S/S 2012: 4 WEARABLE KEY TRENDS & WEST COAST COOLER FASHIONWEEK

I love looking at the fashion magazine at this time of year. They always have the most beautiful clothes and really inspire you for purchases for the months to come. I have compiled a list of my top 4 key trends for Spring/Summer 2012. I think it is important that people don't get intimated by fashion. Everyone can wear something which is "in Vogue" but to their own liking, budget and styling. I believe it is more important to have a great personal style, rather than be a clotheshorse for all the current trends.

Here are my 4 key trends; try them out!

1. MATCHY SUITS

Oh yes, the power suit is back. Think clean, crisp lines but in amazing colours like mint,, orange and pink. There has also been a big trend of printed suits (after the Versace for H&M collection): polka dots, stripes and Hawaiian prints all included. A classic black suit is also timeless and beautiful for those too afraid of colour but be sure to jazz it up with some sequins. The trend really involves having a well fitted trouser: usually straight leg and just hitting the ankle. For girls who don't love this trend, a classic wide leg 70's trouser looks just as good.

I love this black and white suit from River Island. Jacket, £45 and trousers, £30

2. SUMMER BRIGHTS

From pastels to neons, this season is all about statement colour. Mint, orange, yellow, pink are all popular. I recently got a orange blazer in Primark for a bargain of £22! I also noticed that Dunne Stores have a lot of amazing colours in: a lot of bold red and emerald green. Team a black ensemble with a bright coloured jacket or be really daring and wear two brights at once. I saw a lady in M&S at the weekend wearing emerald green shoes and a shirt along with bright red jeans. It looked amazing! For those who find ultra bright colours very scary, go for muted mints or lemon tones. Perfect for the upcoming Easter season.

Lottie shoes, £62 from Topshop and mint shirt, £22.99 from Zara

3. FLORAL PRINTS

As Meryl Streep said in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking". True, but florals are back in a big way. Think fine, detailed Laura Ashley style prints. On the flip side of this are the very bold Hawiian floral prints. Yet again, a style for everyone and every age.

Floral vest, £36 from Topshop and Floral blouse, £40 from Warehouse

4. THE STILETTO

Blame it on TOWIE, the stiletto is back! After seasons of wedges and skyscaper platforms being the go to shoe, stilettos are hoping to take over. From classic blacks and nudes to neon brights, stilettos can work from the office to night time. Some can actually be very comfortable!
Black shoe from River Island £40 and yellow shoes from Topshop, £48

The thing about all the above trends is that they look amazing on their own but can also look amazing together. Think about it: a classic black suit with a bright floral shirt and bright stilettos! AMAZING and perfect for a night out.

If this doesn't inspire you, get yourself down to West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK. There are shows for everyone and every budget. If you have never been before, I suggest you go! It makes a great girls night out. It's a great thing for Belfast to have and a great way of supporting local boutiques and designers. FASHIONWEEK is taking place from the 14th-18th March this year. For more details on FASHIONWEEK and for a full line up of the shows visit www.facebook.com/belfastfw or www.belfastfashionweek.com. Tickets are £15 and are available from available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 02890246609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a goodie bag and a yummy West Coast Cooler. FASHIONWEEK are also running some special events this season so be sure to check them out!

I hope to make it to one or two of the shows: would love to see you there!

G

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