9/4/15 Five for Friday: Marsala

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today I'm back to featuring one of Pantone's colors for Fall 2015, Marsala:

As I said in this post, Marsala isn't one of my favorite colors for this fall.  It's a little weak and dusty for me; I like my colors more saturated.  And that is why, as you can see, I cheated a bit with my Marsala picks above, choosing some pieces with a deeper hue than the swatch.  But, still, they're mostly Marsala.  Mostly.


1. MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Backpack - This is my favorite true Marsala piece because I adore the studs and the sporty-luxe feel.

2. Modcloth Casual Composure Cardigan - Okay, this isn't really Marsala, but it's really pretty and practically Marsala.  And, it looks cozy as heck and is offered up to size 4x so I had to include it!

3. Nordstrom 'Luxe Animal' Scarf - I know this looks as though it's more burgundy than Marsala, but it's not.  Those spots are Marsala surrounded by burgundy so it's totes appropriate.  And totes pretty.

4. Jamberry Nail Wrap in Marsala Sky - I love the touches of gold on this wrap as well as the graphic nature of the design.  I may not love Marsala but I'd absolutely rock this mani.

5. BP. Felt Floppy Hat - Yes, okay, fine, this hat is burgundy.  But that ribbon trim is Marsala.  And it's the perfect hat for fall.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Will you be wearing Marsala or sticking to burgundy this fall?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

A Little Wine With That Cheese

Someone the other day made the comment that I have a big, cheesy smile.  This is true.  I do.  And, I figured if I was putting all this cheese out, I should offer some wine too.  So here you go:

Get it?  I'm wearing a wine-colored outfit.  Yeah, my sense of humor is pretty cheesy too.  But, this outfit isn't, right?  It's kind of great?  I always forget how flattering monochromatic looks can be, as I tend towards a riot of color and prints, but this is almost slimming:

Skirt and Sweater: thrifted  Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors "Bromley"  Necklace: Macy's

In real life, the skirt and the sweater aren't actually as similar in color as they appear in pictures.  In fact, I thought the skirt might be radiant orchid, but it really is reading as wine (or burgundy or oxblood) in these photos.  Which is cool . It helps the title make sense.

Also, because I really don't do monochromatic, I added some color with my earrings:

They're vintage Mexican silver (via Lil' Gypsy) and I think they're a lovely addition to my otherwise monochromatic look.

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

The Pants Formerly Known as Oxblood

Last year at this time, these pants were my "oxblood" cords.  This fall, they are my "wine" cords:

Because, apparently, oxblood is out this year.  That's not to say this color is out.  No, if you added something in this color to your wardrobe last year, rest assured you can continue to wear it this fall and winter.  But, you will need to refer to it as wine, otherwise you'll look dated. Heaven forfend.

Today I paired my oxblood wine cords (Banana Republic, similar) with a peach sweater (thrifted, similar).  I added a pair of dark teal velvet flats (Old Navy, similar) and a wool floral scarf (gifted, similar) to tie it all together.

Or something like that. 

Remember, kids; wine, not oxblood.

And have a happy Tuesday,

Gracey

Why Not Try: Oxblood?

This fall, why not try oxblood?  Sure, it’s the most unappealing sounding trend since underwear as outerwear, but it’s actually quite nice.  So, what is oxblood?  Oxblood is a deep, reddish brown hue similar to burgundy:

Pantone Oxblood Swatch - Image via Amazon.com

And it is a huge color trend for fall. Personally, I love oxblood for fall because unlike some trends (again, underwear as outerwear comes to mind), I think this one is extremely wearable.  It’s also versatile, easy to find, and easy to thrift.  

Take, for example, these oxblood (yes, I’ve referred to them in the past as burgundy, but I guess this year we’re calling them oxblood; just go with it) “nun shoes” (Naya “Jada” via Nordstrom): 

Image via Shoes.com

I bought them last fall and I wear them all the time.  I wear them most often with gray and black because they add just the right bit of color.  But, you don’t have to go dark; oxblood also looks fabulous with blush, cream and teal.  Most recently, I paired it with bright yellow and navy blue:

In addition to being versatile, oxblood really is easy to find, both in retail stores and thrift stores.  Aside from my Naya shoes, all of the rest of the oxblood in my closet has been thrifted.  But, if thrifting isn’t your thing, here are some pieces that I like for fall.

Mossimo Women’s Elbow Sleeve Ponte Dress:

Image via Target

I think this is a great dress and if you want to see just how great it is on a real person, my girl, Sal, rocks it here.

Banana Republic Skinny Cords:

Image via Banana Republic

I have these in mustard and they fit wonderfully; so much so that I just ordered them in the burgundy oxblood.  (Also, you can get 30% off today and tomorrow with the code, THANKYOU).

Topshop Peplum Tank:

Image via Nordstrom

Unfortunately this tank is only available up to size 12 and runs a full size small, but it’s an otherwise great way to combine two trends in one.

eShakti “Vintage Ponte Knit Dress”:

Image via eShakti

I think I may be sort of obsessed with this dress.  I want very badly to wear it layered over a turtleneck with tights and boots. 

Naya “Jada” Pumps:

Image via Shoes.com

Yep, they’re still available and they’re still awesome.

MARC by Marc Jacobs “Too Hot to Handle” Shopper:

Image via Nordstrom

Yes, it is crazy expensive, but it’s also too pretty not to be included.

Still not loving oxblood?  Try calling it burgundy or Bordeaux (ooh, fancy) and see if that doesn’t change your mind.

And have a Happy Monday!

Gracey

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