Next High Summer 2011 Collection

I don't know about you, but girls across the country are rejoicing as the weather is getting much hotter! It can only mean one thing...it's time to get into our Spring/Summer wardrobes and with the help of Next and their High Summer 2011 collection, you won't be stuck for ideas!

The Next High Summer 2011 Lookbook is separated into six different sections. Each with their own unique styles, trends and colours so there is really something for everyone.

The 'BIKINI BAR' range is full of gorgeous patterned and coloured swimsuits and bikinis that you would be proud to be seen in on the beach! For the more body-concious, there are even some cute cover up pieces such as Kaftans, Vests and Playsuits and every piece is bright and bold and bound to give you a spring in your step.

BIKINI BAR - Printed Bikini Top and Briefs

BIKINI BAR - Stripe Bikini Top and Briefs

BIKINI BAR - Printed Kaftan

BIKINI BAR - Stripe Vest

'ORCHID' is a classic, feminine collection of playsuits, maxi dresses, tops and blouses in cute, flirty fabrics, retro prints and lots of embellishments. 'BEACH HUT' is a great alternative, with bold aztec and floral patterns, bright coloured shorts and sleeveless shirts as well as brash coloured accessories.

ORCHID - Printed Strapless Jumpsuit

ORCHID - Printed Maxi Dress

ORCHID - Daisy T-Shirt

ORCHID - 3D Flower Top

BEACH HUT - Printed Shorts

BEACH HUT - Printed Dress

BEACH HUT - Patent Skinny Belt

BEACH HUT - Weave Shopper

'DESERT CANYON' is for the bolder, confident girl. Full of burnt oranges, bright blues and brilliant whites, the pieces spice up seventies flares and midi skirts. Fringing and tassels are huge trends for 2011 and can be seen on bags, earrings, dresses and waistcoats.

DESERT CANYON - Fringe Waistcoat

DESERT CANYON - Fringed Crochet Dress

DESERT CANYON - Embellished Cape

DESERT CANYON - Tassel Bag

'ST TROPEZ' is all about the glamour. Think gorgeous print maxi dresses, floppy sun hats and sophisticated accessories with floaty, gypsy tops and tailored chinos and shorts. Each piece is perfect for casual and glamorous occasions and the palettes of soft blushes are bang on trend for Spring 2011.

Finally, 'PAINT BOX' is a glorious, statement collection full of all the colours of the rainbow. Shorts, bikinis, vests, tops and accessories in block colours and stripes are perfect for lounging in on the beach. Block colouring is still very much on trend and you'll be able to pull it off perfectly with this collection, try mixing and matching colours for a brash take on the trend or keep it more toned down with a stripey coloured top with a cute pair of shorts.

ST TROPEZ - Printed Maxi Dress

ST TROPEZ - Pleat Skirt

ST TROPEZ - Shorts

ST TROPEZ - Gypsy Top

PAINT BOX - Cropped Trousers

PAINT BOX - Stripe Sweater

PAINT BOX - Stripe Tie Front T-Shirt

Each separate collection is on trend with what is huge this Spring/Summmer. The blush tones of Orchid and the bold colours of Paint Box are all extremely popular colours that can work well with anything. The collections encompass something for everyone, whether you're confident enough to strut your stuff in a bikini or you want to cover up a little bit in a kaftan or a pair of shorts, you will definitely find something suitable within the Next High Summer 2011 collection. It's also great to mix and match pieces from the looks, take a bright coloured top and match it with some 'DESERT CANYON' bottoms and some colourful accessories...the ways you can work the items are endless, so make sure you stock up your Spring/Summer wardrobe with everything from Next!

The Shopping Forecast Weekly Fashions and Trends Round Up

This week I am delighted to share with you some great fashion inspiration from my fashion blogger friends over at TSF. From some great news for the very stylish Rachel Zoe to the lowdown on the Marc Jacobs scandal, you can keep up date with all the goings on in the fashion world. There are also plenty of fashion and trends for summer including contemporary, stripey, blue and eco friendly.

Mallory in New York - Marc Jacobs Intern Goes Crazy - Inside the breakdown and major PR scandal
City Style by Jen Danczak - Rachel Zoe it's a boy - great news for one of the most stylish mums around
Freya Hill Talking - Marry Me Darling - A look at how contemporary fashion and accessories are becoming
The Shopping Forecast - Cornflower Blue Dresses for Summer 2011 - a look at the favourite colour of the season
The Fashion Buzz - Earn your stripes- striped picks for spring 2011 - some of the best of the one of the seasons biggest trends
Style Eyes Fashion Blog - Climate week outfit with eco shoes - a look at some of the summers climate coolest trends

Don't forget to stop by The Shopping Forecast and vote for your favourite fashions for the summer. Have a good week!

Image from Freya Hill Talkin

Earn Your Stripes: Striped Picks for Spring 2011

The last few seasons have been all about the military trend, so it seems a natural progression for this season to be all about nautical stripes. Stripes are often a print that most people avoid- plagued by the idea that horizontal stripes make you look wider, but research shows this apparently is not the case. Another fear about stripes is that they are bold and bright and eyecatching, of course they can be, but stripes can be as bold or as subtle as you'd like them to be, and this season there are plenty of options.

On the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalks, Moschino showed strong red and white stripes and demonstrated a surge towards the emerging 70s trend. Prada on the other hand showed bold, vibrant stripes in clashing lime greens, pinks and oranges. Fendi's stripes had a similar idea- their most-remembered piece was an orange and blue striped skirt. This season was all about boldness and fun and stripes certainly demonstrate this. Stripes are a perfect way in inject some fun back into your wardrobe, and are great if you want to experiment with mixed-prints trend that has been hot for this season. Stripes work with almost another other pattern, especially florals, checks and polka dots (all of which, by the way, were big trends this season too.)

Here are some of my favourite striped picks for next season. First up, dresses...

dorothy perkins

This gorgeous blue-striped dress looks straight off the catwalk. Pair with brown wedges and bare legs for a perfect spring-time look.

very

Want to stand out from the crowd? This Very dress will certainly get you some attention!!

Marks and Spencers

Who says you can't do stripes for formal events? This dress would be perfect for a summer wedding or garden party.

Can't commit to a striped dress? How about pairing a striped skirt with a simple top for a perfectly balanced look?

My Theresa

This skirt combines too big trends- stripes and lilac. Wear with a lilac blouse and chunky shoes for ultimate impact.

Warehouse

This skirt can be worn in too ways- simple with a white blouse or tshirt, or with a floral or check blouse for fun with mixed prints. This is a perfect wardrobe staple for the summer months.

Stripes accessories were also featured on the catwalks if you just want to add a little something extra to your outfit...

TopShop shoes

I am completely crazy about these TopShop shoes (which come in two colour combinations). Perfect with a Little White Dress or cream linen trousers.

Dorothy Perkins

For French Riviera chic, pair these cute espadrilles with navy shorts and a striped shirt.

Bank

This Paul's Boutique bag just screams nautical chic and is just as versatile as black for summer.

John Lewis

I love the sexy simplicity of this bag- perfect for an evening paired with beige high heels.

How will you be wearing stripes this season?

Cornflower Blue Inspiration For Summer 2011

I noticed on The Shopping Forecast, that Cornflower Blue is really popular for the summer amongst the voters, funny thing is that I can't find a mention of it in the usual fashion media. I am really pleased as this is one of my favourite colours and I really hope that the shops will be taking note and stocking lots of beautiful Cornflower pieces this summer.

There is plenty of Cornflower inspiration around though. Here are some of my favourites:

Stella McCartney SS11 (image from elleuk.com)

Mulberry SS11 (Image from Elleuk.com)

Theyskens’ Theory SS11

Carven Blazer and Shorts at Net-a-porter

Jonathan Saunders Blue and White Flower Print Dress - Matches

Cornflower Blue Cardigan - Topshop

I particularly love cornflower blue floral patterns and prints and combining it with yellow, white and beige.

Do you love cornflower blue? how will you be wearing yours this summer? Don't forget to joing the Shopping Forecast and vote on your favourite new fashion trends for the chance to win some great prizes.

Fashion in aid of Japan

Nobody can understand or believe the absolute horror that is currently going on in Japan. Natural disasters such as the Earthquake and Tsunami have caused devastation in the country and has wiped out whole towns and cities. Everyone is trying their absolute best to help out in any way they can and those within the prestigious fashion industry and coming up with all sorts of ways to raise money.

For starters, designer Simeon Farrar's 'Kate Mouse' T-shirt is now being sold with all proceeds going towards the Save The Children's Japan Appeal. The T-shirt had a waiting list of over 300 back in December, but it has now been made more readily available to customers for £20.

Simply donate your £20 through SimeonFarrar.com, forward your donation email receipt to japan@simeonfarrar.com along with your delivery address and T-shirt size and you'll receive the T-shirt. This is a simple but effective way to get fashionable for a cause and you have the reassurance that your donation will make it to Japan.

Simeon Farrar 'Kate Mouse' T-shirt

Online T-shirt store More T Vicar have launched a charity T-shirt to help to raise funds for the Japanese Tsunami Appeal. All of the profits made from the T-shirt will be donated to the British Red Cross and will be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster over the coming months and years.

The T-shirt features an impressionistic image of the Japanese flag, and is available in sizes s-xxl, for both men and women and will be priced at £15.99.

More T Vicar Japan Tsunami Appeal T-shirt

US store Karmaloop are selling 'The Rising Sun' T-shirt which includes the words 'THE SUN WILL RISE AGAIN.' Selling for $20, 100% of the profits of this t-shirt will help support Red Cross disaster relief efforts in aiding those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Karmaloop 'THE SUN WILL RISE AGAIN' T-shirt

For those of you who want to donate a sizeable amount of money to the relief efforts. Why not purchase one of Rebecca Minkoff's gorgeous red handbags. $100 from each purchase will be donated to the cause.

Rebecca Minkoff charity handbag

There are so many great things happening in order to raise money for relief efforts in Japan. Fashion store H&M have closed down their stores in Tokyo and have donated 100,000 garments to the Red Cross. Fashion house Uniqlo will be donating 700 million Yen's worth of clothing to victims of the disaster. Uniqlo's Retail President, Chairman and CEO Tadashi Yanai will make a personal donation of 1 billion yen and an additional 4 million yen will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

Popular US store Forever 21, donated all of their Online profits made on March 18th, while fashion icon and pop sensation Lady Gaga is urging people to buy her specially designed wristbands for $5, with all procceds going directly to Japan to help in their time of need. The wristbands are available from Lady Gaga's official website.

Wristband designed by Lady Gaga

Designer Diane von Furstenberg has announced plans for an Online charity auction, where designers and friends of the CFDA will put together desirable packages which will be sold to benefit the Japanese relief effort.

It's great to see such a huge industry coming together and doing everything they can to raise money to help the people of Japan. If you're a fashion lover, this is the best way to donate your money as you'll safe in the knowledge that your money will definitely be used to help those affected by the disaster. You'll also be the proud owner of some one-off and limited edition fashion items.

The Shopping Forecast Weekly Fashion And Trends Round Up

There is so much going on in the fashion world at the moment it can be difficult to keep track. Fashions and trends change so quickly and the key to looking stylish is picking out the right fashions for you. This week we are please to be able to giving you a helping hand with some fashion inspiration from our fashion blogger friends. We hope that you enjoy.

Freya Hill Talkin - Happy 300th Birthday Ascot - A dedication to Ascot's 300th birthday; how Vivienne Westwood and milliner Stephen Jones have joined in with the fashionable celebrations
Style Meets Story - Fifth Ave Shoe Repair- The swedish brand has a great collection this spring
Jen Danczak - Accessories - Do it right this fall - some of the hottest pieces around
Mallory in New York - Get poisoned with toxic nature - a fabulous new makeup collection
The Shopping Forecast - How Fashion Social Networking Sites Are Changing The Way We Shop - an update on the lastest trends in shopping
Style Eyes Fashion Blog - 5 Ways to Rework Old Clothes For Summer 2011 Trends - a climate week post
The Fashion Buzz - Debenhams High Summer 2011 Lookbook - some fantastic new fashion from a UK high street favourite
My Lust List - a quick review of Alexis Mabille's Fall 2010 collection The Pro's and cons

Don't forget you can keep up with the most popular styles for the season ahead on The Shopping Forecast

Image from Debenhams Look Book via The Fashion Buzz

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops loves Alexander McQueen's iconic Skull Clutch in gold metallic!
Fashion Hippo covets Diane Von Furstenberg Opal Wedges
RedPoppy Fashion wants to share with you the heavy metal Spring delights from Birks.com.
Shopping and Info is giving away a Cognac Brown Leather Hobo from Lands End.Enter to win!
StyleMaven is planning for spring celebrations on a country estate with an adorably chic little girls "Mariposa" dress from trendsetting children's store, Peek Aren't You Curious.
The Fashion Buzz finds lots of lovely yellow picks for spring 2011
The Well-Heeled Society has a fairytale ending, thanks to her glass "sipper" and creation of her Cinderella Smoothie.
TheFind is giving away a $500 Stella & Dot jewelry shopping spree and the lucky winner will have the chance to indulge in items from the entire collection including the eye-catching Viva Brazil collection!

Image from Shopping and Info

How to accessorise this seasons neutrals

Neutrals have been a huge trend for the winter and look set to continue well into the spring and summer. The beauty of neutral clothes is that they are so versatile. They can be accessorised in so many different ways to create different looks.

Here are just a few ideas on how to accessorise your neutral coloured clothes for SS11.

Gold Jewelry

Tan, beige, taupe and camel coloured clothes all look amazing with glitzy gold jewelry from ShopNBC. It is a great way to add a little sparkle to an otherwise plain outfit. If you want to work the minimalist trend, then you need to remember that less is more. Choose a small and subtle piece of jewelry perhaps some simple drop earrings or a pendant necklace but go for really high quality material like real gold.

Tan Leather

For a subtle but stylish look tan leather accessories are a great choice for a neutral summer outfit. Look out for strappy sandals and satchel style across the body bags, both of which are right on trend. A tan leather belt is also a good way to add some shape to a dress that looks shapeless.

A Pop of Colour

Bright neons can also look amazing with neutrals, an orange clutch bag or electric blue belt will not only bring your neutral coloured outfit right up to date but will also add a bit of fun. Purple, pink and red are also great colours for the summer, why not look for some patent shoes in one of these bright colours?

Yellow Picks for Spring 2011

If you were daunted by last week's post on orange, prepare for an even stronger hue. Yellow is another bright, bold colour set to be huge for the Spring. And like orange, it makes those of us who resemble milk bottles quiver with fear. But yellow is fresh, fun and exciting and can be incredibly flattering when worn right.
The best thing about yellow is the number of shades it can come in- from a warming marigold to a buttery light lemon. With yellow it's really easy to find a colour to suit your skintone without draining you of colour.
Let's be honest, yellow is a colour it's impossible to be unhappy while wearing. It's so fun and summery- everyone should have at least one yellow item in their wardrobe!!
Here are my top tips on wearing yellow...

1. Choose the right shade
My personal favourite is a bright mustard- it almost works as a neutral as it goes with everything. Lighter, lemon shades are much more summery and best paired with other lighter colours. Brighter hues look better with darker skin, so if you're pale stick to cooler yellows.

2. Pair with greys, navies and black
Yellow is notoriously difficult to work into your wardrobe as it resists many colour combinations. Mustards work well with blacks and blues, wheras lighter yellows look best with greys and navies.

3. Wear a yellow-based print
As in some of the items below, a yellow-based print can make a statement without being overwhelming.

4. Wear with confidence!!
If you want to wear a colour as daring as yellow you definitely need a huge bout of confidence!! If you're feeling over-whelmed, try a yellow bag or shoe.

Here are my top yellow picks...

This Top Shop blouse is a great way to just add a dash of yellow. Pair with jeans or a grey high waisted skirt for understated cool.

I love the shade of this mustard Top Short skirt. It's light enough to almost pass as a neutral, and is a nod to the ever-popular camel trend.

Yellow? Check. Peter Pan Collar? Check. I'm in love with this Republic dress!!

If you're not quite ready for block-colour yellow, this gorgeous patterned frock from Monsoon is a perfect way to add some Spring sunshine.

If you're more into the buttery, lighter shades of yellow, this Top Shop dress is divine.

This Modcloth beauty is on my wish list!