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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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 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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The time has come ladies for us to gaze ahead and set our sights on trends for Spring/Summer 2012 – and there are some truly fabulous ones to get excited about!  The Afrocentric trend was seen on the designer catwalks and I love this style as there are so many aspects to it – you can be really creative!

Donna Karen, Burberry Prorsum, Gucci, Missoni and Michael Kors all added their own flare and twist to the trend to create some truly fabulous looks that any fashionista would love to have in their wardrobe.  Traditional references such as animal prints and safari suiting have still been used for inspiration but this season’s Africana also mixes ethnic prints, raffia work, tribal sketches and intricate beading.  Beautiful!

Ethnic Print Tunic, £35.99 from Zara

Anyone can sport this trend as there are so many prints, patterns and styles to play around with – you’ll never get bored.  Leopard print is still a fashion favourite and this season it can be seen adorning flowing cocktail gowns and evening dresses.  Large life size zebra stripes are not just in black and white anymore.  Be daring and bold by sporting a neon design for the ultimate fashion statement. 

Animal Print Open Back Shell Top, £16.99 from New Look

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New Year’s Eve is not just a time for women to dress up and splash out on a fancy outfit for the special occasion; men can also use it as an excuse to purchase a fashionable new outfit to see them into the New Year.

Treat yourself to a chic, stylish suit if you’re going to a big swanky party at a hotel or maybe play it down slightly and team a shirt with a smart pair of jeans.  Either way you want to stay true to your own personal style and remain comfortable throughout the night.

Look One

 Shirt, Was £19.99 Now £12.99

Chinos, £19.99

Jacket, £39.99

Shoes, £14.99

Bow Tie, £7.99

All from H&M

There is still plenty of shopping time left guys so why not head to The Bentall Centre in Kingston for a bit of retail therapy and pick up an outfit if you haven’t found one already.  You could even take your partner along with you, she definitely will not mind, and make a day of it by stopping for lunch or dinner. 

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The Bentall Centre in Kingston is packed full of stylish, adorable clothing and accessories for children that will keep them warm and cosy throughout winter as the freezing cold weather is once again upon us.  There are a number of different stores and brands to browse round for kids of all ages – your little ones will be totally prepared!

Plan a trip to the Kingston shopping centre and have a browse round stores such as Baby Gap, Gap Kids, Polarn O. Pyret and Mothercare to stock up on some gorgeous new winter pieces for your children.  Whether you’re looking for casual knitwear, a coat or a pair of cosy new pyjamas you’ll find everything you need and more at The Bentall Centre plus all the winter essentials for children.  Having the right accessories, such as a hat, scarf and gloves, for your little ones is a must as you don’t want them catching a cold!  Keep the cold out by wrapping up before leaving the house. 

Chambray Puffer Jacket, £45.95 from Gap Kids

Well known stores Baby Gap and Gap Kids have been around for years and never disappoint. 

Warmest Parka, £54.95 from Gap Kids

They stock a variety of clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers and older children and should be on your list of must visit stores at The Bentall Centre. 

Wool Peacoat, £54.95 from Gap Kids

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Embrace the dark side this winter ladies and give gothic beauty a girlie edge with the help of some make-up must-haves.  With the release of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1, vampire luxe is the way forward for this season – be daring and sexy!

Forget bright coloured nails and go for black – chips are not an option for this bold shade though.  Pale skin and cherry gloss lips pair beautifully together and if done correctly will create a stunning dramatic look.  

Switch your liquid foundation for a powder half a shade lighter than your skin tone.  It’s much better for your skin as it won’t clog up your pores as well as making for a more even complexion. 

Team your new paler skin tone with deep, dark seductive lips by flaunting a cherry red or dark purple shade.

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour in Queen of Hearts, £2.99 from Boots

Black eyeliner will also help you achieve a vampy look.  Apply a nude eye shadow then add a thick line to your eyelid.  Complete the look with a baby pink powder blush – it’s the right amount of girlie edge for this look. 

Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner, £3.99 from Boots

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