Top 5 Printed Pieces to Buy Now

If you don't know I'm a sucker for a good print by now, then we can't be friends. It's overwhelming how much designers have been upping their print game every season - but don't worry, I'm here for you, shopping through it everyday. Here are my top five favorite printed pieces now for you to consider splurging on - a good print pop is mandatory for a new-season wardrobe update.

Technically more of a pattern than a print, per se, KENZO broke the mold this season with its amazing graphic knitwear. Obviously we all want the tiger sweater, but it’s selling out everywhere thanks to its street style fame, so don’t hold your breath. There are plenty of drool-worthy patterns to choose from – I happen to think this geometric one at FarFetch is just perfect.

If you belong to the religion of print, your god(dess) is Mary Katrantzou. Unfortunately for me – I don’t know about you – but I chose going to college and getting an apartment instead of just living with my parents but owning every season’s collection of M.Kat amazingness. Trust me, I regret it every single day. Stupid degree, which is made of boring, non-printed paper. But, I digress. This T-shirt, at Harvey Nichols, is everything to me because it’s an actually affordable (compared to the rest of the line) iteration of one of the most stupidly awesome prints to come from the master herself. I would live in this – dress it down with leather skinny pants, up with a feathered skirt. 

Another "duh" for a print lover is Clover Canyon. Their California-cool landscape prints and global traveler patterns are just. So. Good. I just bought this li'l number from Saks and I feel like a walking piece of art in it. I'm obsessed with the expertly executed combination of the oh-so-pretty pattern at top and the photorealistic print at bottom.

You didn't think I could get through this post without Peter Pilotto, did you? His prints stand out because of their technicolor palettes and futuristic patterns - they're graphic, sharp and bold. This long-sleeved T-shirt, at FarFetch, encapsulates the oceanic blues and greens of the fall collection in a more laid-back way, making it both easier on your wallet and easy to work into any outfit. 

Every season I die for Prabal Gurung, and FW12 was no exception. The print of this skirt, at Harvey Nichols, is moody, stormy, modern yet romantic. It makes any outfit a total statement. I'm aware it's quite the splurge, so I also found an alternative that's similar to the look.

Alternative from All Saints for $150: 

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor