In The Fashionista's Closet: Comfort is Key

I needed to wear something comfy today, I had to take an exam so I needed to be able to layer in case it was too hot/too cold AND wear my flat boots for the comfortable-ness factor. I am hoping to be certified in another area to teach and I should have the results back in 2-3 days. *Fingers, toes, and eyes are crossed!*

 I found this scarf in the hallway of my apartment when I was moving in. I knocked on several doors trying to find the owner but no one claimed it. Don't judge me. (I washed it.)

Boots: Marshalls

Yesterday I subbed for a first grade class that I've never had before and I swore I saw Lucifer himself in their eyes. There were pencils thrown and hitting kids in the head, one kid could not read a sentence out loud but he wrote the B word on his paper AND spelled it correctly. There was a little girl with blue hair weave, a kid named Walter (who names a kid Walter?) and a little girl that I suspect stole my 75 cents off the desk.

 Coat: Club Monaco

 But the highlight of my time (sentence?) was the brother of the kid from Andre/De'Andre fame. He kept finding excuses to touch me and I finally realized that he liked my sweater. (Seen here. No pics yesterday, sorry.) He kept saying "It's soft. It feels so comfortable." Fast forward to later that day and my friend's four year niece touched the sweater and said, "I like your sweater. It feels comfortable" so I guess the word of the day is 'comfortable.'

Jacket previously seen here.

I wasn't planning on mixing patterns today but I'm glad it worked out that way, I've been obsessing over it. Here's a couple of pics of my thrifting partner in crime and her mix of prints:

So cute!

By the way, for those of you who watch Fantasia's reality show, Fantasia For Real on VH-1, I ran into her Aunt Bunny today while out looking for earrings. I had forgotten that she was from Dallas. She was so sweet and down to earth. I figure this meeting brings Reiko closer to Oprah since Fantasia knows Oprah so we're almost there! My friend Deatrice is mad that I didn't give her phone number to Aunt Bunny to give to Fantasia because she loves Fantasia but I'm thinking Fantasia might be a little busy right now, Trice.

I will announce the winner of the Fashion Nette-work/Designer Chatter Giveaway tomorrow!

Mix It Up!

I love the look of mixed prints but sometimes find myself at a loss as to how to make it happen and not look like I've just thrown some stuff together. I gravitate to bold colors but I want to be able to mix prints and patterns with the same ease. Here are some tips to print mixing that I've found:

Image via The Sartorialist

• Stay in the same color family. You want your patterns to have the same overall hue with certain colors found in each. Brown and orange plaid can work with a brown and orange floral design but will not work with pink and green roses.

Image via August 2010 InStyle

• Vary the pattern sizes. If your plaid happens to be large and loud, pair it with something that has a delicate pattern, like tiny roses with minuscule vines.

Images via B. Jones Style

• Pull it all together with a solid color (either a jacket, shoes, or purse, etc.)

Image via The Sartorialist

Other Tips for Mixing:
Try a floral patterned dress or a nice A-line skirt and pair it with a military jacket. Don't worry you'll be spotted immediately since this unusual combination will attract the attention of others. Wear your clothes with confidence to radiate that you mean business.

Keira Knightley in Miu Miu

Animal prints are bold enough to draw popping eyes, however the graphic patterns will ideally serve as blending agent. These will successfully create the visual transition from one pattern to the other to make it more enjoyable to our sight. The best way to top the look is to use accessories that will further complete the image.

The Glamourai, queen of mixing it up



Do you mix prints? Is it something that you would try? Do tell!

Sources: Here and here