Wardrobe Architect Catch-Up: Palettes and Prints
It's been a hectic few weeks, but for all the right reasons: I've been Crossfitting it up (with the guns to prove it), aaaaaaand... I started a new job.
Needless to say, blogging and other extraneous activities (like unloading the dishwasher) have been on the back burner, and I have a little catching up to do on the Wardrobe Architect series. So here goes...
Exploring Solids and Prints
In this post, Sarai talks about seductive power of prints (yep! you should see my stash), and encourages us consider which prints we will actually wear vs. the ones that are just plain cute. These days, I've been gravitating heavily towards solids in my professional wardrobe, partly because it's just a heck of a lot easier to put outfits together when you're only working with 1-2 colors. And when I'm groggily trying to dress myself at 6am, this is invaluable.
But prints are tons of fun, and even a simple stripe can add dimension and personality to an outfit. Here are the find myself wearing most often:
From top left: Premier Prints Ikat Craze Birch Frost, Striped Rayon Jersey Knit, John Kaldor Shake Pink, Cotton Black and White Gingham, Ink Dyed Fabric (I have no idea where this came from), Onyx/ Natural Ikat Dots
My color palette
This exercise was a hard one for me, because if I didn't have some semblance of taste and discretion, I would wear ALL OF THE COLORS ALL THE TIME. I've always had a hard time answering that most-boring-of-questions, "what's your favorite color?" because I really don't have one. It depends. I love 'em all.
Fortunately the structure-craving half of my brain prevails, and so I've developed two guiding palettes:
Neutrals and near-neutrals
My neutrals and near-neutrals are pretty similar to those that Sarai identified. Black, navy, and red, along with honey and cream tones form the backbone of my wardrobe.
Statement colors
My statement colors tend to be warm and summery with the occasional jewel tone. I love combining tropical colors with a more traditional solid like navy or beige - in fact one of my all-time favorite dresses consists of this combination. This palette exemplifies one of my core style adjectives: lush.
I just took a trip to Britex last night with my prints and palette in mind, and ended up with some awesome finds. Oh so many, many plans...
Needless to say, blogging and other extraneous activities (like unloading the dishwasher) have been on the back burner, and I have a little catching up to do on the Wardrobe Architect series. So here goes...
Exploring Solids and Prints
In this post, Sarai talks about seductive power of prints (yep! you should see my stash), and encourages us consider which prints we will actually wear vs. the ones that are just plain cute. These days, I've been gravitating heavily towards solids in my professional wardrobe, partly because it's just a heck of a lot easier to put outfits together when you're only working with 1-2 colors. And when I'm groggily trying to dress myself at 6am, this is invaluable.
But prints are tons of fun, and even a simple stripe can add dimension and personality to an outfit. Here are the find myself wearing most often:
- Stripes, checks, and plaids - bring 'em on. Stripes are by far the most common print in my closet, and I love me a gingham halter top. Classic.
- Polka dots - I wear these more sparingly, and usually of the smaller, more subtle variety. I like how the ikat print above adds a little texture to the traditional polka dot.
- Geometrics - I love geometric patterns, but prefer them on a more textured fabric (wovens, knits). My Portland Collection sweater is pretty much my ideal geometric print, but I also love the twist that the dip-dye print adds above.
- Florals - I'm drawn to bright, bohemian floral patterns -- things that look a little dreamy and painted-on. I usually prefer florals that have a vintage touch, and I have total weakness for campy, tiki room designs.
From top left: Premier Prints Ikat Craze Birch Frost, Striped Rayon Jersey Knit, John Kaldor Shake Pink, Cotton Black and White Gingham, Ink Dyed Fabric (I have no idea where this came from), Onyx/ Natural Ikat Dots
My color palette
This exercise was a hard one for me, because if I didn't have some semblance of taste and discretion, I would wear ALL OF THE COLORS ALL THE TIME. I've always had a hard time answering that most-boring-of-questions, "what's your favorite color?" because I really don't have one. It depends. I love 'em all.
Fortunately the structure-craving half of my brain prevails, and so I've developed two guiding palettes:
Neutrals and near-neutrals
My neutrals and near-neutrals are pretty similar to those that Sarai identified. Black, navy, and red, along with honey and cream tones form the backbone of my wardrobe.
Statement colors
My statement colors tend to be warm and summery with the occasional jewel tone. I love combining tropical colors with a more traditional solid like navy or beige - in fact one of my all-time favorite dresses consists of this combination. This palette exemplifies one of my core style adjectives: lush.
I just took a trip to Britex last night with my prints and palette in mind, and ended up with some awesome finds. Oh so many, many plans...