No Nonsense Denim Leggings

I'm wearing white today:

And yes, it's after Labor Day.


The thing is, I received these white denim leggings from No Nonsense, and I like them too much to relegate them to summer wear only.  They are extremely comfortable, and are a surprisingly good length, even after washing.  I got them in XL and they fit snugly, without being too tight.  I will say though, that they are probably better suited for an "apple" shape than someone with a "curvier" shape; there is a bit of a gap in the waist for me.



So, yes, I'm wearing white after Labor Day:

Leggings: c/o No Nonsense  Tunic: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Pendant: v. old Old Navy (similar)  Vest: Nordstrom (similar)  Shoes: Via Spiga (similar)

Thank goodness there are no rules against that sort of thing, right?



Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Long Tall Sally Turns 40

Tall retailer extraordinaire Long Tall Sally, turned 40 this week.  And they also released their fall line.  Now, I am very excited that LTS is 40, but I'm even more excited about this line.  So much so, that I'm wearing almost head-to-toe LTS for today's adventures:

The blouse, the skirt and the boots are all courtesy of Long Tall Sally, and are all from the new collection.


When offered the opportunity to review some pieces, I chose these three because I am unable to resist the color of the boots or a multi-colored stripe and I love denim skirts for fall and winter.  This skirt is the perfect length for both short boots like these and for tall boots and tights when cooler weather arrives.  That being said, I think the boots are my favorite piece; I really do love the color and they are very, very comfortable.  (They are also available up to size 15!)


The only pieces of this outfit that aren't LTS are my woven belt (it's thrifted) and my earrings:

These are vintage; found, cleaned and restrung by my mom.  They're plastic so they're lightweight, but still dramatic.



And, I think, a fun addition to today's look:

To see how other tall bloggers styled pieces from the new collection, visit the LTS Blog.  And if you're inspired to purchase some new pieces yourself, many pieces are 40% until tomorrow, including my lovely boots.


Happy Saturday, All!  And Happy Birthday, LTS!


Gracey

Blueberries and Stripes

Earlier today on the blog I reviewed the "Blueberry" necklace, from Pam Neri Necklaces.  Here is a close up of the necklace:

And here's a look at how I styled it:

With stripes.  I styled it with stripes.



But, also with a full midi skirt and cage sandals:

But, mostly, with stripes:

Necklace: Pam Neri "Blueberry" Necklace
Tee: Banana Republic  Skirt: thrifted Ralph Lauren  Sandals: Steven Madden (similar)

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Shoe Review: LTS "Bali" Block Heel Sandals

These are my new sandals, courtesy of Long Tall Sally:

LTS "Bali" Block Heel Sandals

And, I have to tell you, they are perfect.  I know they don't look like much, just a simple leather sandals with a low block heel, but these are, hands-down, the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn.  I've worn them several times already with nary an ache or a blister.

As thrilled as I am with the comfort aspect of these sandals, what I like best is that they don't make my large feet look even larger.  Perfectly flat sandals can often make feet look bigger, which, at a size 10, is not something I need.  The slight, oh-so-walkable heel on these sandals keep my feet from looking even bigger.

Additionally, thin straps on sandals can make toes look long, which, again, can make your feet look bigger.  The front strap on these sandals is just wide enough to keep my toes from looking too long.  And, the ankles straps cross at the perfect place on my leg so I'm not sacrificing any of my well-earned (okay, genetically gifted) height.

This last bit is important to me not because I'm afraid of looking shorter, but because I wear a lot of clothes that are proportionally challenging which can be stumpifying.  Like my beloved midi dresses and skirts as well as my new go-to, wide leg crops.  The strap placement on these makes them perfect for all my potentially leg-shortening looks.


Like these cropped pants:

Tunic: LOFT  Pants: Old Navy
Scarf: thrifted (similar save, splurge)  Shoes: "Bali" Sandals c/o LTS

See?  Perfect.  Because of the strap placement, I'm still showing "enough" ankle that I don't end up a victim of what I like to call "The Crisco Effect" (i.e. artificial shortening).



In addition to my crops and the Bali sandals, I'm also wearing a striped tunic and a thrifted scarf:

Not for nothing, but white-on-white is a tricky as black-on-black.  I think this only works because the tunic is slightly sheer.  Otherwise it's totally a mismatched mess.



But even then, it wouldn't have been a total loss because, you know, cute sandals:

Just one of, I might add, several very cute pairs of shoes introduced as part of Long Tall Sally's "If the Shoe Fits" campaign.  As I'm sure most of you know, LTS specializes in cute, wearable, stylish shoes for women who wear sizes 10 to 15.  Sizes that, at most other retailers, can be impossible to find.  If you are large of foot, I strongly recommend you stop by Long Tall Sally for your spring footwear needs.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

The Mini

Recently I was once again lucky enough to be contacted by the lovely people at Long Tall Sally with the offer to review a few pieces from their current collection.  And, once again, I jumped at the chance.  There were a couple of pieces that I knew I wanted to try right off.  One was this mini skirt:

Aztec Jacquard Skirt - Image via Long Tall Sally

I don't wear a lot of mini skirts, but I couldn't resist the bold, graphic print and subtle shine of this skirt.  I think it's beautiful.  I also think that it's perfect for holiday parties.  However, I don't go to holiday parties.  I go to work.


But, I have good news!  Because the shine is subtle, this skirt is also good for work, especially when dressed down with an over-size sweater:

See?  Mostly, maybe even totally, work appropriate!  Hooray!!



In addition to being both party-ready and probably-work-ready, this skirt is fantastic because you can pair it with a variety of different colors.  It would look fabulous with a black top, of course, but I also really like it with this tobacco-colored (Gap's description, not mine) sweater.  I think it pairs well with the cream and black colorway:

Sweater: Gap  Skirt: c/o Long Tall Sally
Earrings: gifted (similar) Tights: Spanx  Boots: Franco Sarto "Eminent"

But, really, you can pair nearly any color with this skirt.  And, knowing me, I likely will at some point, because this skirt is both beautiful and versatile.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Sweater Refresh with Dryel

I've been using Dryel regularly for about a year now.  And it's both saved me money and made life easier, especially when transitioning between the seasons.

I use Dryel to get my ponchos fall-ready and my Lurex sweaters holiday-ready.  But, I also use it to get myself work-ready by refreshing my  work sweaters with it.


Because, especially now that we've moved to western PA, I wear A LOT of sweaters:

And, sadly, I have no place to store them; our new closets are teeny tiny.  So, my sweaters are in bins and tubs and hanging organizers and, in some cases hung in my closet using two tricks I learned on Pinterest (sweater hanging and hanger stacking).  Unfortunately being stacked like they are in the small spaces they are, they get creased.  Not wrinkled, but creased, right across the middle.

It's not an issue with those sweaters I have in heavy rotation, but some of these were in bins in storage and now they're in bins in my closet and so haven't been worn for over six months.  For those sweaters, I use Dryel to both get the creases out and to refresh them.

I like to do this with a week's worth of sweaters so I don't have to worry about a big ol' crease across my tummy when I'm running late for work (I'm always running late for work).  I use the Dryel on a Sunday night so I can just grab them and go throughout the week.  In fact, I'll be doing that tonight!


What about you, Reader Friends?  Have you tried Dryel yet?


Happy Sunday, All!

Gracey

No Nonsense, Well, Maybe Just a Little

But, not with the tights.  No, these tights were given to me by No Nonsense, and they are living up to their name:

The skirt, on the other hand, is straight up full of nonsense.  The darn thing insists on spinning around on my waist like it's being paid to do so.  Seriously, that front pocket seems to think it's a side pocket and is trying it's darnedest to get back home.

But, enough of the silly skirt.  Let's talk about these tights:

I'm not kidding folks, they are fantastic.

Now, this particular pair, while fabulously patterned, isn't especially thick, but for Fall, or mild winters, these are perfect.  Also perfect?  The fit.  I'd never tried No Nonsense tights because I tend to shy away from tights that have combined sizes, like L/XL, because I've found they're more on the "L" side than on the "XL" side and I am the opposite.  But, these tights fit beautifully.  They're long enough for my legs and didn't sag at all during the day.  They also didn't pinch my thighs, which is good because my thighs hate being pinched.

If your thighs also hate being pinched, I highly recommend No Nonsense tights.  Because, having No Nonsense on your legs gives you more time to deal with the nonsense of your skirt:

Nonsense Skirt: LOFT  Sweater: Woolovers (get 10% off with that link)
Tights: No Nonsense  Boots: Franco Sarto "Eminent"

And that takes a lot of energy.

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

Spring-Like

We had a few days of quite spring-like weather here in PA the past couple of days so I took the opportunity to wear a couple of new pieces I received from Long Tall Sally:

Both the jacket and the shoes are some of Long Tall Sally's latest spring offerings and they were perfect for the warmer weather.

Although I am a size 14, LTS runs a little large, so I ordered the jacket in size 12 and it fits perfectly.  I definitely recommend going down a size.  I ordered my usual size, 10 and I'd say they fit true-to-size.  They are also pretty comfortable and I recommend them unless you're going to be doing a lot of walking; they don't have any arch support.  I wore them for running errands but caution against wearing them for actual running.


The jacket is the Textured Biker Jacket in Flame and the texture really is wonderful:

And the shoes are the Iris Cut Out Printed Ballerina and I love that they're a strong, graphic print.  I've been looking for a pair of black and white printed shoes for quite some time now, so I was thrilled to get these.


I paired the jacket and the shoes with a striped shirt, skinny jeans and green stud earrings:

Shirt: Banana Republic (similar)  Jeans: Gap
Earrings: Kate Spade New York

Why green earrings?  Well, because sometimes the best colors are complimentary colors.  I didn't make that up either; that's Science, Folks.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

LBD: Layered Black Dress

I was sent this gorgeous little black dress from Long Tall Sally the other day:

Long Tall Sally Louben Triacetate Dress

And, at first, I was a little daunted because it's such a classic piece and I don't have the most classic of aesthetics.  But then I realized that part of what makes a little black dress such a classic is it's versatility.  You don't have to wear it with pearls and black patent pumps.

So I took another look and realized that this is the perfect dress for layering.   Not all dresses lend themselves equally to being layered, but this dress really is perfect.  It's sleeveless, it's made of a structured fabric and has the perfect gently scooped neckline.  Therefore, I've decided that this isn't my Little Black Dress, it's my Layered Black Dress.  Here are some of the ways I plan on layering it.

With a printed blouse:

Blouse: Foxcroft  Belt: LOFT  Pumps: Nine West "Ike"

Sure, a little black dress and houndstooth sounds classic on paper, but make the houndstooth a big, bold print and add leopard pumps and it's anything but boring.



With a printed blouse and a sweater vest:

Blouse: Foxcroft  Vest: Vintage, thrifted  Boots: Born (similar)

Because sweater vests are underutilized in this day and age and I think that's sad.  Also, leather buttons.



With a turtleneck and a poncho:

Poncho: sold out eShakti (similar)   Boots: Piperlime (similar)

C'mon, now.  You knew I was going to layer over a turtleneck!  And ponchos are so in right now; why not layer one over your black dress?



With the swingiest of coats:

Coat: vintage, thrifted  Belt: vintage, thrifted  Boots: Nine West (similar)

Swingy! And so easy over a black dress for date night.


Or, for hanging out in the snow:

Just kidding.  It's way too cold to hang out in the snow in this.  Save it for date night, kids.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Would you layer your LBD?  Which look is your favorite?

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

More Layerable Little Black Dresses

Long Tall Coat

As most of you know, I've long been an advocate of thrifting everything I can possibly thrift.  I don't thrift undergarments or swimwear because I'm squeamish like that, but pretty much everything else is fair game, including coats.  But, there are pros and cons to thrifting coats.  Pros: they're inexpensive, the evening coats are in great shape due to minimal wear and you can find plum capes with plum mink collars.  Cons: they often have tissues, pills and the occasional "if I die my husband did it" notes in the pockets and, worst of all, they are not sized for modern giants.

While I love, love, love my thrifted coats (especially the aforementioned cape),  not a one of them works as a true winter coat for me.  They're either too fitted to wear anything but a leotard under (which is unfortunate because during the winter you need to wear more than a leotard!) or they're too short in the arms (and sometimes the torso too!).

Happily, Long Tall Sally is here to rescue us modern giants by offering true winter coats that truly fit.  This is the one they sent me:

Faux fur-lined parka c/o Long Tall Sally

I chose this coat for several reasons.  One, it's olive and I'm obsessed with olive this year.  Two, it has a hood; I love hoods to help keep the rain/snow off my glasses:

Three, it's long enough both in the arms and the torso to keep me fully covered and warm.  Four, this coat has a removable lining so I can wear it now when it's 34 degrees and later when it is, for some hellish reason, less than 34 degrees.


The best part about this coat though is that I ordered it in my regular size (US 14) and it's roomy enough that I can layer under it without feeling like Randy from A Christmas Story:

No way I won't be able to get up if a bully pushes me down.


Now, if you are really, really lucky, perhaps you'll find a Tall coat at a thrift store.  But, rather than hold out for that and possibly freezing to death due to winter leotard wearing, may I recommend Long Tall Sally?  They have a great collection of coats from true winter coats (here's mine (currently on sale!) and I love this one), as well coats for more mild winters (this one is fab and also on sale!) and great dress coats (my favorite).


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey