A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots
But it CAN add stripes!
I know you just saw the Sanctuary leopard cardigan (sold out in plus but still available in straight sizes and it runs large) in December with the denim shirt, but it’s Just So Good that I’ve been wearing it loads and pretty soon spring will…well, SPRING…and it will be put away til next fall. So I feel justified in showing it again so soon.
Pattern Mixing 101
This is a super easy pattern-mix: Leopard and Stripes. Really, stripes are an easy pattern to mix…and leopard is an easy pattern to mix, so put the two together and you just can’t fail. Black and white polka dots or plaid (even with a hint of another color – like red!!!) are other easy mixes with leopard.
And the secret here is that the black is the commonality. In thinking about mixing other color stripes with leopard, I’ve been coveting this tee from Asos, wondering if it’s the right chestnut-brown and if it would also look good with the leopard cardigan (as well as my Ellos chestnut cardigan).
Comfort Zone
Isn’t it funny how our own minds create a “comfort zone” within which we feel safe, comfortable, not too “out there.” And for some people, it can take a long time to include something in the zone. Why are some people so adventurous in that regard and others so cautious? I’m adventurous in my mind…but cautious on my body.
When I used to style models for my online vintage clothing shop I would mix and match pattern and color with wild abandon and loved the results! But I was dressing someone else.
Do you play it safe with your clothing…or do you like to dress on the wild side??
What I’m Wearing:
- Sanctuary Leopard Cardigan, 2x. Plus sizes sold out, still available in straight sizes here and here.
- Rainbow Shop black and white striped tee, 3x. Comparable here in plus size and here in straight size.
- Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Classic Tapered Jean in Callisto wash. Size 22w short.
- The near-death black Adidas cloudfoam sneakers. The poor things are still doing right by me even though they’re dying to be put out to pasture. Hopefully next month I can replace them (Please, they’re begging, PLEASE!).
jodie filogomo
It’s funny how you say that about being adventurous. It’s so true.
When I first talked about print mixing for the blog with my mom…I got the eye roll. Seriously. Then I showed her how she did it with her pillows on her bed. Of course to her, that was different. Yet now, she does it on her own occasionally. Without me prompting her.
I think it takes seeing it over and over to get used to it.
And your example is “Purr” fect….(sorry, couldn’t resist)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Yeah, decorative fabric pattern mixing was how I was introduced to WARDROBE pattern mixing, and it IS different. I once had these fabulous valances – they were all different floral fabrics just swooped and swagged together, I LOVED them. At my windows. But I don’t think I could WEAR that. Although honestly I’ve never been able to TRY. It’s hard enough for me to just find basic SOLID colors in my size, let alone multiples of different patterns and colors. That’s certainly a piece of the puzzle for me, but not the whole pie. And yes, familiarity is another factor. In marketing they always say a potential customer has to see something seven times before they feel comfortable enough with it to make a decision. Certainly I’ve seen style trends start and I’ve been like Nope, Not Me, Never. But after seeing something on dozens of blogs or style websites time after time, sometime year after year, you get accustomed enough that you can actually allow yourself to LIKE it. I was that way with ankle booties when they first appeared. It took me a LONNNNG time to get over NOPE. And now I love them. Wish I could wear more of them.
Meow.
julia
So, I don’t think I’m that adventurous either. Like, I only have leopard print in accessories and shoes but not in a main-stage item. And I have one pair of print pants and I still think they look like pajamas though I’ve forced, yes, forced myself to wear them out and about. I’m liking this background for your photos. You’re still in full shade but an interesting background that doesn’t take over the shot. That’s good you looked for apartments based on photo shoot locations!
bettyewp
Yeah, this cardigan was kind of a big deal for me. A big adventurous step. But really, it’s just PATTERN. If it was a brown and black stripe would that feel easier? Safer? And if yes, why exactly?? It’s just shapes in colors. So weird that it’s such a big deal to us. There are plenty of things in life that ARE a big deal. This should really not be one of them.
I am finding that this area, as close as it is to the old apartment, does offer many better (mo better?) selfie shooting locations. Funny thing, though, as I was shooting there the other day. There’s always lots of photographers around the pond, looking to get shots of the eagles. I was in a little empty parking lot away from the bird watchers. A guy with a camera walked past on the road and calls to me “they’re in the pine tree!” I realized he figured anyone in the general vicinity with a camera on a tripod was there to shoot the eagles, so I just said thank you and continued futzing with my camera. Less than a minute later, here he comes back towards me, pointing, “no, they’re That Way!” Ha ha, I just said, thanks, I’m not shooting the birds and busied myself with my camera so he didn’t ask further questions and I didn’t have to explain that I was taking pictures of ME. Cuz THAT’S not an awkward conversation!
Susan Marinelli
Julia is right, the location is gorgeous. So is that sweater.
I will print mix on myself but not often. I don’t like it on myself as much as I do on other people. I do however, adore leopard, and have worn my leopard boots with my camo vest, and not batted an eyelash. I think the two prints are far enough away from one another to keep me from feeling like Bozo the Clown.
bettyewp
Ha ha, I doubt you look ANYTHING like Bozo the Clown! Do you think the 20-somethings even know that reference??
Iris
Love the leopard – I even have a couple of leopard things, not that I ever wear them, but…
I have great difficulty mixing prints. Too old (I know Jodie – if your Mom can do it I should be able to do it), but it’s just ingrained in me. Maybe one day.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Too old, my foot. Maybe Koda would like a leopard print collar?
Heather
Love it! Leopard is a neutral in my book so it goes with everything!
Daenel T.
You mixed my two favorite prints! I don’t know why, but I just like the way they look together. Maybe it’s because my mom was always like “You cannot mix patterns” or “You do not wear red and pink together”. And I’m a rebel. LOL
I also like a splash of red too. So sexy, ya know?
bettyewp
Ooh, pink and red together is one of my favorites!
Nancy
For about two years ago I even never wore prints! I hated prints. But not the leopard one, I loved that one since I was born! But I now love to mix prints. One just has to get used to it I guess. I love your cardigan, that brown is the perfect brown!
bettyewp
NO PRINTS? Ha, I get it. I think I went through that, too. Then I wound up with a closet of all solids. Then that got boring for me and I started adding stripes…then some polka dots…then some florals…then some leopard…ha ha. And I still want more!