Sunday, January 26, 2014

K.I.S.S - Casual Chic Mom's Styling Tip for Mix & Match (Fashion Blog Post)

"Let's KISS!"


Let's WHAAAAAT?


"KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!"


Said the silver-haired software developer as I, the newest hire, over-zealously asked pressed a million questions on a system that he created -- and has been supporting -- for the past 30 years.

Why does data travel this way? Why don't you render this-and-that to the front end? Why use such primitive technology? On and on went my questions -- worthless, futile, all-over-the-place questions that provided zero relief to a tight deadline.



"Keep. It. Simple. Stupid."


The man repeated, slowly this time, as he leaned over and gently placed one hand on my shoulder, "I've done this every year-end for the past 30 years. Trust me. It works."

His voice was gentle and confident; his smile was thoughtful and placid. But, his tone. It carried just enough mockery to settle a new hire's impulsive curiosity. He made sure of that.

A few minutes later, after the flush of red escaped my face, I realized: I wasn't the only young pup, ambitious to impress yet knowing nothing at all, who popped in and out of his project, with narrow scope and selfish intentions, demanding "revolutionary" change.

Who was I to question his ingenuity? Who was I to challenge 30 years of experience?



I don't know what happened to the silver-haired man.


Neither he nor I are the type to update Facebook all day. I sincerely hope he retired with dignity, and is now cruising down the California coast like he always wanted.

Did I resent his mockery? Yes. But I also appreciated his teaching me humility -- and how to KISS.








I KISS everything now.


The most successful events, thus far, have been KISS'ed: goal-oriented play dates, parties that end on time, shopping trips with written lists...KISS-ing produces optimal results! I'm totally serious!


Today's outfit has been KISS'ed as well.


Mixing and matching prints ain't my forte, but (in my opinion) this outfit worked as I kept it simple and stupid by enforcing casual mood and neutral background. Even accessories were subdued to accentuate two very busy prints. 



KISS!

It's a wonderful, useful concept.

Do you agree?




43 comments:

  1. Lovely cardigan, the shades are so soft and pretty and the pattern reminds me of Missoni :o) Xx

    Makeup by Candlelight

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  2. haha so that's what KISS means, lovely outfit. I think it's so hard to be fashionable in Seattle :( can't wait till it gets warmer soon

    The Artistically Challenged: Beauty, Fashion, Music, Lifestyle Blog

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  3. Looking great darling! I loooove the shoes and the bag, your jeans is a perfect fit and the scarf is amazing! And thnk you for explain KISS!! :p xx

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  4. I've never applied the KISS concept to fashion, but it's definitely working! Ah, I love new fashion tricks :)

    Vanitytalkbeauty.blogspot.com

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  5. You look lovely as always. I wish I could pull off outfits as well as you :)

    Louise x

    Confessions of a Secret Shopper | An Undomestic Goddess

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  6. what a great and simplistic concept. Kiss!!! i totally agree and i love your first pic, you look STUNNING :)

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  7. What A great motto! I love the bag too :)

    xo
    www.style-wire.com

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  8. Oh, yes! I love to keep things as simple as possible; no flowery stuff on my blog face, no added unnecessary details. hahahaha.

    Oh how I love your ensemble today. Very classic and your sweater makes it all happen/come together! Thank you for the wonderful words on my ootd, too. ♥

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  9. Wonderfull look dear... I love your shoes... Thank you for visiting my blog! Do you want to see my last post?
    Blus maxi fur coat with Zara jumpsuit

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  10. HaHaHa! I loved this! People DO make things too difficult. I always try to keep things as simple as possible. Love your outfit. I'm loving the colors in your cardigan. So pretty.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  11. love the outfit and cardigan. very perfect on this cold weather.

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  12. Love the scarf and those jeans rock on ya!
    Like you said, simplicity is sublime ♥

    ♥, Jo | www.STYLEAT30.COM
    Live Life Fashionably

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  13. Ok I am not exactly sure what you are speaking about BUT you look great!

    Allie of
    allienyc.com

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  14. Those jeans are super classy!

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  15. Love your cardigan! xx

    http://reallyliteral.blogspot.ca/

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  16. you look so pretty!
    lovely and cozy outfit!

    xoxo

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  17. hi u luk pretty
    following u on gfc
    hope u follow back
    and i invite u to participate in my new oasap giveaway here
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  18. Well I totally agree, it works even in fashion, especially when you are in doubt. I like how you mixed the prints, the combo is so nice and you just look pretty. Have a great day! xo

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  19. Cool look, every detail is perfect!!!!
    Kisses doll!!!

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  20. You look amazing!!! What a gorgeous cardigan. And love the pairing with heels! ;)

    www.ruzinscloset.com

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  21. Gorgeous look, darling!
    Love the cardigan!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  22. This is a really cute outfit! I love mixing prints, but at times it can look tricky. This one here looks effortlessly chic...well done! :)

    xo Azu

    www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

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  23. This is such a cute look! Im in love with the cardigan ^^
    xoxo

    Novelstyle

    Goodie Bag giveaway!!!

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  24. I definitely agree that the concept is probably very helpful - something I need to employ more in my every day life! Love this outfit, that sweater is beautiful!
    Miche from Buttons and Birdcages

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  25. Really love this outfit completed with the gorgeous heels.

    MyLushBox | YouTube | Bloglovin

    xx

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  26. definitely agree. kinda goes along with less is more. simple can create just as big a statement. love the mix here!

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  27. You look so pretty! I love the cardigan and the scarf.

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  28. Great combination of colors and layers dear!
    It can definitely be challenging to simplify, but something we all need to learn. I'm slowly but surely keeping it more simple these days too!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  29. Beautiful outfit gorgeous shoes!
    xx

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  30. Wowwowow dear!!! This look is amaizing!!!! I love so much this jacket and your shoes...you are a very ebautiful woman :-) <3 Kissss
    Thank you for visiting my blog! Do you want to see my last post?
    My experience at Pitti

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  31. love the cardigan! :*

    http://landing-in-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  32. so pleasant looking and so well put together!!! :D gotta love the cardigan!

    Animated Confessions

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  33. doooooode - you're so cute!!! <3 haha! xoxo

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  34. yes, sometimes it is all about keeping it simple:)

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