Dresses, dresses, dresses!

I have a bit of a dress addiction. If I even wander near a market, I will find myself frantically scouring the racks for that perfect vintage number. A trip to the mall means checking out the latest basic dresses from chain stores, just begging for some accessorizing and amazing shoes. Venturing into a boutique label store can have me in conniptions over how I could possibly go on without an acid colour dress, whether I can get through summer without this divine new addition to my wardrobe. Dresses are without a doubt the most perilous item for my credit card.

They are also (and I’m not just justifying here) one of the best investments you can make. They can be worn through out the year with leggings or black tights and are a fuss free way to express your personality. A brilliant dress can be transformed with accessories, make up and hair. They are a platform from which you can create individual looks and styles time and time again. So what looks are on my radar right now? It’s all about the print and texture. I have fallen in love with a grey jersey tank dress that looks amazing with fluro or coral coloured accessories and some of the more unusual prints that are around this season. A palate of fluro, acid colour, pastels and earthy colours are blending together in a hyper swirl of confused fabulousness.

Here are my favourite dresses for this summer…

All in a blur

This print is erratic and eye catching. I love that it almost looks like static or some blurry misprint. The brilliant thing about this pattern is that it makes such a statement that it looks best with few accessories. For a simple, everyday dress – go the digital print. I love this pretty one from I love Milk and Honey!

The cream dream

I found the perfect 70s dress. It’s so lovely and delicate and almost exactly like Alexa Chung’s. Finding a beautiful vintage dress takes dedication – you have to be up for lots of rummaging, bargaining and a trip to the tailors to have it fitted perfectly. This summer I am loving dreamy, lacy dresses. Wear with loads of gold and red lipstick.

Waisted maxi

Maxi dresses are confusing. People tend to think they are flattering for all shapes, as they are largely shapeless themselves, but I disagree. I always remember one of my guy friends saying that he thinks maxi dresses are worn by girls trying to hide their body. While every girl I know would say that we want to look feminine and show off their shoulders and chest. So meet in the middle – find a maxi dress that has a fitting midsection, like this lovely one (on left) from I love Milk and Honey!

Disheveled shirt

Vanessa Hudgens has seriously gone up the style stakes in my opinion. She walks a fine line between classic and edgy while looking fresh and effortless. I love this belted shirt dress, especially with the wide sleeves. I’m definitely on the hunt for one of these!

New tribal style

The new tribal print is earthy, Amazonian and playful. It’s an updated version of the Sienna Miller inspired ‘BoHo’ look of last year. This print looks amazing with loads of silver jewellery and a shearling bag, Perfect for a night on the town. I love Zoe Saldana in this sculptured dress, so chic and strong.

Labels on my radar: I Love Milk and Honey, Sportsgirl, Oli, Mango, Urban Outfitters, Oak, Birds of a Feather, Witchery, Mambo, Country Road, Grandma Takes A Trip.