sale alert - it's the new black

I don't know about you, but closing down sales have always caused some inner conflict for this fashion lover. On one hand it's a chance to get our paws on some incredible percentage off savings, but on the other, it means  we have to wave goodbye to what could be our favourite boutique down the road, or in this case, a great Australian online retailer.
It's The New Black have announced final reductions in their closing down sale. Once stocking brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Citizens Of Humanity, Ginger & Smart and White Suede they have been a destination for me for quite some time. But alas, it is to be no more. But enough of the sad stuff and on to the benefits, the sale finds! There are savings from 60 - 85% off to be had, presumably until sold out, so get in quick ladies.
Here are my picks to peak your interest, with all images linked directly to the sale pages. Happy hunting!

Ginger & Smart Trancendent Coat Dress

Reduced from $655.00 to $229.25

Is it a dress, is it a kimono? Who cares?! Made from a glorious mixture of silk, satin and chiffon and featuring fabulous bell sleeves this piece is sure to add some fun in your life.

House Of Harlow Black Cary Sunglasses
Reduced from $149.00 to $59.60
Nicole Richie has designed these classic inspired large black shades with a twist. Featuring a HOH logo on the sides in a bronze colour, they are sure to turn heads. They also come complete with a designer hard case. Look like a modern day Audrey Hepburn for less.

Tigerlily Nude Pitch Dark Loop Drape Dress
Reduced from $179.95 to $62.98
Want to achieve the look of layering without the effort this Winter? Enter this piece of delightful draping from Tigerlily. Made from 100% viscose with long sleeves to keep you warm and press studs running down the front centre it's a brilliantly versatile piece.

Mezi Antique Gold Cuff

Reduced from $179.00 to $71.60

If you can't get enough of the arm party and have been eyeing the metallic trend this season then this is the sale score for you. This stunning cuff has a cut out solid mesh look band with 6 raised hexagon shapes. 

weekend warrior - brown town

I'm not normally one for going all colour colour matchy matchy on you, certainly not lately with so many collections featuring lots of bright colour being placed seemingly haphazardly next to one another. One thing I have noticed though, is that while a lot of this colour we're seeing everywhere is an antidote to the neutral tones that took over for what seemed like years, this doesn't necessarily mean neutrals are gone for good. 

There were plenty of RAFW 11/12 designs featuring soft pinks, pale greys, muted caramels and off whites. LIFEwithBIRD's collection below is a perfect example. 

Celebrities also are also finding it difficult to let go, as you can see here with the gorgeous Dianne Kruger wearing a simply divine Ellie Saab creation from their Fall 2011 collection. 

So, this weekend, you can rest assured that your beloved neutral favourites are indeed still on-trend. For a bit of fun, why not throw in some unexpected colour via a set of drop earrings or other accessory.

weekend warrior - brown town by tessthomson featuring a boyfriend blazer

Knit top
$100 - witchery.com.au

Boyfriend blazer
$130 - topshop.com

Miss Selfridge leather shorts
£65 - missselfridge.com

Pelle Moda leather sandals
$92 - bloomingdales.com

Vintage handbag
$35 - modcloth.com

Kenneth Jay Lane gold tone earrings
$53 - my-wardrobe.com

parading in panama

Mixing prints is officially the trickiest trend of the season and you can expect to hear much more about this from me in the weeks to come. For now, enjoy this little teaser demonstrating how florals and animal prints can actually work together to create epic fierceness. The trick here is not to put these opposing prints right next to each other. Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for the beautiful example Rachel Bilson gave us earlier in the week with her gorgeous leopard pumps and sweet as pie floral blouse.

parading in panama by tessthomson featuring printed tops

Printed top $20 - allyfashion.com

Alice In The Eve lace mini skirt $80 - generalpants.com.au

Luichiny platform wedge $85 - heels.com

Crossbody handbag $70 - witchery.com.au

Samantha Wills turquoise earrings $75 - frockaholics.com

The gorgeous Ms Bilson shows us how it's done

tricky trend - colour blocking

Unless you've been living under a rock all year you would have noticed the exciting shots of colour we've been seeing on the runways, stores and streets for yonks now. If you happen to be one of the unfortunates boding under rocks, I urge you to come out and enjoy the emerging spring sunshine! While colour blocking, or the brights trend has been spotted as an emerging trend on runways as early as 2007, it was a huge element in the recent Royal Australian Fashion Week and is officially on our shores with a vengance. I'm sure it will enjoy a long time in the spotlight so we can look forward to lots of bright summer dresses, wide brimmed hats, sandals and the like in the months to come.

Where we've seen colour blocking: 

RUNWAY COLLECTIONS:

 Alice & Olivia's Resort '12

Josh Goot RAFW 2011

STORE COLLECTIONS:

 J. Crew's "Collection" line

Zara's April "Look Book"

CELEBRITIES:

Camilla Belle

Olivia Palmero

Jennifer Lopez

 Leona Lewis

Olivia Wilde

As you can already see, there are endless possibilities when playing with this new trend which I must say is a breath of fresh air after the waves of neutrals that have been huge the last few years. Fabulous new trends are often borne out of designers' desire to move as far away as possible from the last 'big thing', which is clearly the case here. What I love the most about colour blocking is that it's another truly accessible trend which is to say that all ages, sizes and style personalities can adopt this look whether it's with one bright accessory, a multi-tonal dress or a bright pair of jeans. 

Although totally accessible, mixing brights does have it's difficulties. Here are some simple points to remember when trying out this trend:

Tip #1: Go for contrasting colours for maximum impact. Have a look at this colour circle if you are unsure of what colours contrast with which. Pink contrasts well with bright greens and blue contrasts beautifully with orange.

Tip #2: Choose colours that you already own and that you know suit your complexion. This is especially important for colours on your top half or anywhere near your face. Light reflects colours upward so choose colours that will enhance your complexion.

Tip #3: Keep accessories as well as your make-up look neutral when playing with all over colour to keep the focus on the clothing and avoid the dreaded clown effect.

Tip #4: Avoid too much detail and let the bright colours do all the talking. Streamlined brights is where it's at.

Tip #5: Most importantly - confidence! Confidence really is the key to pulling off any look you like.  

As with all trends you can choose which elements you want to adopt and which you'd rather leave on the benches. If you're loving the rainbow of options hitting the racks, then jump into this trend fabulously heeled feet first by matching multiple colour blocked items for a high impact look. Have a look at my ideas below in the "jump in" collection. If you're more like myself and like to ease into new trends then start with one or two colour blocking items, like the super versatile neck tie blouse or the yellow leather sandals in my "ease in" collection below and mix and match with your wardrobe favourites. If you're up for a bit of colour, but only here and there, then you'll perhaps like my "wet your toes" collection below for the fashionista who prefers one colour at a time, thank you.

(Please note: due to Blogger restrictions you may not see all three collections mentioned directly after this post, if that's the case, click "Older posts" to continue reading.)

Which ever step you take, enjoy this fun new trend which is bringing joy to the masses, one bright colour at a time.

Are you excited about this new trend?

What's your favourite colour?