Print Paradise

If you read my earlier post 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' you will know I am on a shopping ban until Easter, this is one of my fashion resolutions for 2013.  My second is to embrace the art of print, I have admired printed trousers, jackets and dresses from afar during the latter of 2012 and I cannot wait to try them out myself now...some may be wondering how this will be possible following my shopping ban, but I managed to sneak in these purchases just before the new year rang in!  Some were Christmas presents too so I am officially off the hook.

 

So the first of my print moves landed me at Topshop; I started mild with these burgundy spotted trousers to ease me into the trend.  They were definitely a good purchase, they are comfortable to wear and the colour is bang on trend for this season.  Burgundys and reds are essential for 2013 and this is a great way to get it into my wardrobe.

With my new found print confidence, I stumbled across the most amazing jacket!! I could not resist the bold, lavish print on the smart blazer style jacket, I had to have it.  However, the steep price tag put me off, seeing as I am only just wearing print I could not justify the jacket.  Then to my rescue came the pre-Christmas sales....and of course there it was, half off!  I immediately added the jacket to my online basket and before I knew it, it was on my doorstep in all its finery. 

I have worn it just one time so far but it is definitely a head turner.  I styled it simply, over my little black dress, to add to the wow factor to New Years Eve.

Over the Christmas period, as I gradually became brave with print (and as I ran out of time before my shopping ban kicked in) I hit the sales.  It was hot and cramped as expected but as it was not at a huge shopping destination that we visited, mum and I managed to find some calm...and some bargains!!  I reluctantly entered Next, it is not for the younger female nor for the fashion conscious at all times but it was worth a shot.  To my surprise there was a mass of printed garments untouched and calling out to me, my guess is that the trousers I was so lucky to find are a little too fashion forward for the average Next customer...much to my delight!

 

One pair is very Aztec inspired and the bold design is muted by the black, white and grey which makes them more wearable and a good transitional piece between daytime and evening.  These trousers will be a great addition to any wardrobe and at the sale price...they were too good to leave behind.

The second pair are very tropical and jungle inspired with bright green, blue and pink colours, these trousers are more of a statement piece.  Teamed with a simple one-tone blouse or t-shirt they will make a essential addition to my Spring wardrobe.

I am very please with my successful sale purchases as it can be hit and miss to find the good quality garments amidst the flurry of avid sale shoppers.  But I was lucky, and these should keep me satisfied till I am let loose once more on the highstreet!

Some of my printed garments were Christmas presents too...so Father Christmas obviously guessed my intentions to add print to my wardrobe ;)  This baroque inspired dress is two trends in one and i love it! It is comfortable due to the loose fit of the skirt but the fitted top is very flattering and nips in the waist perfectly.

 

 

The colours are quite muted meaning the dress is a great transitional piece between seasons, over Christmas I teamed it with my favourite mauve leather jacket and during the Spring I can team it with a light knit or even my coveted Zara mac.  

My final printed piece is the perfect introduction to the trend as it is a lovely handbag from Topshop, also a Christmas present, it adds instant wow to any plain outfit.  The print is Aztec, just as my trouser are, which I really like at the minute.  The bag is quite demure with regards to print as the black offsets the brightness, I have used it both in the day and at night with great results against my woolen beige coat and my little black dress.  I anticipate it being a favourite of mine for the foreseeable future. 

So I have fully embraced the art of print with various garments and accessories to try out for all occasions.  The start of 2013 will certainly be vibrant and eye-catching so here's to experimenting.....