Trend Analysis

As part of my FCP course we have been given the task to look at current trends for AW15. We were given womenswear and decided that our sub category would be outerwear.

After we found out what our category was we split up and over the weekend collected all the research we could about what was in trend for outerwear. We looked on websites such as WGSN to see what they had predicted, looked in fashion magazines to see what they are featuring in their editorials and anything else we could get inspiration from.

In the next seminar we put all of our research together and tried to group the information to see if there were any links between them, such as colour, particular silhouette or materials that were being used.

The three main trends we had grouped together were fur, camel and long line coats.  We then created names or slogans that we thought associated with our trends, the fur trend was called ‘Feel the Fluff’.

Next we are going to see if we can find these trends in retail.

TOPSHOP X BPAY

I received a promotional email this week from Topshop, as I do most days it seems, expecting to be shown all the new looks for the Christmas party season or an array of outerwear, but I was surprised when I saw the subject was 'More reasons to go contactless'.

Topshop have linked up with BPAY to create a new and exciting way to pay with your phone case, key rings, wristbands and stickers.

I am impressed with Topshop as they are obviously trying to keep their brand up to date with new technologies and take their consumers with them. All the prices for the items seem quite reasonable as well, perfect stocking filler?

I will be interested to see whether this takes off and people really start to use accessories to purchase everyday items or if people will see this as a gimmick. Maybe we will start seeing more high street brands try and get technology into their jewellery or even clothing.

Clip In Man Buns...Really?

Man buns, love them or hate them the trend for men to experiment more with their hair is here and this might just be the start!! 

I saw an article on Grazia Daily about how the popular email subscription website Groupon were selling man buns. The Groupon blurb was very tongue and cheek but seeing as over 5000 people have purchased one and the item has a 5 star rating maybe the appeal of an instant style update for men has the same attraction as hair extensions for women, aren't they really the same concept? A quick change of image and you can take them out as quickly as you put them in. 

If you want to read the article itself and see how great the man bun really is here is the link: 

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/beauty/hair/clip-in-man-buns-sold-on-groupon-20151157538

I then saw another article related on the same website about the 'Man Braid'. Another new style that men can experiment with. Apparently the trend started on Instagram and if you search #ManBraid you can find some serious inspiration for your own locks or a male friend who wants to get in on the new trend. At first I feel people might not be too keen on the idea, but personally I think its great that men are being inspired and encouraged to try new styles and step out of their comfort zones. Women are always being told to mix up their styles and not to be afraid to colour clash or wear that neon fur coat that is 'totally in style this season' so why can't men? 

Again I will leave the link below so you can have a read and don’t forget to have a bit of an insta stalk by using #ManBraid. Who knows what kind of braided creations you will find.

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/beauty/hair/man-plaits-hair-fashion-trend-man-buns-over-20150953916

Another hashtag to have a look on if you are a fan on the man bun is #manbunsofdisneyland. This particular craze focuses on sharing pictures of handsome men, sporting a man bun, in a Disney park with their children. This might not be your cup of tea, but social media have been going crazy for this. The Manbunsofdisneyland instagram page has over 61 thousand followers. Is it safe to say we haven’t quite got over this trend?

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/hot-topics/trending/man-buns-of-disneyland-instagram-account-20150851200

Favorite Bloggers and YouTubers

I've been reading blogs and subscribed to YouTubers for quite a while now so I feel I have some good recommendations to get some inspiration from or just empty your bank account when you see and hear all the lovely new things you 'definitely need'.

Viviana Does Makeup 

http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com

Lily Pebbles 

http://www.lilypebbles.co.uk

Amelia Liana

http://amelialiana.com

Chriselle Lim 

http://thechrisellefactor.com

Claire Marshall

http://www.heyclaire.com

Clothesencounters

https://www.youtube.com/user/clothesencounters

Deliciously Ella

http://deliciouslyella.com

Cupcakes and Cashmere

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

Lexi A-N 

http://www.fashionfilth.com

Lisa Eldridge 

http://www.lisaeldridge.com

MelSoldera

https://www.youtube.com/user/MelSoldera

Mimi Ikonn

http://www.mimiikonn.com

Patricia Bright 

http://patriciabright.co.uk

Sunbeamjess

https://www.youtube.com/user/sunbeamsjess

TheLineUp

https://www.youtube.com/user/thelineupjm

Tijan Serena 

http://www.tijanserena.com

Buy Now, Blog Later

http://www.buynowbloglater.com

I have linked to either their main blog or youtube page but from there you can find all links to their social media, you can have a major follow spree on Instagram! 

Exploring Nottingham

As I have recently moved from a small village just south of Birmingham to the city of Nottingham I wanted to explore the city and see what it offers, and of course what the shops are like!

Back home I am known for having a fringe and it takes quite a lot of upkeep so I needed to find somewhere in the city for me to go and get it cut. A few days earlier when I was on my way back from the NTU Boxing club I have joined I noticed a hairdressers called Jazz Hairdressing. The salon looked lovely so I took down the number and booked an appointment. The staff were incredibly friendly and I will definitely be going back. 

After I had finished in the salon I noticed a Sweaty Betty store. I had only been on their website to look at their gym wear, but had never been in a store. (I found out the Nottingham store is the only on in the Midlands.) I went in and started looking at the clothes and got chatting to the sales assistants. They told me about the membership club they had where you could sign up for free exercise classes in the store. I thought this would be a great place to meet new people and try some new fitness classes out.

That evening as a flat we decided that we should go out and get cocktails with the flat next door. We went to the Orange Tree as it is close to our accommodation and we went on our course the first week. There was a really good atmosphere and they had a great selection of drinks. 

Current Trends AW15

I have recently been looking at current trends which I can buy specific key items to add to my wardrobe to keep it up to date. Were just getting into the Autumn season so all the high street stores are just getting in their colder season stock.

I went home to Birmingham this weekend to visit family and obviously a trip to the Bullring was on the cards! My focus was to find a fur gilet, some jumpers and some basic tops for layering.

The key colours I was seeing were khaki green, maroon/ brown, tan/camel and dark greys especially in knit wear. I managed to find a couple of items including a green fur gilet with a brown suede tie round the waist.

For a recent research project I found that leopard print is a very current print trend in garments and accessories this season, so I decided to add a touch of this print to my outfit with my shoes.