Spare Me Your Plaid’itudes, It’s a Clash of the Tartans

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, then you are well aware of the fact that I am IN LOVE with plaid.  So far, I own three plaid button downs, dress and matching coat, two plaid blanket scarves (with one more on the way), and numerous regular-sized scarves.  And we cannot forget gingham and herringbone, plaid’s equally as handsome older brother and cousin!  Ok, so admittedly, I may have an obsession at best, and an addiction at worst (Plaidaholics Anonymous, anyone?).  I’m the girl that gets tagged in every single photo on Instagram when someone spots something plaid in a store (maybe I should sign up for PA…).

There is just something so beautiful about different colors coming together to create a pattern that has been around for centuries, and still remains popular today.  The most acceptable and perfect way of adding bright colors to your wardrobe during fall and winter because, well, it’s plaid!

I’m one of those people who when they love something, they crush on it hard.  During the spring and summer months, I was crushing hard on colorful polka dots, stripes, and other patterns, and my closet speaks to those affections!  While I still have a close affinity for said patterns, plaid (and tweed and herringbone) have taken their place in my heart for the fall and winter seasons.  Not because they are popular this year (and so easily accessible), but because I have a great love for traditional British/New England prep style.  So classic and cozy, the styles have little changed and the classic pieces are easily remixable for years to come.

And while plaid is certainly everywhere this year, it only makes it easier for plaidys like me to indulge without breaking the bank 😀

This list quite extensive but is by no means exhaustive.  I was actually quite surprised by the different types of items that could be found, journals, decor prints, belts, not to mention how many handbags are tartan print!  *Sigh*.  Now, I am by no means saying I am going to throw out my current decor and cover my house in plaid (I’m not THAT obsessed), but I certainly have no problem with adding a piece of clothing (or five) to my closet.  Hey, a girl needs options, right??

The dress and jacket from Brooks Brothers were a birthday, Christmas, and NYC present from my aunt and uncle and mother and father-law, and they are gorgeous!!  It is probably one of my most favorite plaid patterns, and so easily worn both in fall and winter.
The red vest is from Target, and it looks super soft!  It also comes with a detachable fur-rimmed hood.  If your order it, make sure to size up because it is in the Juniors department and sizing runs smaller.  It may or may not be on it’s way to me, along with the Ralph Lauren vest that I scored on SUPER sale ($65!!)… 😀
If you are searching for plaid button downs, then J.Crew retail and Factory have you covered (sale prices are even better)!  Looking for something more wallet friendly?  Old Navy has a pretty great selection of plaid fare, and even better, L.L. Bean has a few flannels that look almost identical to the J.Crew versions we’ve been salivating over!  Don’t forget to check out Target, H&M and Forever 21, I’ve seen some pretty cute pieces floating around on Instagram. 🙂
The smoking slippers from Sole Society via Nordstrom and the heels from ASOS might need to be necessary additions to my fall and winter shoe closet.  Just saying.  Feet need to be plaid-tastic, too!
Plaid has a very interesting history, and some of the information flying around isn’t entirely true.  For example, today, most tartan patterns (official name for plaid) are associated with a specific Scottish clan, however, that is not how they originated.  When tartans were first worn, the patterns were specific to a region, rather than a certain clan, because the dyes used to create the different colors are what the crafters had in the region (remember, no artificial chemicals were available back then).  AND, something I did not know until today, a few of the states and provinces in the US and Canada have their own official tartan!  It would be very interesting to research the history of tartan and separate what is fact from legend.  Maybe I’ll ask for Tartan:  Romancing the Plaid  or The Complete Book of Tartan for Christmas….
With so many options for wearing plaid, it makes it easy to add the trend to your wardrobe.  Whether you are a seasoned pro who’s sporting the pants, or you are new to the trend and just now dipping your toes in and trying a plaid scarf, there is something for everyone!
Or if you’re a plaid crazy like me, there is everything for someone 😀

What tartan-covered items are you currently craving?


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PS:  Curious about how to style those plaid pants?  Head on over to Everyday Fashion and Finance to see different ways for styling plaid pants for work and a night out!
PPS:  Tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway for a $300 Target giftcard!