My Outfit Monday: Polka dots, checks and stripes -- yikes!
This probably wasn't meant to be taken as a compliment: "Marissa... You're going to give me a (expletive) seizure."
Those are words from my editor the first time I wore this skirt to work. He took one look at me and balked. I beamed.
See, I had just bought this exciting piece of patterned wonder at Buffalo Gal Vintage. It's from the 1970s, and it was on sale for something like $18. I couldn't resist.
Ever since, it's been my go-to piece when I need a pick-me-up or want to liven up my day. It's so bright! So colorful! So... spastic!
Anyone remember that children's song Polka Dots Checks and Stripes by Parachute Express? No? I'm alone here? Ok. Well, the chorus goes "Polka dots, checks and stripes -- YIKES!"
I'm pretty sure this was the skirt they're singing about.
Checkerboard patters mingle with color-blocked triangles of red, blue, yellow and orange as circles dance across pleats, swirls wrap around lines and waves and polka dots criss-cross over stripes.
Is it too much? Maybe. But I find the key to bright colors and crazy patterns is temperance.
Given how bright this skirt is on its own, you really can't pair it with much other than solid colors. Preferably something simple and unobtrusive, like whites or blacks. Anything else might leave you looking like a one-woman optical illusion.
Today, I'm wearing the skirt with a black scoop-neck T-shirt with a cropped cardigan ($2 at Sunshine Thrift), elastic belt, black tights and -- because I know how popular these are among all you Divas out there -- shooties!
This pair is black with a knot detail on the side that I really like. They were half off at Payless, bringing them down to $15. Here's a closeup:
What do you think? Has my skirt sent you into color shock? Hate the shoes? Have I turned you into a shootie convert yet? Let's hear it!
- Deal Diva Marissa
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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