Form Over Function

The cut on this cardigan is definitely one of form over function:

As I said before about it, the buttons are essentially superfluous, forcing me to wear it open.  Therefore I can't wear it on really cold days because my entire front will freeze.


Happily, it hasn't bothered to be really cold here in Pennsylvania for this entire week.  In fact, it's been gorgeous and I won't even need the cardigan by this afternoon.  In the meantime though, it's perfect:

And the chevron pattern on the cardigan pairs perfectly with my layered chevron necklace:

So even though the cut is mostly impractical and the buttons are nonsensical at best, I have to say that this cardigan looks pretty cool:

Cardigan: A&Ro (similar)  Blouse: Old Navy
Necklace: Piperlime (similar)  Jeans: Gap  Boots: v. old Gap (similar)

And with that, Dear Readers, I'm happy to say I've discovered the secret of form over function: it looks cool but your belly gets cold.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Late Spring Layers

On Monday, it was 91 degrees here in PA.  In two days, it dropped 30 degrees and we're now in the high 50s, low 60s.  I don't mind though.  One, the heat is NOT a dry heat; in fact, it is a sweaty, gross heat that makes me sad.  And two, it gives me the opportunity to pull out some late spring layers:

The layer I'm most excited about is this cream moto:

I got a great deal on it because I bought it super late in the season, but that also meant that it was basically too late in the season to wear it much.  So, when the temperatures dropped, I knew I had to take the opportunity to break it out.

Happily, it worked out quite nicely with my not-quite-a-maxi dress and my suede boots:

Unhappily, I think it'll be the last time it makes it onto the blog for awhile; I believe we're supposed to be back up to 80 by this weekend.  Hot, sweaty 80.  Yuck.


Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

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The Snow Sweater

Back in Oregon, this would be considered a Christmas sweater and I wouldn't dare wear it past the holidays.  But, here in Pennsylvania, this is a snow sweater and I'm going to get at least two more months of wear out of this bad boy:

And I couldn't be happier.  This sweater is so corny, I love it!

Earrings: Modcloth  Similar sweaters: Modcloth, Etsy, Etsy, Etsy, Etsy

Deer and a giant snowflake?  Thank you, Mr. Lauren!  (It's thrifted Ralph Lauren Polo, hopefully from the 80s).


Seriously, it's so bad.  But, it goes great with my polka dot skirt:

Skirt: Macys (similar)  Tights: SPANX  Boots: Lucky Brand (similar)

Hooray for polka dots and snow sweaters!

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Fuzzy and Plaid

My vintage coat is both fuzzy and plaid:

Coat: thrifted, vintage (similar splurge) (similar save)
Dress: Land's End   Boots: Piperlime (similar)

That's right.  Fuzzy and plaid.


It's basically the best of both worlds:

Earrings: Moorea Seal

I found it on one of my trips to Goodwill in Oregon and knew I had to have it.  I mean, honestly, who can resist fuzzy and plaid?

Not this gal, that's for sure.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Donuts, Not Layers

Although I love layers, I don't always feel like I do them well.  It can be hard with my build to wear a layered look without adding bulk.  Especially around the midsection where everything converges (shirt, sweater, waistband).  But, I think I nailed it with this look:

I wish the pictures were better, but it was pouring the day I wore this because, well, Oregon.  But, really, this is probably my most successful attempt at layering ever.  I even layered my collar with a necklace!

Yeah, this is definitely my best layering ever.



I mean, just look:

Top: c/o Foxcroft (similar) Skirt: Thrifted  Sweater: Piperlime
Necklace: Macys  Tights: SPANX  Boots: Born Crown

The only bulk around that midsection there is due to donuts (I really like the chocolate cake kind), not due to layers.

Donuts, Folks, not layers.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Five for Fall: Plaid

As I mentioned earlier this fall, I'm doing a series of posts on trends that I'm excited for.  The first was Animals and the second is Plaid.

That's right, plaid is big again this fall and I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled.  One of the reasons I like plaid is because it's both classic and on trend, depending on the colors and application.  Another reason I like it is because it works for those who love color and those who prefer a more somber palette.  And I love it because there are options other than flannel shirts in case "lumberjack chic" isn't your thing!


Here are some of my favorites for this fall:

Clockwise from the top:

Gap Festive Plaid Car Coat - I love this coat for winter, it's a classic print but the solid sleeves make it modern.  Available in Tall as well.

Dear Creatures Dress - I love the mix of plaids on this dress and the tasteful cut-outs.  Available in sizes up to 4x.

Gap Plaid Always Skinny Jeans - I have these jeans (worn here) and highly recommend them; they are super comfortable.  Available in Tall as well.

JOA Brushed Plaid Vest - Sleeveless coats, i.e. vests, continue to be popular this season and this one is perfect to wear with skinny jeans and boots.

Press Plaid Peplum Coat - This is a great example of a modern plaid piece.  The bright colors and the peplum cut are very now and very cute!

Kohl's Plaid Scarf - I know I poked fun at oversized plaid scarves, but I couldn't resist this one.  It's blue!

ModCloth Plaid Flats - If you have mild winters and love adorable flats, these are the shoes for you.

Betsey Johnson Fit & Flare Sweater Dress - Quite possibly the best sweater dress ever.  Not a lot of sizes left, but what sizes there are are on sale!

And for more of my favorite plaid pieces and inspiration on how to rock it this fall, check out my Mad for Plaid Pinterest board!

What about you, Reader Friends?  Is there any plaid in your wardrobe this fall?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Same Dress, Different Vest

I like to wear this dress with vests:

Dress: Gap  Vest: Piperlime  Sandals: Seychelles  Necklace: LOFT

Mostly because the dress is racer back and although the only summer-wear we've been cautioned against at work are cut-offs and tube tops, I have my doubts about the professionalism of a racer back dress.  So, I layer it with vests.

Last time it was a flowing cream vest.  Today it is this olive vest:

Speaking of this olive vest, I was worried that it was too short for my long-ish torso, but it works better on me than I'd hoped.  It also looks good with my chunky LOFT necklace:

I love the combination of olive and turquoise. And angel wings:

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

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Similar dress

Similar vest

Seychelles sandals

Similar necklace (save, splurge)

Similar earrings

Splurge vs. Save - Speckled Flats

The other day I was invited by Credit Card Insider to participate in their "Splurge vs. Save" campaign, and, as saving is a cause near and dear to my thrifty heart, I agreed!

My most recent "save" happens to be my lovely speckled Steve Madden flats:

Steve Madden "Vyperr" via Piperlime

I love these shoes, but, did you know that this pair wasn't my first choice?  No, my first choice was a beautiful 3.1 Phillip Lim D'Orsay pair.  That pair?  $355.00.  I also liked the loafer offering, but they were even more expensive!

Now, I don't know about you, but for me, dropping $350 on a pair of flats is definitely a splurge.  Enter Steve Madden and the Piperlime sale section:

Left: 3.1 Phillip Lim "Devon" Flats     Right: 3.1 Phillip Lim "Page" Loafers
Bottom: Steve Madden "Vyperr" via Piperlime

That's right, I found my flats for a mere fraction of the price of the 3.1 Phillip Lim flats!  And I couldn't be happier with my "save"!

What about you, Reader Friends?  Have you found any good "saves" recently?

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Speckled

I actually wore this outfit on Friday:

Which is why many of you have already seen my new, adorably speckled shoes on Instagram.  For those who aren't following me on Instagram (you should, you know), here they are:

Steve Madden "Vyperr" flats via Piperlime

These shoes are so fun.  And versatile; you can have a Cruella De Vil moment in them, a Jackson Pollock moment, or a tiny cow moment.

Or, you know, you can just wear them with rolled jeans and a vintage top:

Oh, and with long, dangly earrings, of course!

Betsy & Iya earrings via Mabel & Zora

See?  Versatile.

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Gap Real Straight skimmer jeans

Similar black top

Steve Madden flats

Similar earrings

May Flowers

April showers bring May flowers, right?  Well, we're currently having some May showers, but I still wore some flowers:

Sweater: Vintage   Dress as skirt: Old Navy  Flats: Piperlime

I am obsessed with this vintage sweater.  It is pink and embroidered and possibly twee as hell, but I love it.

I just think the embroidered flowers are fabulous:

And I like it paired with the black and white stripes, they may just save it from being twee as hell.  But, I'm not sure I like it paired with these black and white stripes.  I think the proportions may be slightly off.  The sweater either needs to be shorter or the skirt longer (or both?):

I think I'll pair it again with stripes next time, but with a midi and see if that fixes the issue.

Happy Monday, All!  And don't forget to link up here tomorrow for Literary Stylings!

Gracey