'Trendspotting'

Going Tribal in Harper's Bazaar

From a sartorial sojourn in the desert, to a mixed-media-project turned-necklace, the season’s latest trends experiment with different textures, new prints and unexpected color combinations.

Read the Small Print

Whether it’s polka dots paired with stripes, or animal prints worn with tye dye – it’s a lesson in how opposites attract. The mismatching appeal lies in the fact that the end result (when executed properly) appears so effortless, so casual and cool.

Start small by investing in a bold print with a surprising drape: this BCBG silk dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($378) features a colorful print with a series of draped panels that fall at an asymmetrical hem. Opt for subtle prints in light colors like yellow and pink in classic shapes for the office. Play it safe with an all neutral pairing of prints and create instant contrast with a colored accessory.

BCBG Print Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue

But for the more daring: Take a print and wear it in two bold colors. Go for a never-before-seen animal with tye dye print like the Diane Von Furstenberg sheath dress seen earlier this season. Only make sure that the tone always suggests the same – edgy prints for an edge, feminine prints for softness, understated prints for a modest look.

Desert Tribe

Venture to the African savannah or tough it out in the urban jungle with earthy tones, light fabrics and natural accents.

The colors are warm and rich: military greens, khaki, browns, reds and oranges. The warm shades balance out any strong graphic prints. Fabrics like linen and cotton gauze keep you cool, and denim in faded washes keep you comfortable. Look out for cargo pants, harem pants, denim vests and safari jackets.

Miguel Ases earrings

Accessories and jewelry often incorporate natural stones and animal skins. This Native American-inspired set of dangle earrings by Miguel Ases ($168 above), for example, uses coral with glass beads and leather for added visual appeal. A cross-body bag might come with fringe. A Panama hat comprised of woven straw would be perfect for a day at the beach.

Mixed Media

Take a closer look at a Dannijo necklace and you will find a piece of jewelry made up of not one, but several different elements: examples are metal, wood, beads, satin and lace. This isn’t an arts and craft project, but a good example of the direction in which most jewelry designers are now again heading.

Mixed media at Dannjio

For the bohemian, jewelry takes a recognizable animal motif (elephant, snake, bird) and might include a bracelet using chains, beading, enamel and metal fashioned in the likeness of that animal. An appliqué- heavy bib necklace might use lace, velvet and beading for a romantic allure.

That single strand necklace with tiny pendant? Too simple. Too dull. Not enough creativity!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of trend-fashion-beauty.blogspot.comsaksfifthave.com; shopbop.com; dannijo.com

'You're Out!'

Just like the umpire yells, “You’re out!” in baseball, these trends have struck out for 2010.

In continuation of the last post, here’s what I have to say about msn.com’s verdict of ‘What’s Not’:

Exploring Your Dark Side – Out

The sight of dark furniture and wood floors reminds me of my mother, who years ago replaced most of the living room, kitchen and dining room with deep, crimson-colored cabinets and drawers and near black granite tabletop. She had wanted the rooms to match the dark, Victorian furniture she has acquired from an elderly friend. And although the antique furniture was in excellent condition – to me, the new décor seemed more dated than regal.

Design consultant Remignanti predicts that the appeal of dark woods have lost its luster among customers. People now look for lighter hardwood floors and goods in lighter colors, he says.

As the typical optimist, my thoughts: It’s about time we all look on the bright side.

Faking It ‘Till You Make It – Out

We’ve talked about how "Eco is your friend" and about "Going Green before. This is not new territory. So why do you have those fake silk flowers on your end table? Get rid of them!

Whether it’s tending to your own indoor garden or keeping house plants, nature is the best way to spruce up your indoor/outdoor décor. Have a bare corner in a room and not sure what to do with it? Add a floor plant for instant texture and substance.

Natural motifs in textiles, fibers and furniture design are also finding its way indoors. And those silk flowers – they are getting the eviction notice.

Old World Charm – Out

It might be lavish, tufted chairs in damask or the embellished trimming on the drapes that elicits that ‘Old World Charm’ in your home. But that ‘Old World Charm’ is now frankly just plain old.

When the economy falters and a recession sweeps over a nation, most people re-prioritize. Downsizing first becomes a necessity and then, it becomes a lifestyle change. We want uncomplicated furniture in light colors and clean lines to reflect our simpler, upbeat and less stuffy lives.

That 'Old World Charm' is out.

A décor editor named Carmen Natschke summed it up for msn.com like this: “When people are stressed, they simplify.”

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of raftertales.com; msn.com; www.dynamodecor.ca