Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, Style Swap Tuesdays, All About You, and Confident Twosdays

September 9, 2010: WWW - Classic Prints

This might be Wardrobe Workhorse Week but, it's also Iris Workhorse Week (witty, I know) at my job just in case you couldn't tell from the look on my face... It has been non-stop. All I can say is that I hope it lightens up a little bit so I can get back to my early morning posting and legitimate witty repartee.

One of my biggest personal challenges when it comes to putting together outfits (besides the obvious) is pattern mixing. I have made a point to make this phenomenon a more regular thing and I would like to think that I have become more adept at it as this personal style blog has progressed. One of the things that I always count on when pattern mixing is the ease of utilyzing more classic patterns: argyle, animal print, polks dots, pinstripes, brenton stripes, actually any kind of stripes but, I digress... I have started to rely heavily on these prints in my pattern mixing attempts and today is no exception!

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company (this could be a Wardrobe Workhorse as well)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops (because apparently they might be allowed at work according to our new policy handbook. I'm waiting for someone to tell me different) Xhiliration via Target; green and black striped infinity scarf, Forever 21/BF gift from my awesome friend Alex. Sorry, I didn't get a detail shot of this but, it looks really cute; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. (another Wardrobe Workhorse); blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too (the same goes for this)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, here, here and here:

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Guest Post: The Joy Of Fashion - Working One Item

While I am away on my wonderful (and much needed) vacation I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to step in and write guest posts. I asked each of them to come up with their own topic and post that they felt fit with what I am doing here over at 260 Days, No Repeats. I am loving what they have come up with! Today I am pleased to have Marie McGrath from The Joy of Fashion discuss her formulas for remixing like a pro. I will be back to regular blogging on October 19th, 'till then...

Hello everyone!! My name is Marie McGrath and I have a little happy blog called The Joy of Fashion. I was so flattered when Iris contacted me to write a post on her wonderful blog, so of course I agreed!

I thought it would be fun to show you different ways in which you could wear one item. In this case, I will show how versatile a colorful skirt can be. Any skirt with several colors would work for all the following ideas. Hope you like them!

1. Try wearing the skirt with a funky color combo! Just take two colors from the skirt and wear them somewhere in your outfit! In my case, I used a bright yellow top and a bright blue scarf as a belt. Then all you have to do is keep the rest of the outfit neutral.

2. Or why not try pairing the colorful skirt with colorful tights for a bold statement look! Just pick a color from your skirt and wear tights in that color. I would recommend keeping the rest of the outfit neutral to not overdo it.

3. No colored tights? Well why don't you try some patterned ones! Pattern mixing is always very fashion forward for those of you who feel bold enough to give it a try. The pattern mixing shouldn't compete with anything else, so keep the rest of the outfit simple (like I did with the simple green turtleneck and neutral accessories).

4. A more subtle option is to pair it with a feminine white top and a pop of color in the shoes. In this case, I paired the colorful skirt with a white lace ruffle top. Then I kept things interesting by adding some bright blue shoes! Make sure the color of the shoes comes from somewhere in your skirt.

5. This skirt can also be very work appropriate by just pairing it with a collar shirt. I would recommend wearing a colorful collar shirt like this green one I am wearing (which combines with the green in the skirt). You could also add a little cardi if your office is cold. Pair it with some sophisticated shoes and accessories and voila! Work chic!

And those are my 5 different looks with one same skirt. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a colorful skirt because there are so many colors to work with! So go ahead and give it a try! How would you wear a colorful skirt like this?

For more fashion tips, daily outfits, and more; stop by my blog! I have a very colorful, cute, happy style that will hopefully be of your liking. Hope to see you all there! :)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

April 11, 2011: Pattern Mixing Forever

One of the things that this blog and blogging community have given me (and I am most grateful for) is a variety of completely different perspectives on how to pair pieces of clothing from my closet together. Old me would have focused on pairing things that were very matchy matchy together thinking that it would make an amazing outfit. Throughout this experience I’ve learned that while being simple or classic is ok it is also great to break out of your comfort zone and push you personal style boundaries.


For me one of the most concrete examples of this was pattern mixing. I know I have sung it’s praises before but, yesterday the realization of how much this expands the potential of my wardrobe became completely clear to me all over again. Prior to this experience I would have never paired this gray and blue plaid blazer with this pink and navy striped shirt, craziness. Let along pairing the two pieces with a black skirt. I might have gone blue or gray but, not (gasp) black. The possibilities are endless, I really could keep remixing forever! It’s nice to have these moments where the possibilities are endless…

• Top:  pink and blue striped t-shirt, Old Navy; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed  here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

Unposted Outfits: Fall 2012

This is the last batch of outfits that I have for you (thankfully) talking about LOTS outfits from months ago is difficult. Not only do I have to try to remember why I was wearing what I was wearing that day but, I also need to do it 13-19 times per post. It gets hard to say, "I was wearing clothes." Speaking of which... here's some clothes.

• Top: red bella swan blouson, eShakti.com
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I remember that this outfit was some time around fall Fashion Week. I can't remember was type of event (if any) that I wore this to but, I feel like I went to something.

• Top: purple 3/4 length sleeve t-shirt, Target; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

While this was a charity casual Friday outfit if you saw me now in my (f)unemployment I would be wearing something like this. Although, thanks to the recent snowy weather I would probably be wearing some practical (and stylish) boots. 

• Top: brown cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT 
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This was a great vintage find from Re/Dress NYC, I really miss that place. While I can go to any vintage or thrift store with hopes of finding fun items in my size I was always sure that there would be things that fit me at Re/Dress. It's not that I need to shop, it's just nice to know that the option is there  Where do you go for great vintage fashion? Do you know any good places that specialize in plus size vintage?

• Top: black and brown vintage dress, Cathy Gray via Re/Dress NYC with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog via DSW; hammered silver and garnet earrings, jewelry by lis; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

My hair is unintentionally FABULOUS! I wish I could get those loose bouncy curls on purpose. What probably happened was that my hair was straight and it got wet enough to curl it but, not turn it into a complete ball of frizz; it's a delicate and random process. I wonder if hot rollers would do that same thing? Or Hot Buns? Have you seen those infomercials, they are totally getting in my mind.

• Top: black sweater, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out; black v-neck cardigan, 14th & Union/gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: silver pinstripe pants, Kasper via Lots for Less
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle via Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This is an outfit that I was amazed had not been worn before, it's such a easy pairing! I remember looking in my closet thinking, "Wow, that would be great and easy" but, then thinking, "I should challenge myself more"  or "I should wear something more creative." Sometimes it's the easiest combinations that make the best outfits. 

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target
• Bottom:  brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target; Annabelle Necklace, Stella & Dot; Goddess Teardrop Earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

As previously discussed, sometimes the easiest combinations are best other times you want to spice it up a bit. I needed to spice up this drab black and gray outfit with some color. I couldn't think than a better way of doing that with some rainbow tights! Green seemed more professional than some of the other wacky colors I have. What color tights would you have worn?

• Top: black and gray sheath dress, Renuar via Lots 4 Less; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; green tights, We Love Colors;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This dress was a great thrift store find. Many of my shopping experiences since undertaking this personal style challenge have been at second hand stores or in other people's closets. There hasn't been a huge need for me to head to the mall for even when I do need to add items to my wardrobe. It also doesn't hurt that the dress is super comfy.

• Top: navy, gray, and black dress, attention via Unique Thrift Store; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver, amethyst, and light blue stone earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was a valiant attempt at pattern mixing. I wouldn't say that it was a failure but, it wasn't the most comfortable ensemble. Perhaps a different blazer would have made it more comfy...

• Top: floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; brown houndstooth blazer, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target; floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

In retrospect I think this pattern combination would have been perfect with a different bottom. The outfit was was too hot to wear a blazer but, the outfit needed something to up the professionalism factor like a classy pencil skirt. What would you wear?

• Top: pink pinstripe shirt, New York & Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

The day I wore this outfit I went to an event in Hoboken at Salon Caru with some friends from The Bloggers' Collective. We got our hair styled and I asked my hair dresser if she could do something that would highlight my naturally curly hair. I ended up with this... It wasn't exactly what I was looking for but, it did look very polished and was super voluminous. It looked a little more like what I wanted after a day or two: big bouncy controlled curls. 

Moment of honesty: this is a repeated outfit... I'm could have sworn that I was better at remembering everything that was going on but, with all the work stuff and the fact that I was fairly miserable I'm not surprised that I forgot. Also, looking back at things it was almost a year prior but, enough with the excuses. I think once I am in another office environment (depending on the dress code) I might reset this challenge. Thoughts?

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I wore a similar outfit to this except their was a gray skirt instead of gray pants. I think I like the other outfit better...

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print ballet flats, New York & Company; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love everything about this outfit! The only thing that could have made it better would have been if the picture was taken outside. Subtle pattern mixing, combining neutrals... I threw the conventional style rules out the window and it worked out perfectly. Most importantly, the outfit still felt professional even if it is totally something I would wear any day of the week. 

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth blazer, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver and garnet tiered earrings, Pennyweights; black belt, came with this dress; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

These are definitely day three four curls. I don't think I will be heading to my next job without ensuring that my hair is polished and gorgeous every morning. After looking through all these pictures it's honestly making me cringe when I look at how "blah" my hair is. By the way, this is another repeated outfit from the same time period... lame.

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

One thing that I honestly tried to avoid while working in the city was wearing head to toe black outfits like lots of other people in my office. I love color and I hate the idea of being a cliche. That being said, black on black is easy (kinda like wearing the same thing everyday) and the whole ensemble was pretty professional.

• Top: black half button shirt, Jovovich-Hawk for Target; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pants, Kasper via Lots for Less
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Love this dress! I purchased it from the summer stock on sale at Target in the fall but, the weather was already cooling down. I was really excited to see that the high low trend is back for this spring/summer so I can wear the dress again instead of waiting another 4-8 years for it to become a trend again. To be honest, I would wear it even if it wasn't so trendy. Trends are just suggestions anyway, right?

• Top: black floral print asymmetrical dress; Mossimo via Target; black cardigan, Merona via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; maroon tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas Gift from Cousin V; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This was my last charity Friday. I would like to point out the success of that program was one of my biggest accomplishments at work. The overall charitable donations TRIPLED in the time that I was managing the program, BAMN! It was something that I really enjoyed doing and I look forward to being able to get that excited about tasks in my next job.

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever21
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was another one that was really great in theory but, when implemented left me wanting something different. I was SO hot. I know most people complain about their air conditioned office environments being out of control cold but, mine was not so three layers of clothes was oppressive and uncomfortable. After that day, I don't think I will make that mistake again.

• Top: gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT;  purple argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here, here, here, and here); black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

We are almost down to the end! These are some of the last few outfits that I wore while in my last position. Now we are getting down to the fun stuff. I just want to clarify that this is end of the day hair, my beginning of the day hair was much a little more controlled. Stay tuned for the last work outfit ever for now... 

• Top: black, gray, and white argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, and here); black button down shirt, New York & Company
• Bottom: black wide leg pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

September 16, 2010: Stripes and Stripes

In this impromptu pattern mixing theme week I have tried polka dots, stripes, florals, and plaid. I think it's been going well! Each day I get a little more comfortable putting together outfits that I would normally consider out of that zone. You know... the one of comfort? Anyway, one thing that I have realized (and maybe I'm the last one) is that stripes are the universal pattern mixer, they go with EVERYTHING!! Originally, I was thinking of pairing this navy and white shirt with a polka dot skirt but, it's another early day and these pants are super comfy. Which left me with a new connundrum: what pattern to mix with this top? How about more stripes? I think it works perfectly, don't you?

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; navy tank top with silver stripes (for the modesty), GAP
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

September 14, 2010: Pattern Mixing Compulsion

Today I am back in the office. The craziness of last week (and prospective craziness of this week) really pushed me over the edge in terms of my stress level and the sudden cold weather kinda kicked my butt. You know... the sniffling, headache, congestion, I have a cold but, not really jazz just because of a slight drop in temperature and compromised immune system. Lame!

I can't say I'm happier to be here then home but, you gotta do what you gotta do. Honestly, I think the stress of the knowledge that work was piling up would have made my cold worse so in some ways it's good that I sucked it up and came in! This week might involve some crazy hours so I apologize in advance for the off schedule (or highly scheduled) posting. When I was picking out my outfit this morning I was seriously intent on matching this floral patterned shirt with a patterned skirt. I know you can't see it but, there is a very subtle plaid happening in the bottom half of my outfit. That would be a great theme week...

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here) I love that I am already getting to put these shoes to good use!; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here: