Pantone, the global authority on colour, recently revealed the PANTONE Fashion Colour Report 2012 which is a complete overview of designers’ use of colour in their upcoming collections. 

The report features the top 10 colours for women’s and men’s fashion for fall 2012, designer sketches, quotes and headshots – everything a fashion lover needs to know for the next season!

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said:

“By playing to consumers’ practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone.” 

A lot of people may be thinking what this Fashion Colour Report is and what makes it so important in the world of fashion. 

The colours featured in it are picked from the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Colour System which is the most widely used and recognized colour standards system in the world. 

For every season Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to collect and put together feedback on prominent collection colours, colour inspiration and colour philosophy. 

With all this information the PANTONE Fashion Colour Report is created!  It makes for a handy and vital reference tool throughout the year for fashion enthusiasts, reporters and retailers.

The top colours for women’s fashion for fall 2012 are:

PANTONE 19-4056 Olympian Blue

PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango

PANTONE 18-5338 Ultramarine Green

PANTONE 17-4014 Titanium

PANTONE 15-1142 Honey Gold

PANTONE 18-2133 Pink Flambé

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Who needs London Fashion Week this season when The Bentall Centre in Kingston is holding their own amazing Fashion Week! 

The days will be packed full of tips and advice on clothes, accessories and make-up making it a worthwhile event to attend – you do not want to miss out!

Starting on Monday 20^th February 2012 there will be plenty of events and activities taking place throughout the shopping centre including amazing fashion shows, demonstrations and free makeovers by bareMinerals, Clinique and Clarins.

Plus top London modelling scouts from Models 1 are back so dress to impress guys and girls!

Popular make-up brand bareMinerals will be holding make-up demonstrations throughout the day on Monday 20^th February, introducing you to new techniques and products.  You’ll pick up some handy tips which will help broaden your beauty knowledge – definitely worth attending!

Tuesday 21^st February will see the return of fashion stylist Jo Wilson who will be running a capsule wardrobe event, incorporating the hottest trends for 2012.  This is a great opportunity for you to discover new techniques of how to make the most out of your wardrobe.  Once you have some fashion inspiration you can then do a bit of retail therapy afterwards.

More gorgeous make-up demonstrations will take place on Wednesday 22^nd February from premium make-up brand Clarins.  They’ll be showcasing their latest collections and techniques for achieving perfect skin for this SS12.  Find out what looks are hot for this season and you’ll be a make-up master in no time! 

Make-up brand Clinique will be offering free makeovers and demonstrations on Thursday 23^rd February letting you shoppers know what their latest skincare and make-up collections are.  A day full of lovely pampering – what every woman loves!

The beauty fun continues into Friday 24^th February which will have Panacea Health & Beauty introducing Weleda Skincare and their number one selling product ‘Skinfood’ as promoted by London Fashion Week.  A great chance to stock up on some must-have beauty products for this season.

Top London modelling agency Models 1 is back on Saturday 25^th February and their best model scouts will be on the look out for the next big model – could this be you? 

The Bentall Centre will also be hosting a fantastic fashion show fusing all of the top brands from within the centre with cutting edge dance routines.  Shows will be taking place every half an hour from 11.30am to 5pm so be sure not to miss it.  A great way to end Fashion Week in Kingston!  

An apple shape isn’t the easiest figure to dress but it is achievable.  Your tummy is bigger than your bust plus you have a flat bum.  The good thing though apples is that you have good legs and ankles – your definite strong points!  You need to embrace your figure ladies before you tackle a bit of retail therapy and once you do your confidence will sore and you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about.

Apple shapes may think that the best thing to do is cover yourself up with loads of fabric but this will work against you.  Be proud of your beautiful curves and take note of these handy tips and advice so you’ll know what styles are best for your shape.  The Bentall Centre in Kingston is home to a range of amazing stores, full of pieces to flatter your figure and enhance your strong points so once you know what will look good on you, a shopping trip should be in the near future.

You should avoid shapeless garments completely as they will do your apple shape no justice.  Stay away from tight or big square neck t-shirts, high-waisted trousers, pleated waists and puffa jackets too as they will do the opposite of what you want to achieve.

Tops which are tight under your bust are the best styles for you.  They should also skim out over your tummy which will give you a fantastic shape – extremely flattering for apples.  Small sleeves will also cover your upper arms giving you the right amount of coverage.  Ruched in the middle t-shirts are ideal for you too as they will disguise your tummy.  Wide neck styles will break up the size of your bust and should also be long enough to comfortably cover your stomach.  Perfect!

A long sleeved shirt which goes in under your bust will make the ideal work wear piece.  Open front styles are ultra flattering for apples – just stay clear of ones which button all the way up to the top.  These are a big no-no! 

Dresses which have a wide neckline and fits under the bust will guarantee that you look amazing!  They should end just above or below the knee though depending on whether you are short or tall – this also applies to skirts.  Flat fronted designs are ideal for apples as you don’t want to add bulk to your stomach.  Box pleats are a lovely feminine detail too but should start below your tummy.

The best trouser style for an apple is flat fronted with a deep waistband.  Wide leg designs won’t cling to your tum, bum or thighs either, allowing you to look amazing whilst feeling comfortable.

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When it comes to Royal Ascot, there is always confusion about the dress code.  This well known sporting and social event brings together the fashion fabulous and dressing accordingly for it is part of the whole experience.  The dress code has been recently unveiled to help people attending this year understand what consists of appropriate attire for the formal occasion. 

Style has always been a big part of Royal Ascot, taking place from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd June this year, where men and women get to dress to impress whilst viewing the best racehorses in the world.  It is the centrepiece for most people in the British social calendar so wearing the right clothing and accessories is extremely important and what makes this occasion so special.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said:

“We have worked extensively with experts in the world of fashion to define better what formal dress means, with the overarching intention of being as helpful as possible to our visitors and assisting everyone in understanding what is expected and, we believe, cherished about the dress code at Royal Ascot.  It isn’t a question of elitism and not being modern in a world where there is less and less requirement to dress smartly – far from it. We want to see modern and stylish dress at Royal Ascot, just within the parameters of formal wear, and the feedback we have received from our customers overwhelmingly supports that.”

For the Royal Enclosure, ladies are required to wear formal day wear.  Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer and straps on dresses and tops should be one inch or greater for modesty.  Midriffs must also be covered.  A suitable cover up can be a jacket or pashmina – you can still look good even if the weather is cold.  If dresses aren’t for you then opt for a stylish trouser suit.  They should be full length though and the material and colour must match.  Hats are a must as well.  As an alternative, a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable.  Unfortunately, fascinators are no longer allowed in the Royal Enclosure. 

The same rules pretty much apply to women in the Grandstand Enclosure.  A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be worn at all times and ladies should dress in formal wear.  Trousers can be worn, but have to be full length, and cover ups such as jackets and pashminas are allowed.  Clothing which is not permitted in the Grandstand Enclosure are shorts, strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops plus midriffs must be covered too.

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It’s not just the fashion trends which get noticed at catwalk shows these days.  Behind the scenes, make-up artists create beautiful looks to help compliment the clothing.  For spring a mix of old and new were fused together resulting in a gorgeous blend of vintage and modern creations – the perfect statement for this season.

From rouge lips to futuristic glittery eyes and natural tones to modern cat eyes there were plenty of looks to keep beauty fanatics on their toes!  Lipstick’s most iconic colour was reinvented this season – red!  Who knew there were so many endless ways to wear this dramatic shade? 

No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Siren, £10.00 from Boots

A range of inspirations were used to create these fabulous makeup looks including pop art expressionisms, art deco experimentation and Betty Draper-style elegance.  A variety of rouge lips was seen on the catwalks of Rick Owens, Christian Dior and Jason Wu.

Fashion Flare Finishing Lipstick in Nouveau Riche, £16.35 from Boots

There is definitely an old Hollywood glamour vibe when it comes to a red lipstick.  It’s a very classic, vintage-esque look and there are so many ways to wear it.  For a sultry evening look opt for a dark chocolate or metallic red – the perfect statement piece.  If you want to go more subtle though then team nude eye shadow shades with red lips putting all the focus on your gorgeous pout.  A girly look can be achieved with blush lips and lids or you could even go for a matte shade red if you’re not a fan of glosses.

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The pear is quite a common body shape for women.  It means you are bottom heavy having a small bust, but wide hips and heavy thighs.  Don’t let this put you off shopping and finding items to help flatter your figure though ladies as you still have many redeeming qualities.  A “pear’s” arms are usually quite toned plus you have a tiny waist and flat stomach – lucky! 

Balancing out your top half with your bottom half is the trick to dressing your pear shape.  You may feel insecure about your thighs but there are ways around this problem area and once you know what items of clothing will help, your confidence will sky rocket!

Pears should definitely stay away from mini dresses and skirts – you don’t want to bare your legs above the knee as it will do nothing for your thighs.  Ankle straps on shoes are the wrong style for you too.  They will create the illusion of shortening your legs which is the opposite to the look you want.  Pencil skirts and skinny jeans are also out the window.  Instead opt for long shorts, flared skirts and wide leg trousers.

Shrugs or a fabulous jacket will help draw attention to your top half as they’ll broaden your shoulders.  A belted coat is also ideal for pear shapes as it puts focus on your lovely waist then flares out over your thighs.  This will give you an amazing shape, balancing out your proportions.

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The hourglass is the shape most women dream of having.  Blessed with gorgeous curves and a tiny waist, hourglasses are pretty much perfectly proportioned.  As you’ve got such a womanly figure you want to embrace your femininity and stay away from clothes that will swamp your shape as you also have a big bust and hips.  You’ll find all the clothing and accessories that will compliment your curves at The Bentall Centre in Kingston so why not treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy.

If you struggle to find the right clothes for you then have no fear!  There are ways to enhance your best bits and hide your body insecurities allowing your confidence to grow.  Once you know which styles suit you, shopping will no longer feel like a chore but a fun experience.

Hourglasses should stay clear of items with too much frill, flounces and bow detailing as big decorations and excess fabric will add weight and volume – not what you want.  Flat clumpy shoes and pointed stilettos will also shorten your legs so opt for cute round toe styles to go with your curviness.  Peep toe shoes are also another great option.

When it comes to knitwear, deep v-neck style cardigans are best you for.  They will give you an amazing shape and are versatile items to have in your wardrobe.  Dresses which lift your bust and elongate your waist will help enhance your curves instead of hiding them.  Draped sleeve detailing is an ideal finishing touch as it adds a hint of elegance to outfits.

The t-shirt style which is best for an hourglass are those with a wide neckline as they won’t swamp you – comfortable but you’ll still feel sexy.  If you wear a lot of shirts to work but find it difficult to find the right cut for your shape then the answer is this – choose a shirt where the buttons don’t go all the way to the top.  The trick is to leave your neckline open as it will give you a more flattering shape – simple!

Pencil skirts are oh-so-perfect for hourglasses!  They are super flattering, exaggerating the curve from your hip to your knee – you definitely need one in your wardrobe. 

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Peplum styles are huge for Spring/Summer 2012, putting all the focus on your lovely waist!  It is a perfect trend for enhancing curves and creating a gorgeous hourglass silhouette so is sure to be a massive hit across the country.  I’ve already nabbed a floral peplum top from H&M and I love it - looks great worn with my black skinny jeans and heels!

Yumi Spot Mesh Peplum Dress, £42.99 from New Look

Seen on the catwalks of Alexander McQueen, Jason Wu, Marchesa and Vera Wang, each designer had their own unique take on the peplum.  Futuristic styles saw dramatic chrome designs, with white and mesh giving the trend a modern feel.  Femininity was evoked in romantic peplum styles that were layered with lace or pretty frills.  Stunning when worn in the evening or to special occasions.  Gothic glamour continues into the new season as peplums were given a dark twist to create some dramatically beautiful creations. 

Lace Top with Frills, £29.99 from Zara 

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Getting back to normality after having a baby might be challenging for new mums.  Your confidence may have dropped slightly due to your changing body shape or you may just be too tired to even think about clothes.  This is where a capsule wardrobe comes in handy! 

Looking good on the outside will help you feel better on the inside too and I sometimes feel that a new set of clothes can give anyone a confidence boost!

So what is a capsule wardrobe some of you might be thinking? 

It is a collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks for different occasions – extremely versatile!  A good way to start is to go through your existing wardrobe and get ride of anything that no longer fits you or that you haven’t worn in ages. 

Your body shape may have changed slightly since becoming a mum so it’s nice to start fresh sometimes.

Choosing pieces to be in your capsule wardrobe might seem a little daunting, but once you get into the swing of it you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about!  You want to be able to create looks for casual wear, day, work and evening, incorporating some of this season’s hottest trends, and The Bentall Centre in Kingston will help you achieve this. 

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Most girlfriends and wives might find it a struggle every year to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their partner.  I don’t know about you ladies, but I tend to find buying presents for guys a challenge – especially when it comes to romantic gifts. 

You may worry that the gift you’ve bought for him is too soppy and not ‘manly enough.’  Flowers and chocolates are usually bought for us girls – so what do we get him?!

Joshua Silk Tie, £20.00 from Oliver Bonas

Well fret not ladies as there is no need to panic!  Taking a trip to The Bentall Centre in Kingston will solve all your gift buying problems thanks to the amazing variety of stores to browse round.  

Nano Crown Leather Bracelet, £82.00 from Swarovski

If you want to get him jewellery then stick to something simple that fits in with his personality – don’t go too crazy with the style choice. 

A stylish tie or cufflinks make lovely gifts for men who aren’t afraid of fashion.  They can be used all the time or be saved for special occasions.  

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