All Blocked Out?

 

Colour blocking is undoubtedly the trend of S/S 11. While colour always seems to make a resurgence at this time of year, this season it is definitely on steroids. The concept of colour blocking (refering to contrasting bright colours in the one outfit) is absolutely taking over. It is to the point where sunglasses are imperative for a trip to the shops. Full on is an understatement.

While I am from Melbourne (read: drawn instinctively to black, grey or black), I always get the urge around Spring to ditch the neutrals and add hints of colour. And while the colour blocking trends provides the perfect opportunity to give it a go, I can't help but feel like this trend has been prominent and front of mind for the past six months. All over the northern hemisphere, fashionistas have been showing how colour blocking is done, and now it feels, well, like it has past. An unfortunate repercusion of Australia being 'behind' the trends.

Nevertheless, I am going back through the archives to reinvigorate the joy I saw in the colour blocking trend when it become apparent. It is hard not to want to give it a try when you see how these stylish ladies make it look so fun and chic.

{pink and red tied together amazingly well with a bright yellow clutch} 

 {a couple of bright pieces paired with neutrals is a great way to ease into the trend}

 {pastel colour blocking with a rich royal blue to ground the look}

 {a splash of colour paired with neutrals still makes a statement}

{bright on bright on bright screams summer}

 {love how this bold skirt is paired with a statement pout to finish the look}

 {a strong colour blocked dress enhanced with bold blue shoes}

 {brights and pleats looking equally bold and fabulous}

* Images from B. Jones Style, Sterling Style, Late Afternoon, Stockholm Streetstyle (3 and 7), WhoWhatWear, Glitter Guide, Cupcakes and Cashmere and Atlantic-Pacific.

Mustard Musings

{top: Cue}

Mustard has always been a colour I have admired, but never thought to dabble in. Until now. It seemed to be one of those tricky colours that only suited certain hair colours and skin types. But the beauty of the blogosphere has shown that it can be worn in many different ways and on many different ladies. It continues to amaze me how fashion has been completely revolutionised by the internet. Magazines are now only a contributing medium for forecasting and illustrating trends; blogs provide instant gratification and variety never seen before.

I took the plunge and purchased this relatively conservative Cue knit top to test whether mustard will really agree with me. So far so good. I am looking forward to teaming it with flowing skirts and tan accessories for work, and with jeans and loafers for relaxed Spring weekends.

{paired with neutrals for a simplicistic look}

{teamed with gold heels for a stunning evening look}

{statement mustard clutch}

{head-to-toe mustard is paired with slicked back hair and gold accessories}

{with light pants and accessories for a breezy Spring look}

* Images from Hanneli, Musings in Femininity, and B. Jones Style.

Red Wine Lips

What I love about make up is its ability to enhance and draw attention to our best features. Lipstick is particularly powerful when it comes to this. I am constantly experimenting with different hues to see how they highlight certain colours and features on my face. It is a fantastic way to update your look without breaking the bank.

A prominent trend throughout winter has been rich deep red lips. Whether it is a purple-based 'berry', or a cherry 'red wine' hue, the warmth this lip colour adds to the face, particularly bringing out a subtle flush in the cheeks, is reminiscent of cosy winter nights by the fire.

Despite the fact that we are sailing into Spring, I have decided to give this a try. My colour of choice is the delicious Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Crimson, which I think is the perfect balance of red wine and cherry red (I adore the packaging from this latest range, too. Made the decision even easier!).

* Images from PRIMPED, and Caroline's Mode.