I’m a minimalist at heart.
In my mind (and on my Pinterest For the Home pinboard) there are clean lines everywhere. Form allows for function. And colour is neutral, punctuated with colour.
It’s no wonder that this is also the style of fashion I’m drawn too. Occasionally I’ll indulge in a modern digital print or a bit of boho luxe but the worker bees in my wardrobe are dresses and separates that represent timeless fashion investments.
I’m talking well-cut pieces in fabrics that fit, flatter and offer a cursory nod to current trends.
And I’m not talking boring. Far from it.
If ever there was a season to stock up on these key wardrobe pieces, this is it. One of spring-summer 2011’s key trends is “new minimalism”.
For chain store chic, no-one is doing this trend better than Trenery.
Trenery has gone back to basics for a spring of laidback luxe that’s defined by bold prints, block colour and tailored silhouettes.
So, what does that mean for you?
I means that outfits will be based on key neutral colours of navy, white and tan, with a splash of red thrown in for impact. Styles have shape but it’s more of a skim-the-figger than a hug-the-figure shape.
For me that adds a comfort level to each outfit – and that certainly better fits with my work-at-home/mum lifestyle.
Yes, Trenery is touching on this season’s hottest trend – colour blocking (more on the blog about that tomorrow) – but they’re doing it safely with red and camel. A more timeless take that you’ll actually still want to wear next year.
Oh, and check out the statement lip below on Trenery model Kirsty Hume (btw don’t you think she could be Gwyneth Paltrow’s sister?). Remember that lesson on makeup that goes pop? This is pop makeup colour working a fashion look at its best.
And you know how I’m accessory-obsessed? Here are just a few from the spring 2011 Trenery collection that are fueling that obsession.
1. Aimee wedge $99 | 2. Gianne handbag $299 | 3. Freda sandal $99 | 4. Colour block clutch $129 | 5. Elana sandal $99 | 6. Print scarf $59.95
What do you think of the new minimalist look? Do you have key minimalist pieces in your wardrobe and just need some red accessories to bring your look up to date?
Comments 34
and yes, I followed the laundering instructions explicitly.
While I love Trenery’s style and have been a dedicated shopper since they started, I have had two instances recently where the hem of 1 shirt and 1 top unravelled the first time I wore them. I returned the shirt and it was happily replaced by the friendly staff only to have the next one unravel on the first wear. As I loved the shirt I paid to have the hem re sewn.
When I sent an email last week voicing my concern I got a stock standard response saying to return the item with docket to the store. No comment on my concerns was mentioned. The even forgot to fill in the appropriate blanks in the email! I ask you how many times do I have to return an item.
As I said, I love the Trenery style but I am now cautious about buying their product and would not recommend it to my friends.
Oh Suse, that’s not good. And so frustrating!
Was it Coco Chanel who said look in the mirror before you leave home and always take one thing off. I was on the Trenery website just last night making a mental wishlist until it got too long and far too expensive.
Oh, I LOVE Kristy Hume! Gorgeous!
Yes, so poised. Something I aspire to 😉
I’m loving red with tan, such a classic combo. Today I wore a tan swishy skirt with tiny white polka dots, a bright clementine vest and nude wedges – felt great in my first splash of colour this spring!
Author
Ooh, I love the sound of that outfit!
I used to be terrible about buying things simply because it was on sale or some other nonsense rather than buying quality more expensive things that I love. However, as I get older I find that I’m more willing to have less that I love than a ton that is so-so.
I love the idea of just adding a pop of color!
she could be gwyneths sister.. wow! I love the red bag! gorgeous
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I love it all 😉
Now THIS is a trend I could do!
Author
You certainly can, Megan. Do try adding that one piece with colour though 😉
I’m absolutely a minimalist… there’s a Trenery at my local shopping centre, some beautiful things in stock.
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Paula, you are the fashion sister I’ve never met, you know that don’t you?!
Aww, thats sweet…. I will drag my family to a Qld holiday one day as an excuse to buy you a wine.
Friday is my grocery day and I think that clutch might fall into my trolley!
Author
We will drink wine together and then go “grocery” shopping.
In love with all the looks, I am also loving the Ileni Espadrille, for its height and the clothing sizes up to an 18 whoo hoo for the real women.
Author
And Simone the cut on the whole collection is true to size. It’s a store I feel very comfortable walking into.
Gorgeous post. Less is always more. Clothes and home. Was it Coco Chanel who said look in the mirror before you leave home and always take one thing off. X
Author
It was CC herself. Less is more but make sure you’ve got one focal point (even if it is the lips) as well.
So funny! I was on the Trenery website just last night making a mental wishlist until it got too long and far too expensive. So I think I need to start again and select a few key pieces. Funny how some brands just have a killer season all of a sudden.
I’m also a minimalist at heart. The words of fashion guru Polly Mellen in the film Unzipped always rings in my ears: “Fussy, finished!”. It rings so true for me. As soon as you start to get too tricky, you look a bit overdone and uncomfortable.
Author
We are telepathically linked. This style works well back with your jewellery 😉
It does! My jewellery works best with a minimalist wardrobe. Thanks for the plug! LOL!
Oops… forgot to tell that I bought the Miya leather ballet flats in caramel (I think they call the colour olive brown) and they are marvellous. I find they work particularly well with navy and a touch of nautical stripe. I imagine they’d be rather gorgeous with red jeans too,which I do not own. Yet.
Author
Sound divine!
I am also coveting a red bag. Badly.
Did I tell you I tried that stripey dress at Country Road which you modelled? It wasn’t quite right for me, but you helped me think outside the square and try something new, so thanks!
I was in Trenery earlier this week and agree that it’s got some fabulous items. Especially love the caramel and navy/orange-red combinations. That zip-pocket dress, however, looks more like a breastfeeding shirt on me (hehe).
Author
Glad you’re thinking outside the square with what you try on – you’ll definitely find something different that way. And so funny re breastfeeding shirt – maybe that would be a selling point for some people!
Love,love,love the zip pocket dress & the red bag,thanks for the heads up!
They’re gorgeous. I think I need a red bag. Just don’t tell my husband.
I too am a minimalist at heart and that is clear all around my home. My wardrobe is small and I’m happy to say it is getting smaller. I am 30 now and am replacing cheap with quality and have really honed down on my style. I haven’t checked trenery’s new season stuff, thank you for the tip!
Sounds like you’re on the path to wardrobe utopia. I too have scaled back a lot of the past three years, ironically at a time when I’m actually exposed to buying more. I’ve become more selective and know what works for me. Congrats to you for doing the same.