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| Mix, not Match: Plaid, Stripes and an Apron Get Shaken and Stirred in a Colorful Ensemble |
Maxi skirts make me think of Vix, so when I needed a cheer up, I put on a long taffeta plaid skirt that reminded me of the Vixen herself. Adding a hodge-podge of patterns picked me right up- and reminded me of my childhood dress choices: I'd just put on my favorite clean items and head out the door. I seldom "matched," but I always felt joyful.
Which is how I felt this day- wearing a super comfy grey/red striped shirt from stripeshirt.com,
your one-stop place for comfy shirts that are striped! Well made, and properly sized, these shirts are great to rally team spirit, or just as a perky personal pick-me-up. Kickass vintage red wool sweater, my favorite shades ever, a cute set of polka dot and plaid headbands (a gift from Franca) and the red clogs that rock, all did a great job at raising my spirits and putting me in a happy mood for the day.
Over time, I've come to realize that I am drawn to the same things- early blog posts record me mooning over (gasp!) florals, dots, stripes and plaid. So I guess I've not changed much, have I? In fact, a quick glimpse at posts taken a year (or two) ago today show some very, very, VERY familiar pattern preferences. Take a look, and see for yourself:
Feb 8th, 2010 Hello Sailor
Feb 8th, 2011 Outfit Post: Red Plaid Blazer
Feb 9th, 2012 Outfit Post: Fresh Squeezed
I will say that presently I feel more confident and comfortable in my personal style than ever. So florals, stripes, plaids or whatever, the pattern that is MOST important is the maturing pattern of self acceptance and joyful expression.
So bloom, on my lovelies. Bloom on.
Now Wearing:
- Plaid/Dot headbands, gifted
- Emporio Armani sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop
- Red vintage wool cardigan jacket, thrifted
- Black vintage faux fur coat, thrifted
- Striped T-shirt c/o stripedshirts.com
- Black vintage belt, coming soon to Etsy
- Vintage floral apron, coming soon to Etsy
- Red plaid vintage taffeta maxi, for sale HERE
- Pre-loved Plaid bag, thrifted
- Sandgrens clogs, get yours HERE
Linking to the vivaciously visible Patti + pals over at Visible Monday.
45 comments:
What an absolutely perfect ensemble for cheering up oneself. Lovely pop of colours and patterns for a gloomy day.
I love your description of childhood dressing choices as 'always joyful' - and not only do you exude joy in this outfit, but you always do, whatever you're wearing. I think that referencing Vix with maxi-wearing really ought to enter the style lexicon: wearing a fabulous, bright maxi dress? - "Oh yes, this is my Vix-look". You both spread inspiration and delight.
I was just admiring you glorious outfit when I saw my name! I'm thrilled to bits, you look incredible. I adore that ruffly taffeta maxi layered with the rock star fur coat and the floral mini and don't get me started on those clogs! xxx
This is fantastic! eyewear and shoes...oh la la!
Yay for colours! I adore the headband, so cute !
Stunning ensemble...am all for florals at the moment, maybe because it's so cold and I need spring :)) I hope you have a great day xx
Fabulous colors. So very cheery. Love the maxi skirt look on you.
Loving the look, nothing beats a bright injection of colours
X x
Oh, fantastic! Happy to see the whole look associated with the mysterious and terribly intriguing hint of clog and taffeta, and it's marvellous! Love the colours, love the silhouette both with and without the coat.
I enjoy the humor and affection with which you look back on your "eternals" of style preference - same here!!!
That plaid skirt makes me so happy.
Love the plaid maxi!!
Ah I adore all your layers of beautiful contrasting patterns and styles, just my kind of thing and it suits you wonderfully Bella!
Glorious mixture of prints & only you could pull it off! XXX
I am amazed at you 'mixing' talents. Today's ensemble is art in every sense of the word, accessorized by your ever inspiring words. Continue to bloom, awe and inspire!
The layered skirts are really fun!
So many happy prints and colors! I love that plaid taffeta, and the sunglasses - those are great! Bloom on!
Its just great , love the combo and the colours!
What a fantastic layering idea Bella. I didn't notice the heel on the clogs when you posted about them before. They're even cuter now! Red is such a perfect color on you. ;)
And this is why you are the original pattern mixer! I love the zaniness of this outfit and the childhood comparison about just wearing what you love, all at once!
Xxoo
So cool, so mix-y fabulous. I had no idea there was a stripe-store, thanks! And thanks for Nirvana, always gets in my head.
I love that plaid maxi skirt teamed with your fabulous clogs, gorgeousness...xXx
You look amazing and joyful!!
I think that shall be my style mantra--joyful!!
You look amazing and joyful!!
I think that shall be my style mantra--joyful!!
I just had to say that if I had your amazingly dark hair...I would wear some form of red EVERY DAY. Love this on you. xo
Love the cheerful colors and mix of patterns. The headbands are adorable and the plaid maxi skirt looks great on you. I'm loving the clogs too and having to restrain from purchasing a pair for myself. It being frugal february and all.
Hi Bella,
You left a comment on our blog asking us to put the Over 40 Bloggers button on our site. I get how to copy and paste; just not sure where to paste it once I get back to our blog. Still so new at this!
Please advise. And thanks for adding us to the list!!
Heather
http://friendshiplifeandstyle.blogspot.com
Maybe every year at this time you need cheering up with some bold bright patterns. I like all these patterns together and there's those lovely shoes again! xxxxx
Love all the colours and patterns. your maxi is great I have nothing like this but could see myself in one :)
Wonderful layering,and vibrant colours, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
You make me smile, my dearest Bella
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Such a fun mix of prints Bella!!!
Your joy is infectious!! I feel the energy leaping off the page and I'm grinning from ear to ear. I adore Vix as well and she, along with you and Judith, were some of my very first blogging crushes!! This happy mix of print, plaid, and stripes, along with the cohesiveness of the colors, makes this "jumble" a masterpiece. I specially love the long skirt under the shorter one. Love you!!
I truly did smile when I saw your pictures. The outfit does bloom in color and is so happy. The plaid, yum!
You most definitely cheered my up! Seriously, I didn't need to read a word, I just took one look at your ensemble and pure joy filled the room. Thank you Bella, for sharing your joy with the rest of us.
And now I'm happy too! Whoooooeeeeeee!
Thanks for the visual feast.
:-)
Mixing prints and lengths; makes for a happy and colorful outfit!
Maxis do remind me of Vix.
The two skirts looks so cool and effortless on you that I must give it a try now.
Such a great paddern mix!
there's never too much red, plaid, stripes and florals, so there's never too much mix!! and you make them work together, love your fabulous layering and that long skirt plaid is my favorite!!
love your style, head to toe!!
besos & blooming
Such marvellous and very happy elements in this outfit! That Tartan maxi makes me smile! /Madison :)
Nobody mixes prints with as much joie de vivre as you do, Gorgeous. So cool and I feel happier just looking at 'ya! Good to catch up with you ... I've been out of the loop.
Im motivated to combine my stripes and florals now. I need a touch of spring these days.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
I have no idea how you put all that together and it came out looking so fabulous and charming. I adore your outfit! Bloom on Bella!
I have always wondered why when I wear whatever I reach for first, I look homeless, but other style bloggers, including you, look fucking brilliant. I bow at your feet, Style Goddess.
Bella, this is INCREDIBLE! Beautiful, energetic, happy, inspiring, super creative and just absolutely one-of-a-kind! I am amazed! I wonder what you wear these days!!! You are such a unique woman!
Bella, this is INCREDIBLE! I am amazed! It's beautiful, inspiring, happy, energetic, sexy and creative and so many other great things! I wonder what you wear these days!!! I hope this comment will get through (my previous one disappeared...)
I love it all, especially how happy and confident you look! The plaid and tartan is wonderful - the bag is drool-worthy! Funny, I find myself dressing more like I did in the 90s these days. Too bad I got rid of all that stuff - but then, there's the fun in thrifting it all over again. :)
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