Fleur de Leaves

    Things that start out quirky, whimsical, even novelty have to be kept in check.  Delving too far into the novel side of fashion results in something that looks...well...crazy.  To that end (of not looking crazy) I try to temper my novelty prints with basic pieces and also, I never wear the print of the thing to said thing's event.  For example, I never wear my domino print dress to play dominoes.  It comes off as crazy, right?  And the more you experiment, and I hate to admit this but also the older one gets, the finer that line can become.  It's important to scale things back now and then.  To that end, as I was going through my closet, I noticed an overwhelming amount of novelty prints and purses and not much in the way of basic office wear.  

    Now, if you're a lover of indie fashion, like me, you may be rolling your eyes in boredom already, but hear me out.  Just because something is "basic" and "office wear" doesn't mean it has to be boring.  That's where bold colors and print mixing become powerful friends to have.   Remember the main key to print mixing is to start with one piece and keep all the others in the same palette as that first piece.  I started with this plaid skirt and followed it with a solid top, tights, and heels, and a second print that is in the same palette.

    Keeping everything in creates unity and interest instead of the chaos that comes from simply throwing prints together.  So, while I'm not ready to hang up my fashion whimsy and quirks--or personality whimsy and quirks for that matter--I do see the need for more serious pieces in an environment where I need to be taken seriously.  So longs as I never forget, and you don't either, that serious doesn't mean plain or boring.

Shopping Info: Express Sweater and Skirt and Forever 21 Top from ThredUp, Heels from ModCloth