Pattern Mixing for A Slim and Sophisticated Look

Harmony With Textures and Fit

(Not a sponsored post. All writing and opinions are my own.)

I love it when the stars align with pieces of clothing that I already own and a new purchase. Such is the case with these new ankle pants and the black top and scarf vest that have been in my closet for quite awhile. 

I'll admit that I have been on a bit of a tear here lately trying to find pants that I like, that fit well and can be used as basic closet staples for many different outfits. I spoke recently of my irritation with trying on clothes and looking in dressing room mirrors. I have a pair of Basic Editions slacks in black that I really like but couldn't remember where to find them. (That's how long I have had this pair!) I tried Sears but no luck there. Walmart didn't have them. I had gone to one local K-Mart and they didn't have any. So, today, I decided to try another K-Mart a little further out from town and eureka...they had tons of Basic Edition brand tops and pants. I was mainly looking for solids, but tried on this black with white polka dot pair and fell in love! 

I find I like to mix patterns when the mix is subtle. I feel like the polka dots mixed with the flower pattern of the scarf is subtle enough for my taste. In my opinion, there is harmony with the mixed textures of these pieces. By the way, I'm calling the flowy top I'm wearing a scarf vest, but I have recently been seeing similar type tops on blogs being called "Dusters." I'm not sure if this qualifies as a Duster or not. Anyone know about that? 

Another neat thing about these scarf tops is their versatility. I was able to change up the look by tying it rather than leaving it loose and flowing. The look is still sophisticated in my opinion and black is always very slimming. Love that!

You all probably already know this, but Sears owns K-Mart. That's why I thought I would find the Basic Editions brand at Sears. From what I saw today it looks like all of the Basic Editions brand have been moved to K-Mart. I've heard rumors that Sears might close eventually. I surely would hate that as I am usually able to find clothing that fits well at Sears. Mr.thisandthat also likes to shop at Sears for his pants. Sears has been such a staple type store for years I can't imagine them closing. But, perhaps its time has come. Sure hope not! I can remember when the Sears catalog would arrive when I was growing up. It was a huge catalog and I would so enjoy looking at the toys section! Later, as a teenager, I delved into the ladies clothing section and, of course, the bridal gown section. Such fun! OK, enough reminiscing....let's talk shoes. 

I mentioned in an earlier post that I would tell you about these shoes. These George brand heels are a great find for me. I've been looking for a classic pair of heels that were still pumps and yet had more of a block heel. When I first saw this style at Walmart, they didn't have a size in this style that fit me. So, I kept checking back and at different stores. After several months, they finally restocked this style and I got a pair in my size. Hooray! 

I won't say these provide perfect comfort, but they are pretty darn close! And I really like the look of a classic pump. The heels are just the right height to look like a pump and yet are comfortable for walking. It's hard to believe that in my days as a young teacher I would wear pumps all day at school and even would take the kids outside for a break and run around in circles with my students while I was wearing pumps! Definitely not going to be doing that now! Ah....youth!

So, talk to me. Do you like to pattern mix? How do you achieve a sophisticated look? Are you a lover of classic pumps? Hope you'll leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you! Like something you see here? Feel free to pin it and be sure to recommend debbiethisandthat.com to other readers! 

Until Next Time,

Debbie

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