Oscar de la Renta

Photo c/o Vogue by Marcio Madiera/firstVIEW

Earrings / Dress / Clutch / Heels

Could this Oscar de la Renta could be a more perfect translation from designer to daily?  This dress is a perfect example that there are less expensive options, still with great fashion sense available for those on a budget.  The bright yellow flower pattern is almost an exact match, which should make you feel like a super model!  Even if you didn’t know the print was a high-end knock off, it’s totally in style and following trend.  I paired this flower with green sandals and a purple clutch to incorporate colour-blocking.  Not only does this outfit say, “I know my designers,” it says, “I know my trends,” and it is a fraction of the cost in comparison to the look that was sent down the runway.

Matthew Williamson

Photo c/o Harper’s Bazaar by imaxtree

Necklace / Blouse / Clutch / Trousers / Heels

Matthew Williamson, One of the United Kingdom’s most renowned designers, showcases ready-to-wear collections.  Unfortunately, his items aren’t quite ready to afford.  In this particular look featured at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012, a blossoming blouse is paired with coloured trousers.  This is quite a simple outfit idea to help recreate your own version.  Don’t feel obligated to follow the same colour scheme; you can pick any colour you would like!  Like floral prints, coloured trousers are very much in style at the moment, creating another opportunity to wear more trends.  This bold red is eye catching and a perfect complement to the pink floral printed top.

Peter Som

Photo c/o Style.com by Filippo Fior at gorunway.com

Photo c/o Style.com by Filippo Fior at gorunway.com

Blouse / Tote / Trousers / Flats

Seeing that flowers grow from the ground up, a floral print on your trousers makes sense.  Peter Som trended this style in his collection and you can do the same.  These budding trousers are a great way to take Som’s fashion and mix the idea into your closet.  The polka dot tote on the pretty bouquet on them incorporates the latest of mixing prints make you look extra fashionable. By the way, that Peter Pan collar is currently a hot trend.  Floral, trendy collars, prints on prints; “Som” of this, some of that…

Clearly you don’t have to be a botanist to put together this kind of floral arrangement.  Nor do you have to be a millionaire.  Simply look to your favourite designers, shop your favourite stores and let your garden grow!

By Kari Radjewski

All images uploaded are copyright © of their respective owners.

If you’re looking to show your fun, cheeky and quirky side, while also proving that you’re endlessly fashionable, wear prints in smaller ways, like on your wrist, in your hair, or on your shoulder. You’ll still be taking fashion risks, just in smaller forms and you’ll be bringing your outfit, flawlessly together.

1. Proenza Schouler, Printed Neoprene-Covered Leather Belt, £335, $435

Proenza Schouler, Printed Neoprene-Covered Leather Belt

A printed belt is super easy to incorporate into a basic outfit or even an already printed one. This Proenza accessory is thin, bright and is sure to be the cherry on top (or in the middle!) of your look.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Rosie Woven Bucket Bag £350, $430

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rosie Woven Bucket Bag

This peachy shoulder bucket bag is bright, cheery and of course, printed with a gorgeous chevron woven pattern. Make this bag your spring and summer staple and rock the print with all your looks.

3. McQ – Alexander McQueen Python Degrad Scarf, £118.73, $185

McQ – Alexander McQueen Python Degrad Scarf

McQueen is the king of funky and this printed black and white scarf promises to be a wardrobe staple for years to come. Wear this in warmer months as a fashion piece or in cooler ones for function.

4. Theodora & Callum Diane Clutch, £255.43, $398

Theodora & Callum Diane Clutch

With clutches, you have carte blanche to have a good time and this bright, bold print is fun embodied in a little bag. While clutches are often great for fancier events (and this is no exception) rock them with your casual looks too, for added whimsy.

5. Elizabeth and James Limited Edition Leopard Fairfax Sunglasses, £118.73, $185.00

Elizabeth and James Limited Edition Leopard Fairfax Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a perfect way to express your cheeky self, so do it with prints, like this Elizabeth and James pair with adorable leopard spots. Though subtle, it will give your look a retro and super chic feel.

6. Marni Floral Collar, £91, $145

Marni Floral Collar

If your shirt has no collar, add one! Marni does this majorly cute trend well here. Inject some printed florals into your look in this quick and easy fashion.

7. Ada Zanditon Exclusive to ASOS Cuff, £85, $154.52

Ada Zanditon Exclusive to ASOS Cuff

Wear this geometrically shaped, uniquely printed piece on your arm for major funk. Fabulous to dress up a jeans and T-shirt look, it works equally well with a day dress.

8. ASOS Aztec Knot Front Turban, £12, $21.81

ASOS Aztec Knot Front Turban

Bad hair days be darned! Not only does this adorably printed turban cover up any unwanted curls or bumps, but it’s also extra stylish and a lovely way to incorporate prints into your outfit.

9. Topshop Bunting Necklace, £14, $28

Topshop Bunting Necklace

Combine geometric shapes – a statement in and of themselves – with prints and you’ve got this Topshop necklace. Wear this with minimal jewellery and let it be the statement piece of your look.

10. Topshop Floral Print Walker Umbrella, £22, $44

Topshop Floral Print Walker Umbrella

Sure, an umbrella doesn’t improve your outfit, but why not look adorable with floral prints overhead while it’s raining out? Snag a fun version of this practical accessory for those dreary days.

Dress / Earrings / Wood Bangle / Feather Bracelet / Cuff / Satchel / Sandals

Hardware.  Native shapes play into ethnic designs. Sharp edges and angles mimic the patterns, complementing the overall look.  In the earrings paired with this dress, the triangles and contrast of black and gold draw attention back to the print.  The large bangle does the same.  Both accessories reference etchings, which are more great artifacts of tribals, creating an even stronger look.

Nature.  Tribal prints are material representation of a culture that used natural resources to live.  Take this as an opportunity to integrate earthiness into the ensemble.  In this outfit, it is done subtly with the wooden bangle and feather charm. You can also incorporate nature into an outfit with rocks, gemstones, hemp, leather, shells, bone…you get it…

Colour.  When it comes to colour, more is more!  Though a print may not contain a certain shade, it doesn’t mean you can’t add it.  That’s the magic of tribals; every colour goes!  In the example outfit, the orange cuff doesn’t match, yet it works.  Adding an extra colour into the mix makes things less matchy-matchy and a little bit of a surprise.  Yellow, green, or turquoise would be beautiful compliments as well.  The trick is to pick one that contrasts and use it minimally.

Texture.  A leather jacket, denim vest, canvas tote. All options add texture to the outfit.  Fringe may be my favorite pairing to tribal prints.  I chose this fabulous red suede satchel to incorporate a little hippie-chic.  It’s a great partner to the vibrant dress.  As with anything, practice moderation and only chose one textured option.

Neutrals. With so much going on in the outfit, make sure to neutralize.  Tribal prints offer a lot of options for styling, but if you’re ever in doubt, black, brown and tan are all safe picks.  These neutral colours match with everything and let the vibrant prints take the spotlight.  In the example outfit, the sandals can be basic because there is interest elsewhere.  Doing this will counterbalance all the great additions to your outfit and defuse any allusion to a costume.

Play with these pointers to complement your tribal style and don’t feel you have to incorporate all of the elements.  The point is to let tribal prints to be the focus and work around them.   Being bright and lively, they don’t need competition.  Trust your instincts; if you look in the mirror and remind yourself of Sacajawea, then you should probably try again…

By Kari Radjewski

My love for the look started while preparing for a trip to Cabo san Lucas. I mean, when in Rome… err, Mexico. The colourful geometric shapes I had been seeing everywhere made me especially excited for my excursion. Though my holiday vacation has come and gone, I am excited to be able to transition my self-made stash of tribal pieces into summer. The bright colours are perfect for warm temperatures and the eye catching prints coordinate well with days filled with sunshine.

With a trend as ubiquitous as this one, why not try to do what everyone else is doing… differently. Get creative with tribals to make items that are consistent with the craze, yet one-of-a-kind. Here are three DIY projects I created to ensure unique and special ethnic items in my wardrobe:

Look #1 Tribal Embellished Shorts

DIY Tribal Shorts

Use a pair of old shorts you already own and add detail.

Purchase Aztec-inspired ribbon and some fabric glue. Cut ribbon to length where you wish to embellish the shorts.

I chose both pockets on the bum and the inside of on pocket in front. Be creative with your placement. It’s your turn to be the designer!

Glue the ribbon where desired, making sure there are no air bubbles and lay flat to dry for the duration of time as glue suggests.

Look #2 Tribal Print Infinity Scarf

DIY Tribal Scarf

This is an easy project that is perfect for a beginner sewer.

I repurposed a dress I already owned, but the same item can easily be made with a couple meters of fabric.

After removing the skirt portion of the dress, I folded it in half and sewed the bottom to the top.

If you are making the scarf from purchased fabric, you’ll want to fold the fabric in half, inside-out, and sew.

Next, turn the fabric right side out and sew the two ends together to create a circular shaped scarf.

Ta da! I wear mine all of the time. It keeps me cozy, on trend and puts the final touch on so many outfits!

Look #3 Tribal Design Clutch

DIY Tribal Clutch

This project gives you the freedom to purse-onalize (ha!).

I thrifted a plain clutch and waited for the perfect inspiration to make enhancements.

You’ll need leather paint, a steady hand and a good idea. Browsing tribal patterns helped me decide what native design I wanted to paint onto the clutch.

I free handed my pattern, but if you’re not so daring, find a print you like and copy it. I only used two colours, but feel free to incorporate as many as you wish.

Each of these projects is easy enough for anyone and is a great way to take-part in a trend without anyone having the same items as you.

In the end, you’ll have an irreplaceable item you can tell people you made all by yourself — a reason to tribal dance, for sure!

By Kari Radjewski

1) Lady-Like in Leopard

Dress // Bag // Shoes

Yes, it is possible. This dress with a clever and subtle print combining floral and leopard is exceptionally girly and flirty. It shows us that combining prints is doable; in fact, it should be encouraged. Mixing flowers into animal prints takes a fierce façade down a notch.

The look is unexpected, fashion-forward and very chic. Pairing these shoes draws emphasis back to the barely noticeable leopard in the dress, tying everything together. However wearing a solid color shoe would finish the outfit just as well. When in doubt, go the safe route. You don’t want to look like a safari gone wrong .

2) Perfect Python for the Workplace

Blouse // Skirt // Tights // Pumps

It shows confidence and authority; you’ll look like a boss. Toned down enough to show professionalism, yet a deliberate display of personality. This outfit features colourful versions of a classic print. Instead of the literal tan, brown, and black hides of our wildlife friends, try a pastel hue like this blouse. Lighter and brighter versions of animal prints are a funkier play on a traditional look, creating interesting outfits.

3) Statement Nod to the Jungle Cats

Necklace // Tank // Belt // Skirt // Clutch  // Shoes

A bold leopard print sends sexy and seductive vibes, especially in a sheer fabric. When wearing this kind of statement piece, draw attention to your best feature. In this outfit; people are going to see the skirt and your hot legs. With a piece that is especially showy, tone down the rest of the outfit like basic black tank does here. For the last bit of “vavavoom” to finish it off, use gold accents. The details of the necklace, clutch and belt will add just the right amount of sass to your sex-kitten ensemble.

4) Call to the Wild with your Accessories

Scarf // Shirt // Jeans // Sandals

If you feel like wearing animal prints on your clothing isn’t quite you, get in on the fun by enjoying them with less obvious displays. Bags, jewellery, and belts are a great ways to incorporate the fashionable patterns. This outfit fuses zebra with two of the latest trends: coloured jeans and chambray. A minimalist approach is featured using the scarf and sandals as dapper details, but feel free to spin-off this idea by pairing prints on colour. These jeans would look great with a cheetah top or jacket.

Have some fun using these tips as a guide, but also to inspire. Outfit combinations are endless. Go for traditional and classic or modern variations of the prints. No matter what, spice up your wardrobe and take a walk on the wild side.

By Kari Radjewski

Giambattista Valli, Stella McCartney, Peter Pilotto, Anna Sui, the list goes on. All of these designers have mixed prints onto the Spring 2012 catwalk. While the concept has been seen here and there in “so and so’s” collections, Greek designer, Mary Katrantzou has integrated the idea completely into her showcase. At London Fashion Week she caught everyone’s attention with her strong sense of style and bold, busy blends. If the name sounds familiar it is because Katrantzou recently worked with TopShop where she recently had a 10-piece line in stores.

Photo 1: Mary Katrantzou Spring 2012 RTW; Photo by Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW
Photo 2: Giambattista Valli Spring 2012 RTW: Photo by Yannis Vlamos/gorunway.com
Photo 3: Mary Katrantzou Spring 2012 RTW: Photo by Marcio Madiera/firstVIEW
Photo 4: Peter Pilotto Spring 2012 RTW: Photo by Marcio Madiera/firstView

Thanks to this trend, budget babes like us can maximize our wardrobe. Clever clothing collaborations, like floral on floral, tye-dye on tribal, etc., are a gateway to unlimited “new” outfits that are already hanging in our closets.

Polka Dot Blouse – Bank Fashion — £15 (down from £30)
Floral Skirt – Warehouse Tailoring — £25 (down from £45)
Glitter Sandals – Asos — £50
Aqua Bow Clutch – Dorothy Perkins — £10

Perhaps you enjoy the aesthetic of the runway combos you’ve seen from your favorite designers, but feel they are too rambunctious for your personal style. In that case, tone it down to make the trend work for you. Still having heart palpitations? Listed are a few pointers to ease you into this crazy, but not so crazy, concept. Here are five easy tips to take mixing prints from the Runway to the “Realway”:

• 1- If you’re intimidated, try something easy. Mix simple prints, like ombré and leopard. Both act as neutrals, but are more interesting than plain basics.

• 2-Stll feeling uncomfortable? Separate the garments when wearing. For example, allow a plain color to separate the prints of a shirt and shoes, pants and scarf, etc.

• 3- Avoid involving too many colors and keep those you’re wearing within the same scheme. An outfit filled with a rainbow of hues will make you look like a clown. We don’t want that.

• 4-Stay away from pairing two extremely busy prints; chose one and pair it with something less obvious. I’m talking ikat with a pin-stripe or floral with polka dots.

• 5- Subtle accessories are key. With so much going on in the concoction covering your body, when it comes to jewelry, less is more. Prints on prints is statement on its own; let it speak for itself.

These pointers will should help ease the “anything goes” look into your wardrobe gracefully. Eventually you won’t see a clash of fabrics and instead will notice the clothes are complements of one another. “No longer must we abide by the “basic + print = outfit” formula. Anything goes, my dears.

Channel your inner Mary Katrantzou. Shop your closet. You can do it!

By Kari Radjewski

All images uploaded are copyright © of their respective owners.