Pantone Spring/Summer - 2019 - Pink Peacock & Pressed Rose

Today’s Pantone Spring/Summer colors include a hot pink and a pastel pink. Pink Peacock could be a close cousin of fuchsia and reminds me of the bright pink flowers that begin to appear in many people’s gardens at this time of the year. Pressed Rose is a medium pink that appears only on the London color palette as a companion to New York’s Sweet Lilac. To me it is a more adult version of pink, that almost any woman could wear.

For this series, I thought it would be fun to pair colors that had similar roots, so for this pairing it was pink with pink. You will see another post where I pair yellow with yellow. Whereas, in last Thursday’s post with Turmeric and Sweet Lilac, the colors were quite different, almost to the point of being too different to put together. However, as we are beginning to realize with many fashion faux pas, never say never.

This bright pink thrifted, Worthington sweater was a purchase I made, just for this series. I have a number of bright pink things, but nothing seemed quite right, a little too red, or a little too purple, so when I saw this for a dollar I snapped it up without even trying it on. I like the ribbing around the neck line. Little added details like that are part of what make clothes special.

This David & Young kimono was a clearance find from DSW. Who thinks to shop for kimonos at a shoe store? Me, that’s who. Ha, ha. They have all sorts of great accessories there, like bags, wallets, key chains and of course shoes!

It is hard to see in these pictures, but the kimono’s flowers include the Pressed Rose color. I like the fringy details on the sleeves and it is also on the hem line. This will be a great topper for the warmer weather.

For this outfit I decided to try finding a piece that would mimic the Brown Granite color from the classic neutral palette. It is not often we see an actual brown on this palette. More often they choose a gray. I was disappointed there wasn’t a gray, but then I realized it would force me to think outside my box again. I actually like brown and my hubby loves when I wear it as it brings out my brown eyes, however, it is hard to find brown pieces that aren’t just drab and boring.

I got these brown Worthington trousers at JC Penney. You can obviously tell, I have a lot of Worthington pieces. For me it is a brand that fits my figure pretty well and has a lower price point. I think they make great work wear pieces. Here are a few pairs of pants in various colors: gray, various, bright pink, pull on skinny (similar to the orange ones from last Thursday’s post). This pair is more of a wide leg and very comfortable.

These cute ankle boots I found at Kohl’s in the clearance section. Do you shop clearance? It really pays off at Kohl’s as long as you don’t mind getting stuff at the end of the season. I don’t worry about being spot on as far as the trends and timing. I like what I like and I will wear it, whether it is trending or not.

Along with my light pink ankle boots I grabbed my little pink clutch, and added a few simple pieces of jewelry to keep the kimono and sweater center stage.

What do you think of these colors? Do you wear pink? My husband does not like pink, not even on me, but I wear it anyway. I’m such a bad wife. Ha, ha. But he puts up with me and loves me even in my pink moments.

As always, I’ve included a few shopping links for all things pink! Enjoy shopping. These are affiliate link, which means I get a few cents when you click on a link. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Print Mixing Mash Up - Checked Trousers - Outfit 1

This week the Print Mixing Mash up features a pair of Worthington black and gray checked trousers. The checkered pattern on these is very subtle, but it is definitely a print, rather than a solid. Worthington has been making reliable dress pants and women’s work clothes for JCPenney since 1985. I have several pairs of their pants, and they are long lasting, wrinkle resistant and fit pretty well.

I have had these pants for many years and have worn them to work and for special outings where I need to be more dressed up. I wanted this first look to be a bit more casual, so chose a thrifted, pinkish red, Merona, gingham blouse, along with my City Streets floral bomber jacket, also from JCPenney. So, yes, I am mixing three prints here. Ha, ha. See how easy it becomes after a little practice.

The prints on the blouse and the trousers are almost an exact match for size, which gives the outfit a more uniform look, even though they are a different color. With the floral bomber on top it pulls the two colored prints together.

This black and gold fringe necklace on a berry colored cord was the perfect accompaniment.

Hello, again, my favorite ballerina flats. These SO flats have a memory foam footbed that make them very comfy. Right now Kohl’s is having a sale on these for only $19.99. They also added a few new colors, so if you are looking for a fun, comfy flat check those out here.

It used to be the trend to match our bags with our shoes. Now the trend has gotten away from that, but every once in a while, I like to match. It just makes an outfit looks polished and balanced. This NY & Co tote was a thrift find. Do you like to match your shoes with your bag? Do you carry the same purse all the time, or do you like to change them frequently? My hubby put me on a purse fast, because I have so many. I keep telling myself I need to use more of them, so they aren’t just laying around, but I get lazy and don’t want to take the time to change everything to a different bag. Ha, ha. How about you? Are you a purse hog like me?

What do you think of this outfit? Do you have a pair of printed trousers, jeans or ankle pants in your closet? How about grabbing a few of your printed tops or jackets and see what new combinations you can come up with.

I’ve included a few shopping links for Worthington pants and floral bombers. Have fun shopping. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Print Mixing Mash Up - Plaid Bomber Jacket - Outfit 1

If you are just joining me here on my blog, I am doing a series on print mixing. Week one focused on a yellow and white long sleeved tee ( Outfit 1, Outfit 2). Week two focused on a printed skirt (Outfit 1, Outfit 2). You can see the original posts for each outfit, by clicking on the links. My goal for each of these outfits is to show you three things: 1) You don’t have to spend buckets of money to look fashionable and be trendy, 2) Print mixing is not that hard, and 3) Your ability to print mix starts in your own closet. The only way I learned to print mix was practice, just like so many things in life that we aren’t born with an innate knowledge of.

This week’s outfits revolve around a plaid bomber jacket. I found this fun piece at Eden Fashion Boutique. It was marked down and I also had a coupon, so it was one of those win, win combos. Eden is a local boutique with stores in Sylvania, Ohio and Bowling Green, Ohio. I did a post on the Sylvania location and if you are interested, you can read about that here.

My daughter and I were doing some thrifting and shopping in Bowling Green and stopped in at their location. We both tried on numerous fun pieces and I bought this bomber jacket and a long sleeve tee that I posted on Instagram last Thursday.

The plaid jacket is a mix of orange and blue stripes on a gray background. I thought it would be fun to pair it with a print containing those same colors. When I came across this longer denim skirt, I thought to give it a try. While, I think the print mix works, I really don’t like the silhouette of the outfit. Just a little too baggy for my taste.

Here you can see the mix of prints closer up.

The fact that the outfit was going to be ultra casual made me reach for this olive hobo bag that I have used on the blog before. It is always fun to add a pretty brooch or two, to an otherwise more plain piece, whether it be a blouse, a jacket, a scarf or a bag like this one.

I also decided to wear my Seven Dials black combat boots. The reason I chose these was to bring together the black and white cuffs and collar on the jacket with the shoes.

To keep the edgy look I went for a necklace that I have had for many years. A combination of metal and beads, I like that it has a utility look to it.

The dark orange tee is a thrifted Chico’s tee. It really brings out the orange in the plaid jacket, as well as the rusty orange floral print of the skirt. This is another way to bring printed pieces together in a harmonious blend. (Yes, I am listening to Celtic music right now and I love the harmonies in their music, whether instrumental or vocal.) Pick a solid piece that is a common color in both pieces. You’ll see this idea again in Thursday’s post with this same jacket.

As always, I love to hear your thoughts on these outfits. Is this something your would wear? Do you like denim skirts? Do you like skirts that are this length or shorter? Do you have a bomber jacket that you like to wear? I value your input, so leave a comment or two below.

My hubby and I had a nice weekend away, but now I am fighting the crud. I was hoping to get through the whole winter without getting sick, but my grandson and daughter both got it, so I had to join the fun. Hope this post finds you all well.

Have a great Tuesday.

Print Mixing Mash Up - Striped Tee - Outfit 1

As i started pulling pieces out of my closet to do this print mixing series, I had no idea how much fun it would be and how many outfits I would come up with. It is amazing how many pieces I have that actually go together in a way that creates real life, wear it to work, outfits. The way I decided to put this together, was to feature one printed piece a week that will be the foundational piece that I build the rest of each outfit around. For this week it is a yellow striped Sonoma tee. The outfit you see today and the outfit on Thursday’s post will both be built around this same piece.

Let me preface this by saying, it was 18 degrees with a wind chill factor that made it feel like 4, when we were taking these photos. It was cold and that wind bit, but we got it done. My daughter is pretty quick at taking pictures, although in those temps, even the camera wasn’t always willing to work properly.

Today’s outfit was a casual look, that I might wear to a get together with friends, or a fun date night with my hubby.

It’s a little hard to see the print mix in these photos, but I showed the top and this kimono in last Thursday’s introduction to print mixing. You can see that post here, if you missed it.

This yellow striped long sleeved Sonoma tee is a recent purchase from Kohl’s. It is light weight and a great layering piece for spring.

This floral kimono was a clearance find at DSW. If you are a clearance shopper like me, it is always a good idea to check out the clearance rack at all stores you go into. DSW is a great place to find shoes on clearance, and I would have never thought to go in there to look for a pretty kimono like this, but there it was. In fact I got two other ones that will no doubt make it on to the blog at some point.

These white Gloria Vanderbilt jeans you just saw on the blog, last week when I was wearing them with my scarf print blouse. You can see that post here. These are my favorite white jeans. They are thick enough that my underwear don’t show through and I like the wider leg.

I wanted to keep this look more casual so I opted for my navy blue Keds. After we took these photos are were on the way back into the house, I realized we needed to take a picture of my shoes, thus the snow.

I grabbed this bright blue tote to go with the bright blue in the kimono. This bag is thrifted and Nine & Co. brand. I do like a good sized tote bag like this for traveling. I can fit a lot more in it, like a book and a pad of paper, in case i get the urge to read or write. I know there are electronic versions available, but I still like the feel of a book in my hand or moving a pen on a piece of paper.

You could easily replicate this look by using a color of your choosing for the striped tee and then picking a piece with a complimentary color for the kimono or even a floral cardigan or bomber jacket. It’s not that you create an outfit that looks just like mine, but that you find things in your own closet that will give you a similar look. You wouldn’t have to wear white jeans. Any wash of denim would look cute with a print mix like this or pick out another color that goes with one of the other colors in your print pieces. For instance, my kimono also contains brown and is on a black background. Either color could have worked for my bottom piece.

Why this works:

The main reason this works is the color. The yellow of the striped tee goes perfectly with the yellow in the kimono. The other reason it works is that the stripes are small and narrow, which works well with the busier, bolder pattern of the kimono.

What do you think? Do you like this outfit? Do you have pieces like this in your closet that you like to pair together for a fun print mixing look? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave me some love in the comments section.

I’ve included a few shopping links for you. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Spring Trend - Scarf Prints

As I mentioned in last Tuesday’s Spring Trend post on crafted pieces, print mixing is bigger and better than ever. One of the patterns that you will see gracing the stores is scarf print. Scarf prints started a come back back in the fall of last year, but seem to be showing up more and more. Scarf prints are an easy way to mix prints effortlessly. The prints are already picked out for you and all you have to do is take it off the hanger and decide what you want to wear it with. Whether you choose jeans, skirts, leggings, shorts or some other combination, scarf prints will leave you feeling like a print mixing pro.

I’ve had this Apt. 9, scarf print blouse for eons. Every time I think about getting rid of it, I end up hanging on to it. Now I am glad I did. I wish I would have thought to have taken a picture of the blouse without the jacket on, but it was freezing outside and we were just trying to get the pictures finished.

I did the front tuck with the blouse and added a black studded leather belt, just to add a little more interest and texture.

I thought my white Gloria Vanderbilt jeans the perfect bottom piece for this look, to make it more spring-like. While white can be worn all year round, I am a bit of a traditionalist, in that, I like to keep my whites more for spring, summer and a bit into fall. I do agree that white is a great color even in the winter and can really brighten up an otherwise mundane time period. I guess that is one of the reasons I would rather have snow in the winter time, than just brown grass and gray trees.

Since the emphasis was meant to be on print mixing, I decided to add my Black Label, Evan Piccone polka dot blazer. A JC Penney clearance find, this cute little number goes with so many things and is the perfect way to add a print to any outfit without going over the top. You can also see in this picture the blue bead necklace that I chose to wear. This was another hand-me-over from my daughter. It is fun to have girls to be able to swap stuff with.

These Easy Spirit black patent leather block heels I’ve styled on the blog before. I like the lower heel and that the toe is not pointy, but also not rounded. The bit of gold is the perfect amount of bling.

This cute cross body bag was a Christmas gift from my younger daughter. Both my girls do a good job picking out gifts for me. The light blue color is perfect for spring and compliments the blue in the blouse.

What do you think of scarf prints? Do you own any scarf print items? How do you like to wear your scarf prints? How do you like to wear your scarves? Leave me some thoughts in the comments.

I’ve included a few shopping links for scarf print items. Please enjoy looking these over. These are affiliate links. If you click on a link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through my site, I get a little commission. All opinions are my own.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today. Have a great Tuesday.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Spring Trend - Crafted Pieces

If you have followed my last few posts you know I am doing a short series on some of the Spring 2019 trends. The crazy thing about this whole trend idea is that there are many differing opinions on what exactly those trends are. I tried to narrow it down to some of the more prominent ones, but I may have missed some and picked up on others that I thought were more interesting. Today’s trend is definitely one I like, crafted pieces.

What is a crafted piece, you may wonder. Basically, crafting means that it is or is like home made. Think of pieces that are crocheted, knitted, tie dye or various forms of weaving, beading and so on. These pieces are going to make a statement all on their own, but will easily add pop and pizazz to any outfit. Think sixties hippy meets stylin’ granny. If that sounds a little too funky for you, hang in there and you might change your mind.

I grew up with a mom who crocheted and she had numerous sisters, my aunts, that also worked their wonders with yarn and needle(s). Mostly, my mom made afghans and doilies. One of my aunts made bears and clowns and sold them at craft shows. Occasionally something would come across our doorstep from cousins’ and others’ hand-me-downs, that would include a crocheted piece of clothing. I remember a vest, in particular that I really liked made of separate crocheted squares pieced together. I guess it was my exposure to these crafted pieces that has given me the love I have for them still.

This knit ruana is Sonoma brand and I found it at Kohl’s on the clearance rack at the end of last summer season. I like that it is a neutral color and that it has actual sleeves sown into it. Many ruanas merely drape over the arms and down the back, which always makes me feel a little less at ease, for fear it will shift and I will have to keep arranging it to keep it in place. Having a bit of a sleeve solves this problem. You can see another post on a ruana without sewn in sleeves by clicking on the link to this post from last summer.

I love the mix of open and more closed weaving on this piece.

Another trend that I didn’t do a specific post for is pattern mixing. This spring pattern mixing is bigger than ever. For those of you who still haven’t come on board the pattern mixing trend, the fashion gurus are making it easier by manufacturing pieces that have patterns already mixed on them. We saw some of the last few seasons with baseball type tees donning both stripes and flowers. You’ll see more of it this year and the patterns are going to be bolder than ever. I’ll give you more examples on Thursday’s post where I talk about the scarf pattern trend.

I decided to do some of my own print mixing on this outfit by pairing this subtle paisley print top with my thrifted plaid Mossimo trousers.

Once again, the key to print mixing is in both color and pattern. Although, I have a feeling this spring we’ll be seeing more pieces with a more Anything Goes feel.

I kept my jewelry minimal since this Liz Claiborne top from JC Penney already has some of its own embellishment. This leaf necklace was a recent find, also from Penney’s.

My shoes are thrifted and are Natural Soul brand. My cute little clutch was a recent clearance purchase from DSW. Make sure you check out the clearance sections at these types of stores. I found this clutch and three kimono/ruana’s that are going to be perfect for spring and summer. The prices were too good to pass up.

Even though palm print was last spring’s trend I feel that it is one of those that could become timeless, sort of like leopard print. Especially when in a complimentary piece like this that will easily become a go to for summer.

I guess technically you could say I am mixing four prints in this outfit. Plaid, paisley, palms and the weaving on the crafted piece. What do you know, I styled an outfit that is filled with prints and alliteration. Ha, ha. There is texture also happening in the woven bag, the chain, the crochet, the tassels and metal embellishments on the top and the gathering on the empire waist and sleeves. There is, indeed, much going on in this outfit. Do you think it works or is it too much?

I love to hear you thoughts, so leave a comment or two in the comments section.

Now, to announce the winner of the $30 Target gift card. First of all, I want to thank all of you who are my regular followers, who regularly leave some love on the blog. Your input means so much to me. Secondly, I want to thank all the new subscribers who signed up as part of the giveaway and I hope that my blog will not disappoint you and that you will find inspiration and encouragement on a regular basis here.

And the winner is: Shirley Hulbert

I will be contacting you via email, to get your info, so I can get the card out to you as soon as possible. Congratulations!

I’ve included a few shopping links for crafted pieces. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I’ve included a number of pieces I thought looked fun. Enjoy perusing!

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 Trend - Head to Toe Neutral

I thought it would be fun to shop my closet and see what sort of spring trend outfits I could come up with. When I began looking for neutral pieces I couldn’t decide what shade to go for. When I looked at various websites for spring trends, some of the neutral pieces leaned more toward camel than beige, but it doesn’t really matter. You can choose any version of neutral for this look. My neutrals are almost more of a cream than beige, but the effect is the same.

When putting a neutral outfit together, think in terms of texture. Adding texture gives the outfit interest. This is more important when your outfit doesn’t contain any pops of color. Color, whether bright neons or soft pastels makes an outfit speak. When wearing a neutral outfit, it can be too understated without adding textural elements.

This ribbed v-neck sweater I have had for a number of years. The brand is NorthCrest Classic, but was thrifted. The vest I purchased at Kohl’s and is Wallflower brand. I’ll be speaking to crafted pieces, another spring trend, later, but this vest fits the bill. My jeans are Croft and Barrow.

I thought gold would a be good choice for jewelry. I just like the way the gold looks agains the neutral background, but you could have used silver, copper or brass or mixed the metals. You could get a more classy dressed up look by adding a few strings of pearls.

Top handle bags are all the rage for spring. Mine is not as trendy as the stuff out there right now, but I like the patchwork look and the room this bag from Walmart has. It is structured, sturdy and stylish. What more could I want. Okay, maybe a matching wallet with several one hundred dollar bills would be nice. Ha, ha.

These suede Sonoma boots have served me well over the years and really aren’t looking to worn yet. Once again, choosing suede adds texture, although an outfit like this would look fabulous with a cream or beige leather bootie or even an off white. You’d still be staying in the neutral zone with any of those.

The old saying the devil is in the detail would apply when wearing a neutral outfit like this. When picking out pieces for a neutral look, try to add a few things that have texture like a ribbed or cable knit sweater, a piece that is knitted or crocheted or even something with quilting. Also think about details when choosing accessories. Jewelry with fun add ons like feathers or charms, shoes or bags with buckles or interesting stitching all add texture and interest to a neutral outfit.

What do you think of the neutral trend? Will this be a trend you will wear this spring? How do you like to wear your neutrals? I love having your feedback, so leave me some love in the comments. I would also appreciate you telling your friends or family about the blog. Ask them to subscribe.

Have a great Thursday and stay warm. If you follow my faith page, be sure to check back tomorrow for the final installment in my New Year, New Mind, series.

Here are a few neutral pieces for you to shop. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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.

Summer Trends 2018

Still in the throes of trying to get caught up after vacation, I decided to finish off the month of May with a look at what is trending for Summer 2018. I'm picking the trends that I think are fun and interesting and won't be including things like transparent rain gear or outside the box sports gear. I like to include those trends that I think most women would find interesting, but if your into see through rain gear, by all means, go for it. 

1. Color

Color is one of my favorites, as you know by my seasonal Pantone series, and this summer is no exception to the color wheel. Everything from brights, like a Crayola crayon box, to pastels as soft and sugary as cotton candy, are gracing the racks and shelves of clothing retailers every where. 

2. Feathers and Fringe

Embellishment on a clothing piece is a great way to add texture to an outfit. Often, these little details can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Check out these fun pieces. 

3. Floral Dresses

The floral trend is here to stay and I am glad. Floral prints are pretty, feminine and everyone can wear them. Whether you like tiny prints or big and bold, there is a floral dress sure to suit any woman's taste. 

4. Tropical Prints

If you can't go to the tropics, why not bring it to you? This year there are all sorts of fun tropical patterns, sure to make you feel whisked away to any number of magical places filled with swaying palm trees and moon lit beach walks. 

If you think a clothing piece is too much, then choose a colorful bag. You still get the fun of the trend, without feeling like you are a walking add for a trip to Hawaii. 

5. Checks

Checks and plaid are another pattern that seems to be sticking around through all seasons. Gingham is once again a summer staple, but so are other plaids. 

These are just a few of the summer trends that will be showing up in the stores and probably on a number of blogs, including my own. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the pictures it will take you to the retailer that sells that particular piece. Your clicks earn me a few cents. If you purchase something through my blog, I get a little commission. All opinions are my own. I've tried to include a variety of pieces just to show you what is available, but there are lots of options out there. If you are like me, you may already have some of these trends in your closet. 

Have a great weekend!

Outside the Box - All Over Pattern Mix

Since becoming a blogger I have learned about pattern mixing. I have done a little bit of it here and there, but usually with smaller pieces. I did a post about pattern mixing in March of last year. You can see that post here. Many of those outfits were examples of an all over pattern mix. While I have done it in the past, I thought it would be fun to revisit the all over pattern mix for a fun spring work outfit. 

I came up with the idea for this post when I did my Spring Trends post back in February. You can see that post here. When I lined up the skirt and top to show the plaid/check trend for spring I thought the combination would be perfect for a spring outfit. 

Everything in this outfit is thrifted except the shoes and bag. The skirt is a brand called Michelle. The black and white plaid is broken up in the lower left corner by two pretty embroidered flowers. 

This cute little clutch is actually a pencil pouch that I found at Barnes & Noble. It makes a great clutch and is perfect for spring. You can see how I styled an outfit around this bag in this post here. Since I was going for an all over pattern mix, I thought this bag was perfect for this outfit. 

My jacket is a brand called Madison and Max. I found this in a friend's closet. Shopping your friends' closets can be a great way to recycle and save money for all of you. 

The blouse is Jaclyn Smith brand and is a light green gingham. You can see the mixing better here.

You might feel this mix is over the top, but I really think the jacket pulls it all together and because it is a solid, keeps the mix from becoming too overwhelming. 

I decided on my black Cabela's flats. These are a great shoe for work, when I have to be on my feet. 

How are you at print mixing? Do you think this works or is it too much? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

I've included a few shopping links for some fun printed pieces for spring. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a shopping link I get a few pennies. If you purchase something through my site, I get a small commission. All opinions are my own. 

Have fun with your print mixing!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style and Jacqui at Mummabstylish. Friday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, and Jo-Lynne of Jo-Lynne Shane.

Pantone Spring 2018 - Chili Oil, Arcadia and Lime Punch

As I sit here beginning to type this, it is snowing some of the largest snowflakes I have ever seen! Just two days ago it was almost sixty and now Old Man Winter is back. We expected that, however. Winter will end and spring will come. To help us along it is time to start my Spring Pantone color series. 

I feature the Pantone colors twice a year, spring and fall. The reason I do this is simple. I love color! When I first discovered the Pantone Institute and began keeping track of their seasonal color palettes, I thought it was fun to see all the pretty colors they came up with. Frankly, now I am obsessed. I love to see the new colors each season and try to build outfits around those colors. 

Last week I introduced you to this year's spring palettes for both New York and London. There is a good deal of overlap this year. Considering there are twelve colors on each palette I was relieved for the duplicates. I wasn't about to subject you to that long of a series, just on color. This time around I am combining up to three colors in each outfit, plus a foundational color using one of the featured classic colors as well. 

These pictures will not look very springy, seeing as it was a blustery, snowy day when we had our shoot, but I think they look pretty, even if the wind was whipping and I was freezing. 

These three colors are spicy and fun! Chili Oil and Arcadia are on the New York palette, while Lime Punch is featured on both. My classic color for this outfit is Coconut Milk, or white. 

This thrifted Covington jacket worked perfectly as a Chili Oil piece. Not quite brown and not quite red, this color makes me think of Mexican fiestas and earthy tones. Arcadia partners well with the heat of Chili Oil, as if to cool the temperatures before things get too hot. Then throw in just a smidge of Lime Punch and you have a great transitional outfit. Still warm and grounded, but with just enough color to make you giddy for spring. 

The Arcadia turtleneck sweater is a recent purchase from Chico's. This sweater is soft, stretchy and not at all itchy. They don't seem to have this color any more, unfortunately, but I'll include a few links at the end for similar colored items. 

I found this cute metal and bead necklace at a thrift store. The Lime Punch beads are a nice contrast from yellow or green. 

Once again, I am wearing my Gloria Vanderbilt white jeans. I think white really helped this outfit to pop and to be a great transitional outfit for spring. 

For my bag I chose this cute little thrift store find from Relic. The yellows in the bag are very similar to the Lime Punch color of my necklace. I thought this was a unique piece and I think it works very well to add print to this otherwise solid colored outfit. 

For my shoes I chose this pair of dark burgundy heeled ankle boots. I like the different twist these Life Stride boots have on the side. It is sort of like ruching for a shoe!

What do you think of these Pantone colors? Which is your favorite on this outfit? I've been seeing a lot of Arcadia various places, but Lime Punch is a fun color for the warmer weather. I also like the international flavor of Chili Oil....so many colors and so little time! Ha, ha.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I'd love to hear from you, so leave me some love! 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link I get a few pennies, if you purchase something through one of my links, I get a little commission. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots and Jo-Lynne of Jo-Lynne Shane. 

Spring Trends

I know most other bloggers have already been talking about the trends for Spring 2018, which makes perfect sense since the Spring clothes are already in the stores. But I have never been one to keep up and I have a hard time thinking about Spring clothes, when it is still in the teens at night. We are supposed to get some warmer weather this next week, so maybe that will get my Spring sap moving...ha, ha. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

In the mean time, I thought I would at least talk about what is up and coming for Spring this year.

Romance is In

Flowing fabrics, and florals highlight the romantic vibe that seemed to be taking the runways by storm.I like this trend, because it is feminine and flirty. 

Here is a piece in my collection. While it is not made from flowy fabric, it is bursting with florals and the bell sleeves add a romantic touch. I'll be styling this little dress at a later date. 

Shimmer and Shine

Dressing in shiny tops, dresses or tops isn't just for night time any more. Now you can wear your shimmer to the office. Pair a glittery top with a pair of jeans, ankle boots and a cute bag and you are ready for shopping with your gal pals. Add a denim jacket to a party looking skirt and you are ready for work. 

I've styled this top on the blog before. You can see that post here. 

The Check Please

Checks and plaid are still holding their own as a go to pattern. Now they are being found on bags, hats, tops with embroidery, pants and jackets. Colors vary from cool blues and reds to warm peaches and pinks. 

I pulled these two pieces out of my closet and when I took the picture I thought, hey those pieces could be worn together for some fabulous print mixing. 

Lucious Lavender

I have always been a fan of purple in all its varying shades. This spring the shades range from Pantone's Color of the Year, Ultra Violet, to the soft pastel of lavender. Which ever shade you choose purple is a must have item for this spring. Don't wear purple on a regular basis, add a pop of color with these pretty shoes and bags. 

I couldn't pass up this beautiful lavender sweater from Ralph Lauren when I was out thrifting. You will probably see this on the blog soon too. 

Fabulous Fringe

This trend seems to be hanging around for the long run. While it isn't prevalent everywhere for every season, it does seem to appear here and there, especially on bags and shoes. Fringe is a fun textural element to add to any outfit.

You've seen this on the blog before too. No need to run out and buy new things when they are already hanging in the closet. Original post on this vest here. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Have a great day. 

Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge.