Posh Swaps Blog

Shoe trends fluctuate just like clothing trends and with each new season comes a whole new horde of delectable shoes to pour your feet into. So what new trends are on the horizon in 2012? 

Bright colours

Neon is one of the key colour palettes for spring/summer 2012 for both clothing and footwear. Neon colours aren’t the easiest to wear on the body, but you can quite easily incorporate the odd bit of aqua marine or citrus orange on your feet. House of Fraser has a great range of shoes online including a rather tasty pair of Karen Millen ‘fun stud peep toe’ shoes in orange (pictured).

These are fun, sexy and fresh and the bright orange colour is perfect at showing off a tan, which hopefully in just a few months you will have. This style works best on towering platform wedges, preferably with some silk or patent thrown in for good measure.

Flat platforms and wedges

Wedges are turning into a summer staple. They are easy on the feet due to the forgiving sole and large surface area in contact with the ground, but they are also light, fresh and summery thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as rope, twine, cork and canvas. However, new for this season is the flat platform or soft wedge. The heel height is kept low and there is little difference in the heel and front of the foot. The platform runs the entire length of the shoe. MTV Style perfectly showcases a range of ‘flatform’ shoes here. Brogues, Oxford and espadrilles work best for this trend and add a relaxed aura to more formal daytime looks.

Prints and patterns

Fashion has come over all tropical this season. Hawaiian style floral prints in blues, yellows and greens are definitely inspired by paradisiacal beaches and piña coladas. This trend works best when miss-matched, so don’t be afraid to play with patterns and colours. In terms of shoe styles look for round-toed or peep-toed courts with cork or wood heels to really give that tropical island feel.

Wedge-heel trainers

This trend will not be for everyone – it’s one of those you’ll either love or hate – but whatever your opinions one things for sure, this trend is going to be everywhere. 70s style sporty trainers are taken to new heights with built-in wedged heels. If you want to work this casual look but are unsure about the idea, many styles have ‘hidden’ wedges that, on first appearance, are unrecognisable. They will lengthen your legs and add some height.

A good  pair of boots are a real investment that you can keep and wear for years. If you choose a classic style that are high quality well made they will go with a multitude of different outfits, always look stylish and never go out of fashion. The sales are a great time to invest in a great pair of eco friendly shoes or boots that are not only incredibly comfortable but also made with respect to the environment. Spartoo have a fabulous sale on at the moment with boots by some great eco friendly brands at amazing prices. Here are just a few of out favourites.

These ankle boots by Pikolinos would look equally good with a trouser suit for work or a pair of jeans on the weekend. The wedge heel is a great way to add some height without making them difficult to walk in. You can be sure that these shoes will be top quality as they are made using artisan techniques.

These versatile boots by Dream in Green can be worn to dress down a pretty floral dress or with leggings or skinny jeans for a Rock and Roll look. They are made with vegetable tanned leather which is kinder to the environment than conventional leather.

These cosy boots by Think would look great with a casual skirt and thick tights for the weekend. They are made from 100% natural materials and a completely handmade manufacturing process.

We talk about fashion as an art form, modern innovation, conjuring up fresh new ideas and trends, but in many ways fashion is more about recycling. Old trends from decades past are reworked, restyled and tweaked to bring them bang up to date for a modern, new audience. This means there is a certain amount of ‘recycling’ you can do in your own wardrobe. Of course you cannot possibly keep hold of every item of clothing you’ve ever bought, unless you live in a mansion as big as Madonna’s. But you can keep your favourite, key items and work them into the latest trends hitting the global catwalks.

If you need some inspiration, we are here to help. We have scoured through the season’s top trends – of which there are many – and picked out our favourites.

First up, flapper dresses. Now it’s highly unlikely you have your own flapper dress original from the roaring twenties lying around – unless you had a very forward thinking mother or grandmother – so it’s best to buy your own now. House of Fraser has a massive range of dresses to choose from, including a stunning black flapper dress from Kaliko complete with drop waist (pictured). However, you may well have the right accessories to go with it. This season is all about clashing, bright colours and patterns and plenty of mix and match. So add some bright, colourful espadrilles and some statement, oversized jewellery verging on 90s’ rave.

Pastel colours will be everywhere in just a couple of months time. Baby soft shades of lilac, coral, powder blue and mint. This is very reminiscent of the early 90s so you may well have a baby pink crop top knocking around somewhere. Complete the look with faded or acid-wash denims and feminine feathers and lace. This is soft and feminine with just a touch of 90s street style thrown in.

Sport has partnered with the fashion industry before, but this season these two former bedfellows are rekindling their old, on-off relationship with aplomb. Think sporty fabrics of nylon and polyester mixed with luxe materials like silk and lace. Sporty tees are paired with softly tailored shorts and strappy sandals. Racer front tops add shape and form and look great with pencil skirts. A key look will be the sweatshirt and mini skirt combo. If you want more information on this sporty trend, check our Vogue.co.uk’s trend report. 

The first Vintage Fashion Fair of the year is approaching on 22 January so not too long to wait for another vintage shopping experience.  The stallholders will have a vast selection of the most desirable vintage winter wear, something for everyone.  Whether you want to put a complete outfit together or just find some interesting pieces to make you stand out from the crowd….

Keep a lookout for imitation jewellery as this is making a comeback and adds great pizzazz to a simple sweater or in fact any outfit.

Hemlines seem to be falling in the way of 30′s glamour and 70′s maxi’s – have some fun searching for these great pieces of nostalgia.

When its time for a break seek out the Nice Green Cafe a pretty vintage style eaterie with delicious homemade snacks, lunches and refreshments.

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY     11.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Admission on door £3.00  -  Special ticket offer on website –  purchase one ticket and get one free!

For futher information go to Vintage Fashion Fair London

Christmas can be an expensive time of year so today we have put together a list of some of the best offers and discounts out there to give you a little helping hand with your Christmas preparations. These offers won’t last for long so if you like them, don’t delay and use today!

25% off Per Una, Classic and Kidswear at Marks and Spencers

20% off everything at Urban Outfitters today with discount code JINGLE

30% Off Party Wear at Monsoon

30% off all Coats, Boots, hats, gloves and scarves at Debenhams

30% off at La Redoute with code 8346 

10% off plus free delivery at Boden with discount code AF02.

My Wardrobe

20% off accessories with code NOVACC2 

20% off womens dresses with code NOVDRESS2 

20% off coats and jackets with code NOVOUT2 

20% off mens footwear, coats and jackets with code NOVMEN2 

25% off all full price items at Coast with code novtreat

Up to 50% off at Simply Be

Enjoy!

Image - Rafe dress at Monsoon

Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog is celebrating its fourth anniversary with an exciting competition for fashion bloggers. The competition has prizes worth over £300 including £100 vouchers to spend at Spartoo shoes, a £50 voucher for People Tree and a pair of handmade earrings.

The aim of the competition is to get fashion bloggers thinking about ethical fashion by creating an outfit that contains at least one piece of ethical fashion including vintage, charity shop and upcycled clothing and accessories. It is open to all UK Fashion Bloggers with a Twitter account and the closing date is 28th November. You can find out more about the prizes and how to enter over at Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog.

Ceri Heathcote of Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog has also just created a new group called Ethical Fashion Bloggers, that will provide a platform for bloggers to network with other bloggers that have an interest in ethical fashion, promote  their blogs and work with ethical brands. It is not just for those that only blog about ethical fashion, it is for anyone with an interest. Bloggers can find out more and join the group here. Ethical Fashion Brands can keep up with what the group is doing by signing up to their newsletter here.

Havaianas women’s sandals have stood for style, comfort, affordable luxury, and positive energy for over 45 years. Inspired by the traditional Japanese sandal with fabric straps and rice-straw soles, Havaianas is known for their eye-catching sandals since 1962, with their signature logo-emblazoned thin strap and foot-beds with a textured rice pattern.

Featured styles include our slim line of women’s sandals for the ladies whose feet run just a bit more petite, and our Conservation International Line, which donates 7% of sales of these nature-patterned flip flops to social environmental projects in the Brazilian shoreline. The Havaianas Bridal Collection of women’s sandals in delicate pastels and jeweled straps. And whether we’re offering fun options like glow-in-the-dark flip flops, metallic burnishings or the chance to customize your own pair of women’s sandals, you’re sure to feel at home in any pair you choose.

You’ll also feel comforted knowing that Havaianas is doing their part to help conserve the environment, with their support of Conservation International and The Institute for International Research, a non-government organization in Brazil dedicated to promoting science, education and sustainable business. And Havaianas employs environmental sustainability methods, such as electricity and water consumption, residue recycling and environmental conservation training for employees right in their own factory.

Havaianas are always in season. Visit us.havaianas.com to get started on finding the perfect pair today.

Pikolinos is one of my favourite ethical shoe brands. I can definitely vouch for the quality and amazing comfort of the shoes but they are also manufactured with respect for the planet. The shoes are made in Spain using natural materials with interesting details like stitching. The majority of Pikolinos shoes are manufactured using vegetable tanned leather, water-based dyes and solvent free glues which considerably reduce any environmental impact. The company also supports a variety of different social cuase through the Juan Peran Foundation.

For autumn and winter this year, I am loving the tower heel hiking boots, practical court shoes and casual knee high boots. These shoes and boots combine practicality with style and are versatile enough to go with a range of different winter outfits.

Pikolinos - Brujas Rico - Chocolate

A great choice for every day wear. These boots would look good with any skirt or dress and tights.

Pikolinos Tolouse Grey Court Shoes

For the office, it can be difficult to find a pair of hardwearing and practical shoes that look great with a suit. These are perfect and versatile enough to go with trousers or skirts.

Pikolinos - Izmir Tajo Boots

If you like to keep up with the latest fashion, these heeled hiking boots are just what you need. Wear with chunky socks for trendy and toasty feet all winter.

Pikolionos Izmir Kihu Boots

Finally I love the cosy faux fur trim and double buckles on these boots. You couldn’t get much cosier toes.

Style Eyes Fashion Blog is the latest in a number of designers, celebrities and fashion bloggers to switch their focus to green and ethical fashion. The blog has also changed its name to Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog can now be found at www.ethicalfashionblog.com.
Ceri Heathcote, founder of Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog, made the change after realising that there was more to looking stylish than constantly buying cheap bad quality fast fashion. She discovered that it is possible to combine a love of fashion with charity shop, second hand, vintage and ethical clothing. She has also joined the army of fashionistas who are getting creative to refashion and upcycle old clothes for a unique and sustainable alternative to shopping on the high street and sharing their creations through online social networks.
Ceri says “How could I enjoy wearing and writing about clothes that had been made at the expense of both people and the planet? Blogging about second hand and ethical fashion is the perfect way to indulge my love of clothes without any guilt and hopefully inspire others to get involved too.”

Future plans for the Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog include a monthly new letter with ethical fashion news, tips and offers, plus affordable ethical fashion and vintage clothing guides.

For further information
www.ethicalfashionblog.com
Email: ceri@heathcotecommunications.co.uk

A new Vintage Home and Interiors Fair will launch on 16th October at Cecil Sharp House in Primrose Hill. The fair is for lovers of shabby chic and a home filled with the charm of true vintage pieces that bring comfort and beauty from faded textiles and restored vintage furnishings. These together with treasures collected over the years all make an inspiring home which is certainly ‘where the heart is’……..
At the fair you will be able to find selections of vintage furniture, some painted and restored, tableware, glassware, lamps, mirrors, linens, textiles, curtains, eiderdowns and garden items. Also trinkets, treasures and unique gifts.
This is a great shopping alternative to escape the general high street trends and also the many reproduction ‘vintage’ items that appear in abundance! Nothing is comparable to a piece of true vintage.

Sunday 16 October 2011
Entrance to the fair is £2.00
Open from 11.00 a.m. – 5.00 a.m.
Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY.

Further Information
www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk
fair@vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk