stripes + florals, the grand experiment

I've been wanting to try this look out for quite some time now, ever since spotting July Vogue's spread on mixing the joys of florals (who doesn't love flowers?) and stripes (who doesn't love feeling nautical?). The only glitch was that, while I have plenty of the aforementioned patterns, none of them felt right together, you know what I mean? Like too much clashing attitude.

And that's when I finally had to concede that I'm not much of a pattern mixer. Initially, when I first got this skirt, I planned on wearing a black or perhaps navy blue bouse with it, something that wouldn't distract from the flowers. Nothing too heavy.

Still, I didn't want to admit defeat and decided on this navy blue and white striped tank from yesteryear, took a deep breath and walked out the door to work. Some interesting looks, yes but I did manage to solicit an interesting run-in at the gas station that went something like this:

Random guy: Hey, excuse me...

Me: Yes?

Random guy: I just wanted to tell you that the sun has nothing on you. Stay gorgeous, sweetheart.

Me: Thank you, sir. That's sweet of you to say...uhh...I hate to ask you this now, but I need to move my car and you're blocking me.

I was tempted to ask his opinion of florals and stripes together, but figured I wouldn't get an honest answer from him.

What do you guys think? Hate it or love it?

Tank: Blue and white striped tank, American Eagle

Skirt: Floral, tulip shaped skirt, Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Vintage, tan kitten peep-toe heels

Jewelry: Coral colored bangles, CR

Belt: Vintage tan belt