Fashion Forecast: That '70s Show

So pretty much every blogger of the fashionista persuasion has posted recently about Spring 2011's return to 1970s style.  Perhaps this is why I've been so reluctant to cover the trend myself: it feels a little like white noise.  However, it also would feel like a glaring oversight if I didn't at least give it a cursory nod in a Fashion Forecast.

In other posts I've mentioned the return to flared and wide-leg jeans, as well as the resurgence of crop tops and peasant tops.  These respective trends are all part of the larger '70s trend.  Big hair, flowing maxi skirts, and floppy hats all paraded down the runway this spring leaving us all with infinite ways to adapt the trend to our own personal style.  The '70s style is great if you want a more bohemian edge to your look, or if you'd like to revamp your silhouette.  I know I'm going to be rocking some sheer dresses to the beach this summer.  Last year I actually managed to find a gorgeous Poleci silk blouse for a great deal.  At the time I just loved the blue and white pattern, but now the flowy structure, sliced sleeves and '70s vibe are right on trend.  I love it when that happens.  All photos from www.style.com.

 

Badgley Mischka

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

D&G

 

Elie Saab

 

Fendi

 

Jason Wu

 

Marc Jacobs

 

Valentino

Fashion Forecast: Still in Style

All right, so some of you may be wondering what trends from last season are still wearable.  Both leopard print and lace have been extremely popular trends over the last year or so, and I can assure you that they're going to stay for at least one more season.  Dolce and Gabbana, Blumarine, Givenchy, and Burberry Prorsum all featured leopard print prominently, while lace appeared often in 3.1 Phillip Lim, BCBG Max Azria, D&G, Dolce and Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, and Valentino.  So don't send them to Goodwill just yet!

 

Blumarine

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

Dolce and Gabbana

 

Givenchy

 

3.1 Phillip Lim

 

BCBG Max Azria

 

D&G

 

D&G

 

Dolce and Gabbana

 

Dolce and Gabbana

 

Oscar de la Renta

 

Oscar de la Renta

 

Valentino

Fashion Forecast: Taste the Rainbow

I wish I could have come up with a cleverer title for this, but alas, I seem to have run out.  Anyway, this spring's warm weather leather comes in hues as bright as the rest of spring's clothing: lavenders, turquoise, tangerine, lime, and especially red were popular colours for leather jackets this season.  Coloured leather was not limited only to jackets either - purses and skinny belts were as bright as the jackets, and I'll add that they are considerably more affordable ways to update your wardrobe than purchasing a whole new jacket.  It seems that the bomber jacket has taken a leave of absence from the runway, replaced entirely by the ubiquitous motorcycle jacket.  Proud owner of a leather motorcycle jacket myself, I can say that they're a great addition to your wardrobe, and if you pick a more timeless colour (black is best, brown also works) than you can be sure to get good mileage for your money.  Photos by http://www.style.com/.

 

Balenciaga

 

Balmain

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

D&G

 

 D&G

 

Elie Saab

 

Fendi

 

Givenchy

 

Hermes

 

 Jean Paul Gaultier

Fashion Forecast: Short Story

Again and again designers chose to clothe their models in crop tops.  Before you cringe to yourself at the thought of bulging muffin-tops and exposed bellies, let me point out that this year's crop-top has several differences from the early 2000's "belly top".  This new incarnation boasts a looser silhouette, and rather than being paired with low-slung jeans (with the exception of in Michael Kors' show) is worn instead with high-waisted trousers and skirts.  As luck would have it, I actually bought a crop-top last April for a date, and it has turned out to be one of my favourite items despite my lack of a six-pack.  Mine is more like Badgley Mischka's version than the others, and has a high boat neck in the front that drapes down to expose the upper back, with loose sleeves that just graze the inner elbow.  Crop tops are a great way to update a look and still wear a t-shirt.  If you want to get a '70s vibe (very big this year - more on that later), I suggest pairing the crop-top with high-waisted belted jeans.  If you'd like something more modern a high-waisted fitted skirt will nicely balance out the looseness of the top (and is delightfully slimming).  If you REALLY want to go '70s then have a go at the peasant top version that gathers at the bust and the shoulders.  Anyway, without further adieu, here they are!  Photos courtesy of http://www.style.com/.

 

Badgley Mischka

 

Blumarine

 

D&G

 

Dolce and Gabbana

 

Marc Jacobs

 

 Michael Kors

Fashion Forecast Spring 2011: Turquoise

While looking through the Spring 2011 runway shows turquoise seemed to have made its way in one form or another into everyone's lines.  The colour ranged from a light turquoise used by Phillip Lim to a more vibrant incarnation which appeared on Burberry Prorsum's runway.  Paler versions also were incorporated into Chanel and Bottega Veneta's shows.  Whether it dominated the look or was used for accessories, turquoise had a definite presence in the Spring shows.  If you're too timid to try the turquoise leopard print shown by Blumarine, I suggest following Burberry Prorsum's lead and trying out some subtler accessories.  All photos from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2011RTW/

 

Top Left to Bottom Right: Burberry Prorsum, Blumarine, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum