Day 89: Spring into summer

• Grey woollen top: Matalan
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Black lst: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks

Although the weather has definitely improved there is still a bit of a nip in the air and I wanted to wear something that will soon be consigned to my 'winter' wardrobe. As I have mentioned before I don't have clearly defined seasonal clothes however, this fair isle style pattered top is not something you can sport mid July so it will be packed away shortly.

It is Fashion Beauty Friend Friday again and today's topic is very fashion focused looking at my top 5 Spring Trends of 2011. It does seem a tad strange to be examining  Spring/Summer fashion when the outfit above screams winter.

I am particularly interested in this topic as I have been thinking about doing a related mini project for some time now. As I am in the middle of my I wardrobe, 1 year, 365 looks challenge I am always on the lookout for motivational opportunities. Back in early January I mentioned in my blog I had bought a copy of UK Vogue which had a Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk supplement with all the key trends for the season. I have since thought it would be fun to see if it is possible to wear these looks without buying a single new item and utilising what is already in my wardrobe.

According to UK Vogue these are the season's key trends:
colour blocking; smart sportswear; modern handicraft; blue; gathering; flowing; white; denim; fiesta; tangerine; eastern; layers; nude; nature; accessories; cover ups and 70s.

So which of these are my top 5? Well,this is a hard task and I have taken account of the looks I can create from my own wardrobe and so in no particular order:

1. Colour blocking - sumptious jewel tones and glowing fluoros exploded across the collections - Vogue
My reticence over colour is well commented on (by me) but I am going to try and embrace the colour palettes of the season. The look focuses on brights, corals, limes, yellow and these aren't colours that have much of a place in my wardrobe but I am keen to give it a go. The garments are on the whole self coloured and not pattered, which I have plenty of, so I will hopefully find some items to create the overall look.

2. Denim - from weekend pinafores to workday suits, denim rules seven days a week - Vogue
I often wear jeans or jeggings but don't wear the head to toe look or do the double denim as I did it the first time round. This season it has been incorporated into clothes for every occasion - in and out of the workplace. I have some classic pieces which I will mix in and maybe go for the head to toe if I am felling brave enough.

3. Fiesta - full skirts and peasant blouses inject a touch of Latin passion - Vogue
This semi theatrical look is less obvious than the gypsy trends of a few years ago. It incorporates soft pastel shades, stripes and raffia. This is a girly and flamboyant look which incorporates different styles and should be quite easy to create. 

4. Nature - nature's bounty alive with decorative flora and fauna - Vogue
No one could have escaped those images from the catwalk of Stella McCartney and Moschino's outfits adorned with citrus fruits, Alexander McQueen's butterflies and not forgetting Prada's banana print shirt. I am going to try and incorporate the essence of nature in to my outfits.

5. 70s - a Boogie Wonderland of big flares and big hair - Vogue
Influences include Annie Hall, Jerry Hall, Taxi Driver, Studio 54 and the glamorous photos of David Bailey. I am up for trying an updated 70s look - who wouldn't with those references for inspiration.

Looking at these trends again has made me determined to try out all the looks. I just need to work out how and when and then I am good to go. Bring on Spring/Summer 2011.