Distress Signals

Have you all noticed the uptick in distressed denim in retail lately?  It used to be a bit of a fringe trend and now it's all over the place.  It's available in different washes, including acid wash, different price points, from $19.99 to $690 (no, really) and in different cuts, from skinny to boyfriend.

And, of course, it's available in different levels of distress from minor shading and/or holes to I-fell-off-my-bike-and-tore-the-knees-out-of-my-jeans to full-on-honey-badger-attack:

Personally, I stick to minor distressing, but it doesn't really matter because none of the distressing looks natural anyway.  Natural distressing on me would be the inner thighs worn down to nothing; it certainly wouldn't look as if I just fought my way through a briar patch.

Unnaturally distressed or not, this trend is here to stay (at least for 2014).  So, I'm here to offer some advice on how to wear it.

Not Too Fancy, Not Too Casual, Just Right

This is my preferred deployment of distressed jeans:

Tops, L to R: Modcloth, Shop Ruche & Nordstrom
Jeans, L to R: Shop Ruche & Macy's
Sandals, L to R: Nordstrom, Modcloth & Moorea Seal

A pretty but easy top, simple shoes and mildly distressed jeans.  There is some juxtaposition between the top and the jeans, but a it's a believable juxtaposition.  I feel like if your pieces in an outfit are too oppositional, it no longer looks deliberate, it looks as if you got dressed on a dare.  I mean, sure, you can wear your ball gown with some Chucks, but I will ask you if you lost all your shoes in a fire.  I will ask sympathetically, but I will ask.

Trust me, you don't want to try to get too fancy with your distressed jeans.  These jeans cannot be dressed up.  No, that's not true, you can successfully pair them with a tuxedo jacket and heels and it will work in a certain context.  So I guess you can dress them up, but you can't take them out.  They're full of holes, for the love.  As a rule of thumb, if your destination calls for a tuxedo jacket, these jeans are too casual.  And if your destination is so casual as to warrant these jeans, then you probably shouldn't be wearing the jacket and heels.

But, of course, you also don't want to be too casual with your distressed jeans.  I mean, unless, of course you do.  Are you working in the yard?  Great, then by all means, wear your distressed jeans with a hole-y surf tee and rubber flip-flops.  But, if you're not and you wear that combination, you will look like you are and then what's the point of spending $690 on jeans?!!

What about you, Reader Friends?  Are you on board with this trend?  How do you wear your jeans?  Or does this trend just cause you distress?  (Yes, I went there).

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Fresh for Fall – Tasseled Scarves

Adding a scarf to your fall wardrobe is probably not the most ground-breaking suggestion I’ve ever made.  But wait.  I’m not done.  What I’m actually suggesting is adding a tasseled scarf to your fall wardrobe.

What’s that?  Mind blown?  Yeah, I figured as much.  

Seriously though, while scarves for fall may not seem fresh or new, tasseled scarves do feel new.  Everyone owns printed scarves and fringed scarves and printed scarves with fringe.  Adding a tasseled scarf to your wardrobe adds interest and an injection of “now” for the new season.

Below are some tasseled scarves that I think would be fabulous additions to any fall look.

Anthropologie “Scotia” Tasseled Scarf

Scotia scarf (image via Anthropologie)

This scarf has everything, in the best possible way; stripes, subtle sequins and multicolored tassels in a palette that will work all year round.

Mango TOUCH Printed Tasseled Scarf

Mango TOUCH print scarf (image via mango.com)

Obviously you’re going to need a scarf with orange in it for fall.  Obviously.

Muk Luks Guatemalan Tasseled Scarf

Muk Luks scarf (image via Amazon.com)

This scarf is cool.  Like you picked this scarf up in a market in the Andes cool.  And the color palette is gorgeous.

The Limited Tasseled Infinity Scarves

Both of these scarves make me very happy; you really can’t go wrong with leopard or plaid for fall. 

Anthropologie Tradewinds Tassel Scarf

Tradewinds Tassel Scarf (Image via Anthropologie)

Not interested in putting a riot of colors near your face?  Then, for you, I recommend this Anthropologie scarf.  The palette is subtle and sophisticated but not boring.

Michael Stars Hummingbird Tasseled Scarf

Hummingbird scarf (image via Nieman Marcus)

Come on, folks; it’s hummingbirds and tassels.  Hummingbirds.  And.  Tassels.  ‘Nough said.

So, what do you think, Reader Friends?  Are you a fan of tasseled scarves?

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

The Casual Bike Commuter

I am a bike commuter.  I am not a hard-core, 25-miles both way bike commuter.  No, I am a casual, heels-wearing, cruiser-riding bike commuter.  I ride no more than 15 minutes each way and it only takes the full 15 minutes if there is heavy traffic, a squirrel migration or flooding.  Usually, I ride about 10 minutes each way.  And, that’s the way I like it.

Being a casual bike commuter allows me to wear my work clothes on my bike and not have to worry about changing at work.  However, there are some tricks to riding even a short while in your work clothes and not looking as though you just biked cross country to protest mint green being an “it” color.  (By the by, that is a totally worthwhile protest).

Basket, Not Backpack

I strongly recommend using a basket instead of a backpack.  I tend to sweat a lot.  All over.  And if I had to carry a backpack my back would be Sweat City at the end of my 10 minute ride in.  No one wants that so I carry my handbag, lunch and book in a basket instead of on my back, saving my sweat for Jazzercise.  

I personally recommend this basket:

Ventura Bicycle Basket via walmart.com

 It's inexpensive, it’s detachable and it’s pretty darn durable. 

You could also go with panniers but, let’s face it, a basket is cuter.

The Right Coat

Due to the warmth your body will generate during your ride, you can actually go without a coat long after those sissy car commuters are bundled up like Sherpa.  But, eventually you will need a coat and you will need the right coat.  I’ve found the right coat to be an unlined, water resistant coat that hits about mid-thigh and zips all the way to the bottom.  

Something like these:

Left: Rainforest Packable Asymmetrical Zip Jacket   Center: Calvin Klein Hooded Raincoat   Right: Marc New York "Carmine" jacket with removable insert

 You don’t want a coat of the cheap nylon sort, you’ll want something thicker than that, but trust me; you don’t want it too warm or, again, Sweat City.  That is why I suggest an unlined coat or at least one with a zip-out lining so you can adjust the warmth as you move into winter.  And if it hits mid-thigh and zips all the way to bottom, it will help protect your lap from the rain.  If it doesn’t zip all the way to the bottom, it will fly open and you may as well be wearing a bolero jacket for all the protection it affords. 

Scarves and Gloves

For those days where you do skip the coat, I’d suggest bundling up with scarves and gloves.  For the fall and spring, I prefer fingerless gloves like these:

Laser Beam Wrist Warmers via ToilandTrouble

Fingerless gloves work well at keeping my hands warm without them getting hot and, yep, you guessed it, sweaty.  I also feel more confident in my steering when I can actually feel the handlebars.  Of course, sometimes it’s just too cold for fingerless gloves and when winter sets in I switch to long, Thinsulate-lined leather gloves for extra warmth.

Scarves are, I think, a no-brainer for any bike rider.  With the right scarves, you can ride in any weather (Except flooding; scarves don't help a lick with high water).  I wear them in fall and spring in lieu of a coat and in the winter, I layer them under my high-necked raincoat for added warmth.  Speaking of added warmth, layering a thin silk scarf under a cotton or wool scarf keeps your neck and throat warm even in the iciest weather.  That trick was recommended to me by Secret Squirrel last winter and it really does work wonders.

Tights, Not Jeans

I recommend tights over jeans for a couple of reasons.  One, tights dry more quickly than jeans, which is important on those rainy mornings.  I learned the hard way that sitting in wet jeans for the first two hours of the work day is less than awesome.  Tights are also good layering pieces for fall when it’s too warm to wear jeans all day but the ride in is cold enough to need some coverage on your legs.  And, you can take your tights off if it gets too warm later in the day.  You CANNOT do that with jeans.  I mean you can, but you really probably shouldn’t.  You might get fired.

And there you have it; everything I know about being a casual bike commuter without bringing it on down to Sweaty Town. 

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Seven Wardrobe Workhorses

The other day, Lucky ran a piece with their recommendations for nine wardrobe workhorses.  That got me to thinking about the workhorses in my closet and what I’d recommend.  Turns out that I don’t have nine, I have seven, but like the Seven Samurai, they get the job done.

1 – A Striped Top

Clockwise from top: J. Crew via Net-a-Porter, J.Crew, Madewell & Pim & Larkin via Piperlime

I love striped tops.  I have several and I wear all of them all of the time.  Striped tops are great because they manage to be classic without being dated.  They also look good in every color on every build.  And they’re very versatile; they can go dressy or casual and they play well both with solids and other prints.   Whether the stripes are horizontal, vertical or diagonal, wide or thin, variegated or uniform, a striped top is a must-have.

2 – Dark Pants

L to R: Ann Taylor, Vince Camuto and Gap

You all know that I love my colorful pants.  And my printed pants.  And my colorfully printed pants.  But, the fact of the matter is that I reach for my dark wash skinny jeans more than any other pair of pants, except for maybe black leggings.  Fun pants are, yes, fun, but dark pants are more versatile and are universally flattering.

3 – A Solid Dress

L to R: eShakti, Banana Republic & Old Navy

I am a printed dress junkie, but even I have to admit that they can be a bit difficult to style at times.  A solid dress, however, is so very, very easy.  They’re easy to accessorize and with the right accessories, easy to take from night to day.  So, whether you choose the always classic little black dress, an au courant little white dress or a little colored dress, a solid dress will serve you well.

4 – A Blazer

L to R: Gap, Aqua Girls via Bloomingdales & Target

I have not always been on Team Blazer.  I was a card-carrying member of the Culver City Cardigans (not a real thing) for years because I could never find a blazer that worked with my broad shoulders.  But, little by little I’ve built up my blazer wardrobe and I don’t regret it.  Yes cardigans are comfortable, but blazers can be just as comfortable and have the added bonus of looking a little sharper.  And blazers aren’t all stuffy and staid; you don’t have to get a black blazer if you think it’s too boring.  A white one is equally versatile and printed and colored blazers are a great choice; they'll work well with those solid dresses.

5 – A Printed Piece

L to R: Old Navy, Sir Alistair Rai via Piperlime & Gap

Some people are not comfortable wearing prints.  Even though I’m not one of those people, I understand it.  Prints can be a little too “hey, look at me!” for some people’s tastes.  I get it.  I do.  But, I still recommend a printed piece as a wardrobe workhorse.  It doesn’t have to be a big piece either; a printed shoe is always fun. And scarves are easy ways to incorporate a print into your look.  Or, maybe a printed shell or a belt.  Choose the piece you like and use it to add some oomph to your solid basics or even wear it with your striped top.

6 – A Colored Piece

Tinley Road studs, Alexis Bittar bangles, Nordstrom scarf, Kate Spade "Della" sunglasses, Gap belt, Nine West "Ambitious" pumps, Mar Y Sol "Opal" clutch and Tinley Road bangle

Just as some people aren’t comfortable in prints, I know that some people are also not comfortable in color.  And, again, I get it.  But I still maintain that color can make you happy as long as you’re wearing a color that, well, makes you happy.  So, find a color you love and buy something in that color.  As with the printed piece, it doesn’t have to be anything major.  That coral dress above isn’t for everyone, even people who like coral.  But, a bit of color in a shoe, a clutch, a belt, a scarf, a ring, anything, can add a little zing to your outfit and a little joy to your life.

7 – Comfortable Shoes

I know this seems like an obvious inclusion on this list, but hear me out.  Everyone should have a pair of comfortable shoes in their closet that are not tennis shoes, not flip flops and not slippers.  Notice I didn’t say a pair of comfortable heels.  No.  I don’t care if you wear heels or flats or something in between, as long as they’re comfortable.  And I do mean comfortable; you should be able to stand, walk and, if need be, run from zombies in these shoes.  And yes, boots are an option. My go-to pair of comfort shoes are my Born Crown riding boots and I’d be lost without them.

So, what about you, Reader Friends?  What are your wardrobe workhorses?

Gracey


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What I Learned at Blogwarts: Layering

So, it turns out that Blogwarts is totally a real thing and they let me audit a class on layering.  Since many of you indicated on Wednesday’s post that you also have trouble layering dresses and blouses, so I thought I’d share what I learned.

Let’s talk first about the dress.

It should be a heavier-weight fabric.  I, personally, prefer ponte, a tightly-woven and therefore, heavier knit.

It should not be skin tight.  Especially in your curvier areas.  As I mentioned Wednesday, I went with a fit and flare dress because it gave me extra room around the thighs which is where I need it.

It should be structured (but not tight).  A more structured silhouette will help keep the look sleek.  A fit and flare dress, for example, will look sleeker layered over a blouse than a sack dress.

Now for the blouse.

Unlike the dress, the blouse should be lightweight.  Sheer blouses are very good for layering because they add very little bulk, especially under a heavier knit.

Like the dress, the blouse should be fitted.  This is especially important if the blouse is not sheer; a fitted blouse will help keep the bulk down.  Gap has some very cute fitted/shrunken boyfriend button-downs that I think would work.  They are available in Tall as well.

I also love the Caslon shirts from Nordstrom for this concept.  They don’t come in “Tall” but tend to have long-enough sleeves and are well-fitted.

For some suggestions on what to layer how, I created some Polyvore sets, all featuring the Mossimo Fit and Flare Ponte Knit dress from Target which is the same dress I wore in my post Wednesday.

Mossimo dress, Ruche "Giselle" Pleated Necktie blouse &Lulu's d'Orsay flats

Mossimo dress, Modcloth "First Class Cabin" blouse & "Both Feet on the Playground" flats

Mossimo dress, Nordstrom Caslon shirt, Sole Society booties

A couple more tips.

If you can't find a bow blouse you like, you can always add a lady-tie to your look.

Belts are your friends; a wide belt, especially, can help keep the volume down.

And, if you're still not looking as sleek as you like, try this trick from Franziska at Franish; she's a genius.


So, what do you think, Reader Friends?  Would you try any of these looks?


Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey


** Disclosure: Actions taken from the hyperlinks in this blog post may yield commission/compensation for the writer. Please see the Disclosure tab for more details.

Reader Question: Belts and Skirts, Skirts and Belts

The other day I received an email from lovely Reader Friend Dana:

Hello –

My name is Dana, and I'm a fan of your blog. You have fantastic style, and I love how you pair your skirts with belts. My question for you is: how? I always want to wear belts with my skirts, but can never get them to stay in place. If I tighten them enough to stay put, then they dig into my middle too much. It ends up being more hassle than it is worth during the day, so I tend to forego them entirely (despite how much cuter my outfits are with them).  Any suggestions?

Dear Dana,

Of course I have suggestions!  Lots of them!   Looking back through my archives, it appears that I depend on a few different things to keep my belts in place; belt and waistband width, belt placement, texture and, sometimes, safety pins. 

Go Wide

My first suggestion is to go wide; if you want to belt a skirt, a wider belt is usually better than a skinny belt.  And a wider waistband is usually better than a skinny waistband.  And they don’t have to be super wide; either.  Personally, I like a waistband between an inch-and-a-half and two inches wide and/or a belt between an inch and an inch-and-a-half wide.

Wide belts work well with wide waistbands:

 But, they also work well with thinner waistbands and can help improve the tuck of a shirt:

Placement

Hate wide belts and want to wear skinny belts?  Then placement is especially important because skinny belts tend to slide around like nobody’s business.  I keep my skinny belts in place by resting them in the seam connecting the waistband to the skirt:

Texture 

As you may have noticed, smooth patent belts on smooth cotton skirts won’t stay put for anything, so I suggest adding a little texture at the waist.  Like with elastic.  A lot of my skirts are thrifted and are from an era when they still had elastic waistbands.  Turns out, they’re not only comfortable, they help keep my belts in place:

If elastic waist skirts are too “old lady” for you, you can also add texture with an elastic or woven belt.  Again, the rough texture will help keep the belt in place:

Safety Pins

I sometimes use safety pins to create temporary belt loops on some of my skirts.  I pin them vertically to my waistband and then thread my belt through them.  Of course, unless you’re attempting to add a little subversive punk-y-ness to you outfit, I’d suggest using safety pins only if you’re doing a half tuck.   Just add the pins to the back and if you’re only half-tucking, no one is the wiser:

There are safety pins in the back, under the half-tucked shirt.

What about you, Dearest, Favoritest Reader Friends?  Do you have any tricks for belting skirts? 

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Reader Question – Tights for Tall Girls

The other day, I received an email from Reader Friend Kay:

Gracey,

I have just stumbled on your blog and was thrilled to see a tall girl. My friend Janice is about as tall as you, but not plus size. She has definite issues with fit and as such has kind of given up on participating in personal style.

Her burning question to me last time we talked was about tights.

To get the leg length right, she has to purchase queen size, but then the top panty is too large and the crotch is at her thighs.

I noticed a lot of your tights were Hue or Spanx. Do they fit you better, come in a wider array of sizes, what?

Help us girls out! It's cold here in northern Virginia!

Now, you know I’m not about to let any of my fellow tall girls freeze, not in Northern Virginia or anywhere else, so here is my best advice for tights for tall girls.

For opaque, black tights, I suggest SPANX Tight End Tights because they offer a ton of sizing options.  I’d be surprised if they didn’t have a size to fit nearly everyone’s height/weight ratio (I wear size D).  In addition to multiple sizing options, I also like SPANX because they are slimming but not painful and they are sufficiently opaque.  Which I feel is important in an opaque tight.

SPANX also makes sheer, patterned tights which fit just as comfortably as their opaque tights:

For colored tights, HUE tights definitely work the best for me.  Although they insist on offering improbable, dual sizing (S/M or M/L) on a lot of their patterned and sweater tights, for their plain, colored tights they offer a fair variety of sizes.  I wear the size 3 in HUE and I’ve found that they're both long enough in the leg and that the waist comes up high enough so they don't cut into me.  I also love HUE tights for their opacity and color saturation.  They also hold up pretty well; I’ve had many of my pairs for a couple of years.

And, every once in a while, HUE throws us tall girls a bone and creates patterned pairs with normal sizing.

HUE Herringbone

HUE Swiss Dot

I’ve also tried Target tights, Nordstrom tights and DKNY tights but they also don’t offer extended/additional sizing in their sweater or patterned tights and HUE is better than all of them for opacity and/or longevity.

Which isn’t to say that Target won’t do in a pinch; I have a couple of pairs from there:

Target polka dot

Target fishnets

If you still don’t seem to fit in SPANX or HUE sizes, I’d suggest trying footless tights, especially if you plan on wearing them with tall boots.  With footless tights, you can go smaller in the waist sizing without having to worry about the crotch getting pulled down to accommodate your long legs.  And, if you can’t find footless tights in the color you want, you can make them.  You can cut the toe out of regular, opaque tights to make them into footless tights and they won’t run and can be laundered regularly.  Obviously this won’t work on lace or sweater tights, but I’ve done it on opaque tights and it’s worked fine.

How about you, Reader Friends?  Who makes your favorite tights?

Gracey