Tartan lust list

I think I'm finally tiring of florals. OK, that's not entirely true but I'm certainly going to try and give them a break this season. It didn't take me long to find a suitable print replacement to obsess over. Step into the spotlight: tartan. The 90''s patterned staple has been slowly creeping back into fashion circles for a little while now and has exploded for AW13. Seeing as I recently took the plunge and went blonde, I figured it was time to find some kickass tartan to match.

Let's take a look at what the high street has to offer...

1. Topshop Blackwatch Check Leggings £22
2. Topshop Red & Green Check Treggings £28
3. Topshop Orange Wall Check Skirt £38

First up, Topshop's offerings. The first piece to catch my eye were these navy and green tartan leggings - a simple and stylish nod to the trend which would look great accompanied with plain shirts and jumpers. Not to mention they would be super comfy!

It was red tartan that initially triggered my lust for this pattern so I couldn't help but be drawn to these treggings (trouser leggings) too. Less subtle than the previous leggings, they would form part of a bolder look and could be dressed up with some fierce ankle boots and a bright red lip to match.

Those after a more feminine piece may prefer this orange tartan wool skirt. The zip detailing helps to retain some edginess whilst still providing a 90's grunge alternative. Think more Cher Horrowitz than Gwen Stefani. Probably best to steer away from heels and style with loafers to keep the look preppy rather than sexy schoolgirl (unless that's what you're aiming for!).

1. Motel Pacey T Shirt Blouse £30
2. Motel Belle Slash neck Leotard £25

Motel Rocks are spoiling us this season with an abundance of tartan apparel to choose from but these two were the ones that caught my eye. The t shirt blouse would be a dream to wear - the perfect statement piece that can be kept chic for work with black skinny jeans or vamped up with some (p)leather for a night out. Although the model rocks head-to-toe tartan, I'd be afraid of looking like I'd left the house in my pjs!

If you really want to sex up your look, Motel's tartan leotard is for you. Skin tight and slashed at the back to reveal some skin, be sure to keep the rest of you covered up to avoid 'lady of the night' territory. I think Motel's choice of pleather skirt and tights are the perfect pairing.

1. Missguided Stacie Tartan Skort in Green £19.99
2. Missguided Tartan Skater Dress in Red £19.99

Next up are these two super affordable bits from Missguided. You can tick two AW13 trends off in one with their green tartan skort. Style it as they have with a plain sweater, throw on some tights and your toughest pair of boots for a casual weekend ensemble.

The universally flattering skater dress gets an update in both red and green tartan but I feel the red really works better for blondes. I would lose the tacky belt and pair with my khaki jacket and Chelsea boots for a cosy autumn look with a girly twist.

1. Urban Outfitters Cooperative Tartan Pocket Playsuit £48
2. Urban Outfitters Tartan Scarf in Black & White £28

Urban Outfitter's tartan dungarees are perfect for those brave enough to try and channel their inner Alexa Chung. Pair with a black turtle neck like UO have or pop a white shirt underneath to smarten up for the office. Slender ladies could even kick it up a risque notch by slipping a long sleeved crop top underneath for a glimpse of skin.

If you're just looking to dip your toes into the tartan trend, look no further than this scarf from Urban Outfitters which you can layer over snug knits, leather jackets and winter coats.

So there you have it, a rather extensive lust list of tartan bits n bobs for me to pine over. Will you give tartan a try this AW? Which piece is your favourite?

xx