Mix & Match: Take 2

Does this top look perhaps vaguely familiar? It should, I wore it in Monday’s post :) (see here). That’s right, you may have guessed - Welcome to my second run at creating a capsule wardrobe!!

As mentioned here, a wardrobe capsule is: ‘a set of clothing, footwear and or accessories that satisfy style needs in one or more areas of your life.’ (The Pastel Wardrobe Capsule here)

For my very first run at creating a capsule, I chose pastel colors as the theme. This time I’m playing with a classic duo for which I have a particular fondness: Black + White

I won’t bore you unnecessarily with the reasons why I simply adore black + white. Instead, I’ll chat it up about the joy and ease of pattern mixing with this duo. You see, I've grown to love clashing prints (see here, here, here)!

Yet, I have heard from friends that they feel somewhat awkward randomly mixing up prints in a look. Do you feel the same way? Perhaps you like the idea, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Never fear, Joi is here - L O L!!! Seriously, one of the most simple ways that I’ve found to be effective when it comes to flirting with the pattern mixing game: Start off with patterns that contain only two colors, i.e. black + white. Think stripes, florals, checks, polka dots, and so on.

Using this method, prints seem to match up instantaneously. To start, go with two clashers. As your comfort level increases, take it up a notch with three or even four prints -at one time! When you do, please tag me on social media: IG,Tumblr,Twitter @InMyJoi!

Stay tuned Style Lovers, Take 3 of Mix & Match is on the way,

XO

Sunnies: Sunscape| Stripe top: Custom| Skirt: Cynthia Rowley| Shoes: Calvin Klein| Clutch: Forever 21

Mix & Match

Black + white delivers winning combinations, add a pattern mix to the scenario and you’ve reached fashion nirvana.

My affection for black and white duos is clearly not new to the blog, see other PDAs here, here, and here.

In my mind it is fresh and crisp; cohesively consistent. If you’re new to the pattern mix game, it’s a safe way to test out the waters gradually.

For this mix up, I went with bold vertical stripes and soft window pane checks. It’s totally doable for the office, after work meet-ups, and weekend nights.

Sunnies: Allen Schwartz| Stripe top: Custom| Pants: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini| Clutch: Kate Spade

Decidedly Different

pop•u•lar•i•ty - päpyəˈlerədē/ -noun

The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

From adolescence on, there seems to be a desire, perhaps even a need, to be liked and accepted by everyone. For some, the realization that they are not liked and or accepted leads to depression and desperation. In this age of social media fascination, receiving 'likes' from strangers or 'friends', adoring thumbs up, and or a certain amount of followers, has introduced a new intensity for the desire to obtain popularity. It seems to serve as an artificial or virtual ego booster, particularly for those who may not experience the same level of adoration as they may on social media, in their real, physical lives. Yes, in the world of social media, being liked equates to value, marketability, and oftentimes revenue.

Although I have experienced varying phases of physical popularity, completely unsolicited by the way (read more here), I personally believe that there is immense value in this: Realize and accept the fact that not everyone will like the same people or the same things. Everyone will not like ME. Simple, cut, dry. It is not bad thing, it simply is. 

I personally feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that there are things about me and the way that I think that are vastly different from the people around me. My grandma once told me, ‘You’re an old soul’. She meant that my manner of thinking was beyond my age. I believe that she was right. To be honest, it really makes very little difference to me whether people like me or not. I don’t have a desire to be popular, I desire to be MYSELF. I refuse to allow the vacillating sweep of social media, the virtual world, to influence my value of self.(Read the reason why I started blogging here)

I will not follow the crowd. I will not join superficial bandwagons. I will not give insincere praise. I will not do things that I do not want to do - to gain acceptance, marketability, or branding. 
I am, decidedly different.

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Sequin top: ASTR (worn here)| Dress: Vintage| Booties: Moda (worn here)

An Appreciative Introvert

Hey Style Lovers! I feel like I’ve been missing in action. Well, the only explanation I can give is: Life has been happening, over and over, and over again. Despite a busy life schedule, I feel GOOD! As a matter-of-fact, during my down time I came across an article that has prompted me to open up and share something personal about myself: "I am an introvert."

Many sources say that most personalities can be categorized as extroverted or introverted. An extrovert according to Merriman-Webster is ‘a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people; i.e. an outgoing person’. In contrast, “introverts are drained by social encounters and energized by solitary, often creative pursuits. Their disposition is frequently misconstrued… many introverts socialize easily; they just strongly prefer not to.” 
-Psychology Today

As far back as I can remember, I have always felt a sense of dread when it came to attending social functions. From toddler age sleepovers, to high school parties, I never gained the same level of satisfaction or fulfillment from engaging socially as others seemed to around me- if any fufillment at all. Not to say that I didn’t or that I don’t enjoy socializing at times.  After all, this blog produces regular evidence that I do love to dress up-LOL! But seriously, I have observed that frequent social interactions do not necessarily add value to my life. Often they leave me feeling, well, in a word: tired. Confession: There are times when the only highlight in attending a social function for me is simply getting dressed! 

Some introverts would say that they wish that they were extroverts, and could somehow break free from their ‘shell’. Personally, I do not feel that way. I’m not in a shell, I don't feel socially awkward, nor do I have a mild personality. It is a part of who I am to limit my social interactions! Being able to take a step back and to think introspectively makes me the woman that I am- I am very appreciative for that.  The world would be remiss if every single individual possessed the exact same traits. I relish in the freedom of being an introvert! I don’t have a problem with saying “No”, I can stand alone.  If you’re an introvert like me, bask in the strength that you have from within. Embrace your differences! And if you happen to be an extrovert - love an introvert ;) I'm so happy that one loves me !

Until next time,
X

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson | Statement Necklace: H&M | Jacket: Nordstrom | Dress: Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique | Oxfords: Tildon