Trend: Houndstooth

There was a time...it was probably around 1990, when I had decided that houndstooth was the ugliest thing ever, and I hoped that it would all be burned. Of course, at the beginning of any decade one must destroy the last one, so in hindsight, I can see that I was just rebelling. And I suppose you know how the story progresses: time wore on until one day I began to harbor warm fuzzy feelings towards the 80's, and a deep set nostalgia set in. Although, really, I have had a lifelong love for New Wave music, and everything that goes with it. So like my parents are with Disco, I will forever be married to the music of my youth.

I have to thank Gwen Stefani (see above) for bringing houndstooth back into my heart. Yes, it started with an obsession with all things black and white...I bought so many black and white striped items, that I guess I needed another avenue. Houndstooth was the perfect solution, but modernized for the current trend palate. I personally am a fan of larger sized print of the iconic pattern...the smaller it is, it becomes more lady and less new wave. Pair it with a bright color or a contrasting colorful pattern such as florals, and you've just made a bold edgy statement.

Love the possibilities.

And here's the good news: the geniuses at Target spend every waking hour tirelessly researching trends for their Private Label Collection so that you can get the look for less. Check out the blouse and skirt below (I would not recommend wear them together) from their upcoming 3rd series (due out September time). Fabulous.

Or else, if you have the dough, you could get this Marc by Marc Jacobs number...

...Or this Aqua version...