Dear Readers,
Have you seen any fashion magazines lately? Or visited a trendy store like J. Crew or Forever 21?
If so, you have likely noticed a popular new trend for both men and women this season. I call it Anything Goes. It mixes all manner of prints and patterns together and the crazier the color combos, the better! I must admit, it is a sight for sore eyes after such a long gray winter.
Wall Street Journal Magazine
For young women who are still experimenting with their personal style, this is truly a wonderful way to do it. But for those of us who are more, shall we say, mature? This print/color mixing thing can feel a bit weird and be a bit daunting.
So let's take a more conservative approach, shall we?
First and foremost, the colors we choose are key. If we stick to a neutral color palette when combining different prints and patterns, it can work. For example, I have a great little polka dot sweater that I bought a few years ago and I wear it every spring. To me, nothing says spring quite like polka dots! My sweater is navy and white and it's a durable beautiful cashmere wool.
In past years, I've worn it with a white shirt or camisole.
Very classic, very safe, very 2008. 
This year, I'm pairing my sweater with a navy and white striped T-shirt; or a black and white striped button front shirt and green tank; or a sleeveless yellow blouse with a soft floral print scarf (see photos on the right).
And the best thing is this: Tim Gunn totally approves.
Green and blue are the in colors of the season, so I'm accessorizing with turquoise green jewelry and a green purse. This works because I'm staying within the boundaries of the Nancy Neutral Mixing Rule and simply throwing in a touch of green to keep it interesting.
When fall arrives, I'll wear the sweater, drop the spring green accessories, swap out my spring/summer tops for a heavier animal print knit, and add a black and white scarf.
If indeed I wear all these styling options, I wonder . . . how much longer can I expect my beloved sweater to last? We recently celebrated our 6th anniversary together at a friend's jewelry party. It was a lovely evening.
Just goes to show how quality cashmere is worth every twenty I spend on it.
So, dear readers, will you be bold enough to step out of your comfort zone and mix it up a little?
After all, it is spring.
Or so they say . . .
Hopefully,
Nancy
