Summer Dress Picks

Sorry to all you lovely South Africans back home enjoying the cold winter (I could actually use a few cold days myself) but it is summer in Thailand for most of the year and I can't help but admire the beautiful dresses that are in fashion at the moment. For me there are not many items of clothing more feminine and fun to wear than a summer dress! Here are my four top picks for the season, and they kind of make you want to dance around and pick flowers in the garden... or whatever.

Pop-over dress

This pop-over dress has two layers which brings a fresh new way of vamping up an otherwise ordinary silhouette. It also covers up problem areas and gives the sense of chic structure. Choose from a high neck cut to a flattering v-line cut with thin straps. I personally prefer a patterned option when it comes to this style, but with a simple white version you can never go wrong!

Image from urbanoutfitters.com

The 90's Denim Skirt

Yay! I have been awaiting the revival of the denim skirt, especially since everything else made of denim has become so popular. I am done with dungarees, give me skirts! Not the mini skirts from 10 years ago, but rather the high-waisted button up variation that our mothers wore in the 90's. They are flattering and so cute, and go with pretty much anything (my favourite kind of trend). I urge you to all go grab one of these skirts, and pair it with a laid back t-shirt and sandals for summer, or stockings and a jacket for winter. 

Image from bohocheeck.tumblr.com

Mom Jeans

Can you actually believe how retro fashion trends can be sometimes? Not even two decades have passed before the 80s/90s inspired 'Mom Jeans' style has come back. I have not been completely won over just yet, but I can't ignore these comeback jeans anymore. They are high-waisted, they are baggy, and they can easily make you look like a mom if not styled correctly (consider this a warning). I can't help but laugh and think of that Saturday Night Live sketch about 'Mom Jeans'. 

Either you can embrace the trend, or ignore it and stick with your skinny jeans. The choice is up to you! As always, keep it simple and pair these jeans with a good belt and a simple white or striped top that can be tucked in to the front. This style works well with heels as it elongates your legs, but if you want to stick to flats go for sneakers and roll up the bottoms.

Neutrals from head to toe

There has been a huge transition from colour blocking and bright accessories to entirely neutral outfits consisting of greys, beige tones, light pink, black and white. The trick is to combine these neutrals in a way that you don't look boring or washed out, which can so easily happen without a pop of colour. Neutrals always look classy and expensive, and if you don't believe me then have a look at Sandra Bullock's wardrobe from The Blind Side (I have NEVER been so inspired by a wardrobe from a movie).

My favourite colour of the moment is that light dusty pink, which is surprising since I have never really been drawn to this colour before. Either pair a pink top with a pair of white pants or shorts, and beige heels or a monochrome grey and black combo with gold or silver jewellery and you can't go wrong. Any kind of animal print (leopard, snakeskin) works well too, and could be included as a neutral since all the colours are subtle basic tones. Along with Sandy B, let me share with you a few of my favourite neutral inspired outfits.

Image from exploregeorgia.org

Block Heels

Okay so Im going to be honest here, I was not a huge fan of block heels to begin with. I have always loved the feminine stiletto, and a block heel just seemed to give that unappealing sense that you are about to do some long distance walking to work. However, seeing these shoes literally EVERYWHERE kind of made me love them after a while. Fashion does this to people-it's brainwashing!

Block heels of all kinds are a huge fashion trend for both summer and winter. They add instant sophistication to any outfit, whether it is casual or evening wear. I love shoes like this that are versatile and can be worn with anything, because you really do get your moneys worth in terms of usage. They are also really really comfortable, and the thick heel prevents getting stuck in the grass or getting that heel wobble (been there). My personal favourite is wearing them with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans and a white shirt, which is just my favourite go-to look at the moment.

Image from shopstyle.com

Choker Trend

As a true 90's girl, I can see how the decade of casual and grunge is coming back in so many ways with mom jeans, black lipstick, denim on denim and crop tops... and now most recently chokers. Remember those necklaces that hugged our throats? With jewels and velvet straps or those plastic lace looking versions? It's all coming back to me now, and I think I like it!

Rihanna has recently started yet another fashion movement of her own, wearing chokers of all kinds. Her effortless way of pulling off unusual trends simply makes us want to copy her time and time again. Other choker trend-setters are Alexa Chung, Miranda Kerr, Kylie Jenner and Iggy Azalea.

Whether it is simple with a gemstone, fully bedazzled or thick and gold, decide which choker style suits you. You can easily layer them with a cool t-shirt for a day time look, or wear one thick band with dark lipstick and a ballgown for an evening look. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Image from instyle.com

Fashion Week Inspiration Spring 2015

Spring Fashion Week 2015 has recently taken place, and even though us South Africans are heading towards the end of summer soon, I have picked out some of the main forecasts that can suit any season. I don't think I have been this excited about the emerging trends since stretch skinny jeans, and I feel like each one can suit my personal style. As I have said a thousand times, I prefer the minimal look and I don't often take crazy risks, but this time around I might go slightly out of my comfort zone and be more adventurous with fashion. Here is my SFW 2015 summary of inspring trends:

The Shirt Dress

The shirt dress is another classic that made its mark on the spring runway. Chloe included the shirt dress with their signature knee length lace up sandals (which are becoming a trend in themselves), and A.F Vandevorst took on a more masculine approach with sharp lines and darker colours. One of the most versatile trends, it can be worn in many variations and suits all body shapes. For street style, pair with a belt at the waist and a pair of ballet pumps.

Image from harpers bazaar.com

Going Gingham

A well-known favourite has returned to the fashion world, and that is gingham print. For any of you that are not familiar with gingham, it is the double-check square pattern (think Italian restaurant tablecloth but much classier). This print is easy to style if you keep it simple, whether you pair a gingham shirt with baggy boyfriend jeans or a gingham skirt with a tucked in tank top. The matching trend is still going strong, and if you pair two gingham pieces together you are on point. To start off with, try a navy and white gingham, or the seasonal light pink and white. Loving this trend!

Image from refinery29.com

Eye print

Style forecast: the eye print trend... unusual, eclectic, fashionable? I am yet to see this trend popping up in department stores but my prediction is that we are going to see a lot of it. Creepy or not, the eye trend is super stylish, so why not be ahead of the game and start searching for items now? I know I am! My favourite is the black and white shift dress with the eye print pattern, very modern and artistic if you ask me. Get involved everyone!

Image from bloglovin.com