In turn, such events inspired Mr. Belson toward more mind-bending, kaleidoscopic films suggesting cosmic swirls and mixing different brands of music.

She was surprised to discover that the models were putting together their own foundations, powders, eye shadows and blushes, mixing and matching various brands and colors until they hit on shades that worked.

I like to mix different brands with vintage to make an outfit really personal," said Ms. Etro, a graduate of the Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design in London.

This variance tends to make it difficult to mix and match various brands of shelving.

And I never like the jarring effect of mixing brands in a single room.

If you try this, however, avoid mixing different brands, because the ingredients in oil-based stains are not always compatible between brands.

Mixing different brands of ready-made products to mimic craquelure results in various sizes and patterns of cracks.

Two new EasyShare printers open the technology to people who prefer to mix and match brands.