Menswear My Way (15/30)

So I've been waiting to wear this hot pink scarf every since I picked it up from the thrift store a few weeks ago. Sometimes I like to let my purchases sit and mingle for a while before I decide how I want to wear them. Do you do that too? Anyway, I finally decided that this would pair perfect with my pink gingham shirt and away we went...


Gingham Top: IZOD, Thrifted, $4.99
Pants: Express Design Studio, Thrifted, OLD
Belt: No tag, Thrifted, $1
Pink Scarf: No tag, Thrifted, $2.80
Sandals: Mossimo Pilar, Target, $29.99 (but FREE for me with gift card!)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

I love the menswear trend but find that it often doesn't mix well with me. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks great on everyone else but I never feel like "me" when I try to replicate a similar look that has inspired me. That's when I realized I was going it all wrong - I needed to add in some color. I'm good with black and white and I'm not too shabby with color but neutrals (which I feel a lot of menswear looks are composed of) have never been my thing. So, I added in a jolt of hot pink and I was ready to go!


Do you ever have a hard time getting rid of a certain item of clothing even though it doesn't fit very well? I am so in love with these pants but they're about two sizes big for me... I guess I don't really think about it when I wear them as they just feel flowy and comfortable. The truth became painfully obvious in these photos. I guess they just don't photograph well? I'm making excuses here but I'm really just not ready to give them up. I shall make them work!


I decided that I'm embracing messy hair from here on out. I'm determined to grow my hair out - still on the fence about continuing to grow my bangs out - and I feel like I need to give myself a pep talk about that "inbetween" stage and thereafter. I don't do messy hair well but I'm trying to go with the flow.

And just for fun...


Can you tell I didn't take my own photos? That guy of mine is always making me giggle!

An EBEW/30x30 Smackdown... or something. (11/30)

Today's topic? Pattern mixing. It is something I am quite fond of really and I feel like it is a really easy way to maximize your closet by having just a few pieces but creating numerous looks! (Shameless past print mixing promoting herein ends. You are welcome.)

Now, pattern mixing within my 30x30 pieces wasn't a stretch whatsoever. I always make sure to include some patterned pieces because A) they are fun and B) my closet is so full of them, how could I not? I pretty much live for florals and bright colors during the summer. I love these pieces apart but together they're even better...


Dress: Liz Claiborne, Thrifted, $2.60
Gingham Top: IZOD, Thrifted, $4.99
Flats: Mossimo Supply Co Odell Ruffle Flats, Target, $6.48 (on clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Diamond Studs: Gift from my boyfriend
Flower Hair Pin: Handmade by me
TOTAL: $14.07
Oh, mama. Floral and gingham, be still my heart. Ever since I laid my eyes on this gorgeous match up of gingham and floral from 9to5Chic I have been dreaming of ways to recreate the look myself. There was no time better than now as both of these items are part of my 30 for 30 pieces and it is Everybody, Everywhere pattern mixing day.


I kept the look pretty simple other than that... I'm not usually one to add on a lot of jewelry when I'm wearing a "louder" outfit. It's just how I roll. I was actually feeling under the weather this morning so I opted not to blowdry my hair but instead threw it up (aka pin obsessively and spray a lot) in a baby bun and added a felt flower I made a while back. I think it complimented the outfit pretty nicely, don't you?


Looking for more pattern mixing inspiration? Connect with other lovely bloggers today (and anytime!) at Everybody, Everywhere! Did you pattern mix today? Link up at the site!