Wilderness Of Mirrors

It was only little over a year ago that Mary Katrantzou showed the collection that - after a few seasons of great promise but relative obscurity - catapulted her to the creme de la creme of London designers. Can you believe that?

Since then, her florals and striking print-on-print visions have blossomed all over the fashion world, from designers to the high street. There can be no doubt it was her direct influence that everyone was suddenly after floral tights, smart trousers and jeans, and more print clashes than had ever been deemed possible, even in the most exuberant baroque paintings.

I wasn't fast enough to get my hands on the Mary Katrantzou for Topshop (click here for a quick peek) dresses and the blouse in my size but, to be honest, I was relieved I didn't really have to make the decision. The floral legging, however, was a simple enough piece for experiments.

But wild floral bottoms are just the beginning. I, for one, can't get enough of mirror prints, scarf prints, and all that colour and print blocking. Enter two exquisite, smart tees by Oasis - it's time to get lost in the wilderness.

Leggings: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop, patent loafers: New Look,
patent colourblock t-bars: Asos, mirror print tee: Oasis,
pom pom hairband (worn as bracelet): a gift

Leggings: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop, mirror print tee and baroque print tee: Oasis,
patent colourblock t-bar shoes: Asos

Thou shalt clash your prints

Possibilities are endless when it comes to one of this season's key commandments, so you will surely see me working on that. 

Now, never underestimate the power of a floral bodycon dress from the early 1990s... come on, you've got that sort of stuff lying in the back of your wardrobe.

Mine is khaki, with tiny vintage rose print all over, and even though the fabric has some mohair in it, it's not too warm or anything - perfect for...

1. WORK: LADYLIKE MODERN

I found this python print khaki shirt/jacket in one of the deepest pits and thought it would be great to throw together a spring/summer Burberry sort of modern ladylike look with double belt and peeptoe wedges.

Floral dress and python print shirt, Terranova - the Italian high street brand had a moment in the 1990s, and was a great place to find great jeans and leather jackets back in the day. Belts and shoes, Dorothy Perkins.

2. STEPPING OUT: VINTAGE FEEL

Add a few bold colours, stripes, a small boxy bag, and shoes - this time I chose almost-flat leather loafers of the most traditional kind, but chunky heeled ones would work just as fine, not to mention the extra height.

Floral dress, as before. Jacket: Topshop, scarf: a gift, bag: Mango, shoes: Luisa Via.

3. LOUNGING AROUND

Relax, no one is watching. Should you need to pop down for some last-minute essentials before the week-end, you might want to avoid suspicious looks in your local shop. Just throw on a nude coloured biker, jump into minimalist brogues and don't bother to sacrifice the comfort of socks.

Floral dress, as before. Jacket: Miss Selfridge, shoes: New Look, socks: H&M, bag: New Look.