Trends

Color blocked shoes for spring 2012

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged color blocking / spring 2012 by

One of the hottest shoe trends to make it from the runways, onto store shelves, and into closets of Fashionistas everywhere for spring 2012 is the color blocked shoe. Color blocked shoes for spring 2012 are appearing everywhere; and on every style of shoe imaginable. 

Sandals, high heels, platforms, pumps and even some booties are sporting the spring 2012 color blocked trend. Color blocking for spring 2012 is being shown in many forms on shoes from black/white, beige/color and mixed bright colors. 
We decided to scour Polyvore (see photo set below) and compile a few of our favorite spring 2012 color blocked shoes, not only because we love shoes, but to inspire the Fashionista in everyone. We firmly believe everyone needs at least one pair of color blocked shoes in their spring 2012 wardrobe. Which pair is your favorite? Which type of shoe do you love seeing color blocking on? Flats? Sandals? Platforms? Pumps? Leave a comment below or join us on Twitter or Facebook and join in the discussion!
y (3)

Fine gemstone jewelry in shades of orange for spring 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Jewelry / Trends  tagged fall 2012 / fine jewelry / orange / spring 2012 / summer 2012 by

When Pantone announced that Tangerine Tango, a slightly red-orange shade will be the “IT” color for 2012, Fashionistas everywhere began taking inventory and shopping their closets for the coveted shade. While orange apparel, handbags and shoes may not suit everyone’s taste, fine jewelry normally does. One of the easiest ways to wear 2012’s hot shade of orange is through a classic piece of fine jewelry.

There are many different styles of fine jewelry on the market. Precious metals and stones can be found in classic settings as well as designed in of-the-moment styles. Whichever style of fine jewelry you prefer, semi-precious stones and fine metals will last a lifetime and are an investment; therefore, you can easily purchase an orange hued gem this season and wear it forever.
Colored gemstones never go out of style; but orange gems are hotter than ever for 2012. There are many different types of orange gemstones on the market right now. Here is a list of some popular gemstones and semi-precious stone to look for when shopping for orange-toned fine jewelry:

Citrine: This sparkling orange stone ranges from yellow-orange to red-orange hues. Citrine is a popular and classic gemstone most commonly found in timeless settings. Citrine is also the birthstone of November and planetary stone for Virgo. In classic settings, citrine is commonly found in yellow-gold, more modern settings with citrine are done in white gold or sterling silver.

Fire Opals: Fire Opals are opaque, red-orange stones which are close in hue to Pantone’s Tangerine Tango; the color of 2012. This is the perfect stone to wear during the day or evening due to the opaque, understated nature of the stone. Fire Opals can be found in classic settings as well as avant-garde designs.

Amber: This orange stone is a soft, medium orange which blends well with both spring and fall shades of orange. The opaque nature of amber allows it to be worn during the day or for evening events; making it a versatile stone. Amber, like Fire Opal, can be found in both classic and designer settings. Amber also happens to be the star sign for Taurus.

While citrine, Fire Opal and Amber happen to be the most common orange stones on the market, there are several other styles of orange hued gemstones a Fashionista can choose from. Shining and sparkling gems includes Zircon, Orange Sapphire, Chrysoberyl, Topaz and Hessonite Garnet. These gems can be found in classic cuts and settings and are considered timeless, semi-precious stones.

There are also several opaque, orange hued gemstones which are perfect for everyday wear. Coral, Chalcedony and opals can be found in varying shades of orange, and are not priced too high. There are also additional opaque, orange hued stones such as Carnelian and Montana Agate which offer unique colorations and varying shades of orange within each piece.

Fine jewelry with an orange stone set in white gold, yellow gold or sterling silver makes an easy and beautiful way to invest in 2012’s hottest color off the runway. Below is a sample of jewelry pieces we found around the web which offer both the hottest color of 2012 and timeless beauty. Enjoy!

y (1)

Spring 2012 Fashion Trends: The IT list is in

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Shoes / Trends  tagged runway trends / spring 2012 by

The spring 2012 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London left the fashion world a bevy of eye candy. The runways were colorful and the overall vibes of the collections reflected decadence yet regard for the environment. Fashion became responsible with more vegan fabrications and eco-chic fabrications than ever before while being anything but understated.

The notice-me trends from the spring 2012 runways which are arriving on store shelves and look to be the biggest winners of the season are:

Bold Color: Bright and bold colors are continuing from 2011. There are even pops of neon harkening back to the late 1980’s when you needed sunglasses to speak with your friends. Look for shades of orange, pink, yellow, cobalt and green.

Color Blocking: Two or more colors are being shown together in the form of color blocking. While this was a huge trend in 2011, color blocking has become even more important for 2012. Look for unexpected colors mixed together such as pink with orange; as well as black and white combos.

Going Vegan: There is a huge move away from animal by products and towards vegan fashion. Faux leathers and materials are hot for spring. Look for animal friendly fashion from Stella McCartney, Olsen Haus and Jill Milan. A few designers are starting to add animal friendly items to their collections, look to Valentino for fabulous, non-leather handbags which no-one will ever guess are faux.

Flares, wide legs and small bells: While skinnies still have their place in the pant world, jeans and trousers are going 1970’s vintage with flared bottoms and small bell bottoms. The wide leg trousers ia also du rigueur. But skinny lovers need not fear! The hot way to wear neon and bold colored pants is on denim skinnies. Show off those fab gams! –Just make sure they are bright; you worked out, show it off!

Finish with Fragrance: Christian Dior once said that in order to complete a look, one must wear fragrance. We agree! You’re never fully dressed without fragrance. Look for medium-heaviness fragrances such as Elie Saab Le Parfum, Prada Candy, Jouany Marakesh, Hanai Mori No.3, Van Cleef and Arpels Precious Oud and anything by Nocturne Alchemy.

Complicated shoes: Gone are the days of the sleek and classic pump. Shoes for spring 2012 are offering sky high platforms, color blocking, unexpected mixes of colors, straps, studs, sparkles, feathers and you name it; it will be found on a shoe. For those seeking sleek and classic, stay away from nude or black and look for neon hues or bright shades of orange, yellow, cobalt and pink. If your shoe must be solid colored, let it be bright. Look for wedges and platforms; flats are so last year.

Painterly: Swishes of paint are being found everywhere from garments to cuffs to high heels. Painterly is the understated way to make a statement this spring season.

Florals: Floral prints were huge in 2011 and are continuing into 2012. Look for floral details and prints, show your sweet side ;-0

Bows: Bow are huge and being found everywhere from details on a shirt to the main feature of a handbag. Show your sweet side with a bow. Our favorite way to wear this trend is with one of Valentino’s bow handbags. Valentino makes the bow sophisticated and so up uptown; love it! 

Metallic touches: Metallic has been in style for the past few years and is showing no sign of fading for spring 2012. Combine metallics with bright colors for an over the top statement or use it to update your basic black wardrobe. 

Hats: Finishing off a look with a hat is hot for spring 2012. The runways gave us floppy hats in varying sizes and shapes while the recent Royal Wedding showed us how to have some fun dressing for formal affairs by topping off our look with a fascinator. Verdict: buy a hat! 

Spring 2012 is all about having fun with fashion. Express your inner Fashionista and pick out bright colors you love. Personalize your look with notice-me accessories and leave a trail of perfume behind you. Spring 2012 is about being noticed and enjoying everything we love about getting dressed in the morning. Have FUN, and stay fabulous 

y