On Target

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LOOK #1

Top: Target neoprene

Pencil Skirt: Target neoprene

Heels: Emerson @ Big W patent platforms

Bag: Novo patent

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

Bangle: Adorne

Beaded Bracelets with Charms: Thomas Sabo

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LOOK #2

Top: Target neoprene

Pencil Skirt: Target neoprene

Heels: Emerson @ Big W patent platforms

Bag: Adorne

Bangles: Autograph chrome

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These striking ensembles are from the new-look Target offering for spring/summer 2014 & at $75 for both the top & skirt, they’re a no-brainer if you want to look stylish for work or any smart-casual event. The silky-smooth neoprene fabric contours the body & holds shape, streamlining your curves & lengthening your silhouette.

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LOOK #3

Top: Target neoprene

Pencil Skirt: Target neoprene

Heels: Emerson @ Big W patent platforms

Bag: Novo patent

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

Bangle: Adorne

Beaded Bracelets with Charms: Thomas Sabo

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...And what’s more, the pieces are interchangeable, allowing you to have an (inexpensive) go at creating the pattern-mixing look that’s so often shown on the runways of Europe – as I have done with the third look, combining a red & black rose print skirt with a black & white artist’s stripe top. I feel that pattern-mixing works best when at least some of the same colours are running through both prints – in this case black & white, with the red from the skirt functioning as a “pop” of colour. It is also pleasing to the eye if the prints are (even slightly) different sizes – the smaller rose print mingling with the larger-scale artist’s stripe – as this provides a sense of balance & makes the clash look INTENTIONAL, rather than a last-resort on laundry day.

When it comes to pattern-on-pattern or pattern-mixing, remember to keep accessories to a minimum - chunky shoes, bright or basic-shape bags & two or three sculptural pieces of jewellery - as the outfit is already busy enough & piling on more could induce visual OVERLOAD. But, as I often say, questions of how much is too much? or more is more, right? are a personal taste thing & the only way for you to decide what works & what doesn't is to try, try, try things on & experiment - you never know, it could give your wardrobe a new lease on life by creating exciting new outfits from matching suits you had relegated to the "worn too much" basket.