Therapy Thursday-Retail Therapy: Summers Hottest Trends

4 Runway inspired trends

Mint

Pastels are over the spring runways, but there is one hue that is emerging as the perfect antidote to a hot summer day: cool mint green.

This one is my favorite trend.  I love the color and can’t wait to add some of these styles to my wardrobe.

Diane Von Furstenberg puts her usual ladylike spin on the color.

Floral

For those wanting an ultra-feminine look, floral is a trend that cannot be topped.  Peter Som infuses his oversized roses with neon color-blocking for an edgier look.

Sherbert

 If mint is the color of summer, sherbet is the flavor. Phillip Lim's delectable mix of shades looks good enough to eat and light enough to combat summer's most sweltering days. I love this look(below)

Proving just how effortless this cool trend can be, Amy Smilovic's slouchy peach sorbet jacket and shorts pop against the plainest of plain white tees.(below)

The Crop Top

The long ignored, and in my opinion it's for a good reason, crop top is back.  If the idea of going out in a crop top horifies you, you can pair it with a jacket like this look from Altuzarra (below)

There are many styles of this trend to choose from:

The cropped tops aren't just for the casual set. They're now becoming an evening gown staple, as is the case with this sexy, lingerie-inspired two-piece Pucci number (below)

The Bralet:

Not to be confused with a Bralette (aka a really, really small girly bra) bralet's are actually like big bras, or really, really small tops. Only sexier.

Celeb Fans:

Frankie Sandford (below) , Tulisa Contostavlos, Pixie Lott, Kelly Brook, Dree Hemingway and, well, everyone...

Crop Top Tip:

Are you pear-shaped? You're in luck. Best worn with a high-waisted skirt, shorts or pleated midi, the bralet will lead the eye upwards to narrow shoulders and accentuate waspish waists.

A friend of bigger busts, they'll offer more support than a simple crop but be aware of the overspill, four-boobs never = phwoar.  And steer clear of low-rise denims, the idea is to flash a hint of midriff not show the world what your had for lunch.

Nod to the 1940s with vintage prints and add a high waisted midi-length pencil skirt to up your trend count. Oasis, H&M and Topshop are your go-to stores.

The Crop Top:

Be it a bandeau, halterneck top or even a bikini top (yup, someone alert the elders) the casual crop is back with a vengeance this summer. As long as it's short, and preferably elasticated, it's en vogue...

Celeb Fans:

Rihanna's certainly sold on the trend 

Crop Top Tip:

The block shape will boost smaller busts, just be sure to add high-waisted shorts or trousers - belly buttons are officially OUT, so keep 'em in.

This one's best avoided by bigger boobed beings, unless you want to look like you've strapped a whopping great barrel to your chest that is.

The Crop Top Knot:

Hurrah! Summer's scariest trend isn't all that scary after all, thanks to the return of the Crop Tee Top Knot, thing-a-ma-jig. Essentially, grab the nearest shirt or classic tee, knot it at the bottom and flash as much flesh as you dare...

Celeb Fans:

Model Poppy Delevingne gets knotted in double denim (below)

Crop Top Tip:

Can't be bothered with crunches? This is one crop top style that suits all, whether you wear yours with a pleated midi skirt, low-rise jeans or microscopic  knicker bockers (a trend for another time).

Best of all, it's free! Simply knot your up your favourite top and flash as much flesh as you fancy. Or head to Urban Outfitters and Primark, they do some FIT ready-rolled styles there...

As this trend is not likely one to last season after season(at least I hope), have fun with it while you can. Take a cue from Dolce and Gabbana who add spice to their crop top and matching skirt with red hot chili peppers.(below)