Advanced Class
When I think about pattern mixing with plaid, the first combination that comes to mind is florals. Inspired by the master himself, Dries Van Noten, I decided to dig deeper. So, um, stripes it was. I think this outfit works quite nicely, even though it’s definitely “in your face” bright.
*pats self on the back*
Funnily enough, I wore the same sweater to my son’s advance birthday party back in June (we always hold his party for friends early to avoid summer vacation schedule conflicts) and again on the day of his actual birthday last week when we treated him to a morning of fun & games at Chuck E. Cheese. In related news, we have an 8-year old in the house now and OMG how is that even possible?! I still vividly remember when he could fit into the crook of my arm; meanwhile, he’s a 4 foot 7 dynamo who can run (and talk) circles around his mom. No, I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Notes: Gap sweater (thrifted, $5); Tracy Reese skirt (consignment, $20); Derek Lam flats (thrifted, $12); Coach bag (thrifted; $40).
The New Skort
Remember the skort? The shorts that looked like a skirt? These Maggie Walt pants are the maxi version of that, and I can’t get enough of them. I’ve been wearing them quite a bit this summer, in no small part thanks to the cooler weather. They are a heavy linen, so they’d probably be too warm for actual summer weather, but they’re a good weight for the non-summer we’ve been having.
I kept the rest of the outfit simple to let them take the stage, so to speak, but there is nothing basic about it (or so I like to think). The Rafael necklace works beautifully with the patterned waistband, adding just a bit of colour and extra visual interest.
Notes: No name top (thrifted, $7); Maggie Walt pants ($6.50); Rafael necklace (thrifted, $8); J. Crew shoes (retail, $80).
Plaid Overload
You’re not sick of plaid yet, are you? I hope not, because I’m not tired of this maxi skirt yet, so you’ll be seeing it again in the coming months. And speaking of pattern mixing, I had another brainwave and decided to pair this plaid with an abstract geometric print in a similar shade of blue. Still trying to make Dries proud over here … although I feel like he might find the lapis necklace a bit too safe and matchy-matchy. Baby steps.
As a side note, the top is one I had earmarked for sale last year, only to find that no one wanted to buy it. After a few months, I decided to keep it to, um, prove a point or something. I’ve ended up wearing it a fair bit, which makes me feel like I’m winning the argument with the imaginary naysayers who didn’t see the potential of this very cute top, ahem.
Notes: Kate Spade Saturday top (thrifted, $5); Ralph Lauren skirt (thrifted, $6.50); Me Too flats (thrifted, $16); vintage necklace (thrifted, $8).
Love the styles and the coach purse is my favourite accessory.
Every now and then I remember I have great bags … and then I go back to using whatever large tote I have handy. How things have changed …
That plaid skirt is so amazing! I also recently found a skort + pant mashup that I can’t wait to wear. When I tried them on they definitely looked a little bananas but also fit perfectly, so it felt like they had to come home with me.
Hey, sometimes you gotta take a risk!
I really love your last outfit! The colours are so soothing but bold at the same time.
Green and blue is a very underrated combo.
I really wanted that Coach bag! Yes, time really flies !
It’s a classic style (I think it’s called the Willis). You can probably find a vintage version or a re-issue.
I love your style and blog!