Paisley & Houndstooth

Paisley Shorts from H&M (would go brilliantly with the pink Jacob blazer from last Friday's post, btw)

Ashley in a houndstooth blazer from H&M

A houndstooth look from the DVF Pre-Fall Collection - photo via WWD

Head-to-toe paisley at Jil Sander's Spring 2012 show 

Houndstooth trousers ($49.90) at Zara 

Stella McCartney Spring 2012

Bright houndstooth at House of Holland's Fall 2012 Show 

We had our family Easter dinner yesterday and as always, I ate too much food, ate way too much chocolate and generally just over-indulged.  Heaven!  Though every family get-together involves questions like, "How's work?" and "How are the kids?", my fashion-conscious fam now asks me about trends, too.  We got on the topic of pattern and I told them how prevalent retro prints have been on the runways for this season and next.  I especially love the big comeback of paisley and houndstooth - 2 of my fave old-school prints.  To make '80's houndstooth look current, team it with a pop of bright by adding a colour-blocked heel or blouse or, instead of the typical black & white, be on the lookout for colourful houndstooth as seen at DVF and House of Holland for Fall 2012.  As for paisley, it's been awhile since the old-fashioned print has looked hip so just wearing it is guaranteed to make you look in-the-know.  Luckily, instead of the heavy-looking paisleys we used to see (think forest green and burgundy..ech) the print's been reinvented with loads of bright pastel paisleys swinging from this season's racks.  Designers are showing head-to-toe matching prints but for every day, I suggest you debut one singular sensation to make a statement.  Pretty!

Pattern Play

1. Feather Chiffon Skirt, $24.90, Garage; 2. Bird Print Blouse, $27, Smart Set; 3. Bird Print Scarf, $17, Smart Set; 4. Sleeveless Crepe Blouse, $29.95, H&M; 5. Feather Scarf, $19.90, Dynamite

1. Geometric Cradle Bag, American Eagle Outfitters, $20; 2. Aztec Fringed Scarf, $12.90, Garage; 3. Dolman-Sleeved Tee, $22.90, Garage; 4. Dollhouse Wedges, $39.99, Journeys; 5. Tribal Bandeau Bikini, Aerie; 6. Geo Printed Tiered Skirt, Aeropostale; 7. Putamayo World Music CD: Mexico, $14.99, Green Earth; 8. Belt, Ardene

1. Preen Pixelated Peep-Toe, $175, ALDO; 2. Pencil Skirt, $59.95, H&M; 3. Kate & Mel Espadrilles, $59.95,Town Shoes; 4. Floral Printed Dress, $86, Cleo; 5. Printed Stretch Trousers, $17.95, H&M

1. Kristin Embossed Python Cross-Body Bag, $238, Coach; 2. Python iPad Case, $39, Danier; 3. Printed Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 4. Python Pumps, $110, Guess; 5. Python Bucket Bag, $52, Cleo; 6. Double-Weave Snake Print Pants, $99.95, Le Château

With all of the prints out there, we often avoid them altogether in case we get it wrong.  Well fear not, my budding print-cesses - once you've played with all of this spring's prettiest prints, you'll wonder why you didn't embrace pattern sooner.   Whether you wear these prints as an accent or go full-blown floral from tip to toe, make sure the print speaks to you.  After all, if nothing else, prints are highly personal.

Bird Prints - Let pics of our feathered friends add some interest to basic separates.  Think bird prints are a juvenile trend?  Even Christopher Bailey from Burberry incorporated owls into his Fall 2012 collection. Whoo-hoot!

Aztec Influences - Look to the eclectic prints of Mexico for an instant update to your spring wardrobe.  (Margaritas optional)

Pixelated Florals - Flowers go futuristic this spring, with oversized buds and graphic florals taking over.

Python Prints - The reptile trend is still going strong.  If you've already mastered neutral python prints, look for snake prints in bright colours or pastels to look extra current

Other big prints for spring?  Hawaiian/tropical florals, paisley (yes, it's back!) and tribal, African-inspired patterns.  Stripes, as always, are still totally chic.  Glad to see some things never change!