I love Marion's style and perspective.. Check out her latest blog post and fashion style tip. 

STYLE TIP:

For a more casual laid-back look that still looks pulled together,

throw on a cotton t-shirt under a blazer.

Blazer + Tee

My latest fav fashion trend is..

mixing textures & patterns

This is awesome! It's like a Reader's Digest version of mixing patterns at home with decor.

Source: makingitlovely.com via Nicole on Pinterest

By no means did I create this..rather someone else did. Check out Nicole's Pinterest page.

I'm a huge fan of quotes. To me, it's someone else verbalizing my heart, feelings or emotions..and sometimes I can simply relate or empathize with the author's words.

How does the following quote make you feel? Feel free to post your heart.

...when these inner earthquakes hit, it's your soul rattling it's cage, telling you some new aspect of yourself needs to get birthed. Trust. Move. Head towards the unknown, because that's where new life emerges. Go big: Where is the extreme place, the brave place, that's not accountable to logic or caution? I felt an unavoidable urge to live wilder and get stronger. - Amely Greeven, Serenity Now - W.

Do you have inner earthquakes? I do. Unfortunately I tend to shut them up and allow the "busyness" of life to squash the voice threatening to push me out of my comfortable box.

I wanted to do something GREAT the last year in my 20's and I'm 5 months into the year and the "greatness" has yet to be discovered. I have, however, accomplished several things on the "to do" in the New Year list I made at the beginning of the year.

"It's not the broken dreams that break us..it's the ones we didn't dare to dream." - Will Schuester (Glee)

What dreams have you dared to not dream? It's not too late..

I have been trying to remember to have a photo taken of my daily outfit..
Here are Sun-Wed..

~ Easter Sunday ~

White cap from Men's Wearhouse, yellow cardi from CJ Banks, white tank and mid-calf length skirt from Dillard's

Pictured with Jarrard on Monday:

yellow cardi from CJ Banks, white tank and white maxi skirt from Lane Bryant (not pictured)

Tuesday

grey skirt (from dots), black tank and turquoise cardi (borrowed from Mom)

Wednesday

blue cardi (on loan from Mom), pink tee from CJ Banks and floral skirt from Lane Bryant (purchased a million years ago)

No darling accessories accompanied these outfits. Usually when going to work..I'm doing good to get dressed in something decently cute and am not worried about accessories. 

Sunday I was planning on wearing something completely different but I just wasn't in the mood..and I'm sure if didn't help that I couldn't find a clutch in a bold color to go with the color blocking look I was shooting for. Alas...the yellow and white worked out better..and girls, I felt fab-u-lous! 

I hope you're feeling fab today! If not, make the decision that YOU are..and then BE it! 

It's alll about confidence. You've got this! 

This is a style blog too so why haven't I posted any pictures of my outfits?

This post is just that. Wednesday I wore a brown plaid suit jacket with a grass green cami and a silky multi-colored skirt. Mixing textures and patterns..

Check our the picture. 

I pushed the sleeves up on the jacket in an effort to camouflage how long they are.

I'm not sure why my hand is flailing about. 

I like this look but definitely need to find a different jacket.

More to come! 

Do you gain inspiration from your environment? I see colors together and think how fabulous they look and know that I could do something similar in an outfit. Check out the following pictures and imagine using the elements in your outfit. Think about accessorizing with belts, pins, hair accessories, shoes, purses/clutches, etc. The translation doesn't have to be literal. Do you have something already in your closet that could be worn differently?

Link to blog

I think about an animal print belt with a fluorescent yellow scarf and a bold turquoise top or dress. OOh, how about a turquoise bottom with a print top? Be bold and wear it confidently.. Own it! 

Source

Would you wear a bold purple with a turquoise? The purple adds a funky element..not to mention the ultra modern clear elements. This definitely screams spring with the white & yellow accents. 

Whatever you do...wear it confidently.. Own it! 

Mixing Patterns/Colors

A few things to think about when wearing different patterns:

1. Mix patterns from the same color family

Using shades from one main color when mixing patterns can create a subtle look. 

2. Think of some patterns/textures as solids
If you have a checked skirt, think of that as a solid. Same can go to small polka dots, thin stripes. They’re small and understated enough that the eye can view them as a solid, even though they’re really not.

3. Space the patterns out
Try mixing a top or skirt with patterned shoes which can give your outfit the right amount of “wow” you’re looking for. Also try a patterned scarf with a solid top and patterned skirt.

4. Include neutrals in your outfit
When you add a solid with two or more patterns, you allow the visual space of the outfit to be broken up. You do this with stockings, shoes, accessories or another article of clothing(a solid colored vest). 

5. Use accessories wisely
Accessories are your friend and your foe when mixing patterns. They can overwhelm or balance an outfit. Using a colored belt to break up two different patterned pieces can work really well, as can colored shoes or a neutral purse.

These are a few suggestions to think about when combining patterns. Remember, this is fashion and you can have fun with it.  Oh, and be kind to yourself - wear clothing that fits (not too big or not too small).

Applies at home:

Tips for Mixing Patterns

http://shannonfricke.blogspot.com

Sometime back I stated on FB that I wanted to start a fashion blog. There is so much information about style and design and how it interacts with everyday life. I subscribe to many blogs but having one spot where I can store the information as well as display things that catch my eye would be ideal. I welcome comments and questions. This blog is just as much for you as it is for me.

Enjoy.