Don't fear the sheer - Sheer tending again in 2015

This striking piece of furniture is a "Rib Slipper Chair" by Shiner International. A dramatic piece for any modern styled home. I've paired with this statement black sheer and cut out style gown from the Valentino 2015 Spring collection. An elegant and striking look.
Interior image via allmodern.com
Fashion image via fuckyeahfashioncoture.tumbler.com

Sheer fashion was everywhere in 2014 and with new looks continuing to hit the runways and mainstream fashion chains, signs indicate that its here to stay for 2015. The transparent dresses, skirts and tops are holding strong into the next season, so if you've already invested in this look that's great news, keep rocking those floaty pieces! I believe that a sheer fabric adds some formality, femininity and elegance to a look, and it can allow women to reveal just that little bit more without being garish and tacky. Sheer fashion can create a delightful tension between demure and sexy.

The first thing that will come to mind when you think Sheer + Home Interior = Curtains. So it may be surprising that there is not a sheer curtain example in sight in this post, gasp! I've taken a broader interpretation of the term 'sheer' in this context to mean the act of an interior design element offering interest and beauty through its transparent quality. The act of looking through to create a unique and visually appealing effect. Basically something that you can see through and looks nice.

Interior image via homeedit.com
Fashion image via nytimes.com

This bright, colorful and fun example is a famous home by Javier Senosian called the Nautilus house as it is literally in the shape of a Nautilus shell built in Mexico City. The organic shapes and multicolored stained glass make this feel very naturistic and psychedelic. This lovely Michael Kors sheer floral skirt is perfectly matched with this tailored shirt dress tucked in to offer a unique solution to the need for a slip or lining under a sheer skirt. I believe the contrast in styles work really well with the very feminine skirt complimenting the more masculine and structured shirt.

Interior image via fineartamerica.com
Fashion image via styleandcheek.com

Another colorful and fun example, this modern take on stained glass windows is the Plais Des Congres Montreal; a unique multicoloured glass box convention centre in Montreal, Quebec. This sheer floral dress is from the Blumarine Spring 2015 RTW collection, check out the full collection and you will see a beautiful floral and sheer theme emerge.

Interior image via redesignrevolution.com
Fashion image via sophiazchoice.tumbler.com

The above examples are very structured and tailored, yet the sheer white fabric of this outfit keeps it soft and elegant. We've used this interior image previously in our Peek-a-boo Cutouts post as its such a wonderful wall feature, adding texture and dimension with a lot more interest than your regular wall paper.

Interior image via retaildesignblog.net
Fashion image via style.com

The concrete lace on the left is made from ultra high performance concrete and suspended like ribbon on steel cables. Designed by Doreen Wesphal, this wonderful screen is super strong and yet super delicate at the same time. The black body suit is perfectly paired with this pure white lace skirt, however for the more modest ladies, you may want to go for a bit more coverage with a slip, but hey if you dare to bare, go for it!

Interior image via archinet.com
Fashion image via katesylvester.com

New Zealand fashion designer Kate Sylvester has released a number of wonderful sheer items in recent seasons, including this demure black sheer lace top. These black laser cut wall panels on the left are an intriguing and bold feature as they envelope the corridor from wall to ceiling. 

Interior image via buzzfeed.com
Fashion image via home.emiliopucci.com

A great way to bring more light into a dark entryway and to also surprise and delight your guests with sun streaming through the stained glass door. Seems like such a happy idea, I can imagine wanting to sit in its sunny colorful goodness. This Emilio Pucci dress is part of the Spring Summer 2015 RTW collection and I'm definitely ready to wear all of it! If you like this dress check out the full assortment of floaty and retro pieces in the collection. Looking at these images makes me want to go on holiday to a beach in the 70's.

Interior image via aludean.com
Fashion image via bloginvoga.com

 I know a few people are in the 'yet to be convinced that they're a good idea' camp with culottes, but what about sheer culottes? Madness? What about sheer culottes with a massive silk swing top and a fur scarf? Well somehow this model pulls it off, but its not a look for the faint of heart. If you need more convincing about culottes check here for some examples. This home exterior however is far more attainable. The orange and white furniture is made all the more interesting with the laser cut roof as it casts a lovely shadow and shapely designs across the deck.

Interior image via enroutemagazine.tumbler.com
Fashion image via style.com

Now again with the retro style, this dress and tasseled vest is very 70's hippy chick. Without the vest this sort of style would be a lovely summer, carefree and casual wedding dress choice, again combining those fantastic features of demure with a hint of sexy reveal... but not too much. This interior is a photo taken from a restaurant that had been designed with a retro 60's aesthetic. The wooden patterned screen has a strong 60's reference and creatively acknowledges that era while adding functionality to divide the spaces.

So if you're already on the sheer bandwagon, carry-on. If you're not sure, don't fear the sheer, with enough slips and lining you can do it.

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

M.A.C Candy Yum Yum

Fashion in the vines - image via stuff.co.nz

This summer I entered the Fashion in the vines competition at the Marlborough Wine and Foods Festival. I came third in this Trelise Cooper Coop dress which Erena helped me choose and style. It was such a fun day of wine tasting, great food and awesome memories with great friends.

The hubby and I enjoying our day. A very important part of the outfit is the lipstick! M.A.C - Candy Yum Yum Matt Lipstick, super bright fluro pink! I've decided to make this post all about the PINK! 

M.A.C Candy Yum Yum Matt lippie, wear it and people cant help but comment, its not a shy colour

A beautiful lady showing off close up this lipstick colour
Image via Pinterest.com

A lot of my friends balk at the idea of pink in interiors, but just like Candy Yum Yum lippie you can add pink in a small thoughtful way to create a pretty impact.

Bright pink leather pouf in our living room adds just a touch of pink yumminess

Pink and turquoise such complimentary colors.
Image via cushandnooks.blogspot.co.nz

For a bold statement baby pink walls, again with greens and turquoise it is a nice balance
Image via sfgirlbybay.com

This hot pink unit is so bold, I love how it screams "look at me!"
Image via desiretoinspire.net

Softer blues and pinks, love the retro prints and mid-century furniture style
Image via weheartit.com

These fashion picks show just how nicely hot pink and turquoise go together. Its a stand out playful combo...

Image via marilynsclosetblog.blogspot.com.es

Image via Pinterest.com

Image courtesy of stephanie-bradshaw.com

Inspiration can come from anywhere, even your favorite new lipstick. Cheaper than a new outfit, I highly recommend you grab a new lipstick color and totally transform your look.

Dotty

Two of my favorite trends at the moment dots and metallic! Loving the decals, fun and easy to do.
Interior image from Lauren Conrad

Polka dots, dots, and spots whatever you may call them they don’t really seem to ever go out of fashion, but rather have resurgences into popularity. In women’s fashion they have a very fun and youthful image, which could be because they were made famous by Minnie Mouse’s red and white dress back in the 1920’s. However dots can also be very sophisticated and fashion forward as some of the examples in this post demonstrate.

Polka-dots go way back in time with this example of Marilyn Munroe in the 50s
Image from Hunting in Heels

Fast forward to the present day and this is one of the most elegant examples of polka dots I could find. By far a monochrome black and white polka dot pattern seems to dominate celebrity fashion. Emma wears Luca Luca Spring 2012.
Image from posh24.com

Just to make a point about just how sophisticated polka dots can be, Kate Middleton wears this simple but fun and pretty Top Shop maternity dress which sold out instantly after this photo was released.
Image from mycelebrityfashion.co.uk

Lauren Conrad has recently gone crazy for dots with so many dotty examples in her clothing range.
Image from laurenconrad.com

Cheryl Cole goes for the double dot combo, if you look closely her top are actually little sweet hearts, a nice wee dot variation. Again the monochrome version is most popular and easy to wear with this already bold pattern.
Image from usmagazine.com

This post was actually inspired by the Kip and Co bed collection as they are no strangers to using bold graphic prints and I’m loving their dotty range of bed linen and towels.

From the Dappled Dreams Collection comes this fun and funky dotty duvet cover set
Image from kipandco.net.au

From the Dappled Dreams Collection you can also get dotty sheets. These covers and colors have a sort of 80s retro feel.
Image from kipandco.net.au

For a more bold option I'm loving this duvet cover set, accompanied by dotty pillow cases.
Image from kipandco.net.au

The dotty theme continues into their towel range.
Image from kipandco.net.au

From beds and towels to walls, these decal dots allow you to get creative in any room. You can also experiment with how to place them in a linear fashion as above or more angled as below. They come in every color on Etsy.
Image from Etsy shop WallsNeedLove

Image from Etsy shop WallsNeedLove

And don’t forget the blokes, dots are not just for her and home but they're also for him. You can see the trend embraced in men’s fashion with shirts, ties and scarves sporting the spots. Below are some of my favorite more daring examples.

Latest season of World  Men's fashion is decidedly bold, dapper and sophisticated. The colorful polka dot suit is definitely for the brave Worldly men out there.
Image from World

Style icon Pharrell Williams wears a Comme Des Garcons play polka dot cardigan, not the most macho clothing item, but he makes it work! His cardi makes me happy.
Image from creativeboysclub.com

So for home, her and him there is always a dotty accessory that is perfectly appropriate for the occasion. Even when it fades from the fashion forefront, don’t be afraid to stand by the trend and stand out.

Image courtesy of getinmyhome