Fashion is pretty fast paced, and though you may just be getting to grips with colour blocking/popping/splashing/splodging the time has come to put S/S trends to one side and start thinking about what's going to work next season- especially as the must have items of this season have already filtered down to the sale rail.
So as you browse the sales just now what is it that you should be looking for?
Well firstly you need to remember the age-old sale shopping rules:
● Never buy anything just because it's cheap! If you can't see yourself buying it before that bold 50% off label was attached, don't let yourself be swayed by the bargain!
● Never buy anything that doesn't fit perfectly! It sounds stupid, but I know we all do it! A designer dress slashed from £300 to £70 but only a size 12 left? I may be an 8 but i'm sure I could bulk up... Never a good plan!
● Never buy the season's hottest item! See the aviator jacket last season and this season i'd steer clear of anything Jil Sander-esque (Chloé style pleats have a little more longevity, but anything too light is a little impractical come Winter!) Stick to classic, simple pieces.
● The best things to buy in the sales are simple accessories (see these Mulberry flats- talk about an investment buy!), basic t-shirts, evening dresses, simple day dresses, jewellery, denim and, come winter, coats.
● My favourite shopping tip of all time is to ask yourself before you buy an item: "will I still want to wear this in 2 years time?". How many items in your wardrobe do you wish you hadn't bought? This tip should stop you accumulating even more! It is particularly relevant for sale shopping because everything is so cheap and irresistible. Must. Be. Strong.
So once you've got these in mind, make sure your sale shopping complies with the hottest trends for next season! Here are some of the trends that are set to be huge next season (I couldn't quite be bothered to include all the trends just now- but these seem to be the main ones- a full report will follow...eventually...)
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| Seen everywhere from Gaga at Mugler to Kate Moss strutting with a cigarette at Louis Vuitton: leather, lace, mesh and bondage-esque detail is surprisingly chic this season! Think corsetry and anything sheer with black lingerie- look out for sheer pieces in the sales and any summer leather that could work again next season- i'll be holding on to my Zara leather mini. |
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| I've never really thought of the 1940s as being a particularly stylish decade, but this season it's definitely been brought to the forefront thanks to Gucci and Miu Miu among others. Whether you opt for a demure tea dress (the Miu Miu swallow and floral print ones are lovely) or just long gloves, this look is definitely going to be tricky to escape. Alternatively, the 60s are also very much on trend- think little shifts and mary-janes (look out for any mary-jane style shoes in the sales- they are an instant update!) |
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| I haven't really shut up about this trend recently, mainly because I loved the Dolce & Gabbana show where this idea of boy/girl was the theme. Think slouchy tailoring by day and sharp tuxes by night- look out for simple tailoring in the sales and make like Chanel and keep it feminine with pointed courts. So, so cool. |
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| As ever, the shows were awash with a variety of lovely patterns. The hottest had to be spots (see Marc Jacobs, David Koma, Stella McCartney) and checks (everywhere from Fendi to Burberry Prorsum) but for A/W 2011/2012 we really are spoilt for choice. Feminine dandelion florals kept it pretty at Miu Miu while Johnathan Saunders had fashion editors swooning with his baroque prints. Want something a little more glamourous? Go for Dolce & Gabbana's star prints- look out for stars in the sales as well! |
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| This season really seemed to be all about creating a serious muddle of luscious fabrics and textures. Think Prada's fluid sequins with wool or Chloé's snakeskin with suede. It's all about shaggy furs and iridescent sequins- luxury with a more eclectic twist. A great way to rework last winter's faux fur- search the sales for pretty embellished dresses to get in on the trend early! |
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| And for those who don't like to take fashion too seriously? Animal! Now this is a step up from your typical leopard print (though Dolce & Gabbana obviously offered some of that if you are longing for it!) this season we are talking kitsch prints and animal motifs. From the more tasteful swallow prints at Miu Miu and the sexy panthers at my beloved Givenchy to the kooky dalmation prints at Topshop and Burberry Prorsum, this look is all about putting the fun back into fashion. I will be sure to be purchasing some dalmation print shoes at Topshop- amazing! |
As far as colour goes next season- think autumnal shades of wine, mustard, tan and olive but the brights still work! No more neon though, can't say i'm too disappointed... Neon never really worked with my pasty complexion! ALSO I have tried to change my comments settings so you can comment on my posts even if you don't have an account! Any comments are welcome! ♥ x |
