Thinking Graphically

Everyone goes through that phase (or at least I did) in the preteen years where graphic t-shirts were the coolest thing on earth. Or the only thing on earth. I remember all those shirts with cute puns, phrases in French (where you didn't have any clue what they meant, but they were still cool because they looked nice and probably sounded pretty when spoken aloud), pretty images of birds and flowers, etc. The uniform was primarily composed of Junk Food and Delia's and Abercrombie, Hollister, and Aeropostale brand names were emblazoned on people's chests everywhere you went.

After this phase ended for me, my wardrobe went on a severe graphic print diet. I had this idea that absolutely any graphic was reminiscent of one of these tees, and I was in a stage where I was trying to mature my clothing style. Gradually, I began to discover the beauty and joy of more sophisticated graphic prints that retained their fun, but in an edgier and more adult manner. (I can thank Urban Outfitters for this moment of enlightenment.)

In honor of this somewhat recent discovery and my attempts to gradually re-introduce graphics to my wardrobe, slowly but surely, I wanted to post about some graphic prints that have inspired me recently.

One of the most sophisticated examples of graphic prints that I've discovered recently is designer Holly Fulton's spring/summer 2011 collection. The shirts, skirts, and dresses are absolutely stunning. I've never seen anything like it. I also love the city and skyscraper inspirations evident in the clothing.

This maxidress intrigued me for obvious reasons. This print is fabulous because it's whimsical without being too immature. It still looks high fashion.

Photos from hollyfulton.com

I really love this look. The shirt is bright and the pattern is great, but the skirt is a real show-stopper. The shape is quite unusual, but the panels with their city skyline print are extraordinary: when you first notice them it makes you go, "Oh wow, that's so funny how that was snuck in there! How cool!" Yet the panels don't distract from the interesting texture and shape.
(Visit the brand's website here.)

A more youthful approach to graphic prints can be found within the designs of Wildfox Couture. I really can't mention graphic t-shirts without bringing up this brand. I'm absolutely obsessed with them because it's like the graphic tee that was so in vogue in the preteen years was given a full-on makeover and amped up ten notches. Wildfox keeps churning out the cutest prints, yet they're all so unusual and different from each other. But there's almost a deeper element to each print, rather than just a picture of a heart or a smiley face on most graphic tees. I also love how Wildfox not only makes great t-shirts, but they also put prints on sweatshirts, sweatpants, dresses, and even ponchos!
If only they had sales more often.

Photos from polyvore.com

You can shop Wildfox Couture on their website, but you can also search through other sites that stock the brand on Shopstyle (which also lists sale prices that you can't find on their official website).

While I'm on this subject, I want to mention the graphic t-shirt I recently ordered (that should come in the mail tomorrow, hopefully). It's a Piperlime collaboration with Mondo Guerra, who was the runner-up of the most recent series of Project Runway. He designed two t-shirts for Piperlime - one for men and one for women, although technically they can both be unisex - that will benefit amFAR, the foundation for AIDS research. It's a really great cause and I'm really excited to get mine.

Photo from piperlime.com

I'm planning to wear mine with a ruffled, subtly heart-printed skirt and maroon tights. (I just bought a bunch of tights and socks in pretty colors that I still need to try out. More on that some other time!)

I hope I've sparked your interest in graphic prints, because sometimes they can be under-appreciated. They're really a lot of fun, and I love to wear them all year round!

xo