October | 2013 | Beautiful Plumage.

– style.com
– zone7style
– Hype beast
– Slamxhype
– Selectism
– Freshness
– D’marge

Trend forecasting for smaller brands can be tricky as you often have to pay for vital ‘fashion of the future’ type information. For example, you can buy membership with well known trend analysis website WGSN (many high street brands use this when building their ranges for the next season). Thought it would be nice of me to share a few places to look for some fabulous freebie urban inspiration. The above websites share info about trends in Fashion, Art and Design. Zone7style even has a Vintage archive of designer items from the past (pics below). The websites include men’s and women’s fashions from America, Australia and the UK. Enjoy browsing! If anyone knows of other sites worth checking out, please add to comments below…..

Last Friday I was invited to attend the live blogging event at Cribbs Causeway to cover Bristol Fashion week. The show was fabulous with a high point being a beautiful ballerina dressed in white tutu dancing in the midst of a snow scene. Attending the Fashion Week is a great way to start planning your seasonal wardrobe and there were many items I have already set my heart on! The biggest trends to watch include…

– Red, red and more red! The LRD is replacing the LBD this season so get ready to feel festive.
– Tartan. Even better if red tartan. Checks look great on scarves, skirts, shorts (over leggings), and dresses.
– Faux fur as a luxurious trim to your AW13 coat.
– Elegant tailoring. Sharp black blazers look great with trousers and a blouse for daywear or over an embellished dress for a night on the town.
– Embellishment. Heavily beaded or sequinned dresses add a touch of sparkle and fun to any evening. This trend is said to follow through to SS14.
– Pastel colours. Sweet shop pastels is another design story this winter. Just don’t team with red tartan!