We were promised a season of colour, and my goodness did the fashion industry keep their promise. Stores have looked bright and happy all year. I felt that we were starved of a great colour assortment for several years, but we finally have a season that covers neutrals, earth tones, pastels, mid-tones, jewel tones, brights and neon. There is something for everyone and that’s brilliant. 

We were also promised a season of pattern, and it’s EVERYWHERE. Pattern, pattern, pattern on everything. It’s on clothing, footwear and accessories, in all sorts of moods, types and colours. And pattern mixed outfits are so very on trend. I have added quite a bit of pattern to my wardrobe this year, and just for the season, I am switching over to Team Pattern. I cannot remember loving pattern and pattern mixing as much as I have right now. Pattern has refreshed my style and made me smile. 

So I’m wondering how we will feel about colours and patterns at the end of the season. Will we embrace a colour and pattern-rich Autumn and Winter because we have been somewhat starved of that too? Or will we be sick of colours and patterns and yearn for solids, subtle textures and neutrals? Some have already seen their fair share of the colour and pattern in stores, or never liked it in the first place.

I won’t be sick of colour when Autumn and Winter comes around because I need to wear colour in grey Seattle. But I might be over most of the pattern other than my usual geometric standbys like checks/plaids, argyle and pinstripes. I can see my renewed love for solids coming through strongly in the second half of this year. 

Over to you. What are your thoughts on the colour and patterns we’re seeing for Spring and Summer 2012? Is it overload?Have you embraced it, or do you wish it would go away? Will you continue to wear colours and patterns in Autumn and Winter?

One of my clients bought Ecco’s Casual Bouillon Sandal recently and is much impressed. It looks SO pretty on the foot, especially in the metallic shade. The tiny wedge heel gives this sandal some support. The leather is very soft and the footbed cushioning. A well made shoe too. 

As I was creating seasonal fast fall back outfits with my client last week, we were matching these sandals with skirts, dresses, clamdiggers, cropped pants, walk shorts and straight legs jeans.  A versatile, dainty and polished addition to a casual Summer wardrobe.

Cold shoulders, split sleeves, or peek-a-boo sleeves. Whatever you prefer to call this clever style detail, I can’t rave enough about the gorgeous effect that it has on the body. The silhouette is both covered and alluring. Breezy and interesting. Ageless and timeless. 

The beauty of the style lies in the cut out effect that exposes a small portion of the top part of the shoulder and upper arm, but nothing else. In my mind, this is always a pretty part of the body and worth exposing. The cut out also creates an attractive drape. Furthermore, you don’t need to wear a special bra, and a camisole is optional unless the fabric is sheer. Ideal for hot weather. 

You’ll find cold shoulder detailing on tops and dresses, both in knits and woven fabrications, solids and patterns, and all sorts of styles. Of course, some cold shoulders are more cut away than others and it’s up to you to find the version that is the most suitable.  

I’ve fitted a cold shoulder dress or top on petites, regulars, plus sizes and tall ladies of all ages and they ALL look divine in the style. Remarkable! Dare I say it’s a pretty flop proof vibe.

My heart skipped a beat when my full busted, plus sized client tried on Adrianna Papell’s Flutter Sleeve Jersey Dress last week. Absolutely sensational and WOW. The neckline is in the perfect covering spot – not too low and not to high. No camisole or special bra required.

The flutter sleeves are alluring, breezy, romantic and covered. The ruching across the bust line gives the girls a phenomenal lift. The fit down from the bust drapes perfectly, thereby skimming smoothly over the contour of the body. My goodness, no spanx required either. The length is on the knee and gorgeously classic. 

Although my client wasn’t on the hunt for a black cocktail dress, I encouraged her to snap up this sale baby right away. That way she has a killer little black number ready to go for the holidays, or any other dressy evening event. What a win for her dressy capsule.