12 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2012

I can't believe 2012 is almost upon us.  OK -in all honesty - I tend to skip over years and am already writing 2013 on some of my checks by accident.  It's not that I am not excited about 2012, it's just that working on a wholesale schedule means I've been looking at 2012 for the past year and am already starting work on 2013.

Trendwatching.com does a great job analyzing consumer trends and they've released their report for 2012 - want to know what to be on the watch for?

1. Red Carpet
2. DIY Health
3. Dealer-Chic
4. Eco-Cycology
5. Cash-less
6. Bottom of the Urban Pyramid
7. IdleSourcing
8. Flawsome
9. Screen Culture
10. Re-commerce
11. Emerging Maturalism
12. Point & Know

Which trends are we watching and working on with interest?  Well - we've always been into Eco and continue working on that effort to be more eco-friendly in the way we run our business and the way we source and produce our garments.

IdleSourcing is another trend we're paying attention to.  What does that mean?  Simply put, it means making it simple for consumers to contribute to something more.  We're avid supports of children's charities here at LamanBlu and we want to make it simpler for you to contribute too.  We're working on a website update that will allow you to contribute directly to one of our charitable partners when you make a purchase from our website!  How cool is that?!

Re-commerce is something else we're working on, though in all honesty - it's slated to roll out for 2013.  We'd love to roll it out sooner, but don't quite have the manpower yet.  What is re-commerce?  It's all about providing our LamanBlu customers the ability to re-sell or trade or donate their past purchases.  We'd love to hear you weigh in on this subject though as we continue to work towards providing a platform to do this with. 

Want to know more about these trends and what they mean?  Visit  http://trendwatching.com/trends/12trends2012/

Alexander McQueen, Spring 2012, Pink and Ruffles

There are a few designers I've followed for years - Balenciaga, Dior, Herrera and McQueen among others.  I just had to share a few of the photos from Spring 2012 McQueen with you that I love in particular!

(photos courtest of http://us.fashionmag.com)

Don't you just love all the ruffles and lace - even ruffles on the shoes!  (I am a major shoe fanatic)  And guess who sells pink ruffly shoes for little girls?  Bear Feet!  www.bearfeet.com They have amazing shoes for kids - great quality, the softest leather - and all made in the USA.  If you recall - we partnered with them last spring for our photo shoot - and the pink ruffle sandals were a big hit with all of our models!  Check out LamanBlu's pink ruffle bustle dress for little girls - not very McQueen - but perfect for a garden party!

Speaking of pink - pink has not always been one of my favorite colors.  It took looking at it through my daughter's eyes to gain a true appreciation of it.  I even find myself wearing it now - both in brights and in the softest makeup shades.  We seem to always run some variety of pink for LamanBlu - the shade changes each season, but it's almost always present for our twirly girls.  This spring - it's bright bouganvilla and baby pink - so whether it's a pool party or a day at the beach or a garden party or Easter Sunday, we've got you covered.

Holiday 2011 - Trends to be sure and include in your kids closet!

Trend #1:  Animal Kingdom: Cat's may be the preferred pet in fashion this season, but other animals have found a home on clothes for kids too. Look for owls, hamsters, horses, bears, moose and more!

(LamanBlu's Snow Leopard Cape)

Trend #2: A Little Bit of Lace: Last year designers dressed down sequins for everyday wear. This season, lace takes a casual turn, moving beyond dressy dresses. Lace prints on easy knits are especially popular.

(LamanBlu's chocolate lace organic cotton and recycled polyester swing T and legging)

Trend #3:  Ruffled Up: Everything's coming up ruffled this season. The frill embellishment makes an encore performance on school clothes, dresses and shoes.

(LamanBlu's ruffles on the poet ruffle tunic and ruffle pants)

Trend #4:  Fluff 'N' Stuff: European designers are big fans of fur, feathers and other fluffy stuff. Nearly every collection on the runway got the soft touch with fluffy embellishment or fur accessories, including collars, hats, ear muffs, scarves and boots.

(LamanBlu's faux fur muff)

(LamanBlu's faux fur cape and skirt)

(LamanBlu's faux fur collar)

Trend reporting courtesy of Kids Style Source.