Mixing Metals

There was a time, back in the stone age, when women were not allowed to mix metals in their outfits. Why, there was a time when women were not allowed to mix patterns, or wear white after Labor Day, or wear pants. How things have changed. Many of these changes have been good, especially when it comes to fashion and the average woman. Now women can wear their floral blouse under a striped sweater and get all manner of compliments. A woman can wear white all winter long if she so desires, and us gals have been wearing pants for a very long time.

Many of the changes that have come about in the last few years, I have had to get used to. I was brought up to only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I keep my white pants out now and even though I don’t reach for them as often as some women might, it is not because of a rule that no longer exists. It took me a while to get the print mixing thing figured out, but now I print mix with the best of them.

One of the more subtle changes in the fashion world that I have been adjusting to is to mix metals. In other words it is now acceptable to wear gold with silver with copper with bronze with brass and pewter. Anything goes. My daughter suggested I take the challenge and make it my own, so this outfit is my first intentional attempt at metal mixing.

I started the outfit with the gold metallic top that I got for Christmas. It is a cute piece that my hubby got for me from a retailer named Marshall’s, with a little help from our daughter. It is a top that I will wear more when the weather warms up.

The fun snakeskin print vest I found in my daughter’s get rid of pile. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right? The front of the vest comes together with a metallic piece that holds the fabric in place. I couldn’t resist taking this fun topper home and even though it has a little wear, it doesn’t show due to the animal print. I am already thinking about how I can style this more casually for a great date night look.

I decided to go with a pencil skirt for a work wear or date night appropriate outfit. I like the streamlined look of a pencil skirt, especially under a more voluminous topper.

For my next metal, I put on a necklace that I also thrifted from my daughter. I thought the mix of copper, silver and brassy colors made this the perfect statement piece for this outfit. Using a necklace like this makes it easy to mix metals.

I got these leather boots at a local thrift store. Real leather, heels and fun details made me take these home with me.

My finishing touch on the metal mixing was to grab my little gray clutch with the brassy chain and edging and a mixed metals charm bracelet. The silver rings are my daily choice for hand wear, so I almost always have those on and the wedding band is white gold.

I like how this outfit turned out. The browns and grays are similar to the silver and coppers of the metals. This outfit is earthy with a touch of shimmer and shine.

What do you think? Do you like to mix metals? Do you like to wear outfits with shimmer or bling?

I’ve included a few shopping links for you to look over. Thanks for hanging out on the blog.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Have a great weekend!

Is it a Kimono or a Ruana? Week 2

Last week I styled a short kimono. You can see that post here.  This week I am styling a ruana. What exactly is the difference between these two outer layer pieces? A kimono is more of a jacket. It has sleeves that can be narrow or wide, long or short. It is usually open in the front, but can come with or without a belt or tie to keep it closed. A bathrobe is really a heavy weight kimono. A ruana is one large piece of cloth that falls down the back, over the shoulders and down the front. It has no sleeve closures, rather just drapes over the shoulders and is kept in place with your arms, although I have seen and heard of people using a pin or a pretty brooch to keep them in place. A ruana is usually worn open, although the fashion police won't put you away if you wear it with a belt for a more cinched in look. 

This tasseled ruana was a spring purchase from Christopher and Banks. To make the look more streamline, I went with a tank top and a dark gray pencil skirt. Here is the outfit before adding the ruana.

You've seen this blush tank with bling before on my blog. I am an avid proponent of shopping and re-shopping my closet. The tank is Relativity brand and the pencil skirt is Liz Claiborne. Both of these pieces were thrifted. The black heels are Comfort Plus brand and the straw bag was thrifted as well. I opted for minimal jewelry with the beaded choker and a few beaded bracelets. 

The next two pictures show you the width of the ruana, which is typically a wider silhouette than a kimono.

Do you own a ruana? How do you like to wear it? Is it more of a summer weight or a fall weight? I am seeing fall styles beginning to fill the racks at most retailers. Kohl's was having some good sales on kimonos and ruanas and right now, you might find deals on the lighter weight ones that you could use for the rest of the summer and next season. 

I'd love to hear your feedback on this outfit. Would you wear something like this? I think this outfit is a great office look and the ruana would add a light layer for those overly air conditioned buildings. 

I've included a few shopping links for you to peruse. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog and be sure to check back on Thursday to see what I am featuring on my Old Becomes New column. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.