ever since i read an article in the april
vogue about the author's first
marimekko dress, i've been craving big pattern...in a big way.
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there's
the original, of course, which one can't overlook.
this site has more options than just about anyone, and their pricing is pretty impressive. i love this
tunic style shirtdress ($219), which gives you the fabulous pattern, but the conservative styling reins it in and makes it office-appropriate.
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but then, i think if you're jumping on this look, the "reined in" thing isn't really the point at all. i love
this blouse (on sale for $109), which is completely over the top, in the best of ways. wear it with a skinny black pant or pencil skirt, layer a turtleneck underneath, leave it open & call it a jacket, or close it up and call it a blouse - this is a piece i'd never get tired of.
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i'm also loving some of the less obvious versions floating around this spring. this
version by puella ($176) is a little bit 70s flower child, but the styling keeps it modern.
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if adding color on top of pattern is just too much for you, try this big, bold
black and white number by mika piirainen ($183). i love the swirling pattern and classic cut - this is a dress that's so classic, your daughters are sure to fight over it one day.
and, if all of this pattern is just a little more than you can convince yourself to try, consider dabbling with a
fabulous marimekko scarf ($20), which can give you that splash of crazy color and pattern, without stretching your boundaries too far. for me, if i can track down these absolutely amazing
wooden brooches (which seem, tragically, to be out of stock absolutely everywhere), i'll die a happy woman.
(PS...i would also be remiss if i didn't mention the marimekko line for H&M hits stores tomorrow, 4/10. a sneak peek can be found here..enjoy!)