Sunburn, Rain, Rain, Rain

Sorry I didn’t get around to posting a WeeCap this weekend, but I’ve included it all here in a super-sized post.

I had Friday off and it was gorgeous.  I think it got up to the mid-70s which we haven’t seen yet this year.  I love the sun and had nothing else to do so I spent the entire day (seriously, like six hours) sitting in the sun and reading The Help.  I know the book came out two years ago, but I just read Water for Elephants recently too.  I don’t worry too much about reading something as soon as it’s published – I’m pretty confident I’ll get around to it eventually.  The Help was a lovely book though and I absolutely suggest it to anyone else who hasn’t read it yet.

On Saturday, I realized I was a bit sunburned but the weather was back to being sort of rainy and not very warm so I couldn’t do any more damage.  I decided to do some damage to my checking account instead and went thrifting most of the day.  I actually didn’t spend that much, but realized that I may have a slight obsession with gold clutches and day dresses.

For Saturday’s thrifting, I wore my olive skinny jeans (GAP), pink ditsy floral tank (Frenchi via Nordstrom), oatmeal cardigan (Eddie Bauer, thrifted) and my pale gold flats (Kenneth Cole Reacation):

On Sunday I did some more thrifting, realized my obsession with day dresses may be more than “slight” and did a little laundry.

For Sunday’s thrifting, I wore lightweight wide-legged pants (GAP), an orange, striped tee (Old Navy), bronze sandals (Target) and pink drop earrings (Alberta street vendor):

My sister took my pictures on Sunday and insisted that we try to perfect our jumping shots.  Perfect they are not, but you can't say we didn't try our best:

Today it was supposed to get all the way up into the high 50s (exciting, no?) and rain much of the day, so I just gave in and resurrected the riding boots (Born Crown via Nordstrom):

I wore them with a red jersey dress (Banana Republic) layered under a navy cardigan (Urban Outfitters) and a studded belted (Michael Michael Kors via Nordstrom).  Basically, I now realize that I’m probably going to need these boots to get me through the summer – it’s a good thing I like them. 

Also?  Bloomers:

I love bloomers.

I hope everyone had a lovely Monday and didn’t have to ride their bikes home in the rain (luckily I missed the promised storm, although it is raining pretty hard now).

Gracey

A Stripe-y, Persimmon-y Friday

A better-late-than-never daily outfit post for Friday, May 6, 2011

It’s overcast and misty in Oregon today, so I wore my persimmon-colored coat to combat the gloom:

And I think it worked.  Well, the coat and the bright purple azalea behind me.  It’s hard to be too upset with Oregon’s hit-or-miss sunshine when the flowers and trees clearly benefit from all of the rain.  And, of course, I’m also in a good mood because 80s prom is tonight.  Nothing cheers a girl up like giant puffy sleeves and some blue eye shadow.

In spite of its cheering powers, I’m saving the blue eye shadow for tonight – today I’m just rocking the blue stripes.  This navy and white striped tunic (Old Navy) seems like the perfect fit with this coat (thrifted) – I always want to pair the two.  Today I wore them with some cropped skinny jeans (Bandolino via Macy’s), my Born Crown boots (Nordstrom) and my multi-stripe scarf (unknown).

Happy Friday, Everyone, and have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

FBFF for May 6: Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

This week for FBFF, Katy of Modly Chic has asked us to talk about shoes.  I'm not a shoe-aholic, but I didn't have to force myself to write this post either.  I really do believe that shoes can make or break an outfit. 

What is your go-to pair of shoes?

In the fall and winter, I wear these Born Crown riding boots almost constantly:

I wear them with skirts, with dresses and over skinny jeans.  They are ridiculously comfortable and they go with everything.  They weren’t inexpensive, but my cost per wear is probably down to pennies now.

It’s a little different in the spring and summer – I have several pairs of sandals, peep-toe flats and wedges that I wear fairly regularly.  Although, I’d have to say my favorite pair is actually this pair of bronze sandals that I got from Target years back:

They were less than $20.00, but I absolutely love them.  Like my Born Crown boots, they are super comfortable and, I’m convinced, go with everything.  I’m actually considering getting these resoled because they are just that comfortable.  It may seem silly to resole a $20.00 shoe, but it seems sillier to buy a new pair that I may not love as much.  I’ll just have to see what the cobbler says.

What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

I consider form, comfort/function and cost when buying shoes.  I will not buy or wear a shoe I consider ugly.  Workout shoes are a bit different because I don’t care what they look like, but for my every day shoes and special occasion shoes, I need to like how they look.  However, if they are beautiful shoes, but supremely uncomfortable, I won't wear them.

The combination of function and comfort are a big consideration for me.  I need to be able to ride my bike and comfortably walk around all day in my everyday shoes.  For special occasion shoes, it depends on what I’m doing.  Am I going to be dancing or just going to dinner?  I have shoes that are comfortable in either situation.

Cost-per-wear may be my number one consideration when buying shoes.  If it’s a shoe that I will wear at least once per week over a couple of seasons, I’m willing spend more money than on a special occasion shoe.  Especially because, in spite of my best efforts, I don’t go to that many special occasions.

The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

Black, I think.

When it comes to shoes what are your favorite brands and why?

Most of my shoes are all different brands – I’m not devoted to any particular brand and will usually just wear what I like.  The brand I have the most pairs of are actually BC Shoes – they’re comfortable and inexpensive, both of which I like.  I also own a couple of pairs of Born Crown boots – they make lovely flat and low-heeled boots that work well with my calves.  I would like to get more Corso Como shoes – I’m a big fan of the padded foot bed they offer and like their styles.  Aside from that, though it depends more on shoe than the brand.

If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?

Probably these Gucci beauties:



Gucci S/S 09 (Photo from Style.com)



I know they are a couple seasons old, but I just love the combination of the bright orange patent with the wood platform.  They look so fun to me.

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