A Sneak Peek at Madewell’s Spring Catalog

Meet your new "prints charming." A preview of what Madewell has to offer this spring has been released, and let’s just say the looks won’t stay on this J.Crew spin-off’s shelves too long. The lookbook’s appropriately named “Mix Master” section featured polka dots, stripes, and florals on everything from signature scarves to playful socks, which were cheekily shown with flats and heels. This season, Madewell took a twist on classic patterns by toying with scale, as shown in the pointilized to oversized polka dots on the dress pictured above. We’re dying to get our hands on their dizzying take on a pinstripe pant, which looks like a delightful a bar code.

These pieces will be available both in-store and online on Tuesday, March 6, but you can start plotting which printed pieces you’d like to mix and match now. Hey, it’s okay to break that cardinal rule about mixing stripes with polka dots. After all, you have Jenna Lyons' permission.

Text Kara Solarz
Images Lucky Magazine

Riding With Jonathan Saunders

Expectations were high for Jonathan Saunders' fall 2012 runway show at London Fashion Week. After all, the Glasgow-born designer was presented with the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund award just a few short weeks ago. Saunders proved that the prestigious nod was well-earned with the debut of his equestrian-themed fall collection, which stomped down the runway on Sunday evening. The noted print designer showed off his textile savvy with dizzying geometric patterns of embossed fabrics and oversized florals, which really helped his expertly tailored riding jackets shine.

Though they wore well-cut coats, knee-high boots, and ponytails, many of his models looked as if they could have just as easily ridden down the catwalk on horseback. Saunders' looks weren't too exclusive, as he managed to explore more than one country-club aesthetic. From golf-course friendly visors to pleated skirts and prim dresses (leaving out the sheer-top number that made the J. Lo's deep-plunge Grammys dress look modest), each outfit was blue-blood approved.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

Graphics Galore

While we've seen techno-tribal bags, polka dot pumps, and other eye-popping, patterned accessories from seasons past, a plethora of lively graphics have captured the attention of the fashion industry once again! With an eclectic and exciting assortment of printed handbags and shoes, it's no wonder why designers have said goodbye to boring, solid-colored accessories and "hello" to energetic (and rather quirky) accent pieces for the spring 2012 season. 

Many prominent designers by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Kate Spade are bringing this wild and playful trend back into the spotlight. But let's be honest, has it ever left? Au contraire, this bold fashion statement is continuing to take the fashion world by storm. Even celebrity tastemakers such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Whitney Port have all been spotted sporting this trend. 

So, spice up your wardrobe with a bold, graphic-printed accessory, and take a walk on the wild side. You will surely be strutting down the streets in style.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source WWD

Load Up On Pretty Prints At American Apparel

We walked into American Apparel yesterday not expecting much because our previous trips resulted in nothing but spandex, some more spandex and a little bit of lace. But, upon my entering one of the many AAs in downtown NYC, we saw so many cute skirts and patterns. Definitely walked away with new skirts in a pretty sea green, lots of chiffon tanks, and dresses that don't stick to you like feathers to honey--an AA staple. Despite all the financial troubles and board member resignations, the company is doing well for itself with new patterns, prints and spring material.

New Trend to Fill Your Post Christmas Shopping

(Eugenie Dalland showing her easy-chic styling of the tailored look, jacket by May Kosaka)

Each year as the fashion seasons come and go, so to the trends that explode onto the front stage with astonishing power. A teacher of mine best described a trend as something that appears absurd in the beginning but slowly takes hold as the days past; something you first see in disbelief and refuse to believe you would ever wear, but slowly creeps into your world until you wake up one morning and all of a sudden, you are one of the masses. Everyone has fallen trap to it, hell…a few days ago I caught myself wearing leggings with an over sized shirt just short enough to make the leggings function as pants, something I vowed never to do (and will still fight even myself on). This season is no different with styles emerging that leave everyone wonder….how WOULD I wear that?

The newer trends that are emerging range everywhere from vibrant fluorescent prints (ala Prada), dark leather bondage (ala Givenchy masks…in fact I saw this one on a blog’s gift guide…go figure…give the gift of gags for Christmas…), and lots of structure with a little bit of a harder edge (this strong suiting and tailored looks ala Celine). So, with Christmas past, and shopping for yourself back to the guilt free zone, how will you be bringing these out-there trends into your wardrobe for the New Year? Myself…I think I’ll try a little bit of all of them!

Text by Corinna Fabre

Mixing Prints

It seems as though lately many of the hard and fast rules concerning fashion dos and don’ts we’ve previously upheld as laws are being overturned. Need I remind you of the resurrection of the clog or our newly minted enjoyment of denim on denim? I didn’t think so. So in the perhaps old but rather indomitable tradition of giving the ugly duckling a fierce makeover and sending her out into the world to bag the most popular boy at school, comes the mixing of prints—as in wearing a blouse in one print and a skirt in another. It comes as no surprise that, as a rather reliable portent of the next big thing, Proenza Schouler was one of the first brands to feature the look in its Resort 2011 collection. Although I am overjoyed by the thought of mixing but not matching, I am also of the opinion that it will take a particularly discerning fashion eye to pull it off. While your chosen prints do not have to match, it is of the utmost importance that they compliment each other; and therein lies the difficulty. One thing’s for sure, this look should make for some very amusing failed attempts.

By Jessica Best

Pretty in Pants

So far, this season has proven to be full of fashion risks, and the new printed-pant craze is certainly no exception. While elaborate prints have traditionally been used for casual tops and evening wear, this season brings in the bold with a new wardrobe essential: the printed pant. Whether you’re a fan of skinny jeans or structured trousers, there is a pair that is tailor-made to fit your taste. Designers like Balenciaga, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, and Dries Van Noten have all given this new style a go, and the results have been magnificent. While these high-end designers did this trend justice, my favorite pairs come from ASOS. Their styles have high-end details available at a low-end price. What I love most about this trend is that it involves a certain degree of bravery- wearing these pants on the street is a lot different than admiring them on the runway. However, if you’re up to the challenge, the results will definitely pay off. I can think of no better way to experiment with colors and textures than to play with a pair of printed pants. Match a pair with a basic tank to keep the focus on the pants, or experiment just a little with a bold colored crop-top, another summer essential. The most important thing to remember when wearing this trend is not to overdo it. If you choose a pair of loose harem pants, opt for a more form-fitting top to avoid looking too slouchy. If you pick a pair of printed skinnies, choose a blouse or flowy tee to create the perfect balance. Don’t be afraid to mix prints, either, it’s a great way to express yourself without going overboard.

By Ali Antonucci

A Bright Future

Femininity, fit, and pattern are the story of Oscar de la Renta's pre-fall '10 collection. It is easy for gorgeous evening wear to overshadow day and casual-wear in a collection, but Oscar's can definitely keep up. The color palette, fitted jackets, tailored pants, modest yet sexy hem-lines (I could go on) are to die for.

This collection marks the seasonal transition too, from late summer to fall by using bright yellows and reds reminiscent of warmer months paired with muted shades of navy, grey and black. Oscar de la Renta uses so many beautiful prints in this collection, and has mixed-and-matched them perfectly. Some lovely multi-color embroidered patchwork-print, looks are bright and whimsical, and one cute patchwork dress in particular paired with a vermillion cashmere embroidered cardigan is one of my favorite of the collection.

This is not to say that the collection does not feature beautiful evening wear- embroidery, sparkles, bows, ruffles, and lace, all combined with print. It is the work of a true artist.

-Erin O'Hara