Beach Inspired Work Wear at Fashion Week

Last week marked the momentous occasion of my very first Montreal Fashion week! Unsure of how Montreal would compare to the likes of London or Sydney, I have to say I was astounded by the local talent. 

Each of the high energy runway shows presented impressed onlookers with a richly eclectic visual feast. The refreshing designs combined a colourful equilibrium of artful, structural and fluid pieces; in solid block colours and a kaleidoscope of textures, patterns and prints.

One collection that caught my eye especially was 'Body Bag' by Jude Desjardins. Celebrating her 15th year in fashion, Jude's latest creations did not disappoint. Proving she still has 'killer style', the designer sent sexy, surf board yielding, wet suit-clad men sashaying down the runway to compliment her groovy 1960's 'California cool' beach inspired clothing line. 

From office to ocean, her fun work wear aesthetic epitomises urban surfing and perfectly blends a modern casual sensibility with simple sophistication and splashes of beachy charm. The result: bold designs that makes you take notice! A look that I know would be so popular in Australia! 

Check out Jude's designs below. Can you picture yourself in a Body Bag this season? :)

Images Sources:

Body Bag by Jude

Suites Culturelles

Urban Expressions

This season is looking SWEET!

Soft, sweet ice cream coloured pastels are set to be the colour of the season!

Image Source: My Luscious Life

 

Watch this seasons colours literally lighten up with pale pastel hues that are easy on the eye.

 

 

Image Source: 3BP Blogspot.com

 

 Soft sunlight yellows, minty greens, perfect pinks, baby blues and muted mauves are bursting onto the runways and into home decor boutiques.

Image Source: Deny Designs

Sugary shades of pistachio, strawberry, vanilla, lavender or melon are a perfect way to enliven a white room or add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe.

Image Source: Etsy

 

Image Source: Pier 1 Imports

 

Remember pastels work best when teamed with neutrals and can look fabulous against small bursts of brighter colours.

 

Image Source: Design Seeds 

Image Source: Deny Designs 

 

Image Source: Angara Jewelry

 

Image Source: Etsy

 

Image Source: Jayne's Kitschen

 

Image Source: Design Hunter

 

Image Source: The Tao of Dana

  

Image Source: Elle South Africa

 

 

 

Image Source: Desert Companion

  

 

Image Source: Interior Style Design 

 

Image Source: Miss Louie

  

  

Image Source: My Home Design

Image Source: My Home Design

 

 

Image Source: Miss Louie

  

Now you too can create a soft, sophisticated outfit or a sweet, happy home by incorporating some of these lip licking powdery pastel shades and inspired sorbet tones.

 

For more pastel inspiration check out my 'Ice Cream Pastels' Pinterest board.

 Image Source: Tumbler

 

Happy pasteling!

 

Trend Spotting: Marbled Home Décor Swirls into Spring!

Send ripples through your interior
this Spring by 'marbleizing' your home (and wardrobe)!

Dress by Stella McCartney

 

More than just a design trend, the beautiful ancient art of marbling is enjoying a well-received revival this year.

Vase by Caleb Simeon, Swirl rug by Paul Smith, Resin Vase by Room and Board

More popular now than it has ever been before in its 1000-year history, this unique artistic process has continued to evolve and further develop into an infinite variety of patterns and colour combinations that have leapt back into the worlds of fashion and home décor!


 Coasters by Jonathan Adler

Accessorizing with marbleized elements is an easy way to add colour to an outfit or give your home a fresh Spring time boost.


Image source: Smashly Sparkles

 

Now surfacing in the form of accessories such as cushions, lamps, trays, vases, wall paper and art prints, this classic decorative technique combines a kaleidoscope of bright colors, vivid swirls, organic shapes and undulating textures.

  Light fitting by Pia Design

 

Colour Yourself Happy!

 

Image source: Fabulous Mag

 

Create Waves with Colour

 

Umbrella by Paul Smith

 

Go Marbles over Marbled Décor

Clay marble set by ABC Home

 

Tri-Colour Texture, Pattern & Print

 

Print by Destiny Womack

 

Mesmerising Motifs

Kevin O'Keefe throw pillow for ABC Home

 

  Twist & Twirl!

 

Image courtesy of Models.com (find similar wall paper by Paper Mojo)

 
Simply Swirl into Style

 
Lanterns by MC & Co.

Be Playful & Pretty

Dress by Marit Fujiwara, Wall Paper by Paper Mojo

 Go Bold, Bright & Beautiful

Florentine Scatter Cushion available from Etsy

For more information and tips on how to incorporate marbled products into your home visit my column at: Montreal HOME 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaleidoscope of Colour, Pattern & Print!

 

EYEwantCANDY!

 

If you love pattern & prints, then come on a colourful adventure with me through this blog post and celebrate the world of textile design!

 

Invigorate your wardrobe or inject your home with patterns and prints as pretty and playful as you are.

 

 The Bolder & Brighter the Better!

 

 

Image courtesy Self Magazine

 

Explosion of Pattern!

 

Image courtesy Self Magazine

 

 

Dare to be Different!

 

Image courtesy Self Magazine

  

Pop of Colour! 

 

Image courtesy Self Magazine

 

Energize & Enliven!

 

Image courtesy Social Bliss

 

Boastful Blends!

 Prismatic Prints!

 

 

Image courtesy of Pattern People

  

Gorgeous Graphics!

 

 Image courtesy Self Magazine

  

 Lumo Layers!

 

 Image courtesy of Self Magazine via Pinterest 

 

Vibrant & Vivacious!

 

 Image courtesy of Seafolly Australia

 

Colours of the Rainbow!

 

Image courtesy of Alternative Apparel

 

Cheerful & Cheeky!

 

Image courtesy of Novo Shoes

 

Happy, Lively & Fun!

 

 Image courtesy Self Magazine

Fluro Finds!

 

 

 Image courtesy of Self Magazine via Pinterest 

 

Mix & Match

 

Image courtesy of Chi22 London

 

Pretty & Playful   

 

 Image courtesy of Alicia Kristoffersen
 

 Geometry, Line, Form & Shape!

 

 Image courtesy of Pattern People

 

Image courtesy of Nikki Farquharson’s mixed media illustrations

 

Inspirational Resources!

 

If you are seduced by colour, print and pattern just as much as Sarah Woods and I are here at Squeezed Daily, then check out some of the great resources below to keep to you inspired.

 

Spring 14 Print and Color Overview Guide.

Packed full of cutting edge trend insights and features extensively researched directions pulled from fashion, art, architecture, interiors, and nature.

 

  

Print & Pattern Book 1 & 2 by laurence king.

120 designers have contributed 750 illustrations from the world of surface design, pattern, textiles, stationery, and greetings.  

 

 

 Mix magazine is the colour, design and trend magazine that brings you accurate information about colour trends, materials and products in quarterly instalments. 

Printsource Design Show is the main resource surface and textile design collections for the apparel, home textiles and paper goods industries.

 

Until next time, remember to breathe in a dose of beauty and surround yourself with images that exhiliarate and stimulate your most passionate loves.

Life's too short - just be bold, just be happy!