Hey Dolls!
Last year, both of my beautiful daughters and I participated in some of Alison Lumbatis’s Style Me challenges together. It was great fun shopping (long distance) for the pieces with my girls then seeing their takes on the outfits of the day (OOTD). Today, I am teaming up with my daughter Lauren for this post. She has just started a blog called Curls and Cardigans. You can find her blog here. I hope you will consider following Lauren’s blogging journey, too.
Lauren thought we should do something about pattern mixing, especially floral and stripes because it seems they are showing up everywhere together this spring. Just like Kim and Kanye or Miley and Patrick . (They are still together, right?)
So this is our (first) ode to spring.
A year ago, matching stripes with floral prints would have been totally taboo for me. In fact, it was hard for me to type the word matching in the same sentence with stripes and floral, as you can plainly see. But being the edgy grandmother I am, and not to be outdone by my young whipper-snapper of a daughter, I accepted Lauren’s suggestion.
I couldn’t grab my purse and car keys fast enough. Headed straight to LOFT. I used the premise of running into LOFT for a birthday present gift card, in case PC asked. I will use any excuse to buy new clothes. Ha, I knew I would be buying before I even saw what there was to buy.
I bought three pairs of spring denim. Will save two of them for another day’s post. The pair featured in today’s outfit is a distressed, railroad striped jean in a curvy skinny cut. I still have my doubts about the distressing. I mean, really? Pay to have my jeans worn out before I even wear them for the first time?
What would my mother say?
But these are just gently broken in.
Not sure why it looks like I have had an “accident” in these pants. While that is not out of the question by any means, it wasn’t the case yesterday. Maybe that is part of the distressing process?
I shopped my closet for the other pieces of my outfit then I put together a Polyvore set with the pieces of my look before actually trying the real thing on.
Here’s my Polyvore version:
I am coveting that darling cuff bracelet from J. Crew but it is waaay out of this bargain shopper’s budget.
I gathered up all of my pieces and created my own personal Polyvore right on my bathroom floor.
All that’s missing from my layout is the spoon.
Oh, and the J. Crew cuff. And a few random lemons.
Wanted you to be able to see the flowers and stripes up close and personal so snapped these pics as proof that I am truly wearing both, together!
I wore this look out and about yesterday for lunch with PC and grocery shopping. The first thing my prince said was that I smelled good. (Gold star for him) Then he said “You are really wearing stripes, polka dots and flowers all together?” (Gimme back that star!) Guess he hasn’t yet fully embraced this pattern potpourri. (But guess who is registered for Alison’s Menswear Basics Boot Camp? Bet there will be some pattern mixing going on in it.)
That’s ok. I am going to give Paul plenty of opportunity this spring to accept and even adopt pattern mixing. And in the meantime, Purrsimmony, my sweet, sweet feline fashionista, gave me a purr of approval.
If you haven’t been to LOFT lately (this week), you need to make any excuse to get yourself in there. They are having big sales this week on their spring transition pieces. My personal LOFT stylist (cashier?) whispered that the whole store would be on sale Friday. So I will be returning then to get an adjustment on my purchases yesterday and to see if I need to buy another gift card or two.
Oh, and until March 7, they are offering $25 Loft Cash cards for every $50 spent. Then starting March 8, you can redeem your cash cards. I am sure you must have a birthday gift card you need to buy, too. Am I right?
Please stop by Lauren’s blog, Curls and Cardigans, to check out how she has styled her pattern mixing. Here is a little sampling of what Lauren has in store.
And please, let me know how you are mixing it up this spring. Just came across this post about trench coats for spring over at Jo-Lynne Shane’s blog. Darling! Would LOVE to feature some of your outfits here!
Hugs and chocolate kisses,
Mary
You look amazing! I desperately NEED that polka dot sweater!!! Where did you find it?
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you! On sale, Mary, at Limited online. They have about five great colors. I am thinking I might need another one or two. I ordered ‘tall,’ although I am not, because I wanted to be sure it would be long enough and it was a little too long but I have washed it now so maybe it will be a little smaller. Here’s the link: http://www.thelimited.com/product/polka-dot-sweater/8257268.html?dwvar_8257268_colorCode=853&prefn1=saleStatus&ppid=c7&start=7&cgid=sale&swatch=n&prefv1=sale|final
Sharon
You look marvelous friend! You would be proud to know that Miss Ella will be sporting mixed patterns this spring too! Floral Skorts with striped tees! I’ll be sure and send you a picture of our little fashionista. Lauren looks adorable as always!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I can’t wait to see Ella’s pattern mixing. She is one stylin’ gal. Thank you for the sweet compliments. I liked this outfit even if it was a bit out of my comfort zone. Loved Lauren’s outfit, too. Modcloth skirt. Might have to try one for myself. XO
Shaunacey
how cute are you?! Love the outfit you put together, super cute!! Such a stylish momma you are 🙂
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, love. Got such a kick out of mini-you’s great outfit tonight. She is such a doll. What is your due date? Are you feeling better these days? I was sicker with baby 2 than my first one. Swore the second one would be a boy and it was my Lauren!
Morgan
Love your bold clothing! Fun! I also think your cat is beautiful! I love cats and think my mom’s cat looks similar to yours. Still feeling good. Wishing Baby Topp would come early. I’ll keep you posted!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Glad you are still feeling good, Miss Morgan. Hope you can rest up over spring break because boy, oh, boy are things going to get exciting soon!! Thank you for your sweet words about my outfit and my kitty. XO
Deena
I love the colour of your cardi! Adding Lauren to my blog feed.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Deena. She will enjoy being a part of our sisterhood and learning from an experienced, successful blogger like YOU!
Wendy
You look so cute Leslie! Perfect outfit for early spring! Will be checking out Lauren’s blog.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Oh, Wendy, thank you! I really liked wearing that one. Ran back into Loft today but didn’t find anything I had to have. My sister arrives for a visit on Monday. I am pretty sure we will do some damage shopping together next week. Thank you for coming by and commenting. And a big thank you for checking out Lauren’s blog. Love my baby! XO
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Your cat is so cute! I love the photo where you have your legs up and the heels showing and the is lounging on the bed. I love this outfit it really makes me think of Spring and those pants are awesome!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Hey Carrie! Purrsimmony and I thank you. She is my feminine kitty. Purrsnickitty is more of a tomboy. Thank you for the sweet words. I love my new distressed jeans. They were so soft! I think because the stripes are so subtle, I will be able to do a lot of kind of quiet pattern mixing with them. I am ready for spring and I imagine you are, too. I loved your mustard corduroy skirt with the purple and your snowy backdrop, though! XO