Phew, after a long festive break i'm back to posting, and I've made some predictions for what the catwalks might produce in 2012. Some i'm looking forward to, others, not so much! I have to say at least it'll be a massive relief from neon colour blocking and jumpsuits. I'm sure nothing can be more hideous and less wearable than they were! I know this isn't a "we follow the catwalk like mindless drones" kind of blog, but I think it's important to know what's going on. Even if you have your own personal style, the catwalk dictates what's available in the shops for you to make it.

1. The 20's

As long as the world doesn't end, then Baz Luhrmann is due to release his take on The Great Gatsby in December 2012. Luhrmann already had a massive influence on the creative industries when he released Moulin Rouge, Romeo and Juliet, and Australia, so surely his mass of costume and beauty in this film will be no different.  The picture above of Gemma Ward certainly gives us a hint doesn't it? I really don't mind wearing this look at all. I'm happy as long as I'm covered in sequins and sparkle! Plus we've already seen designers like Etro and Anna Sui take on the flapper girl recently.

2. The 30's

Madonna has always been one of the leading ladies of fashion, but now she's about to release a film called W.E., which tells the story of King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne of England to marry socialite Wallis Simpson. The film is set in 1937 and the costumes are produced by Adrienne Phillips, who designed many of the costumes on Madonna's tours.

3. Florals (Again.)

When I opened the pages of Vogue's 2012 trend report yesterday, I almost deflated when it had a page dedicated to florals. It felt like a Deja Vu. I mean, hasn't this been happening every spring for the past 5 years?? Yeah spring does make me feel flowery and fond of pastel colours, but I wish they'd at least try and deviate; maybe last year could've been giant flower prints, and this year could be 3-D flower embellishments, but no, it's just print print print chiffon chiffon chiffon.

4. Vintage Americana

I fell in love with the most recent Prada collection. Dresses printed with 50s roadsters, and shoes with flames, wings and tail lights. I'm such a sucker for kitsch, tasteless, novelty fashion. If I had a couple of hundred pounds just lying around I would totally stock up on every style of these shoes, but alas I don't. -cry- Anyways, anything pre-1980s is good in my books. So this is another trend I'm happy for.

The Lowdown
With designers such as Chanel, Hermes, and Issey Miyake embracing sheers, it's hard to to dispute them, despite the fact its winter. Sheer trends tend to mix feminine and edgy, giving your look a difference but without being too bold. 


How to Wear it
It's easy to go overboard with sheer, and it's even harder to decide how to wear it over winter. The best plan of action is to team it with s similar colour in a solid opaque fabric with little detail. For example, mix a sheer pussy bow blouse with skinny black leather pants, or for winter warmth, layer a wool jumper with a long chiffon scarf.

The Best of it
We love Urban Outfitter's collection of sheer garments, and here's our top picks;