Not-So-Black-And-White

I don't know about you, but I'm loving Mix or Match May!  All three days of it.  I like having a reason to try some different looks, and each day I've discovered successful pairings that I wouldn't otherwise have tried.  I am sharing on Instagram and Facebook even when I don't have time to blog, so check them out!  Today, I took my high-low hem black and white stripe tank, thrifted at VV Boutique for $7, and styled it matchy-matchy, midway mix-not-match and full-on mix-not-match.  We know stripes are perfect for mixing, yet there is still a pull towards matchy, and it does give a nice classic vibe.

Black denim $6, BCBG she-booties $6.40 VV Boutique

Accessories from my closet

I call the next few looks midway mix-not-match because they're not exactly revolutionary; I would reach for these pieces without putting much thought into it...

Polka dot skirt $4.90, moto jacket $15 VV Boutique

Thrifted earrings and necklace

White House/Black Market skirt $3.50, pink peep toes  $8 VV Boutique

Red pants $2.50 Hope Missions Bargain Shoppe, "Vegan" bomber jacket $5.60 VV Boutique

Gifted thrifted red Miz Mooz and accessories from my closet

Notice I'm getting wild and crazy by mixing the black and brown.

For my true mix-not-match look, I chose the pants I would be least likely to wear with this top and went from there.  Lo and behold, I LOVE how it turned out with three patterns AND mixing black and blue!

Navy polka dot pants $5.60, floral bomber jacket $5 VV Boutique

Accessories from my closet

Love love love!

One matchy, four mixed... which do you like best?

Despite my love for the last look, I was heading off to a scrapbooking sleepover and needed to be a bit more casual and comfy, so I kept the pants and changed the finishing layer.

Chambray $4.20 VV Boutique

You may notice something else startling... my shoes!  In case you didn't know (like how I didn't know until 2 days ago), "ugly" sandals are a thing.  I've never been a big Birkenstock girl, but I have many friends who are loyal to their Birks like I'm loyal to the mustard cardi. 

 

 Lucky for me, my mother-in-law bequeathed me a pair in my size, 

so you may just see me styling these bad boys (er, if you can call a hippie sandal "bad") this summer.

So there you go.  I'm sitting here in mixed patterns, mixed neutrals and a chambray, content as a clam with plenty of ideas how to style a basic top in some not-so-black-and-white ways!