What’s on my fashion wishlist for spring-summer 2011-12?

Spring arrives pretty quickly in Queensland.  I’m not showing off.  Just stating fact.

It’s a good thing weather-wise but it can really catch you out in the wardrobe department.  Unless you have a plan.

And given that I love a list and a plan … and new shoes and frocks, I’m currently in fashion planning heaven.

Have only seen this Sacha Drake maxi on the catwalk at MBFF but when it arrives in store I'll be snapping it up.

How should you make a fashion wishlist plan for spring-summer 2011-12?

1.  Edit your wardrobe.  Yep, pull everything out and only put back in the things that make you feel fabulous when you where them.  While you’re there, check out what you actually wore last summer and can see yourself wearing again.

2.  What are the gaps in your wardrobe?  Do you have 63 tops but no pants, shorts or skirts to wear them with?  Write down the obvious gaps.  These are the starting points for your wishlist.

3.  Do you have any special occasions or events coming up (that you know of in advance) before Christmas?  Write these down and what the dress code usually is. Better to have potential outfits on your radar now than to buy at the last minute under pressure.

4.  What key spring-summer 11-12 trends have you seen that you think you’d like to give a try?  I’ve blogged about colour blocking, minimalism and all white. There’s also a strong 1970s focusing on graphic prints and a tough biker look for those who don’t like to give up black for summer.

5.  Once you’re clear on the above, start browsing the internet.  Create a photo file and working list of what you love.

6.  Armed with this virtual wishlist you’re ready to either buy online or in store.  By carrying it with you in your handbag over the next couple of months, you’re more likely to stick to your wardrobe plan and make more considered clothing purchases.  Stuff you’ll actually wear.  And importantly, stuff you can fit into your budget.

Here’s what’s on my virtual fashion wishlist*

Click on image to enlarge

1. Queensland designer Sacha Drake unveiled her second summer collection at the recent Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival.  This maxi dress is in my sights when it arrives in store later this season.  The reason: maxi dresses are the most versatile dress up/dress down garments in my wardrobe and this one has great shape with maximum colour and print impact.  Oh, and I can wear a normal bra with it. Score.

2. I do a bit of speaking and presenting work in my job.  In summer, it’s more difficult to look semi-corporate without looking like you’ve been caught in a winter fashion time warp.  Last year I bought a draped nude blazer from Witchery and it’s had a great run all year.  This season, I’ve got my eye on this one from Little Joe Woman for giving a dress or pants outfit the lift I need for certain work situations.

3. Love, love, love a good solid cocktail ring. I always wear one when speaking as I use my hands A LOT. It gets noticed and that’s what you want in a statement accessory. Love this one from Peter Lang for its bling factor. It will also work a treat to breathe fresh life into my black cocktail dress collection for this year’s party season.

4. I love my collection of heels but there is many an occasion when I’d look just like a total prat (especially on the Sunshine Coast) teetering into a cafe meeting.  These kitten heels from Sambag create an impression of business better than a pair of flats could do and the pointy toe and nude combination still extends your leg – not to the same extent as a heel but there’s definitely extension there.

5. There’s always a Metalicus addition to my wardrobe.  Love the easy-care; easy-wear aspect.  This dress appeals because of its colour and the way it drapes from under the bust.  It’s also a dress I could wear with the white blazer and kitten heels for a meeting or function just as easily as I could wear it with tan flats and a big,floppy sun hat for a casual lunch time barbecue with friends.

6. I’m cheating a bit with addition as I’ve already ordered this baby from my designer friend Salita Matthews.  Love her work and she always stuns with her collection of neck pieces she creates to complement her fashion range.  This necklace is called Time Stands Still.  I love that it includes coral, turquoise and yellow.  Perfect for working back with a simple white tee or dress for the perfect accessory statement to help time stand still, preferably while drinking champers with girlfriends.

7. This Country Road kaftan is pitched as a dress but the last time my legs looked good enough for that length, I didn’t have a bust either.  But, wear it as a top with jeans now and long shorts later and it’s got WIN written all over it.  And I’m a little bit obsessed by orange this spring too.  Just a little lot.

8. Much as I would love to parade around in little denim cut-offs, it ain’t going to happen any time soon (see above for last time it did).  So loving Trenery’s take on shorts for spring.  They’re long but tapered which works for me when balanced out with a floaty top like the kaftan pictured.

9. A pair of tan flats with some sort of feature or detail will get you through every casual occasion this summer.  I’ve had a pair of Natasha black flats for two years (still going strong) and I think these ones would make a good addition to my shoe wardrobe.

10. I’ve been doing a lot of travelling this year.  Short trips.  Some that require just take-on luggage; some a bit more.  Either way, this Nancybird weekender bag is the perfect one for my current needs.  It’s got space for all my bits and pieces plus a tonne of personality.  I do like that in an accessory.  If you hadn’t guess that already.

Do you plan your clothing purchases or do you buy on the go? Anything on your wishlist for spring-summer?

*Message to my husband: should you stumble across this post, the above list is a purely hypothetical and virtual one. No credit cards have been melted in the making of said list … yet. Well, except for the necklace … and the overnight bag.

This week is Spring Clean week on Styling You.  Every day there will be a post aimed at helping you get ready for the new season.  Hope you enjoy.