As a reformed goth, I embraced colour in the mid-90s with utter glee. In fact, my first purchase was a high-vis orange bomber jacket that I still wear. Prints, however, took a little longer to get my head around. I think seeing rows and rows of print dresses at Keith Matheson created a mindblock for me. So dad started me off gently with a little animal print. Once I "got" that and realised my Edina Monsoon within, it was on.
There are no rules to prints in 2015. It's just about finding the one that works for you. Be bold and wear it head-to-toe, try clashing prints or simply add a great print to your accessory collection.
When it comes to clashing prints and patterns, I adore this look from WORLD, which teams a beautiful red geometric brocade jacket with a print dress that's verging on scientific. Zambesi nails it, too, with its blue camouflage jeans and timeless bow blouse.
Australian label Gorman is never afraid of colour and its outfit of reverse prints
is simply beautiful. So, too, is Vanishing Elephant's combination of matching palm print pieces.
Stolen Girlfriends Club's Tiki ball dress has just the right amount of princess meets punk in a to-die-for print. There's understated elegance with a Basquiat-esque print from Salasai and have your own 70s moment in Topshop.
If you're still not ready to dive head-first into a print fiesta, then check The Line Up for my "Animal Party" selections of accessories to highlight your monochrome. There's a cheeky hint of leopard from Max, a little gorgeous mock croc from Witchery and a pair of ultra-chic heels from Overland, featuring snakeprint contrasted with a bold yellow heel.
The Line Up: Animal party
1. Max Blaze Scarf $49.99
2. Witchery Esther Clutch $89.90
3. Isabella Anselmi Melrose $209.90, from Overland
Get The Look: Print fiesta
All outfits from left to right:
The dress
Geometry Blazer $799
Pythagoras Dress $575
All from WORLD
Stolen Girlfriends Club Tiki Ball Dress $599
Salasai Self Portrait Dress $369
Topshop Daisy Shirt Dress $120
The separates
Club Collar Blouse $139.95
Cuff Short $129.95
All from Vanishing Elephant
Jigsaw Sweater $149
Jigsaw Skirt $219
Short Cable Sock $19
Patchwork Pump $359
All from Gorman
Bow Blouse $495
Soft Jean $365
Blue Boots $890
All from Zambesi
Stockists
• worldbrand.co.nz
• stolengirlfriendsclub.com or ph (09) 360 3475
• For Salasai and Vanishing Elephant stockists, ph (09) 302 3594
• topshop.com and 203 Queen St, Auckland
• zambesistore.com
• gormanshop.com.au or 25 Nuffield St, Newmarket, Auckland
• overlandfootwear.co.nz
• maxshop.com
• witchery.co.nz