I'm in a constant struggle to dress like an adult, but to still make it fun. My eyes seem naturally drawn to quirky prints or funky shapes so a lot of my shopping has to do with buying an individual piece for how unique or pretty I think it is. Which I find nothing wrong with ... though sometimes assembling outfits to wear to my grown-up job in a grown-up office shared with other grown-ups gets a bit complicated.
Plus I like the idea of looking like a modern adult woman, so sometimes I have to mentally struggle with myself to back away from cats-with-glasses printed dress or to figure that ruffles, bows and lace together may be too much of a good thing.
My way of trying to make it work for me is to find a balance. Like a subtle-but-still-fun print on a standard blazer in today's outfit. Or if I have on something that's extra drapey or architectural, keep the rest simple and plain. I can't say that I'm always successful, but then tomorrow is a new day to try again!
Jacket: c/o Choies paper crane print (sim print on dress)
Top: Merona via Target (worn here - sim, sheer, pricey)
Jeans: Old Navy distressed skinny (worn here - sim, deal)
Belt: JCF (worn here - sim, sim)
Necklace: J.Crew coated stone (worn here - sim, sim, ribbon)
Bracelets: F21 (sim) & GroopDealz (sim, luxe)
Shoes: Pour La Victoire mai (worn here - same in suede, sim, deal)
Bag: Fossil austin (worn here - same in colorblock, steal, simpler)
I love everything in this outfit, the color palette, the mixed prints and your poses too! ;)
ReplyDeleteLoving the outfit.
ReplyDeletei love this look. :)
ReplyDeleteVisit my blog: I AM JENNIYA
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Oh all the pattern mix is just fab - I too struggle with items... and tell myself that I am too old for certain prints or lengths.... but sometimes i'll ignore that little voice.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I look around a F21 store, warning bells always go off in my head. Careful! Careful!
DeleteI think your wardrobe is wonderfully quirky! I already look so young (I was mistaken for a 13 year old a few weeks ago!) so I try not to wear anything that will make me look even younger.
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Hey, figure in another 20 years, you'll still like you're in your 20s! ;o)
DeleteLove this! I'm always nervous about mixing patterns like this, but you're killing it. It's giving me some great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love quirky prints, and this blazer is so cute! Love that you mixed it with plaid!
ReplyDeleteMeredith
createthatoutfit.com
It's a delicate balance, you want to wear what you love, but also look age-appropriate and situation-appropriate and not convey the wrong impression. The blazer is adorable! It reminds me of the Japanese thousand paper cranes story.
ReplyDeleteBeing situation-appropriate kills me sometimes, because I always want to be situation-appropriate (yes, I am totally THAT person that needs their gym attire to match - good thing I don't go to the gym though, haha).
DeleteI don't know that I'll ever get over my quirky print loving! Even as an adult! But I am lucky to work in a lax office where it is totally ok to dress how I want without scrutiny, so it's a little different. Love this blazer Lisa!
ReplyDeleteYou're such a creative dresser, Frannie. It's not just about fashion and what can be acquired, it's about style and how it's all put together.
DeleteI've always loved that you have so many unique pieces in your wardrobe, but that you find ways to wear them in a totally approachable way. I really like this blazer!
ReplyDeleteThanks! But ask me to find a plain denim shirt or something, and I'm in trouble!
DeleteI always love your style, it's so fun and you mix colors and prints perfectly. Such a fun outfit once again :)
ReplyDeleteI love your fun sense of style!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, it's all about balance.
I want to steal this jacket. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteomg the jacket is awesome, I love the print!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I just love how you mix your patterns. Seriously, you've got it down to an art form.
ReplyDeletexo,cynthia
Thanks! Some others think I may have pattern blindness, haha.
DeleteInteresting print :) Reminds me to take out some of my printed shirts :)
ReplyDeletekatattack2000.wordpress.com
You sure know how to mix prints, Lisa! I could use some help in this department. The only print I feel comfortable mixing is stripes. It's a neutral in my book. The rest usually ends up looking like a mess.
ReplyDeleteI figure if I don't get the side-eye from the BF in the morning, then I am doing OK, haha.
DeleteLovely jacket! I agree that a balance is necessary to navigate the fine line between looking like a kid or an adult.
ReplyDeleteOh, you look so beautiful. I love your jeans and little leopard belt!
ReplyDeleteXo, Hannah
sweetsweetnoir.net
great jacket and top lisa! i love the prints together. also loving that necklace. hahaha i have to worry about TWO things. dressing too young and too old. i'm finding my happy medium.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
I worry about that too - but shoot, I've shopped at F21 and Talbots!
DeleteI think you look fun and polished. The perfect balance.
ReplyDelete-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com
I will NEVER stop my love of prints. Ever. If that is what growing up means then I am never growing up. Young forever.
ReplyDeleteVirtual high five!
Deletei love this mix of prints! the crane print on the jacket is so fun!
ReplyDeletecute & little
I am beyond in love with this outfit. The blue. The fit. The cranes. And paired with gingham? Perfection! I will find inspiration with this outfit this week, for sure!
ReplyDeleteJenni
What a fun print blazer! I am much older than you and I do feel too juvenile if I wear an animal printed sweater to the office. It doesn't help that I work in a stuff office. I do still love these whimsical prints but keep it for the weekends.
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
When I am on biz trips or meeting with execs/customers, I am definitely more subtly-dressed than what I would wear on the weekends or a very cas office day. No ripped jeans for the office for sure!
DeleteCool blazer! Such a unique print!
ReplyDeletehttp://initialed.blogspot.com
I love prints! It doesn't go out of style :)
ReplyDeleteLove this blazer! A little bit of whimsy is always fun and I love your outlook on fashion!
ReplyDeleteI love the whimsical paper crane print blazer! I would however, pair it with a solid color shirt though, only because I'm not as daring with print mixing. I can't fault you for loving quirky/funky prints though. They add personality to an outfit. :)
ReplyDeleteNext time I think I will pair this blazer with some plain ole solid red or something - I just couldn't help myself this time!
DeleteSeriously love the mixed prints!
ReplyDeleteCool blazer! It takes some guts but you pull it off!
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job of looking like an adult and still keeping things very fun- i love all your prints and brights!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
This blazer kind of sums up what I love about your style - that you can sneak in these adorable quirky pieces into your everyday work style and get away with it AND look super put-together and chic! :)
ReplyDeleteI refuse to believe that just because we reach a certain age that means we need to give up things we love. Yes I'm still a kid at heart. I hope to be that way till I die.
ReplyDeleteTherefore I love this whimsical outfit. You've really struck the perfect balance.
bisous
Suzanne
This print is brilliant. I'm crazy about the cranes. The Teen wanted to gather 1,000 paper cranes during her bone marrow transplant journey, as a wish for a good recovery, and we've made and received tons of cranes. I never get tired of looking at them.
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel better about my insane desire for a critter sweater at age 50. I know it's probably a little less mature style goal than suits my age or most professional encounters, but still, it's ME lol.
Actually to me you are indeed always succesful. I follow quite a few blogs (hence I am behind as it takes so much time) and you are really good. I wish you would style me.
ReplyDeleteGreetje
PS there are very rare occassions where I do not like something, but seldom. Which is quite an achievement on your part, don't you think?
Greetje