polka dots

Other than stripes, one of my other favourite patterns is polka dots for that lovely retro vibe. (I like stripes mainly for their nautica/french riveria feel) And this season, there have been quite a number of lovely polka dot offerings in the market. Here are a few of my favourites on and off the catwalk:




This is from Nicole Farhi and i love the laid back cool of this piece. For more uptown options, there is this one from United Bamboo or this one from Zac Posen respectively.



One of my favourite polka dot piece this season is this one from Ted Baker (below). It was love at first sight and it went home with me. It is super flattering and can be easily dressed up with a pair of dress pants or a pencil skirt, or dressed down with capris, shorts or circle skirts.



Some dressing up options to go with this top:



Note: since the polka dot top itself has quite a lot going for it, best to keep the bottom part plain (Catherine Malandrino and Theory respectively). But if you're going for a studio 54 look, you can try amping it up with a pair of golden hot-pants such as this itsy-bitsy piece by L.A.M.B:



And then accessorise with these: (everybody say "oooh...")



Oscar de la Renta (love the bling!) and Lauren Merkin respectively



I'm not usually a fan of the house of Dior but how could i say no to this. (Male admirers, please note that i LIKE this clutch very much. teehehe)

To dress down this top, match with either shorts (such as this pair from Lauren Moffatt, below left) or these two white capris by American Eagle Outfitters. Stacked heels, such as this pair by Paul and Joe Sister would nicely complete the look (bottom, right).





Another lovely polka dot piece is this one by Gap. It can either be worn on its own or with capris beneath such as the American Eagle Outfitter ones above. Make sure the bottom is slim fitting though as this is a rather voluminous top.



Pair this with sandals (Moschino Cheap and Chic, left) or sky high wedges (Christian Louboutin, right).



Remember girls, practice walking with the wedges before stepping out of the house. Falling down in Christian Lous? Unglam.

Other easy breezy polka dot dresses include these ones by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Peter Som respectively. Just add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a hat if you wish, and you have a picture perfect example of 50s style retro glamour.



For night time options, you could try this Hanii Y dress or this classy 1940-ish one from shopbop.com.



Find polka dot dresses too overwhelming? Try polka dot tops! I have already listed one at the start of this post and here are other options:

These tops by Diane von Furstenburg and Catherine Malandrino are playful yet elegant.



While this Mango one (not in stores though because this is from a previous season but i still love it!) is simply adorable.



For a more psychedelic option, there is this Cynthia Steffe tunic which won't look out of place at a club when paired with gold accessories.



And how could you say no to this:



From Anne Klein.


Photographs from: www.bergdorfgoodman.com, www.elle.com, www.bluefly.com, www.ae.com, www.mango.com, www.style.com, www.net-a-porter.com, www.shopbop.com, www.tedbaker.co.uk.