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.

EBEW: Gettin’ Thrifty With It

Yeah, that’s right, my title is a bad pun that references an even worse song.  Because that’s how I roll.  Also how I roll?  In thrifted clothes:

In fact, everything in this outfit is thrifted with the exception of the bangles (Nordstrom) and the necklace (vintage brooch-on-a-chain via Lil’ Gypsy).  And with the exclusion of those items, this outfit cost me a whopping $9.97.  The marigold blouse (never worn Liz Claiborne), which is silk and is the best color ever, was $1.98, the blue pleated skirt (vintage) was $3.00, the shoes (Franco Sarto) were $1.00 and the belt  (Mossimo/Target) was $3.99.

For those of you who bet yourself that I’d wear a pleated skirt for the EBEW Thrift Challenge, give yourself a cookie from me.  While my fabulous bloggy friend Katie loves to thrift silk scarves, I love to thrift pleated skirts.  And I was especially excited about this blue one. I’d been admiring the pleated blue Zara skirt that so many bloggers (like the lovely Katherine) rocked this summer, but we don’t have a Zara here in Oregon (hell, we just got H&M last fall).  So, of course I tried to thrift one.  And for months, I had no luck.  But, I kept my eyes open and finally found one, prompting a little happy dance in the aisle.

See? So happy!

If you’d like to see more of my thrifted pleated skirt collection, you can see this post, this one, or this guest post for gorgeous Fabienne of The House in the Clouds.  And if you’d like to see more thrifty posts (you know you want to), pop on over to Everybody, Everywear and feast your eyes.

Today’s Takeaway?  Whatever you’re looking to thrift (presumably pleated skirts because they’re awesome), be patient; it’ll pay off in the long run.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Petite Pleats

You may have already noticed, but I am not petite.  My skirt is though:

And, now that I think of it, so is my tunic.  I like to thrift petite midi-skirts because they’re right about knee-length for my giant self.  And my “tunic” is actually a petite dress.

I paired the pleated skirt (thrifted) with the polka dot tunic/dress (thrifted), a black studded belt (JC Penny) and neutral platform sandals (Target).  I used the belt to rein in some of the volume of the tunic/dress but also to put my waist where I wanted it.  Without the belt, my torso would have seemed disproportionately long.  With the belt, I look leggier and less torso-y (it’s a word).  The neutral shoes with this serve the same purpose, elongating my legs with what can be a tricky skirt length.

The takeaway for today?  That giants can wear petites and if you want to look like a giant, move your belt up. 

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Pleated Skirt Awareness Movement

Yes, I’m wearing a pleated skirt.  Again.

But, I really do have a good reason for wearing so many pleated skirts.  You see, I am a dedicated member of PSAM (the Pleated Skirt Awareness Movement).  It’s a small, grassroots organization aimed at increasing people’s awareness of the wonders of pleated skirts.  My role in PSAM is to wear my collection of pleated skirts as often as possible on my blog until my readers cave and thrift pleated skirts of their own.

This time around, I’ve paired my vintage, cream, pleated midi-skirt (thrifted) with a vintage leaf-print blouse (via Fat Fancy).  I think the pleats on the skirt, and the slightly puffy sleeves and leaf print of the blouse, add enough interest to the outfit that I kept the rest of it simple; just a faux-patent belt (Nine West via Ross) and black ankle tie espadrilles (Very Volatile via Nordstrom).

Want more information on how and why to thrift a pleated skirt of your very own?  See my guest post on The House in the Clouds, if you haven’t yet.  I promise, it’s super informative (mostly).

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Silk Orphans and That Skirt. Again.

Daily Outfit for Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Yes, it's the poppy pleated skirt.  Again.

 

 

I know I wear this skirt a lot, but look how versatile it is.  It helped me save two more of my closet orphans today.  The orphans in question are the cream silk blouse (Banana Republic) and the cream and black striped s/s silk jacket (thrifted).  I paired them with my vintage pleated skirt (thrifted), a black belt (Nine West via Ross) and platform sandals (Target).

I have never worn the jacket because I think it's cooler than I am (pretty sure it mocks me from the closet) and I've only worn the blouse once because it's better in theory than in practice.  The chevrons are a nice design detail but it lays funny and sits weird on the hips.  Trust me.  Back to the skirt though - I think it's one of my favorites.  I love the length, the pleats, the color and it's orphan-saving skills.  I mean, two at a time?  Impressive, no?  It turns out that poppy looks fabulous with black and white striped silk.  And that this skirt and only this skirt (with it's sidekick, The Belt) is able to tame the wonkiness of the chevron blouse.  You are welcome, Dear Orphans.

And you are welcome, Dear Readers, for yet another visit from The Orphan Saving Poppy Skirt.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Creamsicle

Daily Outfit for Friday, May 13, 2011

I love creamsicles.  They’re one of my favorite treats.  And, yes, I know that doesn’t mean I have to dress like one, but I think we should all just be thankful I didn’t decide to dress like wasabi-crusted tuna tartar.  Which I also love.  So, yes, today I’m dressed like a creamsicle and not tuna:

When I first thrifted this skirt I thought it might be too formal, but then I thought formal-schmormal, I may not wear sequins to work, but I can wear this skirt.  I paired it with a lovely coral orange sweater (Target), which is the twin to this lovely aqua sweater.  I don’t usually buy items in multiples, but I really like these sweaters – I think the colors are so pretty.  I also wore some T-strap wedges (Franco Sarto via Nordstrom) and I have to say that I’m not loving them with this outfit.  I think my platform sandals from yesterday would have probably been the better choice. 

A choice I am loving?  This turquoise-beaded bracelet (vintage from Ray’s Ragtime in Portland):

I love this bracelet with the orange and cream, but I'm starting to think this bracelet might just go with everything.  I'll wear it more often and we can all decide if I'm right or not.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.  It’s supposed to rain here (surprise, surprise) so I imagine mine will be very low-key.  Some minor thrifting and whatnot.  How about you all?  Anyone with big plans?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

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

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!

More Stripes, More Brights and More Tights

Daily Outfit

I loved today’s outfit, but it also made me sad:

I love it because it has stripes (!) and an awesomely bright (!) skirt but this continuous wearing of tights is wearing on me (heh, see what I did there).  Seriously though, I am sooooo tired of wearing tights and boots.  I mixed it up a little today and wore tights and sandals, but that just made my toes cold.  I need the weather to warm up so that I can wear my skirts and tops as they were intended – with cute sandals and no tights.

I really do love this outfit though.  This top amuses me with its stripes and more stripes and dolman sleeves (via Ross), and the vintage skirt is the perfect skirt for me with its fabulous poppy color, its longer length and its pleats (thrifted via Santa Fe Goodwill).  I paired them with some black Spanx tights (Nordstrom) out of necessity and wedge sandals (Kensie via Macys) because I want to wear sandals, darn it.  And I added the black belt (Fossil via Macys) to tie in the dreaded tights.

In addition to being tired of the cold, I am also tired of the rain.  I know that rain is what keeps Oregon green, but I’m tired of it.  It didn’t rain on my way in this morning (thank goodness), but it had rained previously and I had to contend with the resultant puddles.  I did pretty well with them until right before I got to work when I hit a small, but apparently deep, puddle that somehow managed to shoot water right up my skirt.  It didn’t hit my skirt at all, but my inside thigh got drenched from high thigh to knee.  Imagine a munchkin with a water pistol aiming up your skirt – that’s what it felt like.

So, to recap, I love the outfit, I am so over tights and cold and rain, and the puddles in Oregon have amazing aim.

Happy Wednesday, and thank you all for your kind words and input on yesterday’s post.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you reading and commenting on my blog – it means a lot to me.

Gracey