Thursday, March 24, 2011

What's Trending Now?

City Garden from our annual 2011 Trend Intelligence(tm) guide, a perfect color and style trend for spring.


The concept of “going green” has evolved from a trend into a way of life. People are returning to a simpler time by changing the way they eat, clean, and shop. Labels like “local” and “organic” are important to consumers, as they are more interested in where their products are coming from and how they are made. This sentiment is becoming more and more important in the city, with the presence of farmers markets, the upswing of parks and public spaces, and the obsession with everything vintage.


In fashion, recycled metals are being made into chic jewelry and belts, paired with light and airy fabrics. Textiles are being dyed with vegetables such as beets and eggplant. Patterns and textures representing nature are found on the street and on the red carpet. A major trend in home décor is upcycling, taking the old and making it new, and when this isn’t possible, creating something new that speaks to the past. Retro chairs are refinished and paired with a reclaimed wood table. Plants are used to create an oasis amidst an inner city backdrop.


In Christmas décor, these same ideas hold true. Decorations are made from old or recycled items and scraps of unused fabrics. Ornaments represent nature in a modern, city-living kind of way. Trees are made from uncommon materials and are showcased as an art installation, while wrapping papers channel the past with their retro patterns.

Shop this trend with popular gardening keepsakes at gloriaduchin.com

Monday, March 7, 2011

Precious Metals


Striking silvers and golds hit the red carpet at the 2011 Oscars ceremony. Halle Berry, Michelle Williams, Hilary Swank and other leading ladies decked out in form-fitting metallic gowns accented with jewels and feathers.

One thing you'll notice in the People Magazine photo above is the metallic hue of choice is predominantly silver. I think this is a trend that will continue through the year as silver gains its reputation for being the sleeker, shinier, more glam metal. Paired with bold colored accents, gems or sequins, silver looks rich and glamorous.