What I consider the trends of 2012 in Belgium

I just read a great post on "The Man Repeller", one of my favorite blogs, titled "The best & worst of 2012" where Leandra summarized some of the trends/events/items ( good and bad) that were really hard to ignore the past year...Although my blog isn't nearly as funny,smart and reflexive as hers, it did inspire me to make a little lists of "trends" that here in Belgium didn't go unnoticed ( atleast not to the "blog reading" people).

I also added A POLL ( on the right side), where you can let me know which trends you found the most important/extreme, here in Belgium in 2012. Very curious to read/see what you think ! 

1. Macarons 

 you would expect this little piece of food would have lost its attraction by now, but it really still is very popular. It's crazy how a (very expensive)cookie can be a symbol of luxury, girliness and fashion. But who can really blame something this pretty and tasty ? 

2. Wedge sneakers 

In a few months a pair of 600 euro sneakers (or actually the cheaper look-a-likes) became one of the most wanted items in both the closets of 40 year-old moms and 16 year-old teenage girls. Sneakers suddenly became accepted under designer dresses, but also in highschool with sweatpants. Hmmm, is that democratic fashion ? 

Oh and the creator of this "female-friendly"  ( longer legs as charity) musthave was quite a trend herself...Isabel Marant, probably talked about more than Dior this year ? 

Plus, who would have thought that (apart from the never failing Converse All Stars) sneakers would be so stylish again ? Every famous blogger seems to be wearing Nike airs or New Balance shoes atleast once a week ( and no, not for going to the gym).

3. Starbucks

Yes, the over-hyped coffee chain has finally arrived all over Belgium aswell. Because I lived abroad for a few years, where Starbucks wasn't that new and special, I'm kinda sick of it already and the fact that 1) the flavour of the coffee is not really " my cup of tea" and 2) a cappucino costs almost double as in other ( much cosier) cafes, isn't really helping either.  But well, I agree their ( also overpriced) muffins are delicious. 

4. Camo + Parka's 

Anyone reading who doesn't have atleast one friend ( or maybe you do yourself ? ) that owns a parka or something with a camouflage print ? Or maybe even a camo parka ? 

5. Instagram

It's fun, it's addictive and it makes you forget even more about privacy and eating your food before it gets cold...(food#goodtimes#letsmakeothersjealouswithourphotos#haha#new-in#)

6. Peplum + Leather

Even my little sister and dad probably now what "peplum" means by now. ( although as mentioned before, my sister refers to it as " pregnancy clothing") This leather H&M version here was very popular. And well, in general leather seems to be back. Not only for leggings and jackets, but also skirts, baggy pants, shorts,..

7. Jeweled/ Neon necklaces

I wonder how many of these necklaces H&M sold, but I'm pretty sure that money alone would make me rich ( for a while). And these kind of super sparkly necklaces seem to be staying "in" for next season. Neon for that matter is coming back starting from spring. 

8. Astrid Bryan/ Black Nails

She ( Belgian reality star living in L.A., famous for her "babytalk","funny faces"," bling outfits", "weird accent" & " bold,older husband") is so popular that at the bookfair the other ( actual ) writers almost didn't get any attention. Her "signature" black nails are making a comeback as well. ( although I actually don't want to give her any credit for that)

9. Apple

If anyone believed that Apple reached it's maximum popularity, they were wrong. 

10. 50 shades of Grey  

The female population seems to be missing some "romance", because it is crazy how such a badly written book can be such a bestseller.

+

Scandinavian tv shows, Gangnem style, James Bond,Adele,  Kate Moss, Rihanna, Obama, designer chairs,...

But I'm sure there are many many more "trends" to add ( and I'm not even talking about the "serious" life/economy trends, just the " superficial" things that can really brighten up your life and/or closet.)

Oh and by the way, I'm not criticizing anyone. 

I'm guilty of falling for all these trends myself. Luckily, that really isn't a crime. 

I would love to hear what you would add to this list ( for belgium or for your country or for blogworld) and how you feel about these "hypes". 

B. X