Terrifying
By · Aug 17 2011
Mixing patterns scares me. But you know what I have learned? Don’t color code the items in your closet. I used to. Then I got married and we moved to an itsy bitsy apartment where we shared a closet and the color coding went to the wind. So now that things are more randomized, sometimes I will look into my closet and see two things together and say “oh that matches!”
Boom, outfit. See, it pays to be a type B personality! OK, it doesn’t pay anything, but there are benefits. The drawback is that I lose my phone all of the time. The perk is that I can do a zillion projects at work and not get stressed. In fact, I think because I am more laid back, I can accomplish more.
That said, there are certain people who I know are reading this and saying “she’s lying, this just isn’t true.” Because I am definitely an organized, super conscious person for the big things. Is my desk at home cluttered? Yes. But is my calendar at work lined up with deadlines, important dates blocked out and backed-up with a paper version? Of course.
I suppose you could say that home is where I let loose, so that the other things in my life can be organized.
And my uncolor-coordinated closet is how I discovered that red polka dots and leopard print look great together.
When I took these pictures, I pulled up behind the library. I am not sure of the hours, but it seems to always be closed. Thank you state budget cuts for preventing people from being able to read.
So I start taking pictures. Then I look over and this guy in a truck was totally watching me. I thought the truck was empty! It was a little awkward. He wasn’t five feet away from me in these pictures. I smiled and said “well, I’ve started now, so you’re going to have to put up with a show.”
And goodness, is it evident that I have a love affair with Aldo shoes and accessories? My red bracelet is actually swag from the Best Buy booth at BlogHer. It was made by women in South America and they are paid a living wage. I really don’t know the connection of computers and jewelry much more beyond that. I’m still thinking through what I am going to do about the ethical fashion choices.
Wearing: Necklaces: Aldo Shirt: Anthropologie Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT (also worn here) Belt: Aldo Shoes: AldoBy the way, want to win $100 in fabulous make-up? You could enter to win. I would love you if you would.
Life is scattered, like bobby pins in your bathroom drawer, no? Dance backwards in high heels with me. Let's talk clothes and news. I *love* clothes and news.
I wish that being disorganized in one area of my life meant that I was organized in something else! It’s not grand scale chaos or anything just a little consistent entropy.
I do agree that disorganization often facilitates creativity – it seems like sometimes too much organization can get your brain stuck in the same cycles.
The leopard and polkadots look great! I love the slouchy skirt with the structured skirt.
Gah! I love this outfit! I would never have thought to mix polka dots with an animal print. Gorgeous.
i love your pattern mixing!! i actually did some pattern mixing today too (and will post about it tonight) but it took me forever to figure out an outfit that worked! i’m such a noob, lol.
cute & little
Love this color and pattern combo! You look terrific, Natalie!!
thanks for stopping by my blog. i love this outfit!
Your hair is to die for, as well as your adorable outfit! pattern mixing is daring fun!
love, love, love the leopard and the polka dot/black and red! itsy bitsy closet–my sympathies….despite your positive outlook:) i will wish for you a big closet where you can still be a bit disorganized. lol.
haha, please do wish for a big closet! We’ve actually moved since the tiny closet days, and now I have two, but for some reason the closet organization skills never returned!
I LOVE this whole outfit and especially the shirt! Way to go!
this is great Natalie! I love the idea of mixing prints, but I have few prints in my wardrobe to work with.
how cute is this outfit. i love it.
I love the mix!..and the fit of the red shirt. So cute.
That’s funny because I am the color coordinated closet girl! Total type A. But I think you nailed it with your idea of unorganizing! Love what you’ve concocted here!!
I would never have thought to put those two patterns together. It totally works! Love it!
I love those patterns together! The red and the leopard look simply amazing! I can’t get over how chic you look!
Oh I love this combination! I’m a big fan of polka dots though my wardrobe is greatly lacking them. Great mix of patterns!
You brave soul! I have never ventured outside my house to take pictures. I’d be too embarrassed. BTW, this pattern mixing is perfect. The skirt acts like a great neutral but with a twist.
Your long hair is gorgeous and so is this outfit. Thanks for your sweet comment!!
My favorite pattern mix outfit so far. It’s awesome. I love the patterns, the colors and the fit of the clothes, themselves. Pretty!
Oh thank you! What a compliment, I was just cruising around on the other blogs and there were some amazing looks.
Love the pattern mix you put together! & you did the tuck in the front really well too! I’m really enjoying the challenge so far and it looks like you are too.
Very nice. I love this outfit.
This looks amazing!!
Kayla
Freckles in April
Mixing patterns doesn’t bother me. I did the “Used Car Salesman” part of a Mutual skit by us Priests many years ago. I wore blue plaid pants, a striped shirt, a striped tie, and a golf hat with a plaid band. I only got one comment all night about that “fashion” mix & un-match!
That sounds like a fab combo and I think you should rock it day to day.
Those clothes are long gone, and wouldn’t anyhow.
Oops, wouldn’t fit. So maybe I should try the male version of the”Ugly Betty” look.