Autumn 2013 Trends & Colors

I love it when the seasons change. It gives me the opportunity to explore new nuances to my style and re-invent ways to wear my summer gear in layers.

1. Prim and proper: Think pencil skirts, high necklines and long sleeves. It’s all about classic style.  
2. Leather: and not just in jackets. Think a-line skirts too, bringing a contrast of feminine and tough. Colour leathers are there for those wanting to lead the pack. 
3. Embellishment: sequins and adornment- elegant and feminine from Max
   
4. Suits: Just when we’ve got used to deconstructing the suit, it’s back and worn matchy-matchy together - like this looks from Jacquie E
5. Asian-inspired prints: there’s a richness in these that is both statement and classic.
6. Uniforms: a bit of military, a bit of country and a bit of urban thrown together for chic.
7. The full skirt: a work and play alternative to the pencil skirt. If hips are your widest point, then look for a drop-waist style. I certainly will be. llike this look from Witchery  
8. Rich florals: incorporate these fabrics in tailored shapes and let your garment do the talking. Less will be more in the accessories department. floral dress from jacquie E
9. Body conscious: think slim-fitting garments designed to show off your shape through clever seam work and graphic lines. With skilled patterning and good fabrics, this can work for all sizes. nice color blocking from Max
10. Sporty: A bit athletic, a bit sci-fi, a bit modernist. These are statement pieces to be worked back with classics  
11. Add your own style with different textures, scarves and amazing belts and jewellery. Block colour is slimming, chic and easy. Just remember, black is not a colour. 

Needing help finding your Style Personality? Pensy Low-Schumpestylist and image consultant Pensy Low-Schuemperli will help you Discover your Personal Style, colors and create a capsule wardobe.

Posted by Confidence and Style inside and out at 2:30 PM

How to create a CAPSULE WARDROBE

So what is a capsule wardrobe and why should we have one? 

A capsule wardrobe is a mix and match of essential clothes that can be adapted for any occasion.  We should all have one so that when you get that last minute call for an unexpected occasion, you can effortlessly throw an outfit together that creates the perfect look.  Whether that last minute call is for a black tie event, an impromptu business meeting or a last minute lunch with friends, with a capsule wardrobe you need never get caught out again.

Having a capsule wardrobe can lead to you feeling more confident about the way that you dress and look.  By buying classic, timeless designs your clothes will never go out of style, saving you money in the long run.  The clothes you choose for your capsule wardrobe should fit your body shape beautifully and be in colours that work well for your skin.

Although your capsule wardrobe will be made up of neutral, timeless pieces, it need never be boring as the clothes can all be dressed up or down with colourful accessories.

MY Personal SUMMER CAPSULE WARDROBE

The Rules:

Less is more.
Buy fewer clothes of higher quality that will look better and last longer.  The quality and fit of the clothes will be obvious and give you an inner confidence that will shine through.  You will wear these clothes more often and you will always be able to find the perfect outfit for any occasion.

Save money
By looking at your clothes as an investment you can save money in the long run.  Good quality clothes that are beautifully cut to flatter your figure will last longer and you will wear more often as you know they look good.  Cheaper clothes do not last as long and are often poorly fitting.   Always buy the best you can afford – quality really does show.

Go neutral 
Fashion changes colour every season.  Neutrals will last forever.  Think of your neutral wardrobe as a blank canvas for accessorising with colour through jewellery and make up.  Your neutral wardrobe will not date so once again, makes it a wise investment.

Neutral colours to use are navy, chocolate, camel, grey and black.  Be careful of using black near your face though as it can appear draining and will highlight any shadows and lines.  

Versatility
With the less is more theme, you can wear your capsule wardrobe in so many variations that it will never be boring and will actually become quite liberating.  It also prevents you making expensive mistakes with buying clothes in the future.

Bohemian capsule wardrobe for Column Body Shape

Bohemian capsule wardrobe for Column Body Shape by stylewithpensy featuring chain earrings

waikato

waikato by stylewithpensy featuring lip makeup

Spring/Summer 2012 Color Trends

Variety of color trends for this Spring/ Summer 2012  includes every lovely hue you would like to wear. Scorching red, pink, vivid yellow and orange, elegant white and black, pastels – these colors will make you look special.

The big color trend is mint green... Yes you read right - mint green is the biggest color trend for the up coming season. The racks will be full of fashions that all done up in a soft whimsical version of mint green .

Another color trend being you will see this spring, especially in handbags and shoes is neon's. Such as bright blues, yellows, greens, oranges, and hot pinks. 

The color that jumps out at the head of the line for this spring when it comes to neon shades, is orange! Less face it there is no other color that can make a loud fashion statement as bright orange. So need a new handbag or a great pair of shoes? Make it orange. 

 So, if you want to look trendy, do not forget to collect one or two of orange clothing and accessories. But remember, do not have to wear plain solid orange color tops or bottoms. You can look chic in orange color with a floral motif clothing, layer apparel, and accessories that use this color. In fact, you may simply complete your favorite look with orange nail polish color.

How to wear Spring’s brights
The brights of spring 2012 are bold and will add a pop of color to your wardrobe. You can pair these brights with neutral black or white for an easy look, which is my staple.   However, if you are bold and want to have a bit of fun  mix these brights together. The prints for spring feature these colors from pretty feminine florals to graphic athletic and tribal-influenced styles

Mix pastels with brights to Intensify their color
Pastels are a spring staple. Seeing a mint green or baby pink frock is nothing new during this season. You can make your pastels pop with the color intensity their bright counterparts do when you pair a pastel and bright together.

Spring’s muted colors bring a fashionable change
Typically ‘muted tones are relegated to office wear’. Muted taupe trousers or light grey skirt suits are the norm for these tones.
Whether you choose to pair spring’s hot colors together, purchase a colorblock garment or wear a vibrant print does not matter. These colors work well with each other and compliment many skin tones. If you are not one for wearing brights or pastels why not be daring and try out one of these hot colors for spring. It can be as simple as a scarf or colorful skirt. As always, whatever you choose inject your own unique style to make sure the look is totally you.