When Foral Met Gingham

Now Playing: Burning Bridges - One Republic

Well hello all! Greg and I just got back from LA this week and I'm sure you saw some of our pics. We had a great time and I will make a full posting detailing our trip in the coming weeks! 

Since we got back, I've been feeling pretty crappy health wise. I think I'm coming down with a cold/sinus infection or something. Greg had the flu the week before we left and I was so surprised that I didn't catch it, but now it seems that it's my turn. I really haven't been sick at all in the last year, so I guess I'm "due" as they say. Growing up, I used to get sinus infections in the the fall and spring when the weather changed and it sucked, so I have a feeling the same thing is probably happening now since I just traveled from 30 degree Indiana, to 60-70 degree California, and then back to 40 degree Indiana. Anyone else go through the same thing during the changing seasons? What works for you to prevent it? 

Anyway, I have a lot of exciting things in the works for the blog!!! More new partnerships and collabs are coming your way! Soccer is starting to pick up too, so I'm about to get super busy with preparing for our move to Seattle (more on this to come), traveling, blogging, coaching, and working. 

Moving on, this week I'm posting one of my favorite pattern mixes in a while. When I'm out and about from time to time, people stop me and comment on my outfits. One of the most common things I get is people saying that they like my outfit, but couldn't pull it off themselves. To that I say, you never know what you can "pull off" until you try! I think being able to pull off certain looks is more about the attitude you have when you put things on, than a body type or your usual style necessarily. I think it's more about you liking what you're wearing and feeling good about it. Does that make sense?

I fell in love with this top when we first got it in at J.Crew. (It's currently on sale for $35!) The material is like slicky and kind of like a matte type raincoat feel, which I wasn't expecting but I love. I'll be honest though, it hasn't been the easiest thing to pair stuff with. It is boxy and shorter and with me being so tall, it kind of hits a weird spot where it's not quite long enough to tuck in unless something is high-waisted, and it looks kind of awkward if it's fully tucked because it's not fitted. Maybe this is just how it fits on me though? I'm not sure. I bet if you're shorter, it's probably easier to pair. You guys know I love J.Crew, but I do wish this design was a little better through the torso. I love the ruffle sleeves though. They are perfect. (Side note: the top is actually pretty neon and bright pink. The editing makes it look a little softer than it actually is. Just wanted to mention that!)

Anyway, I was trying to figure out how to pair it, and then I spotted this old forever 21 denim floral skirt (cool option here) and I was like...I can make this work. Paired with my American Apparel frilly socks and adidas sambas..I think the look works! My watch is a Jord wood watch and is one of my favorites! Adidas casual sneakers are really in right now! I like the mixing of the preppy gingham pattern, with the edgy/vintage feeling denim floral skirt. It doesn't matter that the pinks are different in the prints. You don't need to match colors exactly when you are mixing patterns!!! Don't let that stop you. In fact, a lot of times you don't want the colors to match exactly. If they don't match it can give the look more of a....I just threw this on without even trying type feel.

I hope this gives you guys more confidence to mix your patterns and own the look!! You can do it!! Step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

Photos by Erika Aileen Photography. :)