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

8/28/15 Five for Friday: LTS Fall Collection

Early today I posted an outfit featuring these houndstooth skinny jeans from Long Tall Sally:

In case you missed that post, here's a brief synopsis: these jeans are very 90s and I love them.


But, they're not the only piece from the Fall Collection I love, so I thought I'd use today's Five for Friday to share five more pieces I'm thinking about adding to my closet this fall:

1. Herringbone Flippy Dress: Maybe it's seeing all the cardinals in the snow out here, but I just love red dresses for winter.  This one is sleeveless for easy layering and looks like it'd be flattering as heck on most anyone.

2. BFT "Garnet" Paneled Loafer: I have a thing for two-toned shoes.  And I love the classic black-and-white combination of these.  And I love that they're loafers (I think I'm getting preppy in my old age).  The best part though is that because these are Barefoot Tess, they are offered up to size 15.  I know!!

3. Chalky Check Maxi Skirt: As I said in my outfit post, I am pretty excited that the 90s are back for fall.  And this skirt has a great grungy, 90s feel to it.  I want to wear it with an oversized sweater and big boots.

4. Supersoft Jeggings: I actually have these jeggings; they were in the package LTS sent me to try and they are my favorite ever.  They really are super soft and have that nice, high waist that I love.  They come in the deep olive/forest color shown above, but also in a great rust color.  I think I need them in both...

5. Fleece Lined Tights: One of the hardest things, for me, about being tall is that I can't wear really the great tights.  The fun patterns, sweater tights and so-very-necessary-in-Pennsylvania-in-the-winter fleece-line tights are generally too small/short for my tights-loving giant self.  But, this winter, I will finally be warm thanks to these fleece-lined tights for tall women!  I will be buying multiple pairs.


Happy Friday!

Gracey

Pajama Day

My favorite thing about maxi dresses, especially knit ones, is how much they feel like pajamas:

They're not particularly flattering, at least not this one, but I'll be darned if they aren't comfortable.  Especially when paired with a cozy knit moto:

I didn't have "Pajama Day" in elementary school when I was younger, but my nieces and nephews have it and it seems like great fun.  Or, if not fun, then at least really, really comfortable.

Dress: Gap (similar)  Jacket: LOFT (similar)
Scarf: Old Navy (similar here, here or here)  Flats: Old Navy (similar)

Maybe they should have Pajama Day at work too.  I'd support that.  And afternoon naps.  I'd totally support naps.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Three Ways to Work a Too Short Maxi

When you are tall, things are often too short for you.  Sometimes those things are things you really, really like.  It's certainly better now than it was when I was growing up, but there's still a good chance that something you like isn't available in Tall.

So, what's a tall girl to do when she finds, oh, let's say a maxi dress, that she really, really likes but isn't available in Tall.  Well, what I do is buy that bad boy anyway, especially when it's a great price at Nordstrom Rack!  And then I figure out how to work it, too short or not.

Don't Sweat It
The easiest way to rock a too-short maxi is to not worry about it being too short.  Just throw on a big necklace and some flat sandals and no one will even notice your maxi isn't actually maxi length:

Do I look worried that my maxi is too short?  No, I look thrilled that my necklace is made of fringe.  And win.  It's fringed win.


Make Time for Tea
If my first suggestion made you think "But, Gracey, I'll notice it's not proper maxi length and I couldn't possibly go out of doors in a maxi dress that's not proper maxi length" then this next tip is for you.

Instead of flat sandals, go high.  Higher heels add more space between your hem and the ground, effectively making the dress appear to be tea length:

Tea?  Don't mind if I do.  I'll take it with some almond-coconut milk and honey if you please.


Make it a Midi
If you love the print on your too-short maxi but don't like either of the above suggestions, perhaps making the dress into a midi will work.  What's that?  You don't sew?  Me neither.  Which is why I came up with a no sew way to make it a midi.  By knotting both sides of my maxi, I can take the length up to midi territory:

This trick works best on thin fabric (my dress is rayon) and is maybe not the best if you need to escape from zombies or anything.  The tied sides definitely limit your ability to run.


Still prefer your maxi to be actual maxi length?  That's cool; I respect that and I'd therefore recommend Long Tall Sally (I like this one and this one) and Alloy (I like this one); both carry truly long maxi dresses.

Happy Monday Thursday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Similar too-short maxi (save or splurge)

Exact heeled sandals

Exact flat sandals

Similar fringe necklace

The Cappelli Pack A Hat

The other day I was offered a Cappelli Straworld, Inc. Pack a Hat for the summer and I was very excited.  I am definitely a sun lover, but I try to limit my sun exposure with sunblock and large, dramatic hats like the Cappelli Pack a Hat.  I have several wide-brimmed hats and was thrilled to be able to add the navy one to my collection.

Of course, what does one wear with a large, dramatic hat but a caftan?  I love swanning about the back yard in my vintage caftans, shaded from the Oregon sun by my Cappelli Straworld hat.  Not a fan of caftans?  You're missing out.  But, the good news is that large, dramatic hats also look fabulous with maxi dresses. For either, you can add simple sandals or a brightly-colored mule for added drama. Caftan or maxi, Cappelli has you covered.

This wonderful hat comes in seven different colors; black, toast, red, navy, turquoise, lime and green.  And it comes in an adorable striped wristlet that you can use to pack your hat, but that also doubles as a sporty little clutch.  And both for only $25!  You can get yours here.

Remember folks, sun protection is important and Cappelli Straworld hats not only protect you, they look great too!

Happy Saturday, All!

Gracey

Styling a Maxi Skirt

Maxi skirts are pieces that I often have a hard time styling.  They appeal to me because they're comfortable like pajamas, but I never know what to pair them with.  I mean, probably not a pajama top and slippers, so what then?

Well, today, I thought I'd pair my maxi with a plaid shirt and flat ankle boots:

Shirt: c/o Foxcroft  Skirt: LOFT  Boots: Nine West

As it turns out, plaid was the answer.  In fact, I think plaid maybe the the answer to most things.  Okay, maybe not, but it was certainly the answer to what to wear with this maxi skirt:

And although the combination of the plaid and the boots is a little more cowboy-adjacent than I'd like (the fringe necklace doesn't help matters), I think the boots were part of the answer as well:

So, there you go, folks; my solution to what to wear with a maxi.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Foxcroft plaid shirt (exact, similar on sale)

Lou & Grey maxi (exact, similar for less)

Similar ankle boots (save, splurge)

Similar fringe necklace

Orange You Glad You Have a Friend Like Ally?

Well, I am.  Because Ally, who blogs over at Shybiker, is the one who sent me this beautiful orange scarf:

As you can see, it's the perfect shade of orange.  It's not pumpkin orange, which is fine in a pinch, no, it's a lovely, luminescent coral orange.  And it's the perfect orange to pair with this skirt:

This vintage skirt remains one of my all-time favorite thrift store finds.  I love the delightful stretchy, possibly double-knit fabrication.  I love the crazy print.  And I love that the colors include the same lovely orange as the scarf Ally gave me:

And that's just one of the many reasons I'm glad to have a friend like Ally.  Thanks, Ally!


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey


Oh, I almost forgot.  I am linking up to Visible Monday today over at Not Dead Yet Style.  You should too!

Dress Like A Wasp's Nest

I feel like a cocoon today.  Or a wasp's nest, what with all my gray, lumpy layers:

Which isn't to say I don't like this outfit.  I actually really do.  It's cozy as hell and it's as comfortable as pajamas. And it's successful deployment of a maxi dress in cooler weather, which is something I've struggled with in the past.

What it's not, is figure-flattering.  I know as a blogger I'm supposed to be demonstrating how to dress in the most flattering way (Right?  Isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing here?), but I just can't do it.  You want to wear something that swallows your shape?  Go for it.  Dress like a wasp's nest, if you want.  I totally support that.

Happy Tuesday, 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

I Blame Madonna

 

Okay, I realize that some of you make look at today's outfit and say "Sweet baby Jesus, Gracey, more blue?  If I wanted to see this much blue, I'd go stare at the ocean."  To which I say, firstly, that if you have an ocean in staring distance, go have yourself a good stare; it's good for you.

Secondly, I blame Madonna.  After I uploaded that video yesterday I had to watch it a couple of times because 80s Madonna is a national treasure.  And then, of course, the song was stuck in my head and as a result I couldn’t think past the color blue when getting dressed this morning. 

Still blue.  Still true (sure, why not?).  This time in the form of a thrifted silk blazer (via Salvation Army).  But, this time with a printed maxi dress (eight sixty via Nordstrom Rack) and some boots (Gap) to mix it up.  So, you see, this is nothing like what I wore yesterday.  Additionally, these aren't the droids you're looking for.

And that, folks, is how you pretend you didn’t accidentally repeat the same color palette two days in a row.   Smoke and mirrors and Jedi mind tricks.  Works every time.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Proof of Life

I just want you all to know that I am still alive.  I know there were rumors that my sinuses had kidnapped me and were holding me for ransom until they were free and clear and I’m here to tell you that those rumors are true.  But, we’re making progress on the negotiations and my captors have offered up this proof of life photo to show I haven’t suffered too horribly at their hands:

You can almost see today's date...

That’s right; I actually made it in to work today after being out for nearly a week.  I am feeling slightly better, but I still can’t breathe through my nose and I’m still exhausted, so I basically wore pajamas to work:

 (Similar maxi dress, similar boots, similar cardigan)

I know everyone says that wearing a maxi dress feels like wearing pajamas, and it’s true.  They’re kind of great like that.  They’re also kind of great because they’re an item that can work well into fall, as long as it’s not raining.  Trust me, you don’t want to ride your bike in the rain in a maxi dress or skirt; they’re another item that takes forever to dry.  

Happily it’s still not raining here in Oregon, so I was able to wear my super-comfy maxi (Gap) which I made a little more autumn-appropriate with a bright yellow cardigan (gifted) and faux lace-up wedge boots (Kenneth Cole Reaction, v. old).  I also added a belt (thrifted) in an attempt to give myself some sort of waist being as I haven’t worked out in over a week now and have a midsection that appears to be made of pudding.  I have pudding abs, people; it’s not cute.

Pudding abs and mouth-breathing aside, I’m very happy to be back to work and back to posting nonsense.

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

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Pleats and Stripes and Silly Concerns

I don’t think this outfit photographed very well, but I loved it:

I swear it’s more flattering in person, but, I could be delusional so maybe “swear” isn’t the right word.  Really though, I felt great in this today.  After all, I found another way to style this pleated skirt (thrifted).  I’m wearing yet another bow blouse (vintage LeeMar via Vintage by The Pound).  And I got to wear my Hive and Honey flats (Piperlime) again.  Basically it’s an outfit full of things I love: pleats, stripes, bows blouses and ankle strap flats.  

Also, I know it’s supposed to be some sort of fashion taboo to wear ankle straps with long skirts, but I think it worked.  Even if it hadn’t, I’m glad I tried it.  These poor flats languished in my closet for a long time because I was afraid the ankle strap would make me look stumpy.  I know that sounds like a silly concern for a giant, but I like being tall; I don’t want to look shorter.   Once I figured out that they don’t chop me off at the leg though (probably because, as Mia pointed out, the strap is essentially the same color as my leg) it was on.  They are super comfortable and while I know they’ll work with above the knee dresses and skirts, I wanted to experiment with other items too.  

Remember, it’s okay to experiment, even if it doesn’t always go well.

Gracey

EBEW: Color Blocking

Today is the Everybody, Everywear Color Blocking challenge.  So I wore blocks of color:

Because I think you have to for it to be “color” blocking.  I mean, can you even color block with neutrals?  I don’t know, but I think probably not.  So, blocks of color it is.    

My blocks are a cobalt maxi skirt (Target) and a citron tank (Old Navy).  I added black sandals (White Mountain via Macys), a silver fringe necklace (Jessica Simpson via Macys) and a few bracelets (handmade, handmade, Macys).

To see how other bloggers blocked their colors, make sure you visit Everybody,Everywear.

And have a Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

The Summer Sweater

This sweater is another item from The Giant’s Closet that I really like, but am pretty clueless on how to style:

I bought it because it seems like a great summer sweater with its sheer stripes and butter yellow color.  And then I remembered that it seems weird to me to wear sweaters in summer.  And then I remembered that I never know how to style lightweight sweaters.  I gave it a try today though and paired the sweater (thrifted) with a floral maxi skirt (Target).  I added a braided belt (thrifted), black sandals (White Mountain via Macys) and an amber necklace (local artist).  

And I liked it enough that now I think maybe I can style it so I’m going to keep it around, at least for a bit.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  I hope you all have a fabulous, and safe, Fourth of July!

Gracey

Loose and Lazy Stripes

I was out rather late last night for Last Thursday (I’ll post pictures tomorrow) so I just wanted to be comfortable today.  Hence this rather loose and lazy (slatternly?) outfit:

I layered a loose, striped tee (Target) over a loose, striped maxi dress (Gap), added flats (Target), a multi-colored scarf (Nordstrom) and a silver cuff (thrifted).  It was like wearing stripe-y pajamas, which is just what I needed after a late night of tipsy tomfoolery.  Seriously, this is so cozy and comfortable; I’m definitely keeping all of these pieces in The Giants Closet.

Happy Friday, All!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey