TREND : MAD FOR PATTERN


This season there are loads of geometric, often art nouveau-esque prints for Fall.  These are a few of my very favorites.



Tapestry, floral, and geometric patterns from the runway


I'd wear these one of two ways:
1.  Just a couple of patterned items, mixed seamlessly with classics.  
2.  Devil-may-care pattern on top of pattern on top of pattern.

Mixing patterns together is so tricky, and still often eludes me (see photo below).  But when done right, it has a whimsical, albeit bizarre, bohemian appeal (see photos at the verrrry bottom).

To answer your question, no; non-fashion people will not understand.  Yes, they will think you're slightly eccentric off your rocker, and that's part of the fun. 

Prada Clutch  /  Miu Miu printed jacket  /  Proenza Schouler platform boots  /  Marni silk printed blouse  /   Proenza Schouler woven clutch  /  Marni beaded clutch  /  Missoni skirt  /  Balenciaga tri-color heels


Example of Pattern Mixing Gone Wrong:

Blogger Style experiment with patterns gone wrong
Me.  Oh yeah.  2009 in NYC.

Oh, this is shameful!  This was me during my senior year of college. I was clearly feeling effervescent (earlier) that morning, and decided to experiment with mixing pattern, and (unfortunately) color, too.  Anyways, allow me to teach you a lesson:  if you must experiment (and indeed, you must) please try for one or the other.  Not both.  Okay, this is painful to look at.  Let's move on...


Reassurance that I dress cool sometimes:

stylist wardrobe, mixing patterns and leather
Me & a friend in front of FIT between classes.  NYC, 2009.

My friend there, yes, he has much better pattern intuition than I do.  I think he's working for Proenza Schouler these days.  He definitely belongs there, with the Kings of pattern and print.


[Big Tangent Right Here]
Oh, do you observe me wearing leggings as pants beneath a headline that reads, "I Dress Cool"?
Indeed!  Your eyes do not deceive you.  This too is a tricky thing to wear, but luckily I mastered it early on.  Yes, shameless me - I mastered it!  The trick is...
A) know your size/shape, don't lie to yourself, and love yourself anyway.  if you're the type who can't get away with leggings, don't sweat it.  there are plenty of other awesome options for you.  if you're the type who can't get away with leggings, but doesn't give a fuck what anyone else thinks, mad props to you.  I'd love to wear your skin (and chutzpah) for a day.
B) Always wear nude underwear that matches your own ass.  Ideally, it should be ridiculously smooth, thin, and as minimal as possible.  Yes, I'm talking about G-strings.
C) if you don't want your butt cheeks to be the center of everyone's attention, wear a tunic or long shirt that covers some, most, or all of your behind.
D) tights & panty hose are not leggings.  at all.  ever.

This is one of my go-to looks for fall.  Even in 2012.



Finally, some samples of successful pattern mixing:

Street Style: pattern mixing during fashion week.  Photo by Tommy Ton


I'll be honest with you, I don't understand why the outfit on the right works, but it does.
Yes, my fashion degree is no help in this case.

Alas, the difference between nature & nurture.


Granny florals on the street during fashion week.  Photo by Tommy Ton


So granny.  So wonderful.


Pattern Mixing on the Street during Fashion Week.  Photo by Tommy Ton


Woman on the right - I'm in love.  Floral + polka dot + oversized check?  I envy her gall.



Let's hear it for mixing it up.

!


last 3 photos via Tommy Ton 




PERFUME MOOD

The sense of smell is supposed to be one of the most powerful senses we have, as far as memory triggers are concerned.  Here's a glimpse at the world I'm transported to with my two favorite scents:


Happy parisian style, perfume, photos, curated style
























Lancome Miracle  /  Clever, elegant, and happy!  Like hot air balloons over Paris.  This has been my fragrance for years.  Like, Since high school.  And I'm still not tired of it.  The scent is fresh, crisp, and floral.  Without being overly sweet.  Nowadays I wear either this or Sarah Jessica Parker's "Lovely" every single day.  It's like, intoxicating.


Foldable Star Sculptures   /  Photos by Hello Twiggs  &  Eye Poetry   




Style inspired by perfume, fashion, shoes, photos, italy



Prada Infusion d'Iris  /  This updated version of Prada's classic fragrance is lighter and more modern than before, but still deep and velvety.  Like a whimsical Modern-Baroque hybrid wonderland, maybe. The scent is elegantly balanced - not too crisp and not too soft.  I wear this one more often in winter than in summer, plus whenever I go out at night.


INSPIRATION | CARNIVAL

Just a bit of current inspiration.  Brights, florals, polka dots, and stripes!  The State Fair is going on right now.  I can't wait to visit.  {Plus I have a hard time leaving spring/summer where it belongs on the calendar.} 

I love the idea of incorporating these deliriously happy hues into my work for Autumn.  I'm currently working with tassels and all sorts of animal motifs too.  



style inspired by bright colors, prints, and carnival


In other news:  my online shops are up, but not quite open yet.   I'm working on taking photos of all the work I've created for Rive Gauche Craft up till now.  So far there are lots of illustrations, watercolor paintings, note cards, jewelry, knitted things for the home, and several sorts of bags.  And of course, more is always on the way. 
I find myself having so many ideas, that it's difficult to balance creating new projects while also building Rive Gauche Craft's online presence.  Not to be deterred, I'm plodding along! (Well, still at full speed, but feels more like plodding)  
 
Altea Tassel Scarf  /  Charlotte Olympia Clutch  /  Mr. Fox Illustration  /  Tiger Illustration  / Fifi Lapin  /  Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring  /  Zebra Illustration  /  J. Crew Sweater  /  Ferris Wheel Photo  



COLOR LUST | COZY GREY

Too early for snow cloud grey?  Oops.  It's so cozy though.


Winter grey style essentials and cravings






HELLO RIVE GAUCHE CRAFT!

I started this project called 'Rive Gauche Craft' a while back.  Like, a whiiiiiiiiiile back.  Embarrassingly far back.   
I'm happy (and terrified!) to say that I'm breathing life into it again.  Since last time, I've gotten a few life type things out of the way.  Now I'm ready to buckle up and FULL SPEED AHEAD.  (<--Omg that was so nerdy.)

Wait, let me make it nerdy-er.  

ENGAGE!  




Please check back frequently for updates.  I'll be working on getting the website up and running, online shops filled with goodies, and lots more.  

I've been drawing, painting, and crafting like a madwoman!  I can't wait to show you what I've been working on.  I'll be taking photos of my new work this week, so hopefully things will be running in no time. 


RISKY TREND | ULTRA BRIGHT BROCADE

How to wear miu miu ultra bright brocade fashion




I actually love this as a matchy matchy suit.  The crazy pattern makes it absolutely un-soccer mom.   
These brocade trousers from Miu Miu's FW 2012 collection look almost juicy when paired with even more brights...and surprisingly modern when anchored with a beige jacket.

Runway photo via Style.com  /  Illustration by Garance Dore  /  Miu Miu trouser  /  Alexander Wang blouse  /  The Row leather jacket  /  Proenza Schouler leather tote  /  Miu Miu glitter pumps  /  Portolano gloves

HOW TO WEAR : GEOMETRIC DETAILS

An enchanting mix of old and new.  Layers of pattern make it a bit whimsical.  Denim keeps it down to earth.


Charming Geometry



Marc by Marc Jacobs button down  /  Missoni skirt  / Zara cowboy booties / Prada leather clutch / Marni earrings / Marc by Marc Jacobs watch / Rome photo St. Peter's Basilica 

Ensemble | WorkPlay





Kind of like an Edward Gorey drawing.  Lots of black.  A bit of red.  Elegant and timeless, amusing and clever.  

Romwe Dress  /  Charlotte Olympia Platform Shoes  /  Smythson Leather Tote  /  Kate Spade Silk Shawl  /  Mellor Ware Animal Teaparty Teacup and Saucer  /  Beach Photography by Lupen Grainne  /  Orange Stone Pearl Cluster Ring         /  Kate Spade Watch
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