Shakuhachi: Shakuhachi x TheTrendSpotter: Monochrome

This week we caught up with the super chic Dasha Gold from TheTrendSpotter to chat all things lifestyle, street style and her trend forecast for Summer. Make sure you check out her guest trend edit on our website for lots of monochrome goodies!

S: Three words you would use to describe 'The Trend Spotter'.

TS: Fashion, Art, Lifestyle

S: When did you start blogging?

TS: I started my first blog more than 5 years ago but a few years later I wanted to expand thus TheTrendSpotter was born. As the content expanded, we decided to take it to the next level and give the website a 'face lift'. Today TheTrendSpotter is a reflection of our biggest passions, lifestyle, past experiences, the amazing people we meet, and things that inspire us.

S: Your blog focuses on your personal style as well as many other areas of fashion, which differentiates you from a lot of other fashion blogs. Can you give us a run down on what else your blog has to offer?

TS: TheTrendSpotter is a fashion blog, an online magazine, a source of inspiration. It is international, multi-cultural, it is not all about fashion, it is about the lifestyle, ideas, people, travel, about capturing the moments and sharing them with the world.

S: How do you keep up with the trends?

TS: I am always on a lookout for the latest trends. Often it is an evolution of last season's 'hits'. When I see something new and inspiring I want to find more variations of it and it's origins. We do a lot of research, I have hundreds of trend folders on my computer and add more every day. When we see a potential trend on the streets or runways, we photograph it and place it in the folder allocated for it, when the folder fills up with images, we prepare an article. Often spotting a new trend isn't about spotting a repetition, it is about discovering the new inventions or something that will soon become a worldwide addiction. We also feature street style photographers' photos from around the world who have a great eye for spotting the latest fashion trends.

S: What is your trend alert for this Summer?

TS: We will have a lot of trend alerts coming up in the next few weeks as the Spring 2014 runways wrap up in Paris. Some of the trends we have highlighted are plaids, cropped tops, fringing in elegant dresses and tailored tops, wide leg white pants, 90s sports inspired looks, sheer stripes, orange lips and middle parted hair.

S: Are your personal posts inspired by your street style snaps?

TS: There is so much inspiration in the street style photography, and I have to admit I am slightly addicted to it. A lot of things inspire me to create the looks and the story for personal style posts, and street style is certainly one of them.

S: You are Melbourne based but travel a lot for your blog. Where have you been lately?

TS: Last year we went to Paris, Florence, Venice and Switzerland. This year we have not travelled as much but couldn't miss an opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week. We have just recently returned back with a lot of wonderful memories.

S: One trend that was a stand out overseas?

TS: One of the biggest re-occurring street style and runway trends that stood out overseas is monochrome styling. What fascinates me about this trend is the endless amount of ways to put it together; it suits almost all kinds of personalities, body shapes and evolves with introduction of the new wardrobe basics, the character of the wearer and their personal style.

S: Now that you are home ... your favourite place to snap street style in Melbourne?

TS: Its more about being at the right place at the right time. During fashion week, festivals, events and launches it is easier to spot some of the most exciting street style fashions. But we do not limit ourselves to this, there isn't one perfect place or time to shoot in Melbourne. Unique and interesting style can be found on any street in Melbourne at any time, the beauty is in spotting and capturing it on camera.

S: Lastly, your Shakuhachi Summer 2013 wardrobe essential?

TS: Some of the most stylish and trendy Shakuhachi Summer 2013 wardrobe essentials are the one of Shakuhachi's fabulous hats, Python A Line Dress in White, Into the WIld Tee Top, Puzzle Silver Clutch, Python Strappy Heels and my favourite Serpent Envelope Skirt I wear almost every day. Also, we can't forget the pieces I am wearing in this shoot especially the Keyhole Strappy Bikini Top with Contrast Panelled Multi Strap Bottom and Utility Tapered Trousers.