On Stripes and Style
27 Aug 2012
It’s funny how things evolve. A few years ago, when I first began to think of the way I dress as a creative outlet, I was putting new looks together every day and spending lots of time learning from other awesome people about mixing patterns and taboo colors, like black with navy or red with teal. It was a blast, and I miss it. I still love putting unusual looks together, but in the heat and busy pace of summer, it’s one of the things that has fallen a bit by the wayside. I am happy to say, though, that it won’t be too much longer until fall, which is my favorite season, and not just because I get to wear tights and sweaters. Living in Berkeley is kind of like living in a perpetual fall (except when it’s winter…and the two days of summer per year), so maybe that’s why it’s the season I feel most comfortable dressing for. But in the meantime, this summer has definitely made me get creative.
This green shirt is a beloved thrift store find, and the skirt is from Buffalo Exchange in Berkeley. It was kind of comical when I bought it, since it would never be warm enough for me to wear it without tights, but now it’s become a southern California staple.
The belt is from my favorite thrift store in Memphis, and the bracelet is from my favorite jewelry shop there. Oh, Memphis, hallowed ground of affordable fashion!
Oddly enough, one of my favorite things about this belt is the misalignment in the back. Makes for a more interesting pattern.
My favorite part of this look is definitely my over-the-top earrings. I haven’t worn them in ages, and they were just calling to me today. Who says stars and stripes are just for the 4th of July?
My work load should ease up this fall, and I am looking forward to spending more time hunting for style inspiration. I am definitely not a follower of trends in a larger sense, but I love seeing the looks that fun and creative ladies put together. Here’s to inspiration!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 04:54:28
Wouldn’t it be great if that shirt were an entire dress? The color is great for you!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:01:43
Oh, I would love that! I do love a good shirt dress:)
Aug 27, 2012 @ 07:00:36
It looks like your photographer was tickling your funny bone today…
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:02:15
He usually does:) And it’s impossible not to smile when he smiles at me…
Aug 27, 2012 @ 07:26:36
What a fun outfit… love the stars
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:02:27
Thank you!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 08:02:37
Count me in for the whole finding new style. We have yet to go shopping together. I’ll ask around because Taura used to volunteer at a thrift store and she will tell me all about it.
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:03:19
Oh, that would be fun! There is a new Goodwill I haven’t been to yet, want to go? I have to say that so far I have found the best prices at ACTS on Hill–they can’t be beat!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 09:28:27
I love your bright smile the most, but those earrings are a close second!
I recently bought a navy top with white and red stars on it at a thrift store, and I purposely wore it NOT on 4th of July.
The day before, I’d worn kelly green and a woman in the elevator actually said to me, “It’s not St. Patrick’s Day!” Her comment prompted me to remember someone telling me I “should wear that on Halloween” on a day I was wearing black and orange. As if we’re supposed to just wear tan everyday it’s not a holiday.
So I am quite refreshed by your question: “Who says stars and stripes are just for the 4th of July?” Every day can be a colorful, intentionally-designed celebration; you are a shining example and an inspiration of this fact!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:07:25
Thank you so much! I am totally with you! Life is too short to let our color choices be dictated by holidays! I love your words, “Every day can be a colorful, intentionally-designed celebration.” So beautiful and well-said! And you are definitely an inspiration yourself!
Aug 29, 2012 @ 19:50:23
Oh, I so agree with Moriah. I’ve had people say the same things to me. I’m thinking God made ALL the colors, our job is to use them liberally. 🙂
Aug 29, 2012 @ 22:09:27
Beautifully put!