Mixing and Matching

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

While I often mix high and low fashion, I think part of the fun of getting dressed is also choosing pieces from your wardrobe that are not typically from the same genre. These looks tend to show the most attitude and creativity, even if it is subtle. For our photoshoot on what was a completely freezing day (hence the mittens), I stayed in the same color tone of grays, but the pieces aren't typical in how they are worn. It was the making an inconspicuous yet chic outfit that made me quite happy. Even if I did run for my giant wool overcoat the minute we were done....

Sneakers are definitely a great way to add some street style to your look, and no one does this better than Rihanna. As the Puma Creative Director for Women, she introduced the FentyxPuma by Rihanna, which is a mash up of her own fearless style and her fresh interpretation of a killer Puma creeper. I bought these velvet platform sneakers for myself and my 16 year old daughter from Intermix for Christmas this year, and we both wear them to suit our own style. Since anything Rihanna touches seems to turn to gold, these killer sneakers are a bit hard to come by, but as of this writing you could find them at ASOS here, and also at Nordstrom, in limited sizes. 

The platform sneaker seemed the perfect opposite of my Max Mara cashmere gray pinstripe top coat, with its classic styling. Putting a simple yet timeless coat with an of-the-moment sneaker makes the look feel fresh. Here are some of the best of Max Mara's coats, which I think of as forever pieces. 

My go-to denim has been FRAME, and this le garçon pair have a slouchy boyfriend style to dress down the conservative topper, yet play off the sneakers. I love a girlfriend jean too, which is part slouchy and part slim fit. Go for a slim boyfriend if you like a less baggy fit, like these AG Ex-Boyfriend Slim Jeans. 

In November I found this awesome Cinc á Sept Seren Hi-Lo Sweater at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC. I pulled out the ruffle sweater sleeve from underneath the topcoat to make it look like the coat has an exaggerated sleeve. It is sold out at Saks, but the above link will send you to another site where it is currently on sale. 

My sister-in-law, Sarah, gave me this beautiful J.Crew Floral Drop Pendant Necklace for Christmas, which I think is the perfect pop of gold against the dark gray. A note about jewelry. I usually wear either a necklace or earrings, rarely do I wear both, unless one of them is quite small. I don't like matching sets, and I think that letting one gorgeous statement, be it a pile of necklaces, one standout piece or killer earrings speak for themselves. If you have on a cool necklace but then also wear great earrings they compete, and they look oddly matchy. I am not a rule follower per se, but I don't like earring and necklace sets. Seems either dated or a bit much. Trust me, I like a bit much a lot, just not matching bits. So now you know one of my little pet peeves. :) 

We are still wishing for snow and continued football success here in Seattle. In the meantime, I will be mixing and not matching in my very own newly organized closet. Have a lovely week. xx

Note: The location of our shoot was at my brother's home in Seattle, a place he built himself for his family. The fireplace chimney I am standing in front of is gorgeous, as is every inch of his beautiful home. #proudsister