Color forecast of spring and summer 2012

Fashion world has barely announced their next collections, and we already have year 2012 on our eye.
I love these colors for Spring and summer 2012.
With these it is easy to plan a head what to buy this year now to keep the trend going next year.
I loved these colors, and my favorite ones are Darkland,  Blur and Silent.


This is what Color Guru´s from famous LENZING told us.

Trends for Spring/Summer 2012

BE REAL

Be honest
What you make, how you make it, how you use it…………… how you get rid of it – consumers demand transparency in all steps from the conception of a product to the disposal – or even better – how it’s reborn to a new form or product. Don’t try with ‘green-laundering’ any more.
Be happy
Think ‘out of the box’ whenever creating and re-using, re-use puts a smile on your face; it’s lovely that so much creativity is going on out there.
Be sensitive Designing moves from intelligent to sensitive.‘Compassion by design’ is the catchphrase when approaching consumers. Brainpower is at the core.
Be proud In the schools of the most progressive 3rd world help organizations, uniforms are reminiscing local traditions, not Western European dress code. Thus they avoid cultural imperialism, and the local kids are endowed with self-esteem. More than ever education is in focus.
Be human Once again, design is conceived as a social matter, a skill rooted in humanism.

Darkland

find your drama in nature, rich lush and dark yet bright.
Layers, veils, mystique – complex printing techniques are in play.
Super-thin silks, exceptionally fine micron wools, exquisite cottons and linen – the drape of the fabric is central. Crepe spun yarns add freshness to the mood. 

 

Boring

Almost everyday sensations of the ordinary humble and honest real time real life. New basic fabrics of extraordinary beauty. Inventive cotton blends to obtain even better easy-care and comfort qualities. Redesigning everyday fabrics and jerseys. Detailed knitting structures. Multi-purpose-qualities.

Blur

Naturally bright pigments develop into new classics. Fabrics are classic, materials the same but all elements are somewhat twisted: fibers in unusual yarn-spinning and –counts, classical weave patterns in atypical materials clashed with a curious checkered design, an embroidery where you didn’t expect it - nothing loud, just enough to make you startle.

Silent

Restraint and refinement create an atmosphere of calm clarity. Gentle quiet non-color mood creates a sensibility for comfort luxuries. Fabrics as light as air – less material is environmentally benign – is providing the ultimate feeling of comfort. Innovative regenerated fibers and synthetic fibers are securing ultimate wellbeing. Fabrics being a part of you, i.e. skin grown

Industrial Poetry

Digital printing is saving resources and materials. Patterns are graphic. Performance materials: Stretch obtained without latex for breathability. Cloth absorbing and storing humidity and moisture. More performances included in fibers, instead of added in all the processes until the finishing – and more extremely technological solutions. Biomimicry is an important inspiration for developing textiles.
Reuse – Upcycle – Lifecycle

These kind of combinations you will find in fashion on a spring and summer 2012

Early spring trip for sun!

I have been writing about tan.. I am really hungry for sun. Not because of tan, you will get it from jar if needed, I simply want to wear less clothes, and feel warm wind on my skin. I miss summer.
My ultimate beach/summer look is most certainly Elle Macpherson. She always looks so glooming, and healthy. I will never going to have her body, well, she is 'The Body' but I will have my assets...
Summer Fashion is such a wonderfully inspiring. No need think more than warm summer wind, and I see already white dresses, floating around me when I am walking on the beach.. or nice tan, and colorful scarf or just great pair of Bikini.
I really hope I am in my target weight, not skinny, but healthy. I then should be size 12-14, and date is first of june, so I have some months to go before summer really arrives.
I am having a little dream that we would trip to Italy or Cicily on a spring, during the Easter, or just some beach holiday, to get that "summer feeling" that I am longing for.
 Will take a little inspiring glimpse to her style.

That famous hat is must have beach wear.

She seem to love anything knitted or crocheted

 She seem to go very classic neutral colors, they compliment her hair and skin very well..
oh what can you expect from supermodel!

Even in here.. knitted or crocheted and BIG sun glasses

Looking ever so efortless.

Nothing too wild, and still very chic

I found some essentials to nail this "Elle" style.

Beaded cowboyhat M&S £15.00

Crocheted bikinis are out of my reach, not just suitable for my body shape. I think these neutral colored bikinis are doing the job. I also like the fact that you can also avoid getting cross-tan from halterneck top :  by simply tie straps to a bow on your chest,  
Instead of Keeping Them up and around your neck!

Autograph Bandeau Bikini M&S £43.00

Victorias Secret

Good pair of sunglasses are worth of investing. I have great pair of dark brown huge Moschino sunnies, and I have longed new pair but haven´t found anything I really like except these ones.

Gucci sunglasses, big enough!

These sandals would add that wow factor to any outfit . They go with jeans, skirts, as well with white shorts... Lucky me I happen to have nice pair from last summer  ( totally an worn, because I simply did not fit in to them last summer, what a shame )  I also love this color . I am sure nothing would look better with good pedicure and french manicure on your toenails. 

Gucci sandals goes with everything!

Why oh WHY did I even see this Anya Hidmarch bag. I am very fuzzy with bags, and would never invest for it if it would not be nearly obsession.. last time it was Gerard Darel´s Saint Germain 24h which I finally got in color I wanted, and then ended up selling in flee market.. or actually my friend did, with very low price, not knowing what it is.

Anya Hindmarch Hector bag

I am waiting summer so much that I seem to have million ideas what to wear then, but I wish I would be always as inspired about winter.

This is me on my last "early spring trip for sun".

Sun is Shining!!

Sun, our loved one, as well as worst enemy when it comes to skin.
I love tanned glowing skin, but seen latest pictures of certain celebrity makes me think that Dita von Teese with her milky silky skin is quite amazing..  Or what do you think..

Which would you choose?

Well done photo shop!

I love her skin, even in live interviews she looks amazing!

My problem has always been that sun just makes my skin looking glowing and it is smooth and even.
I am always joking to my friends that I am so white that I am glowing in the dark after Winter, and when first glimpses of sun arrives I can not help my self.. Other things is that I don´t seem to find right type of a products to protect my skin from sun damage. They easily cause me pimples and all sort of skin problems.. but I might have found my match. Now I just want to look "sun kissed".
Fake tan smells horrid, I can not stand it, and it does not stay on, it makes my white crispy shirt looking like I have worn it weeks without washing, and my pillow case has my face print on when I wake up in the morning HELP!!! 

So here is a start of my great adventure of world of sunscreens, fake tan products, and my wishes to look "california girl" , shiny hair, tanned legs, beach hair, and relaxed yet sophisticated look.


My all time favourite is Elle!! She looks always so healthy and happy. 

Supermodel Elle Macpherson shared with People magazine her secret to sexy, beach hair. For her sun kissed highlights Elle lets her hair get lightened naturally by the sun, and she also visits Real Hair in London for highlights. Elle says she prefers to not ruin the quality of her hair with hair dye, so she does her best to protect the color with Frederic Fekkai conditioner.
To further protect her hair and scalp Elle always wears a straw hat (this also protects her face, preventing wrinkles.)
To get that “just out of the ocean” tousled look Elle says she doesn’t brush her hair much.


Oh well.. me, not brushing my hair,
I end up looking mad, let me say you don´t want to see it..

Protect your skin my friends!! 
 I like Clarins Sun protection range a lot. They smell nice! My friends know me, as a "nose" I want to smell everything.. no matter how great product they have in their hands, I don´t like it if it smells too strong or it does not smell nice.. So Clarins sun range smells nice, but they have also light products to use on your face. It does not stay on surface of the skin, and make you looking greasy. Remember to use high enough protection, you only have one skin!

My favorite products for summer.

What kind of fake tan products really exist?

The only debate to be had as far as I’m concerned is about how much we put on. Remember a little goes a long way, we don’t want to look like satsumas. For a healthy glow try Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel, it’s my personal favourite. If you’ve got olive skin and want a deeper colour be daring and give in to St. Tropez

Oh I really liked St.Tropez product in the past, but then in one point you could not get it from Finland. 

Must try it again. I do remember that I was applying it on the legs with a friend of mine before we went to a wild night of summer fun.  After few glasses of wine A friend of mine then decided to put a few more layers, and ended up REALLY dark brown legs, although she was otherwise fairly pale in the beginning of the summer. So effective this is, at least! I loved smell and textiture of skin peel that belongs to this range. It was lovely! 

Katie Price is said to be big fan of Fake Bake, I can not make up my mind if it is a good thing or not..
I obviously need to try this product before giving deeper announcements.

Queen of fake tan! This is how you DON`T want to look like.

I like the fact that they have good selection of colours!

How it works
Fake tan colours the surface of the skin using a different chemical reaction to the one that causes natural tanning.
Its active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is a naturally-occuring sugar that comes from the bark of the chestnut tree.

It reacts with the keratin in the skin, causing brown pigment to form and create a tan. Colour intensity depends on how much DHA your fake tan product contains.

Application
The night before you apply your fake tan, exfoliate and moisturise your skin to get rid of dead skin cells and to get an even colour all over. Only ever apply fake tan to clean, dry skin.

Apply in gentle sweeping movements with flat hands, making sure you don't miss any bits out (remember your neck and the undersides of your feet!).

When you reach problem areas such as your eyebrows, hairline, heels and elbows, apply the product with a lightly-dampened piece of cottonwool.

Be careful to apply less to tricky areas like the elbows and knees: if you're over-generous, it will be easily visible. Leave to act for a few hours and wash your hands really well after applying. Don't shave, remove body hair for 24 hours after faking it,( I would recommend doing it before anyway)  otherwise your skin could get irritated.

Advantages
- You can get an all-year-round tan whatever the weather without putting your health in danger.

- Fake tan used to leave orange streaks, especially on the knees and elbows, but technology has moved on. These days, no-one needs to look like they've been Tangoed.

- Fake tan comes in creams, gels, liquids, wipes and even all-over sprays: the choice is yours.

- Fake tan contains lots of silicone, which is an active, non-greasy moisturaiser and hydrates tissue.

Beware...
The results only last an average 4-6 days and gradually disappear as the skin exfoliates itself naturally.

Application can be tricky. Avoid streaks and other catastrophes by following the instructions closely and if you're not very confident, get hold of one you can wipe off clean immediately after application so that you can go back and correct any mistakes.

Did you know?
- There are two commercial classsifications of fake tan, according to their DHA content: 2.5-3% for fair skin and 5% for darker skin. It's better to test fake tan before you take the plunge and slap it on all over!

- As a rule, fake tan doesn't contain sun protection. Don't forget you sun cream if you're exposed to any rays: just because you look like a tanned goddess doesn't mean you can't burn!

- You can get fake tan that contains active moisturiser and is fragranced with lemon to mask any unpleasant smell. Use alcohol-free fake tan on your face and hypoallergenic or non-fragranced fake tan to avoid allergies.


If you feel it is all too much work, you can simply book appointment from

Urban Tanning

I think it is worth of saving your own skin, but remember, lets not go Satsumas, or Essex..

What is going on with all these Curvy girls.. They just vanish.

It seems to be "fashion" that these fabulous curvy girls want to be thin after all..
Look what happened to Sophie Dahl. I am big fan of her but I am just some how disappointed when pictures of her where released by press when she lost her stones. Look, don´t get me wrong, she is still stunning, but I really hoped she would be the one to keep her looks that made her famous.

What an change! But, she looks fabulous no matter what size.

 ...and then Chrystal renn..

I don´t think it is necessary to say what is before and what is after...

It is often misunderstood that the curvaceous model can be anyone who is overweight...and to think the matter further.  
Could anyone with a slender body be a model?
An answer is: Of course not!
The same applies to the plus models.  
You can not be a shocking size, you will have to fit to  the model size of a sample clothes send to fashion shows and photo shootings.
You must have a suitable personality and a beautiful face and hair, and your body proportions must be in good proportion. This is why at least for me those Plus size ranges does not really fit too well. 
They are always too short, and shapeless, wich I find irritating. 
Why not to make clothes that are similar than "normal" ones, but just in bigger size. It is not like we big people are like some kind of disease, needing treatment, and baggy clothes to cover all from head to toe.. I just hate that kind of thinkin.
When I started modeling for over ten years ago, plus-size models were larger than today. 
Clothes Sizes ranged from 16-20 (44-48) and no one asked for losing weight.
(my model agency, Paparazzi model management has anyway been fabulous) Today, the plus-size models are a size 12-16, preferably 12-14 (40-44 or 40-42) already.
This kind of development shows us what kind of woman we want to see, and advertisement doesnt really help. Those size zero models make size 12 model look like giant.  
Fast Mark was like a breath of fresh air when he decided to use  plus-size models in he´s fashionshow last year. Was unfortunate that it did not please everyone.

 
Mark Fast, however, managed to break the vicious cycle of skinny models, and a past year has been turnover for  curvaceous women, clothes that glorify femininity, permission to be normal person. 
Thank you Mark Fast!
 
  Stay healthy all women around the world. Not too skinny, Not too big, but in balance. 
Womanly curves should be celebrated.

Me, little over the top, but suitable for Valentines theme.

Enjoy Valentine´s day, and have that extra bite of chocolate cake and a sip of the golden bubbly drink with your loved one.


P.S.
In fact I am on a diet.  
Not Because I want to be super skinny but because I would like to wear a size 14 instead of 18 and I am still going to have my chocolate cake!

onestopplus.com

Getting ready for London Fashion Week

Must start planning what to wear in some of the Shows.. I am So EXITED about it.
Will keep some secrets for now, but let you know more later on.

Meanwhile you may listen this, I, at least would love to walk on catwalk with this song I love it, it puts me such and great happy party mood!

Pomplamoose has made their own version of Telephone by Lady Gaga, and I think I like this more than actual original.. What do you think??

Inspired by Valentines day!

I am convinced that every one of us would like to look like goddess, at least I want.  
Therefore, I began to think about what makes me feel like a goddess.
I've always been slightly obsessed with my hair. I would like a glossy, natural and sexy, and preferably slightly curly and long undone and tousled  hair.. not much to ask.. 
(Such is also the dream of my boyfriend.)  but, too much is too much, and having too much hair, lips, red nails, heels, and I end up looking like drag queen.. so this time wanted to go something more sleek and casual ea. Elegant.
I think this is very pretty! I Like America Ferrera anyway.

Soft skin is also important. I'll start preparing my self to evenings date with my hubby by going to long hot bath  and  a good skin peeling, and facial mask. This is from Finland, organic range Frantsila. 
It has rose oil in it, and nothing else works to my face like this. I got it as a Christmas present from My friend who loves this! I must say I am new fan. 

After bath, girl must think what to wear.. High heels are my essential. I am very tall (5.11) but I love high heels. My favorite pair is really high pair of golden sandals, they are almost too high to walk, but can not wear them now, since winter weather with sandals looks just plain stupid. These Shoes from Finnish designer Minna Parikka I really like these ( not with white socks though) 

and I think they are like made for hot Valentines date. 

In London at least shoe shop called Seamstress is selling Minna Parikka. 

Flag ship store is in Helsinki, very cute little shop at street called Bulevardi.

I find my self starting my style too often from shoes.. But they are so important to me that can not ignore them.. As having red shoes, I need red nails and lipstick. 

I love YSL Lipstick, it smells wonderful and stays on like a dream.. and who can resist this shell..

And it comes in great colours! My favourite ones are Bohemia Rose no.16 and Cherry Sorbet no.22. For the summer I might need Tuxedo pink.. But now Cherry Sorbet is perfect.

 

with all red nails, lips and shoes.. I will go to classic LBD. 

I have one that I specially like a lot, it is wrap dress from In Wear, with 3/4 sleeves and it shoves just enough decolte to be sexy but not cheap. I want my style to remain rather expensive.. LOL 

Similar feeling I found this Blue Banana Black Slinky Wrap dress that is almost identical to mine.

It is great and suites well to curvier type of body.

Girls, if we have a great bust, we shall show some cleavage!

  

what do I miss... oh perfect Jewellery, I think I keep things very classic and go for white freshwater pearl earrings and white pearl Necklace with Golden pendant that I have made my self! 

They work always with red lips.

Will post some photos of my Valentines style on Monday , when THE moment actually comes. 

Love for everyone!!   <3  <3  <3 

Coco

I posted something earlier on, and.. just like that my feeling of what to wear for the spring changed dramatically.
I watched finally Coco&Stravinsky movie, did not like it as much as Coco before Chanel.
But.. again all black and white, long pearl strings, and luxurious materials blow me away.
Fashion Designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971) was born in Saumur, Southern France. She began by designing hats, first in Paris in 1908, and later in Deauville. Her fashion boutiques (one in Paris and one in Deauville) opened simultaneously in 1914. She opened an haute couture salon in Biarritz in 1916, and in 1920 moved to Paris in the present quarters on rue Cambon. Ready-to-wear fashions were not introduced until 1978, after Coco's death.

Chanel was famous for popularizing practical clothes, including pants for women, little black dresses, and box-like collarless jackets with bias edging and brass buttons. Her first fabrics included wool jersey, which was comfortable and easy fitting, but was not considered suitable for fashionable clothes. Traditional Chanel accessories include multiple strands of pearls and gold chains, quilted handbags, sling-back pumps in ivory with black toes, quilted handbags with shoulder straps made of gold chain, and gardenias. She liked to mix imitation jewels with real jewels and often combined massive amounts with sportswear. 

What is my personal style?

There are so many attractive way to dress that I find hard to decide what is appropriate for me.
Anything really.. 
In winter, I wear black and I get a variety of colorful scarves, or a large necklace to spice up my loks a little. In winter, I always use a long-stemmed boots, and big plush knit hat.
Mine is over sized double thick cashmir wool with matching long and also double thick scarf that I can wrap around me when weather get´s really cold. I love them.
Down jacket that I bought for last winter's is so classic that I believe to keep it for many years. But when spring comes, I peel the black 'winter uniform"and I use color´s.
In the spring I feel almost like I'm hungry for color. Even smallest flower brings smile on my face after grey winter.. or in Case living in Helsinki, White, and dark winters.. Now in London I ind winter little easier to cope with. But.. I have always admired those people who have this timeless look, like Crace Kelly ones did, as well as Jackie O. Timeless pieces that just look so NOW and so IN but oh so expensive and elegant. I want my Hermes tote too. I do have couple of Hermes Scarfs that are my treasure but tote, that would do it. i would like to have traditional orange.. And about those colors.. I wish I would be able to keep my color palette little more calm, but what can you do if you really love colors.
I have planned look of the spring, something more grown up, and Elegant, and I safe those floral dresses for hot nights of real summer.. before that I am more Jackie O that Jackie her self. I have lost 10 kg this winter, and hopefully more to go, so all of my old clothes seem to be too big for me.. ( too bad I have to buy all new... just joking )

This is what I am planning to buy for my self.
Not sure what will be result in the end, but I have good intentions to keep everything toned down.

This is what I would really love to have:

Giambattista Valli SS2011

Skinny trousers from YSL where perfect.. and there are so many shoes that it is hard to make up my mind which I liked most. These ones from Valentino are very nice.

Valentino SS2011

Mulberry SS2010

...and price wise, and practical reasons,  this is quite surely what I end up with

Perfect pair! Next

I <3 this one from M&S

These light "crocodile" pumps are great! Next

Next, and big enouh to fit in those A4 papers