GREETINGS -
Recently, someone criticized me for pattern mixing, polka dots with stripes, as shown in the above photo. Some folks don't like pattern mixing but it CAN work if done with fashion flavor appeal. Ok, so some folks don't like it, regardless. As the saying goes, "Different strokes for different folks."
Years, ago, my then boyfriend objected to my pattern mixing tastes. I said to him something like, "I like it. I won't wear such when we are together but otherwise, I'll continue to wear pattern mixing fashions." He wasn't fond of the alternative offered. It continued because my offer was fair and reasonable.
Yesterday, Monday September 26, 2011, I heard a pastor say that he notices Christian women who wear no makeup and Christian women who wear too much makeup.
Then there are the stories of Christian women and others of course, who look drab with no fashion flavor and at the other extreme, those who are flamboyant and as such, the clothes are wearing them rather than them wearing the clothes. Both extremes can be unappealing. Drab or excess - neither is attractive fashion flavor.
Back in the day, I was a fashionista, and a fashion consultant of sorts. No, of course, my tastes don't appeal to all. If you're so inclined, please provide some of your fashion tips here in the comment section. I believe that most people can give some helpful fashion advice.
Here is what works well for me:
- Most of the clothing shown in the photos here I have had for years. The subject patterns never go out of style unlike flowers and fussy prints which, typically, date quickly. Also, basic colors never go out of style unlike some other colors.
- Sometimes, I'll get blouses and button down shirts that are outside the realm of the basic color/pattern realms, but hardly ever do I purchase pants and skirts that are other than black, navy, beige, red, or white or in patterns that also don't go out of style, such as plaid, pinstriped, houndstooth, and tweed. As for
t-shirts, I'll go with them in just about any color.
- Bows, ruffles, and ornamental clothing also date quickly. Such does go out of style. Let me pause here to state that I'm 55 years old and have developed some tastes that are age appropriate. For the most part, this fashion post is NOT for youth because, typically, they are on quests to find themselves and so more fashion exploration and edgy displays are understandable for them. By edgy, I don't mean revealing, and tight fitting attire. That isn't attractive on anyone.
- Sensible heels to me are about two inches or less. Rarely, do I go higher. Foot doctors strongly advise against unwise high heels. I believe that is three inches or higher. When I was young, I purchased tight shoes and wore them to break them in. At a certain stage, years ago, that ceased. Back then, a shoe salesman advised me that I could later break in some tight shoes that I had tried on. I told him that if they didn't break in while I was in the store that I would be breaking out of there without them. These many years later, I adhere to that. If shoes aren't comfortable on me in the store, they stay there.
- Relative to accessories, extreme isn't tasteful. And please forgive me but I must ask, who told women that those earrings larger than bracelets look good?!
- It's a big time saver to have a wardrobe where the majority of clothing/accessories match and color coordinate with one another. I'm not inclined anymore to expend energy on figuring out what may match and coordinate together. Fashion color coordination exercises no longer appeal to me. Years ago, I ceased because more meaningful things now have priority. I easily know what matches black and the other basic colors. That is why the bulk of my wardrobe is black with colors that match it. When it's too hot for black, I do white, off-white, tan, blue, etc. I easily know what matches them, as well. Wardrobe simplification is a big budget saver, as well.
For those who are so inclined, please click on the two links below that I did on fashion for the spring/summer. Those posts have photos of me in outfits. This post doesn't include me or any other people in outfits. Here I offer fashion ideas with "clothes/accessories" as the "models." Here are the two links from the spring/summer fashion posts:
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/06/witnessing-to-unbelievers.html
The link above has two post topics. For fashion photos, scroll down there to the second topic, which is fashion. Also, for those who like pattern mixing, there are a couple of spring/summer examples at the above link. And there are a couple of fall/winter photos there, as well.
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/06/flavor-in-fashion.html
This link, among other fashion shots, has a wee bit of pattern mixing shots, as well. Did you guess that I'm a fan of pattern mixing? - smiles.
Here are some pattern mixing photos representative of fall/winter:
 |
| 1. Black/white paisley blouse with black/white houndstooth skirt The paisley blouse can also work with a houndstooth jacket with black skirt or pants |
 |
| 2. Black/white paisley blouse with black pinstriped pants or skirt |
 |
| 3. Off-white lace blouse with black pinstriped pants or skirt |
 |
| 4. Black/white animal print long sleeved t-shirt with black pinstriped pants or skirt |
 |
| 5. Black/white houndstooth jacket with black pinstriped pants or skirt |
 |
| 6. Red/black houndstooth shawl with black/white houndstooth skirt |
Please continue below to view fashions. Thank you.
 |
| 7. Black tweed jacket |
 |
| 8. Black tweed suit This is worn as a suit and as separates with black jacket, black slacks or skirt |
 |
| 9. Long sleeved animal print blouses Black color in them all. |
 |
| 10. Black patent leather One belt and the purse have patterns embedded |
 |
| 11. Black paisley boots |
 |
| 12. Black boots |
 |
| 13. Black tweed jacket with grey "pearls" |
 |
| 14. Multi-colored plaid jacket with burgundy patent boots This combo is worn with navy slacks |
 |
| 15. Paisley long sleeved pullover with black jeans and black belt |
 |
| 16. Paisley long sleeved pullover with off-white jeans and black belt |
 |
| 17. Red jacket with black pinstriped slacks and black patent boots |
 |
| 18. Black pea coat with animal print scarf and hat |
 |
| 19. Black tweed 3/4" coat with red scarf |
 |
| 20. Same coat with red hat |
 |
| 21. Same coat with black hat |
 |
| 22. Black/white houndstooth jacket and black patent boots |
 |
| 23. Black/white houndstooth shawl This is worn with black slacks or jeans and a black mock neck long sleeved pullover with black boots |
 |
| 24. Black/red houndstooth shawl with black fabric flower pinned on it |
 |
| 25. Paisley design sweater with black base |
 |
| 26. Animal print sweater with black trim |
 |
| 27. Blue jean vest |
 |
| 28. Animal print vest |
 |
| 29. Blue jean jacket with red bandana and light blue jeans |
 |
| 30. Light blue long sleeved Asian themed shirt with blue jeans |
 |
| 31. Blue long sleeved Asian themed shirt with light blue jeans and black paisley boots The boot heel is higher than is typical for me, but not in the danger zone |
 |
| 32. Blue jean vest with black jeans I wear this combo with a black mock collared long sleeved pullover shirt and black boots |
 |
| 33. |
 |
| 34. Blue jean vest with blue "faded look" jean culottes and white silver accented tennis shoes The tennis are slide ons, and have no laces - my favorite type of tennis shoes |
 |
| 35. Red Jacket This is worn with black mock neck pullover, black skirt, slacks or black/white houndstooth skirt. Also, it is worn with pinstriped slacks, or skirt, as well as other combos, such as black/white paisley blouse... On occasion, a black fabric flower is pinned on the lapel or a jewelry pin is placed on the lapel WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE PIECES SHOWN HERE ON THIS PHOTO POST, I WEAR BLACK TOPS, WITH BLACK JEANS, SLACKS OR SKIRTS. |
