Summer Edit 2018

The weather is finally heating up, so much so we think it might be time to open that summer wardrobe, get those legs out and top up that tan! Bright colours and pretty prints continue to be favourites on the catwalk and throughout the high street. Teaming old faithfuls with new prints and colours is a simple and fun way to revive last summer’s wardrobe!

 

Paint Box Brights

 

The primary Pantone colour chart continues to be the core influence for designers and their summer collections. What ever colour you prefer, be it tomato red, emerald green, bright yellow, fuchsia or cobalt, you will be sure to find it! This trend lends itself to all body shapes and skin tones, find the colour that suits you and cover yourself in it. There is no such thing as ‘too much’ this summer!

 

Pastels   

 

In contrast, sweet and sugary shades are also key this summer. Off the shoulder dresses, billowing shirts and other draped shapes are perfect for hues of the palest blues and greens. Lilac is a favourite for designers along with a Neapolitan look using creams and pinks, think ‘pretty but powerful.’

 

 

The Suit Shorts

 

This feminine take on menswear has become one of the biggest trends to hit the high street this season. Multi coloured or blocked, patterned or plain, above the knee or below, suit shorts are sophisticated enough to wear to the office and cute enough to wear on a night out! Teamed with a blazer and heels or a logo tee and a pair of Converse, they are super versatile!

 

Floral Dresses

 

It wouldn’t be summer without a wave of floral dresses throughout the shop floor. In keeping with both colour trends, there are bold base colours covered in contrasting Liberty style prints as well as delicate ditsy florals that overlay more muted shades. Keep it fun, clash the colours and mix the blooms for an exciting and fresh way to wear the floral dress!

 

Bum Bags

 

Throw back to 1980’s fashion icons and you have the most important accessory trend of the summer. Bum bags are back with a bang this year and come in a massive range of colours, prints, fabrics and sizes. They can go with any outfit and are perfect for the up and coming Festival Season!

 

For the Guys…

 

Think Palm Beach, a mad mash up of swirly prints and rainbow colours. Floral (not ‘Hawaiian’) short sleeve shirts have been particularly popular across high street retailers. Designers have produced a broad spectrum of tones and prints to modernise the 1960’s Palm Beach socialite look.

 

Spring Trends for 2018

It is time to look forward to lighter evenings and earlier mornings, it is time to welcome Spring! The Spring trends this year are sure to energise your wardrobes with splashes of colour, mixed prints and throwback styles.

Bold Bright’s

Colour blocking high octane primary shades is the key look for Spring this year. Sun drenched yellow, bold blue and vibrant red should be the principal colours of your spring looks. Expand your colour blocking palette by adding rich oranges, grass greens or Pantone’s ‘colour of the year’, ultra violet, the more saturated the better.

Pretty Pastels

For those who do not wear intense brights, ice cream hues are also taking the runways by storm. Continuing with the colour blocking prowess, match lilac with lemon or marshmallow pink with duck egg blue. Don’t be fooled by these delicate shades, they can be just as striking as the brighter colours. Team a pastel blazer or coatigan with tailored trousers or high waisted faux leather skirt, think power pastels.

Frills and Ruffles

Romance is in the air, February is the month of love and the catwalks have been showcasing all kinds of feminine feels via ruffles and frills. Styles ranging from glam to everyday to sophisticated and even a touch ethereal, all your wardrobe essentials have been adorned with frills this season! 

 

Wrap it up

Wrap dresses are coming back in a big way this Spring. With a variety of fabrics and prints, they are perfect for everyone and suitable for all occasions, they are practical yet elegant. If you aren’t a dress wearer then do not despair, the same premise can be applied to the top version of the wrap trend. With the variety of sleeve lengths, fabrics and patterns, they too are suitable for any occasion. Just perfect for when you need a ‘jeans and nice top’ combo!

For the Guys…

Unlike the ladies, neutral colours are key for the guys this season. Think camel, coffee and off-white and pick two shades to mix and match. However, if you are one for colours try mixing the neutral tones with a bright tailored jacket. Rich, autumnal shades like burnt orange, burgundy and forest green are far easier to wear, and right on-trend this year. Try combining tailoring with sportswear to mix up your style this season, for example a hoodie with an overcoat is a simple yet effective way to relax a look to smart-casual.

Winter Wardrobe

The festive time of year is nearly upon us and we cannot wait! The shop floors are filling up with glitz, glam and sparkle as well as all things warm and cosy. Whether your Christmas is all about the parties or being wrapped up on the sofa watching the Snowman, the winter trends this year cater for every seasonal tradition.

Turtlenecks

As well as being a staple wardrobe basic, turtlenecks are fast becoming a layering essential. With a range of colours and fabrics, they can go with pretty much anything. Wear under your summer dresses and pinafores to double your winter wardrobe! If you aren’t one to layer then fear not, frills, shoulder pads, buttons and pockets are but a few embellishments designers have added to the simple turtleneck, causing them to be a statement piece of their very own.

Nylon Jackets

Quilted and bomber jackets remain a key fashion this season and is most likely to transition into early spring. Longer lengths and brighter colours mean that they can be worn with pretty much anything and for any occasion, just in time for winter walks and watching the fireworks!

Welcome back Corduroy

Corduroy is bound to make you think of University professors and elbow patches. It is a more a retro daytime fabric and does not scream ‘out out.’ But corduroy is making a big come back in a multitude of colours; from autumn hues including burgundy, chestnut and taupe to baby blue, deep purple, teal and maroon. Some designers are mixing corduroy with other materials as well as covering it in an array of patterns. Dress corduroy trousers up with a blouse and a statement necklace or go casual by teaming a corduroy mini skirt with a hoody and chelsea boots.

Winter Woollies

Jumpers and cardigans are an obvious winter wardrobe essential and designers continue to make an impression on the high street with their individual styles and textures. Winter doesn’t have to be the season of layers just to keep warm; from cropped to off the shoulder, chenille, cashmere or jersey; woollies can now complete an outfit. With designers embracing the need for a winter warmer and enhancing the looks, you can now be cosy and on point. Team a bell sleeved cable knit with a high waisted PU skirt or a front wrap knit with skinny jeans.

Glitter!

This is an obvious trend for the winter season. However, don’t just think ‘Christmas parties’ as every occasion deserves a little glitz, whether it is lunch with the girls or grocery shopping. If you are not one for co-ord glits, then try a chunky knit with lurex thread and a denim skirt or a gold top with tailored trousers and patent brogues. The sparkly trend is sure to follow into spring so experiment with colours and styles.

Guys…

Autumnal colours are key for this season, think moss green, pumpkin orange and night sky navy to name just a few. Mix shades and textures of deep green and dark navy into every outfit, great for any skin tone and can be applied to anything from streetwear to suiting. Try a corduroy or quilted navy shirt with grey jeans. A splash of orange can be used to add interest to your black and grey staples.

Autumn Trends

Transitioning from summer to autumn will be made just that bit easier this year by the exciting new trends hitting the shop floor.

Diamond Dazzle

Sparkle and shine this autumn with this space age inspired trend. Rihanna paved the way for chain mail, glittery mesh and sequins to quite literally cover your body and fill your wardrobe. High shine is the biggest trend for autumn and is thought to continue right into next spring. If you aren’t a fan of all over glitz then why not go for one statement shiny piece like culottes or a singlet. Layer it with faux fur, suede and leather for an edgy but super soft feminine look.

The 70’s

Everyone loved the 80’s trend so much that we have regressed another decade and into the sticky toffee, floral, disco glam of the 70’s. Thanks to the era’s quirky individuality and freedom of expression, the 70’s styles are loved by fashion designers and consumers alike. Fashion in the 70’s covered many styles and genres that continue to influence fashion today. As well as the instantly recognisable disco and hippy styles of the era, there were also boho-chic, punk and glam rock, folk and ethnic, safari and military, and sporty-chic fashions. There is something for everyone… all you need is a little floral embroidery.

Suits and Sleeves

Statement sleeves continue to make an impact on the catwalks, and combined with this autumns suiting trend, they can only get larger. Pronounced shoulders, double breasted cuts, exciting sleeves and nipped in waists are the foundations of this trend but if you aren’t a lover of power dressing then you can still utilise these key elements within your own wardrobe. Cinching belts and ruffles can be used to accentuate the waist and broaden the shoulders effortlessly.

Tonal Times

It is time to brush up on colour coordination and with fashion decades such as the 40’s and 70’s making a comeback, this should be easy. The 40’s trend sees the return of dusky blues, muted taupe and pastel lilac which alongside the 70’s camel shades and floral prints can easily be matched to make the perfect outfit.

It’s all about the dress!

Just because it is getting colder doesn’t mean you need to cover yourself in dark colours and masses amounts of wool. Dresses that were on trend this summer continue to impact our wardrobes. You can still flash the flesh with a cold shoulder maxi, maintain the full bloom of summer with florals and incorporate a high shine midi with a chunky knit and ankle boots. Moving from the bright colours of summer into the rich autumnal shades of the colder months means the increase of layer and colour combinations, all of which can be accentuated with any length dress!

Guys…

Short sleeve shirts are the way forward this autumn and the bolder the print, the better. Short sleeves can be worn with chinos, jeans or shorts and flip flops, wear buttoned up or open with a plain white tee underneath, there is no style limits with this item. Take full advantage of all the patterns and colours this fall, and don’t be afraid to mix and match to keep your look fresh.

Here comes the Sun!!!

The weather is heating up and we can not be happier! This season, the trends are bright, bold and all about baring all!

Shoulders

It is time to go below the clavicle and bare all with this summer’s on going naked shoulder trend. The off the shoulder silhouette continues to be a wardrobe mainstay but the cold shoulder cut out is making an impact on the high street. It can be sheer chiffon, denim, or even a knit, it is flirty without being overt and above all, it is fun! The universality of this trends makes it hugely popular amongst all body types.

Statement Sleeves

It is time to forget about strappy tops as well as our ‘arm issues’ and get ready to embrace this season’s biggest trend – statement sleeves! From bell shaped to ruched, summer 2017 sees sleeve styles to suit every arm type. If you are after length instead of volume, designers are using extra-long sleeves, maximised by cut outs and striking ties. An interesting sleeve will instantly transform boring tailoring or denim this summer.

Pink!

Pink is back and is no longer the stuff of Barbie dreams. With a variety of tones and hues, pink is a huge colour trend this spring/summer and can be whatever you want it to be! Whether you are super girly or prefer a more tailored look; variations of bright fuchsia, bubblegum and coral to more muted salmon, rose and soft nude, pink really can be anyone’s colour! Don’t be afraid of clashing pinks either, use a darker tone to add a punch to blush pink or team with leather for a rock twist. Emily Ratajkowski looks super sophisticated in this powder pink two piece… and no Ken doll in sight.  

Denim

Brands and designers are getting more experimental with denim, with new treatments such as patchwork, shadow prints, embroidery, cropped lengths, emoji patches, and uneven/distressed hems, the utilitarian fabric once reserved for blue collar workers and casual weekends has been drastically updated for 2017.

Denim for the Guys…

In preparation for the summer and in keeping with all things nighties, light denim is key. Most brands are circulating around that classic Levi’s 501 stonewash shade which is a perfect match for pastel t-shirts and polos. From light indigo to sky blue, the high street is awash with pale blues that can counter punchy colours up top. Also, don’t be afraid to go double, even triple denim this summer!

Top Trends for 2017

Despite January being considered the least exciting month of the year, we LOVE it! New year, new trends!

We are starting to embrace the new styles early this year, with spring stock already making an appearance on our shop floor.

Trends which were big in 2016 are continuing to make an impact into 2017;

Candy Colours

Time to brighten up your wardrobe with bubblegum pinks, baby blues and peppermint reds. Not forgetting lemon drop yellow which has been seen all over the catwalk, as well as making a splash among celebrities such as Beyoncé and her iconic ‘Hold Up’ video.

Khaki

Break away from black and grey this spring with this earthy colour. Despite it’s autumnal colour pallet, khaki can be colour blocked as well as used to accentuate peachy pinks and mustard yellows. Plus… the utilitarian shirt dress has come back with a bang this season!

Full Bloom Florals

Florals are coming back brighter and bolder this season! A range of flower colouration, arrangement and the use of multi fabrics means there really is something for everyone.

 

 

The 80’s

The 80’s continues into 2017 with boxy shapes, shoulder pads and nipped in waists. The bright colours associated with the era fit perfectly with the up beat season of spring, the light at the end of the winter tunnel. And remember… embrace the super sassy and political slogans of the graphic tee.

Peek a Boo

Long gone are the days when a little cleavage was considered ‘risqué’, this season the more skin on show the better. From the cold shoulder to the sheer maxi skirt, from simple lace to statement fish net, flaunting what your mama gave you has never been so easy.

Stripes

Whether bold, discreet, mismatched or symmetrical stripes are here to stay. Spring 2017 sees the arrival of the ‘seaside’ stripe, think beach umbrellas and brightly coloured lounge chairs, nautical but with a sugary twist.

Top Trends for 2016

Happy New Year! With a new year comes exciting new fashion trends! Here are the top ones to look out for!

Colours

There are five key palettes that have been predicted to be the top colours in your wardrobe for 2016!

Vibrant Mid Tones

Bubblegum pink plays an essentials part this year along with newer shades of coral becoming the new pink for this season with salmon undertones.

Jewel Tones

While navy progresses as a base colour, indigo is a strong alternative to mix things up. Along with grape purple as a featured new colour! Burgundy is also back for Spring after its massive success in recent seasons!

Neutrals

Expect base hues of Khaki, hazy taupe and olive with copper and rust playing influential roles.

 

 

 

Pastels

Pastels are going to be one of the most important groups this coming season, cotton candy and peach will lead the pink mid tones along with minted and chambray offering greyer saturated alternatives.

 

Brights

Livening up the colours this season, the bright palette offering greens including spring and grass along with brightly saturated yellow.

 Top trends

Ruffles

Expect to see some ruffled lined garments if the catwalks are anything to go by. In many shapes and sizes but using them sparsely has the best effect, remember not to go overboard.

The Cold Shoulder

The cold shoulder is back again for 2016. If you have a chance to show them off, take it and follow in the fashionable footsteps of TV Presenter Laura Whitmore. Along with the cold shoulder trend there is also shoulder cut-outs and asymmetrical necklines, which are appealing to the more artistic minded and maybe not people that have the need for everything to be balanced.

 

 

Crumpled Fabric

Ironing can be a bit of a hassle (especially when you’re not that good) but even if you’re good, there are many other better things we can think of doing. This trend is the answer, pre-creased and crumpled clothing.

Raw Edgy Hems

Frayed hems or those left raw without finishing off are now a top trend for the upcoming spring and summer of 2016. Random fringes and side cuts are appearing on denims and jackets.

 

 

 

Peekaboo Black Pieces

The black pieces are features in nearly every collection with sheer panelling; cut outs, lace aspects and spider web details, which reveal a bit more skin, making it playful and sexy and certainly less boring than our usual plain black pieces.

Long Sleeves with Sheer Layering

Long Sleeves don’t really come to mind when thinking of Spring/summer. However there are certain times and certain people that want to stay covered while keeping cool. Sheer undershirts are perfect for just that. Mesh fabrics and lace layers will heavily feature.

Boxy Jackets

Jackets are a massive spring thing! For this year you will see a lot of boxier silhouettes with cropped cuts and creating sophisticated figure.

New Brand… Pieces

Pieces is a new brand we now stock and it is part of the best-seller group. Therefore with the success of Vero Moda, Only and Jack & Jones, we are sure to love everything about Pieces!

They offer a wide range of women’s accessories, bags, leggings, seasonal clothing, shoes, jewellery, scarves, belts and basic styles.

Some of our favourites from this season…

Capes

We have a range of gorgeous plain capes in grey and navy at just £20 which are the perfect layering piece this Winter! With the trend at the most popular it’s every been, a cape is a must have this season!

Scarves

The scarves from Pieces are fabulous quality and we just want one in every colour. The plain eira wool scarf is perfect to keep you warm on those chilly days and to just add over a fussy outfit. The billi scarf has a slight rib detail to the scarf and this can work into a day outfit. Our fave is in chipmunk and looks great with matching tan boots!

Belts

We stock the London leather jean belt which is practical yet stylish! It will hold up those jeans while not interfering with your outfit, if anything it can bring it all together. We love it teamed with a cropped knit and jeans!

Bags

A girl can never ever have too many bags. Pieces has a wide selection of bags and you can choose among everything from cool backpacks to pretty clutches. Take your pick between many colours to support your cool outfit. A Favourite of ours are these cute small bucket bags.

Hats

Wooly hats are going to be a must have this Winter, seeing as it’s going to be the coldest one yet! We are loving the pom pom! Pieces have got them bang on here with this Viola hat in grey and cream!

Autumn/Winter Top Trends

With winter fast approaching your wardrobe is changing. What’s hot and what’s not this season? We have our favourite top trends for this winter!

Poncho/Cape

Ever since we watched Cara Delevingne strut her stuff down the autumn/winter 14 catwalk wearing that blanket we have all become a little obsessed with warm, comfortable and now fashionable. It’s what’s being called ‘Winter Wonderland Kimono’, if you loved the kimono during the Summer than this is the perfect follow on for the colder months, what’s not to love about this new blanket wearing trend? This trend first cropped up about 10 years ago and they were very high neck and heavily fringed,  but thank goodness for their stylish makeover which makes everyone want to wear them. The current poncho has more of a cape feel to it and it’s a quick and easy way to add to a outfit. Can be worn both casually and formally, don’t think about it too much and use it as a extra cover up creating a up to date look. This is certainly proving to be the cover up of choice this season. A favourite of ours is from Vero Moda with a winter tribal print!

Chunky Knits and Turtlenecks

Chunky knits are a must every winter and this year is no different with designers providing tons of styles this season. Wear knits with extra bulk then balance with a slimmer silhouette on the bottom. Turtlenecks and Roll necks have popped up all over Fashion Week and aren’t we glad after hearing this is going to be one of our coldest winters! Glamorous have a simple yet perfect chunky knit that will keep you going throughout the season!

Sparkle/Metallic

Us girls all love a bit of sparkle and this year Sparkle isn’t just for Christmas, we can get away with wearing it all season! Whether it’s a glittery panel on knitted jumpers, sparkle detail on tops or metallic dresses, everyone needs some in their winter wardrobe! A favourite of ours is a thin knit with a glittery back from Saint Tropez, wear in the day with jeans or team with a skirt or black skinnies and heels for a night out!

Asymmetrical/Geometric Jewellery

Minimal effort, maximum impact! The chicest way to accessorize this season. If you are a neat freak, you’ll probably want to look away now, because I can promise you none of the jewellery will match or be equal. Asymmetric/Geometric jewellery is big news right now and I for one am hooked. The designs are more exciting, provoking and fun, great for the winter are they add some interest to a simple winter knit!

Leggings

When leggings came back the most recent time, there was a lot of confusion about how we were supposed to wear them. Do you have to cover your bum, how bright and patterned can you go, what shoes are appropriate? Well this year they are making a comeback and this year’s approach is pretty much anything goes (which makes getting dressed way easier.) Leather leggings are a staple these days, but if you’re not a black leather sort of girl then go for a more suede legging which is lovely as well as being one of this year’s biggest trends! Or go for a more adventurous with a bold patterned legging! JDY have a range of funky patterns such as traditional leopard and quirky tartan! This look can easily be achieved with your yoga leggings teamed with high-tops and a long cardigan for a weekend look that’s as cool as it is comfortable!

Flannel Shirts

Flannels are the epitome of casual yet cute fall attire, they are an easy to throw on comfortable shirt that will also make sure you are look on point. To go for the lumberjack feel team some skinny or boyfriend jeans and some chunky boots; or pair with skinnies and knee high boots for some girly flare.

Also not forgetting the men, flannel shirts are also huge for them too! So versatile you can wear day or night and still look just as great! A wide range of these coming in from Only and Sons and Jack and Jones!

Perfect Pre-Fall Looks

As the leaves start to fall and the breeze becomes that little bit crisper, you start to wonder what to wear in the awkward transition between light weight summer outfits and cosy cable knits. So how do you dress in this pre-fall period? There are easy tweaks that you can make to your summer outfits that mean you can dress both seasonally and stylishly!

The Change of a Dress

Your favourite floral dress doesn’t have to be stored away for the winter months just yet! Why not couple with a light denim jacket and pair of ankle boots to make an effortless transition? Even add a pair of opaque black tights if the weather decides to become chilly. For a more effortless look throw on a lightweight knit over the top of a cute summer dress, so you can feel comfortable while looking great! Remodel your maxis, add a long knitted cardigan to a summer maxi dress or skirt and watch your outfit transform.

Versatile Blouses

A pretty blouse is going to be the piece for AW15 and they can easily be worn in the heat of summer by pairing with denim shorts, however it can be just as easily worn in the early autumn months. Simply swap the shorts with a pair of dark skinnies and add a statement necklace for a different look that fits in perfectly with the tricky pre-fall season. Or for a more feminine look team with a pleated skirt, tights and a pair of knee-high boots.

Layering

Simply layering your outfits can mean you can stretch your summer wardrobe throughout autumn. For example add a black leather jacket and black tights to a white flowing playsuit to add a bit of edge to what you previously wore as a dainty beach outfit in the warm months. A must have layering item for this year is a poncho, this can be worn whatever the weather! Vero Moda vest tops are perfect for wearing on their own in the sunshine, or for layering underneath a lightweight knit. But remember to stick to only three layers, to avoid drowning in too many clothes!

Mammoth Coat

A huge upcoming trend for 2015 is big textured coats; these can be worn all year round. Thanks to our temperamental weather it can be added to our summer outfits on those breezy summer evenings for a bold statement. For the colder days add tights and knee-high boots for a show stopping look!

Striking Knits

Going forward, striking out there knits are going to be huge! This may include the pattern or some interesting detail, one of our fave’s is a cut out shoulder detail. These are perfect for now worn with little denim shorts and think tread sandals and then for the winter layer up and pair with equally chunky soled boots! Only and Vero Moda are always giving us a range of affordable gorgeous knits!

Accessorize!

Use accessories to turn your warm-weather basics into outfits fit for the cold. Scarves in brown, camel and mustard can instantly convert your summer pieces to more fall appropriate combinations. For example casually loop a camel coloured scarf around your neck with a light dress, and match with a camel coloured handbag to complete the look. In contrary with these neutral accessorises, wear your bright and bold summer bags to spice up an all-black autumn attire.