Seeing Red - Color Play - Patterned Scarf

Color inspiration can come from so many different places. In this monthly column, I am trying to force myself to look in different places for color. The typical places we look to are our clothes. For instance a pattern on a top or sweater, might be the basis for the rest of your clothing piece choices. Last month I chose a watercolor painting and table center piece as the inspiration for my outfit. I am hoping to inspire you to look in places you never thought of looking for color inspiration.

This month, I decided to inspire you with something probably every one of us has in our closets; a scarf. This particular scarf is full of color and not typically colors we would want to put together into an outfit, but why not? Think outside the box. Most of us use our scarves at accessories, without ever really letting them inspire our whole look. I decided to give it a try, so be sure to let me know what you think.

This scarf is perfect for this month’s Seeing Red theme. It is full of burgundy, red, shades of purple and a yellowy green. Using this as my spring board, I dove into my closet to see what I could find. This is what I came up with.

These bright red Faded Glory pants are a recent thrift find. I like ankle pants as the weather gets warmer and I thought this color would be fun for spring and summer. I used to never wear bright colored pants like this, but I have decided that life is too short to not wear the fun pants. I still reach for my simple blue denim jeans the most, but a bright color once in a while is a good way to stretch ourselves, whether it be on the bottom or the top.

My lavender colored button up shirt is a thrifted Merona piece. The longer yellow sweater was a clearance find at the end of last winter season from Forever 21. I don’t shop there too often, because most juniors sized clothing, does not fit me very well, but with the advent of bigger, roomier fashion, I can find things once in a while that don’t make me look like I’m trying to dress like I am still 21; 39 maybe, but not 21. Ha, ha. The sweater is soft and cozy, the perfect topper for these very chilly winter days.

I know the fashion industry and many bloggers are already talking about spring and the upcoming fashion trends. I understand the need for being ahead of the game and often at this time of year we are yearning for the change of seasons and the warmer days of spring. However, the reality is, it is still, very cold! This morning when I checked the temperature, it registered at 18, but the “feels like” temp was only 9. Um, I’m still going to wear my warm, cozy sweaters, thank you very much. To even think about baring my ankles or talking about shorts and less layers makes me feel cold.

I’ve had this red and gold charm necklace for a long time. It is the perfect piece to add a pop of red color against any top. I love pendant necklaces and I am fortunate enough to have a long enough torso to wear them. I especially like these charm type necklaces with all their different fun charms, beads and dangles.

You’ve seen this cranberry colored bag just recently on the blog (you can see that post here), and I realized it would be a great color match for the berry color in the scarf. This thrifted Libby Edelman bag was brought to my attention by my thrifting bestie back in Buffalo, NY one time when I was back visiting my mom. As much as my hubby prefers that I never bring a purse into the house again, once in a while a girl has to bring it home.

My olive SO ankle boots are making another appearance. These ankle boots are the most comfortable, versatile pieces and are the one purchase I would strongly recommend. It doesn’t have to be the SO brand, but I have found Kohl’s carries SO and Sonoma boots and I have really liked both. They are comfortable, fairly durable and have a great price point, especially if you can get them on sale or on clearance. I’m including shopping links at the bottom of the post, so be sure to check those out. Now is a great time to get boots for next season as many of them are on clearance. The great thing about ankle boots is you can wear them well into the spring with cropped pants, rolled pant hems and even skirts.

Do you have a scarf in your closet that you would love to build an outfit around? Give it a try. It is always fun to challenge your fashion brain to think beyond your norm. Many people might say they don’t want to change the way they do things, but there is something fun and satisfying about doing things differently and having it turn out well. Give it a try and let me know how you did.

For some beautiful scarves check out Nora Minassian at The Jacket Society. She has some beautiful printed pieces like this blue and white multi, ivory, pink and orange, tan and orange, multi-leaf print, and many others. Nora’s scarves are large and can be used as a shawl too, which would also be perfect for an outfit like this.

I love to hear your thoughts and I really wish there was a way to get more people to interact on the blog. The reason I say this, is not just for my benefit, but you all can be an encouragement to each other. After all, isn’t that what this is all about? For those of you who do comment, thanks again. For those who don’t, I would never want you to feel pressured. I know life is crazy busy. I often delete posts from other bloggers, because I just don’t have the time to comment, but I always feel good if I do. I feel like I am reaching out and encouraging a friend I’ve never met.

Thanks again for all your support.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

The shopping links included are affiliate links. I get a few cents if you click on a link and a little bit more if you purchase something through one of my links. I appreciate every click.

Have a great weekend and I hope the sun is shining where you are.

Spring Trend - Neons and Pastels

In contrast to last week’s post, Spring Trend - Head to Toe Neutral, this week I am focusing on the Spring Trend of neons and pastels. Rather than divide this into two posts, I decided to combine the trends and the colors into one outfit. If we can wear neutral on the top and bottom, why not create an outfit with neon and pastel together?

This bright neon yellow top is sleeveless and there was no way I was going out in the snow in a sleeveless top, so I added a recent purchase from Forever 21’s clearance racks, this citron yellow chenille sweater. The top is H&M and is a hand-me-over from my daughter. The sweater is as cozy and soft as it looks, so I was glad to add it to my outfit on this very cold day.

These blush jeans are H&M and you’ve seen them before on the blog in my 20 Days of Christmas series. They have a little bit of distressing on them, but because they are so light you can hardly notice. Since I was going with light pink for my pastel, I added my blush SO flats and my blush clutch.

My necklace was a thrift store find. I thought it added another splash of neon in a different color. If you don’t like neon, this is a simple way to add just a splash of color without being overwhelmed by it. Accessories are always a good way to add color that you wouldn’t necessarily wear near you face.

What do you think of the neon trend? would you wear these bright colors or do you prefer neutrals like the ones in my post last week? Are you a pastel lover? I’d love to hear you thoughts.

I’ve included a few shopping links for all things neon. If you don’t like wearing bright colors like this try adding a little splash by wearing neon earrings or by carrying a neon purse. You’ll be right on trend.

These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Spring Trends (Already?)

I know, I know, why am I already talking about spring trends, when we are about to be blasted by arctic air and winter doesn’t officially end for another two months? Some of it has to do with the fashion industry and the fact that they are simply very pushy. Ha, ha. They want us to already be thinking about, blogging about and buying for the next season. I don’t really buy into that so much, but I do think it is nice to think about warmer weather and being able to go outside without freezing our patooties off.

Pixabay

When I begin to research the upcoming trends for each season, I simply Google Spring 2019 and all sorts of links pop up. The fashion news industry is on top of its game and you can find dozens of articles on this year’s trends. As always, I pick and choose which trends I want to participate in and I try not to “buy” into a trend, unless it is one I know I will be wearing for a very long time. I will invest in a piece or pieces for something I feel comfortable in and that I feel will work well for many seasons to come. For example, leopard print. This animal print has been around for a long time and even though animal print in general made a come back last fall and into this spring, leopard is just one of those that I feel every woman can wear and pairs well with just about any color.

The following is a partial list of the 2019 spring trends, with a few examples. This list is not exhaustive, rather are the ones that I liked from the websites I looked at.

1- Beige or Neutral Head to Toe

Since I am a woman who really likes color, I am not thinking this trend will be my favorite, but I wanted to have an open mind. Shopping my closet, I found a few pieces that might work, so you will see an outfit, designed by me, that mimics this trend, coming soon.

2 - Neons and Pastels

Almost to the opposite extreme of head to toe beige we have neons and pastels abundant on the color scene. You’ll see more on color when I do my Pantone Spring 2019 series in a few weeks, but for now, neon yellow, green, pink and more will add a pop of color to any outfit. In addition, if neon is not in your comfort zone, then pastels are back in full force. Look for soft greens, light purples and calming blues. Tie Dye is also back, so if you still have that tie dye shirt from the sixties or seventies pull it out. It’s back in style! If you don’t have anything tie dye, it’s a great project to do with your kids or grandkids.

3 - Utility Dressing

Jumpsuits are coming back in force and especially those that look like worker outfits. Zippers, pockets and similar embellishments have turned the ordinary into the extraordinary. If you don’t like the inconvenience of a jumpsuit, try pairing a utility jacket with a similarly colored pair of jeans or cargo pants. It’s like wearing a jumpsuit without the struggle when you have to use the restroom.

4 - Crafted Pieces

Crafted pieces are coming back around. Think about the sweaters and shawls many of our mothers and grandmothers used to knit and crochet. These are becoming popular again and include things like macrame, weaving, and fish net. If you go out in your garage, you might be able to find something that could serve as trendy attire. Ha, ha. Honestly, though, I like crafted pieces, especially light weight knits that can serve as over pieces in the spring, summer, and fall.

5 - Black & White Polka Dots

Polka dots are back and in the classic color combination of black and white. I like polka dots in any color, but pairing black and white makes for a print that can be work friendly and easily transitioned to a casual or dressy date night look. I compare polka dots to animal print or camouflage. It is a print that can be worn in many ways and with many other colors. Adding one piece like this to your wardrobe will give you new options for creating fun classy outfits.

7 - Scarf Prints

Print mixing is bigger and bolder than ever. An easy way to do this is buy a piece that already has the print mixing done for you. Scarf print pieces are the perfect way to mix prints and take the guess work out of it. Scarf prints are also a classy way to jazz up an outfit, whether pairing with a pair of jeans for a casual date night look, or a skirt for the office.

These are just a few of the Spring 2019 Trends that you will see online and in stores. You don’t have to buy into the trends at all. You can do exactly what I did and shop your closet. I found a number of pieces that are similar and I will be showing you my spring trend outfits over the next few weeks.

What trend is your favorite? I’d love to hear you thoughts.

All of these photos are affiliate links. If you click on a picture it will take you to the retailer that has that item. If you purchase through my site I get a few cents. I appreciate all your support. All opinions are my own.

Have a great day.