Autumn/Winter 2012 Trends

The many shades of purple

The wrong shade of purple can be draining but the right tone of purplely goodness can be sumptuously rich and warming on those chilly days and nights to come.

 Alberta Ferretti

 Alexander McQueen

 Christian Dior

Chanel

1940s fur trimmed royal purple rayon gown

1940s berry purple studded rayon dress

1960s lilac lace tunic dress

1950s mulberry velvet cocktail dress

Baroque details

Opulent details were seen everywhere on the catwalk and I for one am delighted, I'm a magpie who definitely believes more is more!!! For a more subtle look add a touch of bling with some key jewellery pieces.

 Oscar De La Renta

Versace

1950s Baroque style green and rhinestone brooch

Ice Blues and Beads

Beautiful for winter, team icy blue with whites and greys to give a startling, cool & crisp look.

 Jenny Packham

 Marchesa

Oscar De la Renta

1960s duck egg blue beaded jacket worn over 1930s white satin wedding gown

Eye Popping Opticals

Personally I'm thinking that this trend which was echoed mostly in a full suit is a little unwearable but if you wear the prints on a little dress you can have all of the drama without all the crazy!

 Miu Miu

 Prada

 Versace

Prada

1960s orange and yellow geometric print shift dress

1960s pink, orange and yellow optical print dress

Hot and Sultry Reds

Ah, one of my favourite trends which loves to stalk the runways in a striking vision of hotness!

 Lanvin

 Marchesa

 Zac Posen

 Christian Dior

Zac Posen

1950s fiery red wool wiggle dress

1950s large rhinestone brooch

A Touch of Noir

As long as Anna Wintour has anything to say about it black will always be in! Of course, we are thankful, who doesn't have a 'go-to' black number in their wardrobe. Don't be afraid to update though with a full skirt, lace, or 1940s silhouette.

 Christian Dior

 Dolce and Gabanna

 Marchesa

 Christian Dior

 Zac Posen

Christian Dior

1940s black taffeta structured pencil dress

Collar detail

1950s ruffled hem Suzy Perette prom dress

Jet black beaded drop waist gown

I love looking at what the catwalk shows have to offer but you can get completely lost in them though as their are hundreds of shows from designers showcasing Ready to Wear, Couture and Resort collections. Some of my favourites were Zac Posen, Christian Dior and Oscar de la Renta. Here are a few more of my favourites. Don't they just scream 1940s and 50s!

 Christian Dior

 Christian Dior

 Zac Posen

Christian Dior

Christian Dior (mmmm yummy!)

 Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

All Aspects of Aspect Photography

As we here in Dirty Fabulous Towers wait with bated breath for the official photographer images from Caroline and Peter's extraordinary nuptials, I thought I'd do a little spotlight post on the work of the very lovely, and incredibly talented, Mr. Shane O'Neill from Aspect Photography .

I was first introduced to Shane at, my very close friends, Dom & Katie's wedding two years ago. He was an absolute pleasure to have around on the day, and slipped in seamlessly to the hectic excitement that exists on the morning of a wedding and throughout the day. When I saw the images from the day, I, along with everyone else, was blown away. His attention to detail, composition and artistic flair are breathtaking.

 When I joined the Dirty Fabulous team I came to know Shane's editorial work, as he collaborated on various shoots featuring our vintage pieces.

Pearl, Sarah and Shane share a unique approach and their collaborations just make me swoon!

 A small selection from the Porcelain Tale shoot;

Cast your eye over these eerie old school polaroids

A sweet Dirty Fabulous cardi!

And this one from a gorgeous alternative wedding

Shane has won many awards in recent months. The list is too long to include in this post, but please take a look  >here< to see some of his exceptional shots that have helped him become the second highest ranking photographer with the Artistic Guild of the WPJA 

If you're looking for a photographer for your special day, or perhaps for commercial or personal portraits,  then I can't recommend Aspect Photography highly enough. Just read some of the lovely things his previous clients have said.

I could go on and on and keep adding more wonderful  images but I'll restrain myself, that is until we get the photos from the Dirty Fabulous wedding of the year! Then expect an equally lengthy post on all things wonderful, artistic and creative!

Do click through to the Aspect Photography Blog and take a look through Shane's ever-growing body of work.

Just two more of my favourites! I can't resist...

It's the light, the colour and the little moments captured, just gorgeous.

Breffni