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

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

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

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.

I Blame the Cardigan

This outfit doesn’t feel quite right to me, for which I blame the cardigan:

I think it’s the length and the poof of the sleeves – they’re giving my arms a complex.  Which caused my thighs to complain that if another part of my body had a complex then how would they (my thighs) get the attention they so desperately needed?  I talked them down by reminding them that A-line skirts are their friend so they didn’t have anything to worry about here. 

And really, they don’t.  This skirt sees a lot of use because the A-line is probably the most flattering cut for my particular shape.  Conversely, I never wear this cardigan (I can remember wearing it only once before) and now I know why.  I had actually placed it in the donation pile, but thought I’d give it another go-round before deciding for sure.

Today I paired the skirt (vintage, thrifted) with a floral tank (Old Navy) and the now-reviled cropped cardigan (August Silk via Ross).  I added my MRKT platform sandals (via DSW), a skinny brown belt (Gap), some green and floral bracelets and hot pink drop earrings (Alberta street vendor).  I thought the cardigan would work to today to cover up the spaghetti straps of the tank and it did, to an extent.  I mean, they’re covered, but it’s not terribly flattering.  So, the cardigan will be going to a new home and I’m confident I made the right decision.

Today’s Takeaway?  Don’t wear things that make your arms angry, no one likes angry arms.  Or, if you prefer; always give items one last shot before ousting them from your closet, there will be fewer regrets that way.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Fuzzy Head, Fuzzy Hair

Daily Outfit for Thursday, June 9, 2011

Work is aggravating the crud out of me.  I’m so focused on work that I’m fuzzy headed about everything else and as a result, I’m finding it hard to concentrate on the more important things, like what to wear.  Today was the worst so far; I absolutely could not focus on my outfit this morning.  I had several possible outfits in mind; I just didn’t want to wear any of them.  I ended up in this instead:

This pose cracks me up.  I look like I'm trying to sell someone a concrete retaining wall.

Don’t get me wrong, I like it.  And really, I’m starting to think that I do some of my best dressing when I’m tired or preoccupied.  I mean, today’s outfit (blue vintage skirt (thrifted) with a red and white bow blouse (v. old via Ross) and red wedges (Nordstrom)) is pretty darned flattering (thanks, A-line skirt!) in spite of the fact that I threw it together in about two minutes. 

Also, I didn’t brush my hair again today.  You know what they say; fuzzy head, fuzzy hair (it's a real thing, trust me).

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

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

Squeaky Shoes

Daily Outfit for Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I love the color of these shoes, but they’re squeaky.  I hate squeaky shoes – I like to be all stealth and sneak up on folks.  These darn shoes didn’t allow me to sneak up on anyone today, in spite of my best efforts.  Boo on you, Squeaky Shoes!

In addition to my squeaky teal flats (Target), I wore cropped navy pants (Banana Republic), a silver-greige tunic (Target) and a yellow bracelet (Mississippi Street vendor).  I think that I’m not wild about the color of the tunic; well, I am, but I’m not.  I think it’s a lovely color, for a neutral.  I’m just not sure it’s a lovely color on me.  My skin generally gets along better with brighter colors; however, I think the shoes and the bracelet give me a little of the color I crave so I was good with this outfit.

Also, and this is going to sound weird, but my face has been driving me crazy in photographs lately.  I don't know what it is, but, just like the color of this shirt, I haven't been wild about my face lately.  That's a sort of weird thing to say, I know, but if anyone else has been thinking my face has been looking crazy as of late, I wanted you to know that you're not alone.  I'm here for you.  If you weren't thinking that, please don't feel obligated to think it now. 

And, finally, I wanted to apologize for all the short posts lately – my brain is on overload as of late and I feel lucky that I’m even posting at all.  And that the pictures are right-side up. (Not good, mind you, just not upside down).  So, thank you all for your patience and your continued reading.  It means an awful lot to me.

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

I Have Good News and Bad News

Daily Outfit for Wednesday, May 04, 2011

I’ll give you the good news first.  I finally got my new camera (!) and took these photos with it today:

Which leads us to the bad news:  I had also ordered a set of Better Photography Skills, but those are apparently on back order; maybe indefinitely.  So, you guys are stuck with my current photography skills (or lack thereof) until those new skills arrive.  Sadly, there is no ETA for that order, so bear with me.

Sure the photographs are suspect, but this outfit is pretty cute, right?  I’m rather liking the not-quite-navy skirt (vintage – thrifted) with the aqua sweater (Target) and the camel Mary Jane wedges (Corso Como via Piperlime).  Is this color-blocking?  I think it might be.  What do you say we agree that it is and then I can cross that off my fashion bucket list?  Agreed?  Good.  You all are the best!

Also, I know I just used up a favor in asking you all to agree that I mastered color-blocking with this outfit, but I have another favor to ask.  If you don't already read Sal's most-awesome blog, Already Pretty, can you start?  Sal is helpful and wonderful and kind and her blog is the same.  Read it, I think you'll like it.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

A-Team Hannibal, Not Hannibal Lecter

A Belated Daily Outfit for Monday, May 02, 2011

Today’s outfit was a surprise to me:

Yes, I did pick it out for myself, but you know how sometimes you think of an outfit and then you get it on and it’s twelve kinds of wrong?  Or you think of an outfit and you don’t expect to love it because it doesn’t even include any of your favorite colors, but you put it on and it turns out wonderfully?  The latter is what happened here today.

I think this outfit might actually one of my favorites and it was a complete accident. I am house-sitting for friends this week, and I don’t sleep well if not in my own bed, so I have a bit of insomnia.  I came up with this outfit during one of those half-asleep-but-the-mind-is-racing moments last night.  And honestly, it’s a combination that in the light of day I can’t even imagine how I came up with.  It’s making me think that half-asleep is how I should make all of my outfit choices.

When I bought this silk blouse (Banana Republic via Goodwill), I thought it might look okay with my brown pants (Banana Republic Factory Store), but couldn’t picture what else I would possibly wear.  I think I got stuck on the fact that I was combining brown, purple and pink, all of which are colors I don’t wear often and never together.  But, this morning at 5 am, it came to me; I’d wear the blouse and pants with a navy cardigan (GAP), leopard print flats (v. old via Ross) and a hot pink belt (INC via Macy’s).  And oddly enough, I think it worked.

Like Hannibal (A-Team Hannibal, not Hannibal Lecter or Second Punic War Hannibal), I love it when a plan comes together.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

P.S. My new camera still hasn’t arrived, so Ferge is still taking my pictures, today with my phone, for which I am super-grateful.

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

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 2nd and 3rd

Out of the gate, I have to tell you this Weecap only contains one outfit, but I think it's a good one.  I went out Saturday for an oil change and to get a new phone, but otherwise was in most of the weekend battling a cold (darned airplanes).


Saturday, April 2nd

It was sunny most of the day Saturday and I took advantage with rolled cuffs and a short-sleeve trench:

I thrifted this coat a few weeks ago, but it hasn't been warm enough to wear it, but finally Saturday it was and I was thrilled.  It's such a pretty persimmon color and you know how much I love orange.  I love the coat so much, I actually built the rest of the outfit around it.  I paired it with a navy and white tunic (Old Navy), olive skinny jeans (Gap) and black and silver flats (Target).

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and thank you all for you kind comments on my Santa Fe photos.  I know I'm not the best photographer, but I wanted to at least share some of my experiences there.

Talk to you all tomorrow,

Gracey

Closet MVP – The Apricot Sweater

Yes, I know I’ve already worn this sweater this month, but I’ve decided I love it and wanted to wear it again.

I’ve also decided this sweater is highly versatile and will probably wear it again and again, so I hope you all like it too.  I first wore it here with polka dots and I’m wearing it today with stripes.  I paired the sweater (thrifted) and the navy/white striped tee (Gap) with my trouser jeans (Banana Republic) and Mary Jane wedges (Corso Como via Piperlime).   

This felt a bit 70s to me, so I decided to roll with that feeling and wear a floral scarf (thrifted) as a belt.  The scarf doesn’t have any apricot in it, but it has tan, pink and orange flowers that if you squint, combine to look like apricot.

My thighs hate these jeans.  I try to tell them it’s for the good of the whole, but I think they’re planning a coup.  They’re so militant at times. 

I’m surprised I was able to muster up a smile for these pictures.  Today was horrible.  I am covering for my friend and co-worker, Kathy, and trying to do her job (which I barely understand) and mine (better understood, but not by much) is killing me.  I have a whole week of this mess and I am not excited.

What I am excited about?  This outfit.  The transition time between seasons usually gives me fits.  I don’t have a lot of items that can go easily between season in weight or color, so I usually just wear dark clothes until April or May and then wear my spring/summer clothes.  But, I think this outfit is a good compromise.  I’m warm, but the sweater is nice and spring-like even though the weather is not so much.

What about you, dear readers?  Any tips for transitioning between seasons?  Are you tired of the sweater yet?  It won’t stop me from remixing it again, but I want you to feel like you can share your feelings.

Tuesday (no, no happy Tuesday, just Tuesday),

Gracey

In the Navy (and the Orange)

Daily Outfit, 3/17/11

I decided to mix it up a bit and wear a dress and a blazer instead of a dress and a cardigan.  You’re welcome.

Poor picture taking day again - I cut off my feet!

These are the boots I'm wearing today.

The navy blazer is vintage wool (tag says “The Villager” – thrifted) and the dress is silk (Banana Republic).  I also wore a lace-trimmed camisole (Old Navy), navy tights (Nordstrom), my Born Crown riding boots (Nordstrom) and a glass bead bracelet (Mom).  I don’t usually wear bracelets to work but for some reason my wrists just looked so bare poking out of the sleeves on this jacket.

Close up of the print on the dress

Apparently I should have been looking to this dress to determine what I should pair with greige.  Navy, rust, orange and bright yellow all appear to go very nicely.  Next time, next time.  I really should do that more often, refer to my clothes with prints for ideas on pairing colors.  And I’d already know it’s a color combination that appeals to me or (presumably) I wouldn’t have bought something with those colors.  It would help take some of the guesswork out of it. 

Do you all ever do that?  Refer to a print for suggestions on pairing colors?  

Happy Thursday, Everyone!  And Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Does anyone have any big plans for tonight?

Gracey

Better in Sepia for Giants

This is not me:

This is the lovely Ana from Better in Sepia.  I just recently began reading her blog but quickly became a fan of her simple-but-elegant style.  If you don’t already read Ana’s blog, I encourage you to stop by.

While I have liked pretty much everything Ana has posted, I especially liked her navy, rust and turquoise outfit from last week.  I have considered rust and turquoise before, but never with navy and I think it’s fabulous.  So, of course, I wanted to try to recreate it for giants.

The Dress – Pintuck Dress in Navy - up to size 3x - Talbots:

I went with a navy dress instead of a rust skirt - I know a lot of women aren't comfortable having the lighter, brighter color on their hips.  I thought a dress was a nice alternative and although this dress isn't available in “tall” I think the length is long enough for all but the tallest of ladies to pull off.

The Shoe – Seychelles “Kiss at Midnight” Mary Jane Pump – up to size 11 – Endless:

I think this is an absolutely gorgeous shoe, and it also comes in a rust color if turquoise shoes are not your thing.  But, I'm not going to lie, I'd be disappointed to find out that turquoise shoes aren't everybody's thing.

The Scarf: Tarnish "Peacock" Wool Scarf in Spice - Nordstrom:

As many of you know, I have a predilection for long, rectangular scarves instead of square ones, so I chose this fun, peacock printed scarf. 

The Belt – W-Twist Belt - Steve Madden:

 

Instead of a double belt, I went with this Steve Madden twisted belt in cognac which I think will look fabulous with the navy dress.

I know not everyone loves orange (for whatever reason), so I tried to keep the rust element to a minimum with just the scarf, but I think a rust cardigan or rust tights would look fantastic with this as well.   I think it would also look good with black, turquoise or navy tights.

This outfit is something I would definitely wear (especially those gorgeous shoes).  And I actually did wear a rust, navy and turquoise outfit myself today that I'll post later in my Daily Outfit post.  But what about you guys?  Is this outfit something you would wear?

Happy Monday!

Gracey