Style Setter: Kate Middleton
Long gone were the days of First Ladies like Jackie O and Princess Diana. But after a long drought, the highest offices are getting major makeovers; Michelle Obama in the United States, Carla Bruni Sarkozy in France and now it's Britain turn. Kate Middleton's style has been coveted by women everywhere since her engagement to Prince William. So much so that it is now referred to as the Duchesse Effect. The 29 year old's style is classic, sober and feminine. On the wilder side of things she introduced the world to the fascinator. The outrageous head piece was quickly adopted by fashionistas worldwide. Her girl next door demeanor makes her relatable which is probably why so many women identify with her.
And then there was the dress. Middleton's wedding dress was the most anticipated dress of the year. The wait was worth it. She wore a stunning ivory and white gown by Sarah Burton. The gown had a hand-made lace bodice, full skirt and 2.7m train. Sarah Burton and her team's craftsmanship would have made Alexander McQueen proud.
Brighter Please!
Spring and Summer 2011 was all about color. The brighter and richer the hue, the better. We saw shades of red, magenta, turquoise, yellow and tangerine on dresses, skirts and denim alike. Even celebrities like Beyonce, rocked the bright hues from head to toe. Remember Beyonce displaying her cute baby bump in a tangerine stunner at the Grammy Awards? This trend was so much fun that it will follow us into 2012. We foresee designers debuting new colors for us to rock. Keeping our fingers crossed. I personally have many a yellow, pink, red, kelly green skirts and dresses that still have wear in them. Some of my favorite items were my red trousers, kelly green pencil skirt, magenta blazer and my hot pink skinny jeans.
Color Blocking
Speaking of skinny jeans, colored denim was everywhere and made it easy to wear the color block trend which was red hot this year. Designers like Jil Sander, Rachel Roy, Gucci and Prabal Gurung . Many stars rocked this trend on red carpet namely Tyra Banks, Iman, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and a very pregnant Jessica Alba. They sported cute color combinations; purple with orange, yellow with turquoise and red and pink. Even Jessica Alba didn't shy away from it because of her belly. She pulled it off and so can you! Some of the color combinations may sound odd so if your are unsure about how to color block we suggest you start by sticking to the complementary colors on the color wheel. As long as the shades are crisp and complementary you are good to go. Another tip, wear nude heels they are clash proof, polished and are a great way to make your legs appear longer.
In the Wild: Animal Prints
From accessories to clothing animal prints were a 2011 staple. While this trend wasn't new by any means it attracted much attention. Snooki, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Miley Cirus and Kelly Roland were all seen wearing it. Lady Gaga's dress, Nicole's booties, Nicki Minaj's hair and Beyonce's scarf generated much chatter. 
Animal prints look great head to toe but must be approached with caution. As fierce as it is it can easily bite you in the butt! Would not dare do it head to toe? Try rocking the pattern as a scarf, a purse or killer pumps. The pattern is so fierce that even in a pair of flats it will look hot. See our "Street Thread: Wild Things" to see how fashionistas from around the world have been doing it!
In 2012, think outside the box when it comes to your style!
Happy New Year!
