Laura Pearson-Smith: Patterns and prints

Patterns and prints from Story Horse. Picture: Laura Pearson-Smith

It’s all about patterns and prints this autumn/winter. Retro ‘70s florals and geometric Aztec-style prints are everywhere on the high street at the moment. Adding a pretty pattern to your outfit, even in a small way with a scarf or a clutch, can make a real style statement. My fortnight has been filled with them.

Stylish Happenings

I went to the Glasgow launch event for indie fashion and lifestyle brand Story Horse from Belfast. Even though their home is in Northern Ireland, the company has great Scottish roots through their collaboration with Edinburgh jewellery designer Eilidh Strang of Silk Purse, Sow’s Ear. Story Horse is all about creating attractive but practical clothing and accessories for women of all ages. Every piece has been made with the aim of making women’s lives easier and more enjoyable – there’s quality rain jackets, roomy backpacks and cosy winter socks, all adorned with ditsy vintage-style prints.

I then headed into Glasgow’s luxury shopping destination Princes Square to spend an afternoon at their Fall Into Colour event. There were plenty of discounts and beauty demonstrations, and stylist Numba Pinkerton from Style Me Flawless was on hand to offer tips on what colours suit me best and how I could introduce them into my wardrobe. I found out that my pale skin suits cool-toned shades and I fell in love with all the monochrome geometric and Aztec prints on offer for AW15 at Oasis.

What to Buy On a Shopping Spree

I adore this Aztec-printed, tapestry material cross between a cardigan and a blazer from Marks & Spencer’s Indigo Collection (£39.50). Navy is a great way to still stay safe with dark colours but avoid the obvious choice of black. Also, the mustard stripe gives an eye-catching pop of colour without being over-the-top.

If you want to treat yourself to a seasonal scented candle, you don’t get much better than Jo Malone London’s deluxe Roasted Chestnut creation (£120). It has an attractive green leaf print design that will make it the focal point of any room, and has a delightful warming scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and caramel. It’s also big enough to see you right through the festive period.

Fall Into Colour at Princes Square, Glasgow. Picture: Laura Pearson-Smith

What’s a heart-warming candle without a cosy throw to wrap yourself up in alongside it? John Lewis’ cream and red Celebration Pattern Blanket (£50) will keep you warm and update your décor at the same time. This knitted throw has a beautiful Nordic print that conjures up images of wood cabins and log fires.

Instagram of the Week (@LPearsonSmith)

If Halloween is your bag, you will be wanting to grab yourself a pumpkin. Whole Foods Glasgow has a great selection and they even show you how you can decorate them without having to get the carving knifes out. Some colourful Sharpies and basic pattern-drawing skills can create some beautiful and spooky specimens.

• Laura Pearson-Smith is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger at A Life With Frills. You can drop her a tweet at @LPearsonSmith