What's the Pattern?

Well, Wardrobe of Color got so many views last time that I decided I want to do a sequel. This time, it's about pattern.

I discovered the butterfly shirt in a thrift shop one day when I was looking for orange. I've never been into patterns before, or butterflies, or shirts with a hemline that is lower in the back than in the front, but I decided it was enough out of my comfort zone to make for an interesting experiment. Also, it was a thrift shop, so I it wasn't more than a couple bucks.

Turned out to be an instant favorite of mine once I paired it with my light blue sundress, favorite black belt, and my black button-up Calvin Klein dress-shirt. The patterned tights from Target made it all the better.

My next pattern experiment came about because I desperately needed an extra shirt. I'd spent Thursday night at a friend's house between work days and had a change of clothes with me, but Winter Storm Jonas was on its way and my boss suggested I take up the company offer of a hotel room for both Friday and Saturday. As it turned out, I wound up staying stuck in that hotel for Sunday night too, so it's a very good thing that I decided I simply had to have another shirt on Friday, before all the stores closed.

Anyway, there was nothing in the woman's section that I liked, so I tried out the girls', where I found this orange peace-sign shirt. My favorite way to wear it is with all black, especially my black layered skirt (which I didn't have in the hotel, so it's not pictured here), because I enjoy the contrast in colors and styles. Big belt, big boots, and... a peace sign made of flowers.


And, last night, I went stress-shopping and found this hilariously free-spirited dress at, I think, Dress Barn. It was only ten bucks and, by itself, it has no shape. The hemline swoops, there's palm trees all up the front, and it has short sleeves, but I'll probably never wear it without personalizing it.

This was my first attempt. The greens seemed to match well and I liked the contrast between the vaguely military olive green hat and jacket, and very free style skirt. Roommate Laughter kindly agreed to stop laughing at my antics long enough to snap a couple photos.

Yeah, the loft upstairs still needs some interior decorating. So does the living room downstairs, although that at least features a big poster of the Enterprise, one of the space shuttle, a nebula, and a few planets, nothing of which matches the rugs or the couches. Since my bedroom is done (not all written up, but everything hung), the downstairs will be my next project. It's a bit of a challenge though, decorating an adult area with an astronomy theme. Most of the ideas I'm thinking up seem better suited for a little kid.

The loft might never be decorated as long as I live here. It's on the third floor, mostly away from any potential guests, and my roommates don't seem interested in doing that kind of project themselves. That's okay, I love doing it, this just means it'll take longer.

I had fully intended to wear my military/free-spirit combination today, but when I woke up this morning, I decided that was too regulation. Something brighter was needed, and what's brighter than red? Plus, it went kinda well with the new brown boots I picked up last night at DSW.

I think I like this combination better in general, but I'm sure I can come up with some others as well. One thing I'd like to have in a wider selection is these button-up shirts. Back when they were in season, I hadn't realized yet that I could mess with the way they're typically worn, so I didn't like them. I don't care to button-up and look formal, and, more importantly, if they're the under-layer, it makes it hard to take off layers if it gets too warm. I preferred jackets and scarves then.

Now that I've realized I can wear them bolero style, they aren't in season. That's okay, they'll be back soon. I can already feel the autumn chill in the air!