80's Flashback - Pastels Trend Updated

Pastels Miami Vice Style
Image via passportmiami.com and theredlist.com

Pastels have been trending for a few seasons now, but have recently had another surge in mainstream popularity. Aside from fashion I'm seeing a lot more pastels influencing interior decor with many of the mainstream retailers here in New Zealand like Citta, Country Road and Freedom Furniture jumping on the trend.

Many of us (older generations) may remember the 80's cop TV show Miami Vice, where for me the most outstanding feature of the show was the fashion worn by the cast and in particular their penchant for pastels. It's impressive how Don Johnson can make a lilac tank top and white pant combo look so macho with his over the shoulder "are you checking out my butt" glare. Yes Don we are. Who knew pastels could be so manly! Even the ankle grazing, cropped pants and loafers look is back - check out Tinie Tempah's reinterpretation of this 80's style statement.

Let's start with the official definition:

pastel

ˈpast(ə)l/

adjective

1. 1.

   of a soft and delicate shade of colour.

   "pastel blue curtains"

So we've looked at the 80's version of pastels now lets explore how this trend has been reinvented and refreshed for 2014. Pastels are thought of as a very soft feminine color choice, but as Don Johnson shows, this may not necessarily be so. Let's see how you can safely bring pastels into your wardrobe and home without looking like an 80's throwback or the other risk factor of looking too girly and prissy.

Pastel Pink and Grey

Let's kick thing off with my favorite pastel color combo, soft blush pinks and grey tones from grey marl to charcoals and silvers.

This little girls bedroom is still soft and feminine as a pastel pink can be, but the the addition of the grey makes it more modern and less cutesy. Love this statement pink wool coat and grey marl dress, excellent winter combo.
Interior image via babble.com
Fashion image via glamourdistrict.com

As Don Johnson made us believe, blush pinks are not just for the girls, and can also be HOT on men as this tanned model proves with his grey blazer and pink tee combo. I'm going shopping for a pink tee for my husband tomorrow! I'm also a huge fan of these Tom Dixon lamps, this rose gold color is a fun play on the pastel pink trend but with the metallic chrome finish the pinky tone suddenly becomes more modern and sophisticated.
Interior image via yellows.dk
Fashion image via dailymail.co.uk

Pastel pinks with rose gold chrome is a winning combination. I would never have put these together myself thinking that there wouldn't be enough contrast, too same same and too matchy matchy. Shows what I  know because this look totally works and updates the blush pink pastel with a modern twist as chromes and metallics are very on trend right now too.
Interior image via 101woonideeen.nl
Fashion image via wwd.com

Black, White and Blush

The contrast of monochrome black and white with soft blush pink make a wonderful statement and just as grey and pink make a fabulous combo, so too when you separate the colors that make grey - black and white.

This simple grey marl sofa is accented beautifully with the black, white and pastel pink accessories. The scene is offset by the Scandinavian polished white floors making the furniture shine. Jessica Alba looks elegantly casual in this floating pastel pink skirt combined with delicate black kitten heels and a black cropped sweater. Her styling is flawless - the oversize patent black sunnies and handbag with the Breakfast at Tiffany's hair style, it all works incredibly well. The combo is a bit of a juxtaposition with the strong black contrased with the soft pink. It works particularly well on Jessica because of her tanned skin, this is why pastels usually trend in spring and summer as they're hard shades to pull off in the winter months if you have naturally fair skin.
Interior image via thedesignchaser.com
Fashion image via soullovelyfashion.com

Graphic black and white geometric shaped patterns on the rug and throw are beautifully contrasted with softer pastel shades. Our gorgeous blonde model on the right also has a winning combination with her soft and plush pastel pink jumper offset with the black jeans and Wayfarers. But what makes this look a success is the classic white shirt under the woolen jumper. Without that extra layer, texture and color the look would lack some substance that makes it interesting.
Interior image via normann-copenhagen.com
Fashion image via esther.com.au

This knitted grey throw just invites warmth, comfort and relaxation. Teamed with the pastel blue sofa a subtle coppery pastel is successfully added via the standing lamp and chevron cushion. I couldn't do a pastel post without briefly mentioning the pastel hair coloring trend. This model has a  subtle pink pastel wash through her hair. It started with celebrities like Demi Levato and Kelly Osbourne and has become a lot more common since with people experimenting with the dip dye effect or ombre. I quite like the pastel pink version but if you are bold enough to go brighter do it!
Interior image via sfgirlbybay.com
Fashion image via loft.com

This living room seems simple but there is a lot going on to make it work. Pastels are here in the form of the mint, slightly industrial coffee table and the blush pink cushions. These are contasted by the neutrals of the white walls and beige sofa and then some boldness is introduced via the stripe rug and yellow zebra print cushion. This cushion really stands out given the subdued nature of the rest of the room elements, but works to rescue the room from being too boring and plain. I love the idea of mixing pastel with stripes. This elegant blush pink pencil skirt and white pumps are dressed down with a tucked in white stripe tee. Another elegant yet casual triumphant outfit.
Interior image via missmoss.co.za
Fashion image via hellofashionblog.com

Pastel Pink and Brights

Updating a trend can sometimes be achieved by throwing together unexpected combinations. There are a lot of neon, fluros and bright, vibrant colors on trend at the moment, combining these shades together can give a delightful result.

Citta Design are one of my favorite home decor brands, very creative and unique designs. They've refreshed a pastel pink palette by teaming it with a vibrant orange. A combo that also works wonderfully well on the catwalk. 
Interior image via thestyleindex.com.au
Fashion image via mademoisellerobot.com

Pastel Blues

Pastel blue shades are said to be a fantastic color to use in a bedroom to make a calm and relaxing environment. The wall colour here brings in that soft hue in a gentle and subtle way. Blues are a cool color so be careful to use in a dramatic way in a bedroom, you will need to consider the amount of light the room receives so that it doesn't feel too cold and dark. But pastel blue is a great compromise. I like the way this room is teamed with floral accessories that acknowledge the pastel blue and introduce other complementary shades of pink, darker blues and greens. The Fashion image is a surprising combo, from the Chloe Resort 2014 collection. The monochrome combo works incredibly well with a pastel aqua top temed with a slighly darker pastel blue. Monochromatic means one color for the whole look, and these similar but slightly different pastel hues are a clever and a unique way you can think about how to mix your pastels. Here is a video tutorial from Sydne Summer on how to wear icy pastels and she shares another great mint monochrome example.
Interior image via elskeleenstra.nl
Fashion image via style.com

Colorful Pastel Sorbet

Now to have some pastel fun with these bold, confident and colorful combos that are reminiscent of fruity sorbet or french patisserie macarons. Verging on the edge of cutesy and babyish feminine, these combos are best set aside for kids bedrooms or study. Lululemon have a wide range of athletic wear in soft pastels bringing some playful fun and joy to your workouts.
Interior image via mollymeg.com
Fashion image via lululemon.com

If you're concerned that your fashion venture into the world of pastel will leave you looking more preschool than professional, I found this great post from babble.com to help you wear pastel without looking like a little girl.

Babble.com shows us how to do this

I leave you with this not sure if it's real or been photoshopped to buggery pastel sunset. And hopefully some more confidence with bringing pastels into your life safely. Until next time, thanks for reading!

xxx
Mereana

Image via cutecorruption.tumblr.com

Lululemon athletic wear and zen spaces

Pace Tights and B.F.T (Boyfriend Tee) top
Image via Lululemon

I’m a part-time Group Fitness Instructor teaching the Les Mills programs BODYJAM™and  BODYSTEP™ so for a while now I've been thinking about doing a post on athletic sportswear.  But I didn't quite think of how to link it to interiors because decorating a home gym didn't really excite me. However I am passionate about spaces that enhance your well being, and just make you feel good, so I've focused on inspirational zen spaces to work out, do yoga, meditate, or just chill. 

This post was always going to be bias, so I'll be upfront about that now. In my opinion there really is only one great athletic wear manufacturer to consider – Lululemon. Their clothing is beautiful, such high quality it lasts for ages and keeps its shape (they guarantee it for 5 years). Important when you use the gear week in and week out thrashing it with constant sweating and washing! In a world of increasingly cheap, poorly made “Fast Fashion” this is one organisation going against the grain. Ethically made, quality and researched products and made by people that genuinely want to make the world better. Honestly this is not a sponsored post, I'm just a genuine fan.

This gorgeous resort the Dinarobin Golf & Spa in Mauritius would inspire you to relax and I could imagine walking to my daily yoga session in this outfit carrying my yoga mat in this Drishti Yoga Tote
Image credits: Escapethenormal and Lululemon

Cool and blissful, this Morroccan tiled bathroom is stumming and calming. Chill out and enjoy the sunset in your Chai Time Pullover II
Image credits: Interiorsbystudiom and Lululemon

Tranquil contemplation - I love how you can make a zen like garden escape in a city courtyard. Stay connected to nature in an urban sanctuary.
Image credits: Dreamfunhouse and Lululemon Pullover

Even in the urban jungle you can find your zen. A retreat in a chaotic fast paced world. Sleek black combined with your green commando print as you're on a mission to work hard and play hard.
Image credits: Architecturaldigest and Lululemon  Flow Y Bra IV

This zen space is quite playful with a Japanese inspired internal rock garden and swing.
Image credits: Archdaily and Lululemon  pants are In The Flow Crop II 

Imagine these gorgeous things combined - swing bed, the ocean and a sunset, that's my definition of tranquility. Yoga on the beach in this is popular and versatile workout top the Cool Racerback would also inspire tranquility.
Image credits: ViceroyHotelsandResorts and Lululemon

So this isn't a  home interior image but such a beautiful setting to inspire you to go for a run. I'm not much of a runner but in this outfit and on this gorgeous waterfront setting I would be inspired to give it a go.
She wears the pink B.F.T  (Boyfriend Tee) top
Image credits: Fineartamerica and Lululemon

Take the time to find your own zen, happy place or create your own haven at home to take control of your well being. It doesn't need to be a five star resort in an exotic location, simply a corner chair, mat or cushion with a view of the garden and a scented candle will do. Indulge yourself to enjoy life, breathe and and take quality time to find your inner peace and relax.

Image credit: FitnessHealthWorkout

Take care of yourself!

xxx Mereana

Guest Blogger - Men's Fashion Week Trends 2015

Home Becomes Her is pleased to welcome back guest blogger Amandine Dowle. Amandine is a talented French photographer working in the Italian fashion industry and is keen to share with us her unique point of view on fashion and interior design. Today she is sharing with us some of her own images from Men's Fashion Week.


Men’s Fashion Weeks are coming soon to present the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2015. From the 15^th to the 29^th of June, the catwalks will start in London, then in Florence with the PITTI UOMO, Milan and will end in Paris. What will be the trends for this years fashion weeks? And how will they compare with the design trends of 2014? Based on the Fall/Winter 2015 collection which ended last March in Paris we can already get an idea on what spring and summer will be about.

Pastel colors

Each season, we see new color palettes emerging. For example, last year was all about rich shades of chocolate and hazelnut, blue-based tones, very dark blacks and getting the overall colors strongly saturated. This year will be more romantic. Colors will be pastels such as light blue, soft green and yellow. These colors will be used to create a washed out look reminiscent of 90’s fashion. Pastel colors are also the focus of this years interior design trends. Seen for furniture and decoration, these sweet tones are adding a fresh air to basic neutral colors.

Andrea Pompilio
Image Credit: Amandine Dowle

Image credit:  Eclectic Living Room by Southampton Interior Designers & Decorators Design House

Return to an old classic - Stripes

Elegant simplicity will be the key of today’s stripe trend. The traditional fabrics will be reworked into black and white mixed to soft shades still using pastels colors such as light blue or soft pink. Beautiful stripes on floors, walls, furniture, and accessories adds extravagance to our interiors this year. Stylish and modern, they bring some real out of the box atmosphere.

 Dolce Gabbana show Spring Summer 2014. Image credit Samuel Jing

Strong geographic lines have a new play on stripes. Image credit: Bright Bold Beautiful 

Bigger is funnier

Starting last year, photographic prints have already covered many of the SS 2014 outfits. This year is going to be bigger. Over sized and abstracted pictures will be an important key of this years trend promoting pop and geometrical shapes.What I have actually noticed at the last design week in Milan is the presence of geometric 3D walls being very popular in both residential and commercials interiors. The shapes particularly give movement and vitality to a banal environment.

Etro. Image Credit: Amandine Dowle

Etro. Image Credit: Amandine Dowle

Westwood. Image Credit: Amandine Dowle

Image Credit: Deco Journal 

Check this link for more examples of these latest contemporary menswear.

Game of Thrones – Fashion and Interior Design Inspiration

I’m a massive Game of Thrones (GoT) fan so exploring how this show is influencing fashion and interiors was a very fun exercise for me. The costume and set designs on GoT are of such a high quality they are truly inspiring and I’m ruined for any other shows mirroring this era and style. The HBO series could have been at risk of simply appealing to a few hard-core nerds; however it has broken that stereotype and engaged the masses worldwide. There is even a Tumbler account dedicated to GoT interiors called Home of Thrones a useful find for me in researching for this post. Even Vogue got on board the GoT wave and released this article "What if Game of Thrones had 2014 Fashion?" The shows influence is not just reaching fashion, but it has had a dramatic influence on popular culture for example the names Khaleesi and Arya have become very popular baby girl names in many countries.

Winterfell

The various realms offer different aesthetics, from Winterfell in the cold north, down to the warm South of Kings Landing to wherever Daenerys is roaming in the desert (I get a bit lost there), different locations offer variations on the historical Gothic, European, Medieval and Middle-Eastern style of decor and dress. Let’s start in the North with the Winterfell home of the Starks. The lovely Catelyn Stark had a lot of strength and grace, it was so sad when her character was executed at the infamous red wedding as she was one of my favourites. In terms of fashion and decor when emulating Winterfell think fur, wool, leather, dark and subdued colours,  stone masonry, candles and goth rustic style furniture.

The Starks of Winterfell - Season 1. Fur and full-length capes are a must have in the cold realm.
Image via gameofthrones.wikia.com

That red hair always looked lovely with her emerald green gowns and scarves. The fur and leather accents add another level of class.
Image via supermomx3wordpress.com

Winterfell fashion - fur and leather
Outfit image via salonthesis.com Interior image via pinterest.com

Winterfell fashion - The darkside. Gothic style with black fur, candles, rustic table and chairs.
Outfit image via usmagazine.com Interior image via pinterest.com

Winterfell fashion - three quarter sleeves with leather gloves look very classy. The heavy weight grey wool dress is a great way to stay warm in winter.
Outfit image via style.com Interior image via trendener.se

 Brienne of Tarth
Image via desconectados.com

Brienne of Tarth was sworn to serve Catelyn Stark and protect her daughters. She has a very masculine style and quite ahead of her time in terms of a feminist, women can kick ass and swing swords, girl power sort of way.

Channeling Brienne of Tarth is the military style with the double breasted jacket, high boots, and shiny metallic buttons.
Image via voguemagz.com

Jon Snow and Ygritte
Image via huffingtonpost.com

Jon Snow originally from Winterfell is the bastard son of Ned Stark and now lives in the most miserable place in Westeros, The Wall. Living here you have to think serious layers and hard core outerwear with a generous dose of fur for survival. But Jon still manages to look good as arguably the hottest male character in the TV show. His love story with the Wildling woman Ygritte didn't end well with the whole shooting him with arrows as he ditches her thing, and then the dramatic wall battle finish.

The biggest mainstream fashion influence I've noticed is the amount of faux fur in fashion at present. Especially the fur vest, seen everywhere right now. Not stuck in traditional browns and blacks, fur can come in all colors including pastel blues and pinks.

My favorite fur tone is the multi-shades of grey. This coat is very 80s in terms of the strong shoulders and is nicely accented with a fitted swing skirt. Fur in a bedroom easily gives a warm and comforting feel to your night time sanctuary.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Matter of Style Blog

I wouldn't really go for a pink fur coat like this, but this woman has styled it so well with the black leather skirt and white collared shirt, it looks fantastic. Also in this interior image, there is a lot going on with seemingly garish and opposing styles, but the pink velvet bed goes so well with the fur throw giving the whole room a luxurious, cozy and opulent feel.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Matter of Style Blog

The natural brown tones are more traditional and timeless. This long vest is nicely complemented with the skinny leather pants.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Freedom Furniture

I'd like to think that Ygritte and Jon Snow could live here, you know if they had metaphorically stayed in the cave, I'd imagine they'd decorate their cave like this. Log cabin style with stone masonry fire place, Gothic chandeliers, and of course fur. 
Image via houzz.com

Kings Landing

Kings Landing is the capital city of Westeros' Seven Kingdoms. Of all the kingdoms to live in this seems the most appealing with the warm climate, beautiful gardens, food abundance and wealth.

Cersei the epitome of an evil Queen
Image via princess-and-dragon.blogspot.com

A key character here is Cersei the Queen. She plays a great baddie, in a nutshell she is guilty of being an incestuous manipulative cheater, raising a horrible monster King in Joffery, and being a truly evil older sister. But hey we’re not here to judge her character but her style and in that sense it’s pretty good. She rocks the braids which are also very hot right now and her Queen glamour gowns are always figure hugging and flattering.

If Cersei was to walk the red carpet in 2014 I think she would wear something like this dress that Blake Lively looks absolutely gorgeous in. She even has the long braid in a style updated for the 21st Century. Kings Landing decor has a middle eastern, Moroccan aesthetic in terms of the luxurious, ethnic and summer time feel.
Fashion Image via Tumbler Interior Image via Decor Tips

Kings Landing is also the  home of the coveted Iron Throne. I don't think its particularly attractive, but I am a fan of a nice feature chair.

The giant garish Iron Throne, could provide some interest and a focal point for a living area.
Image via warosu.org

Have your own throne at home. Remember if you have a feature chair ensure there is enough space around it to let it breathe and have the presence it deserves.
Image via ayraid.blogspot.co.nz

For a more modern throne feature chair try this laser cut plywood high back peacock chair by Ferruccio Laviani.
Image via Charleston Grit

Sansa Stark and Margaery Tyrell in Kings Landing.
Image via fanpop.com

Margaery knows that her power is in diplomacy and seduction and essential to her tool kit is her hotness. So she works it with sexy outfits with keyhole peeks at her skin. It’s modest by today’s standards but none the less eye catching and a bit scandalous for these GoT times. I’m sure everyone in the realm copies her style just as all of those ASOS dresses sell out within seconds of Kate Middleton being seen wearing them.

Fast forward to the royals of 2014 and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect comparison to Margery's style than Kate Middleton's gorgeous teal gown by Jenny Packham that she wore to the London Olympic gala. Margaery Tyrell would totally wear this, the lovely teal color and capped sleeves are elegant but still sexy with a low V-cut neckline. Kate is also even channeling the GoT braids.
Image via Catwalkqueen

Where-ever Daenerys is

Image via screenrant.com

Daenerys Targaryen, Khaleesi, mother of dragons, freer of slaves, firm (don’t mess with her she will slay your ass) but fair ruler who I believe is going to be sitting on that iron throne soon. She is by far my favorite character who is going from strength to strength and is constantly on the move through various cities that all seem to be warm, sandy places of wealth and gold.

Her style is Grecian goddess like but quite tailored and structured. Rocking the platinum blonde braids and even throwing back to the dress over trousers phase which was big here in the 90s. I wanted to explore how her style could be reinterpreted for a modern 2014 woman.

Daenerys Targaryn in the teal blue grecian goddess style dress. Miranda Kerr beautifully brings this look into present day 2014 red carpet style. I also think the red lippy perfectly accents this soft pastel colored flowing gown.
Danerys image via gameofthrones.wikia.com Miranda Kerr image via popsugar.com.au

Okay so you may be thinking that this comparison is a bit of a stretch, but essentially Daenerys is wearing a halter crop top with a skirt over pant combo that gives her a vulnerable yet strong and masculine look. This image of Kendall Jenner captures that crop top style paired with the three quarter pant it keeps it sexy yet strong. The monochrome color palette also gives the look a polished feeling of masculinity.
Daenerys image via pl.lodiogien.wikia.com Kendall Jenner image via cambio.com

The dress over pants is not a very common look today, but Emma Watson does it in I believe the most stylish way possible in this red carpet outfit.
Daenerys image via wetpaint.com Emma Watson image via thenewstrack.com

Right now Daenerys is somewhere in a stone pyramid. The decor and architecture is a combination of Greek, Italian, Moroccan and Gothic styles.
Image via gameofthronesstyle.com

This is definitely a Khaleesi worthy shower. High ceilings and over sized space with rustic stone masonry, it has a very expensive, retreat feel.
Image via homeofthrones.tumblr.com

Great set design, again the Moroccan desert style comes through with gold accents.
Image via gameofthronesstyle.com

A touch of ethnic style with the tribal art and accessories and the Moroccan rug are modernized with the ply-wood paneling and floor to ceiling glass. This beautiful desert home brings a GoT influence into the 21st Century. I can imagine Khaleesi living here with her Dragons playing in the desert.
Image via redesigningsarah.com

This beautiful interior reminds me of Khaleesi as this screen can be an interpretation of the dragon skin, the star shapes reflect that Middle-Eastern style and the opulent size is luxurious and regal.
Image via interiordesignfiles

Image via glamour.com

I'm excited about the final episode of the season tomorrow, happy watching everyone, and try to take in the wonderful costume and set design. I'm personally hoping that Daenerys and her dragons play a key role in this episode, but we will see...