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Archive for April, 2011

Orange

01st April 2011 | Colour, Style | Leave a comment

This beautiful colour is big news for Spring/Summer. This trend has been seen in lipsticks through to lingerie. A combination of red and yellow, orange holds similar characteristics; it carries the heat of red without the aggression, and the uplifting nature of yellow. Perfect for this time of year, orange is a popular choice to wear on the cusp of winter, beginning of summer with heat on the way.

 If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to reinvent your wardrobe, colour is the easiest way to enliven any basics. Seen as a warm colour, wear when hanging out with your friends as orange is a creative, sociable colour. This season try ‘Clementine’ and ‘Orange Spice’ to add energy to your outfit. Beautiful when worn with earthy colours such as ‘Gluhwein’ and ‘Midnight’, this accent colour is sure to give you that extra boost of energy you need when taking on the day.

Leander in Clementine

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Busy Bee!

01st April 2011 | Design, Style | Leave a comment
This week has been extremely busy at John Smedley. The Mills sample sale last weekend was a massive success and thank you to everyone that came along. There was a great atmosphere with everyone trying to scoop up the best bargains! To end the week we’ve had our press days at Exposure in London. Showcasing some of the leading iconic brands, Exposure’s client list range from Hunter, Toywatch to Nigel Cabourn.

Sneak Preview

Hosted over three days, this was a perfect opportunity to showcase up and coming collections and gain an insight into emerging trends for AW11.

Without giving too much away, there was extremely positive feedback from both of our AW11 collections. We are unbelievably excited for these to go live later this year.

Highlights across the two days include the up and coming jewellery brand ‘Kuka-me’. Kuka-me combines the Zulu and Northern Sotho word ‘kuka’, meaning lift up or uplift, with the English word ‘me’. The brand is about easy-to-wear sterling silver and 18ct gold jewellery accessible for anyone to wear and stamp with their own personal style. Designed and made in the UK, this brand understands the importance of sustainable fashion that will last for years. The mix of traditional design and quality make the jewellery so accessible meaning I was eyeing up pieces for myself and my mum! 

Kuka-me: Tweed collection

On sale today, Liberty and Nike’s 2011 third collaboration available exclusively at Liberty’s. Gorgeous for taking us through summer, these are on the top of my wish list to be wearing this weekend. Ice Cream, Blush and Mint SS11 colours will look AMAZING with these.

Nike and Liberty of London 2011 Collection

Browse John Smedley’s highlight brands – kuka-me.com and www.liberty.co.uk

Understated

01st April 2011 | Design, Retail, Style | Leave a comment

A trend that is staying with us for 2011, minimalism. Fit over fashion is essential, remember not to be swayed by the latest trend but to opt for a silhouette that is suited to your body fit and frame.

The u-turn from loud, brash prints to a simple, aesthetical fit creates in contrast, a sophisticated, chic look. The key is to be wise about outfit decisions and keep the foundations of the outfit neutral and easy to layer. Sharp lines create definition and visual impact so look to nudes, browns and monochrome.

Try for a simply effortless look, choosing to piece subtle, key pieces that can be styled with accessories and new colours to reinvent a dated outfit. If you feel like you want to add some sparkle, maximise the power of a neck scarf or handbag.

Jada

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