Like Me

I wrote a bit about this in my last guest post over at Already Pretty, but basically, my new job is the first ever that I've had with an honest-to-goodness dress code.  At my last job, they'd admonish us every summer not to wear cut-offs and/or tube tops, but that was really the extent of HR's input on what we could wear to work.  Here though, jeans are only allowed on Fridays and most women wear slacks.

Yep.  Slacks.

Up until now, I've just been avoiding the pants issue and wearing skirts and dresses, but it's really cold here.  So, yesterday, I finally ventured out in a pair of my new work pants:

And, you know what?  I felt like me in this outfit.


Sure they're just basic, some-may-say-boring black pants, but paired with one of my vintage blouses and some leopard print shoes, it's something I'd even have worn back home:

It's a little loud, it's a little different and it's totally me:

And, best of all, I didn't get sent home for wearing it.


I know, I can hardly believe it myself.

Blouse: vintage, thrifted  Pants: LOFT (I'm wearing a 12T)
Earrings: Modcloth (similar)  Shoes: Nine West Heroheart (similar)

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Hello Again, Yellow Again

I feel like I've been wearing a lot of yellow lately.

A review of the archives shows that I have, in fact, been wearing yellow a normal amount, but it sure feels like a lot.


Maybe because I always want to wear yellow.  Especially this cardigan.  I want to wear this cardigan every day:

Top: LOFT (similar)  Cardigan: Modcloth (size up)
Pants: Gap (similar)  Shoes: Hive & Honey (similar)

It's been the perfect transition piece for spring, brightening up my blues and grays:

So, yeah, you'll probably see this cardigan a few more times in the coming weeks

Because I just can't help myself.


How about you, Reader Friends?  Have you been wearing anything on repeat lately?


Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Long Tall Leopard

This summer has, inadvertently, turned into a summer of experimentation for me.  I'm trying a lot of things that I wouldn't ordinarily wear, such as body-con prom dresses, short-sleeve sweaters and today, drape-y leopard pants:

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of drape-y pants, but my thighs aren't usually amenable to being draped.  They say that draping reminds them of Ancient Greece and they well remember the persecution of thighs in Ancient Greece.  They are, of course, patently ridiculous, but if they don't cooperate, there will be no draping.

Well, I'm happy to say, after years of shouted nonsense and secessionist threats, that my thighs have finally cooperated:

These pants, courtesy of Long Tall Sally, are actually, honest-to-goodness drape-y pants.  I ordered an XL to give them a fighting chance against my thighs so they are actually much too big in the waist, but I love the way they fit my troublesome thighs so much that I made them work.  I belted them and then folded the waistband over the belt.  I think they'd be perfect on someone with more of an apple shape, especially if purchased in the correct size.

Even though I ordered them too large, I can honestly say they are a great pant.  They are plenty long enough and stupid comfortable.  Also, leopard:

My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that knees tend to bag a bit after a day of sitting at a desk.  Otherwise, if you're looking for something fun and comfortable to wear this summer, I highly recommend them.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

LTS leopard pants

Similar tank

Isola "Lucina" sandals

Similar tassel necklace

Teal Abyss

So, the color of these pants is Teal Abyss:

And that kind of makes me laugh because it's an awfully dramatic name for a pants color.  It reminds me of this movie (oooh, drama). But, I appreciate that LOFT went for the drama instead of just calling it "Dark Teal" or something boring like that.

I also appreciate that LOFT made these pants at all because they're kind of fabulous.  They have a fairly high, wide waistband, so they're super comfortable and they hold their shape pretty darned well.  Also, they're teal and I'm big on teal this fall:

 Best of all, they come in Tall; although not in this color anymore.  But, they do have limited offerings in Tall in other colors and you can still get Teal Abyss in regular lengths and I recommend them for everyone; giants and non-giants alike (just make sure you line dry them).

In addition to my teal abyss pants (LOFT), I also wore a mustard sweater (thrifted, similar (tall & plus available)), black pumps (Gentle Souls "Rhemsical") and a tassel necklace (Old Navy, similar).  I thought the tone of the pants worked well with the sweater and both colors seemed perfect for a clear but cool fall day.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey 

Knotted

As you know, I love me a striped shirt; I even recommended them in my wardrobe workhorses post.  And this vertically striped shirt is definitely one of my favorites.  So, I was pretty excited to find another way to wear it; knotted at the bottom:

It's pretty over-sized so I usually wear it tucked, but today I undid the last button and tied it up.  I like that it alters the shape of the shirt into something more interesting than a straight-across hem.  

In addition to the striped shirt (vintage, thrifted), I am also wearing another of my recommended wardrobe workhorses; dark pants.  In this case, a pair of black twill skinnies (Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's (similar here)).  I added a neutral statement necklace (c/o Maurice's) but colorful shoes (Nine West via TJ Maxx).

And I don't mean to be smug, but I'm pretty sure this outfit totally justifies the inclusion of these items on my list. 

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Short Pants, Tall Shoes

I'm really feeling this combination of loose, short pants, preferably printed and high-waisted, paired with a shorter top and tall shoes:

I might need to tweak the pieces a bit, but I feel like this is a silhouette I'll be wearing a lot this summer.  I guess it could use a bit more definition at the waist, but I don't know that I really want it.  I am trying to figure out how to wear looser pieces.  And even though this isn't quite right, I think it's the direction I want to go.

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

True Blue

No, not the Madonna song*, the pants:

I have been looking for some summery skinnies as most of my skinnies are dark colors and/or corduroy.  I have a coral pair but wanted a pair in the blue/green family.  Unfortunately, all I could find were pastel colors.  I say unfortunately because my thighs hate pastel skinnies, and, to be honest, I don’t love them all that much either.  Happily, I was able to find these lovely true blue skinnies at JC Penney the other day:

And the color is perfect.  It’s summery without being pastel.  It pairs well with my favorite neutral, gray.  And it looks great with neon:

*Okay, fine, the Madonna song too:

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

jcp “Sophie” Perfect Skinnies 

jcp Slub Sweatshirt 

Coconuts “Casey” flat (also available in neon yellow)

** 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.

 

Why Not Try: Printed Pants

Like colored pants (or pants of color, if you prefer), printed pants can be a bit daunting, especially if you have bossy thighs.  For example, I’ve always liked the look, but my thighs were against it; they kept threatening to secede if I put them in a print.  But, finally, last summer we reached an agreement (The Printed Pants Accord of 2012?  Perhaps you’ve heard of it?  No?  Well, it’s totally a thing) and I started wearing printed pants.  And even my thighs had to admit they’re kind of fun. 

Happily, it looks like printed pants are going to continue to be on-trend for 2013 so I’m here to encourage you to try printed pants as well.  I think you’ll find that they’re easier to wear (even with mutinous thighs) than you thought.  

And, they’re pretty versatile.  They can be worn loose or tight.  They can be worn long or cropped.  You can choose a bold print or a more subdued print.  And they can be worn with neutrals, brights and, of course, other prints.

Here are some ways I’ve worn my printed pants:

Left: Tiny polka dots with paisley & leopard.          Right: Dark animal print with printed shirt.

Left: Vintage, checked pants with butterfly tunic.          Right: Floral pastel Ralph Lauren & gray.

And here are some of my favorite looks from Pinterest:

Left: This Time Tomorrow via Pinterest.           Right: Seersucker and Saddles via Pinterest

Left: Kayley Hyde via Pinterest               Right: Fashionablee Me via Pinterest

Love printed pants, but not sure where to find them?  Great news; they’re practically everywhere!  Because they are on-trend, many retailers are offering printed pant options, including in Tall and Plus sizes.  And, they’re also pretty easy to thrift; about half of my pairs are thrifted.

If thrifting isn’t your thing, here are some reasonably priced options that I’m currently loving:

Wit & Wisdom Indigo Floral Skinny - via Nordstrom

The Diva Skinny Ankle Pant - via Old Navy

Slim Cropped Print Pant - via Gap

Jessica Simpson "Kiss Me" Print Zip Ankle Pant - via Nordstrom

As you can see, there are many, many ways to wear a printed pant.  And many, many printed pants to choose from.  So, what do you say?  Will you be giving printed pants a try?

Happy Monday, All!

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.

Lacy Gracey

True story, I was almost named Lacey.  My mom wanted to name me Lacey but my dad wanted to name me Grace after his Aunt Grace.  So, they compromised and called me Gracey.

Today though, I am also lacy (this one’s for you, Mom):

Last time I wore this necklace (Old Navy), I wore it with oxblood and there wasn’t enough contrast between the two so the necklace sort of got hidden.  Today though, I wore it with a lace sweatshirt (Macy’s) and you can finally see the detail.

In addition to the lace-on-lace, I also wore flame cords (Target), houndstooth shoes (Old Navy, thrifted via Goodwill) and added a little turquoise with earrings, bracelets and a belt (Target).

I love this belt:

And I love that today is Friday. 

Also, did you all know the Super Bowl is Sunday?  Somehow I missed that.  I don’t really watch NFL though (I tend to watch more college football (mostly for the helmets)) so, I don’t think I’ll be watching the game.  How about you, Reader Friends?  Any big plans for Super Bowl Sunday?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Exact Target cords

Similar houndstooth shoes

Similar lace sweatshirt

Lace necklace

Exact Mossimo belt (Note: the belt is on clearance in stores for less than $4.00)

** 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.

Cruella

I can’t decide if these pants are oxblood or burgundy:

I think they’re probably burgundy because they seem to have more purple in them than oxblood does.  But, I’m calling them oxblood on the off chance that my readers expect me to be on the cutting edge of fashion.  I don’t think any of you do, but just in case, my pants are oxblood, not burgundy.  Tell your friends.

In addition to my oxblood cords (Banana Republic), I also wore a blue, collared shirt (thrifted) layered under a cream sweater (Liz Claiborne, thrifted) and houndstooth flats (Old Navy, thrifted).  Of course, by calling them oxblood and paring them with houndstooth, I feel like I'm a puppy capelet away from being Cruella De Vil.

Happy Friday, All!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

Easy, Colorful and Pants-y

It’s still Pants Weather here in Oregon, so I’m still wearing pants:

(Shop the Look**: Polka dot pants, I couldn't find a similar blouse, but I love the idea of using this striped scarf to create a similar look with a plain blouse, mustard cardigan and blue wedge sandals)

I wear these pants a lot.  I think they are, outside of a couple of pairs of shoes, the single item that I wore the most this summer.  Which is good.  I am trying to be more conscientious about buying clothes I will wear instead of clothes I could wear.  And I don’t just mean something I’ll wear once either; I want to have clothes that I can and will wear multiple times.

In addition to the oft-worn pants (LOFT), I also wore what’s rapidly become an oft-worn blouse (vintage via Vintage by the Pound).  I can’t seem to resist this blouse, because well, stripes and a bow, people, stripes and a bow.  I added a yellow cardigan (via my Mom), blue wedges (Franco Sarto, thrifted) and a few bracelets to complete the look.

And I liked it quite a bit; it was easy, colorful and pants-y; which is perfect for a Monday.  Especially this Monday.  I did master the Peter Pan in pole dancing class yesterday, but I am very sore and physically tired today.  Luckily I’m not back to working out until Jazzercise tomorrow.

How about you, Reader Friends?  How was your weekend?

Gracey

P.S. Sorry for the photo quality, we took them at a later time than usual and I was too tired (lazy) to figure out the lighting.


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