Check out our 2016 Hot List...
Now that Christmas is a distant memory (although it was only two
weeks ago!), it's time to look ahead and predict what we'll all be
loving over the next 12 months. With Rio 2016 this summer, fresh new
singing talent and the rise of creative, crafty hobbies, there's no
doubt that 2016 will bring us lots of fun! Here's what we're excited
about here at Bluebella HQ...
DUA LIPA

Part
of the BBC's Sound of 2016, singer-songwriter Dua Lipa has certainly
kicked off the year in the right way. Born in London, the 20 year old
was raised on Bob Dylan and David Bowie and her first record she
purchased was Nelly Furtado (remember her?!) Securing a modelling
contract a few years ago was the start in her journey and in 2012 she
began uploading her original tracks onto Soundcloud. It wasn't long
before she caught the attention of non other than Lana Del Rey's
managers, who immediately signed her up and started her up with
collaborating with the likes of Bruno Mars and, of course, Lana Del Rey.
We love her deep, smokey and pop-filled sounds and her current track Be
The One is full of fun and fresh beats - just what we need to beat the
January Blues! Look out for her first
UK tour this year.
BLUEBELLA SS16 COLLECTIONS

Of course a new year brings two brand new seasons! First up, we have
our SS16 collection which we're really excited about. The first few
products have already started to drop on Bluebella.com, with styles such
as
Tala,
Blake and
Alanna
all making Bluebella debuts. Our SS16 collection is an expression of
dramatic sensuality inspired by soft satins, sheer mesh and contemporary
lace, coupled with a confident colour palette that brings in delicate
golds and perfect pastels. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks
for more of our SS16 products arriving on the site and be the first to
shop the new styles!
HER NAME IS RIO

It
doesn't feel like two minutes ago since it was London 2012 and what a
summer that was! It's hard to imagine ever finding another Olympics
quite so exciting when it's not on your doorstep BUT if London 2012 did
one thing for pretty much everyone, it was to show us that every man and
his dog - whether a sports lover or not - could fully enjoy the games
and reap the benefits. Kicking off on Friday 5th August in Brazil's Rio
de Janeiro, we can't wait to see what the incredible Team GB can do once
again. Stella McCartney is responsible once again for ensuring the
sports starts look and feel their best as she exclusively designs the
Team GB 2016 kit and we're excited to see what the likes of Dina
Asher-Smith, Jessica Ennis-Hill, swimmer Lucy Hall and boxer Nicola
Adams will all bring and whether they'll walk away with the Gold. For
us, it's sure to bring a summer-filled fun-fest with friends as everyone
gets together to watch - we can't wait!
GET CRAFTY

As
more of us strive for a less stressful life, more and more of us are
taking up creative and crafty hobbies in a bid to enjoy precious 'me'
time that doesn't just involve sitting infront of the TV for a marathon
Netflix session. Having a hobby is not only on the rise, but it is also
good for your mental health PLUS means that if you have a class booked
in for 6pm every Tuesday, there's no excuses to stay behind at work.
We're big fans of photography and learning how to create gorgeous images
with a semi-professional camera (and not just our iPhone!). Other
hobbies that more and more of us are turning to include floristry, life
drawing and even ballroom dancing. And there isn't a better time than
the start of the year to kick off with something fresh!
FASHION FOCUS

And
of course, it wouldn't be a Hot List without a little look at what the
fashion world will bring us this year. With London Fashion Week AW16
next month, it won't be long before next winter's trends are revealed
but we can only just about deal with this winter at the moment! If we
look ahead to the Spring/Summer season, we'll see trends such as the
dainty slip-on (yes, of the Nightwear variety) making an outerwear
comeback, soft gingham, vivid prints, exciting ruffles and graphic
stripes being style staples for the summer months. We can't wait!
Picture credit: MarieClaire.co.uk