alia michèle blog

I love love love love love patterns. Before I was a plain jane, but now I'm a print fanatic (like it isn't obvious already)!! This spring I've been seeing quite a few patterns on everything from clothes, to soles of shoes....even on jewelry. It's quite amazing and I'm going crazy this year for all the lovely ones!

Patterns are a great thing to add to any closet. They can flatter your body type, but you just have to be careful which one you choose, as not all are flattering (like horizontal stripes...eek). I have tried on some dresses for example with large swirly florals, and I looked like I had an hourglass figure (I have apparently a more athletic build...hmmm). Other than that, patterns are just straight fun. They can add a little pizazz to any little outfit, like the Pin Wheel Cardigan that has not only a circular pattern, but a little appliqué which makes it even more intriguing. You can mix them up, mix and match if you feel like being bold, or just add a touch with a belt or even a cuff, or a great Orla Kiely bag. So this summer, lets add some patterns to the wardrobe. I have already shown some great ones I think are worth it (and I might treat myself to this summer). Some I can't afford, but I adore so so much!!! My favorite is the Matthew Williamson dress. It mixes many patterns and textures, which just scream aliamichèle...I'm sure you could tell that by the "larger than everything else" image! hehe.

And speaking of patterns, Diane Von Furstenburg is one of my many role models. She spoke at my roommates graduation and I was really excited (kind of like when Tom Ford my other role model came to our school...pity I was in Fibers and not Fashion!). Her line for Fall 08 was breathtaking. She had bold prints, and the best part of the collection, was the great mixtures of tweeds and florals...which totally made her collection worth while. She never fails to amaze me! Enjoy!

Images (top) clockwise from left: Madison Skirt; Orla Kiely Bag; Gap Dress; Lux Black Magic Dress; Pin Wheel Cardigan; Mid-Rise Bermuda Shorts; Fersen Smocked Silk Jersey Dress; Polka Dot Print Skirt; Matthew Williamson Leather Applique Silk Jersey Dress.

Images below courtesy of: Mercedez Benz Fashion Week