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

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.

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

One Tall Piece of Fruit Stripe Gum

That’s what I feel like today in this dress:

Shoulder detail

And you might not think feeling like a tall piece of gum is a good thing, but I absolutely adore this dress so I’m embracing the fruity, gummy-ness of it all.  This dress has everything.  It has color (so many colors) and stripes (yay stripes) and buttons (on the shoulder) and pockets (two of 'em).  It’s pert near perfect, in my estimation.  I love how bright it is and did I mention buttons and pockets.  I mean, really.  I paired this much loved dress (thrifted) with a braided, raspberry-colored belt (thrifted), neutral platform sandals (Target) and my orange drop earrings (Alberta street vendor).

But, enough about the dress; I want to apologize for the lack of posts this weekend.  Friday was super busy, and then I was under the weather for the rest of the weekend.  I didn’t have the energy to post or even read all your posts, but hopefully I’ll get caught up now that I’m feeling better.  I was actually still feeling a bit ‘meh’ this morning, but my cheery dress has made it all better.

That’s right; I brought back around to the dress.  It’s just how I do.

Happy Monday, All, and I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

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

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

She Wore a Raspberry Beret

And I wore a raspberry scarf:

I wanted to wear something simple today; I didn’t have the fortitude for anything more complicated.  I went with a striped tee (Jones New York via Ross), black jeggings (GAP Generation), black mini-wedges (Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom) and, because I have to have some sort of color, a raspberry scarf and belt.  If you’ve seen my pictures from prom, you know that I love me a deep pink.  I think it looks better on my skin than a soft, baby pink.

In truth, I’m not much of a pastel wearer.  I do own some pastel pieces, but I’m definitely more drawn to brighter or deeper shades (or is it hues?).  How about you all – what are your feelings on pastels?

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a happy Monday!

Gracey

P.S. My sister took my pictures today and we tried our hand at a jumping photo.  She cut off my head:

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

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

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

WeeCap: April 17th and 18th

Saturday, April 17th

On Saturday, Alex and I went thrifting to try and find her something to wear for 80s prom.  We were out all day and unfortunately I didn't get a photo of what I was wearing, but it involved color and my black and silver flats.  The good news is that we found something for Alex to wear.  I can't wait to post pictures from prom for you guys.

Sunday, April 18th

On Sunday I cleaned my room, did some laundry and ran some errands.  It was actually pretty nice on Sunday, so I let my ankles out to play:

I wore my "regular" length Flirt skinnies (Old Navy), which are conveniently ankle length on my giant self, along with a grey tee (Target), grey cardi, raspberry belt (thrifted), yellow-stripe scarf (???) and my black and silver flats (Mossimo/Target).

I have no idea what I'm doing in these poses.  Showing off my giant man-hands?  Smirking?  Both?  I don't know, but all of my film looked like this, so I posted them.  You're welcome?

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that it was warm enough for some ankle-flashing.

Gracey

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

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

And Then There Was Friday

Daily Outfit 4/1/11

So, today was a day without much inspiration and I dressed accordingly:

Yeah, it’s not awesome.  And certainly not as exciting as yesterday’s bright and stripe-y dress but few things I own are.  I guess this outfit could even be construed as boring.  It is, however, very comfortable which I feel should count for something.  I mean, really, it’s an outfit made of comfort.  Leggings?  Comfort!  Striped tee?  Comfort!  Sweater dress?  Comfort!  Flat boots?  Comfort!  Summer-weight cashmere scarf?  Comfort!  (And in case you were curious: Target, Target, Target, Chinese Laundry via Piperlime and Nordstrom).

Still bored?  Perhaps I can distract you with this bit of awesomeness: I found a new blog today, called Insulted By Authors, and it’s lovely and hilarious and well-done and hilarious.  I have a link over there in my Thinky Blogroll, but you can also get there from here.

If that’s not enough, I don’t know what else I can do for you, except to promise to get my Santa Fe pictures up this weekend.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend full of rainbows and puppies (or whatever distracts you from boring Friday outfits)!

Gracey

Stylish Bright Stripes and Black Tights

Daily Outfit 3/31/11

Full disclosure: I love this dress.  I plan on wearing it all summer, so I hope no one gets tired of it.  I really did intend to wait for summer to debut it, but who knows when summer will get to Oregon, so I decided to wear it today.

Fabulous, right?  I couldn’t believe my luck when I found this dress at my local Goodwill for only $3.50!  The dress is vintage, the belt is croc-embossed (Macys), the tights are Spanx Tight End Tights (Nordstrom), the cardigan is Gap, the earrings are of disremembered provenance and the booties are BC Shoes (via Piperlime).

Even though this dress screams summer to me, I really like it with the black accents.  I tried it first this morning with a bright cardigan and tights and cognac belt and shoes, but it felt like a little much to me.  You all know I love me some brights, I just think I might prefer them grounded with a neutral.  And black and brights are a match made in heaven for me.

Now, for those of you looking at this outfit and thinking “My goodness that’s one stylish giant,” you are not alone.  And I’ve got the badge to prove it:

The absolutely fabulous Claire of Spinning Threads has awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award on Tuesday.  The rules for receiving this award are that I have to share 8 things about myself and award it to 8 other stylish bloggers.

I had actually received this award from Sara Star rather early on, so you can read eight things about me here (which will give you a full 22 facts about me!).  I do, however, want to present some of my new-found favorite and stylish blogs with this award. 

In no particular order, these are some of the blogs I am especially loving as of late:

• Surely Sonsy
• Well Curated
• Angy's Tea Room
• Bellishment
• Me Myself and My Closet
• Tart Lemon Drop
• Northeast Chic
• Basic Cravings

Again, if you don't already read these blogs, stop by.  They're definitely worth it.

 

In other news, I am glad to be back in my lovely, green Oregon.  It was pouring when I got home Tuesday night, but this morning’s ride was glorious.  Absolutely perfect – balmy temperatures, no rain, no wind and the trees are beginning to bloom.  Did I mention that it was perfect?

I hope everyone’s day was as wonderful as my bike ride was,

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