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.

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

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

Saturation Point

I love saturated colors (which may be pointing out the obvious, but it’s better to be obvious than oblivious):

I especially like to wear them during the summer.  They just feel like summer to me and have a tendency to look better than pastels against my summer-skin.  I often pair my saturated pieces with more neutral pieces, but today I decided to go all out.  In part because I was inspired by Ana at Better in Sepia’s look here, and in part by the fact that I just found this tank top in my dresser (what?  It’s a big dresser).

I wore a coral (which photographed as neon salmon) skirt (Banana Republic) with a violet tank (Old Navy) and turquoise-beaded necklace (rummaged).  All three of these pieces are pretty highly saturated so I wore my neutral platform sandals (Target) to give the eyes a rest.  And I added a belt (thrifted) to help wrangle some of the drape of the pieces.

Today’s Takeaway?  If you usually pair saturated items with neutrals, try them with other saturated colors; it can be a fun change.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

Put A Tassel On It

Turns out that I am a sucker for anything with a tassel on it.  Like this bracelet:

I got this bracelet and some tasseled carnelian earrings the last time I was at our local vintage store, Lil’ Gypsy.  And I’m kicking myself for passing up a tasseled lavaliere, but I think I’ll go back and see if it’s still there.  I’m telling you, folks, put a tassel on it and I’ll probably buy it.

Oh, I also wore clothes today:

Not nearly as exciting as the tasseled bracelet, to be sure, but probably more work appropriate than just the tasseled bracelet.  In addition to the bracelet I wore my black-and-gray twofer dress (Target) belted with a multi-colored cotton sash (thrifted), my purple-blue platform sandals (MRKT via DSW), turquoise bead necklace (rummaged) and vintage cameo bracelet.

I know my accessories look like a hodgepodge of colors, but although you can’t see it very well, the sash combines the black and gray of the dress with the purple of the shoes, the turquoise of the tasseled bracelet and necklace and the rose and cream of the cameo bracelet.  And in addition to be tied together with the belt, all of the accessories are similar in hue (or is it tone?) which helps unify the look without being matchy-matchy.

Today’s Takeaway?  Tassels rock.  That is all.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

If It Ain't Broke...

Daily Outfit for Monday, June 27th (sorry it's late, work is busy, busy, busy).

Why, yes, you have seen this color combination before:

I don't know what I'm pointing at, but this picture cracks me up.

But, what can I say, I love coral and I love turquoise and I love the two together.  So, you get the two together.  A lot.  Yesterday I paired my coral skirt (Banana Republic) with a white tee (Target), my turquoise beaded necklace (rummaged), a braided cognac belt (thrifted) and cognac wedges (Kensie Girl via Macy's).   However, because I adore you Dear Reader Friends, I did want to add some variety, so I posed pointing at the ground.  I figure if I can't vary my color combinations, I can vary my poses.  You're welcome.

Again, sorry for the delayed post, but I should get today's outfit posted today and I'll be back on track (hopefully).

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Turquoise and Lime

The scarf is the entire point of this outfit:

I love it.  I think it flatters my skin tone like nobody’s business and what’s better than turquoise and lime?  Besides, of course, turquoise and lime with a pop of orange.  And will you look at that, I’ve given you a pop of orange.  Just don’t say I never do anything for you.

In order to let my ridiculously fabulous scarf (Echo “Ornate” via Nordstrom) be the focus, I paired it with black cropped pants (Banana Republic) and a white tee (Target).  I added cognac accents with the shoes (BC Footwear) and the braided belt (thrifted).  And, of course, the coup de grace, a pop of orange in the form of drop earrings (Alberta street vendor).  As an added bonus, I think the orange earrings tie in quite nicely with the cognac accents, proving once again that orange goes with everything.

And because we’re all big on full disclosure and transparency (no puppet regimes here, Katie) I have to admit that Rebekah (of The Mixed Up Files…) wore a pair of black trousers, a white tee and a bright scarf the other day and I loved it so much I basically copied her.  Because sometimes that’s just how we roll here at Fashion for Giants.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Casual Thursday

Daily Outfit for Thursday, May 19, 2011

Today is my Friday and it’s sunny out and work is driving me batty so I dressed casually today.  Possibly too casually, but I just can’t care:

For Casual Thursday (it’s a real thing), I paired my green pants (NY & Co via Ross) with a  possibly too-large yellow-striped tee (Old Navy), bronze sandals (Target) and turquoise earrings (gifted).  I love green and yellow together but I really do think this tee is a bit too large.  I seem to remember trying on a smaller size though and it being too body-con for my tastes.  I probably should just not have purchased the tee if my choices were either too big or too small, but it’s yellow (!) and striped (!).  It’s hard for me to say no to that combination.

Our offices are closed tomorrow so I will not have a daily outfit post, but will try to include Friday in my WeeCap for this weekend.  Hopefully we’ll have good weather for our three-day weekend, but I don’t know.  Although the weather is absolutely glorious today, I’ve heard both that it will and that it won’t last through the weekend, so we’ll see.  Fingers-crossed!

Happy Casual Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

A Flare for Color

Daily Outfit for Monday, May 16th, 2011

This outfit isn't actually that colorful, but I'm wearing flares and if there is anything I learned from Mary at Stylefyles it's that it's a lot of fun to create blog titles out of nonsensical wordplay.

In addition to my grey flares (GAP), I wore a ditsy floral blouse (Old Navy), coral cardigan (GAP), brown wedge sandals (Kenzie via Macys) and turquoise earrings (gifted).  I don't know why I don't wear these jeans more often - they're super-comfortable and probably the most flattering fit of any of my jeans.  And yet I resist them.  I hope they're not taking it personally.

Happy Monday, 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

WeeCap: April 30th and May 1st

This is the recap for a gloriously sunny weekend in which Gracey goes to a rummage sale, goes on a coffee date, spends time with family, goes on a dinner date and that was just Saturday!  On Sunday, I spent the whole day doing nothing.  A little reading in the much-hoped-for sunshine with the dog and nothing else.

Saturday, April 30th

This is what I wore to a rummage sale to raise money for my nephews' school and then to my first date:

I wore Flirt Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), with a brown tunic (New York & Co via Ross) and a black knit blazer (Liz Claiborne via Goodwill).  I love yellow with black and brown and actually wanted to wear yellow peep toe flats with this outfit, but it was raining very hard on Saturday morning.  So, I went with my low boots (Target) and accessorized with my yellow scarf and a yellow bangle instead.  I added a brown wood bangle to tie in the brown elements in the outfit, and a turquoise wood-beaded bracelet to pick up the turquoise stripe in the scarf.  And, because you can't go wrong with a pop of turquoise.

Later that evening, I went on a dinner date, and changed into this:

For date # 2, I wore my Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans (GAP), a black tunic (JC Penney), black Vince Camuto wedges (via Ideeli), and accessorized with another trio of bracelets: vintage turquoise beads (Portland vintage shop), black glass and clear glass (Macy's).  I also wore large silver hoops and carried my new favorite clutch.  It's vintage eel skin and I thrifted it for a mere $6.00!  It's fabulous, no?

I have to say, both dates went very well.  Both men were very nice and for the most part, conversation with both was easy and natural.  Deciding what to wear was a bit difficult, but I was ultimately very comfortable with both outfits.  I didn't feel like I had tried too hard, or that I didn't try hard enough, both of which were concerns of mine going into this.


I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Gracey

P.S. I will be posting more details on the actual dates on my other blog, The Mingling Single, if anyone wants to hear more.

Some Citron, Some Leopard, An Award and Some Questions

Daily Outfit for Tuesday, April 26, 2011

High winds again today meant no skirt again today (no, C., the wind does NOT understand our pain):

So, once again, I’ve resorted to some skinny jeans (Old Navy), this time paired with a tiered blouse (Nordstrom), citron cardigan (JC Penney) and peep-toe leopard-print flats (v. old via Ross).  I have only worn this cardigan once before because although I love the color, I don’t do well with shapeless clothes.  I always want to belt them into submission, but this time I just let it be and actually really like it with this blouse.  As in like it so much I’m probably going to repeat this combination in the future.  You’ve been warned.  And what goes better together than citron and leopard, right?  Right.

In addition to brow-beating you into agreeing with me on my citron/leopard love, I wanted to tell you that the sweet and wonderful Gretchen of GretchTM gave me an award the other day.  I have been given the “One Lovely Blog” award:

Dear Gretchen, I accept.  And thank you.

One of the conditions of the award is that I need to share seven random (not specific, it’s in the rules) things about myself and award it to 15 other deserving bloggers.  Let’s start with the random, shall we?

1.      Dancing is my preferred form of exercise and I have tried pole dancing, Jazzercise and belly dancing to stay fit.

2.      I didn’t learn to drive until I was 20.

3.      I don’t like swimming in water where I can’t see the bottom.

4.      I have a terrible ear for languages and it makes me sad.

5.      I was a tomboy through high school – no skirts or dresses, ever.

6.      I love salmon in any form – raw, baked, grilled and barbecued; I love it all.

7.      My family goes white water rafting every summer and I am terrible at it.

Now for the fun part; I’d like to pass this award on to these lovely blogs: A Day in the Life Too, Aberrant Moda, Blogging for Joy, Boheme Noir, Em’s Fashion Finds, Girls Day Out, Madeline Quaint, Squirrel and Starling, Styled by 3, Tall Girl Blogging, The Elegant Bohemian, the other emily, two birds, Tart Lemon Drop and Stylefyles.

I know this is a long post, but stick with me for just a bit longer because I need to ask you all something.  As you know, in my outfit description I include the brand of the item and where I got it.  My question is this: is that helpful and/or interesting to anyone?  And if it is, would you like me to include links to the actual item or a reasonable facsimile?  I guess what I need to know is if you’re interested in the provenance of what I’m wearing and if you’d like to know where to get your own or not.

Please to let me know in the comments or via email – whichever makes you happiest.

Also, I wanted to say hello to my new readers/followers and as always, thank everyone for reading.

Happy Tuesday!

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

Green Pants, Part 2

Daily Outfit for Wednesday, April 13, 2011

After the muted colors of yesterday’s grunge look, I wanted to wear something more spring-like.  Unfortunately I was exhausted from speed dating last night, and all I could come up with was this:

The good news is: I actually like it.  It’s super comfortable and the colors are very spring-like.  Do I look a little bit like one of those giant talking flowers from Alice in Wonderland?  Indubitably.  But, that’s a small price to pay for finding yet another outfit that incorporates my green pants.  Along with the green pants (New York & Co. via Ross), I wore a pale pink blouse (Sunny Leigh via Nordstrom Rack), my coral cardigan (Gap) and black and silver flats (Mossimo/Target). 

I also wore on of my favorite vintage bracelets; turquoise glass beads on a silver coil with rhinestone dangles:

I apologize for the short post today – I didn’t get home until late last night and am really too tired to do much more today.  Don’t worry though, I promise to put more effort forth tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday, All!

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