Animal Prints

When someone says ‘animal print’ the first thing that comes to our mind is the leopard.  Along with leopard we see snakeskin and crocodile skin but other patterns are even trendier – those featuring lizards, cats, dogs, horses, bunny rabbits, birds, sheep, squirrels and even polar bears can be found on new season pieces.  It’s the animal motif, you'll find it somewhere this season, whether on earrings, tees or knits.  Designers have been adding to the trend of animal prints with their use of animal motifs in recent seasons. For spring-summer, Marc Jacobs sent out for Louis Vuitton pieces adorned with tigers, giraffes, zebras and pandas.

Trend: Printed Wedges

You can't go wrong with a printed wedge! and they are currently one of THE hottest trends in footwear fashion. Animal prints, floral and tribal-inspired prints are taking over.  If you're just not sure how to style your printed wedges, pair them with a neutral outfit consisting of black, tan, white or brown colors. This will allow your fun footwear to take the spotlight, keeping your look clean, chic and classy.

 

Fashion Design

Good creative skills are essential for the specialised fields of fashion design and dressmaking. Consequently, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and be able to apply acquired skills in a theoretical and practical manner.   in order to be a good fashion designer or dressmaker you need to be able to:

1. Understand fashion trends, clothing ranges and colour groups.

2. Learn Know how patterns work - flat patterns, commercial patterns, tracing patterns and pattern blocks - read patterns, choose pattern sizes and have basic pattern alteration knowledge.

4. Have knowledge on the range and quality of the many fibres and fabrics available today - natural and man-made fibres, fashion fabrics, modern developments and special fabrics - which will have a large bearing on your creations.

5. Be familiar with the tools and equipment necessary for good dressmaking: scissors, tape measure, pins, machine needles, hand needles, stitch ripper, tailor's chalk, haberdashery, sewing machine, overlocker, iron, ironing board, full-length mirror, flat cutting surface and storage.

6. Be conversant with inserting zippers and sleeves, buttonholes, waistbands, types of stitching, seam types, stretch sewing, and so on.

7. Present a design collection using fashion drawing and design skills, as well as the competent use of colour and themes.

8. Understand which designs will suit the client's life and activities, as well as know the basic body shapes, hair styles, make-up trends and how to plan a wardrobe.

9. Know how to set up a system, research customers, basic business structure and types of operation.

Mullet hem lines

Mullet hem lines are making a come back, short and sexy in front, modest in the back, the mullet or "high-low" skirts and dresses are proving to be the trendiest way to show off your legs.  The high-low hem looks super chic when worn with a pair of fierce heels or wedges.  Look for a flowy material like chiffon, silk or soft jersey.  Invest in a mullet skirt that you can easily dress up or down,  with this trend it’s all about “business in the front, party in the back” as they say.

 

 

Trend: Cat eye glasses

Big-frame sunglasses have been a “thing” for some time now. But, finally they are making a new statement with the cat eye!  

cat eye sunglasses are nothing new to women’s accessories. They are the most stylish and trendy kind of sunglasses that look so attractive and beautiful, with their pointed corners.  You have to get the right pair of these cat eye glasses and you will realize that they really work with any outfit.  cat eyes come in millions of styles from exaggerated to round and subtle, so they're universally flattering.  This bold look is very chic and gives and outfit a touch of sophistication. 

How to: Tie scarves

With Winter kicking in, scarfs are a great way to keep warm.  Scarves can be worn in a variety of ways: as head coverings, shawls, accent pieces, belts, and even as garments. They are truly versatile and can add flair to a style, or be used as a subtle accent. They can be tied, pinned with a piece of jewelry, or secured with specially designed accents. check here for 37 ways to tie a scarf to make it your an essential piece this season!

How to: Build a new wardrobe

I'm in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe.   The main problem that I’ve had with my clothes in the past is that I haven’t been paying attention to what I have, haven't been filtering out what doesn't work for me.  There where things that suited me when I was 20 or 21 that should have be out of my closet before I turn 25.  Before I started buying anything, I decided to take everything out my closet and sorted it into piles of keep, reinvent, and donate.

The perfect wardrobe should take you from dawn to dusk.   It should be versatility and be able to combine, this will save you time and money.  To build the ultimate wardrobe you need to be strategic in buying:  Classic pieces, Basic pieces, and Trend pieces.

Classic pieces, like pants, little black dress, suits and jackets, should be of a higher quality because they last longer.  It's a timeless silhouette.  They one of those foundation pieces that are simple, elegant and can be dressed up or down to make you feel and look effortlessly modern.

Basic pieces, include Tees, vests, Long-sleeved tops, skirts, Jeans, and Sweaters in neutral colors that you can wear frequently.  Ideally basics should be just that - solid colors, classic cuts and nothing that makes them so unique that people can tell if you wear them twice in one week. Once you have your basics, you can use accessories to add style and make it look like you have more clothes than you really do.

Trendy pieces, are the refresher items.  They update your classic pieces and bring the "now" into an outfit.  Look for the latest trendy pieces, prints and colours to create a on trend outfit that will be unique to your style.

On Trend - Gloves

Gloves in every color, with the 3/4 length glove and elbow length glove standing out as favorites. Wrist length and opera length have also made an appearance. This trend can be sleek and  sophisticated in a black leather, or fun and flirty in hot colours and designs. Choosing the right pair of gloves entirely depends on your outfit. There are so many styles in winter gloves that will go perfect with different outfits. Winter gloves range from casual to formal.  Getting them in neutral colors will also be a good idea because then you can match them with almost every daily outfit of yours. Keep those fingers warm this winter!

 

 

 

Turquoise Jewelry returns

I'm loving turquoise jewelry. The great thing about it is that it can work with so many different outfits- it can be delicate and girly with long layered necklaces, or mixed with rhinestones to edge up an ensemble. You can find turquoise pieces in the form of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, From sleek and refined to rough and raw, turquoise comes in many forms, as well as a variety of price ranges for authentic or faux stones.  Wear your turquoise pieces and use them as a pop of colour to really make a statement,  it's so boho and colourful and really bring life to any dull outfit.

Trend: Cap Toes

Flats and heels with a contrasting cap toe are in this season.  It’s a look everyone can pull off, whether you want to keep it simple with flats or go all out with a daring pair sky-high heels.    

What is a cap toe?  Cap toe is basically a cap in the shoes.  It comes in different materials, colors and textures.  The cap toe ornaments the footwear making it look more interesting. Cap toe shoes are perfect statement footwear because it offers a twist to the classic shoe choice.  

Coco Chanel made this popular for years & years.  Some designers have incorporated neon into their cap-toe shoes to stay on trend for this season.  Cap toes are featured in many footwear styles, including ballet flats, sneakers, pointed pumps, platforms and more.

Masculine blazer trend

A guy like blazer is a must have for the trendy girl.  The "boyfriend" jacket is a bit slouchy, and a little longer than a classical blazer.  Pair a boyfriend jacket with jeans and a T-shirt or a great mini skirt - it's a great comfortable casual look.  Tuxedos and structured jackets are huge this season. To get the most flattering fit, ensure that your jacket is tailored to reveal your waist. Avoid jackets that are boxy or double breasted if you have a large bust as they can make you look bigger than you are.  You can wear them in multiple ways, many of which turn out to be quite feminine and charming.  You can feminize the look by wearing a pair of pumps or stilettos.

Denim trend

Denim fashion trends are always far and plenty, regardless of season.  Denim is one of those trends that never seems to go out of style- and even if it seems to disappear for a bit, it always come backs and reinvents itself.  Full-on denim looks are all over the runway.  Denim is also very stylist clothing that that can be worn in almost any occasion. we are seeing denim in less-than-traditional ways.  Acid wash jeans, high wasted pants, skirts, tops, blouses, printed denim and neon, there is no end.  

When it comes to denim jeans, there are so many different fits and styles. From flared jeans, to skinny jeans, trouser denim pants, to loose crop denim pants, there are so many different possibilities and options to choose from. And don’t forget about jean shorts during the warmer months of the year!

Jean jackets are great because they can transform a plain outfit from drab to fab! A jean jacket can be thrown over nearly anything from a maxi dress, leggings, flowy tops, skirts, and shorts. 

One thing I love about denim is how easy it is to wear and easy to care for… definitely an easy trend to follow.

 

Broken Necklace Into a Chain Strap Tank Top

I love this idea, I think it is a great way to bring some life back into an old top.

check out the step by step instructions here!

The Short suit

The great thing about this look is that it can be dressed up or down. Wear ballet flats and tights if its cold. Then for the evening wear sexy heels. Its chic and conservative enough for most offices, but its still stylish, cute and playful.  Pair the blazer and shorts together for a very classic, pulled-together look or mix and match the shorts and blazers for a more casual and fun touch.  If you are going to wear this trend to work, make sure your shorts are long enough.  

 

Style tip 7 - The right accessorie

Accessories can either kill an outfit or transform it into an incredible look. Many women don’t realize the power of accessories. The important things are to choose the right accessories, but also choose the right amount of accessories, too many accessories could be overwhelming for an outfit and instead of looking fashionable, it will just look busy. 
Remember that your jewellery does not have to be expensive –  Be creative, there is a whole lot for you to choose from in every color, price and style.

1.  When selecting your accessory you should base it on the color and style of the outfit you are wearing to help to enhance the look of the outfit. You can use trendy or stylish jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, belt and even watches to put the stylish edge on a your outfit,    

2.  Pick a color from your outfit you want to enhance with the accessory. 

3.  Take into account your age to pick your accessory and outfits .You may use your accessory to downplay your less attractive features and draw attention to your good features. 

4.  Simplicity is the way to go. So putting too many accessories over- crowds and breaks your outfit instead of enhancing it. 

5.  Keep in mind whether your outfit is ordinary, evening or professional so you pick your accessory accordingly.

Remember the age-old rule that Coco Chanel gave women “Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewellery.”