FALL/WINTER FASHION FLAVOR

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.