Showing posts with label TCS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TCS. Show all posts

The Comparative Shop #12

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This weeks print comparative shop features nothing but prints from Zara's new woman collection. As you might be able to tell from this post and the previous post I currently have a huge obsession with Zara. 
I'm currently planning a floral themed collection so am already looking for inspiration. This printed Zara dress (1) caught my eye and I was interested in the way the florals were drawn and laid out. I wasn't so drawn in to the colours but they hit the 70's theme spot on. The print is so well conceived in terms of scale, placement and repeat.
The paisley blouse (2) is nothing but visually stunning and something I would love to have in my wardrobe. I'm not ashamed to admit I was staring at this print on the website for quite a while trying to take in the beauty of it and wondering how the print was created. It's such an easy style of handwriting and seems so fresh for Zara in comparison to a few heavy repeats I've seen. Yes, they have done paisley before but I think it is the colours and the white base that makes this blouse seem so new. It is interesting how some of the shapes/elements are coloured in, but some just have an edge of colour and overall gives the print a good balance. 
It has been a while since I have been drawn in to looking at bottoms rather than tops but, after seeing these floral trousers (3), I knew they had to make the list. What drew me in was the block colour leaves and then I noticed the colour in the florals and on some of the leaves which made it even more interesting. Overall, I just like the movement and flow of the print which work and make the trousers a perfect day/night garment. 
Tiles ... a print I don't normally feature on TCS (I actually don't think tiles have ever made it on the list). I want and need this t-shirt. The colours, the print mix and the red sleeves and back are gorgeous and so beautifully curated and put together. Pretty much everything I can say about this garment.

What is your favourite this week?
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The Comparative Shop #11

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There is a bit of light vs dark colourway going on in this weeks TCS! I've not had much time to go to the shops between working and freelancing so I've spend a chunk of my time searching the internet.
H&M are at 1 and 3 because this store is making my head go in to "I love" overdrive with their prints and colours at the moment. They have such a variety of prints but they all fit in to the H&M handwriting that we have seen so much of this past couple of seasons. The dress (1) was in the window of my local store and stopped me in my tracks. I love the contrast of dark and light colours which is achieved due to the simplicity of space around the elements. This is perfect to wear for a night out or a day trip with a boots/bag combo.
I never normally go in to Warehouse but whilst enjoying a morning shop around on my day off I thought I would pop in and see what prints they had in. I think Warehouse do florals amazingly well and have a classic approach when it comes to colours and fabrics. This floral print (2) also comes in a dress and caught my eye as soon as I went in to the shop. It has a hand drawn, water-colour effect which is very "me" when it comes to florals. The dress is a great little catch for any summer wedding or party and the top would work well for a day/work outfit. And now I just want to draw florals all day.
The dress from H&M (3) had that Valentino, Etro, folksy vibe to it which I am starting to see a lot now. Like the last TCS that featured mirror repeats this fits in to the trend of mirror repeats I keep on seeing. Repeats this season, I feel, have been more simplistic (with mirror, half drop and straight repeats) and the amount of work in to the elements or shapes have been more important and shifted the balance. 
Whilst browsing around the Topshop website I was originally looking for my Autumn coat (summer is slowly disappearing) but couldn't help spotting this William Morris style shirt (4) that has a real vintage feel to it. I'm really in to orange at the moment (it was my colour crush back in June) so I am guessing that was another reason I spotted it. Topshop have paid a good attention to detail to with the black piping which adds that accent colour. The feel of the lines is a really relaxed, hand drawn one that is overall quite sketchy and the print is not an overly complicated one.

Which is your favourite this week? And what is your colour crush of the moment?
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The Comparative Shop #10

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Well, it certainly has been a long time since my last comparative shop. Life can definitely get in the way of blogging sometimes. But this week its a Topshop overdose of mirror repeat prints in a gorgeous array of colours from pinks, reds, blues and greens.
For me, Topshop hit the nail on the head when it comes to intricate prints with curves, layers and multiple colour ways. I love how they take one print and utilise it on a variety of garment shapes and cuts. They seem to be not afraid to experiment with colours, scales and compositions. 
My eye seems to have been drawn to their mirror repeats of recent, especially the William Morris inspired sleeveless duster jacket (1). I tried this on in store and its a perfect, drapey jacket to go with jeans, pumps or heels and a plain 3/4 or capped sleeve top. The colours are so warming and ideal for the transition from summer to autumn. 
The deep blue complements the pink base on this playsuit (2) and the contrast of the sleeves makes it all that more exciting. Pretty, but daring! The floral v-neck cami is full of deep reds and dark oranges with the accents of white and green. It's a floral / fauna / tile print mix up that is visually exciting and perfect to wear with jeans and sandals this summer and with jeans, boots and a cardigan this autumn.
This pretty floral dress caught my eye away due to the William Morris style handwriting of the print and juxtaposition of soft, flowing lines with placed florals. The side ties at the daring side to a girly dress. A perfect holiday dress if you ask me!

What was your favourite this week?
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The Comparative Shop #9

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It's very much a floral theme this week and I have had my eye caught by a few fashion prints from the likes of Topshop, Zara and Warehouse. Recently though I have been much more in to block colour and have had weeks of have colour crushes (blog post must!).
My first print is one I saw at Topshop a couple of weeks ago and feel in love with it (as I do with most of Topshops prints). The layered inky detail contributes to the eye catching mix of reds and its stunning how there are hints of darker blues with the neon. Even though the print is very busy and made of of marks and what seems like brushstrokes, you can still see the detail of the florals and leaves.
Zara has made it twice on to my list this week. The printed top (2) has such an interesting lose style and the mix of bright yellows, oranges, pinks and black give it an eye catching overall look. With the combination of a ditsy, boarder scarf print it works so well across all the bottoms and dress the print also comes in.
The Zara jumpsuit (3) caught my eye immediately when I saw it online. The print is made up of jet three colours but overall is visually exciting. I think the scale of the print is what makes this print so fresh and effective on the jumpsuit. Even though I can make out the way it repeats, because of the scale and the way the garment has been cut make it seem more complicated and intricate. 
To sum up this floral shop is these giant floral tailored trousers from Warehoure, a brand that has been making me look twice every time I walk past my local store. The simple colours work well on this large scale print and, as I personally wear dark colours a lot, I like the hint of neon yellow that brighten this print up. The looseness of the lines give it a very hand drawn feel that is unique and not overworked. I could definitely see these in my wardrobe.

What was your favourite this week?
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The Comparative Shop #8

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My comparative shop this week has taken an interior turn. Since I was quite young and knew I wanted to go in to textiles I've always been inspired by interiors. I get a real sense of excitement when I go in to a department store and see all the bedding and wallpaper with coloured walls and accessories. I could definitely spend a fortune on interiors from bedding, wallpaper, cushions and throws. 
My eye was instantly drawn in to the kaleidoscope print from Anthropologie (1) and the mixture of greys and oranges (my favourite colours at the moment). It is such simple repeat that is just built up with layers of textures, motifs and shapes.
I've always explored the Urban Outfitters home section and have a couple of accessories from the brand, but this duvet (2) is one I have been admiring for a while. Firstly, its mainly blue which is a favourite of mines. Secondly, I love the simplicity of lines filled with colour and the overall structure of the print. The lines have a sense of looseness about them and there is a mixture of busy and more spacious areas. 
The 100% cotton duvet from Zara Home is so simple in terms of colours, but so intense with its paisley print. I like the variant degree of blues with the cream as a core colour. The motifs are a combination of large versus small scale that give the print an overall balance and flow. The bedding is also a brilliant price for the high level of design it represents.
I have recently used this woodblock print from Anthropologie on a recent project I did (more on that to come in later posts) and I love the loose handwriting of this print (4). It is screen printing in gorgeous colours like reds, greens and oranges with deep greys and a hint of pastel yellow/orange. This is one of my favourite Anthropologie prints at the moment with its large scale motifs and use of lines with block colours and sketchy marks. And, because the core colour of a simple white, the colours are so strong and eye catching. 

What was your favourite this week?
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Prints | Top 5

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This weeks comparative print shop is a combination of heavy to more spacious prints. It features a lot of garments that would be perfect for summer ... if the sunshine ever stays long enough. 

My favourite print this week comes from H&M. I saw this gorgeous dress in the window of my local store and am dying to get my hands on it. This beach dress has a stunning all over ethnic/paisley print in warm colours. Just pair with wedges and you're set for the beach!
I've been a fan of marble prints for a while now and even attempted to design my own marble print for a competition a few months back. And this Topshop shirt (2), which as I write this is currently out of stock, is a perfect wardrobe staple and great for updating your tailoring. I love the mix of grey, white, black, brown which is topped off my the baby pink stripes. It is a simple repeat but so eye catching and would create the perfect outfit in so many ways for day and night. 
Ink and floral prints are one of my favourite combinations. And this duster coat from Jigsaw (3) if perfect. I love the oversized detail of the marks and the blending of colours. The print isn't heavy, it is fresh and bold for summer and creates equal space. Overall, the print has so much easiness about it that sits perfectly on this garment. 
My final two prints from Reiss (4) and Zara (5) are both equally great. The simplicity of this print works perfectly for this style of mark making and can translate from crop tops to skirts to dresses so easily. It feels so easily yet elegant and passes off an overall sense of "buy me, spring is here".

Which print is your favourite this week?

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Prints | Top 5

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A colour mix of florals and texture graces my top 5 prints this week, which features a mix of perfect summer hits!
My favourite print is these brilliantly bright shorts from Topshop (1). I spotted these in my local store about a week ago and I was so eager to by them. The light fabric and elasticated wait is what I love in a pair of shorts and are great for summer heat waves and buckets of ice cream. The prints sums up the cut and fit of these shorts, very loose and fun. The print mix of a busy background and more spacious forefront print makes for an interesting variety. 
I have loved H&M prints for a long time, but since recently making myself search and create each week my top 5 prints I have noticed how H&M have become so advanced in their print designs. My second print is this beautiful H&M dress from their Premium Quality range. This print is also available in a swimsuit and trousers. At £100 it is quite pricey but is a silk woven dress and a piece that will stay in your wardrobe for quite a while. To me, the print feels fresh with sharpness of colour and sits so well on this garment which can be worn in so many ways. 
Zara is on my list again at number 3 with this summer sweet dress. It is a simple composition of colours, flora and fauna with a tropical feel. I was drawn in to this dress for the simplicity of the lines and colour, yet it has a sense of fullness because of the large scale print.
This dip dye cotton dress by Jigsaw (4) is so feminine and captivating. I was instantly attracted to the richness and various hues of colour. A colour hit in my book and one I must work with in a design at some point (a note to myself I must remember).
My last print comes from Miss Selfridge and this cute floral angel sleeve blouse (5). I was drawn in to the light colours and delicate detail. The print has a simple layering, which adds depth and colour. The blouse is great for the spring summer season and, of course, I love it because it is a floral print.

What is your favourite this week?
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Prints | Top 5

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This week I've selected a range of prints that have all attracted my eye in different ways. 
I instantly fell in love with Zara's printed dress (1), that would be gorgeous for any holiday or picnic party. Instantly, I was drawn in because of the strong orange (a big colour this year) against the black. It has a touched of simplicity about it. When I looked closer at the print, I was interested in the roughness of the lines as it has that ragged edge to it. It isn't something that is overcomplicated but has a lot of depth.
Another Topshop print has made it to the list again this week (2). The overall mix of colours, scale and repeat. But, mainly, I love the print mix and the way they are easily all blended together. It's quite a fun take of the ethnic/African print mix that I have attempted a few times. Normally, I would be too scared to mix prints like these together, but maybe it is worth giving it ago after seeing that it can be successful (and quite funky) on a dress.
Number 3 is the H&M top I instantly fell in love with when I spotted this print in my local store. I couldn't take my eyes of the layers of colours, print, scale and repeat. Which, combined together, is the perfect tile meets floral print for summer. It is almost as if someone has got this print and delicately coloured it in with a gorgeous bright colour palette. It also comes in a maxi dress and straight cut dress. 
I decided to see what prints Oasis had in store this week and I came across this cute little summer cami (4). Of course, I love florals and Oasis always seem to fill their collections with bright, colourful pops of florals every season. The base colour of this cami works so well with the crisp floral repeat that looks perfectly painted (by Photoshop I can imagine). 
Being a fan of not only floral prints but abstract, inky prints too I loved these Reiss shorts (5). White and me don't have a good relationship, but these shorts rock this print so well. Its uncomplicated and a perfect summery print on the right garment. 

What is your favourite?
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Prints | Top 5

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This weeks TOP 5 is very much a floral / inky one (two of my favourite themes).
My top print comes from Karen Millen and for the past few weeks since seeing that dress in the window of my local store, I have not stopped looking at it. I don't normally like dipped hems, but for this dress I will take it and (try) to rock it. The running fluidity of bold colours alongside the intense blue and green just makes this a perfect placement print.
The all over floral print from Reiss (2) is just visually beautiful and bursting with colour ready for spring. With hints of black and white florals that have a hand drawn feel balance out the water marks and loosen the intensity. The gorgeous 100% silk crepe de chine has been digitally printed and is also from Reiss. That fabric was one of my favourite materials at college and University and I would love to get my hands on this top, which also comes in trouser and jump-suit form. Wear it to work, a lunch date or even a party. It is one of my absolute favourites that will brighten up any wardrobe. 
I would never wear those Topshop trousers (4) as they are, for me, a bit too daring of a bottom garment. But, with William Morris prints rocking the high street, I couldn't help but be caught up by these beauties. The simple colours and running smoothness of such a print fits Topshops style so much right now. 
The inky loosen of print five is from a Jigsaw t-shirt dress that caught my attention. The loosen plays a big part in that attraction for me as it can denotes freedom and movement and very much reminds me of marks I used to make when drawing at University and for previous freelance designs. 

I've payed slightly more attention to a more luxurious side of the high street market compared to Topshop and my previous picks from other high street brands. I tend to fall deeply in love with stores like Karen Millen and Reiss every so often, dreaming endlessly of wearing this style of clothes and prints.

Which is your favourite? Would you pay more money for a little more excitement in a print or for more of a natural fabric?
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Prints | Top 5

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As a print designer for the high street it is obviously important to keep my eye out for how the different stores are translating catwalk trends that could inspire my own designs. As a way of keep doing making sure I check different websites every day or every so often, why not do a a mood board of my TOP 5 PRINTS!

I'm falling in love with Zara so much more now their new season prints are coming in to store and online. How cool is the hot water balloon print (2)? That is certainly on my NEED list! I'm not normally a huge fan of jumpsuits, but the print on this Topshop one (3) is to die for. I like the mixture of colour with black and white that gives it an interesting balance against the dirty green base.
Textile Federation for Urban Outfitters (4&5) have that funky, hand drawn 60s/70s feel. Not something I would necessarily wear but love to look at.
I could only dream of designing prints like the oriental Zara print (1). I haven't quite learnt how to achieve such a rich and eye catching design, but can only hope that one day I could design prints like that one. 
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