Pattern Attack!

With the change in season I feel inspired to brighten things up with prints and patterns. On trend right now is to be fearless with patterns and prints and to try some bold combinations. Check our previous post how to mix prints to take it to the next level.

I'm a big fan of Porter Teleo's unique wall paper prints so I've dedicated quite a few of this posts image round up to their fabulous print collection.

I love this large red graphic Porter Teleo Wallpaper against the eclectic art and blue accessories. This outfit combination is from the latest  Karen Walker walker range, mixing prints well. Outfit image courtesy of preciouspeg.com

Handpainted Porter Teleo wallpaper in a beautiful colour combo of blues, teals, tans and yellows. Sister Jane Monet dress from asos.com.

We can't have a  pattern attack round up without polka dots. I love the raw texture that the drip effect from the hand painted Porter Teleo wallpaper gives. This is an amazing dress from twentysevennames.co.nz that I'd love to have to welcome in spring.

A more bold example from Porter Teleo wallpaper has a massive impact. This funky outfit from twentysevennames.co.nz is also a great example of mixing prints - pattern and polka dots.

Like pattern and print but not too confident with color? Try grey and white. Porter Teleo wallpaper and dress from asos.com.

Monochromes and grey grahpic prints -  Porter Teleo wallpaper and dress from asos.com.

More floral polka dot Porter Teleo  wallpaper print and the gorgeous floating Mondegreen tee and maxi skirt.

Porter Teleo aqua and grey wallpaper print, with Kate Sylvester demonstrating how to mix prints right - stripe and floral.

Marimekko is an internationally renowned Finnish brand that is famous for their bold graphic designs for prints, fashion and ceramics. Their range truly spans the premise of this blog from home decor and accessories to fashion, so putting the following roundup together was a very natural fit for homebecomesher...

Beautiful bright pink Marimekko print, and this guy is pretty confident to rock this pant print!

Marimekko monochrome and red geometric print

Marimekko tree print ranging from decor to dresses.

Marimekko bold bed duvet set and loving this flamboyant rain drop print.

This poppy print is probably Marimekko's most famous trademark design, and they've teamed with Converse to create these bold sneakers.

Monochrome Marimekko, these hand drawn looking lines give real character to your typical stripe. I would love this ceramic print as a wallpaper.

Monochrome Marimekko floral. Again the famous poppy print in blacks and greys. 

Some of my favorite fashion prints right now...

Diesel print jumpsuit - from asos.com

Fantastic floral from Mondegreen.co.nz

More Marimekko boldness

Orla Kiely 60s Shift Posey Printed Silk Dress. From Asos.com

Mixing stripe and a busy floral pattern is an easy an effective way to mix prints. Outfit from rubynz.co.nz

Embrace this new seasons pattern attack and work the combos, be bold and bright. Happy change of season!

computerarts.co.uk 

How to mix prints

Left to right imagery: stylingon.com & designspiration.net

Mixing prints takes a bit of courage and an eye for colour combinations.  On the home front a combination of prints can be very chic and the overall feel can bring a plain or lifeless room to life.  On the fashion front it can give someone a real sense of personality...

Something for everyone - Image by theberry.com

My personal approach to print is one that is relatively reserved but what I love about mixing prints is that it doesn't always have to say 'hey look how many colours I can wear' - but rather, 'look what I can do with multiple prints and colour', take for instance these runway looks that are mixing prints yet in a monochromatic way.

Image from style.mtv.com

The overall look above is a look that is refined yet captivating as not only are the models mixing prints but they are mixing textures in a tonal colour palette of greys black and brown. Not once do I think this is too much print, which just goes to show that mixing prints can be refined and subtle.

Image: onekingslane.com

Even if you are someone who likes to keep your colour scheme simple inside the home, introducing several different prints into an otherwise neutral space like for instance in window dressings or cushions (as above) shows a bit of flare yet is easily replaced should your relationship with the print sadly 'come to an end'.

Left to right: youareherefw.com and cosy.pt

Sometimes too much of something can be a wonderful thing like for instance this leopard on leopard look or this over the top zebra wallpaper.  Sometimes if you have the right oomph of colour to offset the print the scheme can just work - it shouldn't but it does, like these further examples

Micro-floral meets green zebra: greathomeinterior.com

The yellow floral is offset by a striking zebra print: asiankoreanfashion.com

Mixing prints can tread a fine line between creating a beautiful mess and an amazing fashion moment.  These celebs seem to get the balance right

Whitney Port, tartan and stripes myfashavenue.com

Scarlett mixes her black and white prints: olivekelly.blogspot.com

Miranda in double floral - lamodellamafia.com

Leopard and floral - who knew?: Olivia enpaper.blogspot.com

Mixing print the right way is all about maintaining balance and having the confidence to do it in the first place.  Occasionally it can be a happy coincidence that you were wearing 3 kinds of stripes and it looked fab but for the most part this is a blend that takes some coordination - there needs to be a common thread.  Either you try bold print with bold solid colours to offset, or you blend prints with tonal accessories which compliment rather than contrast.  The best thing about mixing prints is it really does get your imaginative juices flowing and when you strike it lucky - it can be a winning combination.

Have a go, I dare you!

Take me back to the 70s

Outfit pic: By Lindsay Keats - Top from thrift shop, jeans from Dotti, handbag from David Lawrence
Interior pic: Courtesy of Deluxe Arch

Okay, so I wasn't actually around in the 70s but if I was (and in my 20s let's say) I'd be a happy girl. Al Green's Let's stay together, Marvin Gaye's Let's get it on...Ooh and for a retro style refresher check out these 70s fashion icons (p.s Diane Keaton I love you).

Farrah Fawcett image from andamasha.blogspot.com

So obviously we had to come up with our own 70s inspired looks.  Check out AnnaLynne McCord's take on this amazing era and then of course the lovely Mere shows off her 70's side with classic bell bottoms, micro florals and tan accents

AnnaLynne McCord image from denimology.com

Though you can't see them we also had some chunky platforms helping to give height to a wide flare.  Which by the way is a good tip for those who are a little on the short side and want to still be able to wear a wide leg pant - always create the illusion of height and wearing heels (that blend rather than contrast) will do this.

At 5'4' Celeb stylist Rachel Zoe knows this!

.  Image from singer22.com

I've mentioned a couple of times that we are currently renovating our 70s house - it's a slow process and I'm enjoying finding pieces that honour the age of the house while complimenting a modern feel.  Check out this example of mixing old with new. The ghost chair is a nice subtle touch of modernity.

70s interior image from Graham & Brown

Check out my latest find.  This is a mid century scissor lamp.  Quite quirky and perhaps not everyone's cup of tea but I am in love and I think it will fit in well with both vintage and modern pieces. I promise I'll take a picture when it's in situ.

This lovely piece was spotted on our ebay equivalent trademe.co.nz

Until then, embrace your inner Farrah and experiment with a 70's vibe - whether its donning oversized shades and felt hats at brunch or embracing some mid-late century pieces for the home.

Peace, love and veges!

Body Art & Wall Art

Body Art Pic: Courtesy of our lovely friend Gaya
Wall Art Pic: Courtesy of Snuut Architecture

This is our beautiful friend Gaya showing off her uber feminine and delicate back tattoo. If tattooing body art seems too permanent for you, then wall decals require much less commitment. This butterfly wall decal has been placed on top of wallpaper and has instantly taken a blah boring wall to something of a feature. Wall decals can be a simple and great way to add excitement, character and beauty to a room. 

Body Art image: Courtesy of Pinterest
Wall Art image: Courtesy of Walldecalshop

I think henna temporary tattooing is so stunning, and this wall decal example shows that you really can find almost any sort of design you desire. With so many options available from images to inspirational quotes, you can find something that is meaningful and beautiful to your tastes and apply this to any room in the house (or even tattoo any part of your body...).

So this is probably not a simple vinyl wall decal but more of a hand painted and original wall mural, I love it! Image courtesy of Foggyland

If you're handy with the paint brush create your own bright, colorful and dynamic wall mural. Not for the artistically challenged like me, but inspiring all the same. Image courtesy of MadeByGirl

A fantastic and extravagant wall mural example! Again not a simple decal but so effective in this double ceiling height space. Image courtesy of Batixa

I think nursery's and kids rooms are perfect for decals, they add the fun factor and can be easily removed when you or your kids get over it! Image courtesy of The Kids Room Decor

Image courtesy of Colorful Kids Rooms

So try a wall decal – liven up a room for relatively low cost and minimal effort. There are so many different vinyl wall decals available, check out Etsy for thousands of options and you're sure to find one that you love. Or for the artistically ambitious and talented you can try painting your own wall mural or even create your own fabric wall decal, see Sewing Scarlet for a great tutorial.

Touch of floral

Outfit pic: By Lindsay Keats - Dress from ASOS, Denim Jacket from Quicksilver, shoes from Lipstick
Interior pic: courtesy of Southern Charm

Tiny and delicate or big and bold, there are so many floral prints out there and so many ways to bring a touch of floral to your style. Floral prints have been a big fashion trend for 2012, with many designers and major retail brands creating virtually any piece of clothing and accessory in some floral form. So my feminine floral dress is pretty safe, and you may want to mix it up with more adventurous mediums such as a floral blazer, jeans or heels. And of course if you remember the 90s you'll know just how great denim and floral print go together – just like Salt-N-Pepa, like Guns N' Roses, like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and DJ Jazzy Jeff - denim and floral are a match made in 90s grunge heaven. Except back then I'd probably wear this same outfit with my steel capped Doc Marten boots as opposed to high-heeled wedges. 90s kids you know what I'm talking about!

Although floral is hot right now in fashion it can be quite timeless in your home decor.  I think floral chairs make fantastic features in any style of home, and they don't have to look grannyish.

Talking about grannies I inherited my grandmother's floral teacup set, which I adore and it actually gets used quite often now that high tea is in vogue. My set looks very similar to the below vintage variety, you can get these sorts of sets from most second hand stores or this particular one via Dad's Teacups on Etsy.

Vintage Royal Albert Teacup from Dad's Teacups

Love these vintage 90s floral blazers, you can buy them new but there's something cool about the old originals, they're usually better quality too. This one is from Oh My Frock

One last thing, floral doesn't have to be restricted to spring and summer, team your floral dress with a chunky sweater and you can rock the floral look all seasons - or for New Zealand summers which can be quite cold anyway.

Outfit pic: Dress from ASOS, Knit Jumper from Lee, shoes from Lipstick, Necklace from Karen Walker  and watch from Marc Jacobs