Breaking The Pattern

Lately I have been thinking that my wardrobe choices are getting a little predictable. My non-awesome Corporate America dress code probably has something to do with that, but the fact of the matter is that even unexpected things become expected after a while. We always have to be shaking it up, right?

So, my new idea is mixing patterns. Just the other day, I contemplated and hemmed and hawed and stared and tried on and took off and put back on again for ages, and finally bit the bullet and wore a striped T-shirt underneath a leopard print cardigan.

Ever since, I've been keeping my eyes peeled and it turns out that mixed patterns are everywhere! Even on The Sartorialist.

This is a particularly bold example, but it's easy to replicate this general idea according to your own comfort level. I think stripes are a great place to start because the pattern stands out even if the colors are muted, and the pattern is also simple enough to go with just about anything.

If you want to start a little smaller, try a classic striped skirt with a funkier floral cardigan.





Or this retro-feeling belted sweater paired with a feminine blouse adorned with leaves.





The particularly bold-at-heart might consider pairing different colored patterns for a truly eye-popping look, while the slightly less brave among us can throw on a snappy pair of shoes or grab a brightly-colored bag to bring a little pop to more monochromatic pattern mixing.

We won't all be The Girl From The Vintage Store In Melbourne overnight, but we can get there.

{Like what you saw? Skirt, sweaters and blouse are all from Anthropoligie.}

Jeans For Every Gene

One of my goals for the new year is to buy a pair of jeans that fits perfectly. I think it is going to be a major task. Luckily, I have all year!

In the meantime, if you are looking for some ways to switch up your denim, here are three tips for taking jeans up a notch.

Feeling Sexy? Try Leggings.

Demin leggings are a sexy, and comfortable, alternative that goes easily from day to night. Try a cardigan with a T-shirt underneath to keep the look casual and camoflauge your hips.

Want some of your own? Try Black Label Boutique.

Wanna Show Off A Slim Shape? Try Skinny.

Long, lean legs are perfect for the increasingly popular cropped skinny jean. Cropped skinny jeans are also perfect for flaunting your footwear, so pair them with a sexy sandal or a heel, especially if you are trying to dress up your look.

Want some of your own? Try Levi's.

Need To Add Some Curves? Go Wide.

Wide leg jeans can help all you petite girls out there enhance your curves. Just be sure to pair wide jeans with something more tailored on top, and go with pumps on the bottom to help elongate your body and create a slimming effect.

Want some of your own? Try Old Navy.

What is your go-to pair of denim?
And what new denim trend are you set to try next?

Sew What?

I got a sewing machine for Christmas, and I have been so busy dreaming about all the wonderful things I am going to create, I haven't actually gotten around to making any of them. But I will! I must! I will!

In all my plotting, I have become quite taken with this little gem of a site, Burda Style. There are tons of hip, easy patterns for everything from dresses to quilt tops to handbags to fleece ski masks, and a bunch of them are even free!

I am especially loving the Jenny Dress, which is actually four patterns in one! Three skirt variations and a dress!! There are not enough exclamation points in the world!!!













I am not quite confident enough to tackle it yet, but I think one of you should try it and let us know how it goes.

And tell us, what other patterns and projects are catching your eye these days?

Style From Your Stars

I hope that I am not alone when I say that sometimes I read my horoscope, and sometimes I take it seriously. I mean, how else am I supposed to know when to spend money and when to worry about work and when to fall in love.



Really.



And now, your horoscope can even tell you how to dress! Read on to learn how you can follow the stars for perfect fashion in 2010! (This enlightening feature is brought to you straight from OK! Weekly Magazine. Which means it has to be true, right?)



Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan. 20)

You're the zodiac's Queen of Couture, sparing no expense on luxe fabrics and high-end pieces. Stick to toned-down hues-- you look perfectly regal in grays, blacks, silvers and whites.

Your Star Style Star: Kate Bosworth (01/02/83)





Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)

Edgy and adventurous, think of yourself as a rock goddess on a 10-city tour. A roughed-up leather jacket is your style staple. Sling it over embellished leggings or a mini dress.

Your Star Style Star: Mischa Barton (01/24/86)





Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20)

As the zodiac's flower child, you're as sweet as a freshly picked blossom. Creative and nostalgic, channel the princess of your childhood dreams in frothy fabrics and girly accents.

Your Star Style Star: Eva Longoria Parker (03/15/75)






Aries (March 21-April 20)

A daring fashionista, you turn heads in sky-high heels, body-skimming clothes and bold accessories. You're a master of layering who can skillfully blend clashing patterns into a runway-worthy ensemble.

Your Star Style Star: Kristen Stewart (04/09/90)





Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Understated elegance defines your style. Like a prep school siren, flowy chiffon blouses, crisply cut blazers and classic pearls are your style weapons. Splurge on luxe fabrics and innovative tailoring.

Your Star Style Star: Penelope Cruz (04/28/74)





Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Bright, eye-catching and electrifying, you wear your personality on your sleeve. Embellishments and accessories are never in short order with you. Mix and match vintage treasures with trendy separates.

Your Star Style Star: Mary-Kate Olsen (06/13/86)





Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Femme to the core, you breathe new life into tailored pieces and borrowed-from-the-boys styles. Always accentuate your womanly figure with a nipped-in waistline and try lowering necklines a touch as well.


Your Star Style Star: Diane Kruger (07/15/76)




Leo (July 24-Aug. 23)

You're the fiercest of them all in animal prints, fire-hot hues and cuts that spotlight your dangerous curves. Feed your appetite for luxury with standout accessories.

Your Star Style Star: Jennifer Lopez (07/24/69)





Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23)

Your schoolgirl charm is sweetly sexy. Button up a classic cardigan. Stick to black, white and soft neutrals, with only the occasional hint of bright color.

Your Star Style Star: Rachel Bilson (08/25/81)





Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)

Equal parts vixen and disco queen, you can pull off evening-wear in broad daylight. From silky fabrics to beadwork to glitter-infused makeup, you live to shimmer and sparkle.

Your Star Style Star: Hilary Duff (09/28/87)





Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Vintage allure with a punk rock twist spells Scorpio style. A splash of diamonds, a sprinkling of marabou... your brand of glamour is classy, not flashy. Smoldering black is your signature hue.

Your Star Style Star: Anne Hathaway (11/12/82)




Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Active and energetic, your look is peppered with sporty spice. Flat-heeled boots and designer demin are wardrobe must-haves that are worth splurging on. Brighten things up with punchy tees and a bold necklace.

Your Star Style Star: Miley Cyrus (11/23/92)




So, what say ye?
Does your style match your stars?

Start With Savings

And a very happy new year to you, my dears!

Did you have a wonderful holiday? I did, and thank you so much for asking.

But now, sigh, it is back to real life. Which, for me, means being outside in the cold and actually setting my alarm and going to work. Bleh.

Are you feeling the post-celebration blues as well? Never fear! There is a smattering of holiday magic left! What could it be? you ask. Why, the Winter Wonderful sale, of course! is my reply.

That's right, through January 28, just enter "winter20off" at checkout and watch all that Christmas money go a little further. There is nothing to get your through the next few brutal months of winter like a sultry little black dress...



... a cozy sweater dress...



... or a chic wool dress.

Pick out one of your favorites today, and winter really will be wonderful.