I’m wearing the paisley pants from Walla Walla again. I love how they’re a basic cropped white denim—with a special touch: velvety paisley. 
I’ve always like the color combo of black, white and red, so I added a red top. Bonus, the color theme carries over to my new Cykochik tote. The tote is black and white with a red heart. And if you know your butterflies, you’ll recognize the pattern from the wings of the monarch. 
I had the pleasure of meeting Cykochik founder Nikki Duong Koenig when I was in Austin last month. I was so happy to see all her designs. Her cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and custom-made vegan handbags are made in Dallas. It was hard to choose just one, but I’d been eyeing this pattern online for a while so I grabbed it. 
Another awesome part of my outfit (if I do say so myself!) is that I’m wearing my new Nicora Johns Sally flats. I blogged about my Nicora Johns boots before, and I’m so in love with the company, the quality, and their mission, that I added these cute shoes to my collection. They’re handmade in LA and also vegan, sustainable, and eco-friendly. I enjoy shopping but when there’s a personal connection and I know I’m helping small businesses instead of conglomerates, it’s just that much better. 
I’m buying less these days, but when I do shop, I make sure I buy quality, and I support businesses whose values align with mine. It makes shopping so much more meaningful. Every piece has a story—and meaning. 
Tag Archives: paisley
Paisley Pants and a Monarch Tote
Monochromatic Look with Paisley Pants
While I was wine tasting in Walla Walla this past summer, I popped into a neat clothing store in the center of the quaint city center and found these paisley jeans.
Top: Gifted
Jeans: Boutique in Walla Walla
Shoes: Beyond Skin
They’re a neat twist on white jeans black paisley is actually velvet. Paisley is a classic pattern, and black and white is a chic color combo so I didn’t think I could go wrong. Plus, they were on sale.
I paired my denim with a simple black top that my mom bought for me. I like that it’s a knit but it has shirttails like a woven, button-up shirt.
I thought adding a pop of color with my yellow and white Gunas bag would be fitting. Gunas is an all-vegan line of quality, stylish purses. I’ve lusted after a Gunas bag for a while now so when I saw their booth at The Seed in NYC this past summer, I bought one (in fact, you can see the purse in the background of one of my photos–I was holding the red bag, but I settled on the yellow and white one).
Are you a fan of purses, shoes, or both?
A Dress with Special Memories
I don’t think of myself as an overly sentimental person–but I can’t let go of this dress.
Dress: Target
Jacket: Swapped
Bracelet: Shop in Honolulu
Boots: Urban Outfitters
I bought it about 12 years ago. It’s hardly new. And there’s nothing special about it–except that 10 years ago I wore it on my first date with my now-husband.
I don’t wear it often, but it has such good memories. It used to have sleeves, but I cut them off. Now, if it’s cool, I throw on a cardigan or jacket.
These days, in the Seattle heat wave, that’s not an issue.
I recently wore this dress again when hubby and I went back to the place for our first lunch date: Araya’s Vegetarian Place. Araya’s has moved three times and added three more locations, but they’re still going strong. Just like Mr. Jean of all Trades and me!
If you’re in the Seattle area (or LA!) check out Araya’s.
I’ve joined Visible Monday for a blogger linkup. See what all the others are wearing!
Houndstooth, Paisley and Stripes
I went all out with monochromatic pattern-mixing today. I was slow to embrace the trend, but I’ve learned to love it. I just don’t always like to think too hard about how my clothing items work together as an outfit. That’s why I don’t mix patterns a lot.
Coat: Macy’s
Shirt: Marshalls
Skirt: Swapped
Tights: Roots Canada
Shoes: Soda
Scarf: Fred Meyer’s
Necklace: JC Penney
Black and white is the common theme that ties the patterns together. Finding a theme made it easier to mix and match. Plus, stripes are practically a neutral. They go with everything.
I added a pop of color with my hot pink infinity scarf–it’s still so gray in Seattle that I needed something to cheer myself up. The flowers in my garden (or lack thereof) won’t help for a while. And the rats are gloomy too. I stenciled those rats on my fence as an homage to Banksy. Or was he really here?
My wedge platforms complete the outfit. They’re fun and surprisingly practical. At least I won’t sink into the grass like I would in heels!
Do you have winter-spring transition outfits?
Pink and Purple Paisley
This post is part of Patti at Not Dead Yet’s Visible Monday and Sarah Hulbert’s link party. Check out what everyone else wore today!
It’s true that I have a growing closet, but I wear what I own. Case in point: this paisley skirt. I bought it about 15 years ago, and while I wear it only once or twice a year, I like it and hope to have it for many more years. It’s a classic pattern and flattering cut.
Tanks: Wet Seal
Cardigan: Swapped
Skirt: Le Chateau
Shoes: Aerosoles
Bag: Victoria’s Secret
Despite a large wardrobe, I am good about moving things out of it if they don’t fit, are tattered and worn out, or outdated. When things have outlived their use, they go to Goodwill, a clothing swap, or get upcycled.
Do you regularly clean out your closet? What do you do with your castaways?
Filed under Fashion
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