11 December 2013

Folding Paper Cranes

paper cranes

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!

paper cranes  paper cranes

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)

paper cranes

paper cranes

47 comments:

  1. I love everything in this outfit, the color palette, the mixed prints and your poses too! ;)

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  2. i love this look. :)

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  3. 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.

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    1. Whenever I look around a F21 store, warning bells always go off in my head. Careful! Careful!

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  4. I 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.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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    Replies
    1. Hey, figure in another 20 years, you'll still like you're in your 20s! ;o)

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  5. Love this! I'm always nervous about mixing patterns like this, but you're killing it. It's giving me some great ideas!

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  6. I love quirky prints, and this blazer is so cute! Love that you mixed it with plaid!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

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  7. 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.

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    1. Being 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).

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  8. I 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!

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    1. You'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.

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  9. I'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!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! But ask me to find a plain denim shirt or something, and I'm in trouble!

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  10. I always love your style, it's so fun and you mix colors and prints perfectly. Such a fun outfit once again :)

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  11. I love your fun sense of style!

    And I agree, it's all about balance.

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  12. I want to steal this jacket. Seriously.

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  13. omg the jacket is awesome, I love the print!!

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  14. Lisa, I just love how you mix your patterns. Seriously, you've got it down to an art form.
    xo,cynthia

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Some others think I may have pattern blindness, haha.

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  15. Interesting print :) Reminds me to take out some of my printed shirts :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  16. 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.

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    1. I figure if I don't get the side-eye from the BF in the morning, then I am doing OK, haha.

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  17. Lovely jacket! I agree that a balance is necessary to navigate the fine line between looking like a kid or an adult.

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  18. Oh, you look so beautiful. I love your jeans and little leopard belt!

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

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  19. 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.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    Replies
    1. I worry about that too - but shoot, I've shopped at F21 and Talbots!

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  20. I think you look fun and polished. The perfect balance.
    -Ash
    www.thestylizedwannabe.com

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  21. I will NEVER stop my love of prints. Ever. If that is what growing up means then I am never growing up. Young forever.

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  22. i love this mix of prints! the crane print on the jacket is so fun!

    cute & little

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  23. 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!

    Jenni

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  24. 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.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    Replies
    1. 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!

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  25. Cool blazer! Such a unique print!

    http://initialed.blogspot.com

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  26. I love prints! It doesn't go out of style :)

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  27. Love this blazer! A little bit of whimsy is always fun and I love your outlook on fashion!

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  28. I 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. :)

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    1. Next time I think I will pair this blazer with some plain ole solid red or something - I just couldn't help myself this time!

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  29. Cool blazer! It takes some guts but you pull it off!

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  30. I think you do a great job of looking like an adult and still keeping things very fun- i love all your prints and brights!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  31. 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! :)

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  32. I 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.

    Therefore I love this whimsical outfit. You've really struck the perfect balance.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  33. 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.

    You 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.

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  34. 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.
    Greetje
    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

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