Bonus Footage: Gracey Does Stuff

Plucky Maidens Junk Fest

On Thursday, I went with my trusty partner in crime, Alex, and her daughter, Sophie, to the Plucky Maidens Junk Fest at McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale and I wore this:

It's (hopefully obviously) not what I work to work.  I changed out of Thursday's too-big pencil skirt into olive green shorts (Old Navy), a floral tank (Old Navy) and flat sandals (Target).  I brought along my trusty vintage patchwork bag (gifted from my mom - thanks, Mom!) and a couple shopping bags for anticipated treasures.

Alex and I got off of work early, picked Sophie up and headed up to the Portland area for a smorgasbord of vintage wares on the grounds of McMenamin’s Edgefield which is an absolutely beautiful, untraditional resort east of Portland.  Edgefield was built in 1911 as the county poor farm so the grounds are huge (70+ acres, I think).   It was renovated for use as a resort by McMenamin’s and has several restaurants and pubs, a huge lawn for concerts, gorgeous gardens and vineyards and even an onsite glass-blower and potter.  Edgefield is easily my favorite McMenamin’s facility (they have several) so I was very excited to go.

I am a fool for a veranda and Edgefield has several.

One of the vineyards - I think there may be more than one of these as well.

And it did not disappoint.  There were around 50 vendors of vintage goods of all sorts, arrayed under the trees by the main building.  There was food, music and large quantities of McMenamins wines and ales and the crowds weren't too big.  We had an absolutely lovely time.  I didn’t buy much, but it was a fabulous way to spend a summer afternoon.

Vendors beneath the trees



Girl with raccoon tail - I think this is a thing now?



Beach Wedding

On Saturday afternoon, my gorgeous friend, Jodee, and I drove up to Cathlamet, Washington, along the Columbia River to attend a wedding of some friends of Jodee's.  And I wore this:

I had never heard of Cathlamet, but it was absolutely gorgeous:

And hot.  The wedding was right on the beach, in the middle of the afternoon and I'm pretty sure it got up into the mid-90s.  It was a lovely wedding though, just simple and pretty:

I hope everyone else is having a wonderful weekend as well!

Gracey

Gracey Goes to the Beach!

As promised, I finally made it over to the Oregon Coast for the first time this summer and it was as fabulous as always.  We went to a small beach a little north of Nye Beach and it was just perfect.  It was a little overcast when we first arrived, but it turned out to be gorgeous.

What I Wore

Because the day did start out a bit chilly, I layered a chambray tunic (Old Navy) over my striped tank (Target) and floral shorts (Loft Outlet).  I thought I’d be wearing my jorts (hee!) at the beach but I figured if a girl can’t wear short shorts at the beach, when can she wear them?  Right?  Right.

What I Saw

On our way:

One of the many fabulous things about going to the Oregon Coast is the drive over through heavily wooded passes.

A view from the top:

Views from the bottom:

Back towards the road.

Out towards the ocean and lighthouse.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse (I think):

What We Did

Frisbee was played:

Ollie the Octopus Kite was flown:

And surf was played in:

This is one of the few times I wished I cared just a little bit more about being a better photographer because I’m afraid my pictures aren’t doing this trip justice.  If you ever get a chance to visit the Oregon Coast, I encourage you to do so – it really is amazing.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend as well!

Gracey

Pretend Lessons and A Bit More Yellow

Although I’m sure many of you are all yellowed out from yesterday’s Everybody, Everywear challenge, you’re going to have to suffer through a bit more today (unless, of course, you leave now, but what’s the fun in that?).  If it’s any consolation, this is (once again), not the outfit I intended to wear today so I’m not intentionally wearing every bit of yellow I have in my closet.  Although, the intended outfit included citron which is practically yellow so either way you were going to get some yellow today.

As the citron cardigan was no good (proportionally-speaking), I decided to pair my embellished white tunic (Design History via Ross) and skinny jeans (Gap Always Skinny) with an olive open cardigan (Target) instead.  I love yellow with olive so I added yellow peep-toe flats (Me Too via Nordstrom) and earrings with a bit of yellow on them (Target).

I finished up with olive and gold-toned bracelets (from top to bottom: Macy's, Mom-made & Banana Republic) to help tie in the earrings and the rest of the yellow.

Speaking of proportions (see paragraph 2 above), I know the length of the cardigan shortens my legs a bit and I should probably have worn heels with this, but I didn’t feel like it.  Although I like to think I can get away with things because of my height, I’m not sure I got away with anything here.  However, I have a plan; we can all pretend this is a lesson on proportions and that I’m showing you what NOT to do and then we’re all winners.  Agreed?  Fabulous.  I love it when we all get along.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Militant Lace

As I’m sure you all know, today is Everybody, Everywear’s Lace Challenge.  And I’m sure you all heard that the US Army has decided to do away with the black beret (What?  You haven’t heard?  I’m shocked; this is big news, folks.).  What may come as a surprise is that the Army is currently taking suggestions on how else to better their uniforms.  Personally, I would have kept the beret.  So chic.  But, I figure if they can’t have berets, they can have lace!  This is my suggested overhaul of those boring, drab uniforms:

I did, in fact, keep the olive drab because, frankly, it’s one of my favorite neutrals.  But, I like to think I spiced the uniform up in other ways.  I paired my olive skinnies (Gap) with a lace tee (The Limited) layered over a grey tee (Target) which gives it a sort of camouflage effect (try squinting with one eye).  I am obviously demonstrating the dress uniform, so I wore some mushroom-colored wedges (Bamboo via TJ Maxx) which can be replaced with some cute boots when one is not on the parade grounds.  I added some bangles (thrifted and Nordstrom) to show how well this look would go with a bandolier of bright brass bullets and my crystal and brass pendant necklace (Special) in lieu of dog tags.

Oh, and I can finally move my arms (hooray), so I finally washed my hair.  I am going back to the weight lifting class tomorrow, but I’ll be sure not to overdo it this time!

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

P.S.  None of this is true.  Well, some of it.  Today is the EBEW Lace Challenge and they are replacing sexy Army berets with boring Army caps, but really, the rest of it’s completely untrue.

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

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

Dear April, You Are NOT March

Daily Outfit for Thursday, April 14, 2011

April doesn’t seem to be satisfied with just having showers to prepare for May flowers.  No, apparently it’s decided to emulate March and also come in like a lion.  Seriously, it was so windy today I thought I was going to fall off my bike.   And of course I was riding into a headwind.  I tell you what, if April doesn’t follow up on this copycat mess and go out like a lamb I am going to be very put out.

You hear that April?  You have two weeks to get it together.

Windy days naturally necessitate wearing pants for me (my skirt got blown up once and while it was hilarious, it was also very embarrassing), and the grey skies suggested grey denim:

I figured if I cooperated with the weather it might cooperate with me, so I took that suggestion and went with my grey skinnies (Target) today.  I paired them with about seven tops because it was cold.  Okay, I exaggerate; I only wore three tops.  The first layer is my brown tunic (New York & Co via Ross), worn under my ditsy floral blouse (Old Navy) which in turn was worn under a cardigan (Old Navy).  I wore my Mossimo (Target) flats again today because I like them (and Anne does too).

Please note, if you are a reader named April, I am not yelling at you.  I promise. 

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Greige

Daily Outfit 3/15/11

I would like to say this outfit was more flattering in person than it is in the photos, but I’m not sure that’s true:

What I do know is that it was extremely comfortable and because I’m having one of those days, that’s pretty much all I cared about. 

The skirt is not actually a skirt, it’s a dress.  It’s one of those “twofer” dresses with a bodice in a different color and fabric than the skirt.   It’s also not the color it appears to be in either of these photos.  It’s actually a combination of the two - a strange grey-beige, or greige, if you will.  And it’s another closet orphan.  I’ve had it for over a year and I don’t know that I’ve ever worn it.  I bought it because I have another twofer dress (grey top/black skirt) that I love because it works so well as a skirt.  But, this greige color throws me a bit.  I have no idea what goes with greige.  I know it’s a neutral, but it’s a strange neutral.

Today, I fully intended to pair it with a burgundy sweater, but the proportion was all wonky.  So, instead, I layered the dress (Mossimo/Target) under a black turtleneck (Old Navy) and a dolman sweater (a.n.a/JC Penney).  I accessorized with black cable-knit patterned tights (Assets via Target), faux-lace-up boots (Kenneth Cole Reaction via Piperlime) and my plaid infinity scarf (Steve Madden via Macy’s).

I think I actually liked this outfit.  It’s very comfortable, and not too overwrought.  I think this is another orphan that may get to stay – I already have a couple more ideas on what to pair it with.  What about you all?  Any ideas on what to pair with greige?

Gracey

New Grey Skinnies

Daily Outfit, 3/11/11

I have wanted some grey skinny jeans forever.  I have been stalking these ones on Banana Republic for a couple of months now, but they’re sort of expensive and I haven’t had good luck with BR skinnies.  The last pair didn’t have any stretch at all in them – my thighs said they felt claustrophobic.  I wasn’t going to pay a lot of money to have that experience again.

Enter that Savior of the Wallet, that Friend to Bargain Hunters Everywhere, that Mecca of Savings… Target!

 

I mentioned this in my last Weecap, but I got these grey skinnies at Target last weekend for $6.24!  And they’re long length!  And they really are long enough – they go right down to the top of my foot.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic at this find.  Today I paired them with a long-sleeve tee (Gap), dolman sweater (BCBG), cashmere scarf (Nordstrom) and my low boots (Target), but I think they’ll go with nearly everything.

Now for the skinny (heh, see what I did there?); I would say these run true to size.  I’m wearing a size 14 and they’re a little big in the waist, but most every pant is for me.  I will say, however, that these run tight in the calf.  If you have bigger calves, I’m not sure how these would work.  They’re way tighter than my Flirt skinnies, for example, in the calf area.

I haven’t tried any of Target’s other jeans in the long lengths, but if I do, I’ll be sure to let you all know how they fit.  Have any of you tried Target’s long denim?  If so, how did they work for you?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  Do any of you have any big plans?  I’m going to attempt to get crafty, but as I’m not a crafty gal, I’m not sure how that’ll work.  I’ll let you know though!

Gracey

Bonus Footage: Mabel and Zora Event

Hi All!

As I mentioned in my daily outfit post from yesterday, I went to an event at a boutique called Mabel and Zora Thursday night with my hilarious and gorgeous friends, Jenny and Lori.  

This is what I wore to said event:

Although my outfit was neutral, I absolutely loved it.  I felt pretty and stylish.  But, I can’t take all the credit.  The outfit was inspired, at least in part, by this outfit that Fabienne at The House in the Clouds wore.  I loved her combination of fur vest and a dress and wanted to try something similar with my fur vest.  I paired my vintage vest (thrifted) with my grey dress (also thrifted), olive tights (Hue via Nordstrom Rack), trusty Born Crown boots (via Nordstrom), shiny striped scarf (BCBG) and lots of gold jewelry.

The thin gold bangles are from Nordstrom, and all the others were thrifted except for the brown and gold beaded bracelet which my mom made.  The angel wing earrings are from a street vendor on Alberta, the vintage chandelier crystal necklace is from Special on Alberta, and the pearl/gold necklace was thrifted.

Mabel and Zora's had champagne, a sale on all dresses and amazing boudoir photos by a company called Evoke.  Their events are always fun, an last night was no exception.  We drank champagne and tried on dresses, feather earrings and gargantuan cocktail rings.   

Jen and Lori tried on the same dress.

 

Me and Jen

Me and Lori

After Mabel and Zora's, we walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner.  On the way, we ran into this ukulele-playing street musician who was kind enough to play and sing for us.

Brian Stearns: Street Musician

Thanks for a great night, Jen and Lori!  I love you guys!!!

Gracey

More of the Same

Daily Outfit, 3/4/11

I’m wearing slightly more color today, but not much. 

The chiffon blouse (thrifted) is a muted, yellow floral and the cardigan (via Sweet Jayne) is olive.  Paired with jeans (Long and Lean/Gap) and brown boots (Mossimo/Target) there is just not much color here at all (excepting the orange scarf (Nordstrom)).  But, I’m okay with that.  I’ve actually liked most of the outfits I’ve worn during Switzerland Week, in spite of their neutrality.

I really have been wearing a lot of neutrals.  For example, last night Jenny, Lori and I went to an event at out favorite boutique, Mabel and Zora, and I was decked out in neutrals for that too.  Either I’m not as colorful as I’d like to think or I’m more versatile that I thought.  I’m going to go with the latter.

I’ll post outfit pics and more from last night a soon as I can.  I’ll also put together a scarf-tying tutorial this weekend.  I’m going to try to do a video, but I’m not at all technologically savvy, so you may just get pictures.  But, they’ll be helpful pictures.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Gracey