The Boffism Guide to Summer 2011 Trends

Dear Readers,

I can feel the awful presence of exams looming over my curly head. I can also smell a slight scent of stress heading my way. Usually, I deal with stress by identifying something to look forward to. Now, I'm looking forward to Summer 2011.

The weather has definitely got a little warmer around here, although it did rain during the past two days. Boooo! Yet, it's about time I blog about Summer 2011 essentials. I plan to divide the 'Boffism Guide to Summer 2011' in two parts. The first post will speak about the major trends out there: I will tell you what's in and what you need to have in your wardrobe to follow these trends. The second post will be a more personalised post. I plan to write about my PERSONAL must-haves for Summer 2011. You know I like to be inspired by trends, but I like to incorporate them with my style. Therefore, the second post will have items that might not be 'In' right now, but I still think they are essential for next Summer.

Okay, enough rambling. Let's get down to business. These are the trends that will dominate Summer 2011!

1. NEON COLOURS
Technically speaking, bright neon colours were already in during Spring 2011. That's great right? You can just keep your Spring pieces for the Summer as well! We know that colour blocking, ie. the juxtaposing of two or more bright contrasting colours, has been HUGE during Spring. So if you want to experiment further with the trend, go ahead! If you have never tried it, well, you got a second chance :) If you're not a colour blocking person, fret not! The 'neon+neutral' combination is even more in vogue than colour blocking. In fact this combination is slightly 'trendier' than colour blocking. So pick up a bright shirt and pair it with a pair of muted neutral shorts and you're set to go. This is definitely a bold trend, but if you don't feel like going all the way with it, you can easily incorporate small touches of neon colours like neon accessories, clutch bags, nailpolish and lipsticks. I personally intend to experiment with this trend but I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to do it. One final word of caution: colour blocking does not involve the random mixing of colours. There's thought behind it. Getting it wrong will make you look like a glow-stick, so PLEASE proceed with caution! 

2. WESTERN
Yeeeeeeehaaaaa! This exclamation I used right here is not meant to convey any enthusiasm, because to be honest, I'm not a big fan of the trend. Nevertheless, I have to inform you that Western-inspired designs are BACK with a BANG! Expect Maxi Prarie skirts, Prarie dresses, Fringe accents, large belts, large buckles, suede waistcoats, cowboy boots and destructed jeans. As I said already, the Cotton Eyed Joe isn't really my cup of tea. But I'm willing to incorporate fringe details :)

3. WHITE LACE
If there's one thing I love more than black lace, it's white lace. Lace is feminine, flirty and flattering. White is like THE best colour for dresses and tops. I can't help but swoon in front of this trend. Therefore, if you're willing to give this trend a ago, stock up on white lace dresses, white lace tops and anything with white lace details for all that matter. Obviously, you know I'm going to follow this one. I already do to be honest. LACE ROCKS!

4. AZTEC PRINT

Even our Vivi (ie. Vivienne Westwood) has done this trend in her Summer collection. To be fair, all sorts of quirky prints are in fashion this Summer, from flora to fauna, from stripes to polka dots. But we are definitely seeing Aztec prints everywhere. I went round some shops yesterday and I was overwhelmed by the Aztec-inspired stuff there is around: dresses, tops, scarves, clutches bla bla bla. I like this trend. Some of the patterns are out of this world, intricate and colourful! In addition, I think Aztec prints fit in well with Bohemian styles, so I'm definitely giving it a try! If you're lost as to what Aztec Prints are, run a google search and you will easily learn all about it. Aztec-inspired outfits are best accompanied with Tacos.

5. MINIMALIST
Admittedly, I was overwhelmed by the Aztec prints yesterday, but I was literally run over by the minimalist items I saw around! Mango is definitely stocking some of the finest minimalist pieces at the moment. I assume you are aware what minimalist clothes are right? They're clothing with sharp, geometric cuts. Accessories should be kept minimal with such clothes. While many people immediately think that all minimalist designs come in nude or neutral colours, the reality is that this season designers and high-street shops have fused the neon colours trend with the minimalist trend. Therefore you will find plenty of bright coloured yet minimalist dresses. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

6. WHITE

I love how fashion contradicts itself sometimes. We are seeing a huge predominance of bright colours, yet at the same time, white is also frequently featured on the runway. I need not say my opinion on this trend no? I mean, you know I'm a big sucker for white dresses, white blouses, and white tops. However, people who know me well also know that I'm not a big fan of white trousers and I absolutely detest white shoes and white handbags. (I make very few exceptions!). Because of this, I raised an eyebrow when I read about the 'White Off' trend: literally wearing white head to toe! Definitely not opting for that myself, but as usual, I will have many white accents in my looks.

7. 70s GLAM
Seventies fashion is definitely the biggest trend out there. I think it's so huge because it does incorporate many of the trends I described in this post. The seventies were a very important decade for women, and they definitely decided to experiment more with their clothes during those years. Seventies fashion does take some elements from that of the sixties, in terms of hippy and bohemian influences. But the seventies is a bit more glamourous, so I like to call it 'bourgeois bohemian'. You will need turbans, fringe details, flares, wide-legged pants, crochet, lace, maxi dresses, maxi skirts, floppy hats, jumpsuits, LOADS of bangles, big hoop earrings, and head scarves. I'm personally not into wide-legged pants and flares, so I'm surely staying away from those. But I'm loving the rest. As you will see in my next post, I will have many bourgeois bohemian inspired items in my must-have list.

Stay tuned for part two of the Summer 2011 guide. Remember, don't follow trends blindly! Be aware of what suits you, and don't ever wear something that makes you feel like a fish out of its water! There's nothing wrong with following trends, but NEVER follow trends at the expense of your individual style :)

Much love,

-B