Pink, Orange & Pinkish-Orange

My skirt is orange.  It looks red in these pictures:

But, I swear, it's orange.



See?

Orange.



Although... that photo is a little misleading as well.  Because the skirt is not a true orange, it's a sort of reddish-orange, much like my shoes are a pinkish-orange:

Or, you know, coral.  Whatever.

Sweater: Nordstrom  Skirt: Ann Taylor (also similar)
Shoes: Lollipops (similar coral, sadly not studded)

You can call these colors whatever you'd like; I call them well-paired.



Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday: Multi Stripe

Earlier today I posted about one of my favorite Spring trends, the Multi Stripe trend.  I love that this trend is fun and colorful and bold.  And, also surprisingly versatile; multi stripes can be worn in a variety of pieces, all of which pack a definite punch.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Melody Multi Stripe Midi Dress - I love the mix of colors in these stripes and the length is even long enough for my tall self!  It's a perfect representation of this trend and a perfect piece for summer.

2. LOFT Strappy Cami - Don't let the strappiness of this top put you off. I have a couple of these types of tops from LOFT and they're very wearable and easily layered for work.

3. Topshop Deckchair Midi Skirt - The mix of chevron stripes and vertical stripes adds even more interest to this pretty skirt.  I'd pair it with a simple black silk blouse and chunky sandals.

4. Ralph Lauren Sofia Striped Scarf - This is such a cheery scarf, I absolutely love the color scheme.  It's the perfect piece for an overcast Spring days.

5. J. Crew Underwire Halter One Piece - Like the dress, the mix of colors in this suit is unexpected but perfect.  And the variation of the width of the stripes has a surprising slimming effect.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Brightly Striped

The weather has been pretty gloomy here in Pittsburgh this week so I thought I'd wear something bright:

Is it a lot of look?  Yes.  Do I look like I should be riding on a rainbow-maned horse named Starlight with my Sprite best friend, Twink?  Probably also yes.  But, I love this look.


Nothing combats the gloom and doom of stormy spring days like a brightly striped sweater and an even more brightly colored skirt:

Cardigan: Lands' End  Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Old Navy (similar)   Sandals: Camper (similar)

Trust me folks, there's nothing better.  Sure, you may look like you abandoned the Color Kids and got a grown up job in an office.  But, it'll still make you smile.



Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Better Shiny Than Sorry

I have a lot of cropped pants in my closet.  And a lot of stripes.  So, I figured I'd wear them together:

With a little bit of shine to keep my neutral outfit from being too boring:

Just kidding.  There is no way a waist this high is boring.  It's just flat out glorious.  And stripes aren't boring either.  They're classic.  And awesome.



But, still, you can't go wrong with a little shine:

Shirt: old LOFT (similar)  Pants: Ann Taylor
Necklace: Piperlime (similar)  Belt: LOFT (similar)  Sandals: Isola 'Lisinda'

Because, you know what they say, "Better shiny than sorry."  And if they don't say that, they should.



Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Because They Go With Everything

I'm wearing those blue pants again:

Why?  Well, mostly because they're blue, but also because I think they really might truly go with everything.



I mean, I've worn them with peach, with a dark floral print and today with whatever color this is.

Scarf: thrifted silk (similar)  Sweater: LOFT (similar)
Pants: Gap (similar)  Shoes: v. old Corso Como (similar)

And I added some additional color with the scarf:

I'm telling you, Folks.  Blue pants.  Because they go with everything.



Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Pleats, Stripes and Brights

I thrifted this vintage pleated skirt the other day and couldn't wait to wear it:

Happily, the weather cooperated and I was able to pair it with a striped tee and colorful flats instead of tights and boots:

I mean, it's not that I don't love my tights and boots.  I do.  But these flats are just so much fun:

So bright flats it is:

Tee: Old Navy (similar)  Skirt: thrifted vintage (similar)
Earrings: local Portland craftsman (similar)  Shoes: Via Spiga "Pallas 2" Flats

And pleats.  And stripes.  All the good things.



Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Shoe Review: LTS "Bali" Block Heel Sandals

These are my new sandals, courtesy of Long Tall Sally:

LTS "Bali" Block Heel Sandals

And, I have to tell you, they are perfect.  I know they don't look like much, just a simple leather sandals with a low block heel, but these are, hands-down, the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn.  I've worn them several times already with nary an ache or a blister.

As thrilled as I am with the comfort aspect of these sandals, what I like best is that they don't make my large feet look even larger.  Perfectly flat sandals can often make feet look bigger, which, at a size 10, is not something I need.  The slight, oh-so-walkable heel on these sandals keep my feet from looking even bigger.

Additionally, thin straps on sandals can make toes look long, which, again, can make your feet look bigger.  The front strap on these sandals is just wide enough to keep my toes from looking too long.  And, the ankles straps cross at the perfect place on my leg so I'm not sacrificing any of my well-earned (okay, genetically gifted) height.

This last bit is important to me not because I'm afraid of looking shorter, but because I wear a lot of clothes that are proportionally challenging which can be stumpifying.  Like my beloved midi dresses and skirts as well as my new go-to, wide leg crops.  The strap placement on these makes them perfect for all my potentially leg-shortening looks.


Like these cropped pants:

Tunic: LOFT  Pants: Old Navy
Scarf: thrifted (similar save, splurge)  Shoes: "Bali" Sandals c/o LTS

See?  Perfect.  Because of the strap placement, I'm still showing "enough" ankle that I don't end up a victim of what I like to call "The Crisco Effect" (i.e. artificial shortening).



In addition to my crops and the Bali sandals, I'm also wearing a striped tunic and a thrifted scarf:

Not for nothing, but white-on-white is a tricky as black-on-black.  I think this only works because the tunic is slightly sheer.  Otherwise it's totally a mismatched mess.



But even then, it wouldn't have been a total loss because, you know, cute sandals:

Just one of, I might add, several very cute pairs of shoes introduced as part of Long Tall Sally's "If the Shoe Fits" campaign.  As I'm sure most of you know, LTS specializes in cute, wearable, stylish shoes for women who wear sizes 10 to 15.  Sizes that, at most other retailers, can be impossible to find.  If you are large of foot, I strongly recommend you stop by Long Tall Sally for your spring footwear needs.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday: Fiesta!

Of course, today's Five for Friday had to be all about my favorite Pantone color for this Spring, Fiesta!  I love this orange-y red hue and think it's perfect for the season.  And retailers seem to think so as well; there are a LOT of Fiesta pieces on the market right now.


Here are five of my favorites:

1. J. Crew Peacock Diamond Scarf - I love lightweight scarves for Spring and even wear them into Summer to battle the air conditioning at work.  This one will work with everything from a chambray shirtdress to a white tee.

2. Madewell "Transport" Fringe Tote - Totes just seem like the easiest, best, least fussy option for a summer bag.  This one is roomy and has handles long enough to throw over your shoulder, but short enough to carry in your hand.  Basically, it's perfect.

3. Bettye by Bettye Muller "Buzz" Sandals - I don't know what it is about Bettye Muller, but she totally has my number when it comes to shoes.  I love the walk-able block heel and the amazing print on these.  They're a bit of a splurge, but one I will probably make.

4. L. Erickson "Grace" Crystal Stud Earrings - I am a huge proponent of big ol' stud earrings and think this pair is the perfect way to add a little Fiesta to a look.

5. eShakti Crepe Midi Skirt - So, Fiesta and Navy?  A match made in heaven.  As is demonstrated on this fabulous eShakti skirt.  Not in the market for a skirt?  This print is also available on their Allison dress and this belted dress.


How about you, Reader Friends?  Are you feeling this color as much as I am?


xoxo,

Gracey

It's Not Red, It's Fiesta!

My sweater is not red:

It's Fiesta!!  At least that's what Pantone says.  And I'm not going to argue because calling this sweater Fiesta (!) makes this outfit sound more interesting than it probably is.



Which isn't to say it's boring.  The combination of fiesta (!) and olive is a fairly interesting one.  And the non-matching-but-totally-going scarf is fun:

But, it's mostly the sweater:

Sweater: LOFT  Scarf: secondhand (similar)
Pants: Gap   Shoes: Steve Madden 'Eleanorr' Flats

Because, well, Fiesta!



Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Optimistic Ankle Baring

After a wet, cold, rainy & sometimes snowy patch, I think Spring may finally be here.  In fact, I'm so optimistic about it, that I brought out my ankles:

As everyone knows, optimistic ankle baring is one of the first true signs of Spring.


I chose to bare my ankles with these bright blue pants:

I love these pants.  I bought them on a whim, because they were blue.  I was uncertain of how versatile they'd be, but I want to wear them with everything.  Do they go with everything?  Maybe, maybe not.  But I want to wear them with everything.


And they certainly go with this dark floral blouse:

Blouse: Nordstrom Rack  Belt: v.old Macys
Pants: Gap (similar) Shoes: Via Spiga "Nalo" Wedge

But, I'm pretty sure they'll go with a bunch of other stuff too.  In fact, I imagine we'll be seeing exposed ankles all season long.


Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Aubergine and Ice

Ice blue, that is:

Now, we did have actual ice, and snow, over the weekend, but today is warmer.  Not actually warm, mind you, which is why I'm back in tights, but warmer for sure:

Warm enough for me to at least make the effort to incorporate a spring-y color like this ice blue into my outfit:

Even though it's April, we haven't had much in the way of spring weather here yet in Pittsburgh so I'm defaulting to my darker winter colors.  I mean, I want to wear pretty spring things but did I mention that it snowed on Friday?


Still, today's mix of aubergine and ice blue felt like a successful way to incorporate more spring-like colors into my still winter-y wardrobe:

Jacket: Gap (similar)  Blouse: LOFT (similar)
Skirt: Lands' End (similar) Boots: Franco Sarto "Eminent"

What about you, Reader Friends?  Are you well into spring or are you still mixing spring and winter pieces?


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday: Iced Coffee

For today's Five for Friday, I decided to tackle one of the Pantone colors that I am not all that excited about, Iced Coffee.  This was one of this season's colors that, when announced, I was like, "yeah... but no thanks."  But, I'm working on being an equal opportunity color wearer so I poked around the interwebs for some Iced Coffee items that were wearable to my bright-loving self.

And, I have great news.  There are wearable Iced Coffee items available; items like these:

1. Panacea Smoky Crystal Earrings - So, it turns out that I rather like Iced Coffee, as long as it has a little shimmer and shine like these earrings.

2. eShakti Vine Print Dress - And, Iced Coffee as part of a print is definitely do-able, especially on a midi dress like this one.  The sleeves aren't my favorite, but, it's eShakti, so you can change them if you want!

3. LOFT Linen Cotton Sweater - If I were to ever do a solid piece in Iced Coffee it would be something like this simple, lightweight sweater.

4. Urban Originals Feather Print Scarf - Again, I like this color best in a print and think this pairing with fuchsia and orange is gorgeous.

5. Vince Camuto "Lavette" Booties - This is probably my favorite iteration of Iced Coffee.  If you're looking for a neutral summer shoe, I think these are just perfect.  And on-trend in all the ways.


What about you, Reader Friends?  What are your feelings on Iced Coffee?  Wearable, or just for drinking?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

In Between

Today I'm wearing an in between outfit due to our in between weather:

It's not cold, per se, but it's raining.  And it's not warm, but they've turned on the air conditioning in the office, I guess because it was warm yesterday?  I don't even know.


All I know is that somehow a maxi with sleeves and ankle boots, with bare legs but with a scarf, makes perfect sense.


Even my booties fit the in between theme:

The color and the perforations make them seasonally appropriate, but they still help keep my feet kind of warm.

Dress: v. old Nordstrom Rack (similar sleeved, similar sleeveless)
Scarf: Victory Garden Yarn Skipjack Cowl  Booties: Vince Camuto "Campina"

Because on these in between days, I don't need to be kept warm-warm, just kind of warm.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Floral and Chambray

This may be my ideal Spring outfit:

Wrinkled-but-still-cute vintage dress?  Check.

Chambray blazer?  Check.

Caramel-colored boots?  Check.


Also, not for nothing, but I think this chambray blazer may be my wardrobe's jean jacket:

By which I mean the piece I will throw over any- and everything all season long.  I can't do regular denim jackets.  They make me look like a box.  And not like a cute little jewelry box with a ballerina inside.  No.  Like a denim box that a refrigerator was shipped in that now makes an awesome fort.  That kind of box.


But, the chambray blazer?  This I can do:

Blazer: LOFT (this season's version)
Dress: thrifted vintage (similar)  Boots: Enzo Angiolini "Colston"

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey