Print This

I've been slightly obsessed with boldly patterned pieces lately, a state that's probably directly inspired by Print & Pattern's recommendation of the book Print in Fashion by Marnie Fogg, a fantastic look at some of the key players and techniques in modern fashion textiles. As a result, I've been trying to read as much as I can about leading print-focused labels like Orla Kiely and Eley Kishimoto, and also looking to add more interesting patterned pieces to my closet. (Yep, it seems I'm over that neutral phase.)

Which is why I was immediately drawn to this cotton wrap dress by Taiwanese-born, New York-based designer Wenlan Chia, whose Twinkle by Wenlan collection (and new Twinkle Living housewares line) has been a industry favorite lately. I'd spotted a similar Twinkle dress in fantastic Singapore boutique Eclecticism recently, so when I saw this one on sale at Anthropologie when I was home in October, I knew I had to have it. (But please don't tell me if you've also seen it at an additional 40 percent off. I'd think I'd rather not know.) The shape is a classic wrap with some interesting detailing – especially perfect for work, which is how I justified it – and the pattern is a whimsical print of tropical flowers, birds and leaves in slightly muted colors like navy, gray, teal and pink. I love it more every time I wear it.