Future Fashion: Spring Trends 2010

It may still be cold outside, but the sun has started shining and it is definitely starting to stay brighter for longer! Spring is on it’s way and I can’t wait! With spring on the horizon, it’s time to consider what trends look likely to be big as the weather heats up in the coming months.

Top picks in and on the high street look certain to continue with the micro denim shorts that dominated last summer, although this year we might be seeing micro shorts and mini skirts paired with over the knee and knee high socks, as this was a trend spotted from recent spring collections. Other trends still hanging around from last year that look certain to make it in this summer are light boyfriend blazers, ripped denim, jumpsuits, playsuits and bold patterned/printed skirts and trousers.

But what will you be wearing them with you ask? Well our friend the headband that trended in the last two spring/summers will be getting another look in, but this seasons headbands looks set to be all about bows. Think Luella, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Temperley style oversize quirky or vintage bows for inspiration. There’s even a potential micro-trend predicted for bunny ear style headbands getting a look in.

The two trends I’m most excited about is the ‘Future Warrior’ and ‘Sci Fi’ looks jutting out of the spring 2010 runways and into our wardrobe. So we’re not talking Lady Gaga exactly but there’s a definite nod toward the style icons futuristic style.  the ‘Future Warrior’ look incorporates tribal mixed with military trends (face paint optional) while the look  below is our take on the impending Futurism style kicking off this year. While the Future Warrior look (think Rihanna) looks like you can pull the look off for day wear, the Futurism / Sci Fi look seems easier to get away with in evening wear for glam nights out.

Future Fashion by LdnFreq featuring All Saints

Items in this set:

The Stars of the Golden Globes

The time has arrived where we are now getting into awards ceremony territory, as last week we were all witness to the Golden Globes and with the Oscars just around the corner this can mean only mean one thing, all eyes are firmly fixed on all the famous faces attending such events to see who has been a hit in the style department and more importantly which stars have made a bit of fashion faux pas.

The Golden Globes always promises to be an eventful night when it comes to fashion, and designer fashion come to that.  When you have half of the A list celebrities on the planet attending this one event it is little wonder that fashion designers throughout the world are clambering over each other to ensure that at least one of the celebrities in attendance is wearing their designs

There were of course a few demure looks with many celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Penelope Cruz, Mariah Carey, Kate Winslet and Halle Berry, opting for the colour black.  However, who can blame them as the little black dress is always known to reflect a sense of class and sophistication, not to mention the fact that it is flattering to all figures.  However, whilst Jennifer Anniston and Halle Berry both opted for dresses which revealed a bit of flesh it was in fact Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet who stole the show with their extremely classy looks.  Whilst Jennifer showed a lot of leg in her Valentino dress, Halle opted to show off her cleavage in a floor length Kaufman Franco gown.  Whilst Penelope’s fish tail style Armani Prive dress oozed just as much sophistication as the Yves Saint Laurent asymmetrical gown as worn by Kate.

However, although all eyes were definitely on the dressed worn by the celebrities and attention focused on which designer was responsible for each creation everyone was also intrigued to find out just how the ladies completed their look, style after includes a lot more than just clothes.  Needless to say we were not disappointed in this department as stars such as Christina Aguilera decided to unveil new looks.  Christina sported a new chin length bob hair style which suited her face shape beautifully.  Deciding to leave her hair straight and accessorising her dress with just a pair of ear rings and a ring Christina looked effortlessly chic.

Furthermore, Christina was not the only hit when it came to hair on the big night.  Rather stars such as Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore all opted for beautiful styles, all of which completed their ensembles beautifully.  Granted none of the aforementioned went for a style which was quite as radically different as Christina’s, but none the less these stars did not fail to impress.   Sandra Bullock’s “tumbling down”, tousled look looked completely effortless but elegant all at the same time.  Whilst Nicole Kidman opted for a to the side bun, complete with sweeping fringe.    Meanwhile both Drew and Cameron both opted for sleek looks with all hair swept back, both of which oozed sophistication.

However, although of these hairstyles looked completely effortless I dread to think how many hours were spent in the salon creating these looks.  What’s more, many of the stars’ hair was glossy and shiny proving that they must take impeccable care of their hair, as such a healthy shine is rarely achieved over night.  Rather it is probable that many of these stars, under the advice of their hair stylist, use a natural shampoo and condition to ensure their hair looks healthy and shiny.

So with everyone looking so beautiful and with so much designer fashion on display all at once I can hardly wait for the Oscars to arrive.

Madonna for Dolce and Gabbana

Madonna will feature in the Spring 2010 campaign for Dolce and Gabbana. Shot by photographer Steven Klein and inspired by Italian Neorealism cinema, Italy’s Vanity Fair has the exclusive first black and white images.

Being a celebrity sheep

When I think of companies such as Iceland, Morrisons and their advertisements that they use to promote their company and offers, I think of the celebrity faces that front their campaigns. For example, when I think of Iceland, Kerry Katona comes to mind and when I think of Morrions, Alan Hansen pops up. It is obvious that many companies believe that using a celebrity can increase their revenue by attracting more customers by using their idols to draw them in. With the state of the British economy worsening, many companies will be trying to get in on this and use the same methods to try and increase their amount of customers.

However, many companies make feeble attempts at this by using washed up celebrities who are known by only a few select people. To me, this is a silly attempt at trying to increase their amount of business and they should spend their time working on an advertising campaign that is actually clever and capable of selling their business in a good light.

Firstly, I would actually like to question whether using celebrities does actually do any good for a company when they are used to front advertising campaigns. In reality, it is clear that in the case of small companies, using celebrities can obviously increase a company’s profile so that they can reach out to more customers. However, which big celebrities would actually work for a small, unheard of company? Furthermore, if a company has a high profile in the first instance, then using a celebrity will have no effect in this department. The only good a celebrity will do is perhaps to get the general public talking about the advertisement. It is from my experience that many people who see celebrities promoting certain products on television, they do not want to go out and buy that product at all. This method simply doesn’t work.

Leading towards the question in hand, no, using celebrities that are only known by a small number of people will not benefit a company, no matter how big or small a company is. Small companies will only be able to attract celebrities with a low profile so there will not be much of an area in the market that they can aim to tap into. If a celebrity is only known by a small group of people, the chances of these people watching the advertisement is low, thus, the chances of them using the company is even lower. Even if a company with a large profile decided to use a celebrity with a low profile, it still won’t benefit them. If using celebrities as fronts for a company barely works then using celebrities barely known certainly will not work.

It always annoys me when companies use celebrities to give their company advertisement a good image. We all know that the celebrities would probably never use half of the products that they are endorsing so the advertisements are extremely unbelievable for starters! Furthermore, it always spells out to me that a company actually does not have total faith in their products effectiveness and ability to sell. If they are using these little ways to get their product out on the market, then they obviously don’t think that the product is actually that good. If I think this way, then maybe more people will do too.

Finally, I really hope that companies that use low profile celebrities will stop and actually take the time to think about their products, and think of ways to improve them. To me, if a product or a service is good enough it will sell. Advertising is always an excellent tool, but I would rather the companies’ think of an eye catching, well structured advertisement that actually has the ability to sell people on things like Mountain Equipment Jackets or a mountain climbing adventure service.

Easy ways to donate

I smile when I see Betty Boop sitting on the front of my local store since she is sporting a rather nice pink ribbon. It is so easy to get involved these days. The Breast Cancer charity and charity donations, in general, do not only include semi-damp volunteers rattling near empty collection tins on the street. It can take the form of a sophisticated range of clothing from Damart, a delicate pink ribbon-pin suitable for the professional female and a complete range of care products that drives the race for financial assistance.

And then, the internet came to the rescue. It is here that Breast Cancer charity donation efforts have really come into their own. In the past there were so many excuses to not get involved. “I cannot find the information” or “I put the flyer somewhere…” are no longer tolerated. The transformation is staggering. Supporters can create their own websites; drive their own campaigns and raise as much as possible to contribute. Even the charity shops have online representation. Donations online is as easy as saying “PayPal”.

The thing that makes my heart feel all fluffy and mushy inside is the fact that helping this cause is within reach of each and every person. Chefs, cleaners, housewives, children… everyone can get involved. This disease is neither shy nor selective. Kylie Minogue, Sheryl Crow, Cynthia Nixon and Christina Applegate can all attest to this. It is a known fact that women with a family history of breast cancer have a greater risk than the rest of the population. The good news is that more and more women are surviving because of fundraising efforts by the general public as well as the numerous breast cancer charity efforts. Scientists work hard, and will continue to do so, to improve the life of those who lives with the disease, and improve the methods used to treat it.

I would state as a matter of urgency that prevention is better than cure, and thus I wish to impress upon every woman how important it is to do regular self examinations. The earlier you catch the problem, the better the chances of survival. Become aware of your body and listen to that inner voice. It is rather disturbing if you consider that many women still don’t do this, mostly because they did not know how. Book a consultation with your GP and ask him or her to show you how to do this. It is easy and takes no more than 5 minutes.

Beyond that point, get involved and create awareness. Although there are so many ways to get involved, so much money to be raised, there are so many more women who don’t know how to get involved. Start by addressing the issue with your daughters AND sons; husbands and brothers. Although this matter is one that physically affect woman, one must never forget the pain and suffering of those around us. They too need to understand, and find a way to get involved.

As I load my trolley with a few well chosen “Tickled Pink” items, I look down at my own chest and smile at my ‘girls’. They were rescued by the men and woman who generously donated time, effort and money, and for this I am thankful.

Breast Cancer charity donations can make the difference, but only with your help!