When it comes to putting an outfit together, I love mixing prints probably more than anything else. I don’t really follow any rules for doing so such as making sure the color or the scale is the same, or whatever the rules are (not big on rules). I simply follow my instinct and go for it. I prefer a little off-kilter anyway.

I wore this mash-up to a recent event at the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana store on Oak Street in Chicago. Ashley from Sed Bona and I literally stepped into the most magnificent stream of light right in front of the neighboring Tom Ford store.

It was right around 5 p.m. soon after Daylight Saving Time and it was still chilly enough for a coat (but not a heavy parka) yet warm enough for a skirt (without tights). A golden hour en route to Dolce & Gabbana’s Golden Heart event.

Since we were headed to a Dolce & Gabbana soiree, I opted for this Dolce & Gabbana skirt. I had been wanting one of their full skirts in a whimsical print for more than a year and I actually found this one FOR A STEAL at Neiman Marcus the day after Christmas (if you have been reading this site for any amount of time you know by now that visiting Saks and Neiman’s the day after Christmas from 8 a.m. to noon is critical to your sale purchasing endeavors). A key component of the Noir Friday model is waiting—for the right piece at the right time at the right price. AND THIS WAS IT FOR ME AND THIS SKIRT. Golden.

I knew immediately that I wanted to pair the skirt with a low-heel leopard pump—and I found these Christian Louboutin pumps on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. I was told at first that my size was absolutely not available, but then I received the call that a pair popped up in Atlanta, Georgia. Don’t you just love these shopping moments when the seas part and everything comes together?

I decided to go wild with the spots so I pulled out this old Zara top that I think I bought while I was pregnant because it was loose and then completed the look with this Carven coat—hands down one of my favorite sale finds of late. I saw it on DEEP sale online at Neiman Marcus late last spring, which was really still winter part seven because of the Polar Vortex. I debated whether I should get it. I actually don’t do much shopping outside of the December/January sales (I plot year-round) but it was just too good and at too good of a price. I’m so thankful that rational thinking prevailed because I honestly love it.

The sunglasses are Dolce & Gabbana. I bought them last spring at the store here in Chicago. The clutch is Alexander McQueen—I bought it at Saks a few years ago for an extra 50 percent off the sale price the day after Christmas (remember this date!).

Here’s to mixing and never matching. xo

Photos by Ashley of Sed Bona.