Pattern Mixing :: Floral + Stripes (& Vera Bradley Event!)

[Update]: J. Crew is having a 25% off everything + free shipping sale!  I may have picked up a pencil skirt or two…pinot noir and baroque blue in case you’re curious. 🙂  Also loving this blazer, this jacket, and these pumps!

This weekend was a blur.  I’m only now sitting down at my computer late on Sunday night after two busy days of running errands around town, taking the little one to the museum and park, and trying to get the house straightened up.  I managed squeezed in a hair appointment in the midst of all of it too to get a Keratin treatment done (great Groupon deal for it! — my invite).  I’m hoping that this will cut down on my prep time in the mornings as I’m always struggling to get ready while still half entertaining Dylan and making sure he doesn’t get into trouble.  Let’s see how it goes!

I wanted to do a little pattern mixing in my outfit today.  I am in love with this Vera Bradley buckle tote and the ‘Bittersweet’ print is absolutely perfect for Fall!  A combination of reds, yellows, and olives, it’s like having the best of fall foliage slung over your arm.  I mixed the colorful bag with a burgundy top (it technically has a peplum hem but I tucked it into the skirt) and a black / white striped skirt.  I love how the black / white stripes bring out the subtle black and white colors of the bag.  I tied the colors together with a pop of gold on my shoes and a red flower in my hair.  I wore this look out to a dinner with the husband and baby last night and it was perfect for a casual little date night!

If you’re in the Dallas area, be sure to come out to the Vera Bradley store in Stonebriar Mall this Saturday, October 19th from 2-4pm.  I will be hosting a Fall Fashion event with InStyle magazine and there will be a dj, light bites, and fun giveaways!  I’ve even created 3 different looks for the mannequins that will be on display featuring some different ways to mix and match Vera Bradley prints.  I have to tell you, Vera Bradley really knows how to do floral and paisley patterns right!

Here are a few of my favorite Vera Bradley items right now.  Not only are the handbags fabulous, but there are some accessories that I’m in love with too!

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Olive + Burgundy – Playing with some darker fall colors!