Floral and Stripes

Outfit: Top - Zara, Necklace - Forever 21, Jacket - Old Navy, Watch/Bracelet - Michael Kors, Jeans - Joe's Jeans, Wedges - Aldo

I love mixing patterns. As I have mentioned before, my favorite pattern to mix with is stripes because I feel like you could throw any pattern with it and it would go. This striped top, however, is not just any striped top. If you notice the shoulders, they are pinned and tucked under, creating a pointed look. I am so obsessed with this look. This is a top I would have bought in several colors, but unfortunately it was only available in stripes. I am happy I at least got this one.

Now on to the shoes. I walked into Aldo the this weekend and saw these shoes on the sale rack. I knew exactly why they were on the sale rack - they are velvet, floral, pointy toe wedges. Most people shy away from shoes like these, however, I was attracted to them. I think if more people at least tried these shoes on, they would be able to see their potential. I love every aspect of them.

Is anyone else loving this pointed toe as much as I am?

Playing with lines

Outfit: Dress - Anthropologie ($78 originally sale $30), Jacket - Old Navy ($35), Bag - Vintage ($15) Shoes - Target ($15), Belt - H&M ($15)

It happened. I admit it. I am a complete sucker for maxi dresses now. I don't know how it happened or when it happened but in 2 short months my collection of maxi's has grown by four. I think I have now discovered what type of maxi dresses I like so I know what I am looking for.

While I still love my blue paisley maxi dress I wore earlier, what I look for now are thinner, simpler dresses that I can play up and make casual with sweaters, jackets and accessories.  Also, I tend to be more attracted to maxi's that are more straight from top to bottom, with a slight A-line forming at the calf. 

I picked up this dress at Anthropologie recently and I was initially attracted to the colors. Then I noticed the amazing way the stripes are laid out on this dress. Horizontal stripes can be intimidating for a lot of people because they tend to make you look wide. However, on this dress, starting on the hip there is added material with stripes going vertical creating a slimming, lean look. The result is so flattering and quite beautiful the way it falls. I am completely taken with this dress. Additionally it has long sleeves which is great for the coming cool season. You may also notice that my favorite jacket to wear with maxi's is my jean one. I think it is because wearing a long dress can make you feel formal, but adding jean to the mix also make something more casual.

PS - Happy Halloween! I hope you all had an amazing weekend and a great safe night tonight! One of my great friends and I were Wayne and Garth from Wayne's World. What do you think?

All Mixed Up

I have mentioned before how much I love patterns, but have I told you yet how great it can be when you mix them. The days of matchy-matchy are over (for some time now I believe) and the fashion world is such a more interesting place without it. I mean come on, Carrie Bradshaw was doing it in the late 90's. It is also way more fun to mix things up!

I think I great place to start when venturing into mixing patterns is stripes. I have seen and worn them mixed with florals, geometric patterns, polka dots, etc. You also really never now how great a pattern mixed with another can be until you put the outfit on. It may look intimidating laid out on a bed or hung on a hanger.

Let's not also forget how great a graphic tea can be partnered with pattered shorts or a skirt. I have a leopard skirt that I love pairing with some off the shoulder graphic tees.

So, I encourage you all to look in your closet and mix things up! Let me know how it goes :)

Outfit: Top - Forever 21 ($15), Shorts - Forever 21 ($10), Scarf - H&M ($8), Hat - Forever 21 ($12), Shoes - Charlotte Russe ($25)