Today’s discussion is on the trend of pattern mixing in the home and fashion.

My best of friend AM has a way with patterns.  Just spent a week in the Dominican Republic with her and her hubby JE, our friend MR, and my SFJ…I spent the time soaking in the sun and studying AM’s love for pattern.

At the small DR resort hotel where AM is one of the original owners we met power fashion blogger Jenn Lake and her hubby Bob.  Jenn is also a major lover of a mix of patterns.  When AM locked in on Jenn’s first resort look and her eyes danced with delight, I knew AM had met her pattern mixing match.  All week, the two power pattern mixers oooohhhed and aaaahhhed over each other’s bold fashion choices.  So for me, after spending a week near and around two women who are not afraid of blending and juxtaposing patterns and color in their wardrobe…I frankly felt a little drab with my solid colored clothing.  Note to self: Must go to New York where AM lives, sneak into her closet, raid it, get some great patterned clothing in my mix, pack it all up in my handy carry on luggage and fly home…good idea right or is that against the law? Hmmm…

So today I take you on pattern mixing fantasy in fashion and for the home.  Bestie AM this one is for you!!

Today I bring you a tropical garden gate and a bit of chatter about fashion choices and red pants of all things…

I am still here in the Dominican Republic on a dream vacation. It is so beautiful here and so relaxing being with friends.  I must admit, I fell off the early morning yoga regime a few days ago…I may get back on it this morning…”may” is the operative word in that sentence.

Anyhooo…I felt compelled to put on a bright color yesterday due to the fact that best of friend AM and power fashion blogger Jenn Lake of Style Charade, who are both here at the Playa Grande Beach Club hotel and resort, are two women who know how to wear a beautiful mix of patterns, texture and colors.  I am usually dressed in safe blacks or whites in Los Angeles…I haven’t quite got the fashion confidence of taking on patterns (yet) but I decided to take bright color from AM’s and Jenn’s fashion play books…

In just a few days, I am off for a spring break holiday in the Dominican Republic. Going with best of friend AM, her hubby JE, our friend MR, all of their kids (AM has two and MR has three kids) and SFJ is joining us too!  MR’s hubby JR can’t make it so on this trip, JE and SFJ will be outnumbered!!  When MR, AM and I get together on vacation, it is always fun and a little chaotic (in a good way).  It will be so much fun.  Cannot wait.

Anyhoo…that brings me to off the shoulder tops.  Am so happy this style is still in this season.  About two years ago, these shoulder baring tops made a resurgence in fashion and now it looks like the trend has become a fashion staple.  Here a few I am liking for spring.

Who doesn’t love a cozy sweater?  Right?

Here in Los Angeles, any time the weather drops below 65 degrees, I am FREEZING.  I was born and raised in Southern California so I am not accustomed to climate changes! 😉

Seriously though, I have been seeing reports all around the country of knee deep snow storms and a general chill.  If you are not able to travel to a beautiful tropical warm spot to warm up, the second solution is a cozy sweater…there are a lot of good ones out there right now…here are my picks for this season.