Like A Real Blogger

I feel almost like a real blogger today:

 

Layers?  Check.  Awkward skirt length coupled with awkward boot height?  Check.  Blogger bun (sans the sock)?  Check.  

Of course, I should probably be wearing a statement necklace, probably the J. Crew Bubble, instead of my tasseled pendant.  And I probably should have tripled the guest list to my arm party.  And I’m missing a clutch to hold across my body.  Oh, and I should probably be staring pensively into the distance instead of smiling.

But, really, those small missteps aside, I think I came pretty darn close to real blogger-ness today.  The formula?  Loose gray midi dress (thrifted) + open-weave, button-back sweater (Old Navy) + cuffed, heeled boots (Gap).  And of course accessories; mine are a pendant necklace (Old Navy) + bracelets (Banana Republic, gifted and Macys) + earrings (Target).

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

Pinspiration: Stripes and Tropical Florals

One of the trends I loved most this summer was bold, tropical prints.  That love led me to Pin this picture:

Image via stylecaster.com

Pattern mixing with a tropical floral?  Yes, please!

When I first Pinned this look, I didn’t have the pieces to recreate it.  But then, during my Nosh Opping Expedition, I saw the perfect jacket (with a matching skirt) at a local Goodwill.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t buy it, what with the shopping ban and all, but my friend Alex, being the best friend ever, later went back and bought it for me! 

And so, it is the result of my friend’s generosity that present to you my version of the above Pinspired look:

My jacket is vintage, thrifted and gifted (thanks, Alex!!) and my striped tee is Old Navy.  Cocoa-colored short shorts don’t exist in my wardrobe so I wore rolled jeans (Gap Always Skinny, sized up) instead.  And I added a patent belt (Nine West), pointy-toe pumps (thrifted), a turquoise bracelet (gifted) and coral earrings (Crafty Wonderland).

Here is a close-up on the print on my jacket:

 

Now if I can just find a way to wear the matching skirt…

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

Speaking of Fall

In the comments for yesterday’s post, blogger-friend Nico asked me what was on my wish list for fall.  Even though I’m the first to admit that I certainly don’t need any clothes for fall (or any other season), I do have a fall wish list.  And it’s huge.  I started keeping lists of “holes” in my closet as a way to help control my shopping.  Because, as my Nosh Opping Expedition showed, left to my own devices, I will continue to buy black skirts even though I already own five.  So, I figured a list, which did not include a black skirt, would help keep me on track.

It hasn’t.  I mean, sure, I haven’t purchased another black skirt since the Great Purge of 2012, but I’ve purchased other items that aren’t on my list.  In fact, I think I purchase more things that are not on my list than are.  Because I have no discipline.  There it is.  I said it.  I’m undisciplined.

So, what does this undisciplined giant want for fall?  Well, here are some items from my list:

·         Rust skinnies (skinny is best for tucking into boots)

·         Burgundy skinnies (ditto)

·         Mustard skinnies (my mustard skinnies were purged due to size issues)

·         Gingham shirt (I don’t wear a lot of gingham, but I feel like I want to start)

·         Bold striped l/s tee or sweater (for wearing under a blazer)

·         Heeled loafers (it took me awhile but I’m finally firmly on board with these)

·         Green pumps (Callie from Coffee & Cardigans has a pair that prompted this addition to the list)

·         Cap toe flats (I’m slightly obsessed with cap toes)

Really, though, those are only some of the items I have listed; my wish list in its entirety is ridiculously big.  Why is it so big when I freely admit that I don’t really need more clothes?  Well, because I figured if I put every possible thing on my wish list, then when I bought something I could say it’s on the list.  Yes, it is a little like cheating, isn't it?

But, enough of that nonsense, let's take a look at what I've purchased for fall so far, shall we? 

A rose-gold sweater (not on the list):

Remain Metallic Sweater - image via Nordstrom

I couldn't find the rose-gold version of this sweater online, but that's the one I bought and I love it.  Ostensibly I bought it because metallics are big for fall and that was supposed to excuse the fact that I didn't have a metallic anything on my list.  Mostly though, I just really like shiny stuff.

A denim shirt (actually on the list):

Caslon Long-Sleeve Shirt - Image via Nordstrom

I've been looking, unsuccessfully, for a denim shirt for ages.  I finally found this one and it's perfect.  It's cut close to the body and although the model has the sleeves pushed up, it is long sleeve and the sleeves are actually long enough for my giant self. 

Polka dot skinnies (not on the list):

Wit and Wisdom - Image via Nordstrom

I'm pretty sure my not having polka dot skinnies on my list was just an oversight.  I mean, really.  Also, yes, I do plan on wearing these with my denim shirt.

Cap toe wedges (actually on the list):

Bandolino "Tijah" Cap Toe Wedge - Image via DSW

I wasn't kidding about being obsessed with cap toe shoes.  And I adore the color combination on this pair.

So, I guess I’m not totally undisciplined.  I’m half disciplined.  And I don’t know about you, but that feels like progress to me.  Now if I can just continue to resist the lure of black skirts…

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Jumping the Gun

It was less than 80 degrees here in Oregon today, so I wore boots and a scarf:

Yes, I’m jumping the gun a bit for fall, but, unlike the Olympics, I think bloggers get two false starts, so I won’t be disqualified when fall actually arrives.  Besides, it’s still kind of summery because my dress (vintage, thrifted) is sleeveless, the infinity scarf (Plato’s Closet) is lightweight, and the boots (Steve Madden) are lighter colored.

Make no mistake though, I am ready for fall.  I’ve been Pinning fall outfits like crazy on my Fall Ready Already board, I’ve been longingly petting my riding boots and I’ve already started planning fall outfits.  All of this in spite of the fact that summer came late to Oregon; but, apparently two weeks of 90+ degree weather is all I need to be over summer.

How about you, Reader Friends?  Are you ready for fall?

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

The Plain Gray Tee

Have you ever noticed how much is written about the plain white tee?  It’s practically iconic thanks in part to that timeless sexpot, James Dean.

James Dean looking undeniably cool in a plain white tee.

Nearly every fashion magazine lauds the plain white tee as “cool” and “effortless.”  It has a band named after it.  And it’s recommended as a wardrobe staple to be paired with everything from jeans to suits to full skirts.

Kate Bosworth; image via People Style Watch

Well, I’m here to celebrate the plain white tee’s cousin, the oft-overlooked plain gray tee.  I don’t know why more isn’t written about the plain gray tee.  It’s easily as versatile as the plain white tee and obviously a favorite of my favorite timeless sexpot, Marlon Brando.

Brando and a plain gray tee in A Streetcar Named Desire

And yet it gets no love.  Well, dear, sweet, awesome Plain Gray Tee, I love you.  I think you’re great.  Last week I paired one of you with floral printed pants.  And today, I’ve paired another of you with a mocha-colored skirt:

Look how good you look with that skirt, Plain Gray Tee; far more interesting that a plain white tee would have been.  I mean, think about it.  Everyone expects a plain white tee in unexpected places; but no one expects a plain gray tee.  Can’t you just hear the comments now?   “Quelle surprise!  That plain gray tee (Target) is so exciting and unusual with that mocha-colored skirt (vintage, thrifted), owl belt (Ross) and ankle-strap flats (Hive & Honey via Piperlime)."

So, don’t worry, Plain Gray Tee, stick with me and together we’ll topple the plain white tee’s colorless regime.

Gracey