This year has brought us the London Olympics, the birth of Hip-Hop royalty, Blue Ivy and the Apple iPhone 5. As this year is coming to an end…and the world apparently, what better way to look back at such a momentous year than a round-up of all the popular trends and celebrity stories.
Trends:
Sportswear
Nike Blazers, or trainers, in general, are actually cool again, no longer are they the quintessential chav attire. Popularised by Rihanna, Rita Ora and Jessie J, we have seen more and more celebrities donning their sports gear and enjoying the more comfortable choice of footwear. If you want the get the look, Nike Blazers are actually quite easy to get a hold of, available in Schuh, Footlocker and other good sportswear retailers. They start at around £50 and you’ll be wearing them all year round, in the club and the gym.
Creepers
Who remember the days when these shoes just looked plain weird?
Originating in the 1950s, Brothel creepers were the go-to shoe for Teddy Boys and their drainpipe trousers and bouffant-quiffs. Fast-forward to late 2011, early 2012 and these crazy shoes have re-emerged. I think it has something to do with Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ video and her DIY pair.
I don’t know how I actually feel about these shoes, on one hand they’re a great way to gain some height without all the pain. On the other hand, they’re kinda ugly, but once they’re styled properly, they actually look FIERCE. If you want to get your hands on some creepy creepers, check out Underground England (The brand Rihanna wears), prices are around £80. If you’re feeling the pinch, there are some great look-a-likes on Daisy Street Shoes and Missguided.
Studs
Okay, so studs have always been around, but it seems that 2012 has seem them go full-throttle. It seems as though fashion-worshippers are starting to resemble cacti, whatever happened to less is more…
Studs are a great way to add some edge to your outfit, but why not try it in small doses, perhaps a bag or bracelet? River Island does some great studded pieces, starting from £5, you’ll be on your way to rock-heaven soon.
90s Grunge
Being a 90s kid, I absolutely LOVE the grunge trend, this is my favourite of 2012. It’s moody, it’s dark and it is very London.
Inspired by the grunge couples of the 90s, think Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, Kate Moss and Johnny Depp, the 90s was somewhat anti-fashion. Think messy bed hair, last night’s makeup and acid-washed denim, this grungy trend is a great way to be on-trend without all the effort.
Get the look by tying your old flannel shirt around your waist, getting old your Doc Martens and a denim jacket and you’ll be on your way to 90s cool.
Topshop do some great grunge inspired pieces and their website is updated every day…I’ll just extend my overdraft now, shall I?
Celebrities
Lana Del Who?
With her smokey voice and Americana-lyrics and New York attitude, Lana Del Rey provides a refreshing take on popular music, albeit slightly morbid. At first, I wasn’t really sure about her, but after listening to the ‘Born to Die’ repetitively, I was hooked.
Her music videos can be literally described as a moving ‘Instagram’, with that old vintage look and soft focus setting. I particularly love her ‘Video Games’ and ‘Blue Jeans’videos, there is something so ethereal, classy and effortless about her.
She is possibly one of the most talked about women this year, her arrival has brought about much attention in the fashion world. With a campaign for H&M and a Mulberry bag being named after her, the New Yorker is set to be around for a while.
Check out her recent re-release of her album, The Paradise Edition, featuring a ton of new tracks! She will also be touring the UK and Ireland next year.
Rita Ora
It seems as though every few years, Jay-Z decides he needs a new star, this year it was in the form of West-London born, Rita Ora.
She has been immediately compared to Rihanna, due to her quirky urban style, peroxide-blonde locks and lyrical content. Although she has an arguably better voice than Rihanna, Rita Ora has definitely proved herself this year, by scoring a number one single, supporting Coldplay’s tour as well as a number of festival appearances this summer.
Check out her album Ora, available on iTunes, there are a good few tunes on there with appearances from Roc-nation labelmate J. Cole and The Voice judge will.i.am.
The Social Network
We already have Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Linkedin, the list goes on…
2012 saw the new photo-sharing app and social network, in the form of Instagram. You simply took a photo, applied a filter (I am huge fan of Toaster) and ta-dah, you receive appreciation in the form of ‘likes’. Much like being re-tweeted on Twitter, or having your status liked on Facebook.
Scrolling to through my Instagram feed, it seems as though some people I follow are now automatic models, being validated by every hundred likes they get on their photos. It has taken vanity to the extreme.
However, I suppose the best thing about this app is that is is now acceptable to take photos of your food in a restaurant. No matter how many times I visit Nando’s, I will always update my followers with the peri-peri goodness.
I hope this round-up provides with my perspective on 2012, feel free to comment below with your likes or dislikes about this year.
Char xo
walkingonadream89 says
I have to agree with the trainers section, definitely bought a pair after I saw Rihanna wearing them and I LOVE NANDO’s if I could eat there everyday I would haha