Maximum Swanning

It was very, very cold here today.  But, rather than complain, I decided to layer:

Specifically, I layered my LTS cape over a striped shirt and belted the whole thing with a studded belt:

All paired with a vintage skirt, tights and riding boots:

Cape: c/o Long Tall Sally  (similar)  Shirt: Gap
Belt: old Michael Michael Kors  Skirt: thrifted vintage (similar)  Boots: gifted (similar)

So, no, no complaining from me today.  Just maximum swanning.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Literary Stylings # 23: Obsidian

After much deliberation, I decided to base today's LitSty look on the two books of the Red Rising Trilogy, Red Rising and Golden Son:

As I said before, I wasn't actually familiar with these books prior to reading them.  I was just looking for something for my nephew and he's only 15 so I still like to pre-read any books I get for him.

And, as I also said before, I was very pleasantly surprised at how good these books are.  I won't say that Brown is the best writer, but the story is very, very good and he writes well enough to keep the reader engaged.

One thing I appreciate is how much though Brown put into the world he created.  In his version of the future, people are split into color-coded groups.  Each group has been genetically modified to do the work their group does.  Golds lead, Pinks were created for pleasure, Whites are the law, Grays are the military, Reds are the miners and Obsidians are the fighters.


Here is a hierarchy I found on Pinterest:

As you can see, Gold is at the very top and Red is at the very bottom.

The main character of the trilogy, Darrow, is a Red who finds out that although he and his people have been living underground in the mines, killing themselves to mine material so Mars can be terra-formed, it was already terra-formed hundreds of years ago and they're just slaves.

In his fight against the ruling Golds, Darrow is assisted by an Obsidian and for me, the story of the Obsidian group is one of the most fascinating of the book.  They also fought against the Golds once and as a result, the Golds took their technology, sending them back to the Middle Ages at best, and then set themselves up as Gods to the Obsidians.  They also did a bunch of other horrible stuff to them, effectually making them into killing machines to be used by the Golds to maintain their power.

Most of the groups have hair and eyes the color of their group; Reds have red hair and eyes.  Golds have golden hair and eyes and golden skin.  Obsidians, have paper-white skin and obsidian-black hair and eyes (and tattoos).


My outfit represents my fascination with the Obsidian story:

The black and white represents the Obsidians.  The bit of red represents the alliance with Darrow and his Obsidian.  And the leopard booties represent my belief that leopard is a neutral.

Poncho: Zara (save, splurge)  Tunic: Gap (similar)
Leggings: c/o Long Tall Sally (similar)  Shoes: Isola "Banner" Bootie

Sorry for the long post, but I really do appreciate the thought that Brown put into his books and wanted to share some of that with you.


But, enough about me; it's your turn!

An InLinkz Link-up

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

10/16/2015 Five for Friday: Ponchos

Ponchos started trending (again) heavily last fall, and they're back with a vengeance this year.  And, I, for one, am not complaining.  They're an easy, versatile piece (see styling tips at YLF), especially for fall.  Or, if you're lucky enough to have mild winters, they'll work all winter long.

Here are five of my current favorites:

1. Gap Stripe Poncho: I love the neutral colors of this poncho; it makes it easy to wear over all sorts of layering tops from denim button-downs to turtlenecks.

2. Vintage Crocheted Poncho: Looking for a lady-like poncho with vintage appeal?  Look no further than this crocheted piece from the etsy shop, The Retro Wardrobe.  It's honest-to-goodness vintage and handmade right down to the buttons.

3. Reversible Geometric Pattern Poncho: I love, love, love the pattern on this poncho.  And love the fact that it's reversible, so it's like getting two ponchos for the price of one.  Win-win!

4. Cuddle Climate Poncho: This poncho has a gorgeous red and gray color scheme and is perfect (perfect!) for wearing over my beloved turtlenecks.  I couldn't love it more.

5. eShakti Cape: You say poncho, they say cape.  Same thing.  Only, this version is a grown-up option more suited for work than for the pumpkin patch.  And I do recommend this cape for work; I have, and love, last year's version.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Will you be wearing a poncho this fall?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Fall Ready with Dryel

Sitting here with my neck sweating and my hair curling from the humidity might seem like an odd time to think about Fall, but I am.  Maybe it´s the fact that pumpkin beer is already available (I´m coming for you, Pumking!).  Or maybe it´s that retailers are rolling out their Fall lines.  Or maybe it´s just that I love Fall and am ready for it, especially after my first hot, sweaty summer in Pennsylvania.

Whatever it is, I´m ready to wear Fall clothes again.  Especially Fall layering pieces like this poncho from eShakti:

And that´s where Dryel comes in.

Dryel is perfect for pieces like ponchos because as an outside layering piece, they don´t get deep-clean-dirty, but, of course, you still want to refresh them from time to time.  In fact, as soon as it´s even remotely cold enough to do so, I´ll be pulling this poncho from storage, refreshing it with Dryel and wearing it pretty much everywhere.

In case you were curious yes, a poncho this size does fit easily into the Dryel bag, with enough room for the steam to do it´s work.  Now, the bag isn´t big enough for additional pieces with something this big, but given that a Dryel replacement kit is only $8.99 at retailers like Walmart, and cleans up to 30 pieces, you´re definitely still saving money over traditional dry cleaning.


What about you, Reader Friends?   Are you Fall ready?


Happy Saturday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday 7/10/15: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As I'm sure most, if not all, of you already know, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming up soon. Here are five of my favorites from the sale:

BP Tassel Trim Colorblock Poncho - Ponchos remain a big trend for fall and the longer length on this one is great if you're on the taller side.  The length will also allow it to be belted easily, making it super versatile.  Also, tassels!!

Hinge Lace Mix Top - This lace top is so pretty.  It's also perfect for cooler summer days and can be layered through fall.

Kate Spade New York Glitter Stud Earrings - These earrings have been on my list for a long time, but they were sold out.  I'm thrilled they're back and on sale!  Also, glitter!!

Topshop Button-Front Denim Skirt - The 70s are also a big trend for this coming fall, and this skirt is 70s to me in the best possible way.  Perfect with tights, boots and a turtleneck sweater.

Born "Helen" Boots - I purchased my beloved Born boots at a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in 2007 and they've finally given up the ghost.  I'm purchasing these as a replacement.


Now, the actual sale doesn't start until July 17th, but if you have a Nordstrom credit or debit card, you can shop my picks and all the other great stuff on sale right away!


Happy Shopping, All!

Gracey

Freshman Football

My sweet darling oldest nephew played freshman football this year.  He had never played before, but at 6'2" with a size 15 foot (he's only 14!) they thought he'd be an asset in the wide receiver position, so he played.  And he did wonderfully, especially for it being his first year and for him being in the middle of getting even taller which is very, very hard on the knees.

Unfortunately, the freshmen played on Thursdays and often at small, out-of-the-way country schools so I was only able to attend one game.  It was the last game of the season and they won (no doubt in no small part due to my presence).  This is what I wore:

I know the poncho isn't the most flattering piece of clothing ever, but it's orange!  And warm and comfy.  And orange!

It's sort of funny because it's a Target poncho, but I found it at Goodwill.  Sometimes I think perhaps I don't spend enough time in Target, which seems impossible, because I often find Target stuff in the thrift stores that I don't ever remember seeing in an actual Target.  Does that ever happen to you, Reader Friends?


So, as much as I'd like to be able to tell you that this is last year's Target or whatever, I really don't know.  I just know that it's warm, comfy and orange:

Oh, and, perfect for freshman football games, of course.



Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey