My SS 2016 Trends in Prep For West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashion Week

Even though it doesn't feel like it outside Spring/Summer is surely on its way!  With my collection full swing underway I have decide to take some time out from my hectic schedule of sewing to bring to you my favourite key trends for SS16.  Now these are not all the trends just my favourites I feel my clients and myself will be sporting this season.

Playful Pieces
From pretty bows to clashing prints it doesn't matter how you play with your pieces this season as long as they are quirky and bright!  As a print designer any trend that incorporates the excuse to mix prints and pattern and I am their.  Mixing textures is also important in this trend so feel free to wear a loose chiffon blouse with a satin full skirt.  If your a bit shy on the statement side of this trend opt for mixing bright colours instead of prints.

 

 Gucci Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

Romantic Ruffles 

Jump head deep into a soft romantic dream this summer.  Ruffles have been massive for SS especially with dresses and blouses.  I love ruffles myself but I feel its all about the placement.  Too many in the wrong place can make you look like a clown so opt for some small placement detailing to help you achieve this look with out looking silly.  Chiffon's and silks are key.  

 

Michael Lors Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

 Dramatic Dyes

Yet more crazy prints for me to absorb myself in.   I am in print heaven with this trend.  Hand dyed fabric have always been big for SS but this season they have really came into their own, from splash prints to tie dying their are numerous techniques for you to try out for yourself.  Wear a floaty chiffon printed dress with sandals and a matching bag or strip this trend down and go for a pretty printed top with plain denim jeans (denim is also big this season)  

 

Baja East Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

Dream On

Underwear as outerwear in this day and age isnt a brand new concept, but this season the slip dress is back and looking sexier than ever.  For this trend think delicate and dreamy.  For me this is still quite a romantic look with fabric such as flowy chiffon, soft silk and lace detailing.  Slinky has never looked better.  

Tibi Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

So their you have it, some of my favouite key trends for this season.  I cant wait to share my own brand new SS16 collection with you this season exclusive to West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashion Week.  With the Launch next week I really have to get my head down and put the final touches on some pieces so til next time

Peace and Love

Lisa

New Years Eve Outfit

This year for New Years Eve myself and my partner decided to take a relaxing break to The Great Northern Hotel, Donegal Ireland (Separate blog to come).  The hotel is a luxurious 4* venue with plush furnishing and designer detailing so I planned an outfit which was equally as glamorous.

On new years eve I was spolit to a 4 course meal in a stunning ballroom setting.

The dress is from Chi Chi London.  I am a big fan of black and gold together.  I think the contrast between the metallic gold threads and deep black shade really embraces the detailing in the lace.  The fit of the dress is very 50s with a built in underskirt which means you don't have to add any tulle.  The best part of this dress is it has a slight built in bra so firstly you don't have to go searching for your matching strap less bra and secondly if your like me and suffer from any kind of back injury you can have a comfortable night bra free!  I am quite tall at 5"9 so I find it hard to find nice trendy dresses which are not an odd length on me or even worse too short.  However this dress gracefully sits just on my knee so I don't have to worry about awkwardly pulling down my dress every few minutes. 

Dress - Chi Chi London Clara Dress £66.99

Shoes - ASOS.com Blush Vivienne Westwood Flats £85

 The shoes I choose are a pair of my Melissa Vivienne Westwoods in a neutral blush colour with very cute gold metal orbs on the front.  I really splurged on these just before Christmas (naughty girl) so these will be seeing  frequent outings to justify  my shopaholic actions.

I accessorised with my trusty gold Michael Kors watch and my new Pluck and Devour necklace by local leading fashion designer Grainne Maher.  My sister bought this necklace for me for Christmas and even tho I wore it for a bit on Christmas day at my mothers house I felt like this was its first real outing.   I have the larger necklace of this in a different colour but what I love about the mini version is it sits at a nice length and is the perfect size that can be wore on a daily basis without being too dressy.  This is the gold mirror version but it also comes in a range of other colours and glitter versions.  I have set my eye on a red glitter one next.

Necklace - grainnemaher.com Mini Pegasus £25

or Grainne Maher : : Vault Spires mall, Belfast

 My bag was also a Christmas gift from my boyfriend.  As a textile designer I have always been a fan of texture so this adorable 3D flower bag was just perfect for me in my favouite colours.  Unlike alot of Clutch bags I own the bag is quite big so you can get all your bits in it including your ipad,  perfect for a blogger on the run. 

Bag - New Look 3D flower bag £24.99

 Nail Polish - Estee Lauder Brushed Gold

I had my nails espically done for the night.  Nails are Estee lauder Brushed Gold polish (undercoat and three layers)  I love the metallic finish of this polish which look really good beside the bag.  

Cape - TK Maxx

To finish I draped a tartan cape over my shoulders to fit in the the country chic feel of the venue.  The cape was a great find by my sister in a TK Maxx store a few years ago but as she never wore it I decided to buy it off her and upstyle it by making it more fitted and adding a navy trim.  Its so warm and cosy I love wearing it with my navy leather gloves.  Its doultful you can find it in store now but I have seen very simular ones for sale in the Belfast store recently so good luck!

Thank you for viewing my NYE outfit.

I hope you loved it as much as I did.

See you all soon and Happy New Year!

Peace and Love

Lisa x