It's fashion darling!

An important part of my role involves reading through fashion magazines to make sure I keep up with the latest trends and styles. A hard task but someone has to do it :o)

Rather than keep my finds all to myself, I thought today I would create a couple of mini montages to show off the key looks which seem to be standing out in all the glossies over the past few weeks…

Here’s the first one…

Image credits;

Instyle April 2011 – Kirsten Dunst wearing a Mulberry trench coat
Instyle April 2011 - Emilio Pucci S/S 2011
Grazia 30 May 2011 – Fringed Waistcoat by River Island
Harper’s Bazaar April 2011 – Silk dress by Roberto Cavalli

Nude, camel, taupe, blonde…with this trend, whichever shade you prefer to wear, the message seems to be to embrace all things neutral! This applies to smart and casual pieces alike from waistcoats to trench coats and from t-shirts to sheer blouses. I love the hint of the seventies era which has generally pervaded this season’s trends, and this fashion is no different with details such as fringing which can be seen on everything from jackets to boots to bags.

I thought you might be interested to see Celtic’s take on the Nude trend…

Pictured above are the Drapey Trench, Sleeveless Tape Drape, the Short Sleeve Slouch Cardi and Suede Shoulder Bag.

I would wear the Short Sleeve Slouch Cardi undone with a pair of jeans and a pretty floral top or it could be worn done up as in the picture.

For the ideal neutral accessory, the Suede Shoulder Bag points subtly towards the trend and it has a fringed tassle too!

The Sleeveless Tape Drape emulates the feel of the fringed waistcoat from the magazine image above and is a good choice for adding a neutral touch to an outfit.

The Drapey Trench works well as a water-resistant cover up on warm rainy days (ideal after the bank holiday weekend we have just had!).

Now for the other trend which I wanted to draw your attention to…
Image credits;

Grazia 30 May 2011 – Crochet Top by River Island
Instyle April 2011 - Cotton Mix Jumper by French Connection
Instyle April 2011 - Cotton/Broderie Anglaise Top by New Look

I used to think white could only be worn by those with olive skin or a hint of a sun tan but with the rise in the market for fake tanning products as well as the popularity of the ‘pale and interesting’ look, maybe white is becoming the new black! It is EVERYWHERE.

I love the pretty details which seem to adorn even the simplest looking items. Broderie Anglaise and lace detailing appears to be very popular as are other traditional texturing details such as crocheting and macramé. Delicate knitwear is also in the spotlight in many of the major glossies.

So as before, here is Celtic’s take on the White trend…Pictured above are the Drop Shoulder Tape Knit, Lace Knit Slouch and Knitted Vest Top. I have chosen these pieces because as well as being pure white, they show off the textured detailing which I mentioned above as popular this season. When it comes to delicate knitwear, we like to think we do this quite well!

Doesn’t the Drop Shoulder Tape Knit look very similar to the French Connection jumper in the previous image? It would look gorgeous over a brightly coloured top (maybe you could wear a strappy vest underneath in one of the bright neon shades which are also on trend right now!).

The Lace Knit Slouch is a perfect cover up for the beach or it can be adapted for the evening by wearing it over a simple top. Lace itself is a huge trend this spring/summer so even more fashion kudos with this one!

And the Knitted Vest Top ticks the boxes for not only being white but also delicately knitted to give some lovely textured detail.

I think both of the trends I have highlighted are easy for us (mere mortals) to wear and longer lasting than some of the fast fashions of recent years without being boring. Hopefully you can see ways in which you could invest in some key pieces this season which will also carry through into many years to come.

Time to go shopping I think!