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Top 10 Plus Size Maxi Dresses for Spring/Summer 2013

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

Maxi dresses are a great fashion essential for the warmer months of spring and summer. They help us to stay cool and look fabulous and are one of the most comfy dress styles to wear thanks to their long, flowing material.

Top 10 Maxi Dresses for Spring and Summer

Maxi dresses not only look great and feel good on; they are also very forgiving for us curvier girls. If you have a fuller figure or have been blessed with a slightly larger than average chest size then they are a great way of showing off and making the most of your best assets whilst disguising the bits that you’re not so keen on!

Here are 10 of my favourite maxi dresses that you can buy right now, ready for spring/summer and that range from a size 16 upwards.

Gemma Collins Plus Size Collection

Maxi Dresses from the Gemma Collins Collection

These two Gemma Collins dresses above are a great example of easy to wear, day time maxi dresses. Both are under £80 each and will make a great fashion buy to last all summer long. Whether you’re a fan of her on the TV show ‘TOWIE’ or not, there’s no denying that these dresses look great!

Blue Tee Maxi Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Blue Tee Maxi Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Bright, beautiful and yet cleverly casual, this Blue tee maxi dress from Dorothy Perkins is a must have summer essential and a real bargain for just £25.00 at the moment!

Curvissa Bold Print Maxi Dress

Batik Print Maxi Dress from Curvissa

This brightly tribal patterned dress from Curvissa is ideal for making you feel confident. The strikingly bold patterns just scream ‘summer!’ and it is ideal for wearing as an ever day dress or for a special occasion when you want to make a real statement. Air with simple shoes and accessories.

Plus Size Maxi Dresses from Simply Be

Boho Chic and Halter Neck Maxi Dresses from Simply Be

These two styles are both equally wearable, one brings a touch of Boho chic and the other brings a halterneck style that would be perfect for beachwear and holidays!

Plus Sized Evening Maxi Dress

Ruby’s Closet Black Feather Print Embellished Maxi Dress from New Look

This dramatic maxi dress looks beautiful for evening wear. Floaty material and a touch of sparkle make it a wonderful dress for wearing on a warm spring or summer evening. You can afford to splash out on this one at a budget friendly £36.00

Plus Size Red Knot Fronted Maxi Dress

Red Knot Front Maxi Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Looking for a dramatic maxi dress? Go all out with this striking bright red dress with knot front detailing. Priced at a budget friendly £25.00

Evans Plus Size Maxi Dresses

Maxi Dresses from Evans

Last but not least we have these two fab maxi dresses from Evans, One is a monochrome style floral maxi dress that is very on trend right now, priced at £49.50 and the other is a flattering graphic print maxi dress that is suitable for any occasion! Both would make great buys now, ready for when our warmer weather finally arrives, but be quick as stocks are running low on some sizes!

Happy bargain hunting, ladies! Hopefully you’ll spot loads more potential fashion picks throughout your search.

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Plus Size Spring Trends 2013

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

Take a stroll along the high-street and you’ll see a whole host of exciting trends available right now – will you embrace these new trends or stick to your comfort zone? We believe life is too short for playing it ‘safe’. Maybe it’s time to experiment with different styles for spring time?

Don’t let society dictate to you what you should and shouldn’t wear, be proud of your curves and flaunt them in different ways. Perhaps you associate floral print with your grandma’s curtains? Or think stripes are only for skinny models? Well think again!

Take a look at these styles… how can you resist?

Plus Size Stripe Trend

Diagonal Striped Tunic

Top from Debenhams

Stripes never go out of fashion because to put it simply… they’re fabulous. Nautical stripes look great teamed with navy and red and candy stripes can add a playful element to your look too. Don’t worry about the vertical stripe versus horizontal stripe rule either… just experiment and see what suits your body shape – simple!

This modern striped tunic is on-trend and flattering and would look great worn with a pair of skinny jeans or black leggings. Team with heels for added oomph!

Plus Size Floral Trend

Floral Print Trousers

Trousers from Evans

The floral trend doesn’t have to be frumpy or old fashioned. On the contrary, floral prints are totally in this season and should be embraced. You don’t have to go traditional either with a classic floral dress; floral prints this season have been seen on everything from handbags, tops, accessories and trousers.

These pansy print trousers encompass the look perfectly in a fun and flirty kind of way. Wear with a waist-cinching belt and a pair of ballet pumps.

Plus Size Faux Leather Trend

Black Fake Leather Skater Skirt

Skirt from New Look

Such a sexy trend and one that we will certainly be wearing! The faux leather trend has bags of attitude and provides the perfect antidote for those who dislike anything too ‘girly’. In fact we’re going to go so far as saying that you’d be able to get lots of wear out of a pair of faux-leather trousers or a faux-leather skirt.

This skater skirt is incredibly versatile and would look equally great with a colour-pop jumper or sheer floaty blouse – wear with winter boots or a pair of platform heels for an up-to-date look. Also, to keep things classy, wear with an opaque pair of simple or patterned black tights.

Plus Size White and Cream Trend

ASOS Cream Wrap Top

Top from ASOS

Ignore articles that tell you to avoid light colours if you’re no size zero – it’s rubbish! That’s what we say. White and beige is big this season and when worn the right way, it will add elegance to your style. This simple top hugs your curves in all the right places and would look very sexy worn with faux-leather trousers or skinny jeans.

Plus Size Ruffle Trend

Black Ruffled Dress

Dress from New Look

Offering a little nod to the new romantic era, it’s time to experiment with the new trend for ruffles, yes you heard us right… ruffles! Don’t worry about them adding more bulk to your shape, the volume that they add will actually create a flattering shape. This rouched and ruffled dress has a classic style that is guaranteed to turn heads – wear with high heels and a tousled up-do for maximum impact.

 

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Emerald is Pantone’s Colour of the Year: 10 Must-Have Pieces

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Every year Pantone releases a colour that will set the stage for trendy products all year round. Emerald is the hot colour of 2013, and it is quickly popping up in stores. Emerald is an easy colour to incorporate into your wardrobe, and it coordinates with so many different colours. You can’t go wrong with emerald accessories, jewellery, bags or even clothing. Here are 10 must-have pieces that represent this beautiful colour.

Emerald Top

This emerald-polka-dot top is cropped and super cute. Plus-size girls can work the crop tops too. All you need to do is wear high-waisted trousers or skirt to cover up any areas you may feel insecure about. If you still feel a little uncomfortable, throw a sheer white long sleeved shirt over for extra cover. Your crop top will still shimmer through. It’s affordable, easy to mix-and-match and fun.

Emerald Crop Top By Top Shop

Emerald Top by TopShop

Emerald Cardigan

A good cardigan can do so many things for your wardrobe and offer versatility. This affordable and flattering cardigan is no exception. It can be worn in so many ways, and you won’t get bored of it.

Emerald Coloured Cardigan From H&M

Emerald Cardigan by H&M

A Cute Rope Bracelet

Rope bracelets are trendy on their own, but the emerald colour enhances the look, especially when paired with gold. To rock this trend, try the ONE by Jami Eselle wrap bracelet.

Emerald Wrap Bracelet By Jami Estelle

One wrap bracelet by Jami Estelle

Free People Modern Love Dress

This dress combines two great trends: emerald and beaded design. This feminine dress is breathtaking, and you won’t want to stop wearing it once you buy it. It’s worthy of being the focal piece for all of your spring and summer concerts.

Modern Love Free People Dress

Modern Love Dress by Free People

Emerald Heels

You can never go wrong with heels. Adding colourful heels to your wardrobe can instantly brighten an outfit. You can wear them with structured trousers, dresses, skirts and probably even sweatpants. These GWENDA pointed shoes are simply fabulous, and they are a total must.

Emerald Pointed Heels By Top Shop

Pointed Heels By TopShop

Peplum Emerald Top

This top is flattering and chic. The emerald colour is simple, but the peplum hem gives this top a special flair. Pair with a belt for an even more flattering look. This top is a great choice for women who want to accentuate their hips and tone down their bust or waist.

Asos Curve Peplum Blouse

Peplum Top By ASOS Curve

An Emerald Satchel

An emerald satchel can be easier to coordinate than you think. This Milly satchel is the perfect choice. It’s large, structured and has trendy accents to give it personality. You will find space in this bag for all of your belongings and then some.

Milly Jayden Satchel In Emerald

Milly Satchel Available At ShopBop

Skinny Trousers

Emerald skinny trousers would be a bold statement, but it looks so good it’s hard to pass up. Everyone can rock this trend. Plus-sized women can pair it with a solid, dark coloured blouse.

Spray On Emerald Skinny Trousers

Emerald Skinny Trousers By ShopBop

An Emerald Designer Scarf

This We Are Owls scarf is super-soft, interesting and the perfect colour for spring. It will instantly add flair to your outfit, and it will also keep you a little warmer on those cool spring days.

Silk We Are Owls Scarf

We Are Owls Scarf By ShopBop

Peek-A-Boo Dress

This dress is a flattering choice for all shapes and sizes, and it will work throughout multiple seasons. The lace peek-a-boo detail reveals just enough skin.

Lace Detail Skater Dress By ASOS

Asos Peekaboo Dress By ASOS

 

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Top 5 Fashionable Coat Styles for Plus-Sized Women

Monday, October 1st, 2012

A fashionable coat that is both functional and cute is important for the upcoming autumn and winter months. A good coat should flatter your frame, but it should also provide significant warmth and comfort when you need it most. There are a few styles of coats that look superb on a curvy frame, but more companies are striving to produce coat styles that suit everyone.

Keep in mind that cut and proper fit are going to be your best bet for getting a flattering look. Standard coat sizes are not suitable for petite-but-curvy women. There are petite plus sizes available that will help the coat fit you more properly.

Colours and textures are always a bonus. Don’t be afraid to rock a hot-pink coat if that is what you like. Teals, purples and blues are always striking to see on a woman with curves. Textures can have a slimming effect too that is quite pleasing. These coat styles are just a few of the best ones that will flatter your body in the best possible way!

The Peacoat Style

A peacoat is universally flattering, but it looks exceptionally good on plus-sized women. Peacoats come in numerous shapes, but a double-buttoned breast coat is recommended. It gives a slimming illusion to the body. Larger buttons can also be more slimming than smaller buttons. Peacoats are very warm, classic and always fashionable for the winter season.

Peacoats

 

Peacoats by misscalliecat featuring a pea coat

The Trench Coat

Plus-size women look great in trench coats. They are designed to keep the full body warm. They can be a little too long for shorter women though. A good trench coat will last a decade if it is properly cared for. Burberry makes some of the most iconic trenches in the fashion world. This style usually has a tie waist that will allow you to accentuate the waist. This looks great on everyone!

Trench Coats

 

Trench Coats by misscalliecat featuring a trench coat

The Blazer

A well-fitted blazer will work great for accentuating an outfit or making an outfit more business casual. Blazers are flexible and come in numerous styles. The menswear style is popular right now. Oversized blazers are flattering with fitted clothes and stylish accessories to glam it up some. The right blazer will also keep you warm when it’s cold.

blazers

 

blazers by misscalliecat featuring a tuxedo blazer

The Moto  Jacket

Moto-jackets are the chicest choice, and they can look surprisingly good on plus-sized women. They come in tons of fun colours as well. Moto-jackets are a city-chic style that look tough and feminine at the same time. They will look best on women with a pear or hourglass shape. It tends to pull in the waist and define the bust area.

moto jacket

 

moto jacket by misscalliecat featuring a tweed jacket

The Asymmetrical Jacket

This style is tricky to pull off. It can go very wrong quickly, but if you take the time to find the perfect one, it will look beautiful and very flattering. Women with large busts should not go for an asymmetrical coat. They don’t fit the breasts properly after a certain point. Other than that, all plus-sized women can wear this trendy-coat style without any hassle and while looking fantastic.

Asymmetrical Coats

 

Asymmetrical Coats by misscalliecat featuring leather jackets

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4 Ways Plus-Size Girls Can Rock Hot Autumn Trends

Friday, September 14th, 2012

Looking good in the newest trends this autumn can seem impossible. A majority of trends are not created with the plus-size gal in mind. They are designed for runway models to show off the style to the world. That doesn’t mean you should avoid some of the bolder trends out there, but it does mean you have to be smart about what you wear and how you wear it. A simple tweak to a trend can make it work fantastically for your body type, and you get to participate in all of the fun. Here are four ways that plus-size girls can rock hot-autumn trends without looking silly.

Brightly Coloured & Patterned Trousers

Bright trousers are a hot trend this autumn, and wearing them if you are above a size 6 gets tricky. If they are the wrong cut or too tight, then you risk looking like a colourful sausage. If they are the right cut and size, then you will look vibrant and trendy. Animal print trousers are in the same category. Solids and prints should be worn with a simple and flattering blouse.

The trick is finding the perfect cut. If you are petite, you absolutely must buy a petite size in colourful trousers. If you cannot find them in petites, then you may want to consider getting them tailored. Bagging and scrunching because they are too long looks sloppy, and it can make the body look bigger.

Plus Size Bright & Coloured Trousers from eloquii

Oversized Button Up Blouses

An over-sized blouse can quickly go from fab to drab and frumpy. To wear one properly you need to have colour, texture and accessories. A cute over-sized blouse should be paired with sleek jewelry and structured pants. Heels are a bonus. Never wear loose trousers and a baggy top. You are look for disaster if you do. Pink flambe and Olympian blue are beautiful colours to try this season.

These tops also look amazing half-tucked in. It looks chic and sexy without trying too hard. They are also very comfortable to wear this way.

When you are in doubt about how to wear your over-sized blouse, simply put on a skinny belt and be done with it. You can’t go wrong there.

DKNYC Sheer Big Shirt & Camisole from Nordstorm

Shiny Garments

The shine trend is back in full force, and the Style Bop director calls it one of the biggest trends to invest in this season. Too much shiny fabric can make an outfit look disastrous. To pull this look off, you must use shine in accents and not all over. The shoulders of a top, the side seams of trousers or even on your handbag.

Warehouse Metallic Tweed Biker Jacket

Warehouse Metallic Tweed Biker Jacket via ASOS

Textured Pieces

No matter what you are choosing, texture can change everything and make your body look streamlined and breaks up monotony in your clothing. If you are wearing all solids, then you will likely look larger. Textures provide an illusion and something interesting to focus on. Plus-size girls can wear texture however they please, but there is one rule. Never wear all-over texture. Keep it to one piece, and that should be the only piece of texture you wear.

Textured Lampshade Skirt from ASOS

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Autumn Fashion Trends – Photo Florals & Ombre Prints

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

I can’t believe it’s already August. The summer has flown by (as usual) and it’s only a matter of days now before you start to feel the shift in the air. That time of year when daylight seems to be fading a little earlier, a few of the leaves on the trees have already started to turn, and the shopping malls have removed bathing suits and beach coverups in lieu of light sweaters and dark clothing.

So what can you expect to see in the stores this autumn? I’m happy to say that the floral print trend is still going strong. But you won’t see the vast amount of colours that you’ve been wearing all spring and summer. Instead, there seems to be a trend toward dark colours and blacks and whites.  J. Crew has outdone themselves again in the trouser department with this gorgeous pair of wool and silk cafe capri botanical photography trousers.  They even carried this trend up top with a matching jumper.

And while I don’t suggest wearing the two together, both pieces would look simply stunning with another trouser trend, which is the deep rich burgundy colour seen in on the runway this past February.

 Alexander Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger

Alexander Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger

ASOS also came out with a similar trouser to J. Crew for the autumn season. However, instead of floral photography, they went with an ombre fade design. Although the quality isn’t up to par with J. Crew’s floral trousers, you can get a similar look at a fraction of the cost. When I first saw the J. Crew trousers during New York fashion week, I knew I had to have them. They just became available on the J. Crew website and I haven’t seen them in stores yet. However, I just can’t justify the exorbitant price. We all know that in two months, they’ll probably be marked down to half the price they are now. So in the meantime, I purchased the ASOS ombre trousers in my usual UK Size 18. The fit is slim through the thighs and legs but has ample room in the waist, probably a little too much as I will need to belt them. The fabric is thin and made from ASOS’s go-to fabric – Polyester – which allows them to keep the costs down and make fashionable items affordable to the mainstream customer.

ASOS Blue Ombre

I also purchased these green spotted print trousers that caught my eye while shopping for the ombre trousers. Unfortunately the fit was very tailored and didn’t have the same roominess of their blue counterpart, so I had to return them.

If you like the blue ombre trousers but desire better quality, Titel makes a Ohne fantastic skirt with abstract print that from a distance resembles a flock of birds flying home for the winter. This skirt looks so polished when paired with the matching leather Ohne Titel tee, yet another autumn trend. The whole outfit is simply beautiful and sophisticated, much like the clothes you’ll be seeing a lot more of this autumn.

Ohne Bird Skirt

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Embellished Print Trousers

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Printed/embellished trousers have been such a great trend for the last few seasons. It started with florals, but quickly diverged into scarf print and mirror image trousers. There are so many great options out there for all shapes that I just want to dive right into it and show you.

Let’s start with these fabulous, but simple, green Skinny Leather Trousers with Panelled Embroidery from ASOS. These are just stunning statement trousers with a Tex Mex double tuxedo band running down the length of the legs. How great are these that they go up to a UK Size 18 and they are leather?! Sure you have your basic black leather pants, but green leather is such an unexpected and welcomed change. However, you may have to reserve these for fall weather as you might roast in them during the warmer summer months. Since these are ankle length, I’d pair them with pointed heels just like in the photo. However, I’d change up the top. You probably won’t want to pair this with a red blouse (Happy Christmas!). And while black certainly works, I’d take full advantage of this trouser and do a little pattern mixing. Break out of your comfort zone by finding a shirt that incorporates the green, but also the colours in the embellishment. Choose a lightweight fabric to offset the heaviness of the leather, such as this Bright Paisley Dial Top from Warehouse. This top works well because it contains the same colour scheme as the pants.

 Bright Paisley Dial Top from Warehouse and Skinny Leather Trousers with Panelled Embroidery from ASOS

Let’s have a go at some printed trousers now. Scarf and abstract lightweight trousers are such a fun way to liven up an outfit. Here are three beautiful prints from Barney’s New York, Zara, and Warehouse. It’s important to note that if you are going to wear a printed trouser, such as the ones I’m featuring, that you make sure the trouser leg is wide and full. The full effect of a printed trouser is best achieved if you can see the repeating pattern all the way to the floor, rather than stopping at your calves or ankles.  Printed trousers are bold and will definitely attract attention. They are also usually constructed of a lightweight cotton, silk, viscose, or polyester material. They are designed to be flowy and roomy throughout the entire leg. Most likely you’ll need to some heels and possibly a tailor to hem the trousers to the appropriate length.

Print Embellished Trousers

Can you pattern mix with printed trousers? Most certainly! Here are two possibilities from Warehouse that would work well with the Zara trousers.

Warehouse Tops

The key is that you are sticking with the same colour theme and keeping the pattern small. Another reason why these blouses work is that they have a tuxedo band running down the front of the blouse. As you can see in the Zara trousers, a similar band continues down the length of the leg, stopping at the ankles. This trendy and knockout outfit elongates your frame and works well with any height.  I would even pair the first blouse with the green and white abstract printed trousers from Barneys for a similar, but classy and gorgeous look!

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Tribal Prints for Plus Size

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

Tribal, Ethnic, Safari, or African-inspired prints hit the runway this past spring and can be seen in budget-conscious retail stores as well as high-end department stores. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this exotic trend hit the runway. Tribal prints seem to come around every few years during the warmer summer months. Back in 2009, Louis Vuitton created African-inspired wood bangles. Banana Republic has been creating the Safari look ever since they started selling clothing in the mid-80s.

The 2012 Tribal trend seems to be more focused on geometric shapes and bright colours, rather than animal prints or earthy influences. Given the continuing trend of bold colours, it doesn’t surprise me that African-inspired clothing is full of bold colours this year. Although colour trends are cyclical and neutrals seem to rear their heads once everyone needs a palate cleanser. But seeing pictures from New York Fashion week and getting a glimpse at fall clothing, the colour trend looks likely to play out for the remainder of the year and possibly continue into 2013.

So let’s dive into some of this season’s wearable African-inspired clothing. First up, this wonderful and fun African Print Shirt by Zara. It incorporates the colour purple, which is a “healing” colour in Africa. The geometric and bold shapes further pay homage to Africa’s patterns and motifs that communicate messages or different village philosophies. This shirt looks lovely with the white jeans for summer, but can also be carried into early autumn with a pair of cream, Dixie Blaze Wide Leg Trousers from French Connection.

African Print Shirt from Zara

African Print Shirt from Zara

Next up, statement necklaces. Statement necklaces have been a huge hit in the blogger community. With the bold colour-blocking craze that seems to keep going strong throughout several seasons, a statement necklace can tie together two or more colours in an outfit and complete a look.

Holst & Lee Statement Necklaces

Holst & Lee Statement Necklaces

From left to right:

Holst & Lee Double Tiered Necklace

Holst & Lee Plate Necklace

Holst & Lee Double Tiered Necklace

These double-tiered statement necklaces by Hoist + Lee have bold, bright, wonderful colours, while the design is a scaled down version of the elaborate beaded wedding necklaces Samburu women wear. You could pair these necklaces with an all white shift dress for a touch of Kenyan-inspired influence.

How about a little tribal art on your nails? Gone are the days of plain nail polish. That’s so 2011! Nowadays, your nails need to make a statement. And what better way than with nail wraps. They are quick and easy to apply and remove and there’s an exorbitant amount of possibilities. If you’re not ready to commit to African-inspired clothing, put it on your nails instead!

Tribal Gold Nail Wrap from Nail Rock

Tribal Gold Nail Wrap from Nail Rock

Finally, it seems like there are a lot of interpretations of the “tribal” or “urban jungle” trend. Some geometric designs fall into a more Aztec-type pattern and are being referred to as “Tribal.” But Aztec and Tribal are not the same. That’s why I make a conscious effort in this blog post to include the word “inspired” when referring to tribal prints.

The Clothing of Women in Central African Republic

The Clothing of Women in Central African Republic

We can take colour inspiration from the women of Central Africa and interrupt their fabric and patterns into new and interesting wearable fashion.

Tribal Clothing Trend

Tribal Clothing Trend

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Anchors Away!

Tuesday, June 12th, 2012

Have you noticed the nautical trend going on this summer? How could you not? It seems like anchors are plastered on every item of clothing. J. Crew has taken it to the extreme with placing gigantic white anchors on hoodies, sequined tanks, and dresses.

Nautical Look Book

Nautical Look Book

From left to right:

Sequin Anchor Tank

Maritime Anchor Dress

Anchor Popover Hoodie

The question with this trend is, how can you incorporate the looks of shells, rope, and beachy seaside objects into your wardrobe this summer without looking too obvious? One way is to take the typical navy and white colours associated with the nautical look and make them the main focus of the outfit. This Nautical Tunic from Topshop gives you a great sea-worthy foundation to work with. Add a few subtle accessories like these Braided Raffia Wedge Sandals and a leather Hook Wrap Bracelet to complete the look.

Nautical Look Book

Nautical Look Book

You could also make a splash with just your footwear. If you are looking to spruce up an outfit and add a little nautical whimsy with just one item, try these fabulous sandals on for size! These Suede Starfish Platform Wedges deserve to stand out on their own. Pair them with a sleeveless cowl neck red top and black Bermuda shorts for a different twist on the seaside theme.

Suede Starfish Platform Wedges

Suede Starfish Platform Wedges

Want to take your look beyond the traditional nautical stripes but still remain in the same blue and white colour family? Try some feisty bumble bees! This Blue Bombus Dress from Anthropologie with a low cut back is definitely boat worthy, thus proving that you can deviate from the typical nautical sea creatures.

Blue Bombus Dress

Blue Bombus Dress

One of my favourite nautical looks is unisex, consisting of a striped boatneck tee such as this Matelot Stripe Tee with three quarter length sleeves, paired with distressed denim shorts that have been cuffed a few times, like these 1969 Slouchy Slim Shorts. Add a straw Cream Trilby Hat and some Soludos Pico Flat Espadrilles and it’s a classic summer Riviera look.

What makes this look so classy is that it has withstood the test of time. Audrey Hepburn and 1960s beach movies feature some variation of this preppy, but relaxed nautical look.

Nautical Look Book

Nautical Look Book

Finally, the nautical look doesn’t have to be limited to sea creatures, blue and white stripes, and elements of sailboats. Try some other fun summery fabrics such as seersucker, linen, and madras and you’ll be sure to create a fun yet sopshisticated style for the summer.

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Tropical Trends

Thursday, June 7th, 2012

It’s getting warmer outside! The daylight hours are getting longer and there’s the typical beachy vibe in the air. Do your summer plans include outdoor picnics, cookouts, dining outdoors, outdoor festivals, and sunning yourself in a tropical destination? Well then you’re going to need the right clothing. More specifically, you’ll need tropical clothing. And I’m not talking about your typical, cheesy island Hawaiian shirt with palm trees or toucans that you find hanging in the back of your boyfriend’s closet that screams, “Tacky office Carribbean Day!” Trust me when I say, you will not stick out like a sore thumb in the outfits I’m showing you today.

Tropical prints are a summer staple with big, colourful designs and breezy, flowy fabrics. They are a big trend this year. Two stores come to mind immediately when I think of cute, trendy, and inexpensive tropical prints: Zara and Asos. While toucans and palm trees have their place, I prefer tropical flowers, leaves, and colours inspired by ocean waters and lush landscapes.

Let’s take a look at what Zara has to offer. There’s nothing cheesy about these tropical shorts in cool pastel colours. The top pair offers just a hint of palm trees displayed ever so subtly with a few palm fronds, while the bottom pair sport colourful summertime flowers.

While the tee is still tropical, there’s something a little edgy and artsy with how the woman is intertwined within the palm fronds. Pair this tee with skinny black pants and a lightweight, black leather jacket for a rockin’ evening after a day of sipping mai tais by the pool.

When you’re in a warmer climate but still need a dressy option for Sunday brunch or family gatherings, try this sleeveless dress that embodies the colours of deep blue ocean and crystal blue skies.

Tropical Trend from Zara

Tropical Trend from Zara

Do you prefer to sport a little island theme on your feet? You’re in luck as there are some fabulous choices to dress up any shoe rack. These Jimmy Choo wedges are the perfect espadrilles to wear on holiday. They’d go great with a pair white shorts and coral tee for a daytime look. Pair these with a flirty, strapless dress for drinks and dancing later in the evening.

Jimmy Choo Wedges

Jimmy Choo Wedges

Of course you can’t go all summer without a swimsuit. This French Connection bikini top and bottom are the epitome of tropical sunset paradise! They have a modern cut with a retro, flashback appeal of tees from the 70s with printed tropical motifs.

French Connection Tropical Bikini Top

French Connection Tropical Bikini Top

French Connection Tropical Bikini Bottom

French Connection Tropical Bikini Bottom

If you are a fan of California designer Trina Turk, she has partnered with Banana Republic and will launch an exclusive summer line for them starting June 7, 2012. Her collection includes tropical dresses, jewelry, bikinis, beach towels and more. This limited-edition collection was inspired by her home and lifestyle in Palm Springs, CA. Click here to view the entire lookbook.

Tropical Storm: Trina Turk for Banana Republic

Tropical Storm: Trina Turk for Banana Republic

If you’ve been dreaming of sipping cool beverages while lounging poolside (or beachside) in a tropical destination, grab a few of these hip tropical pieces to make it a perfect get-away!

By Nichole Delehant

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Posted in Let's Talk About Trends | No Comments »

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