Coral and Poppies

Let's Get This Week Started--Monday, 6/15/15

When my initial idea to wear my new black and white delicate diamond pattern knit cardigan with my black and white striped T failed to meet my standards of graphic(al) integrity, I turned to Pinterest for some alternative ideas.  I liked these two outfits with a black (or navy) and white patterned garment and a solid pink/salmon color top.

Here's a casual rendition with blue jeans.

From pennypincherfashion.com

Here's a dressier version with a skirt.

From momomod.com

I looked at the top I have in a soft shade of salmon, but I was attracted instead to the bright coral hue of this blouse from Nordstrom that I haven't worn often enough, even though I really enjoy it when I do wear it.  (I purchased several tops in this style, including the mint top I recently wore with my new grey blazer.)  It goes especially well with black and white, including the black and white in this outfit. (As you can see in the photo, I'm leaving the pink to my tights...wait, those are my legs.)

*Black and white diamond print tipped cardigan (JNY), $34.50/wear+
Coral top (Nordstrom), $19.50/wear+
*Black A-line knit skirt (thrifted, Axcess), $5.00/wear+
Sparkly black necklace (Kohls), $1.32/wear+
Red/black flats by Ivanka Trump, $3.50/wear+

From a distance, this cardigan (it's confusing because it's constructed in a jacket like style--which in my opinion makes it a bit more professional looking than your basic cardigan--but it's definitely a soft sweater-knit cardigan) looks kind of grey, but up close it's got an interesting diamond pattern.  I really like it with the rich, intense coral color of the blouse.

I think it will easy to generate a lot of outfits using a formula like:  Black and white diamond cardigan + top in any bright color + black skirt/pants/jeans or denim skirt/jeans.  I can also see it working very well with any bright colored dress or with a white or black top and a bright colored skirt/pants.  Lots of possibilities here.

Of course, I should be so lucky if I were ever to match the effortless chic of the Corn Poppy girl.  Even though her coat is perhaps a little faded and worn, her brilliant red hat and dramatic dwarf hotot inspired eyes are so, so lovely.  I saw this gorgeous Fauvist painting by Kees van Dongen at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and it's always reminded me of my sister somehow. 

I love poppies (e.g., my big poppy poster), and the girl's hat really is reminiscent of a corn poppy in a delightful way.

This print hangs in my bathroom to the left of the mirrors in my bathroom.  She averts her eyes from my lack of an eye makeup routine.

In other news...Today just flew by at work, which was nice but also sort of an indictment of the speed (or lack thereof) that I was making progress on my dashboard development.  Oh well.  I'll take it.

Life Style Challenge Week 15

(1)  No bread, no pasta, no rice, no potato/corn/tortilla chips
(2)  Cardio exercise for 30+ minutes, 4 days a week
(3)  Strength training exercise for 10+ minutes, 2 days a week
(4)  Average 2 or fewer Triscuits per day
(5)  Continue flaxseed oil/cod liver oil regimen
(6)  Continue fruit crumble/exercise bribery scheme
(7)  Continue identifying/preparing/eating alternatives to almond butter and chocolate

This week I'm going to keep on keeping on with the Life Style Challenge, repeating my goals from last week and hoping, hoping, hoping that my neck/shoulder will be up to weight lifting this week.  Damn these stupid injuries.  It feels normal about 95% of the time, but the 5% achy/touchiness makes me a bit cautious about getting things going again.