Waking Up a Winter Wardrobe

The other day, Angie, of You Look Fab, listed her four ways to liven up a winter wardrobe and it got me to thinking about how I like to wake up my winter wardrobe.  Especially now when the days tend to be short, dark and cold.

Sparkle and Shine

A couple of years ago I was firmly against daytime shine.  I liked to save my sequins for special occasions and couldn’t figure out how to incorporate them into my every day wardrobe.  This winter I’m all about daytime shine; incorporating sequins, rhinestones and metallic into my every day looks.  Whether you wear a little, or a lot, daytime shine is a great way to beat the winter blahs.

Nine West "Darbie" boots

Gap tee

Gap glitter belt

Brights

Angie advocated bright coats and accessories in her list, but I’m advocating brights in general.  I love wearing brightly colored pants, sweaters and yes, accessories, during the winter.  Even when it’s freezing out, brights bring a smile to my face.

Banana Republic Blue Bow Skirt
Gap legging cords
 Banana Republic colorblock scarf

Texture 

This time a year, you’re probably wearing a lot of knits.  I know I am.  And I know that can get boring.  But, if you look for texturally interesting pieces, it can alleviate some of that boredom.  Honeycomb, cable knit and popcorn stitching can all add interest to basic knit pieces.  Fuzzy sweaters are also a great option in a delightfully 80s way.

Eyelash Plaid Cardigan

Echo open stitch infinity scarf

Kyi Kyi Pom Pom Hat

New Neutrals

Black is a very present neutral in my winter wardrobe.  But, I also like to mix things up with new neutrals.  This year I’ve been wearing a lot of navy and gray but I also think camel, cream or even olive could work as a winter neutral.  

 Gap legging cords

Leith infinity scarf
Banana Republic Plaid Fringe Scarf

What about you, Reader Friends?  How do you wake up your winter wardrobe?

xoxo,

Gracey

Speaking of Fall

In the comments for yesterday’s post, blogger-friend Nico asked me what was on my wish list for fall.  Even though I’m the first to admit that I certainly don’t need any clothes for fall (or any other season), I do have a fall wish list.  And it’s huge.  I started keeping lists of “holes” in my closet as a way to help control my shopping.  Because, as my Nosh Opping Expedition showed, left to my own devices, I will continue to buy black skirts even though I already own five.  So, I figured a list, which did not include a black skirt, would help keep me on track.

It hasn’t.  I mean, sure, I haven’t purchased another black skirt since the Great Purge of 2012, but I’ve purchased other items that aren’t on my list.  In fact, I think I purchase more things that are not on my list than are.  Because I have no discipline.  There it is.  I said it.  I’m undisciplined.

So, what does this undisciplined giant want for fall?  Well, here are some items from my list:

·         Rust skinnies (skinny is best for tucking into boots)

·         Burgundy skinnies (ditto)

·         Mustard skinnies (my mustard skinnies were purged due to size issues)

·         Gingham shirt (I don’t wear a lot of gingham, but I feel like I want to start)

·         Bold striped l/s tee or sweater (for wearing under a blazer)

·         Heeled loafers (it took me awhile but I’m finally firmly on board with these)

·         Green pumps (Callie from Coffee & Cardigans has a pair that prompted this addition to the list)

·         Cap toe flats (I’m slightly obsessed with cap toes)

Really, though, those are only some of the items I have listed; my wish list in its entirety is ridiculously big.  Why is it so big when I freely admit that I don’t really need more clothes?  Well, because I figured if I put every possible thing on my wish list, then when I bought something I could say it’s on the list.  Yes, it is a little like cheating, isn't it?

But, enough of that nonsense, let's take a look at what I've purchased for fall so far, shall we? 

A rose-gold sweater (not on the list):

Remain Metallic Sweater - image via Nordstrom

I couldn't find the rose-gold version of this sweater online, but that's the one I bought and I love it.  Ostensibly I bought it because metallics are big for fall and that was supposed to excuse the fact that I didn't have a metallic anything on my list.  Mostly though, I just really like shiny stuff.

A denim shirt (actually on the list):

Caslon Long-Sleeve Shirt - Image via Nordstrom

I've been looking, unsuccessfully, for a denim shirt for ages.  I finally found this one and it's perfect.  It's cut close to the body and although the model has the sleeves pushed up, it is long sleeve and the sleeves are actually long enough for my giant self. 

Polka dot skinnies (not on the list):

Wit and Wisdom - Image via Nordstrom

I'm pretty sure my not having polka dot skinnies on my list was just an oversight.  I mean, really.  Also, yes, I do plan on wearing these with my denim shirt.

Cap toe wedges (actually on the list):

Bandolino "Tijah" Cap Toe Wedge - Image via DSW

I wasn't kidding about being obsessed with cap toe shoes.  And I adore the color combination on this pair.

So, I guess I’m not totally undisciplined.  I’m half disciplined.  And I don’t know about you, but that feels like progress to me.  Now if I can just continue to resist the lure of black skirts…

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Wear It Wednesday: Tunics

I'm participating in Wear it Wednesday today, which is being hosted by the lovely Bekah of Matters of Merrymaking.  This Wednesday's item to wear is tunics, about which I am fairly excited because I love tunics.  And my favorite way to wear them is layered over leggings as I've done here:

In front of a huge sequoia at McMennamins Grand Lodge.

For this outfit I paired snake print leggings (Target) (you can sort of see the snakiness of them in the last shot) under a cream and gold lace tunic (thrifted) which I in turn layered under my trusty black sweater (Jones New York via Ross).  I added flat black boots (Chinese Laundry via Piperlime), a brass and crystal necklace (via Special Portland) and a few bracelets (Banana Republic and Macys).  Full disclosure; I'm pretty sure this tunic was originally sold as a dress.  But, as you can see, it's nowhere near dress length on my tall self.  So, for you tall ladies out there, if you're looking for tunics, look in the dress section - that's what I do.

To see how everyone else wore their tunics today, stop by Matters of Merrymaking; Bekah has a whole list of participants.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!  I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Gracey

Short Sleeve Sweater Season

As I’ve mentioned before, short sleeve sweaters have always seemed sort of ridiculous to me, but I’m also inexplicably drawn to them.  One of the reasons they strike me as ridiculous is because if it’s cold enough to warrant a sweater, isn’t it also cold enough to warrant sleeves?  As it turns out, the answer is “not always.”  There are days in late spring and early fall where short sleeved sweaters are just right.  And today was just such a day:

It didn’t rain and it wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t warm either.  Essentially, it was the perfect weather for a midi-skirt (thrifted, vintage) sans tights and a sweater (thrifted) sans sleeves.  I added light gold flats (Kenneth Cole Reaction, v. old) to help extend my leg line, a metallic cuff (thrifted) because that’s what I do and some earrings (gifted) because I remembered today.  The skirt was just long enough, and the sweater was just sweater-y enough to keep me from getting too cold on my ride in, but both pieces were also light enough to keep me from getting over-heated.

Today’s Takeaway?  Short sleeve sweaters aren’t wholly ridiculous, just sort of.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Neon and Turquoise

Here’s the deal.  It’s Friday, it’s summertime and I’m only working half a day today.  So, yep, Captain Casual strikes again:

But, how awesome is this necklace with this neon top? 

For today's possibly-overly-casual look, I paired my beloved beaded necklace (rummaged) with a neon tank (J. Crew – thrifted) layered over a white tank (Target), with clam diggers (made by me from Gap Long and Lean jeans) and the same metallic cuff (thrifted) and sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli) I wore yesterday.

I’ve said before that this necklace goes with everything and I think today’s pairing settles it.  I love this necklace anyway, but am just thrilled with how it looks with neon and white.  I’m also pretty happy with my self-cut clam diggers.  I love cut-offs for the summer, but I can’t say that I love them on me.  But, when I saw Angie of You Look Fab’s clam diggers, I thought that might be something that would work for me.  And I think they do work – I wore these all last weekend and will probably wear them much of this weekend as well.

Because?  This weekend?  This is the weekend that I’m finally, finally getting over to the coast.  Somehow it turns out that I haven’t been there all summer.  But, we’re going over tomorrow and I’m super excited and I’ll take lots of pictures (probably in these same pants).

Today’s Takeaway?  Turquoise, like orange, really does go with everything.

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Gracey

More Lazy Dressing

I slept horribly last night and as a result I seriously struggled with what to wear today.  Because I didn’t have the mental acuity to come up with anything creative I went the lazy route once again:

While yesterday I couldn't be bothered with more than a dress, today I wore two whole pieces (your're welcome).  I layered an embellished tank (Design History via Ross) over a maxi dress (thrifted), added metallic sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli) and a metallic cuff (thrifted) and called it a day.  Is it lazy?  You bet your sweet bippy it is.  But, it’s also comfortable and sometimes a girl just can’t manage anything more than some lazy comfort.

Today’s Takeaway?  Shiny accessories totally make lazy outfits work-appropriate (Within reason, folks.  Lawyers probably won't be distracted by shiny stuff).

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Shades of Grey

Today’s outfit is pretty much the antithesis of yesterday’s outfit:

It’s formfitting where yesterday’s outfit was loose and monochromatic where yesterday’s was full of color.  Interestingly enough, I really like this one as well.  Once again, I’ve gone outside my comfort zone with the more body-conscious clothes and with the lack of color; but it still somehow appeals to me.  Which is making me start to suspect that I have no personal aesthetic and that I’ll just wear whatever.  It’s probably not the best thing for a personal style blogger to not have a grasp on their personal style, but hey, what are you gonna do?

And really, it’s not like this outfit is a complete departure, any more than yesterday’s was.  Yesterday was unexpected pattern mixing, but I’ve always enjoyed pattern mixing, just more safely.  And with this, sure it’s a lot of grey with the grey tee (Old Navy), the grey skirt (Gap) and the pewter sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli).  But I’m still me so I added some color with the turquoise beaded necklace (rummaged) and my orange earrings.  And yes, it’s sort of body-con, but it’s still an A-line skirt which is my go-to silhouette.  So, you see, it might not seem my style initially, but this outfit is totally me.

Bye, All!  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Gracey

P.S. For everyone who wondered how I tied my blouse yesterday:

1. I gathered the blouse in front and then tied it in a knot, making sure it was pulled pretty snug on my body.
2. Then I just tucked the knot back up into the shirt which worked because the shirt was so snug at my waist.

It’s Friday. I wore some clothes to celebrate.

To participate, just pretend that Kool and the Gang song is playing (You know the one; Celebration, not Get Down on It.  Although, I supposed if you wanted to imagine Get Down on It, I wouldn’t blame you.  It's a great song):

So yes, I wore clothes.  Specifically an orange skirt (thrifted), blue leopard hoodie (Nordstrom), white tank (Old Navy) and pewter sandals (Lovely People via Ideeli).  And then I went and worked out at the Y during lunch with my friend Kory who is a bit of an exercise fanatic.  She is always asking me if I want to go running.  I am always asking her if I’m being chased.  Turns out the answer is ‘no’ to both questions. 

But, I did want to try this weight lifting workout and lemme tell ya somethin’ folks – I have NEVER regretted trying something new like I regretted this workout.  I can barely lift my arms, my calves hurt and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.  Thank goodness I have nowhere to go, but good golly, I haven’t been this sore in a long time.

Today’s lesson?  It is NOT good to try new things, I don’t care what your mama told you.

Also?  Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey