OUTFIT: Neutral pattern mixing (and shiny shoes)

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry

Blazer: DKNY, thrifted (similar)
Tee: Lands' End (exact)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Sam Edelman via ebay (similar)
Scarf: Army surplus store (similar)
Bag: Ashley Brooke via DSW (similar)
Earrings: sterling silver ball studs (similar)
Tights: Target (exact)

So, mixing patterns again.  Have you tried it yet?  This is a great way to dip your toes in the water.  Stick to a neutral palette, and try the easy beginner pattern mix of plaid and stripes. Keeping the two patterns separated from one another, as seen here with the scarf and skirt, can also make the combination feel less busy.  Feeling a bit braver?  Try plaid and stripes in slightly different colors - like black and gray stripes with red and black plaid.

PS These shoes are really blingy, right?  I like them best with worn denim (as seen in the second outfit option in this post), to offset the "fanciness", and I can't wait until they get a bit beat up.  Weathered metallic oxfords would look great with jeans.  However, in the meantime, they still spice up a rather neutral outfit.  And, despite the great shoe debacle of 2014 (this post, if you haven't already tired of my references to it), in part caused by these shoes, I'm determined to break in and wear these shoes.  I will vanquish my footwear!  Yeah, yeah, sorry, I'll move on....