Viva Los Orphans

I’m still in a “Holy crackers, it’s too hot and I can’t find anything to wear” sort of mood, in spite of the fact that we had a lovely thunderstorm last night which relieved at least a little of the heat.  When I’m in this mood, I’m completely dissatisfied with most of the clothes I usually love (except for these shoes, apparently) and find myself looking more towards my closet’s orphans.  Yesterday I wore an orphaned yellow skirt.  And today I’m wearing orphaned grey pants:

Yesterday’s orphan acquitted itself rather well, and I think today’s orphan is too.  These pants are years old and, like yesterday’s skirt, I think I’ve only worn them once.  Today though, I decided to pair the pants (Gap) with what appears to be my favorite white tank (Design History via Ross) and my increasingly ubiquitous blue platforms (MRKT via DSW).  I finished the look with some blue and white jewelry, including these earrings:

I didn't notice the rust before I posted this, but, I still like them.

I have no idea why I never wear these pants.  I even have a khaki version that I never wear either.  I think that they maybe used to be a little big for me?  Or I thought they did funny things to my thighs?  I don’t know.  They seem to be okay today though, so maybe I’ll give this pair another shot and maybe even try the khakis (maybe; they are khaki, after all).

I’ll end with my usual Friday advice: have a good weekend!  And also, try to stay cool and if you’re on the East Coast, stay safe!

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

The Skirt Likes Leopard

Yesterday, Kelley, of Threads and Buttons, rescued one of her closet orphans and I remembered, “Hey, I have closet orphans – they might like to be rescued.”  This skirt is the orphan I decided to rescue today:

I actually have a great fondness for all of my closet orphans; I’m just not fond enough of them to wear them regularly.  This skirt is no exception; I like the color and the length and the fullness but I never wear it.  At first it was because it used to be a little big in the waist.  So, I took it in.  And I still never wore it.  But today?  Today the yellow linen skirt has been liberated.

I paired the skirt (thrifted Eileen Fisher) with a knotted white blouse (Banana Republic) and leopard mini-wedges (v. old via Ross) because the skirt hinted that it liked leopard.  I figured “who doesn’t” and added the leopard wedges and some bracelets (Mom-made) to tie them in.  And I liked it.  I just don’t know how versatile this skirt is going to be for me.  The skirt would like me to point out that the fact that I don’t have the imagination for multiple pairings isn’t it’s fault.  And that’s true – I should probably try harder before just giving up. 

To that end, how do you all think this skirt would look with grey?

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Waist Not, Want Not

I have no waist today and I can’t care:

The fact of the matter is that it’s hot (relatively speaking) and I have nothing to wear (even more relatively speaking if it’s possible to qualify that phrase).  So once again I went with loose layers; a sheer blouse (Olivia Moon via Nordstrom) layered over a black dress (thrifted) with platform sandals (MRKT via DSW) and minimal accessories.  I didn’t even pretend to wear a belt today, backwards or otherwise.

This is another outfit that I think is better in the wearing than in the photographing.  It’s very comfortable and nice and cool which is about all I can worry about these days.  I do wonder though if I should think more about how outfits will photograph when I select them.  I probably won’t, because that’d definitely be more than I can handle, but it’s still a thought (I have so few thoughts these days, I like to point them out when they occur).

Question for my Blogger-Readers: When you select an oufit, do you all take into account how it will photograph?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Polka Dots & A Backwards Belt

Although sometimes I like to insist upon my originality, sometimes I just blatantly copy other bloggers.  Today is one of those days:

Sometime back, the gorgeous Kendi of Kendi Everyday wore a similar belt, from Target, backwards; today I am wearing my belt, from Target, backwards.  What can I say?  Tuesday’s aren’t my days for originality (I save it for the third Thursday of every month).  In addition to a backwards belt, I wore a linen skirt (Jones New York via Macy’s), a polka dot tee (Gap), nude platform sandals (Target) and self-made drop earrings.

This outfit is only okay for me.  I think it’s the proportions.  The skirt is so full that I probably shouldn’t have gone so slouchy up top.  But, it’s finally getting really warm here in Oregon (high 80s, low 90s every day) so I shy away from wearing anything too close to my body.  And this top has polka dots, which in my book count for something (possibly everything).

Today’s Takeaway?  Wear polka dots.  They are going to be huge this fall (according to Marie Claire) and they hide a multitude of sartorial sins (according to me).

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Tunic and Skinnies

While I wouldn’t say that I have a uniform, per se, a tunic and skinnies is probably as close as I get:

It’s just a really easy look for me on days when I need easy, but don’t necessarily feel like wearing a dress.  Today was one of those days, so I paired a dolman-sleeve tunic (Angie via Ross), layered over a lace-trim cami (Old Navy), with “regular” length Flirt skinnies (Old Navy) and a pair of wedges (Bamboo via TJ Maxx).  I added a watch and a bracelet and I was done.  Not the most inspired look, perhaps, but I think the tunic adds enough interest so that it’s not the most boring look either.

Now, I’d like to say a word about dolman sleeves.  I love them.  I have several pieces with dolman sleeves (my dress from this weekend, for example) and they’re just great.  Especially for someone with my broad shoulders – a dolman sleeve gives my shoulders a bit more room to move around, which I love.  I hate feel constricted in my clothes so these really work well for me.  Also, as my bloggy friend Erin has pointed out, they have a fabulous sense of drama.  And what girl doesn’t love drama, right?  Right.

Today’s Takeaway?  If you don’t already love dolman sleeves, crawl out from under that sartorial rock and give them a shot.  They’re comfy and dramatic.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

Terra Cotta and Turquoise

I think I “borrowed” this color combination from either Ana at Better in Sepia or Dotty from Dash Dot Dotty.  Or it’s evidence of the collective conscience of personal style bloggers.  I saw we go with the latter because sometimes I like to keep up at least a pretense of originality.  In which case, I came up with this all on my own today:

Genius, no?  Well, perhaps not genius, but I think it’s a rather lovely color combination, however the idea came to me.  For this possibly-genius look, I paired my terra cotta jersey dress (Target) with a thin turquoise belt (Target), turquoise beaded necklace (rummaged), flat sandals (Target), Timex watch, a charm bracelet (Banana Republic) and a beaded bracelet (made by Mom).

Today’s Takeaway?  If you can’t remember where you got an idea, just cite the collective conscience of personal style bloggers.  It's (possibly) a real thing.

Have a lovely weekend, Everyone!

Gracey

My Kingdom for Some Belt Loops

Daily Outfit for Thursday, August 18th

Okay, so I don’t have a kingdom*, but, if I did, I’d probably give at least some of it up for a skirt with belt loops.  Because, once again I was sorely feeling the lack of belt loops:

I paired my belt loop-less skirt (vintage, thrifted) with a silk blouse (Nordstrom, also seen here), cognac belt (Old Navy) and leopard wedges (Tahari via DSW).  Once again I wore this blouse backwards because it has what has to be the lowest cut keyhole neckline ever.  Seriously, this blouse doesn't even try to be work appropriate; but, the colors are so pretty I don't want to get rid of it.  I actually loved  all of the colors in this outfit but it wasn’t very comfortable because my belt kept sliding everywhere. 

It’s sort of my fault (only sort of, though) because this skirt is a size too big.  But, it’s such a pretty color and it’s vintage Neiman Marcus and did I mention how much I love the color?  And, as demonstrated with the blouse, I will keep something just for the color.  Unfortunately, the skirt is too big so not belting it is not an option, but when I do belt it it’s a hot damn mess.  Really, the practical thing would be to just get rid of the skirt, but practicality is not my strong suit, so that probably won’t happen.

Also, you may have noticed (and if you didn’t, that’s okay too), but I am a day off on my posts.  I didn’t have time yesterday to post this because I was in a meeting all morning and at a smorgasbord of vintage wares all afternoon and evening.  So, I’ll post today’s outfit sometime tonight or early tomorrow, and post pictures from yesterday afternoon and tomorrow’s wedding maybe Sunday?  Or something like that.  Don’t worry, we’ll get it all sorted.

You may have also noticed that today is Friday (I’d be a little concerned if you missed this one), so I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

*Outside my head, at least.  In my head, it’s the Balkan kingdom of Gigantistan.

Silver Flowers on a Blue Field

I’ve always liked that flags and coats of arms are described as having a design element on a “field” (like a red lion on a green field).  I just think it’s both a lovely and effective way to describe them.  So it made me quite happy to be able to describe the "blouse" in today’s outfit in a similar manner:

Here is a close up of the aforementioned print:



The background looks black here, but it really is navy.



The “blouse” on this outfit is actually a tank dress (Gap, thrifted) that is a bit too short for me to wear as a dress but that I love the print of.  I decided to try it today as a top, paired with my blue high-waist skirt (vintage, thrifted) and navy platform sandals (MRKT via DSW).  I added a thin belt (Gap), watch and blue and white bracelet (local craftsman).

I’m always hesitant to layer dresses under skirts because my hips have threatened to join my thighs in rebellion if there is too much volume.  However, I think the thin fabric of the dress works well under the thicker, stiffer fabric of the skirt in this instance.

Today’s Takeaway?  When layering, pay attention to the thickness of the fabrics involved – it can be the difference between looking sleek, and having to fight off an attempted coup by volume-hating body parts.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

T-Shirt and Skirt, T-Shirt and Skirt

I have become mildly obsessed with wearing T-shirts and skirts over the past couple days; so much so that I practically wore the same thing two days in a row.

On Monday I wore this:

I paired my vintage poppy pleated skirt (thrifted) with a grey tee (Target), my increasingly ubiquitous cuff (thrifted), vintage “fringe” earrings and black platforms (G by Guess via Piperlime).

And, today, this:

This pose is so ridiculous, I had to include this picture.

I wore a blue vintage circle skirt (thrifted) with a black and white striped tee (Old Navy), a silver necklace-as-bracelet (gifted, I think) and black sandals (White Mountain via Macy’s).

They’re not exactly the same, but they have a similar feel to them.  A feel that was prompted by some advice in the latest In Style to pair pleated skirts with a casual sweater and boots.  I love my pleated skirts, but never thought to dress them down and was excited to try a new way to wear them.  I tried it Monday with my favorite poppy-colored pleated skirt, tying the tee at the side both to help define my waist and to add to the casual feel.  And I really liked it.

In fact, I liked the look so much that I decided to try a variation on the theme today.  Today’s skirt isn’t pleated, but it’s very full and a length that, like with the pleats, tends to make me want to dress up instead of down.  But, today, I paired it not only with a tee (this time tied in the back to define the waist), but with flat sandals.  And again, I like it.  I know the proportions are a bit tricky, but for some reason, I think it works. 

Could I be delusional?  It’s possible.  Maybe I’m sun-addled from the trip to the beach.  But, for whatever reason, I like these looks and will probably continue wearing variations on this theme for awhile yet, you lucky ducks.

No takeaway for today, instead I wanted to let you know that I and several other bloggers, are showing the world our shorts over at Fabienne’s blog, The House on the Clouds, today.  So, get your minds out of the gutters and go take a peek!

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

P.S. Ferge and I tried to take a picture of me twirling to show off the skirt, but it did not work.  At all.  It just made me dizzy and sort of nauseous and this is all we got:

Again, yes, it's ridiculous, but it's all I've have to show for all our efforts.

Neon and Turquoise

Here’s the deal.  It’s Friday, it’s summertime and I’m only working half a day today.  So, yep, Captain Casual strikes again:

But, how awesome is this necklace with this neon top? 

For today's possibly-overly-casual look, I paired my beloved beaded necklace (rummaged) with a neon tank (J. Crew – thrifted) layered over a white tank (Target), with clam diggers (made by me from Gap Long and Lean jeans) and the same metallic cuff (thrifted) and sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli) I wore yesterday.

I’ve said before that this necklace goes with everything and I think today’s pairing settles it.  I love this necklace anyway, but am just thrilled with how it looks with neon and white.  I’m also pretty happy with my self-cut clam diggers.  I love cut-offs for the summer, but I can’t say that I love them on me.  But, when I saw Angie of You Look Fab’s clam diggers, I thought that might be something that would work for me.  And I think they do work – I wore these all last weekend and will probably wear them much of this weekend as well.

Because?  This weekend?  This is the weekend that I’m finally, finally getting over to the coast.  Somehow it turns out that I haven’t been there all summer.  But, we’re going over tomorrow and I’m super excited and I’ll take lots of pictures (probably in these same pants).

Today’s Takeaway?  Turquoise, like orange, really does go with everything.

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Gracey

More Lazy Dressing

I slept horribly last night and as a result I seriously struggled with what to wear today.  Because I didn’t have the mental acuity to come up with anything creative I went the lazy route once again:

While yesterday I couldn't be bothered with more than a dress, today I wore two whole pieces (your're welcome).  I layered an embellished tank (Design History via Ross) over a maxi dress (thrifted), added metallic sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli) and a metallic cuff (thrifted) and called it a day.  Is it lazy?  You bet your sweet bippy it is.  But, it’s also comfortable and sometimes a girl just can’t manage anything more than some lazy comfort.

Today’s Takeaway?  Shiny accessories totally make lazy outfits work-appropriate (Within reason, folks.  Lawyers probably won't be distracted by shiny stuff).

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Bright Stripes and Cognac

I was running late this morning so I threw on the easiest thing I could find:

For the summer, there is nothing I like better than a bright, summery dress.  They’re easy and they don’t take a lot of styling to look good.  Today I paired my striped vintage dress (thrifted) with a braided cognac belt (thrifted), cognac sandals (Jeffrey Campbell via Nordstrom) and gold bangles (Nordstrom).  I wore it last time with a bright fuchsia belt and nude platforms, but I think I might like it even better with the cognac accessories.

Oddly enough, I used to not like dresses because I thought they were boring.  I preferred skirts because they felt more versatile to me.  I think that skirts are probably more versatile – they can look completely different paired with different tops – but I think I might prefer dresses for how easy they are.  While it’s nice to have the option to change the look of your skirt with different tops, sometimes it’s just nicer not to have to think too hard about getting dressed.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Do you prefer dresses or skirts?

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

EBEW: Mixin’ It Up

Today was Everybody, Everywear’s Mixed Print Challenge and it made me a little nervous.  I have mixed prints before (here and here), but it’s definitely not a style that comes naturally to me, so I decided to keep it simple today:



I mixed an abstract floral skirt (Fossil via Goodwill) with a striped three-quarters sleeve tee (Target), braided cognac belt (thrifted) and my oft-worn platform sandals (MRKT via DSW). 

For my money, stripes are one of the easiest patterns to mix as they seem to work well with other graphic prints (such as polka dots) but also with more organic prints such as florals.  So, pairing this striped tee with the abstract floral skirt didn’t take a lot of thought (I don’t have a lot of thoughts to spare lately).  It was also a pretty easy pairing because both pieces have at least one color in common; in this case the navy blue.  Although I’ve mixed pieces that didn’t have common colors, I find it easier if they do.

Today’s Takeaway: There is all sort of advice out there on how best to mix patterns, but I’d say the real trick is confidence.  If you don’t believe you’re rocking an outfit, no one else will either (and really, this is pretty much true for any outfit, not just pattern mixing).

Have a happy Tuesday, Everyone; and make sure you visit Everybody, Everywear for more looks featuring mixed prints!

Gracey

P.S. No, I did not ride my bike in this little-ass skirt.  I drove in today so as not to be arrested for indecent exposure.

Cheering Cherry* and Magenta

It’s been fairly overcast the last few mornings before warming up to the 80s.  Today was no exception and it even misted a little bit on my ride in.  When the weather is gloomy, I often like to wear bright, cheerful colors and today was no exception:

Last week Sal posted a link to this post about this fall’s top color trends.  They include my favorite cobalt, my beloved pumpkin orange and cherry and magenta.  The magenta was sort of surprising to me; one, because it doesn’t seem like fall and two because it reminds me of the 90s.  Which isn’t so much a reason not to be on board with something, but sometimes that’s what happens.

The cherry I was absolutely on board with, having already identified a couple of cherry red items I’d like to find for fall.  One of which was a cardigan and I found this one* (Beatrix Ost) last week on the sale rack at Nordstrom.  I decided to wear it today with my magenta dress (Target), a cherry, studded belt (thrifted) and cognac sandals. 

*While I truly did think this cardigan was red (damn your soft lighting, Nordstrom) when I bought it and even when I put it on, I think Lyddie is right, this is more coral than cherry.  While I do love cherry, for fall and otherwise, I apparently love coral more.

Although I was a little bit hesitant about magenta for fall, I can see how both of these colors will transition nicely from bright summery combinations to more autumn-appropriate outfits when paired with more neutral fall shades.  It’s like magic!

Today’s Takeaway?  Cherry is cheery, magenta is magical but orange is irresistable.  And all make for fabulous transitional colors.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

P.S. My date on Friday was absolutely wonderful!  We ended up having dinner in; we listened to jazz, had a bottle of wine and talked about everything – it was just perfect!

P.P.S. Holy crackers, folks, I have a hundred followers!  I have no idea how that happened, but thank you all so much for reading and presumably for laughing at both my jokes and my bad puns.  I'm very flattered and very grateful to all of you.

*ETA

Black and Brights

It was sort of chilly this morning – it was only 62 when I left for work – so I decided to wear a warmer, knit dress instead of a woven one:

This dress is another one from Walmart that I’ve gotten a ton of use out of.  Today I paired it with bright accessories in the form of an embroidered belt (Target), teal flats (Target), a red necklace-as-bracelet (thrifted) and my vintage crystal and brass necklace (Special).  That’s one good thing about black; it offers such a great backdrop for accessories.

It has been a very long week for me, y’all.  I’m very, very happy that the weekend is here, even though I have a fairly busy weekend.  Tonight I have a date (!), nothing planned yet for Saturday although I think I might go to a couple thrift stores, and then on Sunday, my friend Alex and I are going shopping.  I think it’s going to be a wonderful weekend.

Today’s Takeaway?  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

A Day of Don’ts

A Day of Don’ts

If you read anything fashion-related (magazines, blogs, etc) they are often full of advice on what not to wear and what not to do.  In short, they are full of don’ts.  Today I had a day full of don’ts, but in a good way:

For example, they say “don’t wear racer-backs if you’re broad-shouldered; it will make you look broader.”  I have the broadest of shoulders and today wore this abstract animal print racer-back tank (Target).  They also say “don’t wear cropped pants; it will shorten your legs.”  And they say “don’t wear slim cut pants if you have big legs.”  My big, long legs laughed at that challenge and today I paired my tank with my slim, cropped black pants (Banana Republic).  They say, “if you insist on wearing cropped pants, don’t wear flats; you’ll look stumpy.”  Me?  Stumpy? I don’t think so.  So, today I paired my cropped pants with silver and black flats (Target).

Is it possible I would have looked taller and slimmer if I hadn’t worn flats?  Sure; life is full of possibilities and I’m willing to concede that as one.  But, it’s also a possibility that this outfit looks just fine on my broad-shoulder, big-legged, flat-wearing self and that’s the possibility I explored today.

Today’s Takeaway?  Try a don’t every once in awhile just to make sure it’s actually a don’t for you.  Or, for added fun, try a bunch of don’ts in single day while also trying to make messy hair happen – it’s fab.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

Blue and Birds

Today I’m wearing blue and birds, but not bluebirds, which are traditionally a harbinger of happiness.  I’m still pretty happy though as this skirt is my favorite shade of blue:

I paired the skirt (J. Crew) with a bird-print tee (Ross), black belt (Nine West via Macy’s), black sandals (White Mountain via Macy’s) and a couple of bracelets (because that’s what I do).  The skirt is too big so the belt is more a necessity than anything, but unfortunately there are no belt loops so it slides around like mad.  It started the day in the correct place, but by the time I’d pedaled to work, the buckle was on my left hip.  Needless to say, I’m a big fan of belt loops.  I considered sewing the pockets shut and using the fabric there to make belt loops but a) that would involve me sewing and b) I like pockets and belt loops.  Ah, dilemma.  But, at least it’s a pretty color!

Today’s Takeaway?  If you can’t wear bluebirds, wear blue and birds – it can still make you happy.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Too Much Togetherness

During the summer my thighs suffer from too much togetherness.  They get all hot and sweaty and angry and begin a series of minor border skirmishes against each other.  Sweaty, bickering thighs are no kind of fun, so sometimes I like to separate them to get them to behave.  The warmer weather has caused an increase in hostilities lately so today I’ve slapped my thighs into some shorts (a sort of penalty box for them, if you will):

And, as much as my thighs hate these shorts (and hate them they do), they admit that in this heat the penalty box is better than being in close quarters with each other.  Today, I paired the shorts (New York & Co via Ross) with a sheer blouse (Olivia Moon via Nordstrom) layered over a white tank (Old Navy).  I also added cognac sandals (Jeffery Campbell via Nordstrom), a couple of bracelets and large silver hoops (Nordstrom).  It’s simple, cool and helps limit thigh-fighting.

Today’s Takeaway?  Angry thighs are like children; sometimes you have to separate them so they stop fighting.  

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Summer Whites

It finally (finally!) got warm here in Oregon last week, getting up to the low 90s this past weekend.  I know that’s not nearly as hot as most of the rest of the country, but it’s warm enough to make me resort to linen and semi-sheer clothes:

I don’t usually wear a lot of white – it’s often too see-through for my tastes, and I’m mad clumsy so I usually ruin it.  But, I just can’t see myself pedaling home this afternoon in the heat in anything darker or heavier, so white it is.  I paired a white linen blend skirt (Ann Taylor) with a white and fuchsia printed blouse (Old Navy - also seen here), nude platform sandals (Target) and this vintage turquoise beaded bracelet (Ray’s Ragtime):

Even though I’m forced to wear easily-stained whites, I’m definitely not complaining about the heat.  I love the sun and relaxed outdoors much of the weekend.  Including my trip Friday night to a local winery (Kathken Vineyards) to listen to music.  It was a great night; the wine was delicious (we had the Syrah), the company was fabulous and the music was just delightful.  And the view?  Can’t be beat:

I hope you all had a lovely weekend as well.  And happy Monday!

Gracey

Just Enough

I’ve worn this necklace three times this week which some people may believe is too much, but I insist is just enough: 





It’s not the necklace’s fault that turquoise, like orange, goes with everything.  Yesterday I wore it with other brights; today I’m wearing it as the only bit of color in an otherwise neutral outfit.  And I think it works equally well both ways.  Today I paired the necklace (rummaged) with a grey and white striped maxi (Gap), pewter sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli), a white belt (thrifted) and large silver hoops (Nordstrom).

Does anyone have any big plans for this weekend?  Tonight I’m going to a local winery (we have quite a few here in the Willamette Valley) to listen to music.  And Saturday and Sunday is the Oregon Brew Fest in Portland.  In addition to a lot of wineries, Oregon also has A LOT of microbreweries, so the Brew Fest is always a fun weekend.  I’m not sure that I’ll be going this year, but it’s definitely an option.

Today’s Takeaway?  Oregonians believe strongly in fermentation as a scientific process.

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey