How to wear NEON colors....They are back and I am thrilled!!!

According to the Glamour Fashion Blog (and apparently Parisian women), neon colors are back -- specifically acid green. I don't know about you, but I remember this trend from the first time around. Fortunately, at that point, I was tan, blonde, thin ... and a kid, and therefore I didn't really care about whether it was flattering. I only cared that it was cool.

My sense of personal style has evolved (somewhat) since then, and while I'm actually kind of excited about neon colors being acceptable again, I'm also nervous about how to wear them. I'm pretty sure acid green isn't the most flattering color for me.

Neon is, like, totally back

Wearing bright colors can be risky if you’re not trying to ameliorate the appearance with neutral and simple colors. Black and white as well as beige and khaki are perfect choices, for example if you have an acid green or electric blue top choose black skinny jeans.

- Accessories are also very important, one neon colored piece in your outfit is enough to create the proper atmosphere, don’t spoil it with hoops and bangles.

Choose neutral colored earrings, simple fantasy jewelry or minimal style silver stud earrings; these will match your vivid outfit.

- Neon colored dresses on the other hand are really enchanting if you pair them with cork wedges and a white bag, pink, yellow as well as neon orange dresses are perfect for summer, these will highlight your mood.

- Wearing neon on the lower half of our body is easier because bright colors are not close to your face. Put on neon tights and pair it with a simple classic black dress, wear black shoes and the image is complete. The tights will give a vivid aspect to your outfit.
Well, not only did the Glamour Fashion Blog inform me that neons are back, but they also gave me tips on how to wear them:

• Use black or neutral to balance out the bold hue.
  
  
• Keep accessories minimal -- don't match your bangles and hoops to your neon mini.
  
• Neon on the bottom half is a little less daring because it's not next to your face.
  
• Opaque black tights always work.

http://imnotabarbie.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/springsummer-trendneon-colors/
http://www.stylelist.com/2008/02/29/how-to-wear-neon-because-its-like-totally-back/
http://www.fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com/new_trends/how_to_wear_neon_colors-1654.html

Accessory Trend Alert: The Floppy Hat

As seen on amazing A-listers, the floppy brimmed hat is forever in style.

“We like how this hat wavers between casual and cool, (Audrey) Hepburn or (Kate) Hudson.” – Black Book Magazine

Floppy hats have held sway recently over spring summer 2011 runways, taking its cue from carefree 1970′s style. As seen in Just Cavalli, Tracy Reese, Cynthia Steffe, Albino and Chris Benz’s shows a floppy brimmed hat promises to add a romantic flair to maxis, flares or shorts.

This year designers presented floppy brim hats made with denim (Just Cavalli) and felt (Tracy Reese) so keep it in mind please. Made with straw, a floppy brim hat is the ultimate beach accessory, that provides comfortable, chic protection from the sun. It’s universal: wear it to cover your face from the glare of the cameras, throw it on for the beach, to cover a bad hair day or simply to add some chic to your look!
Either with a grosgrain band to the top, a bow or just plain, floppy evokes romance and mystery. The hat has to be large, with a gently swaying soft brim that falls on cheeks.

 

I say “70′s style hat featuring a wide brim in an over sized floppy style”, I think: Jennifer Lopez in particular. The Latina superstar is a celebrity who’s very into spring’s ’70s sensibilities. It’s no wonder why she was called “the floppy hat icon for this decade” by Eugenia Kim who designed the floppy hat J.Lo wore to the American Music Awards back in 2001.

http://fashion-allure.com/style/floppy-brimmed-hat-accessory-trend/

Hottest Handbag Styles for This Spring 2011 Season

An on-trend spring summer 2011 bag means colourful and applique, either matching the outfit or contrasting it. Size is what matters: medium.

Spring 2011 Tassel Clutch

Tassel bag

A dangling tassel is a must-have bag detail of the season. This trend loaded with playful attitude adds a boho chic flair and gives the impression of not treating fashion too seriously. As seen in Gucci.

Spring 2011 Belt Purse

Belt purse

Keep your trinkets close in a trend-setting design! The adjustable buckled strap make this bag type a hands-free, travel-ready accessory designed for women on-the-go. As seen in Michael Kors.

Spring 2011 Envelope Clutch

Envelope clutch

Medium sized bags – this is a spring summer 2011 accessory directive. But what actually means medium? Just make sure your bag is enough for an iPad. Carry it (a bag, of course) day or night for a touch of undeniable luxury. As seen in Celine.

Spring 2011 Fringe Hobo

Fringe bag

Carry all your essentials in a bohemian style! Taylor Swift, Kate Hudson and other hippie-lovers just can’t resist a casual bag adorned with super trendy fringe. As seen in Rebecca Minkoff.

Spring 2011 Leather Satchel

Leather satchel

A must-have bag type for real ladies. Trademark handhold straps give it a classic aesthetic that’s equally chic dressed up or down. Perfect for 50′s style ensembles. As seen in Loewe.

Spring 2011 Rhinestone Clutch

Rhinestone clutch

Classic canvas goes glam with a rhinestone trim. A clutch dripping with beads is the perfect piece to dress up your simple LBD and to put all of your going-out essentials in the palm of your hand. As seen in Michael Van Der Ham.

Spring 2011 Leather Rucksack

Backpack

Surprised? This spring we’re all coming back to school in style! Just feel free to stuff this handy bag into as many overhead bins as necessary. As seen in Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony.

http://fashion-allure.com/style/handbags-spring-summer-2011/

The Shoe Bible for Spring 2011 Trends

With this spring 2011 shoe guide you’ll always look fine, chic, and in-the-know!

Block heels

Block heels

Chunky block heels stad in contradiction to the ethereal silhouettes we watched on the runways. No more broken ankles and most of all, no more boredom! The trendiest block heels are colourful and feature a platform sole. Block heels and block colours? That makes sense.
As seen in: Rodarte, Viktor & Rolf

Platform Wedges

Platform wedges

Taking their clue from the 1990′s era where the Spice Girls ruled the music world (and probably not only music!) platform wedges are the best compliment to on-trend 70′s fashion. Platforms match high waisted flare pants, a maxi skirt and a pleated dress!
As seen in: Lavin, Fendi

Combat boots

Combat boots

Walk with some confidence and power in a pair of tough boots. It’s funny designers convinced us that military meets rocker edge boots look best with flirty florals and made it a very spring 2011 look. Choose the ones that have a vintage look and a comfy feel.
As seen in: Burberry Prorsum, Nicholas K

Jute wedges

Jute wedges

Trendy and super cute – this is how the summer 2011 season’s must-have espadrilles can be described. A textured jute that wraps the high wedge heel and platform is just not enough. Choose the ones in a cheery style meaning with the accompaniment of bright hues.
As seen in: Diane von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez

Creepers

Creepers

Creep on, creepin’ on. Looks like the traditional moccasin-inspired deck shoes are back with their elevated TPR soles. Love them or hate them, creepers promise to lift yourself head and shoulders above the fray in a standout style. It’s a truly distinctive look…
As seen in: Prada, Bottega Veneta

Oxford shoes

Oxford shoes

Classic Oxford shoes are like a soft vintage meets casual. Popularised by a crowd of A-listers who sometimes choose oxfords as a remedy to their tired feet but more frequently to stay in-the-know. Oxford shoes present a tailored style of classic menswear which looks intriguing on a woman.
As seen in: Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier

http://fashion-allure.com/style/hottest-shoes-spring-summer-2011/

Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Trends: Must-Have Ones!

Ladies, spring is here! and I know you want to know the Must-Have items for this 2011 Spring season! Enjoy!

The spring summer 2011 collections displayed a distinctly 1970′s tone. With the relaxed glamour of the 70′s I have only one word on my mind: vintage. This season the carefree spirit of 1970′s fashion can be recreated with the following garments:

Feathers and fringing
Decorative feather-trimmed dresses echo the old time Hollywood vogue (they are so lusciously classy!!!). I don’t imagine wearing feathers during the day. Glamorous feather gowns and dresses are dedicated to sophisticated parties and proms.

Neon colours
Colours pop in spring 2011 fashion. Beautifully bright rainbow hues are mixed and matched with neons. Honeysuckle pink, cheerful marigold or a pantone blue curacao? Why not, sky is the limit!

Eclectic prints
Mixed and matched eclectic prints went into arresting series and caused a fashion frenzy. Polka-dotts, plaids, paisley, florals, animal print, stripes and even…fruit! Prepare a serious dose of confidence and wear them all at once.

Folklore
Get your memories back to a countryside where you used to spend holidays. Capture the nature with a delicate yet not naive cut-out detailing, floral prints, lace, crochet and macrame. Arts-and-crafts is the keyword.

These upcoming styles are all about being fabulous in your own comfort zone! So play around with different styles and throw a punch of unexpected with accessories; most importantly have fun!

http://fashion-allure.com/style/spring-summer-2011-trends-must-haves/

Crochet and macrame fashion trend: 2011

From ship's ropes carefully knotted and tied by the hands of crafty sailors, to the crocheted blankets your grandmother gifts you at Christmas... macrame and crochet will likely be familiar to you in some sense. For spring 2011 both make a strong return; but forget the homemade craft feel - as a 2011 fashion trend it's all about intricacy, quality and a luxury edge.
Read on to find out more about crochet clothing and macrame as trends, including the differences between the two and inspiration for key pieces and accessories.

Crochet and macrame fashion trend

Written by Tania Braukamper

From ship's ropes carefully knotted and tied by the hands of crafty sailors, to the crocheted blankets your grandmother gifts you at Christmas... macrame and crochet will likely be familiar to you in some sense. For spring 2011 both make a strong return; but forget the homemade craft feel - as a 2011 fashion trend it's all about intricacy, quality and a luxury edge.
Read on to find out more about crochet clothing and macrame as trends, including the differences between the two and inspiration for key pieces and accessories.

Macrame

What is macrame?

No doubt you already have a picture of crochet pieces in your head. When it comes to macrame, think of a similar visual finish, but with a big difference in the piece's construction: macrame is made by knotting the main fabric to great visual affect. It's a craft most often associated with 19th century sailors, who made all kinds of macrame objects in their spare time - with shipping rope, or from leather, yarn, twine or other sturdy materials. For those who lived through it, macrame was a trend in homewares back in the 1970s - think wall hangings and pot-plant holders (the likes of which your parents or relatives may still be hoarding from their younger days.)

What macrame is being used for in 2011

Macrame is mostly used for accessories and objects; because it's constructed of knots it can be bulky and have little stretch to it. Nevertheless, 2011 sees it used on clothing and accessories alike.
Because it can often have a very open weave, macrame is 2011's perfect accompaniment to beachwear. Just have a look at the examples from Gucci and Christian Dior below - an open-weave macrame dress is ideal for layering over a bikini, monokini or bodysuit.

Other examples of macrame in 2011 are better for daywear, or even eveningwear, as well as for accessories (more on accessories below).

Crochet

What is crochet?

Crochet isn't knotted like macrame; it's made from loops of yarn, created using a single hooked needle. Hence, it's very delicate but not so delicate as to be a lace. Nonetheless, crochet is closely tied to the current lace trend with the two clothing trends overlapping overlapping. For the purpose of this article we're defining crochet as the heavier, 70s inspired examples as opposed to more delicate crocheted lacework. Thematically the look of crochet in 2011 is closer to that of macrame.

Macrame and crochet: styles in 2011

Both crochet and macrame in 2011 rode in, partially, on the wave of a 1970s revival. This was reflected in the colour palette dominating the spring / summer 2011 runways: earthy tones, browns and oranges, creams and whites. Pieces are based on hippy, festival chic inspirations, but overall the aesthetic is still luxurious with a modern sense of refinement.

Macrame in particular also heralds in a subtle nautical revival, seen as well in the naval-inspired stripes and numerous pairs of wide-leg sailor pants gracing the runways. Do think luxury nautical though; the kind you'd be seen wearing on a yacht in St Tropez. It should be elegant, sexy, and unfussy.

Crochet and macrame accessories

For spring 2011 your options for adding this trend to your wardrobe are ample; including a variety of accessories. Woven shoes (like those at Prada and Gucci) are perfectly now; and even more perfectly in line with the look are the intricate sandals seen at the likes of Jen Kao and Malandrino.

How to wear it: crochet and macrame

We've already mentioned that the main thematic inspirations behind the trend are the hippy seventies and the early sailors of the seven seas. But what to pair your pieces with specifically? Here are a few key looks you can create with macrame and crochet in 2011.

• Look for pieces the end in exaggerated fringing, a la Roberto Cavalli (pictured above) for a high-impact boho luxe look.
• Pair a crochet top or vest with an updated pair of bell bottoms and a floppy felt hat for a look that's straight out of the '70s yet oh-so-now.
• Many a crochet bikini is available, though perhaps not the most practical garment for swimming they can work brilliantly poolside or under a pair of denim shorts in Summer.
• Bring the tribal trend of previous seasons into 2011 with macrame pieces in earthy colours paired with tribal prints.
• Go ultra modern and sexy with a stark, minimalist take like Julien MacDonald's white mini-hemmed crochet dress (below).

 

http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--crochet-macrame-clothing-5612.html

Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight