March On…
What’s that old expression about March, “in like a lion, out like a lamb?” The month has definitely lived up to the “lion” part so far. I have a few Spring outfits I want to photograph and share, but it’s been either too rainy, windy, cold, or all three on most days for the last couple of weeks.
Umbrella (similar) | Earrings | Scarf (similar) | Jacket | Bracelet | Tee (c/o) | Pants | Shoes
The stripe tee is the Ahoy Tee from cabi (gifted) and I really like it, both for the v-neckline and the soft drapey fabric. You’ll be seeing more of this one! It runs a little large, IMO, so I sized down to the XXS.
Pattern mixing usually isn’t my forté, but this mix was a happy accident. I threw the scarf on at the last minute as I was headed out the door to meet my photographer, and ran into an unexpected downpour on the way. Fortunately, I’d stashed this old leopard print umbrella in the car a few days before.
The scarf was from Comptoir des Cotonniers in Paris. If you’ll be visiting France, it’s a brand/chain I recommend for cute and reasonably-priced basics (usually) in natural fibers. This one’s a cotton/modal blend (I think…removed the tag a while ago), so a nice lightweight option I’ll be able to wear well into Spring here.
This was one of the jewelry “bundles” (along with the earrings) I put together a few weeks ago. The slim bangle is a few years old from Alexis Bittar (similar) and the beaded bracelet is from COS, spotted during my shopping expedition with Brenda Kinsel a few weeks ago.
While I’m grateful for the rain, I’m also looking forward to a few warmer, sunnier days later this week.
Any patterns you like to mix?
Photos by Tannaz Telikany.
Funny, I just loved the happy accident of the leopard umbrella. Also, I am trying to learn how to mix and this gave me a great idea because I already have all the garments. Happily I have gotten away from same color shoes and bags, but mixing prints is still a big challenge. I’m pinning this one. You have helped me out here. Thanks.
Pattern mixing is not my forte’ either! I know scale is important when mixing but I’m still not sure if I could pull it off. Old dogs learning new tricks? But you look adorable! Good job!
Nice outfit! I wonder if you could do a post on how many clothes you need in a good wardrobe. There is so much talk about the Ten Item Wardrobe and tidying your clothes. An sample would be how many and types of shoes you need. Also, I would be interested in budgeting for clothing, how much it’s reasonable to expect to spend in a year or month. Thanks!
I do like the mix of stripes and florals!
I have always loved to mix patterns. I agree with Kathryn that florals and stripes are always a nice combination. And leopard and other animal prints are pretty close to a neutral in my (figurative) book so can be used with relative abandon. I generally try to limit colors to no more than three, with one being an accent color, and the complementing patterns should be of a different scale (e.g., thin stripe with large floral). Black & white or navy & white or black & tan are always pretty foolproof. A great accent color (red, turquoise, etc.) – either in one of the prints or through accessories – helps pull the look together. And a great scarf with all the colors and few extras is never a mistake either. When I was younger I would buy outfits by designers who regularly mixed patterns and have learned to trust myself to replicate what they did.
Can’t share links here, but Stitch Fix has a nice little tutorial, “How to Mix Prints & Patterns.”
Another vote for florals with stripes!
Leopard is a neutral, isn’t it? Goes with everything!
Love this – and did I miss the post about the (new?) jacket – I know you had been looking for a utility jacket, and I love this one! Looks so comfortable and flattering.
Author
Hi Kristi, thanks, and no you didn’t miss it. I’ll be featuring this one in another outfit post (with more details) soon!
I know we’ve been in a drought and we need rain, but I am now just plain tired of it.
Where were you photographed? I live in Culver City but I don’t recognize it? It’s beautiful.
Author
Hi Roseanna, this was photographed on and around Abbott Kinney in Venice.
Thanks, I will make a point of getting over there Again. It’s been a while.
I’m not really a stripes or floral girl (on me. On others they’re fab.) but I got a pair of camo jeans last fall and I LOVE to wear them with my leopard sneakers or leopard sweater.
I know you are sick of the rain, but after last year it is a blessing. I have a cousin in the far northern Californian regions affected – fortunately not his family – and it was extremely worrying. And I find that picture so lush with the lovely green plants in the rain.
You look great! Really like your vibe.
Yes! Love to mix patterns. Today I was able to put a two-tone gray leopard print scarf on a navy with pink dots top and then topped it with a medium blue tweed-like pattern sweater. I enjoy it even more when it happens on the fly! Are those sneakers comfortable? I have several pairs of the cotton lace-up sneakers that have become popular but I find they compress the top of one foot so that by the afternoon the pressure is almost unbearable and I need to severely loosen the lacings. I am looking for something comfortable and breathable for the warmer months. Your outfit is so fun! Love it!
I was led to this post from the Cabi blog. Nice job on the outfit, but the reason I bookmarked your site is b/c I really love your fashion quotes and the sensibility they represent!
Author
Hi Paula, welcome and thanks!