The Summer Sweater

I have long railed against short-sleeve sweaters.  I tend to sweat a lot and the last thing I want to wear during the hot, even sweatier, months of summer is a sweater.  Also, I figure if we have a day or two where it's chilly enough to wear a sweater, I probably don't want to wear a short sleeve sweater because, c'mon, what's the point?

Well, it turns out that the point is that they are adorable.

Seriously, I was in LOFT the other day for some tee shirts and I stumbled on this adorable, short-sleeved summer sweater:

Cute, right?  I love the color, a sort of denim blue and I love the subtle striped-ness of it.

I also love how it looks with my vintage skirt:

I am not sure why I don't wear this skirt more; it's really pretty delightful.  Just look at that print:

I think that, for some strange reason, I wasn't sure what to pair it with.  Which is ridiculous, because the answer is clearly "an adorable summer sweater":

Sweater: LOFT   Skirt: thrifted vintage   Sandals: Moorea Seal   Necklace: Lil Gypsy vintage

Well, "an adorable summer sweater, the best sandals ever and a vintage agate necklace," of course.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

LOFT sweater tee

Similar skirt (here or here (plus))

Damalis sandals

Similar necklace (Etsy has tons)

Simplicity

It's about to get stupid hot here in Oregon.  In the high 70s today and then close to 90 later this week.  I know.  In Oregon.  In May.  It's ridiculous.

Anyway, given the upcoming heat, I thought it best to try to get my pants-wearing out of the way.  So, today, jeans:

I may risk pants tomorrow as well, but then it's tube tops and flip flops for the rest of the week.  I'm kidding, but only because flip flops aren't great for bike riding.  Otherwise, totally.

Today's outfit was great for a morning bike commute though; a breezy white shirt, relaxed jeans and my new favorite sandals:

Shirt: Gap  Jeans: Lucky  Sandals: Moorea Seal

Oh, and this necklace.  Again.  Because I am strangely unable to resist the lure of sounding like the world's largest house cat:

Jingly tassels for the win! (Also, not for nothing, but Jingly Tassels is also the name of my next band.  We're going to do burlesque covers of Christmas music.)

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Gap tunic

Similar Lucky jeans

Olive sandals (other colors here and here)

Similar vintage necklace (here or here)

Bohemian Polka Dot Safari

This outfit makes no sense.  None of the elements really go together except color-wise:

Top: thrifted Foxcroft  Vest: Old Navy  Jeans: Banana Republic  Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell

Or, maybe it would be more appropriate to say that some of the elements go with each other, but all together they're a bit of nonsense.

I mean, there are polka dots, there is a safari-ready vest and there are bohemian elements in both the shoes and the necklace.  This necklace:

Vintage necklace via Lil' Gypsy

I think it's the necklace that throws the whole thing.  Even the sandals would probably be okay, but the necklace doesn't quite fit, even though I'm pretending it echoes the polka dot motif of the tunic.

But, the truth is, if I had followed Coco Chanel's advice and removed one thing before I left the house, it wouldn't have been this necklace.  In fact, I'd have ditched the vest.  I'm a little iffy on this vest anyway, not just solely in the context of this outfit.  But the necklace makes me happy even if I do sound like a rather large house cat due to the chiming of the fringe.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Crazy 'Bout Paisley

Okay, you caught me.  I am not, in fact, crazy about paisley.  I mean, I like it well enough, but I only own one paisley piece and it's this tunic:

However, I don't think "Paisley: I Like it Well Enough" has the same ring for a blog title that "Crazy 'Bout Paisley" does.

And I really do like paisley and I am, actually, crazy about certain aspects of it.  For example, I like how well it plays with other patterns, like in today's outfit:

I paired my paisley blouse (v. old Banana Republic) with checked pants.  And the paisley itself is mixed with polka dots on the blouse.  And they all play well together.  I think that's pretty awesome.

Also awesome?  Vintage squash blossom necklaces.  They also go well with paisley:

So, while I may not be crazy 'bout paisley, I'm crazy about this outfit, which contains paisley and therefore my title totally makes sense.  Totally.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Similar paisley blouse

Similar checked pants

Similar metallic flats

In the Limelight

No, no, I was not cast in an off-off-off-off-times-infinity-Broadway adaptation of Imitation of Life.  Though, I have to say that I wish that I were.  I love that movie.  I wonder if the book is any good.  I bet it is.  I should try to find it and read it and cry like a frickin' baby.

Anywho, no I'm not on stage, but I am wearing lime:

Sweater: Old Navy  Pants: LOFT  Boots: Born Crown  Necklace: Vintage via Lil' Gypsy

And it's staying lighter longer... so that title totally makes sense!

Also making sense, this color combination:

I know a lot of people wouldn't think to pair a lime top with teal pants, but it works because they're both shades of green.  Very different shades of green, but still, they're green and you can generally wear two or more shades of a color together and it will work out okay.

There you go, my tip for the day.  Oh, wait, I have one more.  If you haven't ever seen Imitation of Life, watch it.

And have a Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Shop the Look

Old Navy sweater

Teal pants (exact, similar, similar)

Similar riding boots

Similar necklace

A Little Wine With That Cheese

Someone the other day made the comment that I have a big, cheesy smile.  This is true.  I do.  And, I figured if I was putting all this cheese out, I should offer some wine too.  So here you go:

Get it?  I'm wearing a wine-colored outfit.  Yeah, my sense of humor is pretty cheesy too.  But, this outfit isn't, right?  It's kind of great?  I always forget how flattering monochromatic looks can be, as I tend towards a riot of color and prints, but this is almost slimming:

Skirt and Sweater: thrifted  Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors "Bromley"  Necklace: Macy's

In real life, the skirt and the sweater aren't actually as similar in color as they appear in pictures.  In fact, I thought the skirt might be radiant orchid, but it really is reading as wine (or burgundy or oxblood) in these photos.  Which is cool . It helps the title make sense.

Also, because I really don't do monochromatic, I added some color with my earrings:

They're vintage Mexican silver (via Lil' Gypsy) and I think they're a lovely addition to my otherwise monochromatic look.

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Summer Maxi

People swear that maxi skirts and dresses still keep you cool in hot weather.  I was skeptical (so much fabric!) but, I thought I'd give it a try today:

I paired my black maxi (Target (similar, tall available)) with a black and white striped tee (Old Navy (similar)) and brightly colored sandals (Ella Moss via Piperlime (similar color)).

I also added a braided belt (thrifted) and a vintage squash blossom necklace:

Via Lil' Gypsy Vintage (similar here)

And, I have to admit, wearing a maxi was pretty okay for most of the day.  Right up until I got on my bike to ride home.  Riding a bike in a maxi skirt is never great.  Riding a bike in a maxi skirt in 90+ weather is even less great. But, I will say that the maxi was a great choice for the air conditioned office; my legs often get chilled and they didn't at all today.

So, the final verdict?  Maxi's are pretty great for summer, as long as you're not trying to ride a bike in them:

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Spots, Dots & Par-rots

I'm wearing spots, dots and par-rots today:

I've often yammered on about how I love animal and green together because something something jungle.  I continued that "jungle theme" with my new (to me) parrot brooch:

So green.  And parrot-y.  (Not parody, parrot-y; if it were a parody of a parrot, it'd be Conan O'Brien in a parrot mask or something).

I found the brooch in my favorite local vintage shop, Lil' Gypsy Vintage, and thought it would be perfect with my animal spotted cardigan (Anne Taylor via Goodwill) and green dotted pants (LOFT).  I also added a vintage Monet bracelet (via Red Fox Vintage) and my cap toe wedges (Bandolino via DSW).

Yay!  Jungle!  Sort of!


Happy Thursday, Everyone!


Gracey

P.S. if you haven't entered my Shabby Apple giveaway, today is the last day to do so; don't forget!

Shop the Look:
Similar green dotted pants (Tall available)
Similar spotted cardigan
Similar cap toe shoes
Similar vintage parrot brooch

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Getting Dressed Can Be Fun

Sometimes I can’t find anything to wear.  Or, perhaps I should say that I can’t find anything that I want to wear.  This has been the case for the past couple weeks.  Sure, I get dressed, but I’ve mostly just been phoning it in with uninspired color combinations and my usual half-assed accessorizing.  When this happens, I try to wear something that helps remind me that getting dressed can be fun.  Today’s outfit is just such a reminder:

This outfit is fun:

 

It’s plaid (men’s vintage golf pants) and houndstooth (vintage via Vintage by the Pound) together.  As they were meant to be.  And it’s layers of bracelets and big, chunky necklaces.  The red necklace is made from vintage African beads & brass (gifted) and the other is a silver & turquoise squash blossom necklace (vintage via Lil’ Gypsy Vintage).

 

They are very heavy together, just in case you were curious.

But, they are also awesome together.  And they are awesome with the houndstooth and the houndstooth is awesome with the plaid.  And it’s basically an outfit made of awesome:

The best part, though, is that it combines two of my current trend obsessions.  Printed suits (yes, I know it’s not a suit, but I feel like we can all pretend it is and still sleep at night) and global/boho chic.  Really, the only thing I’d change is the shoes.  I love these sandals (old Banana Republic “Natalie”) but I think this outfit could take a bolder shoe.  I was afraid a different shoe would be too much, but now I don’t think so.  I’ll definitely try something different next time.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Do you get in style ruts?  What do you do to remind yourself that getting dressed can be fun?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Clothes, Clever Title, Descriptive Words

I am exhausted today, folks.  Ex-haus-ted.  For reals.  And therefore, although I wore clothes, I pretty much have nothing to say about them.  But, here they are anyway:

And here are some descriptive words about them: I wore this outfit today; it was warm and bike-friendly.  I chose a gray sweater (Old Navy) and orange tights (Spanx via Nordstrom) to pick up the colors in the skirt (vintage, thrifted).  I like this skirt a lot.  It’s wool and plaid and pleated, so that’s fun.  I also wore a belt (thrifted), riding boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom) and a vintage moss agate necklace (via Lil’ Gypsy Vintage).  This outfit makes sense.

Now, let’s talk about why I’m so tired.  I stayed up late, late, late last night finishing Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  Have any of you read that book?  What did you think?  I think the premise was great, but even with the unusual plot, it felt a little cliché to me at times.  But, that could just be because I watch too much television.  Or, not enough…  I don’t know.  I don’t feel like I’m articulating my thoughts well enough (I am exhausted after all), but, what it comes down to, I didn’t always believe Amy’s character.  It seemed a little too contrived and manipulative on the part of the author.

Anyway, if you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you thought.  And if you haven’t read it, I definitely recommend it and then we can discuss.  

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Bonus Footage: Gracey Goes to the Opera

Last Saturday, I went to see Don Giovanni at the Portland Opera with my best group of girl friends, Alex, Jodi and Erica.  We went to dinner at Gracie's and dessert at The Driftwood Room, both in the Hotel DeLuxe, before the show, and it was delicious.  After we ate, we had to rush across town (I like to linger over my champagne cocktails) to the show, but we made it and saw a fabulously modern rendition of Don Giovanni.  It was my first opera and I'm hooked; I'll definitely be going back.

For my inaugural opera, I wore this:

I found this dress for under $10 at my now-defunct local Salvation Army.  As soon as I saw it, I knew I'd found my opera dress.  I paired my opera dress (vintage, tag says Styled by Linda Jane), with fishnets (Target), a vintage fur (also $10, at a garage sale), Franco Sarto pumps (via Nordstrom) and a vintage clutch and jewelry.

The earrings are vintage, via Ray's Ragtime, the bracelet is vintage, via Red Fox Vintage, I can't remember where the ring is from and the clutch is also vintage, also Salvation Army.

Alex also wore vintage:

She borrowed my vintage pleated dress, vintage clutch (thrifted) and belt (Target).  She is also wearing leopard heels (thrifted), opera-length bejeweled gloves (Lil' Gypsy vintage), her mother's prom fur (so cute!) and her grandmother's vintage jewelry.

This weekend, I'm (sadly) not doing anything so fancy.  I'm heading up to a football game at Portland State, looking for a button for my new vintage coat and going to the Chart House.  Even though I did go to school at PSU, I don't think I'm going to root for them.  Instead I'm going to root for myself to stay warm and dry.  Go Gracey!

Happy Saturday, All!

Gracey

Bare Legs and Booties

It has been unseasonably warm here in Oregon over the past few days, giving me the opportunity to wear things I usually can’t in November.  Like yesterday’s suede boots and today’s bare legs and booties:

Seriously, it’s in the 60s today and, so far, no rain, so I figured it was a good day to go without tights and to wear these animal print booties.  They’re calf-hair, so they’re water resistant, but I worry about getting them muddy.  (Now that I have to walk to work like a plebe, I have to think about things like that).  No worries today though; it really is the perfect weather for wearing the booties (80%20 "Tessa" via Piperlime) and my favorite pleated skirt (thrifted) sans tights.  I paired the booties and the skirt with an open-weave sweater (Old Navy), vintage bracelet and a vintage, moss agate necklace (Lil’ Gypsy).

Happy Tuesday, All!  And Happy Election Day, U.S. Reader Friends!

Gracey

Hip Buttons

I thrifted this blouse last month.  The tags are cut out, but I’m pretty sure it’s from the 80s:

How can I tell?  Well, there were shoulder pads, which I removed, the color scheme is questionable at best, and there are hip buttons.  Ridiculous, gold-accented, non-functional hip buttons.  I seem to have a vague recollection of the 80s being a time when they put buttons on everything (much like the early 2010s being a time when they put birds on everything).

I also think it might be from the 80s because I have no idea how to style it.  I’ve found that a lot of the clothes I’m viscerally drawn to but don’t know what to do with are from the 80s.  Basically, clothing love – styling ideas = 80s.  And today’s blouse definitely fits that equation; I adore it and have no idea what to do with it:

I knew I had to layer the top over something, in this case, a black tank (Target), otherwise we’d have an “oh, hey there, boobs” moment for real.  But, aside from that obvious piece, I had no idea what to do with it.  I thought at first that I needed to go with skinny bottoms to balance the blouson effect of the blouse.  That turned out to be a surprisingly horrible idea, so I did the opposite; instead of skinnies, I decided to go with a wide leg jean (Banana Republic).  I also added platform booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx), a vintage moss agate necklace (Lil’ Gypsy Vintage) and a vintage Monet bracelet (Red Fox Vintage).

And I think it worked.  Of course, I have no idea how I’ll wear it next time around, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey