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Monday, February 11, 2013

In Bloom

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: 

Linking to the vivaciously visible Patti + pals over at Visible Monday.

45 comments:

  1. WillowFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    What an absolutely perfect ensemble for cheering up oneself. Lovely pop of colours and patterns for a gloomy day.

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  2. RosalindFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    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.

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  3. VixFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:33 AM

    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

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  4. de|constructedFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:51 AM

    This is fantastic! eyewear and shoes...oh la la!

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  5. Sara KristiinaFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:52 AM

    Yay for colours! I adore the headband, so cute !

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  6. The Dainty Dolls HouseFebruary 11, 2013 at 2:02 AM

    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

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  7. UnknownFebruary 11, 2013 at 2:44 AM

    Fabulous colors. So very cheery. Love the maxi skirt look on you.

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  8. Please may I?February 11, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    Loving the look, nothing beats a bright injection of colours

    X x

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  9. Amber of Butane AnvilFebruary 11, 2013 at 3:49 AM

    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!!!

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  10. Hollie Black-RamseyFebruary 11, 2013 at 4:03 AM

    That plaid skirt makes me so happy.

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  11. Becky February 11, 2013 at 5:00 AM

    Love the plaid maxi!!

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  12. Flora CruftFebruary 11, 2013 at 5:22 AM

    Ah I adore all your layers of beautiful contrasting patterns and styles, just my kind of thing and it suits you wonderfully Bella!

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  13. Idee FixeFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    Glorious mixture of prints & only you could pull it off! XXX

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  14. The Style CroneFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    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!

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  15. Susan BFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    The layered skirts are really fun!

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    So many happy prints and colors! I love that plaid taffeta, and the sunglasses - those are great! Bloom on!

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  17. UnknownFebruary 11, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    Its just great , love the combo and the colours!

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    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. ;)

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  19. KristaFebruary 11, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    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

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  20. PattiFebruary 11, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    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.

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  21. FrocktasiaFebruary 11, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    I love that plaid maxi skirt teamed with your fabulous clogs, gorgeousness...xXx

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    You look amazing and joyful!!
    I think that shall be my style mantra--joyful!!

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  23. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    You look amazing and joyful!!
    I think that shall be my style mantra--joyful!!

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  24. SusanFebruary 11, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    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

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  25. KristyFebruary 11, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    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.

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  26. Ann, Heather and SheilaFebruary 11, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    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

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  27. Miss Simmonds SaysFebruary 11, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    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

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  28. Claire JustineFebruary 11, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    Love all the colours and patterns. your maxi is great I have nothing like this but could see myself in one :)

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  29. mispapelicosFebruary 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Wonderful layering,and vibrant colours, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    You make me smile, my dearest Bella
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  30. UnknownFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Such a fun mix of prints Bella!!!

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  31. Jean at www.drossintogold.comFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    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!!

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  32. Debbi@SheAccessorizesWellFebruary 11, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    I truly did smile when I saw your pictures. The outfit does bloom in color and is so happy. The plaid, yum!

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  33. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    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.

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  34. Anne M BrayFebruary 11, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    And now I'm happy too! Whoooooeeeeeee!
    Thanks for the visual feast.
    :-)

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  35. OfeliaFebruary 11, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    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.

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  36. Ulla-MarieFebruary 12, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    Such a great paddern mix!

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  37. Señora AllnutFebruary 12, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    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

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  38. FASHION TALESFebruary 12, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Such marvellous and very happy elements in this outfit! That Tartan maxi makes me smile! /Madison :)

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  39. UnknownFebruary 12, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    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.

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  40. vintage honeybeeFebruary 13, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    Im motivated to combine my stripes and florals now. I need a touch of spring these days.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  41. Heather FonsecaFebruary 17, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    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!

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  42. The Goodwill FangirlFebruary 17, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    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.

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  43. Natalia LialinaMarch 14, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    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!

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  44. Natalia LialinaMarch 14, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    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...)

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  45. AnonymousMarch 15, 2014 at 11:52 AM

    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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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!