A Monday Aesthetic

I'm wondering if this outfit actually fits:

Because, looking at these pictures, everything seems to me to be slightly too big.  Except the boots, of course, they're perfect.


Maybe it's just the cardigan that's throwing me off; it's extremely rare that I have to cuff my sleeves because they're too long:

Or, maybe it's just the proportions.  Maybe the cardigan would look better with a more fitted skirt:

Cardigan: Target  Blouse: LOFT (similar)
Skirt: thrifted vintage (similar cord, similar wool)  Boots: Enzo Angiolini "Colston"

No. You know what?  Now that I think about it, slightly-too-big actually seems like the right aesthetic for a Monday.



Happy Monday, 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

Wind and Rain and Pleats

Today's look was supposed to be all about this pleated skirt:

But, it was hijacked by the wind and rain:

I mean, I tried my best to maintain my composure, but trying to keep this skirt in check just made me laugh:

It's too bad really, because this print really is great when it not being blurred by wind and rain:

See?  Such a great print when in focus.



And perfect with this navy sweater:

Skirt: thrifted vintage  Sweater: Gap
Necklace: LOFT (similar)  Boots: Enzo Angiolini

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Three Ways to Work a Too Short Maxi

When you are tall, things are often too short for you.  Sometimes those things are things you really, really like.  It's certainly better now than it was when I was growing up, but there's still a good chance that something you like isn't available in Tall.

So, what's a tall girl to do when she finds, oh, let's say a maxi dress, that she really, really likes but isn't available in Tall.  Well, what I do is buy that bad boy anyway, especially when it's a great price at Nordstrom Rack!  And then I figure out how to work it, too short or not.

Don't Sweat It
The easiest way to rock a too-short maxi is to not worry about it being too short.  Just throw on a big necklace and some flat sandals and no one will even notice your maxi isn't actually maxi length:

Do I look worried that my maxi is too short?  No, I look thrilled that my necklace is made of fringe.  And win.  It's fringed win.


Make Time for Tea
If my first suggestion made you think "But, Gracey, I'll notice it's not proper maxi length and I couldn't possibly go out of doors in a maxi dress that's not proper maxi length" then this next tip is for you.

Instead of flat sandals, go high.  Higher heels add more space between your hem and the ground, effectively making the dress appear to be tea length:

Tea?  Don't mind if I do.  I'll take it with some almond-coconut milk and honey if you please.


Make it a Midi
If you love the print on your too-short maxi but don't like either of the above suggestions, perhaps making the dress into a midi will work.  What's that?  You don't sew?  Me neither.  Which is why I came up with a no sew way to make it a midi.  By knotting both sides of my maxi, I can take the length up to midi territory:

This trick works best on thin fabric (my dress is rayon) and is maybe not the best if you need to escape from zombies or anything.  The tied sides definitely limit your ability to run.


Still prefer your maxi to be actual maxi length?  That's cool; I respect that and I'd therefore recommend Long Tall Sally (I like this one and this one) and Alloy (I like this one); both carry truly long maxi dresses.

Happy Monday Thursday, All!

Gracey

Get the Look

Similar too-short maxi (save or splurge)

Exact heeled sandals

Exact flat sandals

Similar fringe necklace

SIA: The Floor Scrapers

This is Jess' (of Animated Cardigan) pick for today's SIA and it is fantastic:

The Floor Scrapers (Les Raboteurs de Parquet) by Gustave Caillebotte 

I was taken both by the strong stripe motif, and the curlicues found both in the window grate and the shavings on the floor.  Eventually, however, I decided to go with stripes:

Stripes on stripes.

Oh, and, I also added some wooden earrings:

How's that for sticking with a theme, huh?

In all honesty though, this was an easy theme for me to stick with.  I think I actually prefer my stripes in neutral colors and loved this top paired with this skirt:

Top: thrifted vintage  Skirt: LOFT  Sandals: Enzo Angiolini

To see what everyone else wore for the challenge, please visit Animated Cardigan.  You will not be disappointed.  (Unless, of course, you're disappointed by awesome-ness, at which point I cannot help you).

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

The Chicest Chain Gang

Although I tend to wear outfits made of items that "go" rather than match, I actually have a soft spot in my heart for head-to-toe matching.  I just think it's kind of cool.  I do NOT think front pleats are cool, but this outfit may have changed my mind:

Are the front pleats attractive?  Hell no, they aren't, but I promise you, I would wear this outfit every day if I thought you all wouldn't notice.

Because, to me, it's just that great:

I mean, I know it doesn't seem like my usual style; not only does it match and have front pleats, it has no color.  But, what it lacks in color, it makes up in fringe:

Baroque Fringe Necklace via Sole Society

And you all know I'm a sucker for some fringe.

And this necklace?  It has fringe in spades.  I don't often run out and buy things featured on other blogs, because they don't come in tall, but when I saw this necklace on Oomph, I knew I had to have it.  It's plenty long for a tall girl and helps alleviate the pain I feel about not being able to find a similar vintage piece (like Jen's).

You know what is vintage though?  This outfit.  And I got both pieces from Goodwill for $7.99.  Also, interestingly enough, it's a petite, which I love because I think the pants are the perfect length to show of my navy sandals:

Pants & top: thrifted vintage   Sandals: Enzo Angiolini

That's right, folks, I only paid eight bucks for this awesome, slightly-institutional-looking outfit. Trust me, you usually have to pay much, much more to look as though you may have escaped from the chicest damn chain gang ever.

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey