One of the things we love to do is to play with unusual or “odd” combinations when styling, always with the aim to create something that we find pleasing to the eye, interesting to look at and a little different.  So when I recently came across this sweet little bag in Accessorize, with it’s nautical stripes and colourful jewelled embellishment, it reminded me how much I love that combination of stripes and jewels.

This isn’t anything particularly new nor will it be to everyone’s taste but it’s one of those “high/low” mixes that somehow feels quite satisfying.  For those of you who don’t speak “fashion”, the term “high/low” refers to the idea of mixing something quite humble and everyday, with something dressy or more decadent, this makes it easier to wear more luxurious items without appearing OTT while at the same time adding interest to the everyday.

Another way to think about this mixing day and night dressing, something most people do without even realizing it such as mixing an evening top and fur jacket with distressed jeans.  There are so many wonderful combinations out there for you to try and playing with ideas is half the fun, you won’t always get it right, but every now and then you may have a stroke of creative genius.  In the meantime, if the fancy takes you, throw some costume jewellery on over your stripes for easy daytime chic!

All photos from Pinterest.  For more style inspiration see http://www.pinterest.com/theartofstyleir/