I found tons of colourblock inspiration on Burda. Burda member community is truly awesomeness! And of course, there are millions of retail inspiration as well.

1. Port Elizabeth Variation Top by Mahaila
2. The Panel Dress by ph123
3. Color Blocked Burda September Cover Dress byClio
4. Pop Goes the Anda Dress by Passiona Cottee 
5. Karen Millen Soft Colorblock Dress

And since my biggest wardrobe deficit is tops, a colourblock top had to get on my sewing wishlist. So off I went in search of that Wiksten tank pattern that I had bought after seeing all the fabulous creations in the Wiksten sewing pool.

My attempt was less than fabulous. A lot less.

Yuck… so not pleased with this…

Based on the size chart, I knew that the large would be pushing it for my boobs, so I figured that repurposing some tees should add some stretch to the bustline. And it did that… and so much more… that I didn’t want…

The entire freaking shirt is too big! The neckline is too low, the armholes are too big, the back is wayyyyy too big… ughhhhh! The only time I’m ever this disappointed is when I try on cute clothes in the stores. This was a serious WTF moment for me when I tried this on…

So yeah, back to the drawing board. This ain’t going to defeat me either. Must. Fix. Later.

Abbey 3.0 Sewing Birthday Challenge Status Item 7: Epic Failure!

When I saw these colourblocking boots online at Ax Paris, I immediately knew I had to have them. Now it’s almost two months ago and I still haven’t had them on, haha. I just can’t seem to find the right occasion for it. They sure are beauties but they’re not comfortable at all! Anyway, the blouse is from H&M, the jeans from Bershka and the bag from Primark.

Italian Fashion House, Marni has always been an inspiration for the colour blocking.
Unveiled in Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2012, Marni have exhibited 100 vibrant coloured chairs.
The designed chairs are traditionally originated by Columbia, with the collaboration of Marni’s reinterpretation
of the woven patterns to create a WOW effect on the colour blocking.

I’m amazed with the collection as the chairs are built by Columbia ex prisoners as part of a
rehabilitation programme, assists the ex prisoners back to the social working life.

A little striped summer dress

Madewell

Loose White Tank

Tibi

Pastel or white loose trouser pant

White pants aren’t flattering for everybody, and I’m kind of over them. Which is why I prefer an off white, white, or pastel coloured loose trouser pant right now. You can so much with them and always look classy. These are gorgeous.

Jenni Kayne 

White blazer

Tess Giberson 

Colour block, earth tone wedge.

Wedges are a definite must. Instead of going for black look into something a little different with a neutral colourblock.

Ras

Simple light gold flat sandals

These will go with everything and can be dressed up or down.

Forever 21

Colourful Statement Necklace

Tinley Road

L&L

Here’s a really cute Rebecca Minkoff sandal that fits the seasons’ trends as well as wardrobe staple.

Rebecca Minkoff – Bardot Colorblock Flat Sandal

L&L

 Leval’s nephew: A beautiful reminder

 Sunday afternoons

 My really cool niece

 6am in my backyard

All-star

Aunty Ursula was NOT happy when she remembered halfway to Durban that she had left these

 on Campus

 Mandisa Haarhof as Lena

 Hlope Butchery- the second best shisany’ama in Pietermaritzburg

If you’re STILL colour-blocking, make sure it’s hidden.

My sister’s do who considers himself human

Soon to be changed

 Sunset Highs

 Lunch with my lung

 in ekasi

Lazy Lulu

Oreo and peanut butter

Making a splash

aaaaaand… pose! 

 Phil. 4v13

 Proudly South African

colour block. sooo last season…

The rose that grew from concrete

Pointy Peter Pan Coloured Sleeveless Tops in Colour Blocks

KeyHole Tops

Striped Sleeveless Tank Tops 

Remember to quote ‘ecturtlet’ for 10% discount!

Til the next post! (which is pretty soon!)

for more details of items above, click here

I used to think that Colour Blocking was pretty much the lazy designer’s way of making something “new”. It was just mixing and matching colours, right? wrong. It was about merging design with an eye for colour, & I think these mass retailers above hit the right note with these pieces. I would love to try all of them!

Foxy Platform

colourblock. fuck yea.

I have grown a mad love for colour and actually if you had a flick through my wardrobe 1-2 years back, it would probably be only in shades. Over the last year, I have collected more pieces in varying colours (predominantly the brights) and now with the appropriate weather to colour block (in the southern hemisphere), I have my colours on rotation.

Many may be afraid to colour block but honestly, the bolder and brighter the better. But a  tip is to not over do it , use 2-3 colours .  I sometimes like to put together an outfit with similar colours such as pinks with corals or purples.

I have recently got really into metallic colours / texture (if you can call it that). Metallic golds, silvers, pewters, bronze.

Here is my take on a subtle way to colour block. 

My second look I put together revolves around this amazing dress that is on ASOS.com that I have had my eye on for months. It’s made by Reverse which is an Australian company and they make magnificent cut out dresses (I bought a white one a few months back). But I haven’t managed to lay my hands on this particular one for multiple reasons (o/s for ages, unsure of fit as it doesn’t seem like it has any stretch to it etc..)

Cut outs are a must have whether it’s a top or dress. I’ll do a post later detailing cut outs. And because the dress is black, I personally would add a pop of colour to give it that extra oomph or alternatively if you’re not into the colours metallics are also super cool right now – studs or forms of embellishment (as seen on shoes by Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman) , glitters etc so you could also go that way.

And as you can see both looks revolve around uneven hems – mullet hems are super awesome as it elongates and slimifies (google chrome is telling me it’s not a word but hey) your legs, but it’s what short people need!

So here’s the look:

Hope you have enjoyed this post and I’ll try a few wordy posts here and there!

<3 Michelle 

east57thstreet:

these are just, perfect.

Todays outfit was actually not what I intended to do. I tried to go for pastel, but when I was done, it felt so much not me, so I instead when the other direction and picked out this extremely colourful clothes in yellow and coral. I added a belt in green, a red bag and the colourblocking was almost complete. As I don’t own any colourful shoes, I just took my glittery dreams and added the new ring I bought. The end result? I love it, it is me, but also, way to safe, I am in my comfort zon.

Shirt: HM

Skirt: GinaTricot, actually a shirt

Belt: No brand

Ring: Shop Beau Monstre

Bag: No brand

Shoes: Second hand

This pattern series I am making is for me a trying to break out of my comfort zone. I am sure, many of you have their standard outfits and this is my own. But I wonder, what do you do in order to get out of your “normal” outfits, how is it working for you to try something diffrent?

In a desesperate attempt, I will only mention colour in Diane Von Furstenberg, that’s now under the viewpoint of Yvan Mispelaere. This palette is very refreshing in the context of cold wheather where colour comes alone, friendless. What is admirable about it, is that it still reads as a fall palette, but with loads of desaturated hues.

The other useful feature within a collection were separates at Donna Karan, that were meant for a wide range of figures, even though I don’t think people that suffer from overweight should wear any tipe of shape exclusively, except what they like, they have enough already with the health issues that overweight brings. Only one detail that make me sight with relief, there is hope after all; and that is a fake access of the pocket.

I sincerely hope this boring season served at least as a rest for the designers to stock up energy (and ideas, PLEASE!!) for fall, because they better make it up with splendid collections.

Menswear is here, and it might serve as a relief, or does it?

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Estando tan ofuscada como estoy, no debería estar escribiendo, pero de lo contrario, tiraría la computadora por una ventana. Y entonces, Pre-Invierno: una colección inventada para mantener el interés de la gente, cortesía de la cultura de masas. Esto no significa que tenés que hacer bazofias, sin embargo ese parece ser el caso con la mayoría de los diseñadores y marcas. Especialmente en esta temporada, yo pretendía hacer una reseña, pero me rehúso a poner ningún tipo de esfuerzo en hablar sobre alguien que claramente no lo puso. En el nombre de la sanidad mental, ¿qué pasó en Balenciaga? Está más allá de toda explicación posible. Incluso si no fuera una colección de Balenciaga, seguiría siendo una colección deprimente y sin imaginación, donde lo mediocre sería genial.

En un intento desesperado, y siendo benevolente, puedo mencionar el color en Diane Von Furstenberg, que ahora está bajo la mirada de Yvan Mispelaere. Esta paleta es una bocanada de aire puro dentro del contexto de un clima frío donde el color viene solo, sin amigos. Lo que es admirable es que sigue siendo leída como una paleta invernal, pero con parvas de tonos desaturados.

El otro aspecto útil dentro de una colección fueron las prendas separadas en Donna Karan, que fueron proyectadas para una amplia variedad de figuras, a pesar de que no creo que la gente que sufre de sobrepeso tenga que usar ningún tipo de silueta específica exclusivamente, excepto de lo que quieran, bastante tienen con los problemas de salud que el sobrepeso conlleva. Solo un detalle me hizo suspirar con alivio, hay esperanza después de todo; y es un acceso falso al bolsillo.

Espero encarecidamente que esta temporada embolante haya servido al menos de descanso para que los diseñadores junten energía (¡¡e ideas, POR DIOR!!) para invierno, porque más les vale indemnizarnos con colecciones increíbles.

Las colecciones Masculinas ya llegaron, y pueden servir como un alivio, ¿o quizás no?