Archive for the ‘Pattern Mixing’ Category
For the Love of Dresses
Posted on: August 10, 2017
- In: Dresses and Skirts | florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | Petite | prints | Summer Outfits
- 3 Comments
If you are a regular follower of my blog you know my feminine nature and adoration of
dresses for every day wear, not that special occasion dresses aren’t fun too!
Therefore it should come as no surprise that in my Amelia James business venture,
that I would stock dresses. This one is our Chelan dress and a top seller at $54.
I prefer it belted to bring it just above my knee and create a fun swing skirt.
I loved styling the floral with a fun striped bag. I have this dress in a few colors
in sizes small to 3x and will be doing a live Facebook sale tonight at 7:30 pm on all dresses for $10 off.
You can find my page HERE and watch it Live or in Replay through the weekend.
Going Live is a bit nerve wracking and I am so nervous leading up to it,
but once I get started, I am usually fine.
I am so blessed to have the support of my children and two of my sons will be
behind the scenes keeping me straight.
Gratitude
I am so grateful for the loving and full support of my family.
I am grateful my husband just called me to wish me luck going live on my own with no business partner.
I am grateful for a fabulous sunny day!
I am grateful for this new business venture to distract me from this darn mourning my sister process.
I am grateful that my husband is also starting a business venture and got word today , that it is a GO!
Versatility of a Patterned Dress
Posted on: October 17, 2016
When I saw this dress from Glamour Farms on Grace and Beauty,
I fell absolutely in love.
It sold out and thanks to a Style Sister who messaged me that it was
back in stock, I was able to finally order it.
As a petite it is longer on me and I bought a large because of my 39″ bust.
There was ample room in the bust and dress, but the arms would be an issue, but are fine for me.
Best of all , this baby has pockets!
One thing I think you should look for in a patterned dress , is for colors that work with toppers you
already have in your wardrobe, which is why I was so drawn to this particular print.
My first thought before it even arrived was to pair it with a burgundy sweater to
bring out the browns and pinks in the print.
Since I’ve added this Burgundy Utility jacket from Jane. com,
I opted for this instead of a sweater.
I didn’t get a picture of it, but I also have a pink utility jacket that works well too.
Keep in mind that any burgundy or pink topper would work.
If interested , check Jane often as they get these utility jackets on a regular basis
The next obvious piece for this print was my beloved mint moto jacket.
Unfortunately I bought this last year, so it is sold out.
I thought this was going to be my favorite topper for this dress.
It is definitely one of my favorites, but the more I played around with toppers,
a new favorite emerged, which I am saving for last.
Creme is another color that works well this and I think I might even
go very matchy -matchy and add my creme boots with it .
This tobacco color jacket also works well ,
this look is among my favorites as it is more subdued contrast
This is a new jacket I bought for more neutrals in my style from Just Fab. .
Next up I went for a chocolate brown cardigan,
I love long cardigans with dresses in Fall/Winter.
I bought this sweater last year, but here is what colors currently available.
Although the background on the dress is brown,
I tried it with this black duster length cardigan and was
pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.
To go with a complete surprise,
I tried it this fun fringe boho sweater.
The color may look grey, but it really a chambray blue shade.
The blue seemed to make the mint less green and more blue.
One trend that is big for this season is more maximal
looks than ever before with lots of pattern mixing.
I loved the way this vest demonstrates that trend.
This is my final option for toppers and my favorite look.
The orange Marla Wynne sweater is sold out.
Her line is a new love of mine and I own 2 pants from that line in addition to
this very thick, warm and beautiful kimono sweater.
Dear Readers, This was a very fun adventure, I actually tried the dress on as soon as it
arrived and explored all these options by trying them on. The dress is a swing dress and
a few options I tried didn’t work, the specific one that comes to mind was a peplum jacket.
Do you have a favorite out of these options? Would love to hear from you, so please comment!
The principal of buying printed items that work with pieces in your closet can work with tops as well.
Of course this doesn’t have to require a purchase of something new, how about finding something print in your own closet and see what you have to pair with it, warning you may find yourself wanting to add something else to your closet, lol
Gratitude
I am grateful to my style sister for noticing my comment on Grace & Beauty , and making sure I knew it was back in stock.
I am grateful for the fun memory this venture stirred up in me, as my mother was very good at picking one color out of a print and making outfits. In fact at her funeral one mom she had babysat for mentioned just that to me, as she was always so impressed to come home and find what outfit my mother had put together for her son.
I am grateful that I am back on a weight loss journey and have lost 6lbs in three days.
I am grateful for spending time with friends this week as I had lunch with two friends and coffee with another.
Orange Delight
Posted on: June 15, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Orange | Pattern Mixing | prints | shoes | Summer Outfits
- 7 Comments
Some Bloggers would consider this outfit
too matchy-matchy with orange accents everywhere…..
I absolutely could have switched out the purse for a blue one and in fact ,
almost did, but in the end I wanted to get more use out of the butterly tote,
which makes me feel my mother’s spirit.
My blue espadrilles would have paired nicely with this oufit as well.
When you added fun orange ones for the season, one can’t help but delight in using
that pop of color when possible.
This floral tank with greens and oranges is one I bought from Jane.com,
in my continued effort to get less form fitting ones into my wardrobe.
The orange sweater is one I thrifted a few years ago and a necessity
for my trip to the frigid AC at the bowling alley this afternoon.
Gratitude
I am grateful that my Oberweiss Delivery of greek yogurt came before I had to leave for bowling, as they put it in the porch in a cooler,but with this kind of heat , I wouldn’t trust it for very long….
I am grateful for the funny moment when we had all rushed to get ready for the 11am bowling and were in the car when I looked at my phone and saw I had missed a Facebook chat where our group had changed it to 3:30.
I am grateful for Netflis and my Smart tv that DH won for his sales success, I am having so much fun finding BBC shows.
I am greatful for sunshine and summer days that are a definite slower pace with college kids home.
I am grateful that I finished this blog post right before heading out to bowling and won’t have to try to squeeze it in after dinner.
I’m Back!
Posted on: May 31, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Gratitude | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints | Summer Outfits | Weight Loss
- 17 Comments
I can’t believe I am finally feeling better!
I’ve had about 6 weeks of dealing with lower back pain and once I got that resolved,
terrible abdominal adhesion pains that had been in the background came screaming forward.
I have never had anything but minor pangs with my 29 year old c-section scar.
Afer applying heat, doing self massage and lots of yoga stretching, I am now 3 days pain free!
I found this navy striped skort at BJ’s by Jones New York and the
kimono is from TJ Maxx.
I love Navy and White together for Spring/Summer
and will probably do several combos in the future.
My adhesion pain came the day before we were to leave for Boston for my daughter’s graduation.
I did not make the trip, but thanks to Skype I was there!
I also had the fun of getting instant photos as my husband shot them and was able to give my input
to retake a shot to fix things, it was like I was there…
Everyone agreed that the amount of walking on that trip would have never worked for me.
We are all still glowing with pride as a family and she herself can’t believe she achieved her Master’s Degree while 24 ( she will be 25 in July)
I gained weight during this time of little activity and ate lots of carbs as well…
I began the 17 day diet 3 days ago, where Phase I is low sugar fruits, vegggies, protein and probiotics.
I have to say day 3 is today and I was quite irritable, I caved and had a piece of chocolate…
Confession: I now have 23lbs to lose, aaaagh!
Grattitude
I am grateful that I am finally pain free and able to get back to my Pilates workouts.
I am grateful that this weight gain really pushed me to completely focus on better self care.
I am grateful that my son has a state bowling tournament in a little over two weeks (Father’s Day Weekend), so I get a fun mini vacation.
I am grateful for all the help with housework from my family when I was down and out!
Floral & Stripes
Posted on: April 22, 2016
With my Back Acting up Since the
Jimmy Buffet concert last weekend,
I haven’t been much for taking blog photos.
I took these photos on Tuesday when we had warm weather return
and I was thrilled and showed it by wearing my “Lovely Day” tshirt from last season.
I found the floral slip ons on Jane.com and
added an orthotic as they are not at all the comfort of my Clark’s.
My skirt is from QVC and a first purchase from George Simonton’s line.
I like the swingy nature of this skirt and bought it in yellow as well.
It’s a very odd much thicker fabric than I anticipated,
but I do love the length and will get much use of this for Spring and Summer.
If you look closely you may notice I have a new accessory
on my wrist, A Fitbit Charge I scored off Ebay in Navy.
I am loving seeing how many steps I take each day and up until I hurt my back,
was very motivated to move more and increase to reach my goal of 10,00.
This week I’ve only reached about half that on most days, but not stressing as the more
I try to do the worse my back is by the end of the day…
It’s not easy to limit myself , but that is what I must do at this point, ice packs, a new massager, yoga stretches, tumeric and a new Magnesium gel are among my arsenal to allow my back to heal.
Dear Readers, Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!
Gratitude
I know this is silly, but I am grateful for the back trouble as it is confirmation that I danced and had as wonderful a time as I had hoped for at the Jimmy Buffet Concert, lol..
I am grateful for the help from my husband and son during this time of taking it easier…
I am grateful that our weather is now more like a normal Spring of swings from the 60’s to 80.
I am grateful to my hard-working husband!
I am grateful for the sweet kind, compassionate nature of my youngest son, who sent his Iphone to Massachusetts and is doing without for a few weeks until his new phone arrives. He sent it to his sister as her motherboard blew and she was lost in Boston on Marathon weekend with no GPS…
Loving Long Vest Trend
Posted on: March 30, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints | shoes | Spring Outfits | Vest
- 9 Comments
As my Regular Readers are Well Aware,
This curvy woman loves completer pieces and
vests for Spring/ Summer are perfect because they are sleeveless and don’t add extra warmth.
Linking up Today with Two Teens and Their Mama
When I saw this one on TJ Maxx online (Sold Out) , I just had to have it.
I can also wear it open, with the tie in the back and will do so in the future.
These shoes are fast becoming a favorite, so much so that I tried to order the second color offered,
but when it came in the mail, I was sadly disappointed that it looks more like lavender than pink.
Will see about styling them before deciding if I will return them.
I really like how the vest breaks up the two different patterns.
The sweater is Ann Taylor, one of my favorite lines, which I never buy unless on clearance.
With the super clearance it cost me just $11.95 and I’ll get a chance to wear it a time or two for Spring
before I put it away for Fall and look forward to for the full season.
Here is another long vest, I have my eye on!
Dear Readers, so far on day two of my banana and hot beverage
for breakfast and protein high lunch and dinners,
I am doing very well. I love that after just two days I am no longer craving sugar
and look forward to a full
two weeks of this before adding in vegetables and healthy carbs.
Here is ten health benefits of bananas
Gratitude
I am grateful to my son who wasn’t feeling good, but graciously got up to take my blog photos today.
I am grateful for the fun surprise of walking outside to take photos to see my husband pulling in the driveway, mind you it was not even 4:30 and he was home, as a salesman he is usually out until 10 pm or later.
I am grateful that we used the time with him home to head to BJ’s to stock up on lots of protein options for me for this new journey to jumpstart weight loss.
I am grateful for a fun texting conversation with a dear friend.
I am grateful that my son said he isn’t up to our planned picnic and venture to Mt. Trashmore between our two bowling events tomorrow, as the high pollen is really messing me up and I am quite tired.
White Before Memorial Day…
Posted on: March 22, 2016
- In: Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints | Purple | shoes | Spring Outfits
- 2 Comments
I’ve been out for a few days with a painful stye,
nursing the swollen mess with hot cloths .
Four days and that’s now gone, but yesterday the huge
swings in our temperatures from the storm messed up my
sinuses leaving me with a sore throat and low-grade fever.
Not much getting dressed going on these past few days…
I wore this outfit last Friday night when I went out with
a friend to dinner and a play.
I joked with my teen son about wearing white shoes before memorial day,
when I explained that use to be a hard and fast rule for my mother and grandmother’s
generation, he laughed and said it sounded ridiculous.
I wore my new necklace, I bought recently from Jane.com
My white shoes I bought new for this season from Amazon
You can find them HERE
Gratitude
I am grateful that despite my not feeling very well, that I have managed to continue my pilates exercizes every other day, and in fact it helped me get rid of the kink in my shoulder.
I am grateful that after one very painful day , that the remaining two days of the stye were better.
I am grateful that I felt well enough despite my sore throat and sinus issues today to get my winter items packed away and out of site, although I still have to put all my boots away.
I am grateful that my bank gave back the money from the stupid website that hijacked onto my reservations for my daughter’s graduation.
Black & White Pattern Mixing
Posted on: February 22, 2016
- In: Black & White | Boots | Gratitude | Homeschooling | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Petite | prints | Winter Looks
- 1 Comment
I quite often say, “Black and White is Always Right” when it comes
to styling outfits, as I’ve never put that color combo together and not loved it!
I love everything about this look.
Starting with the pattern mixing of this multi media foral print tunic (I found it on a flash sale on Jolly Chic, asian sizing , but so cute, a sweatshirt attached to a fun cotton skirted bottom) amd the cozy azztec print sweater.
The addition of the silver and black neclaces adds to the black and white theme.
The texture and sheen of the leatherette leggings by Hue also adds a great element to the black and white theme, as does the fringe booties.
One pop of color in the bright handbag, ( a gift from 31 gifts)
With this tunic having a nice skirted hem, it’s almost like wearing a fun skirt ,
which put a pep in my step.
That’s not an easy thing to do , today, as my sinuses are way off and I feel disoriented.
I’ve noticed that this winter I have done a lot more outfits that qualify as boho ,
that’s a big change as in previous years I’ve felt that my boho side had to wait until
Spring/Summer to come out to play.
The fun of blogging and seeing my outfits allows me to see patterns and directions of my style.
Of course everyone doesn’t need to be a blogger, but taking pictures is something anyone can do and
I highly recommend it. I have learned so much about how to dress my petite, curvy body from pictures.
It’s been a very fun journey and to be at this point of more confidence is priceless.
Self Care
I would have to say , I haven’t done much these past few days in self care, other than taking meds for
the sinus issues that are present due to the crazy swings in our temps. I skipped two days on my Pilates machine and am not happy about that at all….
Gratitude
I am grateful for my son apologizing and realizing he hadn’t spoken clearly about something.
I am grateful that my son finally brought me his sign language course and we figured out the ins and outs of it as it was confusing to him and he was completely stalled on moving forward.
I am grateful that after waking up at 5am , having breakfast at 7am that I went back to sleep and slept until almost noon!
I am grateful that although I feel somewhat disoriented, that my pounding headache is gone!
I am grateful for days of sunshine, cause rain is heading our way…
Skirting It…
Posted on: February 12, 2016
- In: Boots | Dresses and Skirts | Gratitude | Grey | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Winter Looks
- 1 Comment
Today’s Challenge Was to Wear a
Dress or Skirt…
I thrifted this one ages ago and hadn’t worn it yet.
As a woman who fully embraces her femininity ,
I could wear dresses and skirts everyday and be perfectly, delightfully spunky!
Of course that would be quite silly for my homeschooling Mom life and impractical.
With only 3 years left with my youngest child, I wonder what’s around the corner
and if I will find something to do that allows me to wear more dresses and skirts.
That’s the fantasy anyway!
I was attracted to this skirt because I loved the muted greys and blues and the fact that
it is a sheer overlay that just floats when I walk.
I want to try it with my grey leather and perhaps a denim jacket.
My striped shirt is thrifted as well, and didn’t look good tucked or untucked it looked frumpy,
so I knotted it off the to side and even DH saw the difference!
It was so fun to sport my faux suede grey boots, I haven’t worn very many heeled boots
this season and have missed them.
I added a hat and gloves because we are at freezing temperatures and are going lower over the weekend.
For some of you that’s not a big deal, but for this beach woman it is!
My daughter joked me on the phone that she was bringing Boston weather with her!
Self Care
I lost two pounds so far this week and hope to lose at least one more…
Going to be very careful for Valentine’s Day!
Gratitude
I am grateful for a conversation with my daughter who had her PHD interview that was group style and came out of it pretty proud of her answers. She doesn’t know if they made her stand out, but she felt like the others were very prententious and she was more herself and down to earth. Her take away was that it was a learning experience regardless of the outcome. Makes me proud that something I taught her rubbed off!
I am grateful that my husband didn’t go to work until 3 today , so had some time to just hang out with my homeschooler and I , he’s been unusually busy this week , so it was a good break.
I am grateful that after waking up only 4 hours after falling asleep, that I fell back asleep for another two hours!
I am grateful that my sinus headache responded to medication and left me mobile and active for this day of getting ready for my daughter to come home…..
So naturally that leads to….I am grateful that tonight my daughter will fly home for the weekend and I can hug her tight, talking on the phone, facetiming on her brother’s Iphone is just not the same!
I am grateful that my daughter loves coming home and misses us too!
I Made a Styling Trick Video…
Posted on: January 28, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Navy | Outfits with scarfs | Pattern Mixing | prints | shoes | Winter Looks | Yellow
- 1 Comment
A question came up today among my fashion friends on how to make a dress
that was below the knee look good with boots and jackets as it felt too dumpy…
I’d had that exact issue a few weeks ago when I wore my striped dress to
Parent’s Night Out and this is how I fixed it…
Today’s color for the challenge was Yellow…
I began this with my Old Navy Pixie Pants that I bought to got with my
Steelers gear. I’ve also worn it with non -gear beause they are versatilve…
Here is a way I styled them this past Summer…
I love a print pant because they really make a solid top more special…
I turned this into a Sporty Luxe look by adding my sneakers..
It was practical for my active laundry day!
It’ was colder today so the turtleneck and hat were great for my outside trash runs…
Dear Readers, Pairing these pants with Green and Blue or my Black & Gold Steelers tops are my first instincts…
Of course I named my blog Verstatile Style because I want a variety of ways to wear each piece…
Any thoughts on other colors I should try with these yelow print pants?
Self Care
Well today my husband was home so we decided to give the cottage cheese and fruit a try…
I have to say with just juice from the fruit I could taste the salt and didn’t like that. It was better
when I added a bit of Truvia to it and in fact reminded me of our favortie Peaches and Creme cheesecake.
I however am concerned about the amount of sodium and don’t think this will be a go to snack for me unless I check other
options to see if they are all that high. I did end up eating Pumpkin seeds and an apple instead for my lunch. I have to
the 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds were very satisfying and had only 35mg of sodium and packed a good 10 grams of protein.
Gratitude
I am grateful that I finally gave cottage cheese a try as it had been on my radar for quite awhile.
I am grateful for the fun time trying the new food was for us as our little family of 3.
I am grateful that my sinus equilibrium issue went away and allowed for my active day…
I am grateful for the inspiration to do the video as it was so much fun and for the eager willingness of my son to record it for me.. his support with my blog photos is amazing!
Versatile Style by Tracey 