This past Friday night I had a dinner and concert date with my boyfriend, and totally loved the outfit I threw together- a patchwork skirt of batik and other ethnic prints worn as a strapless dress and cinched with a crochet and leather belt, a jean jacket and sandals. It felt summery, concert appropriate (especially for the Animal Collective crowd) and feminine. I had forgotten how much I love that skirt. A flea market find from several years ago, it’s been at least a year since the skirt has seen the world outside my closet. I have a feeling it will be seeing a lot more action in the coming months. Floral prints are always a must for me, but I also like to mix it up, and the ethnic patchwork on this piece feels fresh and on-trend for 2009. Today I stumbled across this great editorial of south-of-the-border style on TeenVogue.com- “Spice Girl”- it appears I am not alone in feeling the ethnic vibe for this summer…

It might be overkill to wear these with my dress- patchwork print worn with patchwork print has to at least be a denim on denim level crime- but I am seriously obsessed with these Antik Batik Pita Print Ankle Wrap Sandals. Similar to the print of my dress, these would add a little flavor to any outfit…