I love it when trends challenge the conventional. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the LBD and classic looks, but we all love trying trends. That’s what fashion is about – trying, testing, experimenting, and having fun with what you’re wearing. I might not be ballsy enough to go out there in a PVD jumpsuit, but I love seeing something on someone else and thinking, damn girl that’s creative.
Print mixing isn’t all that creative, true – but there is an art to it. It can be done really well or it could just turn into a disaster. Kind of like that color blocking thang, y’know? For a while, I think I was hesitant to try print mixing because I thought that there was a lack of flow and elegance in it. That’s changed (I’m allowed to change my mind, right?).
As long as the pieces and prints have some sort of conversation and dialogue between each other, the look is on point. I think my biggest issue is when the two pieces look like they’re just fighting each other – it’s really not a pretty battle. Is it weird that I think of my clothes and wardrobe pieces as people?
Print Mixing à la Mel
For those still enduring the dreaded tease that is the transition between cold-ass winter and spring, you’ll get me. I have this struggle of one day being able to wear a bright skirt and a light bomber jacket and the next day having to retreat back to my parka. I think this frustration was the inspiration behind this look. Also, I’m basically an old woman at heart so I love plaid and tweed (as two separate entities but today they became friends 
).
The jacket is an oldy but a goodie that I got at Dynamite a while back. I love the moto look (admittedly because the open lapels look better with my broad shoulders) and this black and white mix works well with just about everything. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for leather sleeves. Something about leather just makes you feel so much more bad ass, no?
It’s hard to tell, but the white T (which works perfectly when you’re print mixing since the look is generally already so busy) is actually a men’s “Airism” shirt from Uniqlo. It literally feels like you’re naked because it’s so light weight. And who doesn’t want to feel like they’re naked? Have I mentioned that I’m so ridiculously excited to Uniqlo to finally come to Canada. No more trips to the US with embarrassingly huge hauls of new clothing back! Woot woot.
I love the old school feel of plaid pants (they remind me of cute old grandpas – so cute right?!). This pair happens to also be a loose, light, pj style trouser (which is more than A-Ok with me because they were also super comfs). I picked them up at a Zara sale (score!) for $20.00 and, other than the fact that they’re a bit sheer in some lights, they’re a fav. The heels are my go-to suede Asos pumps and the necklace is a trinket I picked up from Brandy. Their uncomplicated designs leave all eyes on the print mixing.
So all in all, I think breaking my virginity with print mixing was a good thing. No point in staying in a box when you can fold down the sides and make something cooler right? (My analogies seem cooler in my mind than out loud probably haha) I think creativity through embracing trends and making them your own is such a great part of fashion. It keeps you inspired, on your toes, and innovative with the way you put your looks together.
Who knows? Today print mixing, tomorrow, PVD jumpsuit?
