Spring trends 2013

Spring is such a beautiful season; flowers are blooming, cute little animals being born and a whole new season of trends! Spring is possibly my favorite season because of the happy tone the clothes create. The pastel colours, pretty prints and soft cuts just scream adorable! This post is all about key pieces, prints, colours and cuts for the season ahead so fly into spring looking absolutely gorgeous!

First take note of the key garments this season, I'll show you them from the runway, the high street stores and my own closet. I'll be sharing how to recreate these designer ensembles from a not so designer budget!

Garment 1: Oversized white shirt

These oversized white shirts breathed a breath of fresh air onto the spring runways at Jil Sander, Victoria Beckham and Preen. Effortlessly styled with various other white garments the white shirt is an easy piece to master. Take a look at these highstreet versions...

My favorite one of these is the Zara blouse as I feel this really embodies the trend, it's the perfect example of an oversized white shirt! The rolled up sleeves are very chic and the sheerness is fun and fashionable.

My own white shirt for this season was bought at H&M for £7.99 here's how I will be styling it...

I styled my oversized white shirt in three different ways. The first was with a pair of  distressed high-waisted denim shorts which I showed both tucked in and layered over. I then paired it with a pair of leather shorts, this has more of an edgy vibe and can be more simplistic. Finally I paired it with a pair of denim look jeggings that were rolled up at the bottom, this is more casual. I wore all three looks with brown, studded wedges and two of the looks I wore a flower headband.

Oversized white shirt - H&M £7.99
Denim Shorts - H&M -originally they were knee length, then I cut and distressed them myself
Leather shorts - Beatnik emporium - This is a little retro shop in town and these are vintage real leather shorts
Jeggings - Topshop - Not sure of the price as I bought these a few years ago
Wedges - The clothes show - The brand is Yumi if that helps!
Floral headband - Asda - I bought this last year it was around £2
Black vest top - Primark - £2 I think

(The blue ribbon is not part of the ensembles, I wear it every day, in fact I do not take it off - ever!)

Garment 2 - Sporty dresses



Sporty dresses were apparent on the runway this season ranging from bright orange to subtle black. These dresses have a very youthful feel to them and can be styled in so many ways - perfect for a bargainista fashioinista! These dresses were showcased at DKNY, Rag and Bone and Victoria Beckham. Why not try to recreate this look through the highstreet?

These gorgeously crafted dresses are such good examples of sporty dresses. The bright orange dress from French Connection is perfect for the fashion fearless, whilst the navy dress could be better suited to a subtle fashionista. All of these dresses can be accessoriesed wondrously  Why not copy the catwalk and keep your hair simple, your make -up subtle and grab a black bag? Effortlessly fabulous!

Garment 3 - Bomber jackets

Bomber jackets exploded onto the runway this season, seen here at Jonathon Saunders, Loewe and Stella McCartney. As always we've been spoilt for choice with a intricately embellished style, a casual feel and a seriously techno version bomber jacket. The great news is that whatever your style there's a bomber jacket for you! Take a look at three of the high streets hottest bomber jackets...

Another sporty edition to this season the bomber jacket is very statement piece. Perfect for layering on those chilly mornings - fabulous and practical! My favorite piece here is the Bomber jacket from Dorothy Perkins, for me this sums up the modern day bomber jacket - wondrously tailored, perfectly symmetrical and just plain gorgeous! Team this statement piece with bright colours for a fresh, fun day time look.

Accessories 
No season is complete without an array of accessories to brighten even the rainiest of days! Spring style just screams accessorize me, here's my top three favorite accessory trends for this spring.

Accessory 1 - Statement sunglasses

My favourite Spring accessories trend this year is statement sunglasses. If you're in need of a chic way of adding fierceness to your outfit  look no further than a pair of all-eyes-on-you shades! These ones from Anna Sui, Roberto Cavalli & Prada are extremely gorge! Take a look at these beautiful highstreet goodies...

The highstreet have some excellent statement shades this season and these are three of my favorite  I think the River Island pair are stunning! They're also very similar to the Prada pair, channel a designer look at a highstreet price, every girls dream!

Accessory 2 - Low heels

Give your feet a break with these super chic low heels. Something about the low heel screams spring, could it be the simplicity? The chicness? Whatever it is I need them! Put a bounce in your step with these gorgeous highstreet versions...

These low heeled shoes from Zara would be the visual representation of 'Spring footwear' both metallic and low heeled they're perfect! They're extremely versatile and so chic, they are definitely worth the investment. I also love the colour pop the other pairs of shoes, ad these to a simple coloured outfit and you're ahead of the game in seconds.

Accessory 3 - Ladylike handbags 

I'm in love with this trend! This to me is a perfect example of a trend fit or spring, it displays pastel shades, perfect cuts and just pure femininity. Mulberry and J Mendel have done an exquisite job of producing gorgeous handbags and have consequently set the bar high! This season it's all about the arm candy, take a look at the highstreets amazing candy...

For a highstreet price these bags are practically a steal! The tailoring, the colours, the shape you could fool anybody! My favorite for this season is the Topshop mini holdall, the colour is just right for this season and it just embodies Spring. My runner up has to be the Mango tote, although I feel this is more of a versatile piece - as in you could carry it across to every season and still be on trend.

Prints
Prints are a very important part of the trend, the print is the first thing you see from a distance and if it's on trend, you're instantly noticed - for all the right reasons. Here are my three favorite prints/colours for this season...

Print/colour 1 - Monochrome 

Monochrome is a very sophisticated look and can be worn by anybody. This is such an easy trend to pull off and often the most cost effective. You can wear garments from other seasons and just play off the monochrome look, although some cuts and garments may not be so suited to the season! I love the simplicity of this look. Have a look at my highstreet finds...

The garments I chose for this trend are both black and white and in this scenario I would pair them with one colour for the rest of the garments e.g. a black blouse and black skinny jeans with the blazer. However key pieces in either black or white are great too, for example white blazers are very hot this season. I adore these striped skinny trousers from Mango and Miranda Kerr rocked them in the advert!

Here are my ensembles based on the monochrome trend...

Outfit 1

This is more edgy, almost grunge look. I have very minimal jewelry for these looks as it's so simple. The colour palette is simple, although this doesn't mean the clothes have to be, I went for more interesting pieces in this ensemble.

Blouse - Primark - £10
Shorts - H&M The New Icons collection - £7.99
Socks - Primark - I bought these a while ago and am not sure of the price
Creepers - Ebay - £10.99
Bow - Internationale - £1.50

Outfit 2 

Ensemble two is a more fun, girly look and I focused on one print and kept my other pieces simple. I adore this skirt, I think the shape is gorgeous and the print is so cute. The sleeveless blouse is great for spring as if it gets warm you can wear it on its own or if it gets chilly you can layer a jumper over the top and keep the collar as a feature.

Blouse - Primark £6
Skirt - TKMaxx £12.99
Boots - 'Who's Next?' A store near Portobello Market £10
Bow - New Look £2.49
Vest top - Primark £2

Outfit 3 

This is my most chic outfit I styled as it's the most simple and sleek. Although it is spring it cans till be cold so these faux leather pants are still very wearable. I adore this hat, although it is probably more suited to summer I had to throw it in because its so cute! Also it nails two trends in one - monochrome and stripes! Also I had to get the high heels out because at my height I need the boost!

Hat - Primark - £4 (Practically a steal!)
Top - H&M The New Icons Collection - £6.99
Leather Pants - H&M £19.99
Heels - Geroge, Asda £4 (I found them in the sale and it was love at first sight)

Outfit 4 

My last ensemble is very basic and probably would need a jacket to finish it off. This leather skirt was my key piece last Autumn/Winter and I teamed it with all sorts of things knee high socks, burgundy tights, knitted tights, blouses, tops, jumpers - the list goes on. I plan to bring this skirt into the spring season too because it's so cute. It fits well and I like the silhouette it creates.

Collared shirt - Primark £6
Leather skirt - Primark - Around £12 I can't really remember
Heels - Primark £6 ( They were supposed to be £12 but they were half price, I bought them for New Year and ended up wearing completely different shoes instead!)
Hairband - Charity shop -£3.50

Print/colour 2 - Bold stripes

Stripes usually make their appearance into the Spring season in the form of a nautical trend, however this season they're big, they're bold and they're statement. They've slid onto the runways at Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Moschino. Let's see what the highstreet has in store for us...

It takes a seriously fearless fashionista to strut her stuff in a bold striped suit, for me I'd rather take a striped garment and play that into a super chic outfit. For example the striped top from Mango could be tucked into a pair of Bermuda shorts and paired with a pair of super cute flats and a dark pair of statement sunglasses - casual chic, check!

Prints/Colours 3 - Checkers

This trend is super chic, I adore this print as it just oozes sophistication. This season checkers have a very 60's feel to them and Louis Vuitton's collection looked absolutely amazing! I have to say Chanel did a wonderful job with checkers this season - how gorge is that pink A-line dress?! Balmain kept there checkers cheeky and daring in this low cut dress, nipped in at the waist with a fierce belt. Take inspiration from these collections and rock your own highstreet version with these pieces...

My favorite piece here has got to be this gorgeous little dress from Zara. This is the perfect dress for spring! It's sleeveless style makes it great at keeping you cool, or great for layering on chilly days, the print is perfect and the cut is just right. I also love the Forever21 leggings and they're practically a steal at £7.25! That's a great bargain.

Check out these celebs rocking the latest trends... 

Kourtney Kardashian. Elizabeth Olsen and Kim Kardashian are all rocking the oversized white shirt!

Here Naomi Watts, Pippa Middleton & January Jones are all flaunting their gorgeous ladylike handbags. 

Miley Cyrus, Taylor Tomasi Hill & Chloe Moretz are strutting their stuff in sexy stripes.

I hope this post helps you pull together on trend but unique spring looks. Remember it's not about the cost of your outfit, the size of your clothes or who else is wearing it, it's about taking what's hot and putting your own spin on the outfit. Be unique and stay fabulous!

Love Dixie
:) xox

New fashion trend alert: Sculptural wedges

Out with the boring wedges in with the fabulously new wedges. Perfect for Spring/summer 2012 sculptural wedges are forcing their way onto:

The red carpet...

   
(Victoria justice wears black sculptural wedges, showing just how fashion forward she is.)

The runway...

(These gorgeous takes on the trend popped up on the Alexander McQueen spring 2012 runway.)

And designer stores...

(These cute sculptural wedges are found a Browns fashion for £210)

As you can see this trend is appearing all over high end places, however this trend has yet to be spotted in high street stores and being worn out in local areas, I would love to get my hands on a pair of these gorgeous wedges, they are a modern take on a classic shoe and can be a key piece in any ensemble.

My March Beauty wishlist 2012

This is a new idea I have had, every month I will post a current Fashion and then a separate Beauty wishlist. It will consist of 10 new products, accessories or garments that I would love to own, they will consist of designer and high street things (Fashion wishlist) or Drugstore or high end products (Beauty wishlist), enjoy :)

Number one - MUA BB cream £4
 
I have already written a blog post about this new product, So I will sum it up in a few sentences. The BB cream is supposedly a foundation, concealer and primer all in one, it comes in three shades light, medium and dark. Two shades can be blended together to create a tone perfect for you. I can't wait to try this because BB creams are currently filling up the shelves, and the MUA BB cream is a cheap way to join in with this trend.

Number two - Rimmel Wake me up foundation £6

I saw this foundation advertised and thought it looked pretty good, I got some testers in a few magazines and I loved the way it felt on my skin, almost as though I'm not wearing any foundation, however sadly the testers were not my shade :( So I will hopefully pop into the nearest Superdrug or Boots during the half term and find the perfect shade for me. The foundation includes SPF 15 which is good for protecting your skin against the sun on a daily basis, also it contains illuminating radiant pearls to enhance a natural glow.


Number three - Nicki and Ricky for viva glam MAC £13.50

Again, I have already made a post about this product but it absolutely has to be in my wishlist because it is almost perfect. It is created by MAC, one of my favourite make up brands worldwide, it is a viva glam products therefore the profits go to a charity which provides help and research for those suffering from AIDS, It is Nicki Minaj and I love all things Nicki Minaj, and Finally The colour is amazing, a bright pink that will look gorgeous with smokey eyes or a natural look. I cannot give this product enough praise!


Number four - Rimmel waterproof gel liner £5-£7

This Gel liner is definitely something I want to try out, I have never used a gel liner before and I am quite excited to. the advantage of a gel liner is that you have greater control over the lines and it isn't as runny as liquid liner but it is smoother than kohl pencil. This particular gel liner is good because Rimmel is a well trusted brand that offers good quality products at a reasonable price, also the applicator is the lid which I think is a really good idea. Therefore this product makes it on to my wishlist

Number five - Maybelline dream nude airfoam foundation £6-8

This product makes it onto my wishlist because it's original. I haven't seen a foundation like this. This foundation is advertised as weightless, I think this is second most important factor of a foundation (First being that it looks natural) because if I'm wearing a foundation that feels thick and cakey I don't feel confident. Due to the fine pigments in the formula it gives a perfect natural look and also has SPF 16 included in the formula.
Number six - Maybelline the falsies volum' express flared mascara £6-8

All of the reviews I have read about this mascara say amazing things about it, I have heard it isn't flakey, it maintains full looking lashes throughout the day and it makes even the dullest of lashes seem bright and curled. The packaging is very cute with the pair of little angel wings on the lid and I love the colour of the bottle.

Number seven - Chanel Le Vernis Nail polish in shade Distraction £17.50

This shade especially for Spring/Summer 2012 is gorgeous! Chanel nail polishes are renowned for their high quality finish and gorgeous limited edition colours and this shade looks as though it will definitely live up to expectations. The shade 'distraction' is very in this season and would look great matching one colour from a bright floral top or clashing with a pastel toned ensemble.

Number eight - MAC Haute and Naughty lash £18

This MAC mascara looks absolutely gorgeous. First of all the packaging is so cute, both of my favourite colours (pink and purple) and included on the bottle, I love the glittery purple section! Second of all the mascara is good value as you are getting almost two in one, you can choose whether you want natural or dramatic lashes and then use the appropriate wand. The idea of this product is genius! I have heard and read many reviews about this product and people only have good things to say about it, that's why this mascara has made it on my wishlist.
Number nine - NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect primer £24

I have never tried or even held a NARS product, not because I dislike them or anything like that it's simply the fact they are not within my budget or reach. However this primer has some amazing reviews and was recently rated 5 stars and the best primer in the Beauty tester section of 2nd April 2012 NOW magazine, the tester stated 'my make up looked as fresh in the evening as it did in the morning' I have never used a primer and this to me does sound like a worthwhile investment, the aim of a primer is to allow your make up to not only stay on all day but to be applied to the skin easily without clogging pores and the reviews on this primer tell me it does just that.

Number ten - Sephora Moonshadow baked palette - In the nude $50

This palette is a luxurious piece of heaven. The colours in this are extravagant, the quality is divine and the uses of this palette are endless. I am totally and endlessly in love with this palette and I saved it until last on my wishlist because it is my absolute favourite. With the colours in this palette you could create a natural look enhancing the colours and angles of your eyes or you could create a bold look using some of the tones. If I could only use one palette for the rest of my life I would most definitely choose this one. The reason I do not already own this gorgeous palette is that the brand 'Sephora' is not accessible in the United Kingdom :( So until I finally go to America I am palette-less :( However to end on a positive note one day I shall own this marvellous palette and when I do I will review it to it's true glory!

I hope you have enjoyed my beauty wishlist of March 2012! Hopefully this will become a monthly post if it gets positive feedback.
Love Dixie
:) xoxo

Outfit ideas for summer

Today in England it is extremely sunny, so I am feeling summery, bright and determined to publish a post! So here are a few outfit ideas I have put together, using polyvore, they include casual and formal outfits for every occasion during summer.

Urban Outfit
I personally would wear this look shopping, out for a meal or to the cinema

This outfit consists of a cropped black top, with cut-out panels on the sleeves, crop tops are  being seen everywhere this season from bandeau's at Prada to longline Bras at Nina Ricci. This key piece is from Miss Selfridge. the next item is an absolutely gorgeous anomalous hemmed skirt in a claret colour. I have seen these skirts around and think they're amazing, I can't wait to get one myself! the shoes are Jeffrey Campbell Lita's, with studs on, they're amazing! They capture an urban feel but still very wearable. I have chosen three rings with this outfit as I wear a lot of rings myself, here is a double fingered gold finish ring, a gold coloured triangle ring with eye detail and a black, beaded cross ring. The overall style of this outfit is urban and modern.

Girly look 

This outfit has a very feminine feel to it and could be worn out for dinner or to the shops

This look is made up of very pastel shades, such as the pastel pink tone of the top and shoes, the pastel orange of the jeans and the pastel shade of the clutch bag. This look is finished off with a gold necklace to draw some attention to the plain top, if this look was to be worn more casually, you could swap the heels for a cute pair of dolly shoes, not use the clutch and get rid of the necklace, this would make the outfit more layed back. This look is very calming and girly due to the tones of the pieces and overall is very on trend. A perfect summer ensemble.






Glamorous Outfit
This is an outfit perfect for a night out somewhere classy

 This outfit consists of a gorgeous black dress with a large gold panel taking up over half of the dress. The gold is very sparkly and glamorous. This look also contains a white feather shrug, this can be quite and 'old fashioned' piece but the look I aiming for here is 'reinvented 1920's flapper' So therefore I have teamed a classic piece with more modern pieces. The bold tights modernise the look and give more of an urban feel, the bright sparkly ring compliments the gold panel on the dress and the shoes pull the outfit together as they are a simple style and colour.

All in White

This look could be worn to the beach, on a picnic or to the shops

This season 'girlish white' was seen multiple times on the runway, this included detailed pieces, an abundance of lace and some very sheer silk. This outfit has a white, lace bralet, perfect for keeping cool in the summer but still looking stylish. It also shows a gorgeously detailed, maxi skirt also in white lace. The embroidery on this skirt is stunning. I have teamed this outfit with an amazing pair of white embroidered wedges to again add to the total white theme, the decoration on the shoe makes the outfit even more girlie. Finally I decided to add a black, cross necklace over the top because it adds a modern edge to the look, this was seen on a model at Emilo Pucci.

  American Style 

I am in love with all things USA, so I decided to make a look based on the flag and culture. 

This is my favourite look out of all of the looks I have created because it is so simple but so stylish, it can be worn by so many different people, my sister and I both have extremely different styles, yet she agrees this is an amazing outfit and she would wear it herself. The trousers are the focus point here as they are made up of the American flag (hence the stars and stripes), the Graphic tee is a bit of fun and the simple monochrome look matches well with the jeans, personally I would tuck the top in loosely, the Lita's add a fashionable, urban feel to the outfit as do the retro style round glasses. the 'love' wristband is gorgeous and adds to the fun feel of the outfit. The colours of the nail polish are taken from the flag and worn alternatively on your nails would look amazing. 

Flower Power

This was obviously going to come up in a 'looks for summer post' as it is a simple connotation of summer, however 'flower power' can be interpreted in many different ways...

This outfit was inspired by a huge trend every year, florals, whether they are clashed with various other bright florals or worn in pastel shades they appear in the trend forecast year in - year out. So I decided to mix it up a little and mix floral with a Californian style. This outfit consists of; a floral print bralet, a asymmetric maxi skirt (designed by Lauren Conrad - a fabulously brilliant style icon) a peace necklace, a stunning Chanel bag and a pair of flip flops with a cute bow on the front. The flip flops, maxi skirt and floral print seem quite boho but the the colours and style of each of them make it quite urban and modern.







These six outfits are the perfect blend of my style, the Spring/Summer 2012 trends and easy-to-pull-off looks. Obviously they can be altered in various ways such as switching up accessories and jackets in order to make it more formal or casual or changing the style of a skirt to fit a body type, they're all very modern and can easily be pulled off this summer. I hope you enjoyed looking through my ideas.
Love Dixie
:) xox