A few days ago, Fashion Week in New York came to an end for Spring 2012. The city was alive and pulsating with colour, prints, shine and a little pastel for those of you who like something a bit more, subtle. Let's not forget the people and media! Fashion Night Out kick started the event and I personally had a show and two parties to attend opening night. Nothing like it really!

What you and your friends can look forward to next spring (I know it seems an eternity away and let's face it... it is!), is some really pretty and some different trends to what we've seen of late. How exciting!

Spring 2012

Colour – feminine white & plenty of tangerine hues

Colour block dressing & graphic prints

Cropped tops – from tees to tanks/singlets

Floor-length dresses and skirts – oh so femme!

Metallics – super shiny with lots of sparkle

Pastel separates – think gelato shades of all flavours

Peplums - a pouf or flare at the waist on jackets, dresses, skirts and tops

Sporty fabrics – mesh all the way

Tropical Prints – especially on pants with super vibrant colours, and a lot of bird prints

White hot heels – say bye-bye to the nude of this year

Now the fashionista crowd travels to London, Milan then Paris. I wonder if we’ll see more of the same or something entirely different to what we've seen here in New York recently. Time will tell!

Have a wonderful week.

Be well.

L.

It’s officially spring here in the northern hemisphere however, it has not felt like it! We’ve had a couple of mild teasers although nothing to write home about. I can’t even imagine shedding my winter layers just yet. Enough already.

So, with New York fashion week well and truly behind us, spring fashion for 2011 is everywhere. All the storefront windows are brimming with soft, sexy hints of warmer weather to come. Bring it on I say!

Some major trends to look forward to include:

• Bright prints (splash of colour)
• Crochet & sheer tops in cosmetic neutrals (oh so feminine)
• Flare denim jeans (bring back the ‘70s)
• Friendship bracelets in all palettes and styles
• Maxi dresses (loving these)
• Maxi skirts (something a little newer to our wardrobes)
• Mixed metal accessories
• Oversized glam shades (when did they ever go away?)
• Stripes (everywhere)
• Wedges (love these babies)

Happy days!

Be well.

L.

During our media time last week, we filmed the key trends for this year's warmer weather. As mentioned in my last blog, there are a few to watch out for. The Sara spring/summer collection includes a nautical return, embellished tees, sequence, denim and bright, bold colours that spice up any wardrobe.

I also shot for David Jones. It was a fun day spent making beautiful pictures. I wore some different Sara pieces that I hadn't worn/seen at the shoot a week prior. The buyer is full of surprises!

My week also had family flying up from Melbourne for the weekend. A close friend and her family also flew up to Sydney from Melbourne to spend time with us. We ventured to the Aquarium and surrounding area for the day. Our children loved the sea creatures they saw. Mila was beside herself with excitement. We love seeing and spending time with those we love and cherish.

Less than a week to go and we return to the heat wave in New York. Quite a concept isn't it?

Enjoy your week.

Be well.

L.

Spring is approaching us here in New York (thank goodness) and there are many trends that are emerging in fashion and beauty. Take what you will on board...

Some of the HOT list includes:

• Short hemlines are in – show off your legs in above the knee lengths to thigh-high heights
• The clog sandal is a spring favourite in earthy/natural tones
• Metallic accessories glam up any outfit – shoes, bags & belts are fab against natural, skin tones
• Bangles and cuffs continue to make an outfit pop and dazzle
• Oversize sunnies are big again for spring (when aren't they though)
• Heavy fringes and long bobs (past the shoulder lengths) are a fresh look for spring 2010
• Hair is soft, loose and undone – no sculpted dos
• Soft natural highlights are in demand
• Lucite jewelry is back – go for big, chunky pieces that make a bold statement
• The hot colour for nail polish is a warm gray for spring, an alternative punch to the natural tones
• Lips should be highlighted in red, pink and coral hues for spring – make it vibrant
• The updated denim for the season is chic chambray

Have fun with fashion and beauty. Don’t take it seriously and make it your own! Have the confidence to wear it and mix it.

Have a wonderful week.

Be well.

L.

We aren’t quite yet in to the middle of our winter here in New York (20 days to be precise) and already the fashion retailers are hitting us with spring fashion 2010. Yes, it’s only around the corner for us (our next season) however, you in Australia and New Zealand have a few extra months to wait. It never hurts to have an edge when it comes to fashion trends… right?

What I’m seeing a lot of is stripes and flowers so far. When something busy (like a print or floral) is the main focus, I personally like to mix it with a subdued colour or denim. This gives you one focal piece to stand out in without overdoing it.

Messenger-style bags are all the rave too, whether you cross the strap over yourself or simply wear it over one shoulder.

I’ll keep you posted with more springtime fun for next season.

Have a great week.

Be well.

L.

The fashionista magazines are telling us what's hot in the world of fashion right now (I subscribe to a lot of them I have to say). Even if I don’t get the chance to read them all, I try and skim through at some stage, even if it happens to be months later. Remember, we are talking about the 2009/2010 autumn/winter season currently in the northern hemisphere.

HOT HOT HOT –

Clothes
Black & white – checks are a hit

Hues of gray - coats, dresses, skirts, shoes & bags... go crazy!

Bow peep shoes - one of my favourite styles of shoe

Boyfriend sweater

A chunky scarf


Make-up
Bold blush

Strong lipstick – stop-sign reds, corals, bright blue-reds and hot pinks work their magic

Brick red nail polish


Accessories
Low ponytail

Spicy scents

A slouchy bag

… Something to think about when the time comes.

Have a wonderful week.

Be well.

L.

As I mentioned last week, it's spring here in New York and in many stores and catalogues I'm seeing maxi dresses. Well... maxi dresses are back! Those of you last year who asked about them are getting their wishes answered.

Some other spring fashion trends to look forward to include silk fabrics, safari, texture, hourglass silhouettes, embellished, print blouses and soft pants to mention a few.

See you next week!

L.