the f-word paradox

To me, clothing is a form of self-expression – there are hints about who you are in what you wear.’ – Marc Jacobs

I am a believer that if you are wearing colours and style lines that flatter your skin tone, body type and lifestyle you will always be fashionable. I also believe that it is important to keep our appearance current because we live in (and are judged by) a visual society. This is where fashion trends play a role. By incorporating one key trend, that works for you, (colour, style, body type) you can alter and elevate your look. This is a relatively simple process since there are always several trends to select from and they come in a variety of price points. Moderation is key when buying and wearing trends, apply the CPW formula to assist in your purchase decisions and be careful to not become a fashion victim by wearing too many trends all together at one time.

The four trends that I am loving for S/S17 are:

Flatform shoes: this style will give you the height that a heel or platform shoe gives, but the stability and comfort that a flat shoe. The athleisure trends continue and most shoe designers have incorporated flatforms into their S/S17 collections from runners to sandals to loafers. Personally, I am loving the Vince flatform sneaker, its comfortable, easy to wear and versatile.

Vince

J slides

Stuart Weitzman

Steve Madden

Grey Vince skater Flatform here,  JSlides Bow platform sneaker here, Navy Stuart Weitzman flatform sandal here, Silver Steve Madden flatform here

Statement earrings: love love love and love! Great way to draw the attention up to your face. Key things to remember are proportions you do want to make a statement but not be overwhelmed by them.  More on proportion and scale in “The Winning Image” sign up here to get your e-copy.

Aldo

Bauble Bar

Kate Spade

Alexis Bittar

Geometric earring Aldo here, White Tassel Baublebar earring here, Pompom tassel Kate Spade earring here, Wire drop earring Alexis Bittar here

Pink: Probably one of the most flattering colours to wear, yes gents as well. Pink helps people not only look healthy but feel calm. If you looking for your best shade of pink you want to determine your skin undertone. This can be done by looking at your veins, check your wrists to see if the veins take on a blue or green hue? If more blue than you have cool undertones and want to wear cool pinks, if  your veins are more green ( not really green but they look this way because your skin is yellow-toned) then you are warm and should migrate towards warmer pinks and peach. Lastly, you may consider a colour analysis! yes, a shameless plug.

Shirting: Probably the biggest trend this season. Think of it as a modern take on the classic oxford.  You will see it everywhere and it’s available in stripes, patterns and solids, oversized, ruffled, with or without embellished sleeves, deconstructed or constructed in a fashion forward way. Another part of this shirting trend is described as the cold shoulder, flashdance shoulder, one shoulder, off shoulder and the list goes on. Suffice to say there is a garment in the the shirting trend for everyone. I personally enjoy the cold shoulder which is showing skin yet camouflaging parts of the upper arm that you may not wish to display. I also love the off shoulder which works well on smaller busted women and those with a pear shape by balancing out body proportions. Here are a few of my favourites as is the one I am wearing above ( from Marshall’s )

Simons

Old Navy

Nordstroms

Striped crossover shirt Simons here, Off shoulder ruffle blouse Old Navy here, Cold shoulder bell sleeve Nordstroms here

There are many more trends to follow for Spring/Summer 17 but these 4 are wearable and adaptable which is important for us as individuals. What trends will you be trying?