pattern mixing by abigal strock

April 10, 2013

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Abigal {Abby} Strock virtually, via Instagram. I’ve been inspired by Abby’s creative, yet very wearable, style that she captures daily through pictures. {I’m obviously not the only one who loves her personal style…Abby has over 12,000 Instagram followers!} One of the things I love most about Abby’s style is her use of pattern and pops of color in almost every ensemble she wears. I asked Abby to contribute in a guest-post on the Edit blog, to enlighten all of us on her “methodology” in pattern-mixing, and was thrilled she said yes! I’m positive you will be inspired by her like I am…
First off, an interview with Abby ::

{Lauren} Please tell us a little about yourself, Abby…

{Abby} Born and raised in the DC Metro area, I’m your typical girl with a love for fashion! I am 27 and
married with 2 fur babies (Gibbs the English Bulldog and Kensi the Shipoo). I’ve been married
for a year and a half and my hubby and I share a love for the Washington Redskins, working
out and trying new and different foods! By day I am a contract specialist for the Department of
Defense and by night I’m a Stella and Dot Stylist. I went to college and majored in business and
economics and also have my MBA. I love the structure and attention to detail of my day job (I’m
secretly a numbers person) and love the flexibility and fun of work for Stella and Dot.

{Lauren} What are your favorite prints/patterns to work with? What pattern/print do you find easiest to mix-and-match with?

{Abby} If you’ve seen my Instagram this is an easy one…I love leopard print, I think it just seems to match everything! I have far too many leopard print accessories to count.

{Lauren} What are the “tricks” to pattern mixing? Can you share a few tips?

{Abby} It’s always good to start with a pattern you’re comfortable working with (for me it’s leopard print or stripes). Sometimes to play it safe, I’ll stick with the leopard print/ stripes combo…sometimes I’ll get a little crazy and throw in something different (maybe a floral).

{Lauren} What colors do you find easiest to intermix with prints and patterns?

{Abby} I think red looks good with just about anything…a pop of red can always pull an outfit together.

{Lauren} Do you follow any “rules” when printing pattern mixing into your office attire?

{Abby} For office, I keep it simple…so usually stripes or polka dots and leopard print. I save the
more “wild” combinations for the weekends.

{Lauren} What are your go-to stores/brands for statement accessories?

{Abby} Besides my trusty Stella and Dot, Charlotte Russe has some great, inexpensive jewelry and shoes. I also think BaubleBar has some great pieces.

{Lauren} What are your go-to stores for fun clothes?

{Abby} For fun clothes I like Forever 21 and Target, both are low price and change their inventory frequently!

{Lauren} What article of clothing or accessory in your wardrobe do you find yourself wearing the most these days?

{Abby} I tend to buy inexpensive tops and spend more money on my denim. So a splurge on a great pair of jeans will instantly be your go-to…they have a way of going with everything!

{Lauren} What is your favorite trend for Spring 2013?

{Abby} I’m loving the focus on neutrals, such a nice change to all the color that’s been popping up in recent years…and neutrals can make just as much of a statement as bold colors.

Here are three outfits, created by Abby, using her own clothes and accessories, showing examples of pattern-mixing ::