Yin and Yang – from the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. Representing the duality of everything in the universe.
Opposite yet complimentary.
Constant yet cyclical.
In yin there is an element of yang. In yang, there is an element of yin. When yin and yang are in harmony, there is balance.
There’s subtle yin and yang in this week’s Seasonal Skinny outfit.
Floral and stripes.
Light colours with dark.
Bright, bold colours with soft pastels.
A touch of feminine with the scarf, a touch of masculine with the stomper boots.
Showing that opposites can be worn together to add interest, depth and texture to an outfit, even in a simple, casual, weekend one consisting of jeans, a long sleeve tee and a cardigan.
I should perhaps have subtitled this post…
‘How to try to take photos on a windy, scouring day’
All weekend the sky had been lowering and leaden, the weather wet and windy. November has certainly bedded in now and everything felt unsettled. We’re deep into Autumn now, but Winter is tapping at our heels, almost impatiently it feels.
The dark colours were in keeping with the feel of the day but to balance things out I wore a pastel cardigan, necklace and scarf. Due to the fierce wind, I decided to wear a scarf in my hair rather than my usual go to head wear on a windy day, the beret; especially as I love wearing scarves.
With fine, fly away locks like mine, you can end up looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards on a windy day! Wearing it this way, not only keeps the hair off my face but is a stylish alternative to wearing it round your neck.
Although, you do then have the problem of a misbehaving scarf!
It was having a high old time flying around, this way and that.
I know, I’ll just hold the darn thing out like a sail and maybe I’ll be blown down the street!
That’s better. Just drape it elegantly across one shoulder. Quick, take the photo before it’s whipped up by the wind again!
There are two places I always seem to do well when buying scarves. Museums/country houses and market stalls!
I bought this from the shop at Nymans, a beautiful National Trust house and garden in West Sussex. The NT do such reasonably priced scarves (from £15 for cotton or wool to £35 for silk ones). Many are based on horticultural, textile or design elements from the properties in their care. I love the unusual combination of the soft aqua, blue and burnt orange. The blossoms remind me of both chrysanthemums and dahlias.
I know that some stylistas would say you should wear either the scarf or the necklace but not the two together. Well, two hoots to that I say. I’m more the Iris Apfel end of the spectrum and like to have fun with my accessories.
I think you can say these boots have ‘tude as Melanie from A Bag and A Beret would say!
Some people might say they have a split personality.
Are they a lace up or a zip up?
Are they suede or leather?
Why can’t they make up their minds?
Could a pair of boots be more contrary if they tried?
No, they’re just showing off their different aspects of their personality – a little big yin, a little big yang. They say…
‘We didn’t want to be one style or the another. We’re the best of both worlds, thanks very much! We’re quite happy living in harmony with our opposites. Now do excuse us, we’ve a-stomping to go!’
Geox is the brand of these boots. Their boots normally sell for triple figures so these were my winter bargain at under £50! The thick soles will be ideal for the coming season – sturdy without being ‘clodhoppers’, as my Grandma used to say. They are so comfy and even better, for quite stompy boots, very light to wear. And they really are the best of both worlds. I love the look of high lace up boots but can’t always be bothered with the lacing and unlacing. With these, it’s a quick zip up and indeed, a-stomping I do go!
Seasonal Skinny
Camaieu Striped tee (old) Long Sleeve Navy Breton from Boden
Dorothy Perkins Petite Cardigan
Geox Boots from T KMaxx
National Trust Floral Scarf (old). Similar NT Oak Leaf Scarf
Necklace from Tu at Sainsbury bought in the sale recently. Here’s a lovely Orange Tab Collar Necklace from Yosa
Coast bag (old from e-bay) Dorothy Perkins Mini Orange Loop Tote
Do wear colours that reflect the outdoor mood or do you balance your yin and yang?
Shop the Look
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Linking with Visible Monday / Style Nudge / #iwillwearwhatilike / Confident Twosday / Garay Treasures / Turning Heads Tuesday / JerseyGirlTexanHeart / Colorandgrace / Style Me Wednesday / Fresh Fashion Forum / Style Stories /
Interesting combination of diverse elements. It would never occur to me to put these pieces together. You're more stylish than me, for sure.
That's so sweet of you to say Ally, thank you. Hopefully this gives you new ideas…
What a fun post! Your tips about taking photos in the wind made me laugh and it was interesting to see the yin-yang theory in practice with all those combinations in your outfit. I too am with those who would wear a scarf and a necklace if they want. Why not? Fun and comfy outfit, love it.
It was a nightmare, Olga. The wind kept playing havoc with my posing! Glad you'd wear the scarf & necklace together. You're absolutely right – why not?
The challenges of blogging – the windy day! You master it beautifully and I love the scarf in your hair, xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti. At least the rain held off for long enough to take some photos!
I think the scarf & necklace work great together since the necklace brings out the orange of the scarf. The wind thing can be quite challenging—glad I don't live in Chicago!!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ha, ha, Jodie – that would be a challenge in the Windy City! My thoughts too about the necklace bringing out the orange of the scarf.
I just love Iris! Have you seen the documentary about her? How can you go wrong with Iris as your style icon? 😉
Alicia
spashionista.com
Only seen snippets, but I've read lots of articles/interviews about it/her. She's such a force of nature!
Love the opposites. Sometimes those make the best pairing. I hate trying to take photos when it is windy!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy. They do indeed! The wind was so irritating that day!
Great use of aqua and tangerine as your accent colours here. And I'm loving these boots. Melanie seems be a hit with so many of us, but that's hardly surprising – she's not only sharp and witty, but totally gorgeous too. Great to catch up again x
Anna
I'm going to try styling the boots with a skirt at some point. See how I get on with them!
Melanie's a doll, isn't it?
You're wearing this look well! I especially love that necklace…it's perfect!
Laura
http://www.24-7style.com
Thanks Laura. The necklace was an unexpected find in the sale!
Nature does conspire against bloggers sometimes, great job outwitting the wind.The scarf is a great find and works so well with the necklace, Iris would be proud. Those boots not only look great but will be sturdy come Winter.
I do hope Iris would be proud! Yes, those boots are going to stand me in good stead this Winter, me thinks.
I love the pop of orange in this look, throughout each accessory. So much fun, great outfit!
Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
The orange just cheers things up and makes it more fun. Glad you like it, Mary.
To me, using the yin and yang or juxtapose philosophy in dressing has always been very clever. It's one of those thought processes which leads to…How can something so wrong be so right. It makes getting dressed so much more fun and interesting. As you have so cleverly demonstrated here 🙂
Thank you Glenda, I completely agree – it does make getting dressed more fun and one I need to explore more on my style adventure. Thank you for your kind words as always.
Love those pants and boots! What a fun outfit!
Thanks Laura. The boots are just a little bit different and add to the mix going on elsewhere in the outfit.
lovely patterns and colors combo!, always love stripes with florals and your accessorizing is fabulous!
And also love your boots, they look quality shoes, comfy&cool!
besos
They are indeed serious boots but with some personality! I need both in footwear! Stripes and florals are a happy pairing. Thanks for your compliment about the accessorizing.
Ha, your boots are talking! Love it! The scarf has serious cool attitude too!x
They were quite the chatterbox, Kezzie!
Love your boots and the scarf in your hair is such a nice touch <3
Fashion and Cookies – fashion blog
Thank you. I quite often wear them in my hair – gives a little more variety and interest.
Loving this look! Hope to see you at tomorrow's linkup.
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
Thank you Monica.
The pale blue is such a pretty shade. I love the small touches of print too.
I do like that shade of blue and it's not just for summer either.
Great weather-appropriate look! What does your hair do when it rains! Mine goes absolutely crazy, I end up looking like there's a wet poodle on my head…
I actually laughed out loud, Tiina at that! 'Wet poodle on my head' – yes that about sums it up!
That is such a pretty scarf, I like how you pulled out the colours in your outfit too.
I often struggle with the scarf or necklace decision and sometimes I do wear both together. Your post has encouraged me I should do it more! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Oh good, I'm glad it's encouraged you. I think we can get too stuck in rules about how many accessories we wear. As long as you're not dragged down by baubles and bangles, why not?
I have a pair of boots waiting for me in the Pacific Northwest. Rather than carting them back and forth between there in Hong Kong, I left them so I'd have them when I arrive for the Christmas festivities. As I write, I believe it is snowing there, so it was a very good decision indeed! I can't wait to be cold!
Thank you so much for coming and linking up to the Kremb de la Kremb Style Stories. I appreciate it!!
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
It's always good to have a sturdy pair of boots ready. They'll be like old friends waiting to greet you when you arrive!