How to: Mix Prints and Patterns in your Wardrobe

One of the CHICEST things in fashion is also the scariest; mixing prints and patterns. Think about it, when you see someone who has mixed prints you either think "Wow, she's got good style!" or "WOOOA, what is she doing?". I can help you out with some really simple easy to follow tips. I will have you a print pro by the end of this article.

Buying Prints:


* If you do not own prints, now is the time to start buying! Some of the things to look for:
 - Maximize your best feature. You want to wear prints to attract attention to the right places. ex: If you
 have a great bust that is a place to wear prints.
 - Larger prints make things look bigger and smaller prints make things look smaller. ex: If you have huge
 hips and don't like to draw attention to them, do not wear a large floral print skirt or pant.
 - The same color rules apply; purchase colors that work for your color pallet. Do not purchase
 a print when the majority of the background is white for any place you want to minimize, choose black or
 a darker color (like jewel tones).
   
* Start with a printed dress and add a colorful shoe or jacket; if you are a beginner. You will get so many compliments you will want to keep using print and color in your life!

Mixing Prints:

* The first and most important rule. The two prints must have at least one similar color, better with two. Unless the second print is all neutral.

This is two prints mixed together. The reason why this works - both pieces have a similar color story; maroon, dark green, and lt. pink. For the shoe I chose maroon, because this is the only color not represented in the pants, this will draw the eye down from the top to the shoe. I used a neutral color for all the accessories.

* Make sure you keep portions right, use a small print with a big print, not two small or two big. This is similar to the rules of portion. If your big on top, that is where the smaller print goes.

This is three prints mixed together. The reason why this works: The larger print is on top, and the smaller on bottom. This will emphasis the chest and minimize the hips. The skull print is sharing the same color story, so it will work well with the other prints (this should be worn around the neck following the collar of the jacket loosely). Since we only had one color in the mix I chose red for the shoe and bag.

* Try to keep a theme.

This is three prints mixed together. The reason why it works: All of these items represent a theme, nautical. I stuck with two contrasting colors, and white. Then I went with some very typical nautical accessories; anchors, boat shoes, chain, rope and a basket bag.


* Don't mix a busy print with another busy print, this is how it goes wrong. When wearing a busy geometric, floral or paisley pair it with a polka dot, or stripe. The busier print can be loud and big, but the other print needs to be small and quiet; neutral is an easy way to go.

This is an example of two prints mixed together. The reason why it works: there is one busy print (pants) and the next print is not (top). The accessories add a pop of color. The necklace is an important part of this outfit, because it adds color and interest to the neckline on the neutral printed top.


Mixing prints is fun, and can add longevity to your wardrobe. Look in your closet, you may have some outfits just waiting to be created. Play around with pieces in front of your mirror, and test out your new mixing skills.

How To: Mix Colors in your Wardrobe

In my job I see a lot of women trying to stretch their wardrobe from season to season. One of the best ways to do that is by finding new ways of mixing together what you already own, by using colors. There is a whole world of cute outfits awaiting you in your closet right now. So many women I meet are afraid of color, not to mention mixing it. Color is your friend. Color actually affects your brain on a daily basis. You make choices based on color, so why would you want to wear only black everyday. Adding and Mixing color will not only stretch your wardrobe longer but it will also brighten your mood.

This is where the How To will come in handy. It is easier than you think. Knowledge is power, and I'm going to give you some helpful outfit mixing power tips.

First things first; understanding the color wheel!

The Basic Color Wheel

Colors next to each other = Complimentary Colors

Colors across from each other = Contrasting Colors
Blue & Orange
Purple & Yellow
Red & Green

More in depth Color Wheel


This shows you how colors evolve. All colors can be traced back to the 3 primary colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue in the center of the circle. The first ring shows you what colors have been created by mixing the primary colors: Blue and Yellow = Green, Yellow and Red = Orange, Red and Blue = Purple. The second ring are colors that have been created by mixing neutral colors to make shades.

Neutral Colors


Neutral colors are a great foundation for any outfit. You do not have to use them, because as I have said it is okay to mix lots of colors with no neutrals involved. Neutrals are a great way to fill in the blanks in your outfits.

***It is important to note that Denim is considered a neutral in your wardrobe!***


How to Mix:


Complimentary Mix:

* Pick two or three complimentary colors and put them together. You can layer in as many shades of these colors as you want, and mix in neutrals when you get stumped. Even your accessories can be colorful.

Here is an example of only "Warm Complimentary" colors used to make an outfit. By me.

Here is an example of mixing "Cool Complimentary" colors used to make an outfit.  By me.


* When picking jewelry to go with your outfit; choose gold with warm colors and silver when wearing cool colors.

* A simple way to wear Complimentary Colors is to choose a neutral skirt and complimentary tops. Ex: A Black pencil skirt with a Orange top and Red cardigan.


Contrasting Mix:


* This is my favorite to do! Pick a contrasting mix you want to work with. Use the top or jacket as one color and the bottom the next, then work from there. Add neutrals if you need to.

Here is an example of a Blue and Orange Contrasting Mix. By Me.


* When picking jewelry to mix with your outfit use the contrasting color jewelry. We have warm and cool tones when using contrasting colors, so you have to go by what it will be touching or closest to in order to contrast. For example: In this outfit the top is Blue, a cool color; this is why I chose gold earrings, necklace and bangle. If the top was Orange and the pants were Blue, I would have used silver.

* A simple way to Contrasting colors is to wear a dress in one color and add the contrasting color in a jacket or belt. Ex: A Purple dress with a thick Yellow belt.

Compliment & Contrast Together:


* When you choose to make your outfit about Complimentary Colors you can add a pop of contrast with you accessories.

Here is an example of complimentary pants and shoes, neutral top and jacket, then a contrasting Blue scarf.

Her is an example of complimentary pants and scarf, neutral top and jacket, and  a contrasting Blue shoe.

Here is an example of complimentary skirt and top, neutral accessories, and contrasting Orange jacket.

Primary Colors:

* A fun and easy thing to do is wear only primary colors. Use one item of each color and make the rest neutral.

Here is a great example of a cute "Primary Color" Outfit.

http://www.glistersandblisters.com/2010/03/primary-colors.html

* When choosing jewelry. Pick one piece to focus on (ex: the necklace) and choose either warm/gold or cool/silver based on what it will be closest too (like the contrasting colors). Once you have chosen, make all the other the same.

Pastel Mixing: HOT TREND!

* When mixing pastel colors, mix as much as you like; in fact the more colors the better as long as they are pastel. If you get stuck you can use neutrals, but only the lighter spectrum of neutrals; white, cream, tan, and lt. grey.

Here is an example of Pastel outfits.

http://patrizia-molechino.360fashion.net/2012/03/latest-trends-are-pastels-the-new-color-block.php

* When mixing in jewelry, the safest bet is Silver because pastel colors are a shades of colors that have had a lot of white added to them. This takes the intensity of the color down. Silver is low intensity vs. gold's high intensity. With this being said you can use rose gold or gold to add a pop to your outfit.

Try It!!!

This is an example of Both Sides. The Jeans and Green cardigan are the items I want to wear. The Right is Contrasting with coral top, shoes, and bangle, with tan neutral bag. The Left side is Complimentary with a lt. green t-shirt and neutral black bag, shoes, and bangle.

* Try contrasting first with these easy starter outfits:

1.) Solid color dress with Contrasting/Complimentary belt. Shoes and Bag can match the belt or be neutral.

2.) Jeans with Contrasting/Complimentary top and cardigan. Chose any color shoe & bag.

3.) Contrasting/Complimentary top and skirt, with neutral accessories.

* Another really easy way to start out is adding in Pops of Color:

1.) Jeans and a neutral top with Pop of Color shoe, bag or cardigan; like Yellow.

Now go in to your wardrobe and see what outfits you can create using these new color mixing tricks. Feel free to message me any questions!

If you like this look for my next blog about how to mix prints and patterns together. :)

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 3: SUNDAY

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 3

SUNDAY

I woke up excited to go see the Giants play in SF. One of our good friends set this up and got 6 of us Tickets to go. The plan was meet up early and ride Caltrain up. My boyfriend and I stopped at my favorite breakfast spot in Mountain View, Rogers Deli; to fuel up for a day of fun and drinking.

Rogers Deli restaurant front.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rogers-deli-mountain-view

My favorite breakfast sandwich. Avocado, Egg, and Cheese on a Cheese bagel. 


We all met up at our friends house and hit up Safeway for booz and snacks. We got tall cans for the train ride up and selected Bacardi and Coke for during the game. And don't forget you can't go to a game with out Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds (Ranch is my favorite), and Cornuts (Once again, Ranch all the way).

Caltrain.

Caltrain is PERFECT for heading to a Giants game. There are tons of people all dressed in Giants gear getting housed on the train. It is a sure fire good time! While on the train we emptied the contents of a bottle of Bacardi into 2 small water bottles (they were "sealed" so they can come into the park).

The Giants Front Gate.

Us at the game.


When you go to the game you are going to need a hat on a hot day and a sweater on a cold day. Lucky for us it was a beautiful day in the city, and we had great seats in the bleachers behind center field. Our friends planned ahead and brought one huge Giants cup for each couple. We filled them with 1/2 Bacardi and 1/2 Coke. Then all we needed was to reapply sunscreen and let the cheering begin.

The "Crazy Crab Sandwich"

Me with our cup and eating the crab sandwich.

That crab sandwich is famous and SOOOOOO Good! It cost $16, but let me tell you it is SO GOOD, it could make you cry tears of joy. We got one to split, next time I will speand the $ to each have our own. We use to always get a hot dog, and I though those were good. But no, this sandwich takes the cake......I am in love.

Giants WIN!!!! After the game we got a drink and then headed home on the train, I slept most of the time. What a great day for a game with your favorite friends! Perfect Sunday!

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 2: SATURDAY

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 2


SATURDAY

My boyfriend and I woke up early and headed straight for the beach. We LOVE the beach and try to go as often as possible. What good is living by the coast if you don't use it? We stopped by a drive through Starbucks, we needed it after all the beer from the night before. The car was packed with boogie boards, Ipod player, blanket, sunscreen and snacks. Upon arriving at the coast it was cold, still 9am. We were hopeful it would burn off. We parked and found a nice spot in the grass by the lighthouse to wait for our friends who were meeting us to arrive. It was so nice to lay in the grass on a blanket and watch the surfers do their thing.

Picture of the lighthouse and grass patch we were in.

By the time our friends arrived to meet us the sun was shinning and the day was hot. We quickly chose a spot at our favorite boogie boarding beach.

Lighthouse Field State Beach. Known to us as the Dog Park / Boogie Boarding Beach.


We spent the day boogie boarding, tanning and playing Frisbee. There were some great Frisbee catching water dives! It was all fun and games until someone lost the Frisbee. By 4:00 we were spent on the beach and decided that we were all pretty hungry. We headed into Santa Cruz downtown to a restaurant our friends were raving about - PONO.

Pono restraunt front.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pono-hawaiian-grill-santa-cruz

The food was good (although for an onion hater like me you have to be careful), and they had a Dark & Stormy for $5. They had live music while we were there, and great customer service. This place had a great Hawaiian theme and a huge outdoor area. They had a list of "Do YOU Dare" drinks, that make me think this place has got to be a HOT spot at night. I would definitely go back, hopefully at night!

They are famous for their Poke Bowls.

The next stop was a famous comic book shop. They are mostly known for the fact that their original location was featured in the movie "Lost Boys". They have lots of priceless items housed in the store including 2T2 from the television show Captain Cosmic, where they got the idea for R2D2. The shop is fun and the people who work there are so excited to share the store history with you.

 Owner Joe in the comic book shop.

2T2 and owner Joe.


Then our friends informed us of a must get ice cream just up the street. We had to try it. This ice cream is hands down the best i have ever had. The ingredients are so fresh, they pride themselves on using local and seasonal. You can upgrade your ice cream with toasted marsh mellow on top. It is insanity good!

The Penny Ice Creamery store front.
http://thepennyicecreamery.com/

The last stop on our beach Santa Cruz adventure was of course the beach boardwalk. This is one of my favorite places in the world. It was a pretty day so the boardwalk was in full swing. We spent a good amount of time in the arcade, and won a bunch of tickets. The only prize I wanted was matching neon fabric rings for me and my boyfriend, only 1 ticket each.

Our rings, I still have mine on!


You can not visit the boardwalk with out ridding the Giant Dipper. It is $5 a ride, and SO worth it.

The Giant Dipper In Santa Cruz at the Beach Boardwalk.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rogers-deli-mountain-view


This was a great day in Santa Cruz!! And I LOVE my new ring :)

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 1: FRIDAY

AMAZING WEEKEND: DAY 1

FRIDAY:

On Friday my best friend and I decided we were gonna sell some clothes. There is no better place than SF to sell clothes, and my favorite place to do this is on Haight Street. We headed to the city bags of clothes in hand. The first stop was Wasteland.

Wasteland front of store.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wasteland-san-francisco

I sold a Marc by Marc Jacob wallet and a top and I took the cash, my friend was not so lucky. On to the next stop.

Buffalo Exchange front of store.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/buffalo-exchange-san-francisco-2

My friend sold 2 tops, and used the store credit to buy a pair of sandals that were real leather and in a hard to find size 10. She scored! I was not so lucky. On to the last and final stop.

Crossroads front of store / inside.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crossroads-trading-co-san-francisco-5

At our last stop we were both able to sell multiple items, and took the cash. We were feeling good about the $ in our pocket but still had a bunch of clothes left. What do you do with the left over clothes? Well that is the best part of selling on Haight Street....there is a good will.

Goodwill front of store

 When your done making $, you can donate the rest of the stuff you don't want to charity! It's funny because all 3 stores purchased different pieces from us, and goodwill will take anything. Now we had some cash to spend so we hit up my favorite store to go to on Haight.

Oh SO Good jewelry store front.

I scored a necklace with my new cash for cheap. We were in the store for hours, they have SO much stuff to look at. If you love bling this is the store for you!

All that selling and shopping can work up an appetite and a good excuse for a cocktail, so we went to Cha Cha Chas and enjoyed some tapas and sangria.

Cha Cha Chas Sangria pitcher. Careful the fruit is potent!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cha-cha-cha-san-francisco-4

We headed back to San Jose feeling accomplished! When we arrived my boyfriend informed us there was an event going on in Downtown that night - Sub ZERO. We didn't have to be told twice; music, art and beer and we are there! We hopped on light rail and headed on to the next adventure.

http://www.southfirstfridays.com/
Check out the event info at the link above.

My beer bracelet from the event.

Needless to say we had a great time! We saw art, heard music, and drank LOTS of  beer. It was 4 beer tickets for $10. All three of us got tickets, but all night long strangers kept giving us their tickets. SCORE! I would definitely go to this event in the future. One of the best parts of the night was the light rail ride home. There was a guy dressed in mostly leather with a guitar playing Johnny Cash songs. Couldn't ask for a better Friday!

Designer Nails - A New Revolution

Designer Parabal Gurung has partnered with the Sally Hansen company to turn his runways fashions into a new level of nail art. I read in Vogue that his prints "would be available at drugstores nationwide". I went out in search of these prints. I had no luck finding them. I went as far as; going to the nearest Walgreen's "Beauty Specialist" and showing her the add in Vogue. She took my number saying she would call me if they came in. She never called.

From the Vogue Article.

I continued my search for the designer prints at lots of different drugstores. I felt like a crazy person asking sales associates who had no idea what I was talking about........do they have a copy of that Vogue.....so I can show them.......CRAZY!

The two prints: 1.) Good Morning Glory 2.) Sweet Marbel Flooret

The newest collection stand at a drugstore.

 I finally found one of the prints online. Now that I have it, I am going to save it for a special occasion. Maybe Treasure Island.I was glad to find one of the Parabal Grung Prints on E-bay, but Amazon.com had great prices on all the other prints in two packs, and drugstores nationwide carry all sorts of prints.

I purchased the Good Morning Glory print.

 I decided it would be wise to invest in some other Salon Effects. You know, to practice. I also stumbled onto some great nail stickers. I loved both products, huge fan! I have bought several since. They lasted through a day in the vegetable garden. That is pretty impressive!!

This print is "Mod About You". I love it! The Chanel sticker is from this great website:
http://www.prettygirlygirl.com/ They had other stickers I liked: Faeries, Carebears, Rainbow Brite, I <3 Mustache, and Cheshire Cat.

Other designers have collaborated with Sally Hansen before, there was a recent hit with Avril Lavigne's Salon Effects collection.

Putting them on. SO quick and easy to use!

Showing them off!

Her whole Salon Effects Collection.

Click the link below to watch a great video with Avril and her nails.
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55429-coty-star-power-nails-with-avril-lavigne-salon-effects-from-sally-hansen

This takes me to a place of Fashionista dreams, and hope. What if designers like Missoni made Salon Effects? I could die happy...............for real, bury me in that. Recently Chanel had an interesting accessory, body tattoos. I love Karl and I think this was Fashion Genius! I kinda think this is what Designer Sally Hansen Salon Effects are............Nail Genius!

Chanel body tattoos.

Designer nails are not new to the world of Nail Art, there have been amazing nails for years. You can have your nails done in: Chanel, Gucci, Hello Kitty and so many more.

Awesome Nails!!! Chanel & Hello Kitty.

Think about it.......Designers could have a new nail collection every season, this could be a future challenge on project runway, and you could get a piece of a designers collection for $10. It has always been a trend to match your nails to something; your bag, your lipstick, your shoes. Why not your favorite designer labels, or your favorite runway print. Not to mention what a profitable venture it would be. I would love to see my Fashionista dreams become a reality!

Would you rock Designer Nails? If so WHO?????

FOR FUN; MORE PICTURES OF AWESOME NAILS BELOW!!