Deepest, Darkest Jungle

I love the black background on this tropical print jacket.  It reminds me of the deepest, darkest jungle:

And it’s more “appropriate” for winter than a brighter tropical print might be. 

I also love the Karina dress (Marisa, c/o Karina Dresses) that I paired it with.  This dress has been a closet workhorse since I received it a couple of years ago.  It’s held its shape beautifully and is so easy to layer so it can be worn year round.  In addition to the jacket (vintage, gifted) and the dress, I also wore tights (Spanx via Nordstrom) and boots (Gap).  I also added coral statement necklace (via Piperlime) to complement the colors on the jacket. 

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Similar jacket (And by similar I mean, vintage tropical print with a black background)

Similar Karina dress (It doesn’t look like the Marisa is currently available, but I strongly recommend the Audrey for its similar cut).

Similar boots

Similar necklace

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Plum Pop

Although I was tempted to channel my inner Captain Casual again today, I wanted to wear my Karina Dresses dress one more time before the giveaway* closes.  I almost went with all black, but decided instead to do a pop of plum:

I paired my black dress (courtesy of Karina Dresses) with a black blazer (Gap Tall), plum tights and black wedge booties (Nine West “Peekaboo” via Piperlime).  And I added a brass and crystal necklace (Special Portland) to add some interest up top.  The plum tights, of course, add interest to the bottom of the outfit.

I have to say that, although I do love brightly colored tights, I think my plum tights have proven to be the most versatile.  They add color on days where I don’t necessarily want to add COLOR but want a little something.  If you’re still on the fence about colored tights, try plum, burgundy, rust or olive – they’re easier to incorporate into a neutral wardrobe than bright tights.

*What’s this?  You didn’t know I was hosting a giveaway?  Well, I am.  Karina Dresses was kind enough to provide me with this lovely dress and are going to provide one of my fabulous readers with a lovely dress of their own.  Interested?  You can enter, and find a discount code for $30.00 off, here.  But hurry; the giveaway closes tomorrow night at midnight, PST.

And, that’s it for me this week.  I have the rest of the week and next Monday and Tuesday off.  I’ll be working on a project, catching up on my mending, finally putting my clothes away and hiking in Eastern Oregon.  I’ll try to take pictures of the interesting stuff.

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year!

Gracey

Holidays = Giveaways: Karina Dresses Review and Giveaway

Somehow, with my admittedly sizeable closet, I managed to not own a little black dress.  Karina Dresses has remedied that oversight by sending me this little black dress:

Yes, it was cold.  See what I do for you, Dearest Readers?

And I love it.  It looks simple enough, but is surprisingly versatile.  Today I’m wearing a winterized work version of the dress with a wool Lauren Ralph Lauren jacket (thrifted), olive tights, riding boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom) and a bird-print scarf (thrifted):

But I could easily dress it up with a statement necklace, or a brooch or three at the waist or shoulder, or a colorful shoe or some major earrings.  And, in the summer, it’ll work wonderfully with a metallic sandal and an arm full of bangles.

I think it’s the cut that makes this dress so versatile.  It has a flattering v-neck, waist-enhancing waistband and a thigh-approved full skirt.  I also like that it’s sleeveless, but still offers enough coverage so my bra straps aren’t tempted to run amok.  And I love the length – its one that would work for any age, any body and any height. 

Little black dresses aren’t all that Karina Dresses makes though.  They offer this particular dress (the Marissa) in several prints and colors and even offer it with sleeves.  They also offer several other dress styles in a variety of prints and colors.  And, because the dresses are made from limited edition fabrics, the prints change regularly so their customers can always find new options in their favorite style.  I love that.

There is a lot to love about Karina Dresses though.  I love that they’re a small, American company based in Brooklyn and that they produce all of their dresses on site.  I love that their dresses are targeted towards women of all ages, all ethnicities, all aesthetics and all body types (they carry up to size 20 in some styles).  And I love their fabulous fabric – it’s a microfiber blend with 4-way stretch that is machine-washable and never needs ironing; which, as a lazy gal, I truly appreciate.

And I think you’ll appreciate Karina Dresses as well.  Which is why I’ve teamed up with them to offer one reader a free dress and the rest of my beloved readers $30.00 off the purchase of a Karina Dresses dress. 

To enter the giveaway for the free dress, just do the following:

1.      Stop by Karina Dresses and peruse their wares.

2.      Visit the Karina Dresses Facebook page and “like” it.

3.      Leave me a comment letting me know which style of a Karina Dresses dress you’d choose and your email address so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close on midnight, PST on December 29^th.  Which gives you a couple of weeks to enter.  Just don’t forget!

And, to get $30.00 off the purchase of any full price Karina Dresses dress, just visit Karina Dresses here and enter this code PANG30 when you check out.  Also, Karina Dresses is offering FREE SHIPPING for the entire month of December! 

That’s right, a giveaway, $30.00 off and free shipping.  You’re welcome, folks.  You’re welcome.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey