OOTD 2.8.2012 :: Prepare for pattern

I am pretty easy to win over, especially when it comes to shopping. All you have to do is appeal to my ego. So when a store associate from the Soho Club Monaco emailed me personally to come check out the new women’s collection my brain’s shopping neurons and delirium neurons both cackled in glee. Musn’t disappoint! They said.

The problem is that if you spend lots of time shopping eventually many store associates at many stores know your name, and all of a sudden your wallet is constantly empty. This is why I enjoy being a (offline!) personal shopper. I get to go to stores, spends lots of money to get my rocks off, and then help other people put together fun outfits. I chose a couple of items for my own constantly-changing closet and the rest will go to some fashionable ladies around the city. Do you feel the pressure of SAs who know you? I find myself feeling more compelled to buy when I see them or hear from them.

This OOTD took me to points north, south, east and west in Manhattan. A brisk chill and a stiff wind left my face red and rough after another day attending NYFW shows. A mud mask is in order for sure this weekend! I am trying to be braver with patterns — I love the colorful, vivid mixes of Spring 2012’s fashion arrangements. I’ve started by playing with neutral patterns until I can master the scale. I think this look is a solid start! Are you a pattern-mixing master?

Lest you think my ego is getting the best of me, I find it hilarious how different we can look from photo from photo. I take many to get the few you see here of course. This more candid snap taken by an acquaintance? Ugly humble pie. Ah, cameras. You and I are not the best of friends.

In this outfit:
Jacket: J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket, 2012 edition
Scarf: Anthropologie Free-Flying Fringed Scarf (similar here, here and here)
Top: Club Monaco Shawna Shirt
Cami: Aerie Lace Boyfriend Tank
Crops: Anthropologie Checked Crops (similar here and here)
Shoes: Vince Camuto Vickiy
Bracelet: Nicole Miller via Anthropologie
Necklace: J.Crew oldie