and is considered a renewable resource; making it an eco-chic fabrication, love it! What makes cork fabulous is that it is made from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, therefore, the tree does not need to be cut down. The bark regrows, which is why cork is a renewable resource and eco-chic!

Cork is definitely one of the hottest ways to update your wardrobe for spring 2012. Not only is cork a renewable resource, making it eco-chic, the material offers texture and a natural vibe which is refreshing for the warm weather months. Look for both casual and dressy options this season when it comes to cork shoes, handbags and apparel.

We scoured the web and put together a few items through the Polyvore set below to help you get started on your cork shopping for spring 2012. Hope you love it! Happy shopping and stay fabulous

y (10)

The softer side of spring 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Trends  tagged pastels / runway trends / spring 2012 by

Spring 2012 is all about color. While bright and bold colors are hot, Paris gave the fashion world another color palette to think about; pastels. The Paris pastel trend seemed to be nothing more than a mere introduction when it graced the runways during Paris Fashion Week last fall. Normally when a trend first appears on the runways, store buyers and Fashionistas take notice, but do not go full force into wearing the trend. Not true this spring 2012 season. Pastels are more important than one would think.

When Paris introduced pastels, many forecasters thought it was an introduction and that in 2013 and 2014 pastels would overtake the bright colors we have grown to love during the past year. Although bright colors are highly sought after and important for spring 2012, pastels are taking an equal place in the world of spring fashion.

Pastels shades are being shown in many forms from color blocking to stand-alone hues. Pastels are being shown with whites, creams, pale beige and soft neutrals on feminine silhouettes; playing up the sweet side of the pastel color spectrum.

There is no denying that pastels are a fast up-and-comer. The hues are being shown in make-up for spring as well as on store shelves everywhere. While this is no signal to stop investing in bright colors, it does tell shoppers to mix it up in spring 2012 and invest in both bright colors and pastels. Look for pastel florals, stand-alone colors and soft color blocking. Pastels are a great way to feel fresh and perfect for days when orange, the color of 2012, is just too bright for the occasion.

y (9)

Sparkle and shine like its red carpet time

 in General Fashion / Jewelry / Trends  tagged spring 2012 by

One of the biggest trends right now is to sparkle and shine. Whether a Fashionista is shining by wearing Christian Louboutin glitter pumps or a sequin party dress, everyone is wearing at least one item which sparkles. The shimmering trend, which took off in 2011 is heading full steam ahead into 2012. Therefore, it is no wonder that Fashionistas are looking to the red carpet for a little shimmering inspiration. Of course celebrities are always wearing something that shines whether it is a garment, accessory or piece of jewelry.

When it comes to jewelry, many of us assume that celebrities are wearing carets upon carets of sparkling diamonds when gracing the red carpet; this is not always the case. There are many diamond stimulants and other types of stones which appear on the red carpet and shine just as much, or more than, a real diamond. Who knew!?

Recently we took a shopping trip to the Swarovski store and fell in love with everything that glitters; much more than gold. Swarovski crystal earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more graced the shelves of the shop and we soon learned which items were worn by which fabulous celebrity. Of course two of us purchased a pair of earrings worn by Jennifer Lopez; let’s face, J.Lo defines sparkle and shine!

Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Emma Roberts, Carrie Underwood and Halle Berry have been spotted on the red carpet dripping in Swarovski crystal. In fact, Jennifer Lopez made the “Fit Silver Shade” earrings famous when she was spotted wearing them in a music video. The earrings have become so popular that people have been flocking to Swarovski stores nationwide and asking for the “Jennifer Lopez Earrings.” According to a Swarovski employee.

The sparkle trend is one which is fun and embodies the vibe of 2012 which is light-hearted. During the day, the easiest way to wear this trend is with one key piece such as a pair of shoes, belt or bold and sparkling piece of jewelry. For evening occasions, you can wear multiple shimmering items and shine like it’s red carpet time

Whichever way you decide to wear this trend, you can’t go wrong. Shimmer, shine and stay fabulous

y (8)