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I haven’t had this much fun getting dressed since kindergarten. This is my first clash with mixing prints. (I hope it isn’t obvious!) I’m not sure why, but I think it works.
This uber-cute tartan plaid blouse was purchased at Citizen Rosebud, an Etsy shop owned by one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Bella Q. You must begin to follow her blog, especially if you’re a style-conscious person over 40. She’s super positive, full of brilliant ideas about style and has a real knack for generating interesting content and photos.
I already feel like she’s a personal friend because she’s so generous, genuine and approachable. More than that, she’s a great role model for how online friendships can and probably should work. I follow her Twitter account and she’s sort of mastered the art of sharing her own work while promoting what other people do. Bella has introduced me to a whole circle of over 50 fashion bloggers–people I might never have known without her. I wish I could call her and say, “Hey, wanna see a movie?” But she lives in Seattle, so that doesn’t quite work.
It was Bella’s idea to style the plaid vintage blouse with a leopard print skirt, but I don’t own one. (Can you imagine?) That suggestion led to a long, unfruitful quest on Etsy. I’m sure any number of big-box retailers might have a suitable option. But this year, I’ve taken Bella’s pledge to buy only second hand whenever possible. (Read about it here. You might want to do the same.)
My Etsy search continued until I found this vintage Pendleton wool skirt in a graphite/cream houndstooth check. It was purchased at A Day At La Finca, another Etsy seller who has a wonderful collection of vintage clothes from the 60s on up. It makes an interesting substitute for leopard print. Shazam! Here I am, all mixed up—even more than I usually am. At the last minute, I threw in another print—the polka dot tights. Radical!
I’m astonished at how many real friends I’ve made online. Has this happened to you? And by the way, what’s your favorite way to mix prints? Share it here and I’ll include it on the blog!
Oh–and before I close–please don’t forget to enter the vintage Valentine giveaway!
11 comments
January 16, 2013 at 9:24 am
Crystal, the mix definitely works because both have the same value and the tights finish the theme of mixing geometrics. You’re my role model. (Well, after Iris Apfel, that is!!)
Wish I could fit into that vintage Valentine giveaway. And today, I will take the Pledge. It’s the least someone who deals in vintage and antique furniture can do! Recycling at its best…
April
January 17, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Oh my goodness, April! That’s tall cotton to be grouped with Iris! I can see what you mean about the prints being the same value, although I don’t have a formally trained eye. Thank you, as always for your comment!
January 16, 2013 at 11:07 am
Love it! I don’t mix a lot of prints, but i do layer textures a lot, esp textured tights with print dresses. I suppose that’s two prints!
I buy a LOT of used clothes, and actually try to find used before I shop for new, although I’m often stuck buying new. My boyfriend tries to buy American, which is even harder…it’s nearly impossible to find basics, like underwear and wool sweaters made in the US (it IS impossible to find a toaster made in the US…my sis found that out the hard way.)
As for online friends, YES! not just you! I actually have some very good friends I made, wow, nearly a decade ago through an online running forum. I am so close to a few of them, I’ve gone to visit them (in OH, NJ, NY, DE, and even WA), gone to their weddings and baby showers, even mourned the death of one of them.
Oh! and I love the shoes! Maybe it’s just the preppy ladies here, but I often find 9N Ferragamos around…since I’m a 9M-9W, they are always a disappointment! I did pick up a pair of fun, 1940s, “granny” shoes the other day. Grey lace up oxfords, with a little design on the front of them. $40 at Bobby from Boston. Bobby’s is one of the premier vintage stores for men’s clothes anywhere…they have great stuff on the sales floor, but more importantly, they have amazing stuff they sell for professional costuming companies, esp for film.
A couple links: http://racked.com/archives/2011/01/27/bobby-from-boston-might-well-be-the-worlds-prettiest-vintage-shop.php#wtsiboston-bobbys-from-boston-5
http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/bobby-from-boston-vintage-clothes-for-men/
Oh and THANKS for the nail polish! I received last week!
January 17, 2013 at 8:00 pm
I loved your photo of the granny shoes! Wish I was along on some of your shopping excursions, Maureen. You seem to have a nose like none other! I’d love to hit Bobby’s–I love menswear. I’ve been searching all winter for a sweater vest!
January 22, 2013 at 10:05 am
I just have to follow up because I went to a party the other night and my friend wore a plaid blouse with a floppy bow at the neck, a slim sweater, and a skirt in a different plaid and it all worked. I mentioned you!
January 24, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Awwww! I’d like to see how she did that floppy bow!
January 22, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Crystal you look amazing in your mixed print ensemble- I dare say, a master! I LOVE the tartan plaid with the houndstooth plaid- so fresh and classic and fun all together. And we have matching tights! I need to find them and put them on, stat! You’ve made my day with your sweet mention, and yeah, the BEST thing about blogging is being able to make REAL connections to kindred spirits around the globe. I’m glad we’ve connected. And ps: Perhaps one day a movie, a pint, and better yet, a jaunt to the thrift shops! xo! -Bella Q
January 24, 2013 at 1:52 pm
I have faith that we will meet one day! Thank you for the endorsement on the mix. I am working on a leopard print skirt, thanks to you!
January 23, 2013 at 9:37 am
I concur with your eloquent description of Bella. She is a treasure and has been a huge support to me.
I congratulate you on your pattern mixing. I love the addition of the polka dot tights. You and your ensemble are stunning.
I have met so many interesting bloggers since I started this amazing adventure. Birds of a feather who have added so much richness to my life.
January 24, 2013 at 1:55 pm
I know what you mean, Judith. There are some truly nice people in this big wide world.
I was wowed by the jacket on your post this week. Stunning!
That’s an endorsement, coming from you. I think I’m emboldened to try it more. I’ve always been a solids girl and I’ve been surprised at how much they flatter my figure as I “blossom”.
March 17, 2013 at 11:55 am
I love mixing prints and it’s new fun for me, too. You look good. It works in part because of the color and pattern sizes are good. (Got this reading).
I’ve made many real friends online. Some I knew for years. The way we communicate is changing but the desire to connect is the same and so are the bonds.
Glad you’re here.