what i wore in february

I don't regularly post outfit of the day pictures, partly because my photography skills are subpar and partly because I don't like being in photos. However, I do occasionally take outfit photos, so today I am sharing some of my favorite looks from last month. (I apologize in advance for the poor photo quality.)

I've been wearing a lot of blue these past couple months, which has given me the the chance to accessorize with this great cobalt statement necklace. Remember that your colorful jewelry doesn't need to match the pieces in your outfit.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities of mixing colors, start with a few hues in a similar color palette. I chose a blue & green patterned blouse and then I added a darker shade of blue for the necklace and a brighter shade of green for the tank. Although there are four distinct colors, they don't compete with each other because they connect through the print.

Costume jewelry's a great way to add a color to your outfit, but it shouldn't be expensive. The blue necklace was only $12 at Charming Charlie last summer!

My other favorite way to add color is with a fun, patterned scarf. I rarely buy solid-colored scarves and I love patterned tops so my outfits have a fair amount of pattern mixing. One of the keys to mixing patterns is to be confident. If you don't look comfortable in your clothes, then people are more likely to look at the pieces with a critical eye. If you hold your head high and walk with your shoulders back, then people will assume that you are embracing a trend they are not yet privy to.

Stripes and polka dots are my two favorite patterns, so when I see them in a great color, I buy them! I like the navy, white, and taupe combo so much that I got it in both the scarf and in the shirt. I did not initially plan on wearing them together, but once the idea planted in my head, I couldn't resist. The stripe widths are different in the two pieces, but the colors are the same so the layering adds depth and texture. When mixing patterns, use solid pieces to help ground the look.

One of my go-to pattern combinations this winter was the polka dot vest and floral scarf. It started because I was running to the grocery store and needed a scarf to throw on under my coat. This floral scarf (in shades of red, pink, and faded black) was the first one I grabbed. When I got home and actually saw myself in the mirror, I decided I liked look! I added the extra-long red sweatshirt underneath to create a red, white, and blue look to wear during the Olympics (can you believe that was only last month?).

I also got a chance to wear my red and navy rain loafers from LL Bean during a couple warm-ish days last month. They are waterproof and perfect for splashing through shallow puddles and they have the added benefit of being more versatile than traditional rain boots. Plus, since red is my favorite color they coordinate with lots of pieces in my wardrobe!

I can't wait to share my springtime outfits with all of you! I am heading to Atlanta at the end of next week and will take lots of photos of all my warm weather looks!