Guest Post - Rachel of Capturing Italy- Season Trends

Rachel is no stranger to most of the bloggers. Lithe and beautiful, this lissom model and designer has been an inspiration to so many of us. After having quit her day job, Rachel travelled to Rome, and made the city her home while she learned how to make custom clothing. Now, having returned to San Diego, CA, Rachel is now adding a dash to beauty with her line of bespoke clothing. She continues to travel and explore new places, making friends and touching lives. In the following Guest post, she has been kind enough to share some of her favourite trends from this season and this year. Neon - I'm actually surprised that I ended up loving the neon trend so much. My first inclination was more toward pastels, but the "fierceness" of the bold colors overtook me! I love how it is borderline edgy to wear happy colors due to the bright hue of neon. I think my favorite way however to wear neon, is in tiny pops of accent on a more muted or neutral outfit. You can see examples of this in both outfits here, both coincidentally photos at the beach. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/neon-by-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/surfers-wear-neon.html)

Stripes - Stripes are a year-round staple in my mind, and are probably my favorite print to mix with and be a bit fun and crazy with. I like how they can be preppy or edge depending on how the outfit is styled. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/yellow-pink.html andhttp://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/candy-stripes.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/ladylike.html andhttp://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/01/stripes-spikes-and-chevron.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/florals-stripes-on-dock.html

Black and White - I've always been a fan of this combination, so naturally I'm happy to see it is a trend. It will always have a classic vibe. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/chicago-trip-1.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pleats-stripes.htmland http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/downtown-seattle-day-2.html)

Bra Tops, Bustiers, and Crochet - I figure while I'm still young enough to pull it off, why not go for the midriff-exposing trends? Certainly I firmly believe that some major judgement of location needs to be assessed before exposing skin in this way, but you will notice I live in Southern California near the beach, therefore that is where I'm usually wearing it. I don't see myself going to a black-tie dinner or church in it... so wise judgement in location is advised! (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pastels-for-clouds.html, http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/neon-by-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/white-wonderland.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/01/cashmere-crochet-featured.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-posh-on-boardwalk.html - actually posted last spring!)

Platforms and Wooden Wedge - I've been in love with these Steve Madden wedges since I purchased them months ago. Can I just say, they are the hardest thing to walk in ever?! Since they are so flat on the bottom with the wood, there is no give. So one bump in the road or any rock and I'm toast! I've tripped in them probably 400 times....but of course I keep wearing them. They truly are comfortable, since they are so flat, it feels like I'm just standing on level ground. Not 5 inches from the ground. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-posh-on-boardwalk.html - actually posted last spring!)

Floral - I think floral tends to come around every spring, doesn't it? I love it each and every year. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/02/la-dolce-vita.html - over a year ago and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/07/creme-nude-scalloped-platforms.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pastels-for-clouds.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/03/primavera.html - in Rome and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/florals-stripes-on-dock.html

Gingham - This is a favorite Springtime classic trend of mine. I love the vintage country chic feel to gingham. http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/02/marionette.html

Wearing Fruit - I think this is a fun alternative to florals! http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/wearing-fruit-for-spring.html

Tail Hem Trend - This is a new one for me... wasn't sure I was going to give it a go, but I loved the elegance of this dress. http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/mint-at-beach.html

Mint & Seafoam - These are two of my favorite colors, regardless of any trends. So naturally I'm all about this one! http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/mint-at-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/melancholy-blues.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/02/goodnight-macaroon.html