With only a few days left in 2010, Hello Craft would like celebrate all that this year
has brought by way of crafts, crafting and crafters. We’d also like to thank all of our friends,
family, members and readers for supporting our efforts to help promote, educate
and encourage the handmade community.

As Hello Craft gears up for our 3rd annual Summit of Awesome, the 8th annual Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair, as well as a host of partnerships, educational and retail endeavors,
we invite you to join us for a trip down 2010’s memory lane…

We partnered with Washington Project for the Arts for Craft Week DC…

Partied it up crafty-style with Pabst Blue Ribbon…

Produced the 2nd annual Summit of Awesome in Portland, Oregon…

Hosted super cool online giveaways…

Brought our Make Something Awesome Area to Crafty Wonderland…

And co-produced the 7th annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair!

We hope that this year has been a prosperous one for all those in the indie craft community.
In the upcoming year we look forward to seeing all the new and exciting work from our crafty friends, as well as new shows, new blogs and other crafty opportunities.

So here’s our toast to everyone who supported Hello Craft throughout our sophomore year and cheers to a happy and crafty new year!

xoxo,
Kimberly, Sara, Kelly & Christine
Hello Craft Directors

Tick Tock! Crimson Clock from 1byliz

The last minute flurry of holiday activity is upon us. Don’t panic. Yes, time is short, but don’t get desperate and shower your loved ones with useless plastic and mass-produced junk. Take a deep breath and keep reading for last minute gift ideas you can still buy or even make, including a quick and easy zipper pouch project with video instruction from my favorite lady in the whole world (thanks Mom!).

You Can Still Buy Handmade

It’s true! You can buy handmade even this late in the game. Here are some suggestions:
Check your local handmade retail shops, including any holiday pop-up shops (like these in Portland, Atlanta and Providence). After a quick whip around the web along with some phone calls, here’s a list of shops that will be open either late tonight or during the day tomorrow (check their sites or call for exact hours).

Magpie in Somerville, MA
Art Star in Philadelphia, PA
Double Dutch Boutique and Red Tree and in Baltimore, MD
Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, GA
Renegade Handmade in Chicago, IL
Fancy Tiger in Denver, CO
Schmancy in Seattle, WA
Land Gallery, Frock Boutique and Collage in Portland, OR
Rare Device in San Francisco, CA
Reform School in Los Angeles, CA

You can also try places like Whole Foods, which tend to carry lines from different crafty businesses like bodycare products from Biggs & Featherbelle or jewelry from Figs & Ginger. Check the sites of your favorite artists for a listing of retails shops that carry their products. You may be surprised and delighted by the increasing accessibility of handmade items.

Give Your Crafty Friends Patterns

I know lots of crafty people that are always looking for a new pattern to try. Patterns from .pdf downloads are a great way to handle last minute giving for this group of folks.

Crochet Handwarmer Pattern from adventuresofjr.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Cross-stitch Pattern from My Paper Crane.

Sublime Stitching has various PDF patterns available, including this one featuring designs by Carson Ellis.

Lots to choose from on Magpie Patterns, including knitting, sewing, crochet & embroidery.

You Can Still Make Stuff

These knit envelopes look like a great project for a plane or car ride. Magpie Patterns has a bunch of patterns you could purchase as a gift or make yourself. I particularly like the Breckenridge Cowl from French Press Knits and think the “instant gratification” nature of the project sounds promising for last minute making. Lots of kids at your holiday gatherings? Marimekko has a fun star wand project that looks easy and would make cute gift toppers or festive place cards for your holiday table.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial

If you have basic sewing skills, some fabric & access to a sewing machine, here’s a quick & easy zipper pouch you can whip up in 30 minutes.

Hello Craft Presents Crafting with Mom: Quick & Easy Zipper Pouch Project.

Basic step-by-step instructions included after the jump.

Quick and Easy Zipper Pouch
Supplies used:
-fabric (we used one pattern for the inside & another for the outside)
-zipper
-fuseable fleece (optional)
-Seam-to-Seam (optional- you can use pins instead)
-scissors
-sewing machine (or needle & thread)
-iron

Instructions
Step 1: Cut fabric & fuseable fleece to desired size.
Step 2: Iron out any wrinkles.
Step 3: Adhere fuseable fleece to back of the 2 pieces of outside fabric.
Step 4: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge of print side on one piece of outside fabric.
Step 5: Adhere fabric to one side of zipper. If it doesn’t stick, adhere with iron. Do not iron the fuseable fleece side (it will melt).
Step 6: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge on print side of lining fabric.
Step 7: Adhere lining fabric to zipper on same side of the zipper teeth as the outside fabric, but to the back side of the zipper. The fuseable fleece side will be facing the wrong side of the lining.
Step 8: Draw sewing line if desired. Sew both pieces of fabric to the zipper. You’ll need to reposition the zipper pull to complete the seam. See video for specifics.
Step 9: Repeat steps 4-8, applying the 2nd piece of outside fabric & lining on other side of the zipper teeth.
Step 10: Position so outside fabric & lining pieces are matched up & facing each other. Trim excess zipper & pin if desired.
Step 11: Sew seam down one side. Sew seam down 2nd side.
Step 12: Sew bottom seam on outside fabric/fleece side.
Step 13: Sew bottom seam on lining side, leaving a gap in the middle to turn the fabric right-side-out.
Step 14: Turn fabric right side out.
Step 15: Poke out the edges with a pointed utensil (my Mom uses a hemostat or bone folder)
Step 16: Sew seam at bottom of the lining on the right side of the fabric.
Step 17: Tuck lining into bag and admire you’re awesome work.

Now, off to finish my list. Happy last minute making & shopping!

If you’re one of these holiday loathing types, you’ve probably chosen to completely ignore your gift giving obligations, hoping they’ll magically cure themselves like a case of Meningitis or Avian Bird Flu. Or maybe you’re burdened with the difficult task of shopping for these debbie downers, which you’ve pushed to the end of your holiday to-do list until now. Either way, here’s a last-minute gift guide that you’ve probably yet to see during this time of cheer and glee — one that embraces the sarcastic, disillusioned sorts that manage to ground the holiday euphoria with their dry and self-deprecating “charm”. Happy Holidays! Now where’s my Xanax bowl?

‘The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Holiday Shopping’ by claritam

Xanax drug bowl in blac… lltownleyceram… $20.00	Exploding Gift – Blank … sechetesdents $2.00	meh necklace lindsaylou27 $25.00
Bittersweets Angry Ging… Bittersweeets $34.00	Bitter Chocolate, Orang… sweettreatsbak… $5.25	Snowbound KurtCo $
Santas Little Helper Fl… moxieandoliver $55.00	Lump of Coal Soap KBShimmer $6.00	Skull Ornament – Say Ch… pumpkinlady $4.97
PRINT – Get off my lawn… thebigharumph $20.00	OVERSIZE COCOON COAT (F… CubistLiteratu… $500.00	so tired. joettamaue $135.00
A horrible pencil set goldenstiletto $3.00	Rudolph Stands Alone loloINK $45.00	Eco Friendly Canvas Tot… WhoDoesntWantT… $8.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

This weeks picks:

Pop-Up Shop
Crafty Wonderland Pop-Up Shop
Portland, Oregon is a hub for awesomeness and the Crafty Wonderland Pop-Shop is no exception. The amazing ladies of CW have put together the cutest, temporary store selling handmade goodness from more than 80 vendors. The store has been in full swing since mid-November with special happenings every weekend including art shows and tastings. We recommend stopping by this  Thursday, from 5-7pm, for the Crafty Holiday Happy Hour! The Crafty Wonderland Pop-Up Shop is located at 802 SW 10th Ave. in Portland, OR.

Get Skills
Discount classes at the 3rd Ward
If you live in NYC and have any sort of creative inkling or you need help getting your hands dirty, the 3rd Ward is where you should be. This member-based art and design center in Brooklyn houses multiple photo studios, a professional wood & metal shop, a fully loaded digital media lab, a jewelry studio and lots of shared & private work space. To help you get to making, the 3rd Ward is offering 10% off a bunch of their classes starting in early January. Whether it’s learning serious stuff like HTML or Final Cut Pro, hands-on classes from sewing to oil painting, or the cool workshops that will get you instant street cred like jailbreaking your iphone, you can learn it all for very reasonable prices.

In the News
Handmade-goods movement goes corporate, by David A. Keeps
Chain stores like Urban Outfitters and Target have been preying on the street trends of young hipsters for years (think cupcakes and Shawn White). So it should be no surprise that more and more corporate companies are trying to tap into the insanely successful independent handmade community, to increase their hip factor along with sales. Writer David A. Keeps puts this all into perspective in his L.A. Times article that pits the independent craft fairs of L.A.  against the box stores like West Elm and CB2.  Keeps’ article is a good read that shows just how far our community has come, but also begs the question- Is outsourcing one inevitable part of indie success?

The Cutest Mail Ever
World’s Smallest Post Service
Although holiday mailings can get tedious with all the back and forth to the post office, waiting in line, buying envelopes, remembering addresses, etc., there is no denying that receiving mail (the good kind), in this digital age, is still exciting and joyful. So once the craze of the holidays is over, don’t give up on the snail mail world! The World’s Smallest Post Service is here to serve your itty bitty letter needs in the tiniest, cutest way possible. Postmaster Lea Redmond sets up her little roaming office in cafes and shops in the San Francisco bay area and beyond, and offers her teeny tiny letter transcription service to passers-by. You can also order services via her website and check out all her other cool tiny projects. Viva la petite snail mail!

Government Money
New small business loans approved in ‘minutes’, by Catherine Clifford
For those trying to pave their way to be their own boss, start-up funds are important, yet sadly not always accessible. But help is on the way, as explained by Catherine Clifford in this CNN Money post. The SBA has recognized the funding issues that many have with the big banks, and is working on 2 initiatives to help serve start-ups. One cuts the paperwork burden, bringing the approval time for small business loans down to minutes or one business day, and the other initiative aims to get SBA-backed loans to under-served communities. Aside from explaining these initiatives which will start on March 15th, this article also comes with a short video that should be inspiring for those looking to start their own business with little funding but lots of big ideas.

Call for Crafts
Indie Fixx Galleria
The Indie Fixx Winter Galleria is now accepting accepting applications. This seasonally curated/juried online gallery showcases handmade and vintage goods from individual makers and boutiques. You can check out the current selection of items in the the Holiday Galleria, which will be up until January 6th. The Winter Galleria is set to run from January 15 – March 15, which is a great time to promote your craft online, since it’s during the down-time from craft shows. The small cost of $40 to have your wares featured for 2 months on this indie craft powerhouse site makes this an awesome and accessible promotional outlet.

Last Minute Poster Gifts
Poster Cabaret
No matter how old you are, you can still bank on Aunt Edna or Grandma Betty to send you a holdiay check for $10 that you’re never sure what to do with.  Well, combine those awkward family checks together and get yourself some truly amazing wall art at the Poster Caberet this year. This online gallery is a great place to check out a variety of intriguing handscreened posters and prints from more than 75  top designers and artists from across the globe. With great prices and a huge selection, you can support super talented poster artists such as past Crafty Bastards vendors, Brainstorm Print + Design and Nate Duval.  And best of all, this website is simple and void of clutter so that the focus of the site remains the posters, prints and artists.

Time is running out, but it’s not too late to buy handmade gifts this year.  In this post I cover three holiday pop-ups shops where you can find a large selection of handmade goods from super talented artists.

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Portland, Oregon
Runs through December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show
Providence, Rhode Island
Runs until December 31st

Indie Craft Experience Pop-Up Shop
Atlanta, Georgia
Runs until December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show

Over the last nine years, the Craftland gang  (Margaret, Art, Devienna, Jen, Deb, Kristin C, & Kristin A) has expanded their month-long holiday show in Providence, Rhode Island into a full-blown year-round shop that carries handmade goods and offers crafty workshops.

They continue their holiday tradition every November when the shop transforms into the magical Craftland Show with a wide range of handmade treasures from nearly 200 artists.  The vendor list is a who’s who of indie craft and includes endless gift possibilities.

Below is a collection of  great gift ideas for guys the Craftland gang shared with their email subscribers.  They’ve got another collection of items for everyone on your list here.

Attention Last-Minute Shoppers: Craftland will be open until MIDNIGHT this Thursday!

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-up Shop

Many of you already know Portland is a super crafty town bursting with amazing talent.  Can you believe it keeps getting better?  In addition to lots of independent shops & galleries that carry handmade goods like Frock and Land, Portland now boasts a holiday pop-up shop with one of the best cash-wraps I’ve ever seen.

Cathy Pitters & Torie Nguyen, the awesome duo behind Portland’s Crafty Wonderland show, worked with the city of Portland this year to open a temporary holiday shop that features handmade goods from local artists.  In addition to prints by Berkley Illustration & Jill Bliss, you’ll also find household items from Appetite Designs, jackets from Bella Sisters, cardigans and skirts from Bossa Nova Baby (that’s Cathy’s line), hats from Knot Ugly, jewelry from Betsy & Iya and soooo much more.

You can see photos of the shop on Facebook (including the image of Mayor Sam Adams proudly displaying his locally made Portland pennant).

Crafty Wonderland is open until 7pm nightly and will host a Crafty Holiday Happy Hour this Thursday from 5pm-7pm.  The shop winds down with a closing party next Thursday, December 30th.

ICE Pop-up Shop in Atlanta

Christy Petterson & Shannon Mulkey, the masterminds the produce Atlanta’s super popular Indie Craft Experience (ICE), have curated a wonderful mix of handmade goods from some of the best makers throughout the country to feature in their temporary Atlanta shop.

The primary goal of ICE is to encourage everyone to buy handmade during the holiday season.  Christy says, “through our annual holiday shopping spectacular and the pop-up shop we tried to make [handmade gift shopping] as easy and fun as possible for everyone.”  Looking at their vendor list it looks like they are doing just that.  Stop by the shop and see for yourself.

The shop runs until December 3oth and is located at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta.  Hours of operation this week are 7pm today, 5pm Monday-Wednesday, 9pm Thursday and 6pm on Friday.

Here’s a small sample of items you’ll find at the ICE Pop-up Shop:

Are there retail shops that carry handmade goods where you live?  Do you make stuff that people can find in different shops throughout the country?  Drop me a line and tell me about it or share with everyone in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

This weeks picks:

Coffee Table Book
Indie Craft by Jo Waterhouse
This beautiful book showcases the makers who blur the line between art and craft. Indie Craft shows off the creative talents of those in the D.I.Y. movement, from those who work with textiles and wool, to the artists who make plush toys and humorous gadgets.  Hello Craft blogger and embroidery extraordinaire, Joetta Maue, is just one of amazing artists featured in this book. With a lovely cover designed by Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, and under $20, Indie Craft is a perfect present for anyone looking for some creative inspiration.

Tax Talk
OPEN Forum
While making stuff is fun, for those who have made it into a business there is noting more dreaded than having to talk about or deal with taxes. While some folks just wait around doomsday on April 15th , there are still several things you can do before the end of the year to claim deductions or take advantage of tax rules that are ending this year. Some may require spending a little money, while others are more a matter of timing. On the American Express OPEN Forum, Scott Allen of NFN8 Media answers tax questions that are useful to everyone from freelancers, to the person just looking for a little extra deduction boost.

Project Submissions
ReadyMade 100
Calling all Makers. Here’s your chance to get featured in Readymade! The lovable design mag has been on the lookout for the craftiest of the crafty DIY project submissions for their ReadyMade 100 Contest. To enter, just go to their website and submit your project for a chance to win $500 and a three-night stay in New York City (which will include one night at a ReadyMade 100 party in your honor), as well as your winning project featured on the cover of the April/May issue! Hurry, the deadline is December 15th so get to making!

Success Stories
SCORE Small Business Success Blog
We love hearing success stories from within the handmade community, as they inject a sense of inspiration to those looking for a bit of guidance with their own crafty start-ups. Which is why Hello Craft was excited to read Jeanne Rossomme’s post on the SCORE about Laurie Gonyea, the creator of Knit Outta the Box. This post is a great read on how Laurie’s knit-kit business started out as one idea that blossomed with careful research into the knitting market and a desire to support the local economy.

Holiday Craft Show
Renegade Craft San Francisco
The 2nd annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale is headed to Concourse Exhibition Center’s East Hall in San Francisco this coming Saturday and Sunday, December 18/19, from 11am – 7pm. Check out their 200+ artists and crafters selling all the handmade goods you know and love, just in time for the holidays. This West Coast handmade shopping feast also features hand-on workshops, free 7×7 Magazines, yummy drinks and photobooth-ops. Visit their website for all the details.

Getting Unfriendly
The Business of Unfriending People
Think small to get big is the idea behind this INC. Magazine article by John Gerzema, which encourages businesses to descale their social networking endeavors in an effort to give customers more intimate experiences. While the prevailing trend online has previously been to rack up as many “friends” as possible into your web of social networks, the new idea in business is to cut back on your so called “friends” and give your true fanbase the attention, deals and connections that contain real value. While every business has difference needs, if you’re in the business of retaining customers, this article provides some interesting insight into how to use social networking to make it happen.

In case you didn’t already know, it’s down-right hostile out there in the world of holiday shopping. Just this afternoon, for instance, I was elbowed in the back so hard by an angry shopper that I probably could have brought battery/assault charges against her. So, how does one try and minimize exposure to the passive aggression and spazzing that goes hand in hand with shopping this time of year? Why not make one of the many December holiday craft shows your one-stop shop for your entire gift list. You’ll meet amazingly talented people and get some one of a kind presents in the process. Below is a gift guide featuring some of the beautifully made and unique wares I perused at Second Storie — an annual holiday craft fair in upstate New York that I wrote about here — to give you a peek at the types of goodies that could be awaiting your purchase at your local craft market.

For Your Lady Friends:

From top left, left to right: Handwoven Loop Scarf by Secret Pocket. These scarves are very, very soft and sumptuous in person — I would like to commission some sort of full body suit made of them.  Feather Cardigan in Grey by RedPrairiePress. Simple, flattering, and comfortable. Check, check, and check. Classic Sedum Rosette Posts by Mani Designs. With it’s rustic yet polished look, this nature-inspired jewelry literally looks as if it’s glowing. 1920s Vintage Reproduction Garter Set by Previously. These cheeky and girly garters are constructed with the same techniques used for garters in the 1920s. Light on Water Necklace by Foundling. Much of the jewelry by Foundling cleverly features recycled bits of paper or fabric. I bought a ring for a best friend that showcases words cut from an old book.

For the Kiddos:

From top left, left to right: Classic Night-Owl Night Light by Happy Owl Glassworks. I showed this owl night light to my thirty year old friend and she said she wanted one for herself. I think that says it all. Imaginary Monsters Comics, volume 1 by Imaginary Monsters. The plot summary of this comic book reads like every Sci-Fi obsessed kid’s dream: lizard wizards, necromancers (?), and a skull who lives in a dungeon. Birdie Onesie by Peekaboo Collective. This screen printed onesie is cute, but it’s the look on this child’s face that sells it for me. Animal Softies by Bookhou. Check this shop out —  there are awesome tea towels, cute baby bibs, and amazingly crafted chairs in store. These colorful animal dolls look like they could be both a wee one’s best friend and their pillow.

Deck the House:

Cake Plate and Cake Flags by Herriot Grace. I immediately need to own everything in this shop. These very beautiful hand carved wooden kitchen items will make anything you cook look 10 times more delicious and impressive. Dotted Garland by Shanna Murray. What a clever girl, this Shanna Murray. A wall decal that serves as a picture frame of sorts?! Yes (to cake) by The Maple Ridge. I think we can all agree on this one.  M is for Magazine. In Black. by Paper Doll Wood Shop. If you’re like me, this is not only a well-designed magazine holder, it’s a direly needed organizational and de-cluttering item.

Happy Holiday Shopping!!!

Have you unearthed any rare treasures at holiday craft fairs? Do you choose to shop at them instead of at other venues? Please write to us below!

November Craft Shows

Crafty Supermarket
Cincinnati, OH
11/20

DIY Trunkshow
Chicago, IL
11/20

Handmade Jingle Bash
Dallas, TX
11/20

Indie Craft Experience Holiday Show
Atlanta, GA
11/20-11/21

Art vs. Craft
Milwaukee, WI
11/27

Holiday Heist
Vienna, VA
11/27

Give Handmade Sale
Portland, OR
11/28

December Craft Shows

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market
Arlington, VA
12/2

No Coast Craft-o-Rama
Minneapolis, MN
12/3-12/4

Crafty Balboa
Philadelphia, PA
12/4

Fancy Tiger’s Holiday Handmade Craft Fair
Denver, CO
12/4

Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
Brooklyn, NY
12/4

Holiday Heap
Baltimore, MD
12/4

Bike Craft
Portland, OR
12/4-12/5

Detroit Urban Craft Fair
Detroit, MI
12/4-12/5

Renegade Craft Fair: Chicago
Chicago, IL
12/4-12/5

Urban Craft Uprising
Seattle, WA
12/4-12/5

Bazaar Bizarre: Boston
Boston, MA
12/5

The Big Crafty
Asheville, NC
12/5

Holiday Hit List
San Diego, CA
12/5

HoverCraft
Milwaukee, WI
12/5

Bazaar Bizarre: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
12/11-12/12

Crafty Wonderland
Portland, OR
12/11-12/12

Picnic Holiday Sale
Portland, ME
12/11-12/12

Renegade Craft Fair: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
12/11-12/12

Bust Craftacular
New York, NY
12/12

Handmade Holiday
Richmond, VA
12/12

Brooklyn Crafts Central
Brooklyn, NY
12/18-12/19

Renegade Craft Fair: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
12/18-12/19

Is there a show in your area we missed?  Tell us about it in the comments.

I wanted to offer some concrete examples of what I was talking about. Here are some creations already applying the 2011 “high designer” trends in various down-to-earth ways. Note the 70s looks, geometric patterns, fall colors recycled for spring, and eclectic pattern mixing — all in handmade action!

Rosette Tan Plaid Shoe … Brydferth $30.00	Lulu Dress miablaz $73.00	Gray Wristlet Upcycled … groundsel $50.00
Fall Bonita Bottoms BrunoPolo $30.00	magic number spinthread $65.00	Florence Broadhurst Pri… AlfalfaBunch $14.00
Zackengebuesch // Spiky… karamelo $9.00	Pink Fire Hoodie / by R… replicca $75.00	Small neon orange trian… essimar $14.00
doily coasters uncommon $	Beaded woven barrette u… ThunderBoltBea… $55.00	Romantic Wrap Top With … Lirola $75.00
Chocolate Stripes with … FA2u $32.90	NEW The Love Fox limite… inaluxe $33.00	Eclectic rustic gold fi… tinahdee $

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Geometric Stocking by Etsy seller rikrak

Everyone already seems a tizzy about the upcoming holiday season, and perhaps rightfully so. Inventory doesn’t just magically generate itself, you know. So with world-wide fashion weeks finally over, I thought that now might be a good time to sit back with a cup of tea, take a breath of that fall air, and assess the current “trend” situation before the full-on holiday feeding frenzy ensues.

“Trends” are sometimes thought of as vague, fickle, and fleeting, but it’s possible that incorporating them into your wares, or at least educating yourself as to your products place amongst them, could poise you ahead of the game and grant you a competitive edge when selling this holiday season.

For example, the Geometric Stocking by Etsy seller rikrak, featured to the right, manages to combine holiday cheer with the very popular geometric and color blocking look. So unique! So now!

Here are three trends that I believe bridge the “so hot right now” with the “up and coming” spring trend cycle.

Trend numero 1: The 70s are back

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection was full-on 70s. photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com via Style.com

Ever since the show Mad Men has reached near-cult-like status, the 50s look has been all the rage. (On a side, did anyone watch the season finale last Sunday?!) This retro trend continues this spring, progressively, with a focus on 70s fashion.

Yes, Saturday Night Fever inspired white suits are back, and I don’t know how I’m feeling about that. And no amount of convincing from Anna Wintour is going to grow me the confidence to rock a silk jumpsuit in public.

But there are some more toned down and wearable looks featured this season, such as: halters, wide trousers, full skirts with belt cinched waists, and dainty lady-like accessories. Basically, put flowers or bows on anything and you’re down to channel a young and stylish version of your grandma (or mom) via 2011. Prepare to watch Jodi Foster circa Taxi Driver share a sartorial handshake with Sally Draper or a Hitchcock heroine.

Trend 2: Geometry 101

Prabal Gurung Spring 2011; 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2011. Both photos: imaxtree.com via elle.com

Bent, carved, sculptural, the square root of Pi. Math is all around us, my calculus teacher used to tell me. Geometric patterns and shapes are everywhere you look right now (hello, bunting trend!) and will continue to be during warmer times.

Bold, minimalist designs pack a lot of punch, affording dramatic blocks of color or sculptural forms without any bells and whistles. Reflecting our trying economic times, designs need to go farther with less, and geometry definitely takes us there.

But reasonings aside, the great thing about this look is that it’s easily transferable to a slew of designs and products. Whether it be  jewelry, home wares, fine art, or textiles, right and obtuse angels can and probably will be everywhere, even in the most subtle of ways. Take note.

Trend Trois: Fall colors recycled

Spring 2011 runway looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Richard Chai Love, Yigal Azrouël, Rag & Bone. Photos courtesy of the designers. Image via refinery29.com

While spring 2011 collections definitely celebrate blinding pops of color (please refer to the geometric trend discussed above!) warm and neutral fall tones will be reincarnated fresh for springtime. Fashion is actually learning to recycle! White and taupe are “so major” during the 2011 spring season, as well as: greys, browns, beige, mint, and muted pinks and blues.

Dress by Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree via Elle.come

But if this color palette is your aesthetic equivalent of reading War and Peace, you’ll be happy to know that the color of the year is a kinetic orange, so intense it causes Adderall cravings. Please observe the decidedly Halloween Proenza Schouler dress to your right. And to think, this dress is for spring, not fall!

Final fourth trend: Pattern Insanity

Miu Miu Spring 2011. Photo by Imaxtree.com via Elle.com

Rodarte 2011 Spring collection, photo credit: Dan & Corrina Lecca via harpersbazaar.com

Coming out of left field, schizophrenic looking pattern mixing is also on the map in 2011. These looks combine crazy, colorful prints and textures to put some jazzy unpredictability back into fashion.

With this trend, there’s a delicate balance between looking “fun” and like you dressed yourself while drunk, but when it works it works. It’ll be interesting to see the handmakers’ take on this risky but outside-the-box style. I salute anyone who boldly dons this look (or those silk jumpsuits.)

There are many more spring 2011 fads to study and ponder — lace, denim, animal prints, and stripes, oh my! — but I’ll save them all for a later post. Halloween may be near, but I don’t want to cause any Zombie-like head explosions from fashion information overload. I do hope, however, that these three trends get the creative juices flowing for relevant and modern looks that add extra panache for your holiday sales.

If you’ve eyed any trends that I’ve missed, or if you’d like to comment on how trends affect business, please write to us below. And remember: always be true to your own tastes, though it never hurts to keep your eyes peeled for what’s next!