FASHION UPDATE FOR SPRING / SUMMER 2007
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With Spring just around the corner we’ve studied the prêt porter collections from Paris, Milan, London and New York to bring you what’s hot, what’s not and report on the key looks for this summer with essential tips on how to wear them with style and confidence.

Fashion moves in mysterious ways.  Some trends define a decade, whilst others just come and go; and whilst certain looks spark the global imagination, reflecting the spirit of the age and some unconscious desire of who we want to be, others, however  lovely, just drop by the way side, lacking that vital magic to capture our mood.

At first glance it seems that this summer’s keys themes are a natural progression of what’s gone before, but there’s a fundamental shift this season and it’s the way of wearing them that’s new and fresh, which looks set to affect the shapes of things to come.

Bright colours are back, perfect for sleek versions of modern minimalism, with futuristic influences injecting a new lease of life into glittering metallics.  Retro themes are still in evidence with a focus on the 1960’s, and 1980’s, with touches of 70’s  glamour. The love affair with Africa is an ongoing saga, while we just can’t get enough of pretty feminine looks, with an abundance of frills, froth and lace.

The six main looks this Summer are:

The big news this season is a move toward new voluminous relaxed silhouettes, with the designers playing around with different shapes, proportions, cuts, and lengths.

So look out for oversized shirts, floaty smocks, billowing parkas and man-sized blazers which look great teamed with narrow skinny pants or leggings.  The key to oversize dressing is to combine baggy and fitted pieces in the same outfit, so you don’t get swamped…. fitted jackets and neat waistcoats off-set voluminous trousers and cargo pants, while cinched belts bring unstructured dresses under control.

It’s also the year of the dress, with a cornucopia of styles to choose from: short neat mini tunics, swingy A-line styles, voluminous bubble cuts, sensuous draped designs, 80’s style skin-tight sheaths, simple columnar creations, sensible shirt dresses, belted sack dresses and tiered empire-line smocks…..Phew!  There’s still an emphasis on empire lines and under-bust seaming, with hemlines veering from scarily short to ultra long maxi lengths.

New versions of the trouser suit are a definite must have, with crisp cotton shirts and jaunty waistcoats reflecting the significance of boyish looks.

Trousers remain fluid and wide, or narrow and sleek, with a variety of cropped lengths looking popular.  So if you’re thinking of investing in a new pair of jeans, bite the bullet and go for ones with the new straight skinny leg; this is definitely the time to be brave about new emergent trends.

Summer’s colour essentials include a feast of sophisticated neutrals and delicate blush tones, burnished to a shimmer in a haze of metallic of silvers, golds, pewters and bronze.  Bold black and white remain a summer classic, while eye-popping brights burst on the scene, with a refreshing blast of dazzling yellows, brilliant azures, searing reds, fuchsias, purples and jades.

Popular prints include colourful floral bouquets of overblown roses, dainty ditsy sprigs to painterly blooms, with patchworks and paisleys adding homespun charm. Stripes run amok, with candy coloured city-stripes and multicoloured variations, chased-off by daring polka dots.  Ethnic batiks, tropical jungle prints and animal prints add an exotic touch, while swirly Pucci designs and monochrome motifs create a stunning finale of dramatic stripes, squares, stars and letters.

There’s loads to choose from this season, so read on to find out what’s right for you….. and remember to have lots of fun!!!

Also, we recommend Bravissimo who offer a wide choice of stylish lingerie in D to JJ cup as well as bra-sized swimwear in D to H cup. For free fitting and style advice, visit one of their 12 stores. If you would like more details about their shops or a free copy of their mail order magazine, please telephone 01926 459800 or visit www.bravissimo.com