Bad Habits Die Hard
Hey doll! How is everyone? I hope the New Year is off to a great start for you, and that you've been experimenting with some fresh ways to style your wardrobe. This week I'm opening up about my bad habits. Fun, right?! Smh. So, one of my worst habits is really more of a vice: I have an endless sweet tooth! Zours, peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, carrot cake, ice cream, you name it. I have to have something sweet every single day. And not just that, I eat in bed. I need a sweet snack right before I fall asleep, because let's be realistic, you never know if you'll wake up in the morning. So you might as well indulge before that eternal sleep. Another bad habit of mine is that I curse like a sailor. I know, I know, it's horrible, tacky and unladylike. But guess what? I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I don't smoke. I curse...sue me. People say those who use vulgar language lack an extensive vocabulary. While that may be true for some, it isn't the case for me. My friends call me a wordsmith, and I have a very extensive vocabulary. Curse words are just a little more colorful (what can I say? I love color!). I've cut back a lot since becoming a mother. I don't curse in front of my son. I try to use only positive, uplifting words, love, light, namaste and all that, when he's around. On to bad habit number three. I'm not what anyone would call a neat freak. On the other hand, I'm not the messiest person you'd ever meet either. I'm a little OCD about certain things. I can't stand dishes sitting in the kitchen sink. I like the kitchen to always be tidy, the playroom neat and the living room straightened up. Mainly the common areas of the house have to be presentable, but beyond that? It's a free for all. OK, this has been kind of therapeutic but also embarrassing, so I'll limit my bad habits to three today. It's pretty liberating, and you know I'm all about transparency. In this age of social media, where everyone sends their “representative,” it really feels good to say “listen, I'm not perfect... here are my flaws. Love me or leave me.” I think we could all learn to be a little more transparent and honest.
Style Notes
This mixed print look works because both prints share a common color (navy). On top of that, the size and scale of the prints and the streamlined fit of the pieces don't overwhelm the frame. Otherwise, this look could come across as sloppy and unkempt. In my opinion, black and white mixed prints are the easiest to pull off. It doesn't hurt that you can add a pop of color in whatever shade you like. Side note, I got this maxi top on clearance at Target for $6.99 and these joggers at Rue21 on clearance for $2.99. BTW, holy push up bra batman! Again, this look works because of the common color in both prints (mustard). Both dominant colors (kelly green and mustard) also complement each other. I love the regal and ethnic overtones of this African print inspired pencil skirt paired with the decidedly feminine and prissy ruffly polkadot top. In closing, this week rounds out the style challenge for January. I think mixed prints was the most advanced style concept from the January Style Challenge. So I focused on those looks to present for the week. In the spirit of transparency, I'll be honest and say that mastering mixed prints is actually a challenge for me too. But once you get the hang of it, it's very fun to create these unexpected and unique looks. What do you think? Will you try it? Stylishly yours, KJ. Here, I challenged myself to mix 3 prints: leopard, stripes and floral. Even though there were 3 prints, this look actually felt the most organic.
Mixing prints doesn't have to be intimidating. Start by anchoring two patterns in a shared color, keep the scale of each print different, and let the fit of your pieces stay streamlined so nothing competes. Once you find that balance, unexpected combinations become one of the most fun ways to express your personal style.