Spring 2012 Trend: Peplum

This continues our series on spring trends: inspiration from spring trends, translated into affordable and accessible items, whether for a full or subtle look.

• The look: Peplums are the essence of feminity, accentuating the curvy shape of a woman's body. It's all about the small waist and notice-me hips with this look. If you don't like to show off your curves, well peplum might not be your cup of tea. Fortunately, there are different kinds of peplums: some with just a slight curve and others with an accentuated curve. There are also different ways to do peplum. You can even manage to put some edge in this femine look, which is my favorite way to wear peplum.

• Pair with: Because peplums add volume to the hips, you should wear something with a straight shape on the bottom, for example a pencil skirt (whether long or short) or skinny pants (or shorts). A peplum dress is really easy to wear. If you are going for a full feminine look, opt for pastel hues, delicate accessories and embrace it! But if you want to add some edge to it, think of peplums in structured fabrics (why not leather?), and add unexpected accessories: biker boots, sneakers, chunky heels, statement necklace, lots of bracelets, studs, leather jacket, boyfriend cardi, etc. 

• Where to find: While I only looked online, I found (again) a lot of peplums at Zara. I also found some at H&M, Forever 21, Simons, Mango and Jacob, all retailers with stores in Montreal.

Dresses

Also available in black.

Zara, 119,00 CAD

Forever 21, 39,80 CAD

Skirts

Fun mini.

Zara, 59,90 CAD

Feminine and sexy.

Zara, 89,90 CAD

Tops

Slight peplum.

Zara, 59,90 CAD

Would look great with skinny jeans.

Zara, 59,90 CAD

H&M, 29,95 CAD

H&M, 39,95 CAD

Talk about peplum with an edge.

H&M, 129,00 CAD

Forever 21, 21,80 CAD

Simons, 25,00 CAD

Try to cinch your shirts to create a peplum-like effect. It might work!

Mango, 79,99 CAD

Mango, 44,99 CAD

Jackets

Great to add a feminine touch to any outfit.

H&M, 29,95 CAD

Jacob, 99,00 CAD

Are you going to wear peplums this spring? How would you wear it? Did you find any peplum items that you would like to share?

Check out other posts in the Spring 2012 Trend series: 

Spring 2012 Trend: Mint

Spring 2012 Trend: Mint

Spring is going to be here in less than a month, in 21 days to be exact! To mark this countdown, here is some inspiration from spring trends, translated into affordable and accessible items, whether for a full or subtle look.

• The look: Mint is a very delicate and feminine hue, but I think it can also look very modern if the item is a solid, minimalist piece. Avoid lace for a more contemporary look. 

• Pair with: To me, mint almost acts as a neutral, so it's pretty easy to wear. Looks great with white, other neutrals (I love the navy + mint combo) or other pastels, if you are a little more adventurous.

• Where to find: Zara has really adopted this trend, offering a wide range of mint items. Other retailers do have a lot of pastels, but mint is harder to find, even at stores like H&M and Forever21. Topshop also offers some mint items, available online if you are in Montreal area.

Dresses

Zara, 99,90 CAD

Zara, 59,90 CAD

Pants

Zara, 79,90 CAD

Skirts

Simons, 29,95 CAD

Zara, 45,90 CAD

Shorts

Zara, 59,90 CAD

Tops

Sexy open back.

Zara, 49,90 CAD

Zara, 69,90 CAD

With little bows at the end of the sleeves!

Topshop, 72,00 USD

Good choice to pair with a sweater or cardi to transition between winter and spring.

H&M, 14,95 CAD

Just a touch of mint!

Zara, 39,90 CAD

Accessories

Bag (and it doesn't get as easily dirty as white!)

Zara, 79,90 CAD

Tights.

H&M, 5,95 CAD

Socks.

Zara, 5,90 CAD

Ballerinas.

Topshop, 70,00 USD

Sandals.

Zara, 99,90 CAD

Belt.

Gap, 29,95 CAD

Earrings.

Forever 21, 1,50 CAD

Topshop, 15,00 USD

Are you going to adopt mint this spring? How would you wear it? Did you find other mint items that you would like to share?

Inspiration: Montreal Fashion Week F|W12 - February 9

As I told you last Monday, I watched the fashion shows from Montreal Fashion Week at home. It was the first time and I absolutely loved it! It gave me the opportunity to watch all the shows live, even those not open to public.

Being no fashion expert, I decided to show you what inspired me at this 22nd edition of Montreal Fashion Week. 

February 9

Rud Styled by Rudsak

A-line shape.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Duffle coat details.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Brown shades.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Anastasia Lomolova

Pleats, pleats, pleats!

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Lyn

Beautiful knits.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

UNTTLD

Rib cage-like ornaments.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Texture and sheerness.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Mix of textures, once again.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Did you see these fashion shows or other shows presented on February 9? What inspired you?

Inspiration: Montreal Fashion Week F|W12 - February 8

As I told you last Monday, I watched the fashion shows from Montreal Fashion Week at home. It was the first time and I absolutely loved it! It gave me the opportunity to watch all the shows live, even those not open to public.

Being no fashion expert, I decided to show you what inspired me at this 22nd edition of Montreal Fashion Week. 

February 8

Ça va de soi

Softness and minimalism.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Samuel Dong

This red dress.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Abol Eco Haute Couture

All recycled materials... without looking like patchwork.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Black, white and a train.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Pretty dresses that could make wonderful wedding dresses.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Did you see these fashion shows or other shows presented on February 8? What inspired you?

To be continued tomorrow.

Inspiration: Montreal Fashion Week F|W12 - February 7

As I told you last Monday, I watched the fashion shows from Montreal Fashion Week at home. It was the first time and I absolutely loved it! It gave me the opportunity to watch all the shows live, even those not open to public.

Being no fashion expert, I decided to show you what inspired me at this 22nd edition of Montreal Fashion Week. 

February 7

MARTIN LIM

Graphic dresses and coral.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Long, flowing dresses.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Hanging strips.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Annie 50

Lace insert and full skirt.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Eiffel tour print.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Dinh Bá Design

Black on black.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Mix of leather and frills.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Eve Gravel

Leather skirt and printed coat.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Colorblock sequins.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Grey stripes.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Feathers.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Lady like and casual.

Photo: Jimmy Hamelin, SMM

Did you see these fashion shows or other shows presented on February 7? What inspired you?

To be continued tomorrow.