Duck, Duck, Grid

Gah.  Okay. Fine.  They're swans, not ducks:

But, "swan, swan, grid" doesn't even remotely sound like a thing and duck, duck, grid is fun.  So, duck, duck, grid it is:

And, whatever you call it, I think it's a fun play on black and white:

Blouse: Target (similar in navy)  Skirt: LOFT (similar pencil skirt)
Tights: Assets via Target (similar)  Shoes: Bettye Muller (similar)

Classic, but with a twist.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Trench and Slouchy Beret

Since moving to a much, much colder climate, I've become a bit of a collector of winter hats.  So, when offered the opportunity to try, and review, a slouchy beret from Scala Pronto, of course I accepted.  And I'm so happy I did.

I chose the oatmeal colorway and I love it.

This hat is perfect for fall because it pairs well with my trench coat.  And also because it covers less of my head than a beanie so it helps keep me warm but not over-heated.


It's also offered in gray and both colorways have a subtle metallic yarn running through the knit and a mix of stitches to add interest:

Scala Slouchy Beret via Village Hat Shop

As I mentioned, I chose the oatmeal color and yes, I chose it specifically to wear with my trench, because it's my go-to coat for fall:

Although, now that I think about it, I might need the gray as well.  If only to match my suede boots:

Hat: c/o Scala Pronto  Trench: Banana Republic (similar, hooded, cape version)
Skirt: Gap   Tights: Gap  Boots: Circa Joan & David (similar)

Because, really, in Western PA, you can't have too many knit caps.  Happily, these hats are only $32 a piece and you get free shipping at Village Hat Shop.  Definitely worth it to have two, I think.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Not Burgundy and Red

Today's outfit looks like burgundy and red:

But, it's not.  I mean, yes, the skirt is red, but the sweater is not burgundy.  It's actually a blend of navy and red:

A blend that, from far away looks like burgundy.

Sweater: Banana Republic Skirt: thrifted vintage
Tights: Spanx  Boots: Splendid (similar)

Color is fun.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Fall Floral

I love a dark floral for fall, and this floral sweater from LOFT is perfect:

I love the large scale print and the colors are gorgeous:

Although the weekend was freezing (no, really, it dropped to 28 last night), it's warming up again so a three-quarter sleeve sweater, velvet scarf and culottes are just warm enough:

I'm trying to wear my culottes and cropped pants for as long as I can this fall because, tights or not, I don't see them working for winter.


Which is too bad, because I do love me some culottes:

Sweater: LOFT  Scarf: thrifted
Culottes: thrifted (similar)  Shoes: Bettye Muller Bettye (similar)

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

10/16/2015 Five for Friday: Ponchos

Ponchos started trending (again) heavily last fall, and they're back with a vengeance this year.  And, I, for one, am not complaining.  They're an easy, versatile piece (see styling tips at YLF), especially for fall.  Or, if you're lucky enough to have mild winters, they'll work all winter long.

Here are five of my current favorites:

1. Gap Stripe Poncho: I love the neutral colors of this poncho; it makes it easy to wear over all sorts of layering tops from denim button-downs to turtlenecks.

2. Vintage Crocheted Poncho: Looking for a lady-like poncho with vintage appeal?  Look no further than this crocheted piece from the etsy shop, The Retro Wardrobe.  It's honest-to-goodness vintage and handmade right down to the buttons.

3. Reversible Geometric Pattern Poncho: I love, love, love the pattern on this poncho.  And love the fact that it's reversible, so it's like getting two ponchos for the price of one.  Win-win!

4. Cuddle Climate Poncho: This poncho has a gorgeous red and gray color scheme and is perfect (perfect!) for wearing over my beloved turtlenecks.  I couldn't love it more.

5. eShakti Cape: You say poncho, they say cape.  Same thing.  Only, this version is a grown-up option more suited for work than for the pumpkin patch.  And I do recommend this cape for work; I have, and love, last year's version.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Will you be wearing a poncho this fall?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Pattern Play

One thing that has been both frustrating and amusing about getting a new job is that I have a new set of people I get to explain my outfits to.

This outfit required quite a bit of explanation:

First I tried to tell them that mixing patterns was okay.  They were not convinced.



Then I tried convince them that this mix especially made good sense.  I mean, look at this:

Could any two prints go any better?!!!



And yes, I said go.  I know this outfit doesn't match:

But, I'll be gosh-darned if it doesn't go.  Apparently though, "going" isn't a concept my new co-works are ready to embrace yet.



That's okay.  I'll just keep mixing my prints and eventually they'll agree that the mixes make sense.

Top: H&M (similar) (similar)  Skirt: H&M (similar)
Belt: thrifted (similar)  Boots: v. old Steve Madden (similar)

Maybe.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Color Confusion

Modcloth says the color of this cardigan is "rust":

But, I don't think it is.  To my mind, rust has a little more orange to it.


In fact, I thought it was brick... right up until the point when I wore it next to some bricks:

Turns out it's neither rust, nor brick.  I think it might be burgundy.  Which is good because I was hoping to find a burgundy cardigan for fall.  Of course, I was also hoping to find a rust cardigan for fall, so that search continues.


But, whatever color it is, it's perfect for fall.  And perfect mixed with a wool skirt and chambray shirt:

So, I'm not complaining about the color.  I'm just confused:

Cardi: Modcloth   Top: LOFT (similar)
Tights: SPANX  Skirt: thrifted vintage (similar)  Boots: Born Crown (similar)

But, that's okay.  I'm used to it.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

ASOS Sale Finds

ASOS is having a big sale right now, with a ton of items up to 70% off.  Including Tall options.

Here are some of my favorite Tall finds from the sale (hover for price, click to shop):

Most of these pieces will transition well through fall, except for maybe the kimono. I just think the kimono is pretty.

What about you, Reader Friends? Are you shopping the ASOS sale?

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

A Matchy-Matchy Fall

That'd be the title of a Hallmark movie about my outfits so far this fall.  I don't mean to be matchy-matchy, but it's definitely happening:

Seriously, between this outfit last week and today's outfit, I've matched more in the last week than probably the last six.


I mean, even my nail polish matches:

Yes, accidentally, but it still matches.


But, that's okay.  Because if being matchy-matchy is what it takes to be able to wear these beautiful shoes again before it gets too cold, I'll take it:

Shirt: Gap (similar)
Ombre Skirt: thrifted vintage (similar sequin version)  Shoes: Franco Sarto

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Flares for Fall

As you've probably noticed from every blog and magazine you read, flares are a huge trend for fall.  I've been wearing flares on this blog since it's inception, making me either woefully behind the times, or preternaturally ahead of them.

These particular flares are new though:

And... I'm not sure.  I think I prefer a larger, more dramatic flare, to offset my larger, more dramatic hips.  I'm not sure these are offsetting a damn thing:

I mean, my thighs looked at these and called them "bootcut" which, as everyone knows, is a terrible insult to a flared jean.


Still, they do fit well:

And I like the wash and the fact that the fading is minimal.


I guess what I'm saying is that I do like these jeans:

Blouse: thrifted Jones New York (similar)
Jeans: Gap Skinny Flares  Shoes: Franco Sarto "Gabba"

I just thought there'd be more flare there.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Stripes and Layers

I pulled out my fall/winter clothes last weekend and that's always fun because I find things I forgot that I even owned.  Like this dress:

It's a sort of shapeless cut and so not the most flattering to my figure, but layering a jacket over it helps that issue:

Dress: Old Navy (similar)  Jacket: LOFT (similar)
Scarf: LOFT (similar)  Boots: Born (similar) 

At least that's what they say.

Also, in case you're curious, no, my scarf doesn't match my dress:

But, it goes.  And, as we all know, that's all that matters.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey