Top 5 Design & Fashion Trends of 2011

I've been working on my portfolio. It's a slow but steady process. I'm looking for work. While that's been happening, of course I've been searching for inspiration.. looking at the trends, I thought I'd put together a little list for you.

In no particular order, the Top 5 Design & Fashion Trends that I'm noticing right now are:

Numero Uno.

[number one]

Minimalism 

Been around for a while, still in, and honestly I don't think it will leave for a while. There's nothing better than a lovely piece of minimal design (or clothing for that matter). 

Key Idea: Lots of white space, simple typography and limited colour palette

Exhibit A.

Number 2..

Texture

This has also been around for a while but is defiantly up there in the design world. I am especially loving the use of textured background in illustrations and webdesign.

Key Idea: Any type of texture - paper, concrete, material - you name it, we want it!

Exhibit B.

Number Three..

Bold Colour

Colour blocking, monochromatic, the bolder the better. That's where it's at. 

Talking fashion - blue & yellow together. Wouldn't think it, but it works.

But if those brights don't work for you, pale and neutral is coming in strong as well.

Key Idea: Red on Pink, Blue on Yellow. Bold & Bright! Or tone it right down with neutral beiges, dusty pinks or shades of grey.

Exhibit C.

#4..

Big & Tight

Put those magnifying glasses down and step back. The bigger the better - from big titles and icon to chunky knits and oversize sweaters.  2011 is loving super sizing. But not only big, tight as well. This doesn't really fit with the fashion side, but tightening up kerning (that's the space between the letters) is a big hit this year.

Key Idea: Make everything 3 sizes too big! And tighten up those letters.

Exhibit D.

No. FIVE

Handmade

Yep, we all know it. Handmade is the bomb! But not only is handmade killing it on the fashion side, it's totally dominating design as well.  Anything looking handmade from stitched to illustrated, scrapbooked to water coloured... It all works and we all love it.

Key Idea: Make it. Then scan it. 

Exhibit E.

Guest Poster: Meredith from yours, mind & ours

Hey!! I'm very excited to be guest posting today, things over at my blog have been crazy lately so this is a fun diversion:)

Anyway, I'm Meredith and I'm popping in to mention some of my fave ways to be thrifty yet fashion-y. 

1- Clothes swaps: I love clothing swaps!! Getting friends together to hang out while scoring free clothes?? Awesome.

 2- Hand me downs: They're not just for toddlers anymore! I seriously love it when people offer me their clothing cast offs.  It makes my day. I'm cheap and I don't care who knows it!

3- Freepiling: Not everybody has this option I guess, but in our apartment complex we have freepile bins in every laundry room. They're a great way to get rid of things you don't use anymore or get some new-to-you items. Starting a freepile at your church, school or work could be cool too. Try it!!

 Thanks again for letting me stop in!!

Look at Me: It's about time!

I thought it about time to do another post, seeing as it's been a week since my last. I've been here...just haven't been inspired to share anything. I started writing a post but wasn't sure I wan't to share it just yet, so it's in drafts for now... Waiting until I am confident enough to share.

But for now, here's what I wore to church yesterday. 

Dress - Ashley Wilson, Jumper - Saba, Shoes - Dotti, Belt - Loop From David Jones.

Stay tuned because this week, I'm actually going to do some posting! I'm on holidays for the week and have some fun things to share that I've been working on for our little house. Maybe I will do a tour... or, maybe not. Find out! hehe

You may also have noticed the package pals button there ---->

I'm pretty excited about it! I'll share more on that later though.