Spring is here! Though, the weather throughout April has been particularly interesting… I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to buy an umbrella, only for it to blow inside-out, after what feels like every second or third use! Earthly winds, may I have your attention please? Chill out!
So, whilst on the floral subject, whatever you do, do not discard your floral pieces; be it skirts, shirts, hot pants, bags, dresses or jumpsuits. Keep them – Floral prints are back and in full action, both in high street stores and in our favourite designer stores. This season, the trend embraces a fruitful dosage of flower power.
I was out and about in High Street Kensington last week, I had a quick look around in Urban Outfitters and H&M, here are some of the amazing pieces I saw in Urban Outfitters.
- Renewal O&O Floral Two Pocket Dress
- Something Else Sleeveless Flower Dress
- Silence + Noise Floral Block Tank
Highlights from H&M
Yes, yet another exciting time for H&M! Last year, we saw the collaboration of Versace and H&M; where the pieces from the glamorous collection focused on ‘Bling’, gold embellishment and bright bold prints. If you happened to be one of those lucky fashionistas who braved the cold and ghastly winds to bag some incredible pieces from the collection – I salute you. It’s not easy queuing up for 6 hours or more.
Check out just some of the some items H&M have introduced in the Conscious Collection for S/S 2012.
Wearing floral and getting it ‘right’ for you
Ask yourself what you enjoy wearing most – is it leggings, skirts, jeans or maybe a blouse?
If you haven’t yet picked up your print, then now is the time. Mid-season sale is gearing up – go grab yourself a bargain. But, before you head out, remember these key points.
Balance your prints
If you are new to the idea of prints, then why not start with subtle prints on a skirt, vest or t-shirt. Play with the colours within the print, but also remember the kind of colours you already have back at home; a bright pair of orange or neon blue shoes will get hidden in the back of wardrobe as you might find, it doesn’t match with anything else you have. Although that bright orange colour may be within your chosen print, remember to choose your coordinating colours for accessories and shoes wisely. Also, look out for camel brown or dusty mustard yellow sandals, distressed light brown flat or heeled brogues and deep reds or maroon/brown shoulder bags – these sorts of colours will lift your prints and can also be worn with other outfits. Play with colour and, explore with different textures – chiffon fabric is a big hit this spring.
It’s all about the dress in this second set. The print is bold, bright and screams attention. The only thing that this dress needs is a ‘wow’ bag and a pair of heels. However, the dress can easily be dressed down too, by swapping the heels for flat brogues or white pumps, a knitted cardigan and a dark brown leather satchel.
To achieve the fierce look however, start by pulling the waist in with a skinny belt to show off your figure. Finish the look off with polished nails, deep pink lipstick, jet black mascara and chunky jewellery.
Accessorising
Get some chunky cuff bangles and colourful skinny plain and woven belts on the go – these items can be worn with anything. The great things about accessories are that they’re timeless. If you have plain summer dresses and want to change the look of your outfit, accessories are the answer. Camel brown leather belts work wonders to a plain outfit. You can team this with some wooden bangles, dark or tanned sandals and finish the look with a floral canvas bag.
Prints have now made their way down to shoes. This, is what I call making a statement with your accessories. If you want to sport the floral footwear, then wedges will start your ‘summer of floral’ - beautifully. The only thing I would say about statement shoes is, in order to carry out the look effortlessly, make sure that the rest of your outfit is simple and classic – all eyes should be on your fabulous platforms!
Look of the moment
One of my favourite looks at the moment is; Oversize shirts teamed with leggings or stoned washed rolled up jeans – get down to Topshop, Urban Outfitters or visit online shop American Eagle and grab a pair of light or bright coloured jeans for the summer. Add a long pendant necklace, a fairly large flower power / statement ring and finish off the look with a ‘burst of colour’ statement shoulder bag. If your shirt has long sleeves, be sure to roll them up and strut your stuff.
What are your thoughts on this revival? Will you be rocking a floral pattern this summer? Let us know below.
About Rozie Gyembibi
I’m a singer/songwriter, composer, voice-over artist and a bassist. Music is everything to me. When I’m not writing and performing, I enjoy taking live music photography and providing art direction and styling advice for professional shoots. Fashion, being a big part of my life, gives me the opportunity to express myself. I find inspiration form everything that I see, I look up to people like; Josephine Baker, Alexander McQueen and Tarun Khiwal.
FACEBOOK TWITTER PINTEREST