PAUSE, REFLECT, NEXT…IN STYLE

My intention when I first sat down to write this post was to talk to you about how much I love mixing prints and how I\’ve been seeing more women change things up in their wardrobe (especially in my circle of friends) and experimenting with mixing bold patterns, prints, and even bright colors like neon! How fab.

Before I do that though, I\’m going to shift gears and take a minute to preach about being thankful, because that is really all it takes- a minute- to take a pause, reflect, and think about what it is you are grateful for. You don\’t have to have a list-long of things; start simple. Every morning, name one or two things you are most thankful for; something that fills your heart and something that brings you back to the present, whenever you are having a shitty day or when you unknowingly have put yourself in \’go mode\’ without taking a moment to stop and breathe. That\’s what happens to me at times, and last Sunday it took a bad car accident to reel me back in and put things in perspective for me. I was thankful I didn\’t break any bones (I\’ll take the bruises and soreness), thankful my kids weren\’t in the car with me, and thankful that I am alive, able to enjoy another day, and live those days in the most present way I can.

I am going to continue to work hard at being present (and look good while I do it…j/k it doesn\’t matter how you look as long as you\’re doing it), because in the world of modern technology and distractions, it isn\’t always so easy, but I know that I try. Maybe I needed a good smack in the face (literally) to remind myself that I have so much to be grateful for.

Okay, now let\’s talk about this animal print fusion I busted out for a day out at the Design District! Because mixing two animal prints wasn\’t enough for me, I mixed a few! Coco got me this button down blouse for Christmas and I didn\’t fall in love with it at first, but I pretended I did! Yet, as I started to find possible outfit options with it, I started to like it more and more, and now I love it! I\’ve worn it twice already- once how you see it photographed here, and another time with leopard print pants. Because the blouse is oversized and long, I paired it with my biker shorts, which I LOVE! Take me back to the late 80\’s and early 90\’s because I lived in these! Anytime my mom bought me clothes, there was always a pair of biker shorts in there. I had them in every color and every style. They were my go to! Now, I keep two handy- a pair of basic black, and this animal print one! They are so easy to wear and quick to dress up.

It looks a little sloppy without a belt, and I I think the belt also adds proportion to the outfit! The gold detailing is perfect for the neutral hues on the blouse. I added a chunky animal print statement necklace and earrings, because I couldn\’t decide which I liked more, so I went with both! My new Target Style sandals I got on super sale, and they were the perfect match- or at least I think the snakeskin compliments the rest of the look! This might be too much for someone else, but you don\’t have to do it like me. Pick one accessory you want to focus on and make that your animal print, or one article of clothing!

Finish off every look with a pair of oversized dramatic sunglasses because it\’s the ultimate fashion accessory…especially in the tropical jungle we call Miami!

Breathe it in.

In Style,

Kathy