A Return to Tights

Daily Outfit for Friday, April 29, 2011

So, apparently Mother Nature is mad at me for daring to go bare-legged on Wednesday and for hollering about how I refused to wear tights any more.  Because today?  Today I had to wear tights:

It was freezing this morning, you guys.  For the first time in awhile I could see my breath and had to wear my gloves on my ride in.  Needless to say, I am NOT very happy about it, but I hate being cold, so tights it was.  I wore my grey tights (Nordstrom) under my fuchsia skirt (Target) which I paired with my navy and white striped tee (Target) and grey cardigan (GAP).  I also wore a pair of thick, OTK socks (Nordstrom) and my riding boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom), because, yes, it was that cold.

I wanted to put away some of my winter clothes this weekend, but to be honest, I’m a bit afraid to do so.  I’m convinced that as soon as I do, it’ll snow.  I guess I just need to quit complaining about the weather, and maybe it’ll finally get nice. 

Does anyone have any big plans for the weekend?  I’m going on a couple dates tomorrow (yes, plural) as a result of my online dating.  I’ll let you all know how they go.  I also want to visit the Saturday market and I think Sunday I might be going to a movie and/or shopping with a friend.  It should be a fun, if maybe cold, weekend.

I also want to say again how much I appreciate you all taking the time to read and comment on my blog.  And welcome to any new readers – I do hope you’ll stick around for a bit.

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

FBFF for April 29: Let’s Get Physical

Today’s FBFF questions combine something I love (fashion) with something I am decidedly meh about (fitness).  I mean, I recognize how they’re interrelated, but oh how I wish they weren’t. 

Yes, this is basically what I wear for Jazzercise.

Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?

I do try to keep some sort of fitness routine because I recognize that it does help my clothes fit better.  And, frankly, without some sort of regular exercise, my thighs would have moved into the Balkans and created The People’s Republic of Thighastan.  But, I don’t love exercising.  I’d rather be reading.  Or sleeping.  Or rummaging through a thrift store or two. 

But, thrifting doesn’t keep me fit, so I work out.  Sometimes.  Usually in the form of Jazzercise.  As I’ve said before on here, Jazzercise is hilarious and occasionally embarrassing, but, for me at least, it’s more fun than a trip to the gym.  It combines cardio, weights and stretching so it’s a pretty well rounded workout.  It fits nicely into my schedule (most weeks at least) and, most importantly, no matter how I was feeling before I went to class, I feel fit and trim after I’m done.

I also ride my bike to work everyday, but I don’t do that for the exercise.  It’s only about a 15 minute ride both ways, so I’m probably not getting much from it physically.  But, the morning ride is easily the best 15 minutes of my day.  I love being outside before having to disappear into my office building, even for only 15 minutes.

Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?

Oh, goodness, I have to stop laughing at the thought of me training for a marathon.  Seriously, unless I’m being chased, I’m not running anywhere.

My perception of my body image changes a lot, but not always as the result of more or less exercise.  I usually do feel more fit after an exercise class but that’s not the only time my perception of my body image is improved.  For example, I feel thin today.  I am, of course, no more thin than I was yesterday, but today I feel like I am.  It’s just how I am.  I rarely feel really negatively about my body; I’m usually comfortable with it and some days I’m more comfortable than others.

When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?

Functionality, 100%.  I do not understand gym fashion at all.  I sweat.  A lot.  And I don’t see spending a lot of money on something I’m going to sweat in.  I actually get most of my workout clothes from Wal-Mart because they are super-cheap and I don’t feel bad about sweating in them.

Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness?

Maybe a little bit.  Especially on the West Coast, where “healthy living” is extolled, there is some pressure to get out and get moving.  Run, bike, hike, ski, surf, snowboard, you name it, Oregonians do it.  But, I don’t really care what society thinks I should be doing.  The fact of the matter is that I’m comfortable with my level of fitness.  I work out when I want to and I guess I’m pretty lucky in that I want to work out at least a couple of times a week.  And that I want to ride my bike to work and sometimes even to Jazzercise.  I do it because I like doing it, not because society thinks I should be doing it (or more).

Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal.

I don’t have any.  Really, I’m just happy to maintain.  I’d like to get up to three times a week for Jazzercise, so I guess that’s something.  But, I’m mostly just happy with my exercise routine.  No, I’m not training for anything or trying to lose a lot of weight but I think that’s okay.

If you’d like to read more on exercise and fashion, perhaps from people who actually exercise, visit Katy at Modly Chic.  She’s got a whole list of bloggers who participated in today’s FBFF fun.

Gracey

Exhibiting a Complete Lack of Creativity

Daily Outfit for Thursday, April 28, 2011

The outfit I had planned to wear today involved a muumuu and some boots.  It didn’t work out.   I was running late and under the gun to wear something (nakedness generally being frowned upon at my job) and I chose this:

That’s right, I’m exhibiting a complete lack of creativity with today’s outfit.  A few bloggers have made reference to “uniforms” and I think that this look may be one of mine; jeans, tunic and a cardigan.   I know I wear this look a lot, but it really is comfortable and easy to put together, especially when I’m running late and nudity is not an option.  Also I just realized that this is my second blue and brown look from this week.  To be honest, before I began blogging I didn’t notice how often I pair those colors.  I think it’s fair to say they’re some of my go-to colors, just like this is one of my go-to outfits.

Today’s uniform incorporates Real Straight jeans (GAP), a floral tunic (thrifted), ever-present brown cardigan (Old Navy), blue scarf (H&M) and blue leopard flats (Nine West).  Even though it’s formulaic and possibly boring, it’s nice to have a go-to look.  Sometimes I just can’t decide what to wear.  And instead of wearing something that’s innovative and creative but that I don’t love and am therefore uncomfortable with, I’d rather be comfortable today and resume the creativity battle the next day.  (Just an FYI – tomorrow’s outfit is probably not going to be any more creative, but I planned it that way on purpose.  So far as you know.)

How about you, Friend Reader?  Do you have any go-to outfits and/or color combinations?  Something that might not rock your world but at least you know you’re presentable and/or not naked?

Happy Thursday, All, we’re nearly there!

Gracey

P. S. Thanks again to Fergita Pepita, Kathy and Phylissa for taking these pictures while I'm waiting for my new camera.

ombre

Got my hair did today. Had some major troubles with my last hair stylist (as you will see in my next posts) but got it miraculously fixed by Taylor Taylor on Commercial Street. Anna was amazing; I highly recommend her as a colorist.

More prominent hair pics to follow. Off to Milan for the Royal Wedding wknd...(kinda bummed that I'm not going to be here) but not complaining!

A Little Ladylike Rebellion

Daily Outfit for Wednesday, April 27, 2011

You may be wondering how in the world this is rebellious but I’ll have you know that it was not that warm today and the wind is still blowing so I’m being quite rebellious with my skirt and bare legs:

So, there, Mother Nature!  Wind and rain or not, I’m wearing skirts and I’m wearing them sans tights!  I chose to break out my favorite pleated skirt (vintage/thrifted) again today because I absolutely adore it.  The first time I wore it I thought it was tomato red, today it looks coral and photographed a sort of neon-coral.  Basically, I have no idea what color it is, but I paired it with an indigo, ruffled tank (Old Navy), layered under a cream cashmere sweater (Forte Cashmere) with Mary Jane wedges (Corso Como) and gold hoop earrings.

I have to say, this skirt held it’s own with the wind today.  The longer length helped to cover my bare legs a bit and, as I’d hoped, was less prone to getting blown over my head while riding my bike.  So, if you’re still resistant to midi skirts, remember, they’re less likely to flash your panties than a shorter skirt.   Something to consider, I’d say.  Unless you're into flashing, which is your business.  No judgement here.

In other news, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your input yesterday – I’m going to continue to post the brand and store for my outfits, but won’t worry about links.  And I wanted to thank Ferge for taking my photos today and Kathy for holding my coat while that was going on.  Teamwork at it's finest.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Bright Pink Con't

Continuing from yesterday. Jil Sander customer service is the shittiest I have ever encountered in a boutique. If it wasn't impossible to find these items elsewhere I would've protested against it by not giving any of them commission.

Unfortunately the s/s '11 was remarkable. Jil Sander trousers and sleeveless top, COS shirt, Louboutin shoes

Some Citron, Some Leopard, An Award and Some Questions

Daily Outfit for Tuesday, April 26, 2011

High winds again today meant no skirt again today (no, C., the wind does NOT understand our pain):

So, once again, I’ve resorted to some skinny jeans (Old Navy), this time paired with a tiered blouse (Nordstrom), citron cardigan (JC Penney) and peep-toe leopard-print flats (v. old via Ross).  I have only worn this cardigan once before because although I love the color, I don’t do well with shapeless clothes.  I always want to belt them into submission, but this time I just let it be and actually really like it with this blouse.  As in like it so much I’m probably going to repeat this combination in the future.  You’ve been warned.  And what goes better together than citron and leopard, right?  Right.

In addition to brow-beating you into agreeing with me on my citron/leopard love, I wanted to tell you that the sweet and wonderful Gretchen of GretchTM gave me an award the other day.  I have been given the “One Lovely Blog” award:

Dear Gretchen, I accept.  And thank you.

One of the conditions of the award is that I need to share seven random (not specific, it’s in the rules) things about myself and award it to 15 other deserving bloggers.  Let’s start with the random, shall we?

1.      Dancing is my preferred form of exercise and I have tried pole dancing, Jazzercise and belly dancing to stay fit.

2.      I didn’t learn to drive until I was 20.

3.      I don’t like swimming in water where I can’t see the bottom.

4.      I have a terrible ear for languages and it makes me sad.

5.      I was a tomboy through high school – no skirts or dresses, ever.

6.      I love salmon in any form – raw, baked, grilled and barbecued; I love it all.

7.      My family goes white water rafting every summer and I am terrible at it.

Now for the fun part; I’d like to pass this award on to these lovely blogs: A Day in the Life Too, Aberrant Moda, Blogging for Joy, Boheme Noir, Em’s Fashion Finds, Girls Day Out, Madeline Quaint, Squirrel and Starling, Styled by 3, Tall Girl Blogging, The Elegant Bohemian, the other emily, two birds, Tart Lemon Drop and Stylefyles.

I know this is a long post, but stick with me for just a bit longer because I need to ask you all something.  As you know, in my outfit description I include the brand of the item and where I got it.  My question is this: is that helpful and/or interesting to anyone?  And if it is, would you like me to include links to the actual item or a reasonable facsimile?  I guess what I need to know is if you’re interested in the provenance of what I’m wearing and if you’d like to know where to get your own or not.

Please to let me know in the comments or via email – whichever makes you happiest.

Also, I wanted to say hello to my new readers/followers and as always, thank everyone for reading.

Happy Tuesday!

Gracey 

COLOR BLOCK

Jil Sander hot pink trousers...my new favorite piece in my closet. Believe it or not, it matches quite a lot.

Monday Blues (and Browns)

Daily Outfit for Monday, April 25, 2011

Today was a strange day, weather-wise.  Although you can't really tell from these pictures, it was crazy-windy here today.

For part of my ride I was riding into a headwind so strong I felt like I was trying to peddle through quicksand.  It was hard going, but the idea of slow-motion bike riding is hilarious to me and actually made me laugh out loud during some of the windier spots.

At least it wasn’t terribly cold.  I was warm enough in my skinny jeans (Old Navy), tunic (via Galore), cardigan (Old Navy), blue scarf (H&M) and boots (Target).  I wanted to wear a skirt today, but the wind completely killed that idea.  I’ve only had my skirt blow up once while riding, but that was enough.  I try to avoid that at all costs now; I'm sure you understand.

I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter weekend!

Gracey

Happy Easter!

Easter, 1979 (?)

For your Easter enjoyment, I have provided a picture from a long ago Easter.  This is me and my older sister, Rosey, on Easter morning in what I think was 1979.  Every Easter we would get a new outfit and an Easter basket.  We would put on the outfits to go hunt for eggs and then root through our baskets unearthing such treasures as Cadbury Creme Eggs, pinwheels, Silly Putty and Babyland paper dolls (shown above).  

In 1979, our Easter outfits consisted of some rather fabulous jumpers.  I love this picture because so many of the things that are true in this photo are true today.  For example, spring weather in Oregon then was similar to what it is now, so we had to layer turtlenecks under our jumpers.  I clearly did not shy away from color, even then.  And yes, my hair has always looked much the same as it does today.  

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter, filled with new outfits and naked-baby paper dolls or at least Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Gracey

This week has been brought to you by the letter P

Daily Outfit for Friday, April 22, 2011

I was getting ready to title this post "Peachy Keen" in honor of my peach-striped sweater, when I realized that would have been the fifth title beginning with the letter 'P' this week.  I've been Prim, Proper and Pleated, Puffy and Plain, a Pretty Shiny Copycat and done some Preppy Pattern Mixing.  And today I'm wearing Peach:

I paired my peach and white striped sweater (Old Navy) with my olive skinny jeans (Gap), silver Sperry Topsiders (via Ross) and clear blue belt (Old Navy).  If yesterday's look was my attempt at preppy, today is my attempt at the tomboy look.  I was physically comfortable in this look, but it's not an emotionally comfortable look for me.  With my height and size I am hypersensitive about appearing mannish in any way and rarely try anything androgynous. And frankly with my "curvy" build, I don't think I pull it off well anyway.

I liked this look well enough though.  I don't think I looked mannish (right? right.) and even though I'm not sure androgyny is right for me, it's an aesthetic that appeals to me on others so I try it every once in awhile.

How about you, dearest Reader Friends, are there any looks you admire but don't dare try?

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a wonderful weekend!!

Gracey

FBFF for April 22: Inspiration

This week Katy of Modly Chic has asked FBFF members about inspiration.  I think it’s an important topic for anyone who gets dressed in the morning – what inspires you to wear what you do.  My answers are below, but if you’d like to see more, Modly Chic has a whole list of participants.

Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?

This was sort of hard for me because I don’t find a lot of celebrities inspirational.  Many of them don’t even select their own clothes, instead depending on a stylist to dress them.  However, I do have a couple celebrities that I do find pretty inspirational. 

The first is Cate Blanchette.  In my eyes, she can do no wrong.  She is absolutely fearless in what she wears – Givenchy Oscar gown anyone?  I don’t know if they are her choices or her stylists, but either way, I have a great appreciation for her style. 

The second would be Helen Mirren.  She always, always, always looks amazing.  And not amazing-for-a-woman-in-her-60s either; just flat out amazing for a woman of any age.  She seems so classy and poised – when I grow up I’d like to look classy and poised too.

When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?

Color, definitely.  I look at the different colors present in art, in nature, in magazines, movies and on other blogs.  I like to see how they’re put together and a lot of times I’m inspired to try combinations that I know I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

How do you hope to inspire your readers?

Hopefully I inspire my readers to try different things no matter what their size or shape.  There are so many ‘rules’ to fashion that if I listened to them I wouldn’t bother to get out of bed.  And they’re very definitive rules too, telling you to “always” do something or “never” do something else.  Some of the rules are helpful, but I think a lot of them are unnecessarily prohibitive. 

I personally like to try different silhouettes or color combinations or looks even if they’re something that society has maybe dictated I shouldn’t.  And, to be honest, they don’t always work.  But, at least I tried and hopefully I’ll inspire my readers to try something new too.

Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you?

I am very inspired by my family – especially all my nieces and nephews, who I adore.  I don’t have kids of my own and at this age am not sure that I will, so I treat them like they are mine.  Spending time with them is the absolute best – I love hearing them talk incessantly about Pokemon and volcanoes and whatever else they have on their minds that day.

And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?

Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine.  That song somehow manages to fill me with joy and melancholy at the same time.  But, the good kind of melancholy.  Really, the whole album (Lungs) is amazing – I listen to it almost constantly.

I’m also completely enamored of Rolling in the Deep by Adele.  She has the most amazing voice and that song is so strong.  I think that’s why I like Florence and the Machine too – they’re good, strong songs.

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

Preppy Pattern Mixing and the Sunshine Award

Daily Outfit for Thursday, April 21, 2011

I feel so preppy in this outfit.  I suspect it’s not “true prep” and like my grunge look it’s probably my own special brand of prep…

… but I do feel preppy – I think it’s probably the striped Foxcroft shirt (thrifted).  I don’t wear button-downs very much (maybe ever), but I do like it paired with this zigzag-patterned skirt (Mossimo – thrifted).  I think the skirt helps make the shirt more fun than a plain skirt would.  I would have loved to have worn my orange sandals with this, but it is still not warm enough for bare legs, so I wore my trusty Born Crown boots (Nordstrom).  (That’s right, bare knees two times this week.  I told you I was a total Billy Bad Bottom).

This outfit, like Monday’s Prim and Proper outfit, was sort of fun for me because “preppy” is not an aesthetic I subscribe to very often.  The bright colors appeal to me, but it’s just so buttoned-up (dare I say repressed?) which I don’t love.  Again, I think it has a lot to do with how I view myself, which is more footloose and fancy free than prep usually indicates.  Truthfully, I think I am probably less of a free spirit than I’d like to be, and that buttoned-up repression is more my speed, but I’m in denial about that.  So even though prep does have the benefit of bright colors and the occasional whimsical print, I don’t think I’ll make this my go-to look.

In more exciting news, the ever fabulous Claire from Spinning Threads awarded me the Sunshine Award.  Thank you, Claire! 

As part of the award, I get to award it to some other bloggers.  So, here they are, 12 blogs that make me smile: From the Rez to the City, She’s Addicted to Clothes, Steffy’s Pros and Cons, Well Curated, The Chronicles of Lady K, Northeast Chic, Basic Cravings, dash dot dotty, Diversions, Rags Against the Machine, Destrehan’s Daughter and Lovely Apidae.  The rules say to choose twelve, but I could easily choose twice as many.

Tips for Giants: If you have a long torso, tucking your shirts in can be difficult.  A few tricks I use are wearing tunics (or short dresses) as tops – they’re actually long enough to stay put.  Or wearing high-waisted skirts (or pants) – these are getting increasingly easy to find in retail stores, and thrift stores are a great source.  And, finally, what I did today; I’m wearing DKNY Smoothies which are like lightweight Spanx in that they don’t cut off all circulation in your body, but still provide some assistance in sucking it in on those days you don’t feel like it.  They’re great.  They are also great for tucking not-so-long blouses into – this blouse didn’t come un-tucked once today.  If it's still tights weather for you (for which I am sorry) try tucking your blouse into your tights.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

P.S. If you write “preppy” enough it loses all meaning.  True story.


P.P.S My camera broke today so I had to borrow my sister's which was difficult for me to work with and caused me to over-photoshop.  I have one coming, but you'll have to bear with me for a bit.

Pretty Shiny Copycat

Daily Outfit for Wednesday, April 20, 2011

I featured a look from Kristine of Pretty Shiny Sparkly on my blog earlier today, and here is my version of her outfit:

As soon as I saw Kristine’s post I knew it was something I wanted to try out myself with my new Gap trouser jeans (my whiny thighs having caused the ouster of my last pair).  Taking my cues directly from Kristine, I paired my jeans with a floral tank (Frenchi via Nordstrom), drape-y cardigan (Mossimo/Target), bright belt (Style & Co via Macy’s) and platforms (Franco Sarto via Nordstrom).   

Inspired by Kristine’s brilliant accessorizing, I even wore a little jewelry in the form of turquoise earrings (gifted) and a vintage cameo bracelet.

This outfit was amazingly comfortable.  I wish it had photographed better because I really do think it was flattering and is definitely something I would wear again.  And it’s a look that works for giants and non-giants alike!

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Pretty Shiny Sparkly for Giants

This is not me:

Photo by and property of Kristina Medhus/Pretty Shiny Sparkly

This is the lovely Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I’ve been following Kristina’s blog for some time now and love her fashion-forward but still accessible style.  Add to that the fact that she incorporates shine into a lot of her outfits, and my magpie-like self was hooked.  If you don’t already read Pretty Shiny Sparkly, stop by.  It’s well worth it.

As I said, I’m a big fan of Kristina’s outfits, but when I saw this one, I knew I wanted to try to recreate it for giants.  It incorporates a lot of spring trends into a single, comfortable, well-conceived outfit.  Neutrals.  Brights.  Florals.  The 70s.  It’s all here. 

Smocked Top in Warm Floral - Old Navy - up to XXL:

Don't be scared by the skinny straps on this floral top - the cardigan will cover them nicely.  And the shape of the top makes it easy to wear both tucked or un-tucked.

Mossimo Rolled Sleeve With Tab Drapey Cardigan in Camel - Target - up to XXL:

I chose this particular cardigan for a few reasons.  One, I own it and can attest that it's nice and comfy.  Two, it's not warm enough in Oregon for short sleeves, but the three-quarter sleeves on this cardigan a perfect for what is still early spring in Oregon.  And three, the cut helps elongate the body.


Wide Leg Trouser Jeans in Dark Wash - Gap - up to size 20 (up to size 16 in Tall):

Just like the cardigan I selected, I own these jeans and I can vouch for them.  If you're tall, these are a great jean.  Nice and long and a fairly high waist, but not too high waisted.


Mossimo "Wilette" Nailhead Heeled Sandals - Target - up to size 11:

Like Kristina, I chose a platform sandal to balance out the width of the legs on the jeans; and the grommets on these play up the 70s feel of the jeans.  If these don't appeal to you, a wedge sandal would work equally well.

Coral Belt with Grommets - Style & Co. - Macys - up to size XXL:

I love the color of this coral belt and think it would look fabulous with the floral blouse and camel cardigan.  However, if you are still uncertain about wearing a bright color at your waist, the brown belt will also work well and you can't get both for $20 at Macy's.

To finish the look, take a cue from Kristina and accessorize with necklaces, rings, bracelets and a clutch.  I imagine that everyone probably has pieces that would go well with with this outfit.

So, what do you all think?  Is this something you would wear?  It's definitely something I would wear, and in fact, I'll be posting my version of Kristina's outfit later today.

Gracey

Puffy Plaid

Daily Outfit for Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Even though this skirt is a mite puffy, it’s also plaid, and in my book that gets extra points.  Also?  Pockets:

Like yesterday’s skirt, this skirt is thrifted.  In fact, the majority of the skirts in my closet are thrifted because my preferences run towards full and knee-length and regular retail shopping often doesn’t work for me.   In stores, especially before this year, it seems like the only thing I could find were mini-skirts, or pencil skirts, or my personal favorite, pencil-minis.   None of which are good for bike riding; so I thrift a lot of my skirts, which works well for both my wallet and my lifestyle.

I paired my puffy plaid skirt with my chambray tunic-as-shirt (Old Navy), skinny leather belt (Gap) and Born Crown riding boots (Nordstrom).  This outfit is a little bit tougher than yesterday’s, but I think the skirt sort of ruins any dreams of real toughness, and I’m okay with that.  I really liked this outfit and as we established yesterday, I’m not all that tough, so I think this is good. 

In other news, you may have noticed that I let my knees out today.  They fussed a bit that my ankles have been having all the fun.  And it’s true, my ankles are party animals.  But, I didn’t want my knees to get jealous, so I turned them loose today.  They were a bit chilly but happy. 

At this rate, we might actually see some tights-free leg within the next couple of months.  Dare to dream, right?

Happy Tuesday, All; I hope it was a great one!

Gracey

summer whites

LISA:
MASSIMO DUTTI linen suit
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH shirt
CESARE PACIOTTI brogues
DUCHAMP pocket square
MIU MIU purse

MASSIMO:
NICO DI DONNA leather jacket
EMPORIO ARMANI sunnies

Weather has been so good in London the past few days (praying, hoping that this isn't the last of it) so what better opportunity to break out the white linen suit. I do not know where I was before this suit, so classic!

Prim, Proper and Pleated

Daily Outfit for Monday, April 18, 2011

I feel very prim and proper in this outfit…

…which is sort of funny because prim and proper isn’t usually a look I cultivate.  But, that’s exactly what this is.  From the prissy little bow on the blouse (Banana Republic) which you can't see well, to the pleats and the polka dots on the skirt (vintage – thrifted), to the sensible shoes (Kenneth Cole Reaction – thrifted).  Even the tights (Nordstrom) and the cardigan (Gap) feel prim and proper to me.

I don’t know that this is a look I’ll repeat often – I sort of feel like an imposter in that I imagine myself as more of a Billy Bad-Bottom than this look implies.  Of course, there is the fact that I’m actually not much of a Billy Bad-Bottom at all, but I don’t know that I’m this prim and proper either.

What about you, Friend Reader – does what you wear always speak definitively to who you are?

Happy Monday, All!

WeeCap: April 17th and 18th

Saturday, April 17th

On Saturday, Alex and I went thrifting to try and find her something to wear for 80s prom.  We were out all day and unfortunately I didn't get a photo of what I was wearing, but it involved color and my black and silver flats.  The good news is that we found something for Alex to wear.  I can't wait to post pictures from prom for you guys.

Sunday, April 18th

On Sunday I cleaned my room, did some laundry and ran some errands.  It was actually pretty nice on Sunday, so I let my ankles out to play:

I wore my "regular" length Flirt skinnies (Old Navy), which are conveniently ankle length on my giant self, along with a grey tee (Target), grey cardi, raspberry belt (thrifted), yellow-stripe scarf (???) and my black and silver flats (Mossimo/Target).

I have no idea what I'm doing in these poses.  Showing off my giant man-hands?  Smirking?  Both?  I don't know, but all of my film looked like this, so I posted them.  You're welcome?

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that it was warm enough for some ankle-flashing.

Gracey

Friday, Friday, Friday

Daily Outfit for Friday, April 15, 2011

It’s Friday.  You probably knew this, but just in case you didn’t, I’ll help you out and let you know by putting it all over this post.  Because I’m a giver like that.  You’re welcome.

Yep, it’s Friday, and boy, was I dressed for it:

Super-comfortable dark layers with a pop of color.  That’s what I like to wear on Fridays and that’s what I wore today.  Black leggings (Target), black jersey skirt (Target), raspberry l/s tee (Gap), black cashmere sweater (thrifted) and flat black boots (Chinese Laundry via Piperlime) worn with my lovely new scarf (Nordstrom). 

The scarf is a very lightweight wool which will eventually be too warm (as long as the weather heeds my threats from yesterday), but it was perfect for today.  I love the orange, purple and pink color scheme and think it’s perfect with my predominantly black outfit.  All of the colors look great against black, but the pink in the scarf also picks up the pink of my tee.  Win, win.

Really, I’m so very happy it’s Friday.  It’s been a hectic week here at work and I’m exhausted.  I’m staying in tonight and sleeping in tomorrow, and then Alex and I are going shopping to get her a prom dress.  My little sister and I found hers last night and it’s AMAZING.  Black velvet, teal satin and a giant butt-bow – we’re all going to 80s prom next month.

For my fellow Oregonians – are any of you going to the McMennamin’s Kennedy School 80s prom on May 6^th?  And for my non-Oregon readers, do you guys have 80s proms were you live?  If so, have you ever gone?

Happy Friday, Everyone!  As always, thank you all so much for reading – blogging would be completely boring you!!

Gracey

Friend Friday: Gratitude

Hello, All!

It's Friday, and that means it's time for this week’s FBFF questions.  This week, Katy has asked us some questions about who and what we are grateful for.  My answers are below, and as always, you can visit Modly Chic to see responses from other FBFF participants.

When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

This is the easiest question for me to answer.  Hands down, I owe so much to my older sister, Rosey.  She is only a year and five months older than me, but she has always taken care of me (except that one time she cut all my hair off, but I still love her).  I am, and always have been, a pretty (okay, very) high strung individual, and Rosey is a much-needed calming force in my life.  And she is incredibly supportive of everything I do.  My sister is amazing.  She is my best friend and one of the best people I know. 

When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

This question confused me because I didn’t know if it meant my blogging “profession” or my day job.  Then I remembered that I am not, in fact, a “professional” blogger, I just play one on TV, so I thought to answer the question as it relates to my day job.  But then, I realized that none of you know what my day job is so it wouldn’t mean much to you.  And there is not much of an overlap between my blog and my day job.  Really, they only intersect in the fact that the outfits I post on my blog are worn to my job.  There isn’t even anything I’ve learned in my day job that I apply to my blog.  Except maybe to spell things correctly, but I’m pretty sure I learned that in elementary school, not in my office.  So.  Yeah.  I got nothin’.

When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots:

I haven’t encountered a lot of rough spots in my four months of blogging.  I think, perhaps, that is an advantage to being a small blog.  But, I have had some doubts about blogging and in those instances, I’ve been grateful to both my readers and my sister (see above).  Anytime I’ve wondered if my complete and utter lack of unique qualities (outside my height and possibly my smile) means I shouldn’t be blogging, I’ve received support from my readers and my sister that encouraged me to keep meandering along.

One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…

Again, my blog is fairly new and I can’t say that I’ve run into any blogging challenges.  Blogging itself is a challenge for me.  Figuring out what to wear each morning is mostly the same process, although I do second guess myself every once in awhile.  But, I second guessed myself before I began blogging too.

However, figuring out what to say everyday?  That’s definitely challenging.  I would like to say it’s getting easier, but that’s not so much true.  Some days are just easier than others.  I would also like to say that I’m getting better at it, but “better” is a subjective term and I don’t want to sound conceited.  I will say that my “voice” is coming out more now.  More sarcasm, more sass and more random thoughts.  Yes, that’s right, random sarcasm and sass are what epitomize my voice.

To my readers, I’d like to say…

Of course I would like to say thank you to my readers.  When I first started blogging, I didn’t expect to have any readers.  I mean, I was hoping for my sisters and my friends, but that was all I dared to hope for.  Needless to say, I was very pleasantly surprised when people began reading and commenting without my resorting to bribes.  I know there are a TON of blogs out there and they all offer something different, so I appreciate that my readers like what I’m offering enough to come back regularly. 

Seriously, you all are the best and blogging would be so much less fun without all of you and your feedback.

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey