I always encourage people to shop second hand because it offers the buyer versatility in style. I am not “ANTI’ mainstream fashion, all I want people to do is realize that fashion caters to you! Meaning we should not compromise for fashion. If the dress isn’t what you want then don’t buy it! If you buy it, then adjust it to your taste! Fashion trends are not a requirement, they are tools of the trade for creativity! Etc. Etc… Now, what does all this have to do with that fabulous bag above? Well, it’s the basis of my point. The bag above is from a collection inspired in a way by “DIY” fashion. The design house Fendi recruited stars such as Adele (who created the purse above), Tracey Emin, Cara Delevigne, and others to help design handbags for charity. The sales of these “Peek a Boo” bags will go to a UK-based charity Kids Company, which supports inner city children. I love when fashion helps to improve life beyond clothing. Fendi is embracing the agenda that I’ve been pushing the most… Fashion is YOU! Customization is something that the High End markets are grasping quite quickly. Micheal Kors and Marc Jacobs offers customizable mens watches and now even COACH bags are jumping on board by adding customers initials to their Bleeker Sleek Brief mens shoulder packs. I have a feeling this will become the norm in the future, especially since the 3-D printer is available to the public. I will actually be doing and article on 3-D printers soon; it’s impact on the Fashion industry is remarkable. For now, just bask in the glow of that lovely bag above and remember, YOU make fashion, not the other way around.

Welcome May! I’ve looked forward to your arrival for quite a while now. I don’t miss the winter weather, but I do miss the fashion. Fall 2014 looks and trends analysis will be presented to my reader soon. For now let’s focus on the present, SUMMER TRENDS AND  LOOKS! 

I love summer, and this season my readers can look forward to some creative fashion styling by me along with industry reports, quirky bombshell trend analysis, and a couple of DIY! So what’s in store for my readers in reference to womens wear? Let’s see… tent dresses, printed circle skirts with 1950’s inspired patterns, BOYFRIEND JEANS, and lots more! The vibe of the season is bright, meaning moods will be just as high as the temperatures outside. After reviewing collections last year for summer 2014, I’ve noticed a few consistences. Here are a some of the most popular ones. Tangerine accessories like earrings, bags, and shoes are very popular and easy to style. Gold is definitely the new black, and mangled denim fabric is all the rage on the streets. Styling is easy, it’s all about loose fitted clothing and light weight fabric. Sunglasses are a definite for summer. That’s why cat-eye frames in different colors and patterns are going to be hot. The two strap high heeled open toe sandal is already selling out in stores, and that’s partially due to it’s versatility from casual to formal.

So what about work then? Interestingly enough, the work dress with a short collar in monochrome colors are trending for work and play. Nude shades are seen constantly in ready to wear collections. Shades like beige, tan, brown, sand, and white look great for formal wear, and gives any wearer a chic look. Subtle Pastels are popular for swimwear, and so are v-neck one piece swimsuits. Patterns with bright back drops and fruit prints are popular for fashion and home goods. It’s all about capturing the bright moods of summer.

The youth culture impacts the fashion industry heavily. For them fashion is all about sharing this summer. Once again we give tribute to the 1980’s by wearing matching graphic tee shirts with cartoons and slogans. BEST FRIEND shirts with phrases like “Friends Forever”, “Best Buds”, and “Best Girls” are the go to for this trend. Shirts inspired by social media are hot too. Tees with phrases like “Selfie”, “Like” and just any word with a hash tag in front is making it’s way to Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and other quick fashion retailers. DIY fashion is popular with this market as well. The looks that I’ve seen created by using Bedazzle studs, buttons, and zippers will inspire any fashion enthusiast. Personalized style is always trending!

As you can see, there are many many options to explore in fashion for the month of May. Most of them I will be featuring on my site, but you know what? There is nothing better than transforming them to suit your taste! As for me, I keep it Quirky. QuirkyBombshell.com will always keep you inspired and up to date on fashion.