You know I love prints. Seriously, you knew that right? Well, this year my only real challenge I have given myself is to mix it up a bit. No more separates that match nothing- ok, when I combine it you still might not think it matches, but I’ll be happy! I plan to start small- like this Anna Sui:
Then add more architectural feats- Preen 2012:
My first victims are 2 separates that I think work toward my goal- Burda 7071 and 7198- lets see if they look anything like the drawings after I get thru with them!
Ready for my changes and whines? I don’t actually have any whines. Another plan for 2014- ok, ok, maybe I planned a little more than I said……was to stop fearing Burda. I love the shapes and quirk of them, so I will sew more of them and learn their language. This is the husbands favorite photo spot for incliment weather- I endeavour to be as entertaining as an eclipse for him. 
Loves:
this is fully lined!
I love the shape of this jacket- the envelope makes it look a bit boxier, but I tapered it a little- not planning to wear it closed and I’m happier without all the bulk across the chest.
My top is a standard tunicy business with a lovely repeat to it. Fabricmart- you are my friend! I don’t like a button placket- it is just not me- but I do love buttons- so I randomly sewed a bunch down the faux placket for a little more texture. Look- a turtle! These shapes are very me- flowy, sheer and leggy-worthy. I’ve been reading the Wardrobe Architecture series and my style icons surprised me a bit- this year I plan to try a hybrid of Dita Von Teese running errands meets Judy Dench- scarey, right? Style whiplash at its finest!
This is my baby steps toward Anna Sui- just you wait- by the end of the year it’s all this:
Got any brave and squirrelly ideas for your makes?
photo credits:Pattern review, meadhawg, style.com, pinterest. All images remain the property of their original owners.
Pretty Grievances 
You look fabulous…love the sheer drapey tunic and short jacket…could be right out of a magazine! And with dimmed lights and a hint of a sunset…perfect backdrop!
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The husband is so good at finding pic spots, he loves his urban decay!
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I think this outfit is amazing! It is so you, and yet it is a new you. Truly impressed with this one!
I try to follow Wardrobe Architect, and I find it so overwhelming. I never thought of some things it challenges you to answer.
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Its a lot to think about- but I’ve already started thinking harder about my lifestyle vs what I’m attracted to but don’t wear. Maybe I’ll close my ‘unworn clothing museum’!
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Move over Anna Sui, PrttyNPnk is in the house!! Love what you did. Great fun.
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I felt very sleek- even tho it was a shapeless top- I’m really pleased.
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I totally love this! If this is a mix up of non-matching prints, bring it on. The jacket is so flattering and the colours are just so… so… I’m running out of words. At this rate, you’ll nail the Ms. Sui look by the end of 2014.
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Whoohoo! I wasn’t sure it would be doable- I’m glad it made sense!
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I love it and you look awesome!
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Thank you so much!!!
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Wow wow wow. Love both. Great jacket with wonderful shape. That tunic is stunning! I have just spent a couple of days doing tunics – must be our twin sync! Great fabric. The whole look is great on you.
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In tunics we trust! I think our twin-sync is going to have a very stylish year!
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I LOVE your jacket! The shape is wonderful and the print adds a nice texture to it. I actually think it’s rather neutral and I like it a lot with the top!
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Oh Brooke, I kept thinking the jacket print was too neutral too! I have to get used to my prints not being in attack mode!
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Style whiplash be damned – you look fabulous!
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Thank you!!!! I was having much fun!
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Which is the way it should be!
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Great print combo! Love love love the jacket!
My style icons were Alexa Chung and Helena Bonham Carter?! Young and fresh meets Tim Burton muse? Haven’t thought what that means yet.
Anyway, looking great!
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I had Helena on my mind too- but these hips don’t need big bloomers!
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Beautiful pieces, both, and they work together nicely. I’m far at the opposite end of the spectrum from Anna Sui, so I truly admire your endeavoring to dress more ‘Sui-style’. Out for dinner this evening I wore muted red solid pants, a solid black, long sleeved top, and a solid black flowy cardi. And solid black shoes. I really know how to mix it up. 😉 But I love coming here to look at your prints! I have been looking for a tunic type top to make, I shall take a closer look at 7198, as it is beautiful on you.
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I have solid phobia. I think I tend to hide behind prints. 7198 is a really quick make- i recommend!
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Wow. I am seriously impressed. I’m ready to crown you the queen of pattern-matching just based on this ensemble.
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I hope the crown and sash are suitably tacky!
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This “ensemble” works so well on you. Color, shape and fit. Bravo!
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Oh, you are too kind!
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Love Your outfit. I especially LOVE the top on you!!! It is so becomming, and the buttons. Wow, they just pop that blouse!
congratulations, well donte 🙂
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This year I really want to find my muse- I hope you enjoy my foolish journey!
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All kinds of lovely. I’m particularly in awe of the pattern placement on the tunic, with the light background section at the top of the sleeve head.
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My Fathers dining room table saw much scheming that day!
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I love those two pieces – separately and together!
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I’ve worn the top seperately and it really appeals to my love of Eastern influenced tunics- I may have to have another!
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I think you’re on the path to uber gaudy. I will join you:)
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Yay! Bring snacks!
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Sure thing. And not just crumbs for the birds to follow.
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I love the jacket and the way the two prints echo each other. I don’t know if I would call it gaudy though. Definitely eye-catching though.
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Gaudy is a good thing- I must push harder to embrace it!
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I really, really like this on you! The go together so well too. I’d totally buy that jacket if I saw it in a store, even though I never wear jackets 🙂
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Now that is a compliment! Wow- thanks!
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Wow, really nice, both of them! But I especially love the jacket – that fabric is beautiful!
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That fabric was a gift that just never found it’s calling until now- I’m glad I waited on it!
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Oooh – teach me how to do this! I love the look of contrasting prints but haven’t a clue how to do it in real life. This look is awesome! I really like how the red in the tunic plays off of the red in the jacket. I think you look fabulous!
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You are a fashion stylist and you don’t know it! I would totally wear this. The prints DO match, not contrast. The red tones and light tones in the two fabrics mimic each other. Also, the triangular motifs in the red fabric are echoed by the triangular mountain print of the top. Cutting the sleeves of the top with the light portion of the print near the shoulder was a stroke of genius.
You rock, girl.
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Whoop! It looks amazing! Love the different prints, & that jacket fabric is brilliant!
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Oh, honey, this ensemble is beyond killa!!!! You nailed it all. Such a cool print on that jacket.
And don’t fear the solids (This is coming from ME, mind you). My recently-stitched brown Renfrew dress makes me infinitely happy.
Keep on keepin’ on, Anne Sui!! We’re not worthy!
Shelley
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fantastic jacket and woohoo for prints, love ’em too.
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Your outfit rocks! I love the jacket fabric!
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The goddess Anna Sui is already looking down on you and smiling. I’m smiling too cause this is a great outfit. Perfect pairing on the patterns and I like the two different prints together. Rock on with your bad self!
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Ah, I think you did a terrific job Anne! Nice pattern mixing and very flattering tunic and jacket styles. Great colour matching too, I IS SO PROUD, sniff, sniff! I also like that you made the tunic out of a sheer fabric, really looks lovely.
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Oooh, this combo is fantastic! The prints and shapes go together so well, but not in a matchy-matchy way. The jacket is especially great- what an awesome color! Well done, miss!
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You look fab and I can’t wait to see you Dita Von Dench ensemble,
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What a great outfit! It really works!
And by the way that jacket fabric looks familiar. 😉
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Do you think its happy fabric? Did it fulfill its textile goal? I love it- thank you so much!!
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Oh, it did, it did! I I liked the fabric but it just wouldn’t tell me what it wanted to be. I am happy that it has found its true purpose in life. It looks great on you.
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Quirky… be still my heart! Awesome outfit. I’m feeling even more inspired to mix patterned fabrics… Anna Sui and I… well the name says it all…
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This is our year!
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LOVE these separates!! Paired together they are just awesome.
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Thank you so much! Im having fun-
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Hard to do, mixing patterns so that it looks good and not like you got dressed with your eyes closed. You’ve done it! Fab
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Its fun, isnt it?
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Ah prints! The Anna Sui outfit is beautiful, where are those fabrics found? Last year, I signed up for instruction on sewing but my ulterior motive was the teacher has an eye for prints, I don’t but am hoping to get one eventually. I am becoming more adventurous, but have made a couple of horrendous choices along the way.
I’ll take that jacket off your hands if you grow tired of it, yummy!
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The jacket is gorgeous! Wish I could see the buttons on the tunic better, but it is also lovely. Well done!
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You are fabulous
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Love this pairing! Don’t bash the Burda, embrace it!
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Great outfit! I love both!
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I love love love both pieces!! Such gorgeous prints and you look lovely against the sunset.
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aw shucks, thank you!
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That’s a gorgeous outfit.The tunic is fabulous, but that jacket, oh that jacket, angels sing. It’s stunning!
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I am so proud of that jacket- seriously- I felt like a big girl sewist!
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Boho chic at its best. Love this look.
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