Mixin' Prints as easy as 1,2,3...

One of the MAIN style questions I'm always asked is "How do you mix prints and make it work???" 

My answer? EASY!!!

Gone are the days when the fashion gods declared "Thou shall wear one print only!!!"

In today's world you can mix and match basically any print. It's super easy and a cleaver way to remix pieces you've worn already, Add some flavour to an otherwise basic look or shit just wear two pieces you really love at the same damn time!!!

Some of my favs to try are:

• Plaids + Stripes
• Polka dots + Paisley
• Leopard + Camo
• Vertical stripes + Horizontal stripes
• Houndstooth + Polka dots with a side of checkered

Here's my guide on effective print mixology without looking too crazy...

1.  Ensure you have a base colour - Both prints should have at least one colour in common that way whilst your look won't match it'll definitely compliment each other.
   
2.  Pick a focal print - Choose one print that's going be the center of the look, whichever print you choose should be the bigger of the two or three that you combine.
   
3. Break up the two - If you're shy start off by using a printed shoe/printed blazer combo or keep it simple with a printed clutch. For the extremely print shy a lot of local designers are doing amazing graphic and fabric earrings, add one of those to a basic black dress with a printed pump or flat and wallah! You've lost your mixing print virginity!As you begin to feel more comfy try a plaid top with a polka dot skirt with a solid belt in the middle to break up the two (belts are my #1 styling trick I'd belt my night gown if you gave me a chance!)
   
4. ROCK IT!!!! - Confidence is KEY in pulling off ANY look. Don't listen to any basic Betty's talking bout you don't "match" you don't have to!!!

Now go out there and mix those prints I wanna see pics!!!

Finding your personal style

Over the years my style has gone through many phases. I've been a sneaker and baggy jean wearing tomboy, a tummy baring Aaliyah wannabe, an underwear showing over the top of my jeans et al, a pregnant teenager, a Rastafarian empress and now a full-fledged SHOE ADDICT!!!! 

Throughout every phase I fully committed to the 'look' and was convinced that I would grow old dressing that way! In my opinion finding and owning your personal style is VERY important! Nothing beats a woman, in fact any person who is comfortable in their own skin. Confidence shows in the way you walk, the way you project yourself, you stand taller, smile brighter and it's sexy as fuck. 

Nothing is more annoying than an obnoxious sales clerk who's trying to force everything down your throat "oh gosh famalee that looking real bess" and you very well know it's either way too short, too tight or just not you. 

MY SUGGESTIONS
1. Find what you feel most comfortable in. 
For me my go to dressed down outfit is a white tank ( aka the wife beater) and a pair of jeans (Parkers or Hollister) with flip flops (Chanel, Tory Burch, Havianas or Old Navy) and a great handbag. If I want to dress it up I add a blazer and some ballet flats and button earrings.

2. Realise that not EVERY trend is built for you or your body type!
It's ok to try it in the store but you have to be honest with yourself or if your judgement is a little shaky, take a brutally honest friend they don't have to be a fashionista but they must know what looks good on you. For instance I know Harem pants and cold shoulder tops are not my friends and I generally hate leggings with a passion (that's a whole other blog entry)

3. Know your body type full figured, top heavy, pear shaped or no shape just now your shape! 

4. Research is your friend! 
I know it may seem a bit much for just getting dressed but on your free time flip through fashion blogs, magazines or Instagram, Pinterest, Tinder or whoever is the next social media forum and GET NEW IDEAS!! There is inspiration almost everywhere! Instyle Magazine is like my bible I love how they show trends and literally break down looks piece but piece to show how anyone of any age can do it. 

5. ASK FOR HELP!!!!!! 
There are experts whose job it is to help you put together looks. Absolutely nothing is wrong with asking a question ( I do it my damn self lol). You can even take your researched looks with you to shop so you now have an idea of where you wanna take your look and what you want to look like.

Welcome to Shopaholics-IS-Shoes

After much encouragement (by encouragement I mean buff) I decided to finally start my blog Shopaholicisshoes!!! Why?

1 I'm a "shopaholic" or so I've been told... Let's agree to disagree on that one

2 We all have issues (some of us more than others myself included)

3 I'm absolutely in love with shoes, bags, clothing, statement necklaces, jewelry and just about everything fashion or fashion oriented. 

Fashion to me is a very personal thing it's not only about the latest trend, a designer item or who you've seen wearing what. Fashion to me is about finding what suits you and what you love whether it cost $10 or $1000. Be yourself wear what you want and most importantly make yourself happy!!!

This is basically my running commentary on everything, from what to wear to an all inclusive fete to what necklaces go best with which necklines to the importance of spanx no matter what size you are and even my personal view on some trends...please note that unless you're a professional dancer mas boots are not to be worn outside of Carnival Monday & Tuesday.

 We will even discuss events, shopping spots, my favourite restaurants both locally and internationally, travel destinations, my go to essentials and my best advice on raising a teen (he's absolutely gorgeous btw)

I'm just a loud mouth "single black female addicted to retail" trying to be a good mom whilst attempting to look reasonably cute.

hashtag shoes, hashtag statement necklace whore, hashtag lush,  hashtag foodie,  hashtag ISmommy

Welcome to Shopaholicisshoes and remember...It's always better to be over dressed than under!