Pattern Mixing Black and White

Skirt (under $40!) // Top (same in navy) // Heels

Purse (similar) // Earrings // Lipgloss (Ciel Rose)

Happy Monday friends! I hope your weekends were relaxing! As I said in my Friday post, I didn't really have a lot planned this weekend, which was perfect! Friday night I worked on a little DIY project for my apartment with Lauren and Lori (more to come later this week). Then on Saturday I watched Netflix, made a Blue Apron meal for dinner, and went out to some bars with Lauren in Old City. Sunday we shot these pictures and then Alex watched football while I blogged and went over to Walnut Street (kind of Philly's version of 5th Avenue or the Magnificent Mile) to do some window shopping for my Christmas list (and to get gift ideas for friends and family). How were your weekends? 

For my outfit today I decided to play a little with mixing patterns, but using business casual clothes, to create fun look you could wear to the office or to a casual brunch with friends. I love mixing different pieces in my wardrobe together, and I thinking pattern mixing is one of the best ways to spice up an otherwise plain outfit. If you're going to mix patterns I recommend selecting a color palette which blends well together (for this I kept it simple with white and black). I also recommend keeping your accessories neutral so that you don't overwhelm the look and end up coming off looking discombobulated. 

I love this Chicwish skirt to wear to work, I'm about 6' tall and it's the perfect length to wear to work, but doesn't appear matronly. I will throw tights on in the winter to keep warm and still look cute. It's on sale now for under $40, so if you're in the market for an affordable patterned midi-skirt act fast! I also have my eye on this skirt after seeing Sydney's post, but I think that one is a little out of my desired price range right now. 

I also love this J.Crew Factory gingham top. I'm always a little hesitant when ordering from J.Crew Factory. While I love many of the designs, I do find the quality is just not there for a lot of pieces. However, I wear this top to work on an almost weekly basis for over a year now, and countless wears and washes later it's still in great condition. Definitely a winner. They're sold out of the black, but the navy is in stock which would be a great neutral for your work wardrobe.

What do you think of this look? Do you like mixing patterns? 

P.S. If you're in the Philly area and haven't entered this giveaway hosted by Living Lesh that I'm helping promote, go ahead and do so now! It's only open until November 13th and you can win $100 to LashBee eyelash salon, perfect if you need a dramatic look for holiday parties this season!

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