Black and White

Top: H&M  Skirt: Marimekko x Banana Republic no longer available online (check your local store!)  Shoes: Michelle D love this pair  Bag: South Moon Under similar here  Watch: Michael Kors  Bracelets: Stella and Dot and J.Crew similar here  Ring: Kate Spade  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

I decided to really step out of my comfort zone the other day and *gasp* mix patterns. I am not one to really step outside the lines and get all crazy with patterns but I really, really love the way this black and white skirt looks with these stripes. Maybe it's the combination of all of my favorite patterns topped off with little red bows.

Also, I snagged a few other items from the Marimekko collection that was just released at BR and am pretttty excited about them. Of course I missed out on everything online and my local store didn't carry the pants I was dying for but I am loving the dress and shorts that are still sitting in the bag. I can't wait to pull them out later this summer. The whole collection is just so cute! 

Don't forget that you only have one day left to enter my giveaway!

Linking up with Three-fer Thursday, All Things Chic and Tara today.

Pattern Play

Top: H&M  Skirt: Kirna Zabete for Target  Bracelet: Stella and Dot  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Necklace: Stella and Dot  Shoes: GUESS

One trend I am still hestitant to try: mixing patterns. I tried mixing a flower pattern and polka dots here and loved the end result yet have not been very confident when mixing patterns since. This past weekend, I bought a few (read: way too many) striped shirts. I think that with simple colors, the stripes become such a neutral and can be paired with just about anything. I wanted to debut my striped shirt collection by pairing one of the shirts with a fancy skirt that adds so much to a simple black and white top. 

Patterned Tights

Top: J.Crew  Skirt: H&M Similar Style  Tights: Betsey Johnson  Boots: Bandolino  Watch: Michael Kors  Bracelets: Stella and Dot

For a few years now, I have owned a couple pairs of patterned tights, yet I have been too afraid to wear them… with anything. This past week, I stepped out of my comfort zone and wore some patterned tights with a patterned top. I have been trying to mix patterns lately so this was my latest attempt. I think that the pattern on the tights is pretty subtle and doesn't compete with my busy top. I kind of threw this outfit on as I ran out the door on (a rainy!) Friday and I ended up liking it much more than I imagined.

What are your thoughts on patterned tights? What do you typically wear them with?