October 15, 2023

Pattern Play

Sartorially speaking, I pride myself on being a practiced Print Master.

leopard print boots, shoes, cheetah, spotted, wedges

 


It can be a tricky trend to translate, but once you get a handle on pattern play, you’ve got yourself a game-changer. Your wardrobe combinations increase exponentially, getting dressed is easier, and it’s a no-fail way to impress your fashion-minded friends.

For an easy-to-follow primer of match-ups that make sense together, I suggest sticking to a monochromatic palette. Black-and-white (or navy-and-taupe, in my case) makes for a classically chic ensemble — you can add a dash of color with a killer bag or cute pair of heels.

michael kors blouse, graphic shirt, mixing prints, how to mix printsshoemint booties, zara leggings, leggings as pants

I wore this ensemble one weekend that Jess and I ventured out on a mid-morning campaign for carbohydrates. Retail therapy will do that to you, right? I rose early with a shopping bug that day — I’m certain I could unknowingly spend half of a day browsing racks on racks of quality designer finds at T.J.Maxx, which is where I found this trendy graphic-print blouse that’s now in constant closet rotation.

Post-shopping binge, we ended up at Murray’s Bagels, which has some serious NYC bagel street cred. Hand-rolled, hot and bigger-than-average — exactly how I like them. (We’re still talking about bagels, perverts.)

Knowing how much wandering the day inevitably held, I slipped on a pair of walkable booties. Wedge anything is a well-kept secret of the super-stylish - they’re decidedly chic and surprisingly comfortable.I used to walk everywhere in heels in Chicago, but the streets of New York are a different beast.

Lastly, I like to stay fresh-faced with minimal make-up on the weekends, so a dusting of blush was it for me on my way out the door… Of the store. What can I say, I’m a sucker for affordably-priced beauty buys.

graphic blouseecco shoes, ecco shoes bag, graphic ring, statement ring

Note: If you have specific questions about the items I’m wearing, let me know in the comments below!

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Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy

Expressing yourself through fashion, and knowing how to put together a great look—at great value, is what being a Maxxinista is all about. At T.J.Maxx you can score the unexpected to make your own personal style statement. Here’s to rockin’ your real deal.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by T.J.Maxx (a brand I love and shop often) via Glam Media.
The opinions here are mine, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that support corals + cognacs.

30 comments

  1. I didn’t know you were from Chicago. I’m going on Monday for a few days, are there any restaurants or awesome thrift stores you could recommend?

    I’m not as good as you with print mixing, but when I do it leopard print is almost always involved- it goes with everything!

    Reply

  2. This may be an odd thing to comment on, but I love how natural your sponsored posts are. As a reader, I get that they often times need to happen for any blog to continue, but some are better at naturally slipping it in than others. Of the blogs I read, you’re one of the best.
    -Kodi

    Reply

    • Thanks, Kodi. I really appreciate that — and no, I don’t think it’s an odd comment. I try to be very conscious of sponsored content (and only work with brands that make sense, of course) so I’m glad you noticed and took the time to comment! Hope your week is going well!

      Reply

  6. Agreed with Alyssa on this-those shoes are so great! And, there’s a bagel on my desk right now…(well, there was, I’ve nearly finished it haha).

    Reply

    • Lol! Always happy to help. I think you’ll surprise yourself if you just start experimenting, though! Try stripes and polka dots first (within one color scheme). Really, if you just stick to two unique prints, you’ll look like a veteran! x

      Reply

  8. hehe, bagels! I eat gluten free as often as possible, but I will throw that out in a nanosecond for a decent NY bagel. There’s a bagel shop in Baltimore that recently opened and has darn good bagels. Turns out the owners are from NY and used to work in a bagel shop so my bagel lust is in good company.

    http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

    Reply

  12. LOVE your blog, its part of my morning routine to check it out. Great sense of humor + great pics + awesome style = AMAZING. Keep up the great work. Can you please tell me who makes that beautiful blouse your wearing?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  14. I recently walked into my closet and literally couldn’t find any solid colors… so i think I have a #patternproblem. This post literally made me OOOOHHHHH and AHHHHH over your shoes and top! I recently got a check print top from F21, cant wait to style it! Looking good, Hallie! :)

    xo,
    Danielle

    Reply

  15. I love mixing prints! It is one of my current favorite things. Love that top, and those shoes are fab!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    Reply

  16. LOVE your whole outfit! I have been reading your blog for a few months and cannot wait to open it every morning! I want to recreate the whole outfit :) Would love it if you could share who makes your blouse and leggings!

    Reply

  18. Love those booties! Can you email me the brand? I just recently stumbled upon your blog and am loving it! You have great style. Enjoy your day.

    Reply

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  22. I would love to know where exactly you got those boots. I’ve been eyeing a similar pair on a different website but they’re out of stock. But these are amazing! Sending an SOS.

    Reply

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