While there’s certainly nothing wrong with solid colored clothing and outfits based around it, I find when I style an outfit with pattern I’m always happier with my ensemble. Maybe because it's a bit more challenging to mix and match stripes with animal print or plaid with floral. Or maybe because I always (not-so-secretly) wanted to work alongside Stacey and Clinton on What Not To Wear so my mind is endlessly turning with new pattern combos that would blow the Louboutins right off my fashion heroes. I'm constantly repeating their famous mantra of Pattern, Color, Texture, Shine! when styling outfits and since pattern is listed first, it must be most important, right??
J. Crew Sweater (similar. similar)
Old Navy Jeans
Old Navy Circle Purse (similar)
Frye Anniversary Boots (ebay; Poshmark)
Wrap Bracelet
Old Navy Jeans
Old Navy Circle Purse (similar)
Frye Anniversary Boots (ebay; Poshmark)
Wrap Bracelet
For this look, I wanted to mix another pattern with my tweed blazer, which has threads of blue, gold, gray and burgundy running through it. It's pretty much a neutral, so figured it would play well with my other favorite neutral - leopard! So why does it work? Both patterns have similar tones, and while the colors don’t match exactly, they do coordinate well. The smaller, tighter pattern of the tweed also mixes well with the larger, bolder leopard. Mixing different scale patterns is key - if they are the same size, they compete for attention.
To add in the element of color, I grabbed my yellow circle purse (which once again, doesn’t “match” but pulls the gold color from both the jacket & sweater.) And my small touch of shine comes in the form of sparkly bracelets, jeans with exposed buttons, and a few simple rings.
So there you have it - pattern, color, texture & shine - and an outfit that I love! (With gracious thanks to the gurus of What Not To Wear, who taught me everything I know about fashion!) #callme #imnotastalkerreally