Color Play: Building an Outfit Around a Jacket

It has been a while since I have done a Color Play post. You know I love color and finding creative ways to put colors together that might not be typical color combo choices. Today’s look revolves around a heavy weight plaid shacket that I got from Maurice’s last year when they had end of the season clearance. They always have such good prices on their clearance items, but you have to act fast because sizes and styles disappear quickly.

We are having such weird weather here in the midwest. It is February and it is acting like late March or April. Today as I write this it is supposed to be almost 70 degrees (F). I don’t like the drastic changes and they don’t do anything for headache and allergy sufferers, let alone for all the viruses and bacteria that keep making our grandkids get sick.

This plaid shacket has the shirt vibe, but it is heavy enough to wear as a coat on the chillier spring days. When I decided to use this piece for my color inspiration, I decided to lean towards pastels rather than the more primary blue, orange and yellow. You can see the colors better in this close up shot. Do you see the very faint minty green line?

With these colors in mind, I plaid with two variations, but the pastels won out. It seemed appropriate as we move towards spring.

All three pastel pieces are thrift store finds. The coral pants are Croft & Barrow. Theses are a light weight cotton blend, so they will be great for the warmer months.

The men’s button down shirt is Express brand. It has tiny white flowers on it, and I love how it goes withe the pale yellow and the coral .

The yellow pullover is a brand called Karen Scott. I her brand used to be sold at Macy’s and perhaps Walmart. Not sure if they still are. I don’t wear pale color too often near my face, but the minty green does the job of providing a border between my skin and the pale yellow.

Style Tip: I will never tire of saying, you can wear all colors. If a certain color doesn’t look good right next to your face, just add a scarf or some statement jewelry, or layer a collared shirt under or over it. That doesn’t mean certain colors won’t look better with your skin tone, but if you love a color wear it.

My navy blue bag was a thrifted Simply Vera by Vera Wang piece. Big tote bags are back in for spring, so dig around in your closet and find those larger bags.

My tan, ankle boots are Sonoma brand and were a pre-winter purchase online from Kohl’s.

I kept my jewelry simple with a blue bead, pendant necklace.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like pastels? How do find color inspiration for your outfits?

Thanks for hanging out on the blog. I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. These links are brought to you at no additional cost. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week!

Spring/Summer - 2021 - Puffed Sleeves, Pastels and Pops of Blue

I think most of you who follow me regularly know I love to combine ideas. For example, when I do my Pantone color series, I try to combine several colors at the same time. Part of why I do this is to save time, but it also stretches myself outside the normal, jeans and tees, types of outfits. I wanted to do the same thing with the Spring Trends, and today’s outfit also added the fun literary technique called alliteration. If you don’t already know what that is, it is the combining of words that all start with the same beginning sound. My grandson recently finished up a poetry unit at school. Why they think ten years olds need to know all the poetry terms and examples to go with them is beyond me. My grandson, came away with an unfortunate loathing for poetical form, which makes this writer sad. But I digress!

Today’s outfit revolves around three spring trends that we have seen before. Puffed sleeves keep coming back around, as do pastels. I think pastels are here to stay, as they can be used in so many ways as neutrals. The color blue is always classic, but I really liked the idea of using it as a pop of color in any outfit, so I might try to incorporate this trend into some of my future looks, just for fun.

I started this outfit with a recently thrifted top by John Paul Richard. I love the pattern and the puff sleeves. We often think of puffed sleeves as being puffy on the top, but on this particular top the puff is on the lower part of the sleeve. I won’t get a ton of wear out of this before the warmer weather hits as it is a heavier weight material, but it is perfect for those in between days. I also love the smocking on the bodice, through the back and upper sleeves. Having it loose through the body is a plus right now too, for my lovely love handles.

At first I had the top paired with some jeans that were more of a cognac color, but then I pulled out these blush Christopher & Banks trousers and thought it worked quite well. As you can see there is a light pink in the top, so my matchy mind likes the combination. However, I did like the way the top looked with the other colored pants as well, but I was trying to triple up on my trends. Ha, ha.

For my pops of blue, I added a beaded necklace, I got two Christmases ago, a couple of beaded bracelets with a few blue beads and my thrifted blue Nine & Co. bag.

The warmer weather always brings out my SO ballerina flats, and this year they are back on trend. However, the colors are more metallics and statement making patterns, but flat soles are in.

What do you think of these three trends? Do you like puffed sleeves? Do you like to wear pastels? Do you have any blue accessories that you can boost up your outfits with? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two. Your comments help keep me blogging.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Spring Trends - 2020

This year’s list of Spring Trends is full of interesting things. Many of the trends are repeats from the past and many are not worth mentioning because, in my opinion, they are not realistic for actual women like you and I. I believe in modest dressing, so bralettes as tops and sheer clothing with nothing underneath does not measure up to my standard. My plan is to introduce some of the trends to you in this post and then for the rest of the month of March, I would like to show you my own takes on some of these trends. I have been aggressively shopping my closet to put together outfits that might be trendy and cost effective. You’d be amazed at how many things you already have.

Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay

Patterns

Polka Dots

This fun, versatile print is back in full force. The great thing about polka dots is anyone can wear them. The dots can be tiny or large; on just your top, just your bottom or all over. You can even mix differing polka dot sizes, and polka dots mix perfectly with most other patterns and textures.

Abstract Florals

Florals, like polka dots are still very popular. This spring the trend is towards florals that are more abstract, rather than more realistic looking. I have a lot of floral in my wardrobe and personally prefer that a flower look like a flower, but having one of these abstract pieces would be a fun addition to the norm.

Tropical Prints

Once again, tropical prints are ushering in the warmer weather and making us all want to go on a vacation to a tropical paradise. Ha, ha. You can find these prints on tops, skirts, shorts, dresses, bathing suits and bags, so whether you want a little or a lot, you should be able to find something either in your closet, a thrift store or at the mall.

1960’s & 1970’s Influence

These bright, whimsical patterns are very reminiscent of the 1960’s and 70’s which was the fashion designers’ intent. In addition to these typical bright, paisley swirls and other designs, the trends include patterns that hale from the walls and couches of these two decades in the form of suiting, disco collared button ups and long dresses.

Monochrome

Head to Toe Denim

This is one trend, many of us can easily put together. If you have a pair of jeans, a chambray shirt and a denim jacket you can do this head to toe denim trend without investing a penny. The denim’s do not have to match, so wear a dark wash pair of jeans, a medium wash shirt and a light wash jacket and you are good to go.

Head to Toe White

White is back and party ready in the form of dresses. The length and style is up to you, but anything goes when it comes to white. I think you could also pull off a similar look with a white skirt and top, so be sure to shop your closet before you purchase anything new.

Other Interesting Trends

Neons

Neon colors are back and bolder than ever. Be prepared for head to toe looks that are bright, festive and make you stand out in a crowd. This is one I will be showing you in a few weeks from my own closet. Neon isn’t something I would regularly reach for, but it is definitely fun to add into your clothing mix.

Drawstrings

Drawstring details are trending this year. Think utility meets jogger chic. I don’t think this is such a big deal, but I do have a few different things with drawstrings and just the other day found a pretty blush sweater while thrifting that has a drawstring in the bottom hem, which makes it more casual. As with many of the trends, sometimes a little is better than a lot. A drawstring here or there can add interest to an outfit, but overdone and you begin looking like a walking pile of spaghetti.

Large Bags

Who doesn’t love a fun tote bag? I enjoy carrying a large tote, particularly when I am going on vacation. That way, I can carry a book or notebook, in addition to the usual stuff. The only thing I don’t like about a large tote is, if you are like me, it will be crammed full of stuff and way too heavy to carry on a shopping trip. For that, I will stick to my smaller, cross body bags.

Chunky Chains and Colorful Jewelry

Thinking about getting rid of those bright colored bracelets and large link necklaces, well don’t. Bright colors and large, chunky chains are trendy for spring and summer. This is one, I think I can get behind, because I like all sorts of jewelry. I have a large link necklace that I haven’t worn much, so now I have an excuse. Hooray! Think twice before you get rid of things you think you’ll never wear again because they have gone out of style. Don’t worry, they’ll be back.

Chunky Soles and Loafers

I’m not sold on the chunky soles, but I actually like the light colored combat boots and the leopard print sandals above. They are cute and not over the top. Loafers are like polka dots: they’ll be around forever, even if they aren’t trending in any given season. I was surprised when I started rummaging through my closet for a pair of loafers, that I actually have a number of pairs in addition to my loafer heels.

There are numerous other trends I could talk about, but these were a few of the ones that I thought were fun. This year it seemed the trends were sort of all over the place. I usually google, Spring Trends and the year and get the main fashion names and their takes on the trends, such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Who What Wear and Marie Claire. It is always interesting to see what’s out there, but only use it as a guideline. The fashion gurus do not determine what is best for you, that is your job. If you don’t like chunky soled shoes, don’t wear them. If you are especially fond of stripes, but they are not currently trending, don’t get rid of them. Most patterns, with the exception of the very unusual ones, will come back around. Relax, and enjoy the trends just for the fun of it.

Which trend is your favorite? Which trend do you loathe?

I hope you enjoyed this post. If any of the items look interesting to you, just click on the picture and it will take you to the retailer website. These are affiliate links. Every time you click a link, I get a few cents. I value all of your support, but especially your comments. Thanks for all you do!

Have a great Tuesday!