Top Fashion Trends - Spring 2016

If youve been following me for a while you already know that I am obsessed with following fashion trends. This is the biggest reason I prefer to design trendy crochet garments and accessories, because I've always been into fashion, long before it ever entered my mind to become a professional designer. Below are a few of the newest trends for Spring, Summer and Fall 2016 and being a feminine gal,  I love it!

http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Trend-Alert-Rockin-Ruffles-193592

1. Ruffles- Huge  celebrities and models have been wearing these dresses for a party or any event. They are everywhere and off the shoulder styles, long or short,  seem to be making a big impact. I love, love ruffles and they are so feminine!

Ruffles- http://funtard.com/fashion/14-upcoming-fashion-trends-of-2016-for-women/

http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/news/g8669/nyfw-spring-2015-trends-gingham/?slide=1

2. Gingham:  One of the most popular trends on the runway, gingham is everywhere as well. Some are bold colors with a blend of floral print and you can find so many varieties to pick from. I remember gingham being a huge trend when I was in the 9th grade. I lived in Mississippi at the time and had a whole outfit (top and pants), made from blue snd white gingham. I think one of my sisters had the same outfit in pink. Choose a Gingham style to look chic this spring!

http://www.boomerinas.com/2015/05/04/7-fringe-fashion-trends-for-summer-2015-bags-tops-dresses-shoes-more-its-the-70s-again/

3. The Late 70's - This is my favorite fashion era ever and it's all about what the boho look of today is. Continuing in fashion again are the long maxi dresses, wide brim hats and fringe. Some would call the new 70's look Hippie Chic or Boho Chic with a little touch of gypsy in the mix! Some would even call it the Gunne Sax era. I remember those beautiful feminie dresses well! I got married in the 70's and my bridesmaids had the wide brimmed hats with long flowered dresses! Now if I can only find a picture to show you. 

4. Distressed Jeans: Distressed jeans, also known as ripped jeans, are considered as the most genuine pick of most of the young ladies of all shapes and size. Of course this is nothing new, but this trend is still going strong according to the experts.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2011/10/10-
shoes-every-woman-should-own/10

5. Lower Leg Strapped Shoes or Sandals -  To some people their shoe are just as importsnt or even more importsnt than their clothing.  Lower leg straps (or ankle straps) are still extremely popular. I love wearing these and still have some from when they were hot before.  I think they look great in spring or summer and they really do make me feel feminine. They can make you really look in Vogue!

6. Midi skirts - Although maxi skirts and dresses are still popular (especially with the bohouse look), the midi skirt, known as a "tea length" is among some of the hottest looks for spring 2016. 

http://www.businesspost.ie/we-survey-the-glorious-fashion-trends-for-spring-and-summer-2016/

7. Dark Romanticism - Lace, ruffles ribbons, and more lace are here to stay! Love it! Why do you think I wanted to write a book on Colorful Lace Crochet garments? Some of the lace colors are going to get dark this year though.

https://launchmywear.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/dark-romance-2016-trend-updated1.jpg

https://launchmywear.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/dark-romance-2016.png

8. The 60's - the 60's style brings fun, bold graphics, boxy silhouettes, lots of brocade fabrics and a touch of retro here and there. The "Twiggy" look. Some younger women reading my blog may not have ever heard of Twiggy! Remember her HUGE eyes? 

Fab 1960's - Twiggy, Top Left

This is from 2013, but the 60's style is still hot in 2016 -  http://thefashiontag.com/2013/03/26/60s-trend-styles-2013-spring/

9. Think Pink - Pantone came out and declared rose quartz as one of the colors of the year. Spring and summer styles might see paler pinks, but the fall pinks will be in richer hues like hot pink, fuschia, raspberry and magenta. I love the darker colors. I bet this includes plum too, which is one of my favorite colors! 

http://www.funtard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PARIS2BPINK.jpg

10. Off the Shoulder Tops and Dresses - So feminine!

http://www.funtard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PARIS2BPINK.jpg

Fur Vest Fashion Trend + 5 Free Crochet, Knit and Sewing Vest Patterns made from Faux Fur

Read more at Fab Fashion Fix

FREE Crochet Pattern at Lion Brand Yarn!

This is another fashion trend borrowed from the 70's that I just love! It's SO retro. They come in all shapes and sizes, different lengths and all different colors. Some are extra thick and bulky, while others are thin and smooth. I happen to like the ones that fit in the middle of this catagory - furry, opening in front and past the hip. My color of choice would be medium brown or darker taupe. This would be very easy to recreate in crochet, since there are so many "fun fur" type yarns out there to choose from. I am going to try my hand at designing a fur vest, but in the meantime, I've posted a link (below) to a free crochet pattern at Lion Brand yarn. And if you are a knitter scroll down to the bottom of this post for a free knitted pattern! I've even posted a link to a DIY YouTube easy sewing pattern if you prefer to sew a vest with fake fur from the fabric store. See link below.

Fashion Fix.com

The mobious scarf pictured below was crocheted from 3 strands of yarn. (2 fur type yarns and 1 worsted weight solid color yarn). See below for more info on the scarf. This post is acting up and when I tried to copy and paste this text below so it would be next to the picture, it deleted the other pictures of yarn as well. Frustrating!

Free Crochet Fur Vest Pattern at Beautiful Crochet Stuff

The Crochet Crowd Mobious Scar

Another fur type yarns is Red Heart's Boutique Fur Sure. I can see a Chewbacca jacket or scarf made from this!

Then there's Yarn Bee Haute Fur - a Hobby lobby Brand.You may decide you'd like your vest in a different color Such as this pretty olive green!

More info on the Mobious Scarf pictured above

1 Ball of Patons Moxie Russian Sable, 1 Ball of Patons Moxie Red Fox, and 1 Ball of Red Heart Super Saver Coffee Color. 

 I'm sure she added the strand of Red Heart Super Saver, a #4 worsted wt to carry along with the Fun Fur, making it easier to see the stitches.
Whenever I use any tyep of fun fur yarn, no matter the brand, I always use a solid color carrying yarn and a larger hook, and it works up like a breeze!

                                     Free Knitting Pattern for this Fake Fur Vest with Yarn
                                           Click on Link Below

Free Knitted Fur Vest Pattern HERE at Chris Knits in Nigeria

Free Pattern at LA VIE DIY here - http://laviediy.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-easy-springsummer-faux-fur-vest.html

FREE Sewing Pattern with fake fur click HERE - YouTube DIY Video
DIY YouTube easy sewing pattern

Another sewing project at The Style Projects

The Kimono Trend in Fashion + DIY Tutorials

26 Ways To Wear a Kimono at Style Caster

I never intended this blog to be only about crochet fashion. I am interested in all fashion trends and that's what moves me to design trendy fashions in crochet. You'd have to have your head buried in the sand not to have noticed the kimono trend. If you're not aware of it, you may be picturing the long robes worn in Japan with wide belts. The kimono trend of today is not quite the same as the old fashioned style you may be thinking of. Today's kimonos are different in that they are usually shorter, lighter weight fabric and are left open in the front when worn.
Many of them are made from floral material, but just whatever suits your fancy would look great as a print. Some kimonos hang a little longer in the front, but I prefer the kind that hang longer in the back. You'll also see a wide varietyof sleeve lengths as well as some that are much wider and deeper than others.

Traditional Japanese Kimono HERE

Keep reading for links to make your own DIY kimono. There are many step by step tutorials with pictures on how to make your own kimono from fabric or from a large scarf. I like the ones with fringe the best! People make these from different size scarves but the largest ones are best in my opinion, unless you want a shorter kimono. I bought around 12 scarves at thrift stores in all shapes and sizes I thought might work.  I was thinking the smaller square scarves would be great for younger girl's size kimonos!
You also may be interested in the many YouTube videos I have listed below. I've looked at them all and some are sewn by machine, others are hand sewn and then there are even some gals who show you how to hot glue your seams to make the kimono. Imagine that! I've also posted one by Gloss and Sparkle who shows you how to make the kimono from just tying the corners together. So there are no excuses for not making your own, in your very own print picked out at the fabric store! You can make many custom made kimonos and I think it would be so much fun to make them as gifts for your fashion conscious friends, your mom, daughters or granddaughters. They're usually worn with casual clothes such as jeans or shorts but they look just as good with a long or short skirt.

Make your own modern kimono from one of these tutorials!
Check out these links for easy tutorials on making your own kimono!
Elle Apparel - madd from fabric - shows how to make it longer in back
PeaBrain DIY- your own fabric - 1 hour kimono cardigan
True Blue Me and You - made from a scarf
LaurDIY - YouTube channel - kimono tutorial
Loves punk - fabric kimono tutorial
Cotton and Curls - how to make a long kimono
CollegeGloss - made from a scarf
Babble - 30 minute kimono
Ester from the Sticks - she calls it a Kaftan Throwover
icandyhandmade -  from fabric
Lesley Converse - YouTube video - one of the BEST tutorials on the web!
Shop Style Conquer - easy YouTube kimono tutorial
Xmerredithx - no sew kimono seamed with hot glue gun! YouTube video
Earnest Home Co - kimono with fringe to the knee
The Wonder Forest - DIY video - large scarf that's wider but shorter
College Fashion - pictures of lay out
You tube video - clear step by step instructions from fabric
Soft Wear Hacks - 3 ways - kimono diy - short and long
Life Ann Style - Kimono tutorial from fabric
N.89 - No sew Kimono
ChelseyHijabLove - BEST tutorial if using fabric so far in my opinion. She has videos to show you how to do this in detail. This is video # 1. #'s 2 and 3 are at the right.
Fashion to DIY For - Printed layout (follow the Pinterest link)
Angela See - 2 minute video on how to make a kimono 3 ways - from an oversized shirt, from a scarf and from fabric.
Gloss and Sparkle -  NO sew and NO glue Kimono! You just tie the corners!
Meesha TV - YouTube - How to make an oversized Shrug - similar to a kimono but it's circular and doesn't hang down in front. Very cool.
Mellon - YouTube - different way of making the kimono. Instead of folding the scarf at the shoulders, she has the folds at the sides, so the fringe that was at the bottom edges is now hanging on the edges at the center fronts. Cool
Pretty Crafty Girl - great video for sewing with fabric
Candice - Brilliant idea on how to make a kimono for a child from a woman's long skirt! It's adorable! See the picture below.
True Bias - cacoon style cardigan kimono

Candice's tutorial for a child from a skirt

Another thing I'm excited to share with you is this adorable kimono for a child that Candice made from a woman's long skirt! Isn't it precious? When I went to some thrift stores yesterday I saw some long dresses and skirts that I was thinking could be transformed into a kimono, then I found this link online this morning. She shows you how to do it! As I was looking through large scarves that I thought would work for a kimono I found smaller ones also and decided to buy some so I could either make kimonos for my 4 granddaughters or even had the idea to have a "Kimono Making Party" for them and their friends! I think they will love that idea! They're so simple to make.

See iCandyHandmade tutorial HERE

As I was searching I came across another adorable girl's kimono made by iCandyHandmade.  I just love the pom poms and she has the best step by step picture tutorial on how to make one from fabric for the little girls in your life!

I am into the Kimono trend right now because I'm designing one in a crocket pattern and am really anxious to get started. This will be part of the Bohemian / Boho book I'm working on as a trial, self published book. My bohemian book will be full of exciting 70's fashions with an updated look for 2016.

I'll let you all know when my crochet kimono pattern is for sale. Isn't my yarn gorgeous? It's Alegria, made in Uruguray - a # 2 fine fingering yarn, superwash merino wool. I bought this at Fiberworks (owned by Arlene Graham) in Beavercreek, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton. I love these colors and my kimono will be a pretty lace pattern.

To see a SLIDESHOW on kimonos go to
StyleCaster.com
http://stylecaster.com/how-to-style-kimonos/

Top 10 Fashion Trends for Winter 2015

It's always fun to find out what the new trends are. As a designer of crochet garments and accessories, its especially important. I love what I'm reading!

Some Trends for Winter 2015

1. Fringe - yeah! I love it!
2. Leather
3. White on white
4. Capes and Ponchos
5. Quilted fabrics and details
6. High Waisted dresses and tops
7. Sleeveless dresses and vests
8. Long vests, long dresses and long coats
9. Kimonos
10. Transparent fabrics
11. Fur vests, coats and collars

Many of these styles are 70's inspired. In the 70's I actually had a red, patent leather double-breasted maxi coat. I loved it! I just wish I knew what happened to that, because I never gave it away.

To read more , go to this link at Zee News
http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/glamtalk/top-ten-winter-fashion-trends_1815409.html

Haute Couture: Atelier Versace Fall / Winter 2015 - 2016 Collection

                                                These are a few of my favorites!

Love the big bell sleeves. This is feminine.

Very pretty. Love the color and style

Pretty but the color is a little too muted for my skin coloring

These next ones are interesting!

To see the whole runway show click HERE

http://beauty.bgfashion.net/article/11361/35/Haute-Couture-Atelier-Versace-Fall-Winter-2015-2016-collection

2015 Fashion Trends

Since I follow fashion trends I want to start sharing what I've found for this year. You'd have to have your head stuck in the sand  not to notice all the crochet clothing in stores and on the internet. I'm so happy it has stayed and I hope all you new crocheters out there will not let it go away! Keep crocheting, my friends!

Crochet dress from Forever 21

My designer friend Natalia, of Outstanding  Crochet, wearing a
crochet maxi dress sbe made. It's it beautiful?

More Trends

I posted a few weeks ago about the 70's trands in fashion and this article is their take on the 60's and70's trends for Spring 2015. 

Here are some exerpts from the OBSERVER.

"The spring runways reaffirmed the old saying, “The apple does not fall far from the tree,” as styles spring back to classic ’60s and ’70s garb. Established designers, such as Michael Bastian, Tom Ford and Hedi Slimane, are rethinking the classic outfits their parents sported around the house and on family outings during those time periods. Not getting to actively participate in these trends the first time around, nostalgia has been an influence in their latest collections."

They go on to say, "don’t fall victim to the system: We are here to provide you with a real style guide." They talk about men's fashion but I'm going to focus here on women's fashions. If you are interested in men's fashions go to the Observer to see what they have to say on that.

More on their take:

I like what they say here about color! I am not fond of drab color tones. You'll see that in my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace! I used mostly cool, medium colors, but did add some warm colors for people who prefer that color theme.

"Jumping back to the ’60s and ’70s means returning to a time of color awareness, giving simple but lively tones a reboot. Pantone named Marsala (think: pomegranate seeds) the 2015 Color of the Year, reminding us to look past our standard blues and blacks. Other out-of-the-box, but still in-the-workplace, hues include robin’s egg blue, caramel and olive.
On the more casual side, spring and summer collections have embraced the light and bright “hippie” colors. Birkenstocks and white Vans have been making their steady comeback for a while, and designers have thrown their support toward washed-out jeans. The staple goes great with white tees, just don’t get too into the hand-me-down vibe and start ripping them.

The spring runways featured strong ’60s and ’70s vibes, man. Models were decked out in groovy garb from head (middle-parts channeling Joni Mitchell or, more recently, stars from Solange Knowles to Reese Witherspoon to Jared Leto at the Oscars) to toe (chunky flatforms and sandals with bold heels in bolder colors that looked like they stepped off a Volkswagon bus).

If you are starting from the bottom — tight clothing budget with a family to support or even more confined college budget, he's what they have to say on that. Of course if you are a knitter or crocheter, make your own! There are many patterns out there!

 "Incorporate these trends from there: the bottom. The ’60s were all about mini skirts, so go for short and go for patterns or bold colors. Look for skirts that button up the front for a ’70s-esque look. Try this out in denim and a below-the-knee length for an on-trend look that almost too closely channels “19 Kids and Counting” vibes but also resonates with “It” girls like Diane Kruger.
Wide-leg pants are the new, easier to wear culottes (wide-leg “shorts” that have been “in fashion” for a couple of years but are honestly atrocious and reminiscent of 2000s rap music videos). The Annie Hall-esque vibes look great when paired with neutral tops but can also be taken in a more colorful route with printed or jewel tone blouses.

Two important aspects of any ’70s look are fringe and suede. Look for suede pencil skirts in bright colors or fringed skirts and tops that you can don at upcoming music festivals to make your dancing look better than it is — fringe benefits. If you’re up for the challenge, incorporate both with a western-inspired suede fringe jacket.

Finish off your look with oversized, preferably cat-eye, shades. Add a neck-scarf tied in a flight-attendant or French girl manner to channel the ’60s, or add a head scarf and let the ends hang over your shoulder to master the ’70s bombshell look — and cover up a bad hair day.

The 70's Trend in Fashion 2016

As some already know, I am crazy about the 70's trends in fashion. In fact I have been blogging about this for several years now. It used to be when trends came in, they'd go out the next year but have you noticed how in the last 10 or so years a trend comes in and stays in? Since I love fashion from the 70's, when it was being shown on the runways, I was excited and reluctant at the same time, thinking it wouldn't catch on and it wouldn't last. But then year after year the past decade bits and pieces of the 70's trends keep cropping up.

How To Wear the 70's Trends without Looking like You're 

Wearing a Hippie Halloween Costume

I don't care if you're in your teens, 20's, 30's or 40's, you know all about the hippie phenomenon of the late 60's and early 70's. You're mom, grandmother or aunts may have lived back then and still have items of clothing they wore. Back in the 90's when my daughter was in college, this trend popped up on the scene and before I knew it she was asking to borrow my hats, vests, ponchos, beads, macrame and bags I still had in my closet. I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I was not a hippie, who was all about free love and anti establishment, and I certainly didn't live in a commune. But certain aspects of the hippie vibe started spilling over into main street fashion and I really took it on. That was absolutely a favorite season of my life as far as clothing I wore over the years. One reason is because it was ultra feminine to me and  represented the style of what I felt good in. There was just something about long flowing dresses (with smaller flowers that weren't gaudy like some colors of the 60's), wide brimmed hats, shoulder bags with fringe or tassels, long fringed vests and gladiator type sandels. Now what did I just describe to you? You've seen this look everywhere today.

Hippie vs the Bohemian Look of Today

Bohemian style or "Boho" as some call it, is a more refined chic look. Some even call it Hippie Chic, and I guess you could say I dressed Bohemian back then, but I had never heard that term until the last decade. The past several years a few fashion designers started putting these looks in their runway shows but it didn't seem to catch on as I had hoped and I was sure it would go away. But every year those 70's looks keep cropping up, which gave me hope. I can confidentially say that now it's become a very popular theme even among more well known designers I thought would never consider "boho". I believe some celebrities who have helped this trend along are the Olson twins and Nicole Richie, who have had their own clothing line. When the younger generation hops on the bandwagon, top designers have to take notice. It used to be many, many years ago that designers controlled the trends, and we just had fo go along with it whether we liked it or not, but now the fashion conscious public controls it and the designers have to go along with it if they want to stay in business. One single person can affect fashion trends and we saw that around 2004 when Jessica Simpson wore a beautiful crochet shawl on stage and everyone who saw it just had to have one! Thats when the "crochet craze" began its ressurection and I promise you, if it were not for that one shawl she wore on stage, I would not be designing today. I started desigoing my own caplets and ponchos and the rest is history!

Top 10 Fall Fashion Trends for 2012

News from The Examiner

According to runways and designers such as Burberry, Mulberry and Christopher Kane, you can expect to see a lot of patterns, pants, lace, and military inspiration this Fall.

1. Lace: Lace is one trend that seems to never go out of style. That's great because I love crochet lace and that helps my designing business!
 

Gok’s Fashion Fix

 2. Military: The military trend helps create a contrasting look to feminine pieces.

Burberry

 3. The Pant Suit: This year the pant suit and trouser trend has continued to hit the runways. This look is great for the professional women.

4. Embellishments: Adorned with jewels, beads, intricate stitch work and/or other materials, this makes a dramatic look.

Valentino

 5. Digital Prints: Fun, eye-catching, and bold, prints in various shapes, themes and patterns.

6. Fit and Flare skirts: The peplum top is still popular and has dropped down to now appear on skirts. Think of the a-line skirt, blossomed at the bottom for some flare and shape.

http://www.examiner.com/article/top-fall-trends-for-2012

Mary Katrantzou

 7. Baroque: This renaissance inspired look which includes gold, luxurious fabrics such as velour, and tapestry like print.

8. Bordeaux Leather: Bordeaux is the new black this fall. The rich sophisticated deep red color, mixed with leather creates a complimentary duo.

Kanye West

 9. New Nomad: The nomad trend full of oversized sweaters, wraps and scarves have made it possible to stay stylish, warm and comfortable this Fall.

10. Sci-fi: Full of gold, silver and geometric shapes, the use of metallics and materials on modern silhouettes has been creating a fashion-forward statement in a lady-like way

One of my favorite shows to watch is Project Runway and I just love Heidi Klum. According to her the following are added to this list:

11. Geometric Patterns

12. Oversized coats
 
13. Burgundy - One of my favorite colors!

14. White

15. Fur

16. Simple carry-alls

Top Fall 2012 Fashion Trends

Even though the weather is scorching hot in some places, you may be one of those fashionistas who is anxious to know fall's most popular trends so you can be planning new and unique outfits. What's your favorite trend? You'll find the trends below and more at Chicous Fashionista's Diaries. Other trends are suits with pants, laminated fabric and romantic looks. Check back for more runway fashions.

Velvet Fabric

I like this feminine look in velvet by Burberry Prorsum Fall / Winter 2012-2013

                     

  Golden Color Trend

Temperley London Fall / Winter 2012-2013

Military Look

Victoria Beckham Fall / Winter 2012-2013 - Military Theme

 Must have items for the season include:

•     The Utility Top, a redefined classic


•     A Shaped Jacket, shrunken, collarless or printed


•     A Fitted Dress, fashion forward, flattering, and easy to wear


•     The Statement Pant, skinny leg in both prints and patterns


•     Jewel Tones, beautiful rich colors from teal to violet to ruby


•     A Pencil Skirt, a timeless style


•     Peplum Detail, seen on tops, dresses, skirts & outerwear


•     A Coated Jean, the must-have finish in jeans


•     The Smoking Slipper, chic menswear influence for women


•     Western Boots, Fall 2012’s equestrian look

Lola Mendez

More fall fashion trends at http://www.millionlooks.com/

Teen Fashions for Spring - Summer 2012

If you are a teenager, have a teenage daughter or want to know what the latest trends are, then you may want to watch this video.

To see more videos, click here:

Zig Zag - Trend in Knit and Crochet -1960's and 1970's Look

Unique shoes by Missoni

Love these colors!

Way back in the 60's and 70's I wasn't too crazy about crochet  items with a zig zag pattern. It was also called the "Ripple" pattern. I started on an afghan kit in the ripple pattern and I never even finished it! I think it was mostly because I hated the colors (gold & oranges). To this day, I have never made another afghan, except of course a baby afghan, because they are quicker to make.

Nice pattern

Nice Bracelet!

I was not a fan of granny squares either. I never really knew why  until it dawned on me one day - I did not like the color combinations that people put into crochet back then! I have never liked bright orange, bright yellow or yucky drab avocado green. That may sound strange, because green is one of my favorite colors. I guess I just don't like warm bright colors with yellow in them. I've always leaned toward cool colors, like plum, wine, true red (with blue hues), pinks, fusha, cranberry, medium green, sage green, purple, grape, and cool blues. Maybe oranges are your favorite colors but they hurt my eyes! LOL! And don't ask me why, but I am much more motivated to design something when I love the color of the yarn. I usually have been able to choose my own yarn color, but occasionally when a publisher sends me yarn they want used in a design, and it's an ugly color to me, I just cannot get too excited about working on it.

I just got a design accepted for Interweave Crochet, voted the "Most Popular Crochet Magazine", assuming they'd want me to use the yarn I did the swatch in, which is a gorgeous 100% silk fingering wt.Crystal Palace yarn. I cringed when the editor told me they would probably be sending me a different yarn. I'm sure it's because of the color they need for the magazine. (Winter '12) If I want to get paid, I'll have to be ok with it :)