Spots and Stripes and Gingham

This thrifted gingham shirt is fast becoming a staple in my wardrobe… this is the third time I’ve worn it on the blog.

What I find funny is that I’ve now realised it’s definitely a man’s shirt (due to the side the buttons are on), even though it was being sold in the women’s section. I thought it was somewhat on the large side, though that hasn’t bothered me!

I really went all out on the pattern mixing here: I’m only missing florals and some sort of ikat or geometric print. (Maybe that would be just a little too much, even for me πŸ˜‰ If anyone is hesitant about mixing patterns but wants to, then my advice would be to ensure you have a colour theme running through them (although I don’t “do” rules, I do think mixed patterns are easier on the eye if you do this)! Here, two out of the colours red, white, blue and black appear in each pattern.

An unexpected pop of dayglo bright from my neon satchel takes this outfit from a little preppy (I don’t want to say mumsy) to mildly in-your-face. Er, if that isn’t a contradiction in terms??

Yay it’s the weekend so enjoy it, lovely readers!




Sweater: ASOS, Shirt: Thrifted, T-shirt: Topshop, Jeans: Levi’s (old), Shoes: Dune, Belt: ASOS, Bag: Gift (The Leather Satchel Co), Sunglasses: ASOS, Watch: Seiko, Bracelets: ASOS / Topshop, Rings: ASOS, Nails: Revlon Elegant 380 and Rimmel Sunshine

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57 Comments

  1. Meagan
    11 April 2012 / 11:45 pm

    I don't think this outfit could get any better. I love, love, love that sweater! Thanks for linking up with Thursdays are for Thrifters!
    -Meagan
    http://www.brassinpocketblog.com

  2. 6 April 2012 / 9:12 pm

    WOW
    BAM!
    what a gorgeous colorful outfit. It just makes me smile, and i adore your accessories, specially those pretty rings.

  3. 6 April 2012 / 1:37 am

    whether it's a man's shirt or a woman's shirt, it's a fabulous shirt, on you! your whole outfit is an amazing ensemble. i adore every exquisite accessory detail. you killed it! πŸ™‚

  4. 6 April 2012 / 12:13 am

    Catherine, I love, love, love, this outfit on you. Gorgeous. dawn suitcase vignettes xo

  5. 5 April 2012 / 5:23 pm

    I love your accessories! And the bold striped sweater goes really well with the gingham actually- never would have thought to put them together. (So jealous of your hair color too!)

  6. 5 April 2012 / 2:43 am

    I LOVE LOVE this sweater and those shoes! so cute!

  7. 4 April 2012 / 8:52 pm

    love the combination!! πŸ™‚ it looks really good! πŸ™‚

  8. 4 April 2012 / 4:12 pm

    Love this look! You are so cute too, and look at all them rings – awesome!

  9. 4 April 2012 / 4:33 am

    Wow I love all the colors put together actually. They just go together and you look good. πŸ™‚ Love it!

  10. 3 April 2012 / 3:39 am

    Apparently I need to get to ASOS ASAP. Great look and A+ for mixing patterns. Thanks for sharing on Monday Mingle.

  11. 3 April 2012 / 1:41 am

    Red is so on my color lust list…LOVE this look!

    • 3 April 2012 / 2:02 pm

      Thanks Kristin… I've always thought I tended to stay away from red – doesn't seem the case now I think of it?!! xx

  12. 2 April 2012 / 9:42 pm

    The brights are so fabulous! I love the brights paired WITH brights. Who needs neutrals!

  13. 2 April 2012 / 5:55 pm

    I love your gingham so much I went out and bought a red/white one for myself! This is a great outfit.
    Every time I am on Chictopia and an outfit catches my eye, it is you! You stylishly stand out from the crowd!

  14. 2 April 2012 / 4:19 pm

    I absolutely adore every aspect of this outfit. The colors are awesome! You look great.
    Creamy

  15. 2 April 2012 / 2:17 pm

    excellent pairing with the gingham and the stripes… plus your nails look so cool!

  16. 2 April 2012 / 1:29 pm

    Your outfit is too cute! Love the one yellow nail!

  17. 2 April 2012 / 8:55 am

    I always enjoy your color combo and pattern mixing, you're such an expert. The whole look is so vibrant and pretty. I especially like the lovely contrast of the gingham and stripes. Your accessories is really fun and cute too! What a great way to start the week!

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

  18. 2 April 2012 / 12:49 am

    I absolutely love your fearlessness with color. This outfit is great and the pictures are fabulous.

  19. 1 April 2012 / 11:39 pm

    Very pop art! I love it! Also love the fun of that 2nd-from-top photo with the doubling, as well as the bottom row patchworking your colour/print mix.

  20. 1 April 2012 / 10:49 pm

    I love how bright this is!! And your red shoes are fun! There is nothing wrong with being "in your face"…when you look like you do!!

  21. Carrie
    1 April 2012 / 1:41 am

    Great look! You've got a lot going on, but it doesn't feel like too much. πŸ™‚ It's polished and still very fun. πŸ™‚

  22. 1 April 2012 / 1:15 am

    The mixed prints are wonderful, but the striped sweaters in such bold colors are stealing the show.

  23. Gray Skies
    31 March 2012 / 8:49 pm

    You are definitely the queen of pattern mixing! I'm so impressed that you managed to work three prints into your outfit, but like you said, keeping them in the same color family helps the look stay cohesive.

  24. 31 March 2012 / 5:29 pm

    Great pattern mixing as usual. I love that shirt on you. I often go through my hubby's closet looking for button ups but they're just too big. The key is to find smaller sizes. That one fits you just right.

    • 3 April 2012 / 1:44 pm

      I have worn Mr. Summers' shirts before, Joni, in my quest to find checked shirts!! Glad you like the look, xoxo

  25. 31 March 2012 / 4:16 pm

    LOL at "mildly in your face", although it's not a bad goal to aim for : > This outfit is so fresh and pretty, perfect for spring. You look wonderful, as ever.

    • 31 March 2012 / 9:11 pm

      Thank you lovely Patti… hmm I think "mildly in your face" is my new mantra! πŸ˜‰ Catherine x

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