A Chanel haute couture show is as far removed from my current life as it could possibly get; but when I saw the images come through this week, I had a re-think.
The Paris show introduced the fashion and celeb pack to the designer label’s haute couture autumn-winter 2011-12 collection. We’re talking the big guns of fashion here. Not the stuff you can go and buy in store. *Like I’ve clearly had an opportunity to do that before*.
And there like a glistening jewel on the catwalk of winter blacks and greys was this amazing fuchsia gown. I’m still transfixed by its colour … and detail.
Chanel Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 2011-12
The “pop” of colour in a sea of winter neutrals got me thinking. It really is possible to lift your outfit through the last half of winter and come out the other side in spring ready for the next season’s colour explosion.
Stick with me here.
New season (ie our spring-summer designs) are starting to arrive in store at a ridiculous time when some of you have had some of the most wintery winter weather possible. Rather than laugh out loud or crawl up in fetal position at the thought of season-inappropriate fashion, it dawned on me that ever there was a time to embrace a “trans-seasonal” look, it was now.
Key styling suggestions
1. Look in your wardrobe – or at the new arrivals landing in store – and pick out a vibrant colour that suits you.
2. Orange and hot pink are huge at the moment. And they’re being worn together. It’s called colour blocking. Dare you.
3. Take that coloured garment or accessory and use it as the focal point of your outfit.
4. Don’t discount a bright lippie or nail colour for having the same “uplifting” effect on not only your outfit but also your outlook.
5. As it does warm up, you’ve already got the makings of one of the hottest looks for spring. You’ll be so far ahead of the fashion game you’ll be in next season.
Shopping suggestions
1. Dotti Lydia stripe shell top in melon/candy $49.95; Dotti Melon blazer $89.95; Dotti shorts $49.95
2. Witchery tank $29.95
3. Metalicus Saucer tee dress $219.95
4. sass & bide The Thought Provoker wrist tie $40
5. Julia Denes earrings $490
6. Mimco Upcycle Peeptoe ballet $179
7. Country Road Elke print scarf $69.95
8. Trenery Juniper satchel $229
So, what do you think? Are you up for a adding a pop of colour to your dull and dreary winter wardrobe?
Comments 30
Pick a type of shoes that you can use for several outfits. You may purchase heels if you are an avid fashionista or you may purchase flats if you prefer to wear simple clothes. For those who work in office, might as well purchase low-heels shoes that you may collaborate with different dresses. Through this, you will be assured that you will not waste money on the shoes that you will buy.
SHUT UP!
I just went crazy on orange and greys this season and you are telling me that I am on fashion.
Shit.
You are so on fashion you are way ahead of the pack.
Nothing like bright nails and bright lippie to life your winter blues! M.A.C has this incredible pink colour called IMPASSIONED….highly recommend it! x
Author
Will check it out! Love a lippie recommendation!
Was just about to say I love the turquoise earrings until I scrolled down and saw the price! You have got me inspired to move away from my safe Melbourne dark suits and knits which are my staple at the moment.
Author
Haha – they would not fit in with your new home budget!
We hear you (pun intended) on the peaceful outside environment during school hols! Thanks for lifting our winter spirits. I also love using a scarf for a pop of colour. Earrings or a statement necklace are my next method for lifting an outfit. There are so many shops selling affordable costume jewellery. My challenge is choosing something from the huge range! (that doesn’t look cheap!)
Delia from ‘What Should I Wear.com.au’
Author
It’s so possible to find great inexpensive accessories that don’t look cheap. I make it my mission.
I love LOVE orange! It is my colour de jour xx
Author
Wait for Monday’s post. I have more for you (and me)!
Chanel never disappoints! I’m a big fan of colour and feel like I’m dressed in ‘hairdresser black’ if I don’t have some sunshine in my outfit! I love the orange colours I’m seeing at the moment in stores – but I also dig the idea of mixing up red with watermelon.
Author
I’m going to give the mixing a try too!
I like using a splash of colour. But not sure I’m game for colour blocking yet!
Author
Inch by inch! I’ve got a post on Monday that will get you on a conservative blocking path. And I think I’m up for the orange/pink combo in small doses.
Scarves. I’m completely addicted and wear them every day in winter. And it’s the easiest way to add a splash of colour. I pull on my caramel trench coat, step into my boots & wrap a scarf. I love winter you can look fabulous without revealing a square inch of flesh!
Author
Which just makes me tremble for six weeks time when spring will suddenly arrive up here and my “flesh” won’t be ready!
I love colour and am so in love with that fuschia gown. But unless I re-mortgage the house, I guess it’ll stay up on that runway. I love lipstick, nails and one piece of clothing.? Or handbag, scarf and one piece of clothing? In orangey-red or fuschia. Thanks for the great ideas.
Author
Me too … don’t think Mr Styling You would see it as a sound investment!
I’ve been adding colour with my new watermelon red handbag and scalves and bangles.
Author
Oh, I’ve got sudden handbag envy!
I’m so guilty of winter dressing. I’m sporting grey and black today – just back from the school run and I didn’t see a bright colour on anyone! (The joy of school holidays starts today in WA…..)
Author
Me too, Paula … and winter dressing in summer! But this year, I’m trying to make small changes. It makes me feel a whole lot better. Good luck with the holidays. Ours are over on Monday. I’ve loved relaxing from the routine. And my by relaxing, I mean being downright lazy!
Coloured opaques have been my go to for winter colour this year. I nabbed 6 pairs on sale from We Love Colors and some more at Paddy’s Market at the start of winter and they have been worn almost daily and nearly always get a comment. I like the look of that Dotti blazer I think I’ll pop in this arfternoon… xxpt
Author
Love bright tights and yes, you could really rock that blazer!
I was a huge “colour blocker” in high school. Pink and Orange were one of my fave combos. As were pink and lime green.
I may have to dig deep into my closet and see what I have left over. I know I have some fuchsia tights somewhere….
Maybe I am missing the whole idea of the look?
Author
Dig deep, Miss Pink … I know you can find something and pull off this look.
I’ve been adding a pop of colour with a bright lip. Particularly fond of Chanel Insolente (bright pink) but have recently been buying Australis Mineral Inject lipsticks. $15 and fab!
Author
The quickest and easiest way to get a pop of colour! Love the lipstick suggestions.