If there’s one little accessory that’s making me happy this summer, it’s the bandana.
For some reason, this tiny scrap of cloth makes me feel like I’ve got my life together and like I’m so cool I just don’t even care about having my life together.
Last time we looked at the bandana, we styled it in a basic way, so we could get used to it and not feel like we were trying too hard.
Since then, I’ve gotten so comfortable with it that I’ll wear it with just about anything — but one of my favorite combinations is a patterned bandana and a striped shirt.
To me, the key to a successful pattern mix is when it’s both playful and pulled together at the same time.
One easy way to achieve both is to mix patterns within a monochromatic color scheme.
For example, this look — two different patterns, but all in blue, just how I like it.
I’m excited to let this concept keep evolving — especially since it was one of my goals in my summer style series post –possibly even trying to mix different patterns with different colors. I know! Who am I? :) Miss Neutrals over here venturing into uncharted territory.
But in the meantime, it’s monochromatic blues all the way because I have plenty of blues to work with in my wardrobe, and I’m all about using what I already have.
If I’m being honest, I’ve realized I have more than enough clothes for the summer. More than enough. In fact, possibly too much this time around. Not because of some obligatory rule or “should” — but because I’m actually noticing that I’m not wearing all the clothes in my closet.
So for me, it’s time to course correct a few degrees.
Isn’t that what life is? Constant, small course corrections?
So, right now my course correction looks like simply not buying any more summer clothes this year. Instead, looking at what I already have in my closet. Playing with it. Remixing it. And enjoying it to the max.
Maybe it’s the lazy summertime, but I’ve noticed a need for quite a few little course corrections in life lately.
Less TV. More conversations. Less mindless snacking. More mindful snacking. Less time sitting on my bum. More time walking around the neighborhood or doing yoga.
Nothing extreme. No guilt. Just noticing where something’s off and making a small adjustment. Moving forward, enjoying life.
Do you have any little course corrections on your mind? I’d love to hear about them.
01 / Jean shorts (old) | similar cut by Madewell | similar wash by Frame (made in USA)
02 / Shirt by Madewell | same shirt in different color
03 / Sandals gifted by Sseko (made responsibly)
04 / Bandana by Madewell
05 / Bracelet by Moulton (handmade in USA)
06 / Bag by Meyelo (made responsibly — also, my sis-in-law owns this shop)
xo,
I love this post – I’m feeling the exact same way lately about making little adjustments to get back on track. I actually try to keep a journal of what I feel I’ve done well and which little adjustments need work each week :) You inspired me to purchase this bandana and I agree – it’s a cheap and cheerful little way to feel more put together!
Yay Katie! Hope you love the bandana. And I think journaling is such a great way to track your thoughts and goals. Awesome! :) xo, Caroline
I’m also trying to not buy any more summer clothes. It’s been nice to actually get creative with what I have. For instance, I’ve dug out a lot of jewelry that I forgot I have. Just with adding more jewelry and accessories, my outfits feel a little “newish”. I’ve also spent less time shopping and more time with family, doing things outdoors. It’s been a nice change. I’m sure I will go back to shopping in the fall. I LOVE fall clothes. But, for now, it’s nice that I CAN stretch my wardrobe when I need to. By the way, I love the outfit with the bandanna. I also love mixing prints with scarves. It makes an outfit a lot more interesting. Thanks for the inspiration.
Aimee
http://www.lifetimeorganizing.com
Aimee, those little things can make such a big difference. Enjoy your “newish” looks! :) xo, Caroline
I’m with you, Caroline. I’m not buying a single other thing this summer. I’ve got an indigo striped linen top that’s been my favorite thing to wear this season, especially when it’s really hot. Washable linen is my new discovery. :)
Carol, washable linen is the bee’s knees, I agree! :) xo, Caroline
You inspired me to buy a bandana! It was on sale – I find it easier to try something different when it’s a low investment.
Woohoo! Hope you find some fun ways to style it :) xo, Caroline
Caroline are the sandals comfortable? And since I wear a size 8.5 would you suggest sizing up or down? Thanks so much they are gorgeous!
Yes Nicole! These sandals are incredibly comfortable. Nice squishy soles. The website says if you have wide feet to size up, otherwise I would size down. They have a good return policy too if it doesn’t work out :) xo, Caroline
Hello Ms. Carolina, I enjoyed reading your post, funny thing I just posted a entry on my blog about walking a new path and then, I came across this! I do have a few life corrections that I have slowly start creating. Less tv, more enjoying the silence. Less always looking for the best/more, more being happy with what I have. Less talking, more doing..etc. You have inspire me to give playing with stripes a try. Thanks for the lovely post.
– Noelle
Noelle, thank you for the lovely comment, great corrections :) xo, Caroline
Less complaining, more tolerance.
Cheers to that Estrella! xo, Caroline
I bought the same bandana (in red) because of that last post with it! I’ve loved wearing it, but the red is certainly a bolder statement, so I haven’t been wearing it too much. But, who cares? I’ll let it out of my closet more often.
Rock it Stacy! :) xo, Caroline
You inspired me to get the navy bandana from Madewell and I loved it so much I got the red one as well! I’ve been trying to avoid buying new clothes and instead use accessories to spice up what I already own. It’s amazing how a necklace or a scarf can change an outfit!
So true Alexa! I love making those little discoveries :) xo, Caroline
Caroline, I love how you use the word “correction!” It feels much more judgement free…sometimes I get really hard on myself for falling back on bad habits or picking up a new one.
Sonia YES! We have to be a little less harsh with ourselves sometimes. xo, Caroline
Always beautiful
Great minds… yesterday, I was wearing my “bandana” (an old navy, silk scarf) with a blue top and tile patterned trousers. I agree the similar colour scheme just pulls the patterns all together. You’ve inspired me to try it with my stripy shirt next.
I for one have not been wearing all my summer clothes, but that could be because the summer here in the UK has been very mild (cool) and rainy. I am taking a break from buying new stuff and focusing on health: yoga, eating well, meditation, walking and trying to see more friends. Great post!
Tanya, sounds lovely! xo, Caroline
I love your outlook, Caroline! And how you connect wardrobe and life mindsets. So cool! Thanks for the inspiration <3
http://www.thebusinessofblooming.com
Thanks for the support Marie! :) xo, Caroline
I love the bandana / shirt combination! It looks so great! I feel I need a few course corrections this summer too; just little things like you said. One thing I’ve started doing is spending a lot more time reading in the evenings rather than watching TV. It makes me feel so much more relaxed! xxx
Miranda, that’s a great one. It’s supposed to help you sleep better too. Have you noticed a difference? xo, Caroline
‘Correction’ is a lovely way to put it here :) I also really want to avoid buying anymore summer clothes.. BUT that shirt is so beautiful :O
Alice | Whiskey Jars Blog
Haha Alice… maybe just one more shirt? Haha, I’m kidding! :) Enjoy your summer! xo, Caroline
I definitely enjoy your outlook on clothes and accumulation of things. I’m trying to purchase as thoughtfully as possible but those impulses are hard to control!
I love the course corrections thought. At the moment I’m trying to… Put things away straight away after use to save tidying time in the future… Actually LISTEN carefully and actively to my husband, especially when he’s telling me about his day… Slowly roll back my social media use starting with some baby steps of no Facebook after 10pm and before I begin my morning commute. Refreshing to see how tiny changes can make a difference to your wellbeing
Anna, these are beyond awesome. I hope you’re seeing some positive changes with those little corrections. xo, Caroline
YES! I love everything about this post. Summer is a great time to hone in on better habits too– I’m personally working on spending more time outdoors, and finding more inventive ways to wear my small wardrobe.
Daisy, that’s fantastic! Being outdoors is just good for the soul, isn’t it? xo, Caroline
The bandana is such a fun accessory. I’ve gotten into the habit lately of tying one onto my tote. For the 4th I changed it up to a red and white one (to coordinate with a blue shirt). Adds a little something extra. :) And I’m totally with you – I will make it my mission to not buy any more summer clothes! My closet is really lacking in the fall/winter clothes department, so I will just focus on that when the time comes. And as for course correction? Less negativity for me – not dwelling on the past, and either fixing or letting go of complicated relationships. It’s an ongoing process!
Taryn, those corrections are so good. The honesty. xo, Caroline
I pretty much love the bandana and am so excited that it’s back in the mix. I have never given up on it, but it was harder to find ‘the right’ one before they started trending again. Give me any scrap of fabric and I’m in utilitarian/fashion heaven.
Desi, I’m excited that they are back in style too. It’s just easy! :) xo, Caroline
Yes yes yes. Small adjustments are where it’s at.
I take a walk with our daughter and dog each morning, and I love to listen to podcasts while pushing the stroller. But this last week I made one small adjustment — I started listening to a short meditation piece to guide me through the first five minutes of our walk. I love the clarity and peace it brings to the start of my day, I love that I easily added it to my routine, and it only takes a few minutes.
Lisa, that sounds so relaxing and I love that it puts a good spin on the start of your day! :) xo, Caroline
I feel you girl… for me I always get “off track” when life is stressful and right now we are in an extremely stressful season of life. I’ve been noticing lately, like you said, that I just need to tighten the strings a bit. I love how you put it so positively though. I have a hard time not beating myself up about it, so you have a refreshing outlook!
Karin | truncationblog.com
Karin, keep on keepin’ on sister. :) xo, Caroline
I’ve been so many bloggers rocking the bandana! So cute! Love you sandals too!
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
Yup I’ve noticed the same thing…. some how our tv watching has skyrocketed…. I guess I do feel guilty about it…. but that’s less important to me then just fixing the issue.
Glad you are back to posting. It’s interesting how its different now.
I’m working on my capsule. Just finished my first year… I still feel I have too much… but well see how year 2 goes.
Good luck! :) xo, Caroline
Your blog is great! It’s one of the two I check up on frequently! I feel I’m always making course corrections like these so it’s encouraging to hear I’m not he only one having to do it often. And the reminder to not have guilt in it and move forward and enjoy life is just what I needed. Two questions: do the sseko sandals stretch with wear? I have been wanting them for awhile but not sure rather to up a half size to 9 or down to 8? Also let me know if you would ever want to collab my insta is @cottonandcoppergoods and my Etsy link it there.
Thanks,
Paige
Hi Paige – your etsy shop is so cute! As for the sandals, they run a little wide so you might want to size down. The straps are pretty tight at first too, but they should loosen up nicely with a few wears. :) xo, Caroline
I love your outfit! It´s casual and special at the same time! I am currently working on my new baby blog and my biggest private project for the next time is to work more and always on my self love. I have a few problems with that and i think i cannot live my life to the fullest if i don´t change <3
The most important course correction you can possibly make! xo, Caroline
Haha I’m not so sure about the bandana but you’re looking good with it so may be it worse the shot !
Good post! I’ve been experiencing the same thing, and I’m trying to use whatever summer clothes I actually own, and it’s helped me make tons of more outfits
You are so gorgeous and I love this outfit. Because of your blog I got rid of most of my clothes and kept the perfect items that I love and can work well together. I am finding that the older I get the more minimal I am getting. I just love the idea of not having loads of things and they all being black, white, gray and blue. It relaxes me :P Thank you girly for your help and I can’t wait to share my journey on my blog.
Love,
Thays
http://www.sillycrazyme.com
Perfect way to mix patterns and always love denim cutoffs!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
Caroline, thanks for staying true to yourself and sharing your talent in working within what you already have. You are such an inspiration.
I wear scarves for work sometimes (small ones, about bandana size) and I like to use brighter ones if everything else is fairly neutral. Eg — grey polo shirt, khakis, and an old, bright pink silk scarf with white flowers. I stick to only one bright thing and it works out well. I have a pretty minimal wardrobe so I use small accents to change it up.
Love this and I love this look!!! Pattern mixing is uncharted waters for me. But here I am, trying. Love your blog❤️ Please teach me more!
So, I know I am late to the post but, I just now have a chance to catch up.
Love this post!
I would like to start using my time more wisely. Like, as soon as I come home, start working out instead of sitting down watching TV. Even when it comes to my blog start producing more content and more quality content as well.
Your phrase “course corrections” has been floating around in my head for the past six weeks, but I forgot that I read it here first.
Thank you! By reframing the concept of ” constant change”, it feels more gentle and less pressured.
Or does it seem that way because I love the sea, and all things nautical?
Love your insightful posts.
Cheers, Lisa in Melbourne 30/8/16