Wednesday, June 19, 2013

My Style // Patterns and Pops


Patterns and Pops // Bubby and Bean
Patterns and Pops // Bubby and Bean

Over the weekend, a few of us decided to grab lunch then go take some photos at a local forest preserve. I was wearing my very favorite dress and favorite new flats, and as I walked out the door, I grabbed a recently received pretty patterned tote to use as a purse.  As we headed to lunch, I had a moment of dresser's remorse, thinking that the patterns of the dress and tote together might be overkill.  (Why yes, I do over-think everything.  How did you know?)  Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I was actually quite fond of the two patterns together, especially against the solid orange shoes - and once again, all was right in the world.  I have a thing for patterns in neutral or muted shades paired with pops of bold color.  (Hence the 'patterns and pops' subject for this post.)  

The forest preserve, along with many acres of fields and woods, includes a really rad old, abandoned barn and a perfectly preserved one-room school house.  This was probably the first time I've ever been there without wearing shorts and hiking shoes, but it was actually fun for us all to walk around in nature feeling a little dressed up.  


In addition to the fact that this carry-all tote (called the Mint & Grey Rope Tote) is equal parts cute and handy (I like big bags and I cannot lie...), it was also ethically produced, which makes my level of adoration for it increase exponentially.  The quality is unsurpassed, and the hand loomed ikat fabric is beyond gorgeous.  If you haven't yet heard of Hearts, the company who makes the bag (along with lots of other beautiful accessories and jewelry), I highly recommend checking them out.  They support quality of life for more than 2,000 artisans around the globe, ensuring that each person involved in the production cycle receives fair wages and safe working conditions.  Pretty cool. (Pssst... They're also giving Bubby and Bean readers 30% off with code BUBBY30!)

Blowish Paloma Shoes

And how about these shoes?  You guys already know that I'm a long-time fan of Blowfish, and these Paloma Flats may just officially be my new favorite flats.  I broke out of my usual boho-ish shoe habit with these bold beauties, and I'm so glad I did.  I love the textured fabric and the fact that the bow is elegant without being too girly.  They're the perfect flats for short summer dresses, and will be great with tights once fall rolls around too.

The dress (which I also wore here last year) is my absolute favorite garment in my entire closet.  I bought it about a year and a half ago at a Target in Indianapolis for all of $25, and I would venture to say that I've worn it at least 30-40 times since.  Honestly.  I love the print, I love the cut, and I love the fit.  I can't tell you guys how many times I have purchased a piece of clothing that I wasn't so sure about initially, only to have it end up being one of my most treasured wardrobe staples.  Funny how that works.

 photo melissa_baswell_williams-2_zpsbfbb2d72.png
Dress:  Target  //  Shoes:  c/o  Blowfish  //  Tote Bag:  c/o Hearts
Charm Bracelet: vintage (my grandmother's)  //  Earrings:  c/o Roots & Feathers

What are you thoughts on mixing patterns and throwing in pops of bright colors when it comes to your outfits?  Too much or just right?

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22 comments:

  1. What a pretty summer outfit, Melissa!
    Off to check out that bag - I like big and eco bags too :)

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  2. This outfit is gorgeous - what a lovely print and it is perfect for Summer xo

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  3. That dress is SO fun. I might have to make a pit stop at Target later to see if they still have it...

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  4. Love the mix of those two patterns. And I LOVE that dress, it's one of my fave silhouettes for this season. Aw, and those flats. Adorable!! Haha, and yup, you're not alone I over think my outfits/everything all the time! ;) xo

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  5. lovin the outfit, and also that beautiful red barn!!!

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  6. So amazing dress but I love it♥♥
    You are gorgeous. Kiss

    http://n-julie.blogspot.fr/

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  7. The pattern of that dress is so awesome...so is the price tag! And the pop of color for your shoes is great...you could mix this dress with so many colors!

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  8. I love black and white patterns with a pop of color!! This looks awesome and the tote doesn't look overkill because it's so light colored.

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  9. gorgeous pics sis, you're so beautiful. and thanks for the advice before, I love hearing it! <33

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  10. Cute outfit. I'm especially lovin' those CUTE shoes!!

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  11. Love the dress, the shoes, and the bag! I'm all about mixing neutral patterns and bold solids too.

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  12. This is a great look on you, the dress style and pattern and cute orange shoes!!!!

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  13. i just say yes to pattern mixing, pops of color, and environmentally friendly! awesome melissa, that you got such a great dress that you love, for such a wonderful price. it reminds me of the 60's. :) super cute blowfish shoes. i've often thought the paul simon "think too much" was my theme song. do you know it? it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR-WAfxOEKY

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  14. Awesome! I love the pop of color in those shoes. x

    Melissa
    http://wildflwrchild.blogspot.com

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  15. I love patterns and mixing them with a pop of color. I really love that dress!
    ~Kim

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  16. You look so lovely in these photos, Melissa - particularly that first shot! And personally, I think you can't go wrong with black and white no matter how you wear it, even if you mix prints ;) These two work together beautifully, and those adorable orange flats add a sweet, summery pop of colour :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  17. Love the print of the dress...and the pop of orange in the flats juxtaposes the black and white palette perfectly!! Which forest perserve is this at? I'm gonna have to check it out...the photos are gorgeous :)

    Veloria in Velvet
    www.veloriainvelvet.wordpress.com

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  18. gorgeous outfit and backdrop too!

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  19. Thanks for your comments everybody! xo, m

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  20. Didn't need to enter the giveaway, but just wanted to say that I love how you feature fair trade fashion brands. That bag is a great everyday tote which is hard when they have prints. Lovely. Off to see your archives! New follower ;)

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