Recent Posts

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pattern Mixing Primer

I'm still learning and playing with pattern mixing, but here's a few tips that seem to work for me.

1. Color match.

Two patterns in similar color schemes doesn't feel conflicted, because the eye can see the outfit as a united whole via the color scheme.

Leighton pulls out the black on black pattern mixing

A beautiful example from All Day Long I Dream About Suits

2. Style match.

You see this combination a lot with the 'ethnic' trend in clothes right now. Basically, any two/three/four/bijillion prints that feel 'ethnic' get thrown together. And, magically, it works.

I think this tip was at work in my pattern play EBEW outfit yesterday.

Both patterns have a stylistically Swedish feel about them.


Mixed ethnic prints from Suno


two different flavors of florals photo via Garance Doré

3. Use patterns in different scales.

Two big patterns compete more with the eye than a big pattern + little pattern. Think of the little pattern as an echo, or the backup chorus...


Big and little animal prints


Big print + Little print Tucker for Target dresses... I happily thrifted BOTH of these dresses from my local Goodwill


4. Feeling match.


As in, match how you're feeling! Think of pattern mixing as your fashion Jelly Belly box of recipes. Two distinct flavors (lemon + coconut) when put together give you something new (lemon meringue pie).

I also had a set of perfume once from Bath and Body works. Each one was labeled with a feeling - like "flirty" or "romantic" or "exciting". So say you wanna look romantic and professional:


I like to mix patterns like I'm mixing flavors. For example, a few floral (romantic) fashion flavor combos:
Floral Flavor Combos: Pattern Mixing



Do you have any pattern mixing tips? You can share them in the comments!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Every Body Every Wear Thrift edition; A little bit Naut(ty) and Pattern Play

When EBEW posted that today would be thrift day, I had two conflicting thoughts.
Thrift | Everybody, Everywear
First, "FABULOUS. This theme is SO ME. 3/4 of my wardrobe is thrifted. I have to remember to do this EBEW."

Then I thought, "oh. maybe it's not a special theme for me, since every outfit I wear incorporates thrifted pieces."

But of course I gotta do it! In fact, I've thought about hosting a reader feature of fashion bloggers wearing their thrifty outfits. But, I didn't know whether there would be enough interest.

On a side note, if you are interested in getting into thrifting, check out my Guide to Thrifting Shoes, and What to Wear While Thrifting posts for some tips.

Now, on to TWO EBEW themed outfits today. That's right, I gotta show some thrifting chops :)

EBEW Thrift Look#1: Professionally Nautical

I wore this earlier this week. The dress/jumper, jacket, and necklace are thrifted finds. I love the cute little anchors on this dress. And although bright colors are my usual playground, navy-colored clothes take up a large spot in my closet. In fact, I like navy more than black. Black washes me out and makes me look super goth with my pale skin and dark hair.

Not one to forgo color completely, I thought the pop of the red necklace was great compliment to the nautical feel of the outfit. The blazer made the flirty jumper more work appropriate. I also added a smidge of length by wearing a lace-fringed slip underneath.

For those of you not in Seattle, you may be confused by how I'm not getting heat stroke from the blazer and tall boots. Well, it's been rainy and chilly in Seattle this summer. So I've had to work on ways to dress summery-ish, but still stay warm :)

EBEW Look #2: Thrifty pattern play

When I thrifted this sweater, my husband was skeptical. In his mind there wasn't an outfit that could work with this pattern. So what did I do?

I paired the pattern with more pattern. duh.

Pattern + pattern = FUN. Y'all should definitely try it. Mixing patterns makes people think think you're some kind of style savvy chica... or something.

I used to be afraid of mixing patterns. I'd gaze at Anna Sui runway collections in awe, and wonder how she knew such intricate patterns could go together. How would I know what patterns would work together? Honestly, I never really thought through my tactics before jumping in, but I think I've picked up on a few tips. Tune back in over the next few days for a Pattern Primer Post (always loved me some alliteration).

In this outfit, I thrifted the dress, the sweater, the belt, the necklace, and the shoes. BAM! Yah, it's the blue plate special of outfits.

EBEW Look#1 Specs
Espada grey blazer sz 3 (thrifted $8)
Chunky red necklace (thrifted $4)
Xhilaration Juniors Swim Coverup Dress Anchor Print sz S (thrifted $4)
Anthro's Navy Garland Slip by Eloise sz S ($30)
White H&M divided t-shirt sz 8 ($8)
Brown Franco Sarto knee-high boots ($25)
Forever 21 Leatherette Bow Belt in dark brown ($3.80) sold out online, still available in stores

EBEW Look#2 Specs
Merona Collection Women's Printed Cardigan Sweater sz XS (thrifted $6)
Forever 21 patterned lace applique dress sz S (thrifted $6)
Butterfly locket necklace (thrifted $4)
blue skinny belt (thrifted 99 cents)
Forever 21 rosette hair clips ($1.50)
Seychelles brown pumps (thrifted $6)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Perpetual student

Even after going through my hooding ceremony, I'm pretty sure I'll always be ready to learn something new! In that way, I'm totes going to live my life as a perpetual student.

This outfit was fully inspired by that idea. That, and I felt like working out a preppy, nerdy vibe. The glasses and the child's sweater definitely take this outfit a tad over the top. But that's what's fun about it. Nerdy, fun and comfortable. This was highly appropriate given that I spent the afternoon in a coffee shop working on some data analyses.

I know that the Every Body Every Wear theme is yellow today. And this outfit looks more green than yellow. But, hey! Look! That is a large swath of yellow there in the middle of the sweater. So I call it good!

Plus, now you can see how well yellow and green go together. You're welcome. :)

Other news
* I'm now a pescetarian nerd. I decided to keep eating fish because I've been making and loving ceviche every week. Fresh rockfish from the farmer's market has been AMAZING! Does anyone have any awesome seafood or vegetarian recipes they'd like to share with me? Pretty please?!
* Ev and I celebrated 4 years of marriage last week!
* I gave blood and found out I have A+ blood type. The nerd in me was excited because it sounds like an awesome grade. My dad's response? "Not sure if I have A+ too but I think I have phi beta capillaries with Distinction." LOL. Now y'all know where I get my kooky humor.
* Budz had an oncology checkup and his ultrasound and x-rays came back clean (no cancer recurrence)! Woohoo!
create an avatar

I scored these penny loafers off of Ebay. I've wanted penny loafers ever since middle school. One of my best friends wore some awesome leather ones to school. She had pennies in hers. Man, I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. Apparently, it was during the 1950's that people started slipping pennies into their loafers as a fashion statement. I don't know why it took so long for me to get my own pair. But, as soon as they arrived, I stuck pennies in them! So I missed the 1950's trend by like 60 years...

Yellow/Green Nerd OOTD
Gap kids cardigan (thrifted $4)
Banana Republic green button up sz XS ($10)
J.Crew jean skirt sz 0 (thrifted $5)
J.Crew red-white gingham belt (thrifted $1)
Cole Haan suede penny loafers (ebay $15)

Yellow | Everybody, Everywear

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Chicago weddings, Xoco, and art!

Hope y'all are having a fantastic holiday weekend (if you're in the states!) This week has been a whirl wind for me.

We went to Chicago at the end of last weekend for a VERY short trip. We did manage to go to Xoco, Rick Bayless' Mexi street food restaurant in Chicago the night we arrived. It was delish! I highly recommend if you visit Chicago. The Torta Ahogada was fantastic. Plus they make hot chocolate there by grinding the cacao beans on the spot. The hot chocolate is SUPER rich, but not sweet. Amazing!

I wore last year's Dewpoint blouse while traveling. It was a recent score off of EA trade market, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Love its bright color and beautiful neckline detail. Plus, it's made of jersey, making it the epitome of comfort! It was perfect for stylish plane travel :)


omg. I haven't had anything quite like this shortrib chile soup at Xoco. It's different, but in a good way. Very earthy and roasty delish.

The next day I spent a few hours at the Art Institute before heading to my college friend's wedding. There was much leaping...

and much art contemplation...

Then we headed to Newberry Library for a beautiful wedding, amazing dancing, and wonderful etouffee and corn muffins (YUM!). It was so great seeing my friends from college. It's neat to see where everyone is now. Three of us finishing up PhD programs, a couple people working in education and non-profits.


Me and my junior year roommate (middle) and sophomore roommate (right).