Mix Master

I'm not sure where the lesson came from, but growing up, I was taught that an outfit should only consist of one print and everything else was styled around that. So for many years, I stuck to that rule. It wasn't until I came into my late 20's that I started to experiment a bit with mixing prints. I started off small, mixing prints and textures with accessories. As I became more comfortable with the idea that I didn't always ave to be so matchy-matchy, I started to have fun with mixing colors, patterns and textures. Here I am today, mixing animal print on animal print with some snake embossed and quilted textures. The one thing I do try to stick to when mixing prints is to find a common denominator that somehow connects all the different pieces. The denominator for this outfit is the blue hue. So a homework assignment for you: go into your closet and find ways to mix your prints. The non-obvious ones may be the best combinations! Sweater: INC from Macy's. This was a gift from my mom a few years ago and knowing how she shops, it definitely came off the sale rack with added savings with her coupons. A few updated sweaters with bows for your consideration: (1) Loft: Bow Neck Striped Cuff Sweater, $49.99. Save 40% off everything in-stores and online, no code required or (2) Polyvore: Jumper, $31.

Animal Print Skirt: Phillip Lim for Target, $29.99. This is the last piece from my online haul a few months ago. Due to the collabo's popularity, most items sold out pretty quickly. Here are a few fun animal print skirts to try: (1) Nordstrom: Kenneth Cole New York Verona Skirt, $76.40 (sale); (2) asos: Midi Skirt  in Animal Print, $65.34; and (3) Forever21: Electric Leopard Pencil Skirt, $10.80.

Tights: Gap, $3.99. Found these tights in the bin o' random items on clearance. Although not at the same low price point, these are pretty affordable tights: (1) Lord & Taylor: DKNY Menswear Diagonal Tights, $15;  (2) Lord & Taylor: DKNY Menswear Foulard Tights, $20; and (3) Lord & Taylor: Hue Crocodile Luster Tights, $6.99. Use code READY and save 20% at L&T.

Bronze Snake Pumps: Nicole Miller from DSW, $gift. My girlfriends bought these as a birthday gift many years ago and I still love them! For something similar I suggest these: DSW, Moda Spana Kimberly Platform Pump, $59.95.

Rings: (1) The 'R' initial ring is from Lou Lou, $10. This ring is not available online. As an alternative, I found this alphabet ring on Etsy, (2) Knot Midi Ring: The Fashion Truck on Main, $6. If you don't get a chance to visit the store or truck, this UO Teardrop Infinity Midi Ring is a great alternative at $8; and (3) Gold band was a gift from my dad. I love Bauble Bar's gold classic cigar band as an alternative, $36.

Pave Stone Link Bracelet: Target, $19.99.

Crossbody Snake Print Quilted Bag: Jacob by Marc Jacobs, under $20 (a very old bag).  Some alternatives: (1) H&M: Snakeskin Pattern Shoulder Bag, $17.95 or (2) H&M: Snakeskin Patterned Bag, $79.95.

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