MY VIEW ON COLOUR BLOCKING

The streets of Mzantsi are full of colour from Katlehong to Springs to Soweto to Gugulethu to Camps Bay and even Mafikeng to name a few and it is all because of colour blocking nje. But honestly some people tend to take it a bit too far.

Naturally, we quickly jump at trends, rock them and in the end, over-step the boundaries. Recently, I have seen the worst versions of colour blocking JEHOVAH...I’m talking migraine-causing colour blocking. Some individuals have gone so far as to colour block their make-up and manage to put some clowns out of business. Seriously #no joke#!

So I took out the time to search out some essential colour blocking rules, apparently wearing one of the biggest fashion trends of 2011 is not as easy as it looks. So the next time you decide to cause a photosensitive epileptic seizure with your outfit, PLEASE  re-think, ask a family member to check you out and finally look at yourself in the MIRROR!!! #Don't colour blind us please# Here are more tips..

Get your combos right

To flawlessly accomplish this trend choose the right colour combinations. Examples of colour-block colours that work well together are pink and purple, yellow and green, red and pink, cobalt-blue and red, green and blue and pink and orange.

The brighter the better

If you are bold enough for colour blocking there is no point in investing in pale colours and dull shades (no matter how much they clash). That would just look faint hearted. Go bright or go home!

Invest in a pair of coloured jeans

A bright pair of jeans is a good start for a colour blocking newbie and a staple for a colour blocking addict like myself. Something in the colours pink, red or blue will do it for you and please my thick ladies there are no rules here you can wear any colour jean yes even white as long as you pair it with a loose fitted top/shirt. You know the rule, we can't be looking like some stuffed sausages..for every tight top the bottom has to be loose and vice versa.

Mix up your fabric

To avoid looking like you are off to a rave or circus, choose rich fabric such as silk, satin and cotton in bright colours. They will add a splash of luxury to your look and give the bright block colour an even more sumptuous feel. You'll look like a million dollars without even spending a million dollars #now you know my secret#

Do not overdo it

It’s not that more than three to four colours don’t look nice, it just looks very ramp-ish and cheap. Besides more colours will keep cutting your body shape here and there, in this way accomplishing the opposite of its intended effect. #This is especially to my thick ladies#

Colour blocking without colour clashing

If you don’t feel brave enough to clash your colours, you can still wear the colour blocking trend by wearing one vibrant shade from top to bottom for example, wear a long dress in sunshine yellow, bright red or eye-popping pink.

Tone the look down with a simple black or white tee

A black or white tee in a cotton and/or silk mix will complement bright coloured trousers or skirts beautifully.

Add pops of colours with accessories

The easiest way to wear the colour blocking trend is to add an accessory or two in deliciously-bright colours. A bright pink clutch bag, a pair of  yellow shoes,  blue bangle is all you need to lift an understated outfit up. #my favourite shoes and bag#

Mix bright colours with light ones

A simple way to tone the look down is by wearing one brightly coloured piece and keeping the rest of the outfit muted by wearing neutral shades. For example, a colour block shift dress in red or bright orange will look fantastic with nude shoes.

Wear brightly coloured stripes

If you still don’t have the balls to rock this trend all-out, you can start by investing in a dress with vivid coloured stripes. And then progress gradually till you are bold enough to do a thorough colour block.

Keep the look suitable for work

The best way to wear this trend for work is by choosing items in colours that are updated styles of usual work wear. For example, swap your navy suit with a more vivid blue. Tone the look down with a simple white shirt. #please guys don't overdo it by going to work looking like a clown, look professional guys PLEASE#

Dear friends, these simple rules are all you need to achieve the perfect colour block. Do not say you weren’t told because the next time I see you in public causing a catastrophe with your supposed colour-block outfit or your make-up, forgive me if I walk up to you with a revolting face with my hand on my chest  and say “excuse me dear, you are colour-blocking my view JEHOVAH”

#Thought of the week# Be one with your clothes, have an understanding so that you can always look fabulous!!