SUNSHINE FROM A GUEST BLOGGER
Posted by Fabric Godmother on 1st Jan 1970
We have a real treat today, the lovely Ruth from Where is the tube? asked if I would like her to do a guest blog all about the spring (apparently it is just round the corner) trends. I jumped at the chance not only does Ruth actually get paid for writing (...she must be good) she always looks super stylish so I am really excited to see how she interprets this seasons trends with Fabric Godmother fabrics and patterns.
(If you enjoy reading this post please pop over and have a read of her very funny account of being a new mum in a new town www.whereisthetube.com)
(If you enjoy reading this post please pop over and have a read of her very funny account of being a new mum in a new town www.whereisthetube.com)
It’s nearly spring! (Honestly, have faith. IT IS.)
And with spring comes… SUNSHINE! (Well, possibly.)
Out with sensible jumpers and practical coats, and in with the fun stuff - billowing maxi dresses, huge floppy hats, clashing patterns, BIG sunglasses, hot pink sandals, bright yellow nail polish… oh ok maybe not the yellow nail polish.
Whether it’s for festivals, weddings, beach BBQs or just to sit in your garden feeling fabulous while sipping a giant glass of Pimm’s, wearing something a tad adventurous is surely what summer style is all about.
So I feel it’s high time to start sewing some fun statement pieces ready for that first glimmer of spring sunshine. (Or to wear defiantly in the rain with my wellies.)
Bold florals
This spring colourful blooms are out in full force. I just LOVE the shimmering purple and hot pink blooms of this Matthew Williamson dress (pictured) during his SS15 London Fashion Week show. I’m not quiiiite sure where it would fit in amongst the nursery drop offs, supermarket trips and work meetings. But I definitely fancy creating my own, slightly lower key, floral statement dress.
Make it… The Batwing from Simple Sew looks fabulous in a flower-laden jersey such as the Alana Floraljersey in black, and not only is it elegant but also supremely comfortable. Wear with black flats in the day, and glam up come nightfall with red heels and lippy.
A quick aside on bold prints. Some women with curvier figures avoid bold prints like the plague. My friend Kim has beautiful Beyonce-esque curves and absolutely steals the show in her favourite figure-hugging floral print dress. If all-over bodycon isn’t for you, the old tip of wearing the print on your smaller half and a dark plain colour on your bigger half remains a goodun.
Statement denim
Dutiful denim is getting a proper shake up this spring, coming in everything from long flowing skirts and wide-leg cropped trousers to blazers embellished with glittering jewels. One of the more wearable catwalk looks for us in the real world is this button-down long denim skirt from Chloé - shown at Paris Fashion Week. (pictured)
Make it… For a show-stopping denim skirt, try the Sewaholic Gabriola MaxiSkirt in light blue soft washed denim. (Fellow short ladies, I thoroughly reject the idea that we can’t wear long skirts. I love them, and find wearing with a plain v-neck vest top stops me feeling swamped in too much fabric.) If you prefer trousers, the Hop& Swing Pants in soft washed indigo denim bring some retro fun to your wardrobe. These are fab on all shapes and sizes.
Classic polkadot
Black and white is still all the rage - woohoo so easy! - and monochrome polkadot made it’s way onto many a SS15 runway. A particular favourite that I’ve mentally transferred into my fantasy wardrobe is this sassy little dress from Dolce and Gabbana (pictured).
Make it… Create your own (somewhat cheaper) version with the Laurel dress pattern and either Laura black spot or black onwhite Kelly spot cotton. Add a summery pop of colour with brightly coloured heels.
Jumpsuits
YEYEYEY! Extremely glad these little beauties are sticking around because they are so fun, so flattering, and you just have to nail the right style for you to have a head-to-toe glam (and COMFORTABLE) outfit. How pretty is the Rachel Comey jumpsuit pictured?! No red wine drinking in that one though! V-necks are great for bigger busts, belts help maintain hour glass figures and pear shapes can look great with a halter neck and a slightly flared leg.
Make it… Create your perfect jumpsuit with the Holly jumpsuit and its various neckline options. A sheer fabric such as Petra silk in sky looks fabulous, especially with a statement necklace. For a fun and pretty daytime option, why not also make the short playsuit version out of Hollie floral crepe.
70s groove
It might be 2015 on the calendar, but according to Them Folk What Decide Fashion Trends the 1970s are back with a bang. Fringing, crochet, flares, clashing florals and flowing boho dresses - take your pick. The jumpsuit and long denim skirt above are both nods to the era, but why not delve a little deeper into the sartorial delights of the decade imagined up lava lamps and Rubik’s cubes. (Pictured Pucci).
Make it… For something big, bold and practical to boot, the Lark Max cardi is a gem. Make it a bold 70s statement cardi with the multi-coloured Chevron jersey. For a soft and summery 70s trouser, try the Thurlow trouser in soft blue and gold Paisleycorduroy. These look great with a plain white cami, and why not slip on some wedges for good measure.
Happy sewing xxx
Happy sewing xxx