Spring is coming, so I'm thinking about warmer days, brighter colours and new directions for the months ahead. Last summer, for instance, while enjoying the blissful surroundings of a cottage holiday, I tried my hand at tie-dye. (I soon realized I needed to restrain myself from succumbing to the urge to dip and dye anything that stayed still long enough to be transformed from plain to multicoloured.)I imagine that the haute-hippie vibe that made me swoon for the lighthearted and youthful energy of tie-dye is what also motivated the current movement toward all things ombré. <br> <br>The term ombré is taken from the French word for shaded, and the execution of fabrics, furniture, clothing - and even hair colour - displays a subtle transition from dark to light. While you may not be racing out to dip-dye your locks, you'll likely fall for the transitional tones evocative of a sunset sky and long to bring a touch of ombré into your world. Here's a sampling of some current offerings.</br></br>