Well, Hello!
How excited am I today? I’m
co-hosting Rachel’s Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me Tuesday link-up
party. Thank you Rachel for having me as your co-host to start
the last month of the year!
With Autumn finally slipping away I
find the need to wear colour becomes even more important in Winter. If you dress in neutrals only, there’s the danger of becoming invisible. Blending into buildings and wintry skies; de rigueur if you’re a secret agent on reconnaisance, a handicap if you’re a 40+ style blogger!
I’m not saying
you can’t wear neutrals but if you’re wanting to build colour and pattern into your Winter Wardrobe, then this
type of outfit is a great starting point to do that. You can take a basic white shirt and pencil or tube skirt and ramp up the visibility factor!
Let’s start with the pattern mixing.
If the idea of mixing leopard print and florals for example is a little too
extreme, then you can’t go wrong with polka dots and stripes. They
are the easiest patterns in the world to mix and are timeless! Way back in September, I did a very simple Polka dots & stripes outfit with a spotty bag and striped tee.
I suspect alot of women will have a black pencil skirt or a striped pencil skirt in their wardrobes, or a variation there of. I saw quite a few striped pencils and tube skirts over the summer, mostly in classic navy and white. Mine is black and white so rather than go down the black jacket route over the white shirt, which would have sent me to sleep, sartorially speaking, plus done nothing much for my skin tone, I wore my cashmere polka dot jumper, as
– cashmere gives the layer of warmth
– the grey softens the black and white stripes and
– the polka dots are fun AND stylish and allow me to go to town with my red beret and gloves!
As I picked out my red, insulated gloves (what the heck has happened to the temperatures this week, people???), with black outline bow, it would have been too safe to reach for a black bag and a red one would’ve looked to matchy-matchy with the gloves.
This is about building colour into your Winter wardrobe, meaning the bag was the perfect opportunity to bring in another colour and what better colour than blue?
It’s fresh looking.
Compliments the red.
Looks great with the black, white and grey.
Can you wear a midi as a petite? Absolutely! As long as it’s not trailing to your ankles!
Like any body shape or height size, you only need to be mindful of the proportions. Keep the balance as I’ve done here with the length of the jumper and skirt being roughly the same and you avoid looking either top or bottom heavy.
I’m something of a magpie and like a flash of bling! However, with the spots and the stripes, the flashes of red and the pop of blue, there’s alot going on already and that’s without the crystals on the beret!
I didn’t need a necklace – that would’ve been overkill – BUT a wee brooch… just peeking out over my jumper…? Thank you very much, don’t mind if I do.
When I was about 4, I was given a big (well, it was big for a 4 year old!) panda bear for Christmas.
T’WAS THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!
I still have that bear. When I was 9, I was taken to London Zoo as a birthday treat to see the two Chinese pandas – Chia Chia and Ching Ching.
T’WAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!
So you see, I have a soft spot for Pandas. My Panda brooch has to be my all time favourite brooch, EVER! I’ve had him about 30 years and he’s steeped in sentimental value.
Isn’t he just too cute? A delicate touch that keeps the neckline of the shirt neat and tidy.
And the sparkly brooch ties in with the sparkly beret, without going overboard on the bling!
Grey tights that have a slight blue-ish tinge to them are a lighter look than black ones and make the pointy ankle boots stand out more.
Points are sleek and stylish, elongating my petite feet without unbalancing my frame or looking as if I’m wearing clown feet!
White Shirt (thrifted)
TK Maxx Sanctuary Black & White
Striped Tube Skirt. Here’s a similar skirt: Kristen Pencil Striped Skirt from Abercombie & Fitch
TK Maxx Crystal Faceted Red Beret and Red Gloves
TKMaxx Grey Polka Dot Jumper. Here’s a fun Polka Dot Jumper with a yellow collar
Jane Shilton Blue Mini Tote. Similar Blue Grab bag from the same company.
Dorothy Perkins Grey Melange Tights. Currently on offer
M&S Black Leather Pointy Ankle
Boots (old) but these Leather Pointy Boots look almost identical.
Panda Brooch (ancient and much loved)
Now do excuse me, I must tootle off into town. This lady has some serious lunching to do. I’m hob nobbing, chin wagging and prosecco sipping with the editors of several Uber Doober Glossy magazines.
Taxi? I say Taxi? Le Gavroche, please.
Now on to the link up:
Meet your Host: Rachel of Garay Treasures blog:
Rachel is a former full time preschool special education teacher turned full time stay-at- home mom of four children with a passion for substitute teaching and blogging at Garay Treasures on the side. Garay Treasures is a fashion and lifestyle blog with some added posts on faith and everyday treasures. Rachel loves drinking several cups of coffee a day (hot or iced), blogging, and reading and playing with her children. You can follow Rachel by bloglovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.
Meet your Co-host Jacqueline of Petite Silver Vixen.
Hi, I’m Jacqueline, a 40+ style and lifestyle blogger from the UK. My blog, Petite Silver Vixen is mostly about my personal style but you’ll also find posts about some of the great places on my doorstep, living near enough to London to take advantage of all the diverse things a capital city has to offer. I only started blogging in June of this year as a way to rediscover the 80% of my wardrobe I found myself wearing less than 20% of the time and to share the tricks and tips I use when dressing as a petite! And yes, it’s definitely working; I’m wearing far more of my wardrobe now than pre-blog! I’m loving my blogging journey but even more, I’ve loved connecting with amazing and creative women from all over the world. When not blogging, my career is as a matwork and studio Pilates teacher, with a particular interest in working with pre and post natal women and with clients using Pilates for rehabilitation after injury.
You can follow Jacqueline through the following links: Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest & Twitter
Now on to the featured five from last time and link up: I am so glad to be back. Last Tuesday there was no “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” so I am featuring bloggers from two weeks back today. I can’t wait for you to see who is featured and to see your posts.
Irene’s romantic look is not only festive but beautiful. I love the layering and mix of textures. You can view the outfit here.
I am not one to remember to include snacks with my travels but when I do I found these healthy snack options from Casey to be a good starting ground for traveling snacks.
I loved this look on Ana and found it funny that it kind of goes with the outfit I am posting about today as well (see above), matchy matchy! See Ana’s post here.
Liz brought together a few tips for how to get a more polished look in your everyday life. See her tips here.
This is the perfect way to style a little floral chiffon dress, check out the look here.
Now it is your turn, please follow the rules below and enjoy!
1). Please link up recent posts and include the link up button or post this URL link back on your blog. The posts can be about fashion, DIY projects, recipes, inspiration, tips, etc. *If you link up other link ups or giveaways please be sure you share this link up on your link up post to share the blog love and I will be sure to link up to yours. Also please follow me in the below social medias and let me know how you are following and I will follow back. Thank you!
2). Please follow your host Rachel of Garay Treasures either by Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter or all. Comment below and let me know how you are following so I can follow back.
3). Stop by and check out the other bloggers who have linked up and be inspired.
4).Depending on how many link up I will feature 5 bloggers and their posts for my next “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me” link-up or series.
5). Have fun! Comment below if you have any questions! Thanks for linking up!
To link up it would be great if you linked my button to your post that you link up. Get button code below:
How do you mix your colours and prints in Winter? Do you gravitate to wearing more colour or are you a secret agent on reconnaisance?
Linking with Confident Tuesday / Turning Heads Tuesday / Stylelixir / Fresh Fashion Forum / Style Me Wednesday / Colorandgrace / Stylish Housewife / What I Wore / My Refined Style / Throwback Thursday / High Latitude Style / Thursday Fashion Files / Thursday Fashion Files / Fun Fashion Friday / Passion4Fashion / Fashion Friday / Fabulous Friday /
Love this mix of prints my friend. I'm not sure what the reason is because I love color, but in the winter I have to remind myself to not wear all neutrals. A spy would really stand out in my neck of the woods. Unless said spy was wearing camo. In the woods. Tracking a deer. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Tall Brown Fox said it was one of his favourites! Ha, ha, Debbie – definitely camo for spies in your neck of the woods. So easy to fall back onto neutrals. I'm really going to make sure I enjoy colour this winter!
What a fun look, I love this mix of colors and prints. Stripes and dots together is one of my favorite pattern mixes.
Shea | http://www.shealennon.com
Thank you Shea. You can't go wrong with dots and stripes!
I think this is one of my favorite looks of yours! The pattern mixing and pops of red are so good. Love the boots with the midi length. That's one of my favorite ways to wear a skirt/dress.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Aw, thank you Amy. I'm rather in love with it myself. It was fun to put together and I'm really pleased how the red and blue lift everything.
Such a cozy and chic look Jacqueline, love the polka dots through out. Thanks again for co-hosting!
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
You're welcome Rachel – it was fun – just like the polka dots!
Much cuteness!!
Spots and stripes are always a winner together and I love your simple but striking palette.
You know how I feel about a beret (I need more!!)…so cute…love it!
The blue bag is a genius touch. A little pop of cobalt goes a long way.
As for your panda-love. My youngest daughter is in your camp there!
She would go crazy for that brooch.
Her (realistic-style) stuffed panda is call Jack and she loves him to bits.
I must take her to the zoo to see the "real" ones.
Maybe a birthday trip?
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous
I do love cobalt blue and it was a very instinctive reaction to reach for it and I love how it works in the outfit.
I bought a new beret the other day. I'm on my way to filling the house with them!!!
My panda says hi to Jack. Your daughter follows her Mum and has great taste! Do take her to see the 'real' ones. I still remember how excited I was at seeing them.
I absolutely love this:
1. Quirky sweater- check!
2. Stripes- check!
3. Red- check!
4. Beret- check!
5. Brooch- check!
6. Animal brooch- check, check!
7. Coloured tights- check!
Winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!x
Your comments made me smile, Kezzie! Especially no 6 – Animal brooch – check, check! I knew you'd love it as you have some wonderful animal brooches!
All the outfits are so cute! I love them all.
Adi
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
What a neat outfit! I love it. I am pretty good about wearing color, but it would be good to play a little with mixing patterns. Just thought of an outfit I could try it with, too!
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Jeanine
http://www.midlifemakeover.me/2015/11/the-end-of-no-repeat-november-heres-how.html
Thank you Anna. Yes, play with the patterns, especially if you've just thought of one! Always fun to see how it would look and makes your wardrobe work harder too.
Happy Holidays to you too.
So cute, I LOVE mixing of patterns, it just keeps everything so alive and stripes with polka dots are the best. Love, Kirsten x
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Thank you Kirsten. Following your example I'm going to have to get some polka dot tights!
Love this outfit and the fact that you're rockin' a midi! : )
You know I love a beret and a red one with bling? Oh yeah.
I adore the pop of the red gloves as well. I *almost* bought some last time I was in NY while thrifting and have been kicking myself ever since for missing the opportunity.
At first when I saw the outfit I thought you had on a tie, now I see it is a brooch. How clever!
bisous
Suzanne
Ha, ha, thought you'd like that – don't we just rock midis! And the beret love is there too!
That's such a shame you didn't get the red gloves. I'm sure you'll be able to find a pair as they are fun to wear.
Ah yes, the brooch in disguise as a tie before the grand reveal!
I love the pattern mix and layering of this look! The pops of red and cobalt are the perfect touch!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thank you Jill. The red and cobalt really make the outfit, don't they?
Love the polka dots and stripes together, and you're right you picked just the right amount of red accessories to complement it. The blue bag was a wonderful way to add another colour! 🙂
Your brooch is lovely too – a really special piece to have kept it so long, wow! 🙂 It's nice to have a little bit of history to an outfit 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you Mica, I can't believe how long I've owned that wee brooch!
What a fabulous way to mix prints—I love it! And the brooch is perfect…I may have to copy that one! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps..If you ever get an email following (where you send out an email to say a new post is up)—let me know—-I'd love to be on it!!
Copy away Jodie! It's a great alternative to scarves or jewellery at the neckline.
Thank you, I'm going to try and sort something like that out for the New Year. So many things I want to do on the blog and too little time!
When I mix patterns… my fave go-to is polka dots and stripes. So darling and fun! Plus that midi looks fabulous on you!! xo
By The Shore
Thank you Veronika, glad you're a fan of the polka dots and stripes.
I am a Chinese so of course I love panda too. I have two pandas in my classroom and our my students love those two little guys. Very cute outfit!
Thank you so much for your nice comments on my blog. Really appreciate it! Please join us today for Color and Grace Fashion link up!
Keep in touch and take care!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com/
Thanks Grace, I'm not surprised you love pandas too! Glad you like the outfit.
I am a Chinese so of course I love panda too. I have two pandas in my classroom and our my students love those two little guys. Very cute outfit!
Thank you so much for your nice comments on my blog. Really appreciate it! Please join us today for Color and Grace Fashion link up!
Keep in touch and take care!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com/
Gaaa! – I love this outfit! Absolutely divine. Spots, stripes, colour, flirty, fun, sparkles with a dash of flapper feel. I also love that the dotted sweater is cashmere, dreamy. And your boots look mod and I can't resist that either. Fantastic outfit and attitude.
Oooh Melanie, you've hit the nail on the hit. I didn't see that dash of a flapper feel, but looking back, I see exactly what you mean! Thank you for your lovely compliments.
oh my! this outfit is PERFECT! i love those dots on you much. never thought polka dot + stripes = cool but it is!
Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
Very kind of you to say Lyosha. I love polka dots and stripes. They're one of my favourite patterns to mix together.
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style
You're welcome Nicole. See you next week.
Oh my gosh, you look so GOSH DARN ADORABLE! Love this look!
Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Lovin' the capitals letters Dawn! Thank you – see you next week for more Fun Fashion Friday!
Oh I love that sweater! It's perfect! And it mixes delightfully with the stripes. Thanks for co-hosting this great link-up and have a wonderful week 🙂
Alex – Funky Jungle
That jumper was such a good find and is so right with the stripes. Thank you Alexandra – you have a great week too.
What a great look and the beret and gloves are so cute and functional!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
If there's one thing I always go for it's fun and functional and the beret and gloves certainly tick both boxes. Thanks for hosting Alice.
I love the combination of the beret and polka dots…so cute. Thanks for adding your unique style point of view to the My Refined Style Linkup.
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
I love berets Shellie, and they are the perfect companion to polka dots! Thanks for hosting the link-up.
Oh what fun your outfits is! You look utterly adorable in your colorful dots on dots, and stripes, and a panda to top it off! I also wanted to thank you for the cutest comment you left on my blog. You squealed? Yay!! Thank you, I am really touched, and you made me smile!
I really did squeal, Natalia! It was so joyous to see you back! And just as I made you smile, so you made me – thank you.