Gingham Style

Photo credit: Harlin Miller

There’s nothing like a pair of pants that mold to your body just right. I’ve been eyeing these gingham print pants from Topshop for quite a while now and I finally decided a few weeks ago to go ahead and treat myself. And boy am I happy I did! Not only because I got them on sale, but because they fit perfectly! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, I’m sure you’ve heard me complaining about the growing number of brands using vanity sizing (Target, Forever 21…I’m talking to you!) and how much I absolutely hate it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for removing the stigma attached to larger clothing sizes, but not at the expense of virtually pushing women who are true size 0’s completely off the sizing chart. It’s equally as discriminatory and doesn’t fix the body image issues so many women face on a daily basis. It’s so frustrating and discouraging to purchase a pair of jeans only for them to arrive and you realize they’re WAY too big and that the brand doesn’t carry anything that would actually fit you. What am I supposed to wear for the rest of my life…sweatpants?! Absolutely not!

So because of the recent sizing shift, I’ve been shopping a lot more European and Asian brands these days. Topshop changed my life when they brought these pants into my life. I love the pattern, love the fit and I love how versatile they are. You can dress them up or down. And trust I plan to do it all! So don’t be surprised if you see these pants in a post about once a month. Lol.

I’ve been trying my hand at pattern mixing a lot more these days (shout out to Solange) and I have to say that I really like this combo. I had so many people stop me and tell me how much they loved it too. One guy even told me he’d consider dating women for me. I was totally flattered! haha! The top is one I got in my monthly subscription from Le Tote. They contacted me recently and asked if I would be willing to try out their site. This is my 2nd month and I have to say it’s a pretty neat site. For $49/month, you get 5 items in a tote bag, you keep them for a long as you want and then when you’re done, you just put them in the prepaid shipping bag they provide you and ship them back. Easy peezy. You even have the option of keeping and purchasing at a discounted price the items you love. For example, the necklace I’m wearing is from last month’s tote, but I loved it so much that I decided to keep it for good. I finished the look off with a pair of button style earrings in soft pink (also from Le Tote) and bright red polish for an added pop of color.

What about your clutch, Blake??? Isn’t it a beauty?! I recently got it from my good friends over at Bijuju Boutique. I thought it was the perfect complement to this outfit because it’s so understated glam. There was already so much going on with all the pattern mixing that I needed a bag that wouldn’t compete with it all. It plays perfectly off the black gingham print, but without being a distraction. But beyond how great the bag looks, it’s great quality. I have a couple of other box clutches that, when I wear them, I always feel like I’m carrying around a faberge egg. They come open randomly, things leave scuff marks…so much drama! But this one is sturdy! I wore it recently to a wild night of bachelorette partying and it came home without a scratch! You can’t beat that!

Shop the Look:

Top: c/o Le Tote | Pants: Topshop | Shoes: Breckelle’s (here) | Clutch: c/o Bijuju Boutique | Earrings: c/o Le Tote | Nail Polish: Julep