Spring is in the Air

Spring is right around the corner...some plants have even started to burst into flower, which as a plant scientist I think is pretty f**ked up, January is far too early for that sort of thing - get back to your senescent state.

But botany aside, with a new season comes a new fashion - shrug of the old, drab thick winter ankle length blacks, greys and navys and enter into the vibrant shapes and hues of spring - we're talking candy carnation couture here.

This is my favourite season - the weather dictates that hemlines aren't so short you have to bear all yet the colours are like a botanic garden in bloom (forever a botanist!) and bring some light into what seems like an eternal winter.

And I know what you are all dying to know...what will I be wearing to celebrate this season's sweet return to life?

Peplums:

Not only is it a great way to accentuate your waist but it's such a cute word (I ♥ plums).

Ermanno Scervino

Ermanno Scervino

Moving on to the next point - colours:

Pistachio:

Now, Lady Gaga mentions mint green being the colour of next season - I beg to differ...well I don't beg - she's just misinformed - it's pistachio.  I love all the pastels - pink, apricot, peach, lilac, lavender, lemon yellow, sky blue - but I am slightly obsessed with pistache. 

Versace S/S 2012

ASOS Collection

And onto shoes:

Mules are back in...but with a twist.  I'm loving the KG*Kurt Geiger metallic toe-capped version and Miu Miu mules are phenomenal.  It's trends like this that make me happy I was born before the 90s - I have so many mules in my closet that can now see the light of day.

KG* Kurt Geiger Mules

Stilettos - I've always been more of chunky heel kind of gal (less likely to break your ankles) but Prada's Cadillac Stilettos have me wanting to dice with death.

And, of course, spring would not be complete without floral patterns, courtesy of Christopher Kane (S/S 2012):

And now it's my turn:

 Shiny, flowery, sparkly jewellery!

The ring I'm wearing is probably the prettiest knuckle duster you'll ever see, it's also the fiercest - those sharp points will take your eye out.

Lavender Bows

Mirror, Mirror on the wall.  Who has the cutest lavender shoes of them all?...Er...ME!

A Sign of the Times

People's spending habits are often an accurate reflection of the state of the economy - when times are hard, such as now, people budget for and spend only on essentials - the iPad 2 isn't on most people's shopping lists (apart from mine) - sad news for the world's largest company, Apple.  It is sensible behaviour as the economy is still recovering but it makes shopping a lot less fun.  Boo-hoo!  Especially as the new season (A/W) approaches - although it seems that Autumn and Winter are already upon us in England - bringing with it some awesome new trends:
* The futuristic take on the vintage glamour of the 1940s (@Marc Jacobs - video below) and 1960s (@Prada & Burberry Prorsum)

Prada A/W 2011

* The 18-hour dress vs. The Tomboy - hourglass vs. tailoring.

L'Wren Scott vs. Paul Smith

But these are all way over budget for those who are still feeling the pinch.  So the best way to update your look for A/W 2011 lies in your make-up bag - no need to buy more products, simply adapt what you already have.

* Make your make-up work harder by multi-tasking - use the same product on lips, cheeks and eyes.  Steer away from green, purple and blue.

* Following the 60s revival, coat your lashes with mascara but avoid clumping.

* Blush can be applied below the cheekbones to give an outdoorsey, healthy glow.

* No need to visit the salon for your fortnightly eyebrow wax, brows are bigger and bolder in-line with the tomboy look.

* But if there is one thing you should give into it would be brightly coloured, glossy lips - reds, purples and pinks.  In fact, Reuters states that  "When times are tough, women still treat themselves to a new lipstick" - in the US, lipstick sales have increased by 13% since the start of 2011.  And analysts can now use lipstick sales as an economic indicator to gauge the mood of the consumer.  Whatever reason you buy it for, it is a great way to stay on-trend without maxing out the credit card.