Outfit: Casual for the Carousel

Exciting news: a local spot here (in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) just got a carousel! As you could imagine, it's a mom's new cool place to be... especially because there's a delicious new self-serve yogurt shop next door. Have you ever been to one? It's so easy to go over-board... 12 yogurts you get yourself, toppings galore! Anyway, I digress for this outfit post. I mention this locale because this past Friday I headed there for a fun, casual afternoon with my little chickie, Sarah, plus a bff, B, with her adorable little girl.

My casual outfit: new blue leopard cardy (been dying to wear!) with black skinnies, both from Gap. The old Alyson would have only paired a pattern like this with solid black tee or tank underneath, but not the new Alyson. (I'm so proud of myself!). Instead I opted for a bright fuchsia tee with silk pocket. Love how it added a pop of color!  

My fashion insight for this week: Patterns can work with colors and other patterns that are not in the original look. They have to go, not match. For example, this cardy would look gorg with pink lace, too. Put it on, live with it a minute, and then assuming you don't look too crazy, go for it!

blue leopard cardy: gap

fuchsia tee: loft

jeans: gap

booties: nine west
ring: from macy's
(note: minimal jewelry, otherwise daughter would pull/destroy!) :)