All Mixed Up

Disclaimer: First time print-mixer...I styled this outfit specifically so that I could participate in this month's Everybody Everywear Mixed Prints edition.  What do you think?

J. Crew shorts - FC ($8)
Banana Republic top - FC ($7.50)
Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse - FC ($40)
Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo heels - FC ($12)
F21 sunglasses + thrifted multistrand necklace

Print mixing is actually not one of my favorite trends.  This is my first attempt and I was relatively pleased with it.  I picked up my plaid shorts and immediately knew I wanted to mix plaid and stripes.  I chose this neutral, very thin stripped top out of one of the tans in the plaid print (of course in this lighting you can't really see the stripes too well but I promise they're there).  I anchored the look down with matching neutral shoes and kept the accessories simple-brown and gold.

Mixing prints is tricky.  There is a fine line between fashion-forward and just plain tacky.  Some things to think about:

• Choose 2 prints with a similar (or at least, complementary) color scheme
• One print should be bigger (or louder) than the other
• Keep the accessories (shoes/purse/jewelry/belt) simple
• Think outside the box in terms of "prints" (I, apparently, did not)

Print mixing has really taken off this year.  Of course the runway has always provided us with unique combinations that aren't really practical for everyday life.  A good place to look for inspiration is other bloggers and, of course, all the participants over at EBEW!

One of my favorite bloggers,Stylenomad, via chictopia.com

Another everyday read, BJonesStyle
(she actually did another one today!)

Possibly the one to start it all, Prada 2011 RTW via style.com

So what do you think?  Do you like mixing prints??  Did you link up to EBEW?  Share your links and comments, I love the inspiration!