2011 Trends to Keep an Eye On

2010 was a fine year. We saw some of the best inventions ever to grace the shelves (tangible and virtual) of our favorite retailers and, of course, experienced some major duds. Just take a look at some of the products on our Best & Worst Products of 2010 list for some concrete examples of the pride and disappointment of a year gone by. Now, with 2010 in our rear view, we can look forward to 2011 and the 2011 trends that will have us lining up for midnight releases and online pre-orders.

Here are some of our predictions for 2011 trends that you will want to keep a close eye on.



Honeysuckle Pink
According to color authority Pantone, Honeysuckle pink is the color of the year! You may have already seen this color and variations of it floating down countless spring 2011 runways. Valentino, DKNY, and Badgeley Mischka couldn't even resist this bright, and at times reddish-pink pigment. Since it is such a statement color to begin with, most designers created entire articles of clothing with the solid color as a focus -- dresses, pants, jackets, and skirts.

Take a look at examples of the hue varieties of Honeysuckle pink. These are the two main shades:
French Connection Wendy Cotton Dress ($79, was: $158)
Donna Ricco Tunnel Neck Sheath Dress ($128)
Eliza J Paperbag Waist Shantung Dress ($59.97, was: $158)




Tablets
In 2010, we watched in awe (jaws dropped, fingers outreached) as Apple presented to us its iPad. Sure, it lacked Flash support, a camera, a USB port and a few other desirables, but it was a game-changer. We also saw a disappointing version released by Fusion Garage -- the JooJoo tablet. Toward the end of 2010, a more impressive tablet, Galaxy Tab, released from Samsung. With word of the Apple iPad 2 releasing some time in Q1 or Q2 at latest, you can bet that tablets will be an even bigger trend in 2011. Expect some fierce competition in terms of function, form and price.

Look forward to these tablets in 2011:
Motorola MotoPad, 10-inch Android tablet
Toshiba Android tablet
Apple iPad 2
Asus Eee Note EA800 (more like a fancy electronic sketchbook with multiple functions)
Vizio VIA Tablet (also qualifies as a portable TV since details are kept secret)


Portable TVs/Entertainment
Versions you may be thinking of are bulky and their reception poor. Even today's newer portable TV versions with thin LCD displays and better reception -- although impressive like the one pictured -- can't hold a candle up to what you can expect to see in 2011. No longer will we have to settle for a single-function TV! Slick, multitasking tablet-like TVs will be a star among other 2011 trends. One for sure will support iPods, MP3s, CDs, DVDs, game input and more.

Look forward to these versions in 2011:
Vizio VIA Tablet (also qualifies as a tablet)
Winegard Cio Mobile Digital TV


Juicy Lip Color
ELLE picked up on this beauty trend that Spring 2011 NY Fashion Week designers could not resist putting on their fashionably-stern models' pouts. So, get ready to pump-up the vibrancy of your lipstick this year! 2011 trends in lipstick are all about the melon shades -- cantaloupe and watermelon. Not 100% sure on what those shades look like? Aim for any color that resembles hard candy or Starbursts. You just can't go wrong. As long as your color has enough pop, ultra-matte works perfectly. But if you want to get super slick and make your lips look even juicier, layer on that glossy shine!

From lip stains to gloss to lipsticks, check out these juicy 2011 lip shades:
Revlon Just Bitten in Flame (from $7.68)
Too Faced Lip of Luxury in Pink Flamingo ($20)
Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Valentine ($12)
Stila Lip Glaze Gloss in Raspberry ($22)
Revlon Moon Drops Creme Lipstick in Persian Melon ($8.99)




e-Readers
It began with the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble NOOK, and continued with better versions of each, including Kindle 3 and NOOKcolor. Reading favorite books wherever and whenever without having to carry around a cumbersome library is becoming even more appealing to a nation of people who appreciate convenient, mobile entertainment. Now we can share books, see crisper text from more angles and in sunlight, and even read books and weekly-delivered magazines in full color if we choose. Kindle and NOOK are the top dogs, but 2010 also saw some lesser competitors like: Augen The Book, BeBook and Literati, for example. In 2011, who knows what exactly the top dogs are planning? But, one thing we know for sure is: one newcomer will be entering the market with color e-Ink panels, video playback, and minimal battery usage!

Look forward to this newcomer in 2011:
PocketBook Mirasol E-Reader




Ethnic Prints
Here's a hot home trend fresh off the looms -- ethnic prints! Culture is classic and timeless and often overlooked as a trend. Well, not this year! Ethnic prints are taking the stage this year, so don't be afraid to go global. Have a walk around your home evoke the sense of world travel. Spice up your rugs, armchairs, throws, pillows, ottomans, bed linens and accessories with international patterns, color combos and designs. Not only will you add interest to your living space, but this kind of cultural flair will crank-up your home's warm vibe. Check out amazing ethnic rugs on AOL Shopping >>

Take a look at these ethnic prints from the Andes region, India and other corners of the world:



Where else to go to find these types of cultural works of art for the home?
Anthropologie has a great selection of ethnic prints furniture.
Novica (in association with National Geographic) has a great selection of international home decor.
Pier 1 Imports has unique finds for the home.
World Market is also a good place to get started.


Wireless Charging
2009 saw the beginning of Wireless Charging with the Powermat and Duracell myGrid. In 2010, these devices saw a new surge of popularity as people acquired more and more irresistible gadgets. The stakes will raise in 2011. Trends in wireless charging are moving towards something truly without wires or cords. In fact, newcomers will eliminate the need for charging cases, as well. All you'll need is the charging platform and the accompanying rechargeable batteries. Simply drop and charge, bulk-free.

Look forward to this 2011 gadget:
Universal Wireless ElectroHub

More on AOL Shopping
2011 Fashion: New Pant Trend for a New Year
2 New Toys (& 1 Video Game) You'll See in 2011
Daily Dose of Style: Statement Hoop Earrings