Category Archives: How To Mix Prints

Learn How to Mix Prints in your style by wearing clashing prints and patterns, like stripes on stripes, or animal print and stripes fashionably. Be eye catching!

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Tea Time with Leopard and Stripes

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How to Mix Prints with Stripes and Leopard… a cute vegetarian cafe and tea house… Christmas + French cottage decor? It’s my….

{ Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Leopard and Stripes Go Creigh at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery }

Aloha, Lovecat! I was in Canada for 10 days during the winter break for an unexpected, last minute family holiday of sorts. When I say of sorts… well, it was a mixture of happiness and sadness, but I will expound more on that later when I have the fortitude for it. If you follow me on Instagram (@maeluu – add me!), you know what had happened.

Even though we were in town for an unexpected reason, we still tried to enjoy ourselves and get a decent, vegetarian-friendly bite to eat. Which is why we found ourselves at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery. This delight was a visual and sensual morsel hidden in the midst of Chinese groceries, street stalls hocking random wares, touristy Chinese kitsch novelty stores and hipster boutiques–a kind of oasis in the heart of Victoria’s tiny little Chinatown.

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The cutest cafe I’ve been to in awhile – and all vegetarian! Venus Sophia Vegetarian Café and Tea House, Victoria, BC

More on the café in the next post.

This is what I wore on our first full and decent day of non-harried travel. Creigh mixed prints with stripes and leopard. I probably could’ve done with a larger leopard print against the small stripes, but whatever. I’m OK with being busy and loud. It goes hand in hand with my personality. Though you’d probably be surprised at the outright, undisguised stares from the The North Face and Patagonia-clad Pacific Northwest hiker and camper types in the cafe and all along the streets. C’mon, Victoria’s a small down, but it’s got a decent amount of well-dressed people. You can’t tell me Mixing Prints is the weirdest thing you’ve seen, people. But whatever.

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Mixing Prints: Stripes and Leopard. It’s a bit busy. It got crazy stares.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Chinese e-boutique structured shoulder blazer. J. Crew leopard button down shirt. GAP skinny jeans. Sketchers heeled booties. Target belt. Random pendant watch.

SIMILARS

BLAZER: Grey stripe blazer, GAP. Grey stripe cropped blazer, Wet Seal. Striped crop blazer, ModCloth.
SHIRT: Leopard button down, Free People. Leopard multi print button down, Zappos.
BOOTIES: black wedge booties, ShopBop. Black lace up wedge booties.

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How to Mix Prints: Go SUPER CREIGH.

{ How was your winter break? }

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Waisted on Stripes and Floral

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Aloha kakahiaka, Lovecat! Wow! This is big kine moment for me (sort of). Debuting a new combo in my How to Mix Prints series: Stripes and Floral Print! Sh*t be creigh. Love it.

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Floral Print High Waisted Shorts and Dolman Top }

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How to Wear Mixed Prints: now that I’ve mastered stripes on stripes and the cray stripes on leopard, I’m tackling stripes and floral print. The hat just adds extra pizzazz (and anti-aging sun protection).

Hats are healthy. Especially ETSIS Hats. They help me save on sunscreen. Some mornings, when I’m running late, I just put sunscreen on my hands, arms, feet and décolleté, wrap those UPF50 protection panels around my face like an Asian grandma all wrapped up like a ninja to protect against the sun. This is just an added bonus, though. I’m a hat girl. I just love ‘em. Living in Hawaii just kind of concretizes it all. (i.e., you just HAVE to wear hats here–cold, hot, wind, rain or shine.)

Heh.

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Felt hat customized into ETSIS Sun Protection Hat. I love hats. Great for summer, but perfect for fall and winter.


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View from the back. ETSIS SunEscape Protection Panels (UPF 50) tied back… Dolman shirt has contrasting direction stripes on the back. It actually looks better in a half tuck. This is a full tuck, though. :T

On floral… um. I’ve never been much of floral fan. I may be a little diva-esque, a little over the top, even sometimes a little girly, but not THAT feminine. I’d like to think my style is a cross between slutty librarian, punky office lady, feisty nerd and Korean street style… or at least leaning that way. (Yes, more labels–I love defining things.) So floral is just really, really not my thing. But as a Christmas bonus/present, my boss gave me an insanely generous shopping spree at a local boutique that just opened up in Hawaii Kai, my ‘hood… and it was at MikiNola Boutique that I discovered a hidden love for bold florals. Store owner Dara handed it to me in the fitting room, knowing my love for stripes and mixing prints… and the moment I put it on, my jaw dropped and Dara and the sales associate (whose name I totally blanked on–I’m sorry!) both gasped to me, “omigod, soooo cute!” And I don’t think they were just trying to sell it to me.

Ecstatic,I wore the striped dolman and floral high waisted shorts the next day to show D, my boss, the MikiNola haul she so amazingly gifted me for Christmas.(Mahalo nui loa, D, I don’t deserve being this spoiled, but thank you so-so-so much!)

I think this outfit could work in colder climes if paired with opaque or wool tights and booties and a warm cape for faux fur coat for a fun holiday/Christmas party. But, thankfully I don’t have to worry about that until I go back to my hometown, San Diego, for Christmas.

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The high waist is perfect to the vintage chain waist belt. It’s slightly OTT (my steez), but also draws the two disparate prints together with the black grounding color.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAIL

MikiNola dolman stripe top and floral print high waisted shorts. ETSIS – Escaping The Sun In Style customized floppy felt hat. Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon tote (briefcase). Matisse python platform sandals. HRH Collection Ombre bracelet ARM PARTY! Target watch. Vintage chain waist belt. House of Harlow antique key ring. Bamboo Sky tribal earrings.

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SERIOUS ARM PARTY: Target watch, HRH Collection Ombre bracelet, and Butter London glitter nail polish


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Shoe Porn. These are my third favorite pair of shoes. They’re sexy, but not painfully tall. And totally appro for Hawaii’s almost year-round summer season.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: striped batwing top. | James Perse striped dolman top
SHORTS: high waisted floral shorts. | Rebecca Taylor pleated floral shorts.
BELT: Chain waist belt | Alexander McQueen gold chain leather waist belt (most similar, but super $$).
TOTE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Tote (almost exact). | Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Preppy Tote.
SHOES: Matisse python platform sandals (exact).
ARM PARTY: HRH Collection “Glossed Ombre” bracelet (exact). | Mixed metal chain bracelet, M by MJ.

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Sometimes I think I have pretty feet. Only sometimes, though. Other times, dey look buss up.


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Husby was in the living room, yelling dorky things at me, making me laugh. Hence the goofy grins.

/end big moment. :) Have a fantastic Thursday, Lovecat.

Me ke aloha ~ love + aloha,
Mae Xx

If you dug th
is article, be sure to check out my entire series “How to Mix Prints” for ideas, tips and overall craziness.

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Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: You’re an Animal

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How to Mix Prints Question: “Can you wear stripes with leopard?” Answer: Yes. You just have to be insane enough to think you can. You’ve gotta be an animal.

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: How to Wear Mixed Prints – Leopard Leggings and a Striped Blazer for a Fall Day }

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Oh hai. :D

Aloha, Lovecat!

Your mama’s fashion rules said mixing prints was a big no-no. Well, your mama’s fashion rules can eat it. Mixing prints is one of the most daring style moves you can pull, and one of the most visually impactful. Once you figure out what works for you and your comfort level, you can dramatically increase the versatility of your wardrobe, unharnessing dramatic potential and maxing out the number of combos.

Here’s how I wear mixed prints. Worn on Election Day.

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Yes, I actually wore this entire outfit to work and then to our polling station. Did voters stare? Yes. Did I care? Nope. Revel in your uniqueness.


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How to Wear Mixed Prints: Bold stripes and leopard pants. Over the top and totally crazy. Love the crazy.

My staple is to mix stripes with almost anything else. Pick a bold print, find a stripe with a matching color element (try black, it’s easy to start with) and then go to town. Avoid wearing a third print. If you’re wearing more than two pieces, make sure your pieces are neutrals or solid colors from the palettes of your prints. Does that make sense?

So, I made sure there was a unifying, uniting color within both prints–in this case, black of the spots and black of the stripes–then made sure my third piece was a plain solid black tank. I made the rest of the outfit pop with my accessories: sexy shoes (not office appropriate, but I manage a two-woman creative office, so I have a lot of freedom), gold arm party, fun earrings and a neon bright clutch.

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Animal Instinct: loud striped blazer with loud pants and loud pops of color.

I wore this on Election Day. I woke up energized, happy and excited, ready to do my American Duty in my first presidential election. Although I grew up in California, I was a US National (Permanent Resident aka Green Card Holder) until I was 26. I’m a dual citizen of Canada and America. Finally being able to include my voice in the national races (and, local races and ordinances, of course) gave me an intense feeling of pride and a sense of ownership, if that makes any sense…? Like, a feeling of patriotism mixed with responsibility and feeling like a part of something great outside of my little bubble of existence.

When I actually wake up happy, I’ll end up wearing something other than leggings and a tank or button down or a simple dress and do a full face of makeup. It’s superficial, I know, but looking bold and fabulous makes me feel good about myself and then I’m happy with my life and myself. When you feel good, you look good and vice versa; it’s a self-perpetuating cycle. Do what makes you happy if it fulfills you and makes your everyday world a better one.

Wearing mixed prints in this fashion isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you can try something less Out There. Lauren Conrad and Refinery 29 offer good tips for wading the waters of print mixing.

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Watching early evening election returns on CNN and feeling a little nervous, hence the hydrogen psychosis (Crazy Eye).

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Tinley Road striped blazer. ASOS leopard leggings. Target tank. JewelMint New Wave armor ring. HRH Collection Ombre Bracelet. HRH Collection Ultra Luxe bracelet. Jeffrey Campbell platform sandals. Random silver fan earrings. Gorjana colorblock clutch.

ALTERNATIVES

BLAZER: Striped Blazer, Striped structured shoulder blazer, Juicy Couture. Striped blazer, Splendid. striped knit blazer, DJP (cheaper option).
LEGGINGS: Yoox leopard leggings | ASOS Evil Twin leopard leggings.
CLUTCH: (Exact same) Gorjana leather colorblock foldover clutch | Threadsence colorblock envelope clutch.
ARM SWAG: Mixed metal multi chain bracelet | Marc by Marc Jacobs bi-color chain bracelet.
SANDALS: Patent Leather strap sandal, Bebe.

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Red lips, the perfect red lipstick for all skin tones… the perfect red lip for Asians: MAC Ruby Woo.


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My usual crazy arm stack: mixed metal hardware by HRH Collection – the Ultra Luxe Bracelet and the Ombre Bracelet. <3


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Beautiful red and bold lips in honor of election day (the blue is on my nails). Loving the election returns so far.

What makes YOU feel good about life?

DON’T FORGET!!

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Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

If you dug this article, be sure to check out my entire series “How to Mix Prints” for ideas, tips and overall craziness.

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Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Zebra

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Afraid of clashing prints? Not sure how to wear mixed prints? Not a problem. Start conservatively. Same color family, same palette with one print more dominant than the other. Can’t go wrong.

[These photos make me look like a strangely forlorn girl... all the wistful expressions... it's just a pose. I swear I'm okay. :) ]

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Striped Zebra Lonely Girl

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How to Mix Prints: start out with the same color palette. Can’t go wrong with cream and black.


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How to wear mixed prints: try stripes with zebra. It’ll keep people on their toes.

If you don’t think you can wear something, you’ll never have the courage or the poise to pull it off, so you have to walk out that door thinking you look fabulous and ignore the stares. And with mixed prints and statement jewelry,

people will stare. Make it worth their while!

The secret (for me) to mixing prints: making sure one print is more dominant than the other. The zebra is louder than the smaller stripes of the top, and they’re in a similar color palette, so they work together instead of against each other. If the stripes were too bold, it would fight with the zebra, creating disharmony overall. Same goes with more daring combinations of contrasting color prints, like stripes on stripes, stripes on chevron, polka dots on stripes or leopard on stripes (and yet more stripes on leopard); one print should be more dominant than the other so that one creates more of a textured background to the other.

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If you’re crazy enough to do it, mixing prints isn’t hard. Just go effing do it.


thereafterish, OOTD, how to wear mixed prints, Zebra pencil skirt

Mix in statement jewelry for added visual interest. Like my go-to HRH Collection gold hardware necklace.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Anthropologie asymmetrical striped top. HRH Collection “Cuff” Gold chain necklace. Club Monaco zebra print skirt. Forever 21 belt. Aldo leopard print wedge heel sandals. JewelMint gold Birdcage Bangle. J. Crew resin ring. Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch.

WHERE / ALTERNATIVES

TOP: Breton stripe top, Club Monaco. | Asymmetrical stripe top, Nordstrom.
SKIRT: Zebra print pencil skirt, Karen Millen.
SHOES: Leopard wedge heels, Matiko.
NECKLACE: Gold chain necklace, Fantasy Jewelry Box. | Gold chain link necklace, Max & Chloe.
BRACELET: Gold lattice cuff, Kenneth Jay Lane.
WATCH: Gold hearts watch, Betsey Johnson.
**Affiliate links above. If you shop, I’d appreciate some clicky-clicks. :) **

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Just be crazy enough to mix prints. It’s not hard.

When it comes down to it, my love of mixing prints must stem from my own weirdness. I don’t like blending in, nor do I like the feeling of melting into a blasé norm, losing the unique, weird qualities of personality that distinguish me from your average person. Not that I disdain normal, I just prefer to think of myself as “different” and “strange”, it gives me the confidence to wake up, get through my day and somehow find satisfaction with all of it. If that makes me weird or garners stares, I’m okay with it.

It’s taken me a long time to learn how to like Mae for Mae. Now that I’m getting there, I don’t want to turn this journey on its head and turn back now.

Weirdness it is. Mixed prints, stupid canned blogger poses, over-the-top accessorizing and all that comes with it.

You’ve probably also seen this outfit here.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

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Architecture of an Outfit Preview: The Clash

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Clashing prints. The whole How to Wear Mixed Prints is kind of my thing.

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How to wear mixed prints: try stripes with zebra. It’ll keep people on their toes.

Stay tuned for the full outfit post tomorrow! See ya there!

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Be my homies! | Instagram: @maeluu | thereafterish. life & style blog RSS | thereafterish. on Facebook | Lookbook.nu | Bloglovin’ RSS | YouTube | Xx.

Architecture of an Outfit: Dizzy Dork in Mixed Prints

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Trying something new: An OOTD Look Vid! Lemme know what you think in comments on Facebook Page. Should I do more of these things?

I shot this in, like, 2 minutes during my lunch break last week. Since I edit videos as part of my job, knowing the software makes editing videos at home a snap.

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints ~ Statement striped blazer, Chevron Tunic and … Crocs! What!

Do your best douchebaguette-y, “traditional style blogger pose”, complete with the Crossover Leg and DuckFace.

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The full outfit with the tote/handbag. It’s a Marc by Marc Jacobs computer bag. Scored on super duper sale. I use it as my briefcase.


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Side view of the blazer and my flats. Yes, I said flats. Change up the outfit by throwing on heels. But if you’re lazy, let that stop you.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / WHAT I WORE

Striped Blazer, Tinley Road | Chevron linen tunic, Alternative Apparel | Ribbed tank, H&M | Lycra leggings, ASOS | Circle cut out jelly flats, Crocs | Straw Fedora, Fighting Eel Boutique | Gold chain “Original Cuff” necklace, HRH Collection | Gold heart locket watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs (no longer available)

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Is it bad luck to wear sunglasses indoors, or just bad luck to be a douchebaguette indoors?


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How to Mix Prints: the mixed prints do heavy lifting… you can be as lazy as you want. Go with leggings as comfy as pajamas.

ALTERNATIVES

Striped Blazer
Chevron Tunic
Jelly flat shoes, Melissa x Jason Wu Flats
Straw Fedora
Similar gold chain necklace
Gold heart charm watch, Guess
White leather watch, gold face, Lacoste

thereafterish, OOTD, how to mix prints, striped blazer, HRH Cuff Necklace, HRH Collection, HRH Necklace, Cuff Necklace, Croc flats

Hiya. Heart locket watch, gold “Cuff” necklace by HRH Collection, Fighting Eel Fedora, Striped blazer by Tinley Road

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for beauty how-tos and Day in the Life type vlog silliness.

Mahalo for watching!

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

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Architecture of An Outfit Preview: Douchebaguette Stripes & Chevron

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I’m pretty lazy when it comes to dressing lately. I guess it’s the permanent vacation feel you get when you live in the tropics. Putting on leggings and a tank comes like second nature. If I throw on a comfy blazer to keep me warm in the office (it’s very cold with the AC), let it be one with prints. It fools everyone into thinking I actually made an effort in dressing and stands out amongst the ripped jorts (UGH, hate that word :) , graphic Ts and cropped tops all the local girls sport, or all the frilly, lacy, frothy girly boho crud the adorable Asian tourists wear around here.

What I Wore Today: Douchebaggery Gets Girly with Stripes

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Doing my best to ham it up with my Douchebaguette Pose. Fedora = auto douchebaggery. :) Hey, if it feels and looks good… why not?


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Gold Neck Party, comfy leggings and mixed prints. An ideal low effort, high impact Lazy Friday OOTD.

This is just a preview of the outfit.

Another example of my Lazy Style: Low Effort, High Impact style. Look like you tried hard, but didn’t much at all. Hee hee. Throw on a printed or striped blazer and a statement necklace to do all the heavy lifting. Honestly, the leggings and tank are so comfy, it feels like I wore pajamas to work. OMG, I love it. I could fall asleep right here at my desk! If I wanted to look all “fashion-y” and whatnot, I could just toss my flats off and put on a pair of heels. But I didn’t. Loving the lazy, comfy feel.

Have a fun-filled, beautious weekend. I’m going to Keep Calm AND Go Beach. Ideal plan.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

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Architecture of an Outfit: Insta-Style – Week of Architectures

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Last week was a surprisingly good week for outfits, though I was too lazy to shoot any of them. So instead, I made an effort to catalog them on Instagram (add a sista: @maeluu).

Yet again, another week of Low Effort, High Impact Style, which is quickly becoming my fashion mantra. Details like leopard leggings, bright neon button downs, quirky shoes, arm parties or armswag, a gold neck party and lots of bright lipstick. That’s my…

Architecture of an Outfit: A week of style from Instagram’s Eyes–#Instastyle!

Monday

thereafterish, Low Effort High Impact Style, insta-style, OOTD, Neon Button Down, Leopard Leggings, Silver Arm Party

High Impact, Low Effort style uniform: Button Down, crazy leggings, fun shoes and an arm party.

Tuesday

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Easy dressing = donning crazy leopard wedge heels with a bright pedicure and a drapey, convertible dress by Emami.

Wednesday

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Gold HRH Collection chains are a surprisingly lightweight, high impact, low effort detial that makes an outfit look much more upscale than it really is.


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High Impact, Low Effort Style: all in the details. Gold Arm Party and Gold Neck Party (by HRH Collection – http://www.shopwithhrh.com)

Thursday

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My Style is also accurately labeled: How to Mix Prints – I often wear contrasting prints. And it works. Even with crazy shoes.


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Details on top of my Nautical on Nautical Stripes on Stripes outfit.

And I didn’t bother photographing my Friday outfit, because I was buried at work and then tired by the time I got home. I just forgot, but it was SUPER CUTE. I guess I’ll just have to wear that outfit again this week.

How was your week last week? I hope it was filled with smiles, happiness and amazing progress toward your goals!

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

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Architecture of an Outfit: Spring-Summer 2012 Brights Trend: Coral Crush

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I hate being called “trendy”, but the Spring/Summer 2012 brights trend of coral and neons is one I couldn’t resist. This gauzy split back shirt is one of the best impulse buys I’ve snapped up in a long time. And of course, my leopard wedge heels make their regularly scheduled appearance.

{ Architecture of an Outfit } Spring Brights, Stripes, Leopard Wedge Heels, Mom Pants and Silver Armswag

Hawaii Street Style, Spring Brights Trend, Leopard Wedge Heels, Armswag, Coral Trend
Hawaii Street Style, Spring Brights Trend, Coral Trend, Armswag, Leopard Wedge Heels

Spring Summer 2012 is all about neons and ultra vibrant hues, more so than it was last year. If wearing brights head to toe is too much for you, like it can be for me, you can always just wear one prominent color and keep the rest muted or neutral. A blouse or tee like this one can be a bit edgy, despite the floaty, ethereal fly away back, for the exact reason of all the skin. For the office, layer a striped or solid tank underneath to keep it appropriate. Then ground the breeziness with a half-tuck into pleated trousers.

I kept it playful by cuffing my mom-pants and contrasting the stripes and punch of the neon coral with my leopard wedges. Finally, I finished it with silver mismatched earrings and mixed metal armswag.

Hawaii Street Style, Silver Armswag, Silver Armparty, OOTD

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAILS
TOP: Fly away coral shirt, Mahina Maui (LOCAL:)
TANK: Striped Tank, Target
BELT: Snakeskin skinny belt, Banana Republic
TROUSERS: Pleated slim trousers, Victoria’s Secret
HEELS: Leopard wedge heels, Aldo Shoes
EARRINGS: Silver Fan Earrings, random boutique; silver costume “Chanel” C earring, Incognito Boutique, Royal Oak, Michigan
WATCH: Black polka dot watch, random Detroit boutique
RINGS: Silver puzzle ring, JewelMint; stackable spike rings, Noir Jewelry
BANGLES: Vintage, Alex and Ani

ALTERNATIVES / WHERE TO BUY
TOP: Coral open back top, Sparkle & Fade via UO; Coral chiffon sleeveless top, Nordstrom; Sheer coral fly away back top, Target.
TANK: Striped tank, American Apparel.
BELT: Snakeskin belt, Michael Kors.
TROUSERS: Soft pleated trousers, Karen Millen; grey pleated slim trousers.
HEELS: Leopard wedge heels, Steve Madden (almost exact same).
EARRINGS: Silver leaf dangle earrings.
WATCH: Polka dot gold watch, Betsey Johnson.
RINGS: Silver puzzle pieces ring, JewelMint (must subscribe to buy); stackable spike rings, Noir Jewelry.
BANGLES: Silver and pave bangles; Gold wire bangles.

Hawaii Street Style, Spring Brights Trend, Coral Trend, Armswag

Max the Bear wanted to do an Outfit of the Day shot as well, to show off his summer cut.

I’ve been seeing Moloka‘i, Lana‘i these early mornings, beyond the gold haze of dawn shining through my window… and sometimes wreathed by clouds, almost lilac in the distance, I can faintly see Mau‘i’s Haleakala Volcano above the glimmering Pacific and neighbor islands. It’s a magical time in my life. The thing is… it’s just regular life. And I’ve just learned to see it in a better, happier way.

I’m normally an angry, irritable person. I used to proudly refer to myself as GrumpyPants or AngryPants. But I’m learning to and need to let that go. Life is too short to let anger control me. In the grand scheme of life, everything that makes me angry are just anxieties that never, ever come to fruition. People sometimes suck. Life throws bad things at you. Storms may rage, but you can always adjust the sails to find calmer seas. The control rests in your hands. It all starts with me.

I sincerely hope your days are amazing and your weeks are short, sweet and golden.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

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Architecture of an Outfit: Sitting on The Dock of the Kai

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Jeez, how I love the sunsets in Hawai‘i Kai.

Hawaii Kai Sunset, Wheaten Terrier, Hawaii Street Style

{ Architecture of an Outfit } How to Mix Prints – Stripes on Stripes with Electric Green Drape Vest

Hawaii Street Style, How to Mix Prints, How to mix Stripes
Hawaii Street Style, How to Mix Prints, How to mix Stripes
Hawaii Street Style, How to Mix Prints, How to mix Stripes
Hawaii Street Style, Arm Party, Gold Armswag

Months ago when I said I’d take the rainforest over the crowded uppity neighborhood of Hawai‘i Kai, I was full of it. We originally were looking at listings in Hawaii Kai even before we booked our tickets for our move. I remember drooling over the amazing views, luxurious square footage, immediate proximity to Honolulu and thinking, dangit, why is it so expensive! (Um, DUH.)

Well, we found a house in Hawaii Kai! Now that our current lease is heading into its final weeks, securing an apartment in the original place we wanted to live in Hawaii is a dream coming into fruition. It’s an ohana unit, i.e., a unit attached to another home, and it’s smaller place, but no more hateful, persistent bugs, grime or screaming toddlers. And it has the most amazing view. Very excited.

This was taken first day we went looking for places in H Kai.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAILS
TOP: Striped tank, Target
SKIRT: Striped body-con skirt, H&M
BELT: Snakeskin skinny belt, Banana Republic
VEST: Drape military vest, Causeway Mall
SHOES: Gladiator strappy sandals, Forever21
WATCH: Silver black & white polka dot watch, random Detroit boutique
RINGS: Spike stacked rings, Noir Jewelry
BANGLES: Vintage, Alex and Ani

ALTERNATIVES / WHERE TO BUY
TOP: grey and white layering tank (Forever21).
SKIRT: Stripe bodycon skirt (Miss Selfridge).
BELT: Snakeskin skinny belt
VEST: drape crepe vest (Out Net), Double layered drape vest (Zappos).
SHOES: strappy gladiator flat sandal (Dolce Vita), strappy wedge sandal (ASOS), gladiator sandal (Nicole – inexpensive option).
WATCH: Black polka dot watch (Betsey Johnson).
RINGS: Silver and Gold spike stackable rings, Noir Jewelry (EXACT SAME)
BANGLES: Alex and Ani gold bangles (EXACT SAME), vintage bangles — similar: Gold Bangles

Hawaii Kai Sunset, Wheaten Terrier, Hawaii Street Style
Hawaii Kai Sunset, Hawaiian Sunset

And as far as epic sunsets go, Hawai‘i Kai is no exception to the legendary Hawaiian Sunset rule. I could get used to days of this.

Honi, me ke aloha ~ xo, with love,
Mae

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How to Mix Prints: Red Stripes and Drapey Leopard

How to Mix Prints: Red Stripes and Drapey Leopard

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How to Mix Prints / Architecture of an Outfit: red stripes and leopard This was inspired by Jen of Her Waise Choice. Stripes and leopard print combo are no alien to my regular rotation of mixed prints, but throwing in … Continue reading →

Architecture Preview: Old Lady Chic

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Just because you’re slightly disabled, or handicapped in some way, doesn’t mean you can’t be chic. Be Abled
Chic!

20111115-204456.jpg

Don’t let disabilities disable how you look at yourself.

Preview of tomorrow’s Outfit Architecture.

For more outfit of the day posts, see my Architecture of an Outfit series!

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How to Mix Prints: Bold Edition – Structured Stripes and Leopard

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In my How to Mix Prints / How to Wear Mixed Prints series, I’ve taught you a slew of different methods of wearable, stylish ways to wear contrasting or clashing prints.

How to Mix Prints: Bold Stripes, Structured Shapes and Leopard Print

We’ve done subtle mixed prints:

And we’ve done all out crazy, completely mismatched, clashing prints:

Now let’s go even crazier with the stripes on leopard print motif. Let’s try mixing bold stripes with structured shapes on strong leopard print.

Throw on a strong shouldered blazer (structured blazer) with prominent stripes and a curious collar over a leopard button down.
Balance out the proportions of the shoulder wings by wearing skinny trousers. Or, if you want to go fuller, stick with a high-waisted trouser type bottom. Stay away from flares or boot cut or bell bottom looks. The lines will be all wrong.

Structured Blazer, How to Wear Mixed Prints, Bold Stripes on Leopard, OOTD
Structured Blazer, How to Wear Mixed Prints, Bold Stripes on Leopard, OOTD

For more character, accessorize strategically. Because of the prominence of the other features, you don’t need to go crazy with a huge arm party or big earrings. Just be a little bit crazy enough to feel slightly over the top, but in a subtle way.

Start with a gold chain necklace around the collar of your button down. I chose a gold bike-chain looking necklace from Banana Republic. (Gifted to me by my dear friend ML of Twenty York Street.) I went for mixed metal bangles for my miniature arm party (arm accessories). And I also chose mixed matched silver earrings.

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Bold Stripes on Leopard, OOTD, Ruby Woo red Lipstick
Alex and Ani Bangles, Alex and Ani, Arm Party, OOTD
How to Wear Mixed Prints, Bold Stripes on Leopard, OOTD, Ruby Woo red Lipstick
Let’s not forget to go even bolder with bad ass red lips! I’m wearing Ruby Woo by MAC, as I reviewed in my article “The universally perfect red lipstick” (as it is the perfect bold red lipstick for every complexion, race and skin tone in the world).

Structured Blazer, How to Wear Mixed Prints, Bold Stripes on Leopard, OOTD

Now that you look amazing, confident and totally cheeky…brush that dirt off your shoulder, you player, and get your game on!

Outfit Architecture
Striped structured shoulder blazer, Causeway Mall
[SIMILAR: Kelly Wearstler Strong shoulder striped blazer (High end)]
[SIMILAR: bold stripe blazer]
Leopard Print button down shirt, J. Crew
[SIMILAR: silk leopard print button down shirt (high end)]
[SIMILAR: Anne Klein large leopard print button down shirt]
Skinny black trousers, GAP
[SIMILAR: Alice + Olivia skinny black trousers (high end)]
[SIMILAR: Topshop black skinny trousers]
Stacked strap booties, Anthropologie (All Black Brand)
[SIMILAR: Guess cut out bootie]
Biker chain gold necklace, Banana Republic (gifted)
[SIMILAR: Dominique Aurientis Gold link necklace (HIGH END)]
[SIMILAR: Janis Savitt gold cobra necklace]
Mismatched silver earrings, Causeway Mall
[SIMILAR: Silver fringe earrings]
Spike Bangle, Forever 21
[SIMILAR: Jennifer Lopez Studded silver bangle\
Alex and Ani I heart Rock and Roll bangles
Ruby Woo red lipstick, MAC
Ray-Ban tortoise shell Wayfarer eye glasses (clear frames)

Did you find this helpful? Be sure to check out my other articles in my How to Mix Prints series!

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Architecture Preview

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Preview for tomorrow’s Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints series article.

Leopard print with structured stripes, and bold, red lips.

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Leopard With Stripes, Ruby Woo Mac Red Lipstick
How to Wear Mixed Prints, Leopard With Stripes, Structured Striped Blazer
How to Wear Mixed Prints, Leopard With Stripes, Ruby Woo Mac Red Lipstick

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s Architecture post! It’s going to be a very good, instructional How to Mix Prints styling post!

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AOAO – How to Mix Prints: Polka Dot on Stripes

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Yet another item in my How to Mix Prints series (AKA How to Wear Mixed Prints) is mixing Polka Dots with Stripes. Learning How to wear contrasting prints isn’t hard. It’s about proportion and color. Or going all out crazy!

{ Architecture of an Outfit } Wearing Polka Dots and Stripes

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Polka Dot print with stripes, Waterfall Skirt, JewelMint Birdcage Bangle, Jean Paul Gaultier Melissa Heels

Don’t mind The Weird. We’ve already established that that’s sort of my thing.

See how the Polka Dots here are the main focal point of the ensemble? The white on the dark blue shirt draws the eye, while the contrast print of the purple stripes on my side ruffle/bustle skirt are very micro, so as not to compete with the dots on top. How do the two harmonize? The white elements. The white backdrop of the skirt echoes the white of the dots, and so there is a type of unifying element despite the two contrary prints. I further drew the two together with a vintage white leather belt with a huge gold coral buckle. The thing was heavy, but it was a nice grounding facet.

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Polka Dots with Stripes, OOTD, Clear Stilettos, Jean Paul Gaultier Melissa Shoes

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Polka Dots with Stripes, OOTD, Clear Stilettos, Jean Paul Gaultier Melissa Shoes

Outfit Architecture:
Ruched sleeve navy polka dot top, H&M. [SIMILAR: Splendid Polka Dot Top.]
Purple & White striped ruffle skirt, Anthropologie. [SIMILAR 1: Rachel Roy Micro Stripe Maxi Skirt
SIMILAR 2: ASOS Striped Ruffle Skirt,
SIMILAR in CIRCLE STYLE: ModCloth Beacon on the Bay Stripe Circle Skirt.]
Vintage white leather waist belt with gold coral buckle. [SIMILAR: Sonia Rykiel Crystal Embellished Leather Waist Belt.]
Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa clear stilettos. [EXACT: endless.com (Clear Available)]
Tortoise Shell Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses (clear Rx lenses). [EXACT: Ray-Ban Wayfarer in Tortoise Shell].

How to Wear Mixed Prints, Stripes and Polka Dots, JewelMint Birdcage Bangle, House of Harlow Key Ring

Keep it fresh with accessories!

Accessories Architecture:
JewelMint Birdcage Bangle. [SIMILAR: Endless.com Rose Gold Textured Square Bangle.]
House of Harlow 1960 Antique Gold Key Ring. [EXACT: Gold Key Ring.]
J. Crew Acrylic cocktail ring. [SIMILAR: CC Skye Vintage Inspired Cocktail Ring.]
H&M Capiz Shell Earrings. [SIMILAR: Me&RO Silver Shell Earrings.]

Melissa Shoes, Clear Heels, Melissa x Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Melissa Heels

I felt like wearing clear heels instead of nude, just to change it up. PETITES, Pay attention! I say time and time again, the best way to elongate your line is to wear high waisted (as I did here), and to wear nude heels to lengthen the leg. The same goes with clear shoes. Look taller with high heels with clear straps. You can still have all the straps you want, but none will cut off your line. Brilliant. The only danger to clear heels is that it’s hard to find chic ones–most of the clear, acrylic or PVC shoes out there are nasty hookerette gear. So please search for clear heels with care. Otherwise, just find a pair of chic, polished nude pumps.

What do you think of clear heels and mixing prints?

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