Squat magazine submission number two!
My second submission for the high street squatter section of Squat magazine has been published. This article's theme is on the summer ethnic print craze that's hit the shops. You can read the full post here or below:
Another hot look for Summer 2008 is African prints. The shops have started stocking up with bold patterns and earthy tones, so here's the low down on how to get that ethnic look.
Dresses and skirts
The maxi dress was a big hit last summer and is back again this year. Of course, there's always the issue of us shorter BBC girls being able to find one that doesn't act as a dust cloth and drag across the floor unless we wear 4 inch heels, but if you do find one that is the right length make sure it's bold and patterned. Autumnal tones may not seem particularly summery, but hues of ochre, mustard and chocolate look great in large geometric prints. Just remember, the African look doesn't mean animal print! There's also a wash of Ikat print skirts out there in varying lengths on the high street right now, so if a maxi dress isn't to your taste go for separates.
Tops
Alternatively, if you definitely can't pull off a floor length strappy dress, how about a very summery kaftans? Beach wear doesn't just have to be for the beach, and twinned with a pair of well fitting jeans or linen trousers can look fabulous! Again, go for earthy colours and prints, and if you're feeling bold spice it up with bright oranges and yellows. But don't over do the patterns! If you're going for tribal graphics on top, keep the bottom half simple or you'll cause someone to have an epileptic fit!
Go safari
Khakis are back in. If you can't brave the big and bold patterns, maybe go for a more subtle look with crisp white shirts or t-shirts and a fitted skirt or shorts. The high waisted look is still around in the shops and if you want to accentuate your waist, go for a high waisted cream or khaki knee length skirt with a wide brown belt.
Shoes
There is a huge range of sandals out in the shops right now, and two lend themselves perfectly to the tribal look. If you're not keen on wearing heels, go for a flat gladiator sandal in brown or gold. Primark has a huge range in tons of colours for only £6 a pair and New Look has some really good real leather styles for £12. If you have short legs, stay away from the ones with thongs which wrap around your ankle and calf as they cut off your feet and can make legs look stumpy. If you want to add a bit of height, wedges are the way forward. Go for either a wooden or raffia base to stay in line with your look.
Accessories
Never go out without finishing off your look with some choice pieces of jewellery. Pile on the bangles in copper, gold and wood, add a nice long wooden pendant on a chain or leather thong, or perhaps some beads and some shell or hoop earrings to complete the look!
Stick to the rules and you'll look fab, but remember, you're going for African chic not brassy leopard print trashy!
Become an African princess
Another hot look for Summer 2008 is African prints. The shops have started stocking up with bold patterns and earthy tones, so here's the low down on how to get that ethnic look.
Dresses and skirtsThe maxi dress was a big hit last summer and is back again this year. Of course, there's always the issue of us shorter BBC girls being able to find one that doesn't act as a dust cloth and drag across the floor unless we wear 4 inch heels, but if you do find one that is the right length make sure it's bold and patterned. Autumnal tones may not seem particularly summery, but hues of ochre, mustard and chocolate look great in large geometric prints. Just remember, the African look doesn't mean animal print! There's also a wash of Ikat print skirts out there in varying lengths on the high street right now, so if a maxi dress isn't to your taste go for separates.
Tops
Go safariKhakis are back in. If you can't brave the big and bold patterns, maybe go for a more subtle look with crisp white shirts or t-shirts and a fitted skirt or shorts. The high waisted look is still around in the shops and if you want to accentuate your waist, go for a high waisted cream or khaki knee length skirt with a wide brown belt.
Shoes
There is a huge range of sandals out in the shops right now, and two lend themselves perfectly to the tribal look. If you're not keen on wearing heels, go for a flat gladiator sandal in brown or gold. Primark has a huge range in tons of colours for only £6 a pair and New Look has some really good real leather styles for £12. If you have short legs, stay away from the ones with thongs which wrap around your ankle and calf as they cut off your feet and can make legs look stumpy. If you want to add a bit of height, wedges are the way forward. Go for either a wooden or raffia base to stay in line with your look.
AccessoriesNever go out without finishing off your look with some choice pieces of jewellery. Pile on the bangles in copper, gold and wood, add a nice long wooden pendant on a chain or leather thong, or perhaps some beads and some shell or hoop earrings to complete the look!
Stick to the rules and you'll look fab, but remember, you're going for African chic not brassy leopard print trashy!
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