Gingham Khan

Gingham Khan: The Plaid That's Gonna Take Over the World

If you're afraid - don't do it. If you're doing it - don't be afraid!” ―Genghis Khan

Just like Genghis Khan, Gingham Khan is taking over the world. I mean what feels more fresh + wholesome than a pile-up of prints including this classic summertime plaid? Or what could be more edgy and fashion forward than these very same vanquishing hordes of gingham checks? After all, this IS black, white, and checkered, peeps, which is  very, very-FASH-ISH circa this Spring 2013. Oh-so au currant,  and I, my friends, am wearing it.

Outfit Post: Visible in Black + White

FACT: Stripes go with everything. 4 out of 5 Zebras agree. So when I felt a bit like dolling up, but still needed to be hoofing it, I chose comfortable shoes, a classic A-line skirt in an abstract print and paired them with the ever desirable black and white striped shirt.
Just 5 easy pieces to make an impact.

Pattern Play: 6 Simple Tips for Wearing Mixed Prints

If you're a regular reader of the Citizen, you're probably aware that I am a big fan of wearing mixed prints. Early blog attempts can be seen HERE, HERE and HERE. As you can see, there's a common thread in the way I pattern mix, a method to my madness so to speak, and I'm going to share it with you today. 

One of the easiest prints to mix, in my opinion, are floral patterns. You can do a fair share of mixing floral prints with pretty much everything from polka dots, stripes, leopard, and get this: FLORALS. It's so much fun! A small sampling of my past efforts can be seen HERE and HERE.

The "mastery" of mixing is probably in the eye of the beholder: consider the outfit that received the most compliments, was also the one that got me compared to a Christmas tree, and not in a good way. I did a clever twist up of floral on florals in a hard to match hue of pink/orange with creams and browns. I still think it was genius and not just because I was wearing my Iris Apfel inspired sunglasses. You can peek at the Christmas Tree Disaster/Nobel Prize Nominee for Pattern Mixing outfit HERE.

Pattern mixing may look complicated but anybody can wear mixed prints when you apply the following six simple tips.

Outfit Post: Españolas de Flores

Don't tell Sacramento, but guess who's the inspiration behind my outfit today? (Hint: the reigna in Spain-a flies mainly on a plane, ah) From London to Berlin to sunny Espana, the charms of Sacramento bloom where ever she visits. And, who else can pull off such a frenzied mix of colorful florals with such a grand gesture of love + sunshine?

outfit post: Roses, Leopard, Lace + Plaid

Bella trying to think if she's left any pattern out of her outfit for the day. Hmmm... Polka dots?

Layers. Lots of layers. Piles of layers, for warmth, for added interest. This time it's a heady mix of a red floral pattern, black lace, plaid and leopard print. Everything but the kitchen sink, folks. I'm not particularly pleased with how the pictures turned out- I much prefer natural light for photos, but I do like the outfit. What do you think? 

outfit post: Leopard, Floral, Paisley

Blooming Madly: Bella Q is back from vacay and ready to rumble!

Hello, my lovelies!

I'm back from my offline vacation, and I must say I missed all of you! I took nearly a 3 weeks off from blogging, and I feel like I've gained some much needed perspective. Here's the deal: I LOVE blogging but the past year or so, blogging has taken over my life, and it has been at the expense of REAL TIME, and REAL EXPERIENCES. To "keep up" with fashion trends and fashion blog posts, I had stopped reading books, most magazines and pretty much didn't explore any new subjects. Having taken some time off, I've realized how unbalanced this all is- and at the expense of losing some of my blog friends, I have come to the decision that in 2012 there is going to be less ONLINE and more OFFLINE. I still plan to blog, but my intention is now to share a rounder aspects of my life, not just the fashion side.

outfit post: Plaid Meet Mandarin

Brushing up on my Mandarin. Mixing an Chinese dragon print with classic Scottish plaid.

I do love mixing prints. I had been waiting ALLLLL season to wear this major score- a vintage Pierre Cardin wool plaid blazer in PERFECT condition. While we are just barely getting slightly cooler weather, it was just cool enough to merit a blazer over my newly acquired satin Mandarin top (Thanks, Idalia!) So plaid meet dragon. Play nice and nobody gets hurt. 

The photos were taken by Kerry. We met at Peets Coffee for a Street Style SACRAMENTO meeting, and we decided to do an impromptu photo session. Let me tell you- it is strange NOT to be BEHIND the camera. I felt stiff and awkward having someone turn their lens on me! Please note: not a lick of make up so you are seeing the Bell au naturale. Enjoy.

有趣的混合打印，带来好运。(Photo credits: Kerry Dolan)

Now Wearing:

• hearts for eyes
• vintage Pierre Cardin wool plaid blazer
• vintage satin mandarin top
• mom jeans shorts
• Janzen plaid backpack
• Coach wedge sandals

Prints Charming (a FTF Community event)

"Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like a thorn." 

-Romeo and Juliet

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of a happy mix of prints. Yes, mixed prints brings out the romantic in me even though I am clearly from the wrong side of the tracks. Lucky for me this was one of the key trends for Spring. Also lucky for me, I don't really let my happy-ever-after come from following trends.

outfit post: Mexican Milagros

            Lambent

           (for Lyssa)

           You are the flame that burns

           late nights, ash-wicked

           your grin all flash and glare

           the orange trick of sunsets

           the coral and lipstick vanity

           of a Mexican starlet

           the candies and candles 

           of alms on the altar

           You are the pink of mariachis
           the blush of flamenco
           the heat of cuban cha-cha-chas

           You are the honeyed sweetness of las hermanas,
           with names like Lourdes y Guadelupe
           

           the young ones
           with the velvet skin
           that reek of salt and cinnamon

           the dusky brown girls

           with thick rose-petaled mouths