Trend Report: Sport Luxe

It's 2012, and in London we mean business...

Alexander Wang S/S 12

Sportmax S/S 12

Marc Jacobs S/S 12

It’s 2012 and with the London Olympics nearing, it comes as no surprise that Sport Luxe is the trend to watch for SS 12'. A versatile style that can be taken from running track to club dance floor, with only a simple swap of accessories. We might not all be in training for marathons or the big games, but it doesn’t mean we can’t all dress the part. After all, that's the sporting spirit, isn’t it? Think modern silhouettes, acid brights, chic jumpsuits, exposed zips…and that's just the beginning!

When the news leaked of Stella McCartney being appointed Creative Director for Team GB’s outfits (naturally sponsored by Adidas), it became clear that in London, we mean business. Haute couture and the Olympic games; a winning combination to define a whole season of fashion. "The Ultimate Mix of Sport and Style". The predictable has occurred, from catwalk to high-street, sporting inspiration in SS 12' clothing everywhere is undeniable.

Here are a selected few items from Stella McCartney's collection at Adidas that are available for the public to purchase and feel a part of the experience:

 



However, if the gym's not your place of preference but you want to work the season's key trend, then there are many more versatile pieces of sporting inspired clothing floating around many high-street stores and online retailers. Take inspiration from the collections I have put together and get a sense of how to fit the trend around your personal style:

Topshop

Draw stings on skirts and dresses are a running theme through many a Topshop item, as well as runner shorts and printed leggings. A look of simplicity is made aware in the various coloured hoodies, boxy jumpers, crop tops and even joggers in the Jersey range.

ASOS

ASOS has truly pushed the boat out in embracing the trend by releasing a whole "SS/12' Game On" collection of neo sporting articles. Laden with flashes of acid brights,  snippets of mesh detailing, scuba-zips, racer-front vests and heeled hi-top trainers;

 

 

So, for all you fashion fanatics out there, now its your turn. Whether heading to a class of legs, bums and tums or a night clubbing with the girls, there is no excuse to shy away from this season's biggest trend. A look that will truly suit every age, shape and style woman.

Sport Luxe; fashion AND practicality, what more could you want?


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Ombre Hair

A cheap beauty tip to stay on trend without spending a fortune...

The past year or so of fashion has brought about the revival of ombre (or dip-dye) hair. This messy, laid back look consists of dark roots that gradually lighten towards the tips of the hair. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Rachel Bilson and TV presenter Caroline Flack have been spotted sporting the cool yet casual look and in turn, increased the popularity of the hairstyle.

Celebrity Style Spot:

Lauren Conrad

Rachel Bilson

Caroline Flack

Alexa Chung

Shenae Grimes

Drew Barrymore

I, like many others of the female population, am blessed with dull natural hair colour of mousey brown, seeking something to make my hair more enthusing. Some women go darker, dyeing their hair different shades of brown, while others obtain excitement through the implementation of highlights. I was one of the highlighting culprits for many of my teen years.

However, since being a student at university, living on a budget, the upkeep of my hair has sadly become deprioritised. I do not come home often enough to return to my trusted hairdressers, nor can I justify blowing £60+ of my student loan on transforming my mane into a bright blonde but highly unmanageable and dead end ridden fuzz-ball. Thus, my mousey brown locks were neglected.

Consequently, I went through a terrible phase of tragic dark roots. I allowed these to grow further and further down my head, after around 9 months the roots had reached ear level. Summer came, and my natural colour became lighter after a holiday. I then did my junior hairdresser friend a favour by offering to be a hair model, in turn getting a good few inches of blonde cut out of the bottom (for free!). From this point, the complements came flooding in. I was shocked.

In the time I had been neglecting my hair and allowed in to spend the majority of time in a ‘donut’ bun or scruffy ponytail, it had transformed into one of fashion’s hottest hair trends. And it all happened without spending a penny. There are only positives to say about this hairstyle. I have the healthiness and life back in my hair by not attacking it with bleach and tin foil. Yet, still manage to make an exciting look even though, its almost all the dreaded mousey brown!

Ombre – student chic without the price tag!

P.S. This trend is looking to transcend hair salons for Spring Summer 2012 as it is seen on clothing too! Be a part of the fashion phenomenon and get your mits on some of these beautiful items.

Topshop £40

ASOS £20

Miss Selfridge £45

Miss Selfridge £32

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