Mix it on up!

 Here's to adding a little excitement to you life! Well... at least your wardrobe.

While rummaging through my closet for something to wear to work today, I decided to try a fun idea I saw on pintrest: Mixing Patterns.

Honestly, before I had seen this concept carried out, I might never have gotten the idea to try mixing and matching the few patterned pieces I have in my closet. However, after seeing an example, I decided that I was up for the challenge and wanted to see what I could come up with.

My end result:

Overall, I really like how this turned out. The pattern on the skirt was darker,

 smaller, and much more subtle, so i felt it mixed quite well with the bolder pattern

 of the top. Since both patterns are black and white, I didn't need to worry about staying

in the same color family (which you'd definitely want to do if you were working 

with color pieces). I threw on the mustard yellow cardigan for some color 

and added simple accessories (a cognac belt and heels to match).

You can't see the shoes very well on here, but I love the patterns of both these pieces!

Outfit Breakdown: 
Top: Banana Republic $12
Skirt: Loft $16
Sweater: Banana Republic $17
Shoes: Nine West $15
Belt: Gap $15

If you have ever tried mixing patterns or if you're inspired to try now, please share! I 

would love to see some of the different outfit ideas that you all can come up with...

it might inspire me to try something new with what I already own. Like I've said before,

shopping in your own closet can be amazingly fun. Let me know what you create!

Blessings <3

Colors & Patterns

"Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others."

Plato 

Read this quote yesterday and was inspired to inspire. I want my actions to positively influence, not bring pain, discomfort, or frustration, and I can only hope that the choices I make can encourage others towards good. Just remember that sometimes a kind gesture, a smile, or joy will need to start with you. Don't hesitate to start or continue the chain of events that could bring a little gladness into someone's life.

Waking up with that in mind, my color and pattern choices for today's work attire are something that I'd put under the "cheerful" category.

My "Spread the Cheer" Look

The Skinny Skimmer Jeans from Gap are a modified polk-a-dot style. I don't often do polk-a-dots. I always think they're cute on others, just not... me. However, I decided to take a little risk with these patterned jeans, and thank goodness I did cause I'm loving them! The top is sleeveless and light weight and such a happy color! Yellow is one of my favorite colors to wear and it goes great with these dark denim jeans. These cognac colored sandals are great with the skimmer length of the jean. The slight heel gives a little length to my short legs ;) Also, the low heel and comfort of these shoes allows cute style, yet comfort all day at work! I threw on a sweater style grey blazer in the morning (not pictured), but once the afternoon hit, it was easy to transition into a cooler yet still put together look for work.

One more thought...

I really want to do a post about shopping on a budget, but that will have to be in the future. I just want you ladies and gents to know that you can still have great style and quality clothes without having to pay the big bucks. Here is the break down for my simple work attire today:

Skimmer Jeans from Gap = $0 (I won them in a contest! But they are on sale at Gap now!)

Yellow Blouse from Old Navy = $5

Cognac Pumps from Nine West = $15

The grand total for the outfit pictured above = $20!

Can't wait to do future posts on this subject.

Hope everyone reading this has been positively influenced today in one way or another... now go spread the good!

Why So Glum?

As predicted, the sun disappeared and "May Gray" is upon the coast of Southern California. The constant blue skies and soon-to-be suntans were fun while they lasted (I sound like a spoiled brat... I know). Even though the weather is a bit gloomy, don't despair! Cloudy skies and a little breeze in the air are the perfect combo for you to break out (or seek out) one of my favorite most highly used pieces: 

The Military Parka


Love this jacket for its versatility  comfort, and style. Its the perfect weight for the mild California or Spring/Summer weather (depending what part of the country you're in) and I personally like the longer length jackets, but there are so many different looks to fit your personal style. I really do throw this jacket on with pretty much everything. Obviously, its not a piece that's meant to be dressed up or worn for a formal occasion. But for everyday wear... its perfect. 

On a completely separate note, I've had a few people ask me about where I've gotten a few pieces that I'm wearing in my posts. I would be more than happy to name off the stores I shop at, but I fear it might get boring for you all, considering I shop at many of the same stores. I'll start trying to highlight key items... and please let me know if its just unnecessary for your viewing pleasure ;) Oh... and please! Feel free to always ask questions about clothing, style, body types, stores, shopping on a budget (post soon to come!), or whatever else you can think of to ask! I'm more than happy to answer what I can :)

Now for the fun stuff... a casual outfit for Spring!

My favorite bag! You've seen it before the wallet/clutch/purse. This was an awesome Marshall's find (Franco Sarto darlings).  Love throwing on a cardigan with everything. Especially this super soft open cardi I found at Banana Republic. The tank is simple... I like simple (Gap baby!). The belt is a men's leather belt I found at a resale shop.

Love a good straight cut jean. These were my training
wheel piece of denim before I took the skinny jean plunge.
These dark denim straights were an American Eagle
find (got them on sale online!).

haha. Just for fun. Love this Banana Republic sweater!
So soft and I love the detail on this open cardigan.

Everything!

I always have very simple accessories. This ring is a favorite (love turquoise). I adore oversized watches. This 
Michael Kors gem was a very generous gift. I find myself wearing it all the time.

I don't really do animal print... but I love these subtle snakeskin style sandals
from the Gap Outlet. They go with so much! I know I'll wear them a lot this summer.

You'll be seeing my hair up a lot in these posts.

I'm a huge fan of the high bun!

Its parka time! Like I said. I love throwing this on over EVERYTHING. Got it at the Gap
from their Spring collection.

Another of my favorite simple accessories. My "b" necklace (my sis and I have nicknames for each other, mine
starts with a "B", so its much more fun than wearing my own initial ;)

Can I say it enough? Wear your joy! And if you don't have any (cause
I know those days do come) ... sometimes smiling will make
 you feel a little better anyway. If nothing else, it will at least make
someone else feel better :)

Hey there pretty lady...

Say hello to the lovely Jen again. I enjoyed planning a little outfit for a day out birthday event! My choice was a little out of the ordinary for her, considering she doesn't do skirts very often or sparkles... ever. I found these two pieces (the top and skirt) for her on different occasions, and during both shopping trips, she questioned purchasing them. Luckily, she decided to give them a try. Ironically, I decided to put them together for this specific event, knowing she'd have a fun,  yet dressy/casual outfit. Perfect for a celebration, but still low key and comfy for her own personal preference:)

Here she is! What a cutie. She's got it all. Fun outfit. Cute bag. Beautiful smile.
Doesn't get much better. This is what a fun day out should look like :)

Love this bag. Its simple, sleek, and versatile. Obviously, I am one for practicality,
and since Jen is as well, its easy for me to find nice pieces that will fit her lifestyle.

A little added bling...
Jen doesn't ever do sequins.  So this top was a fun change.
With the shimmer on her shirt, Jen didn't really need much
added jewelry. No necklace was needed so she just
sported a fun bracelet.

LOVE the color of this skirt. Jen was hesitant on the boldness,
but when its paired with neutrals and simple pieces, it can still
make a statement while staying classy. This is the "pop of color"
I had mentioned in my previous post ;)

I told Jen if she was headed out for an evening and wanted to dress up her attire, she could switch from sandals to heals and put some more fun jewelry with her ensemble. Overall, Jen had a great time, and she felt comfortable and confident in her new outfit made of pieces she already owned. Its always fun to shop in your own closet ;)

Sometimes We Get Fancy.

As I have gotten older and gotten to know myself better, I realize that I've never been a very fancy girl. I mean... it didn't take much to really figure it out. It wasn't until I reached high school age that I figured I better start brushing my hair and wearing shoes (my poor mother with her rag muffin daughter). But even now as an adult, I see I don't do the little extras that could really just polish me up a bit. For one, I rarely have my nails painted (something I keep swearing to change, manicured hands are just so nice). I didn't pierce my ears til I was 25 (which was a waste because I still never wear earrings). It wasn't until 27 that I thought about putting some color in my hair (and sadly I don't really care to fix it because it never looks fixed anyway. Wavy haired girls... you understand). In all honesty, I appreciate and admire women who always seem to have themselves put together, but for my day to day life, I just find that my time is so well spent on so many other things (like sleeping... maybe that's called lazy?).

Anyway, even the non fancy girls can get their gussy on. There are some very special occasions were the Fancy in me gets the opportunity to surface and gain a little attention... and I'm not gonna lie, I quite enjoy the   chances when I get them :)

Here are some photos for an elegant evening out ;)

Fancy. No?
The one shoulder paired with the drappy waist was elegant. 
The material was stretchy and comfortable. (win! win!)
The color was a great! A nice rich green that kept me from
going straight to black (which seems the go to for a classy dinner).
 The shape of the dress was perfect for my figure. My waist
 is significantly smaller than my hips,so I need clothes that accentuate
 and flatter my figure and not swallow it up or cling too tightly... 
both of those options can tend to make my shape look bigger. 

My clutch can double as a wallet or small purse when the strap is added.
 Its not the fanciest, but its practical. and the simplicity and neutralness.
(Is neutralness a word? ... I don't think so)
makes it very easy to use for many different occasions.

A little color and shine on the lips and a simple
 yet elegant necklace. Pearls aren't just for
your Grandma sweetie.

The shoes. Killer. When in doubt
always go with killer shoes.

Never ever forget your best accessories!
 (smile and winning personality!)

Close up of the clutch/wallet/purse.

Again. Killer.

A little makeup goes a long way.

A little color for the lips. Mascara is a must.
Eyeliner if you must. Eye shadow should be
used sparingly (I'm not the best with it).
And I'm always a fan of bronzer. Only blush it
for special occasions.

The hair goes up for a little added elegance.

Like I said... I'm not the best with doing my hair well,
but sometimes sorta messy buns can still look classy.

Done!

Pop that Color.

Just this week, I was talking to a few middle schoolers (and staff members) about the the beauty of adding a little color to a neutral wardrobe or outfit. The whole conversation started because one individual explained that she only enjoys wearing black and white... and I said "Oh, you have the perfect wardrobe to add a pop of color." Strangely enough, no one else had ever heard this term, and a full on discussion erupted over these few words. Papa Color is now our new catch phrase.

Though this outfit is based around my "color", I will have to add a post later with a few Papa Color outfits ;) Until then, here is a post with one of my fave colors for the Spring/Summer months. For those who know me, I don't wear a lot of color myself (though I do love them). So this was a fun for me to wear for a day out with friends!

Love this dress! This is one of my favorite colors for the season. A very happy
hue that looks great on just about anyone. Got this dress on sale at the Gap Outlet.
Oh yeah! I love a good sale.

I am not the best with accessories. But I love 
the layered look for necklaces. My little sis
 brought me this bracelet back from Spain. She
 is awesome with picking great jewelry 
and she knows my style so well!

These shoes are very versatile. They are a
 neutral color but still unique enough to look
 dressy/casual. Love them.
 Annnnd of course got them 
on a killer sale at Marshall's. 

This bag can be my wallet/clutch/purse. Love the practicality.

Above all else... Never forget to wear your smile ;)