how to mix patterns...

one of the easiest & funnest ways to make your style unique...is by mixing patterns...i have seen some great combinations on the light side...as well as full on bold mixing of patterns...you pick what suits you best...if you've stocked up on some classic shapes in your wardrobe...and want to kick it up a notch or two...mixing of patterns may be just right for you...

when it comes to the art of mixing patterns...whether it be like patterns...such as stripes with stripes...or going bolder...for example...as different as florals and stripes...here are some steps to help you in navigating...

 - any pattern can be mixed...plaids...polka dots...florals...stripes...houndstooth...although when it comes to animal print...it gets a little hazy when you start adding too much of it...the rule for me myself...is one animal print per outfit...

 - there should be one unifying color palette within the prints...

 - when mixing the same type of print...for example...houndstooth with houndstooth...or floral with floral...they should be drastically different in scales...

 - have a solid piece somewhere in your outfit...a t-shirt...shoes...jeans...this will help anchor the mixed prints...

have fun with it...for ideas...i highly suggest taking a peak at magazines...or if you are on pinterest...you can get some great ideas for mixing of patterns...and feel free to follow my board "style:  mixing patterns" for inspiration...

photo source

put together: in a mash-up sort of way...

as i had mentioned last month...one of the big fall trends is a "texture mash-up"...basically a blend of textures and patterns in one single outfit...here is a wonderful example of just that...the caption reads:

"fall is all about mixing textures and patterns in a single outfit - plaids, stripes, tweeds, you name it.  you won't look like you dressed in the dark if you find one similar tone, like the orange in the pants and scarf, to tie it together"

looks so put together for a nice fall day...what do you think?  is it something you would try?

scanned by moi...
unsure of which magazine i pulled from...

put together: a subdued mix...

want a casual but chic way to meet up with some friends...or even a client?  perhaps you are just running a bit of errands...no matter the occasion...opt for looking put together...this outfit is just as easy to put on as a plain ole pair of jeans and a t-shirt...but you will be looking oh so chic...

still thinking about giving a mix of patterns a try?  how about an array of subdued colors...still gets your point across...but in a subtle kind of way...add in some chunky accessories...and your look speaks volumes without you saying a word...

scanned by moi
more magazine july/august issue

you had me at hello: mixing up the room...

it probably comes as no surprise to my long time readers about my love for patterns...and more importantly...the mixing of patterns...i mix patterns in my outfits...i mix different sets of dinner plates...i mix my furniture...vintage with a touch of modern...

and then...i saw these...in the july issue of vogue...arranged at the metropolitan museum of art's costume institute gala...called a world of whimsy...the chairs are all arranged in an eclectic range of prada's most recognizable prints...be still my beating heart...

have you ever seen a prettier mix of patterns?  i will have to keep this one in the archives...wouldn't it be a fun fun project?  although i wouldn't be able to use "prada's" most recognizable prints...i could surely use my favorite prints...right?

scanned by moi

put together: a little color & a dash of patterns...

every once in a while...i see an ad that just makes me happy...what would be in such an ad?  a little bit of color...and a little bit of mixing patterns...how fun & fabulous is this outfit...put together brilliantly for trina turk...les sigh...

scanned by moi

put together: simple tribal mixture

how fabulous does tory burch look while globe-trotting on her southeast asian vacation?  while tribal prints are fairly easy to find these days...i am loving the mixture of patterns & colors...why wear boring khaki shorts & a tee...when you can be fashion forward & chic...

scanned by moi
harper's bazaar june/july issue

creating a look book...

let's face it..how can one remember all the fabulous outfits that we have thought of putting together...or put together...and then forgot how fabulous we felt...looked...and got complimented on?

one of the services that i offer my clients...once we have gone through the closets...poured over each item...decided on what works...and what doesn't...and what might...with a few tweaks...done the shopping...and created outfits...is to present them with their very own look book...

but if you don't have a stylist...for whatever reasons...you too can create your very own look book...what will one need? a digital camera...a beautiful photo album...and time...

a digital camera just makes it easy...you can look through the pictures as you are taking them to make sure that the items are coming out clear...

a beautiful photo album...treat yourself...make it personal...whether you buy an actual photo album or use a binder...personalize it and make it your own...

and time...you need to get into the mindset of looking at your items of clothing and creatively thinking outside the box...items can easily be mixed and matched to create wonderful new outfits...

and this is key...you photograph the whole outfit...meaning...clothes...shoes & accessories...

once your look book is done...i guarantee you will save yourself standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear...instead...you can quickly flip through your look book and get re-inspired from outfits you may have forgotten about...

make it fun...spend a weekend afternoon trying on and mixing and matching clothes...and take photographs of yourself in each one...put together tons and tons of outfits from casual to workday to evening...

and if this seems overwhelming to try on your own...invite over a stylish friend...or better yet...hire a stylist to come on in your closet...and give your clothing new life...

leopard & floral...

i've kind of been on a mixing of patterns kick...inspired by so many gorgeous editorials...i've posted some along the way...for me...it is a great way to "funk" up an outfit...and really make it unique...

so...of course...the best place to start is always always always in your own closet...i truly believe...as in decorating...when you buy pieces you love...they will work together...

so...i started with this cotton shirt that i haven't worn in forever...truth be told...i hadn't worn it for a while...cause i had gotten a little bored with it...as i write that...i'm thinking...me...get bored with leopard? say it isn't so...

...uh yeah...that'll never happen...i was just bored with the shirt worn as a basic shirt...



so i ventured into my closet...and knew i needed something to keep me warm...as the nippy fall air has arrived...perused my blazers...but nothing was jumping out at me...and then i saw it...my floral sweater...how perfect!



and while i know this for some is a little out there...but for me...just a perfect combo of mixing patterns...and here is the end result...



is this something you would try? let us know your perfect combination of pattern & color...

mixing patterns in same color palette...

yes...i'm still perusing through my september issues...les sigh...and yesterday i got through the last of them...and my eyes ventured onto marie claire with this fabulous display of mixing patterns...same color palette...

ok...i know this is not for everyone...but the fun thing about is...is you can choose to what degrees you mix patterns...you can be bold...or take baby steps...

this got my brain churning as to new ways i could mix patterns...and actually produced my outfit for today...which i have no time to take a pic of for this post...so wait till tomorrow!

until then...do these pics inspire you? or may you run the other way?






photos scanned by moi: marie claire ~ september issue

a winning combination...

so many combinations that can be played out in your closet...whether it be mixing patterns...mixing colors...wearing solids...color blocking...one of the trends you will be seeing a lot of this fall season...is the combining of neutrals...

if you ask me...it is a pretty classy look...and the combination of camel & grey...has me completely swooning...

photo source

my closet the crayola crayon box...

remember getting that brand new box of crayola crayons? i'm sure that is where my love of color started...and truth be told...what i love about my closet...is that when i open it up...it reminds me of a box of crayons...with all the beautiful colors...

so...i want you to think of your closet as your box of crayons...when you look into your closet...notice what items are sitting right next to each other...

there might be a multi-colored striped shirt nudging a chocolate brown chiffon skirt...and they are both screaming..."wear me, wear me! wear us together!" ok...maybe not...but let's pretend...ok?

i cannot tell you how often i grab pieces from my client's closets and create an outfit they never knew they had...it was right under their nose the whole time...

so...let your creative juices flow...and pair together two or three pieces you would have never thought of...

photo source

change the way you look at it...

...your clothes...that is...

one of the things i hear the most from clients & friends...is the boredom that is felt when one looks at the items in their closets...why do you think that is?

recently...i spoke at a ladies luncheon...and the title of my presentation was..."the abc's of shopping in your closet..." in this presentation...i brought some of my own clothes...and showed the women...how i take one jacket...and change the look of it...by...

...changing the jewelry...
...changing the tops i wear with it...
...changing the shoes...
...changing the jeans/skirts/pants...

what more could be done?

...adding a scarf...
...mixing patterns...
...and repeating all these steps...over and over again...

so why do i like this procedure? dreaming up new combinations can be so much fun...your wardrobe grows...and grows...and grows...and the best part? how can you get bored when you are wearing a piece of clothing 5+ new ways?

bottom line...not everyone can afford to go out and buy new clothes all of the time...although just thinking about it makes me all giddy...but back to reality...you most likely...already have everything you need right in front of you...

you just have to change the way you look at it...so start with one piece...a favorite piece...go through your closet...and really think outside the box...how many outfits can you make for that one piece? i think you will be amazed at the possibilities...

and if this is difficult....hire a wardrobe stylist...it could be the best money you spend...

and then...when you have mastered some grand combo's...share them in the comment section...and inspire some other women...

photo source

pattern play at its best...

did anyone happen to see the fabulous section in the august issue of lucky? be still my heart...pattern play!! you know how much i love me some mix of patterns...and although this is already all about fall...i couldn't help but swoon over the lovely mixes...

i know for some...this is a bit out there...but remember...you can always do a smaller dose...the key is...have fun! here are my two absolute favorites...

what do you think??

scanned by moi
shirt by vionnet, pants by piazza sempione

did you notice the small touch of an animal print belt? genious! very suttle...but oh so perfect...this is what i call true color blocking...

and then this demure number...don't you love how the shoes match the blouse ever so perfectly?? the belt adds some funk...and a touch of pink is always a nice touch...

scanned by moi
blouse by bill blass, skirt by marni, shoes by sergio rossi, belt by vionnet

put together: stripes and plaids...

all you need is a little bit of stars...and you'd be set for the 4th of july...

um...just kidding...i don't think anyone needs to dress that exact to a holiday...but...wow...would you look at the gorgeous array of mixing patterns?? just makes my heart melt...of course the model is just as gorgeous...but it was the outfit that caught my eye...at first...no really...

i realize this may be a bit too much layering for most men...but you have to admit...he is looking pretty darn put together...wouldn't you say?

so men...is this a look you would try? and ladies...is this something your man would wear?

gq - march 2011
scanned by moi

put together: polka dots & leopard print...

saw this photo on elle.com this morning...nothing better then polka dots & leopard print...throw in a touch of red...and i say...very put put together...

photo source: elle.com
photo credit: adam katz sinding/le 21ème arrondissement

window display: for the men...

spent a long weekend in monterey/carmel this last weekend...got my fill of beautiful window displays...especially on the lovely ocean avenue in carmel...even got these two shots for the men...

i'm sure it is obvious why this caught my eye...hmmm...was it the vibrant colors? was it the mixing of patterns? or...was it the lovely mix of those two components...now believe me...i know that this is not a look that most men would gravitate to...but...for those brave enough...i salute you...

men's corner: art in a shirt...

photo source

i recently introduced robert graham shirts to one of my clients...a very conservative dresser...he had left corporate america...and wanted to "update" his look...i knew he needed a bit of "funkiness" to his wardrobe...but knew that i needed to tread lightly...

so as we walked into the local nordstrom...i picked one up that wasn't too "out there" for him to check out...the high lights of the robert graham shirts are the interesting patterns...and the wonderful knack of mixing patterns with the upturned sleeve...the mix of patterns is also seen in the collar...surprisingly he loved it...and we ended up picking up a few shirts for him...one of which was pretty "wild" for him...but he felt comfortable in it...and that is what mattered...

i have always loved these shirts...each one is truly like a piece of art...the carefully selected fabrics...it is always a surprise to see what mix of colors and patterns make up each shirt...

if you are looking for a bit of whimsy...or funky...or just plain brilliance to add to your wardrobe...check out the robert graham shirts...you can't just stop at one..as they are all so wildly different...

photo source

put together: prints and stripes...

would you take a look at this fabulous outfit? i know...it is not for everybody...but...for those brave enough to try a little mixing of patterns...what can be funner then throwing in some stripes with a printed skirt? i love the mix of a casual looking top with a dressy skirt...

have you tried mixing patterns? what combinations?

sweater & skirt by jason wu
belt by d&g
faux fur stole by a by adrienne landau
scanned by moi - marie claire april issue

becoming the mix master...

women are complicated creatures...don't you think? i love the mystery that is...women...and in that...i think that how we dress should embrace our mystery and represent all of our personalities...gone are the days where matching outfits was pretty much the rule...

now of course...for the more daring...i say a true mix master works with different patterns...colors...etc...but even if that is too much for you...i feel you should embrace and learn to be a good mix master...

so what do i mean by that?

i cannot tell you how many clients will say during a wardrobe purge..."i have a jacket that goes with those pants..."or..."i have shoes that go with that dress..." when you think only in terms of matching outfits...you are limiting yourself...it's no wonder you are bored with your wardrobe...

take for example the pic below...same dress...worn three different ways...who would think that you are wearing the same dress? if you want to make a wardrobe more then just a wardrobe...and want to have a "solid" wardrobe...try to get into the habit of...when purchasing an item...think of a possible two or three ways you could incorporate it into your wardrobe...

may sound stressful for some...but it can become quite a fun game...get your girlfriend that you are shopping with involved...my girlfriend & i do this all the time while shopping...what is fun is when your girlfriend thinks of an item in your closet that you forgot about...and now...a whole new outfit has come about...

photo sourc

shop smart...

whenever i talk to my mom...while she is at work...towards the end of the conversation...i will always say..."don't work too hard" to which my mom ALWAYS replies with "no, no...work smart" i think i say it more just to hear her say her response...such the dedicated employee she is...

which got me to thinking...when anything is done...when done "smart"...well...it alleviates the needing "to do over" scenario...and this same concept applies to shopping...shopping smart...

so...here are some tips to help you "shop smart"

- know what you need...seems simple enough...right? i say...always have a list...whether on paper...or just in your head...this helps you zero in on what you need...and in that...avoiding bad purchases...

- know yourself...truly be honest about what styles flatter your body type best and are appropriate for your age...and if you need help with that...get it! it makes a difference...believe me...and always...shop for the size you are now...

- mix and match...style today is often more about mixing and matching than "outfits"...try buying pieces that work together to solve the "what do i wear this with?" question...and take it one step further...buy a piece that you can think of wearing more ways than one...

- amortize the cost...is the $800 coat way too much or within reason? calculate the cost per wear and factor in how many seasons you might wear it...

- be sure about it...ask yourself..."do i love it? does it look great on me? will i wear it?" and don't buy it unless you get a very strong yes!

- buy classics...don't feel guilty about spending more for classic pieces such as wool trousers...pumps...or a leather handbag...they will last you a good long while...spend less on trendier items...

and to make it a really fun shopping experience...

- dress comfortable...wear clothes that are easy to get into and out of and shoes that slip on...when you've changed a few times in several dressing rooms...you will be thankful you did...

- feel good...don't shop when you're really hungry or really tired...or...when you have only a few hours to find something to wear to a party...

can you think of some "shop smart" tips that you live by? please share...

photo source