It is no surprise that animal prints are a favourite when it comes to executing strong looks. Bold prints like leopard, cheetah, reptile and zebra are among the most used in fashion today. For 2011, there’s a whole new micro trend. All types of “animals” are being used as prints, as well used for jewelry. Earlier this year, Miu Miu made an entrance with their “sparrow” printed heel and it seems other designers have followed suit. Fashion has invaded the animal kingdom and I’m liking the bold look this Fall/Winter 2011.

Get high with Miu Miu’s Sparrow Heel.

Zebra Herd Dress ($52), www.needsupply.com

Elephant Earrings ($12), www.urbanoutfitters.com

Charlotte Taylor penguin skirt ($337), www.coggles.com

Givenchy’s “Rottweiler” sweater.
Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny
This summer I’ve taken up a little gardening in my urban patio. I believe fresh plants and flowers do a person good. My love for beautiful and bold flowers extends from the garden to the closet - From ditsy florals to large blooms, floral patterns are a sure hit for the summer. Be bold and wear floral print loud and proud or more toned down in black in white if you want to be a little more tame. I think mini flowers give off a more junior look while larger flowers are more sophisticated. Either way, just be mindful of the type of print you decide to wear - Not everyone is able to pull off an all over printed look.

Not too daring but would like to wear floral? … more …
I love lace details, they’re so romantic and feminine. Nothing really new from a trend stand point - The lace trend has been carried over from 2010. Last years lace was all about being sheer and stretchy, think 80’s apparel and Madonna. For Summer 2011, the lace has more of a antique look and feel, more romantic in my opinion. The fabrics look like a more traditional needle or bobbin lace with a wider net. Once only used for formal attire, lace is now being paired up with causal day wear. Some of my favourite lace pieces this summer:

Talula Betsy Blouse from www.aritzia.com

Penelope Dress from www.oakandfort.com

Lace Tap Shorts from www.shopnastygal.com
All over lace or used just as a trim, it’s a look you can’t skip out on.
Sunny Shum, Footwear … more …
Traditionally, pleating was used to make room in tighter fitting clothes but now it’s used as a design accent. It’s great for giving you more fullness in skirts and dresses and even some blouses. I don’t want to bore you with the terminology of all the types of pleating but, you’ll see more traditional uses of knife and accordion pleating in today’s fashions. Here are a few of my favourite pleated picks:
Pleats give a little more life to this ordinary tank top from www.shopnastygal.com, $38.

This is a must have item for S/S 2011 and I don’t care where you get it from, but be sure to get the look somewhere. A high-waisted full pleated skirt either in a maxi or 3/4 length like this one from www.clubmonaco.com, $125. … more …
The great thing about fashion is that we are able to grab fast fashion at low prices and unique ones for much more and mix and match as we see fit. Either way you look at it, from a $20 skirt to a $2,000 pair of boots, it’s all about getting more for your money nowadays and I am all about stretching my dollar the best I can .
I know when I’m shopping, I am always thinking about all the ways I am able to wear the particular item with the other things in my closet. The more versatile the item is the better chance it has making it home with me. This is why I love convertible fashion, pieces that can be worn two ways or more!

Jewelery … more …