Because I Want To

I wore this scarf today because I wanted to, not because I had to:

Because it was warm here today.  Not just not-cold, warm.  I think it got up to 78 or so.  In November.  In Western Pennsylvania.  So, did I need this scarf?  No, I did not.



And the same could be said for the boots:

Dress: Target  Cardi: LOFT (similar)
Scarf: c/o of FRAAS (similar)  Boots: v. old Steve Madden (similar)

I'm wearing them not because it's cold and I have to.  No, I'm wearing the boots because it's November, damnit, and I want to wear boots.



Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Fall Flame and Teal

Oddly enough, one of my favorite color combinations for fall is flame and teal:

I think this color is actually being called "Fiesta" this season, but I will always think of it as "Flame" in honor of my favorite corduroy pants ever.


And I will always want to wear it with bright blue:

Especially in the fall.


To me, this is a very "fall" color combination.  It makes me think of bright autumn skies and bright autumn leaves and pumpkins.  Basically, it's perfect for fall.


At least I think so:

Cardigan: LOFT (similar)  Tee: Banana Republic
Skirt: Ann Taylor (similar)  Belt: Target (similar)  Sandals: Camper (similar)

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Long Tall Sally Turns 40

Tall retailer extraordinaire Long Tall Sally, turned 40 this week.  And they also released their fall line.  Now, I am very excited that LTS is 40, but I'm even more excited about this line.  So much so, that I'm wearing almost head-to-toe LTS for today's adventures:

The blouse, the skirt and the boots are all courtesy of Long Tall Sally, and are all from the new collection.


When offered the opportunity to review some pieces, I chose these three because I am unable to resist the color of the boots or a multi-colored stripe and I love denim skirts for fall and winter.  This skirt is the perfect length for both short boots like these and for tall boots and tights when cooler weather arrives.  That being said, I think the boots are my favorite piece; I really do love the color and they are very, very comfortable.  (They are also available up to size 15!)


The only pieces of this outfit that aren't LTS are my woven belt (it's thrifted) and my earrings:

These are vintage; found, cleaned and restrung by my mom.  They're plastic so they're lightweight, but still dramatic.



And, I think, a fun addition to today's look:

To see how other tall bloggers styled pieces from the new collection, visit the LTS Blog.  And if you're inspired to purchase some new pieces yourself, many pieces are 40% until tomorrow, including my lovely boots.


Happy Saturday, All!  And Happy Birthday, LTS!


Gracey

Five For Friday: Cardians

Although it's pretty warm here today, it's been much cooler this week.  So cool, in fact, that it's got me thinking about Fall.  Or, as I like to call it, Cardigan Season.

To celebrate the fact that Cardigan Season is nearly upon us, I've picked five cardigans I'd love to wear this season:

1. Nordstrom Blue Star Geo Print Cardigan - This cardigan is perfect for now, and for regions with milder Cardigan Seasons.  Also, the print is amazing and it's on sale.  Yay!

2. LOFT V-Neck Cardigan - In spite of the fact that LOFT stubbornly refuses to make these cardigans in Tall sizes (Why, LOFT?  Why?), I still like them.  Especially when they come in pretty colors like this orange-y nutmeg shade.

3. Target "Tribal" Print Cardigan - I'm showing the back of this cardigan so you can get the full effect of the awesome mix of colors and prints.  The front is similar, but with buttons.  Available in plus sizes too.

4. Gap Merino Wool Cardigan - The beautiful berry color of this cardigan is everything to me.

5. Modcloth "You Heard That Bright" Cardigan - For some reason I already own several navy blue cardigans.  And yet I still feel like I need *this* navy blue cardigan.  I mean, who doesn't need a navy blue cardigan with multi-colored zigzags??


How about you, Reader Friends?  Are you excited for Cardigan Season?


Gracey

Five for Friday: Last Hurrah at the NAS

If you haven't shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet, you're running out of time!  The sale ends on Sunday.  Now, I shared my picks for my taller readers with this post.  A lot of those picks are gone now, but there are still some great items left.


Here are five of favorite pieces still on sale, but only through Sunday!

1. Halogen Chevron Silk Skinny Scarf - It's well documented that I love a skinny scarf.  And I particularly love the 70s feel of this one.  It's available in three different colorways and also a floral version, here.

2. Pleione Bell Cuff Blouse - These delicate bell sleeves add just enough drama to an outfit without going full-Elvira. Available in a print and five colors, (including black, so you can go half-Elvira if you need).

3. Halogen Windowpane Check A-Line Skirt - This skirt is so darned adorably mod, I love it!!  Paired with tights and a black turtleneck sweater, it's perfect for fall.

4. Trouve Faux Leather Pleat Skirt - Because I am unable to resist pleats in any fabrication.  This skirt is getting great reviews, but it reportedly runs large, so be aware.

5. Benardo Textured Long Coat - A gorgeous, lightweight coat for fall or mild winters.  It would look great worn with that check skirt and turtleneck sweater combination we talked about earlier.


Happy Shopping, All!

Gracey

Olive, Cognac & Cream

Boot season is here!  Okay, not really.  Well, sort of.  In the mornings it's chilly, but then it gets hot and my feet sweat.  But, it's totally worth the sweaty feet to be back in boots.

And I thought that these boots, in particular, were a good pick for fall:

Their "fallen leaf" color brings a little autumn to the otherwise summery combination of olive, cream and turquoise.


And I had to wear the turquoise:

One, because I love this piece, and two, because I'm trying to wear all of my necklaces before I begin to default to scarves.  Because here in PA it's not just a month or two of scarves, it's like half a damn year.


But, for now, the weather is perfect for statement necklaces.  And boots, of course:

Top: Macys (similar) Necklace: LOFT (similar)
Skirt: Nordstrom (similar)  Boots: Steve Madden (similar)

Happy Wednesday, 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 7/31/15: Oak Buff

For today's Five for Friday, I thought I'd highlight another Pantone Fall 2015 color: Oak Buff:

I really like this color.  I'm not too big on camel, but this is a sort of mustard-y camel, so I'm on board.  I am especially on board for the mustard-y camel Oak Buff pieces below:

1. ASOS Sleeveless Jacket - I'd love this jacket layered over a silky long-sleeve blouse for fall.

2. Max Studio Wool Cardigan - This cardigan is both adorable and 100% Mr. Rogers approved.  

3. Donald J. Pliner Mules - I love everything about these shoes.  The color, the mixed texture and the menswear vibe all make me very, very happy.

4. Square Jacquard Scarf - If you don't love this color in large doses, this scarf has just enough in the trim.

5. Boden Audrey Skirt - A-line skirts are just the best.  They're flattering on most everyone and this color will be perfect paired with a sweater and tall boots.

What about you, Reader Friends?  What are your thoughts on Oak Buff?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

7/24/15 Five For Friday: Reflecting Pond

Yesterday, I shared Pantone's top trend colors for Fall 2015.  One of those colors, and one of my favorites, is Reflecting Pond:

So, I though it might be fun for today's Five for Friday to share some finds in this gorgeous hue:

1. Pleione Mixed Media V-Neck Tunic in Navy Dusk - Being as this is a tunic, it will probably be the perfect length for taller ladies.  And, if you're less tall, it's a great tunic in a great color.  And, it's currently on sale too!

2. Texture Stripe Infinity Scarf - I love, love, love the gradient hues on this scarf.  And it's also on sale!

3. ASOS Sundown Heels - As you can tell from my picks, I love the idea of a navy shoe.  This one, while not great for rain, is absolutely adorable.  I love the laces and the block heels.

4. Kate Spade New York Stud Earrings - I have a couple pairs of these earrings and they're perfect for colder weather.  They can be worn with scarves without snagging like dangling earrings sometimes do.

5. Sole Society Romy booties - I actually own these boots; I bought them last fall because I'm ahead of the curve like that.  And, therefore, I can attest that they are great.  Very comfortable and, apparently, right on trend.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Which pick is your favorite?



Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Pantone Fall 2015

Below are the top 10 trend colors Pantone has selected for this fall:

They are: Cashmere Rose, Biscay Bay, Cadmium Orange, Amethyst Orchid, Oak Buff, Marsala, Desert Sage, Dried Herb, Reflecting Pond and Stormy Weather.

I'm pretty excited about most of the colors and am especially excited for Dried Herb because I'm pretty sure that's just another name for my beloved olive.

I mean, right?  That's totally olive.


I'm also excited for Reflecting Pond; it's a gorgeous navy.

And for Stormy Weather; it may seem boring to some, but I think it's a great gray and a fabulous neutral:

Oak Buff and Biscay Bay are my two other favorites out of the ten:

They'll be gorgeous paired with the olive, navy and gray neutrals.


As for the other colors, I don't imagine I'll be introducing them into my wardrobe this fall.  No, not even the orange.  I do love orange, but the Cadmium Orange is not my favorite.  At all:

On their site, Pantone explains that this color is meant to reference the 60s, and it does, but surely there was another color from that decade they could have referenced instead.  This is just not great for me.


I'm also taking a hard pass on the Desert Sage and the Marsala:

I'm just not a fan of "dusty" colors; I like more saturation

As for the Cashmere Rose and the Amethyst Orchid, they're not for me either:

I like the idea of them for Fall because they're unusual choices.  And I think they both pair especially well with navy, but I'm picky about my pinks and hardly wear any purple at all so I'm going to skip these two as well.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Which of these color trends will you be trying for Fall?

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

7/17/15 Five For Friday: Olive

I've been on an olive kick for the past 6 months or so, and I continue to delight in the color.  It's worked for me through the summer and it's the perfect neutral for fall.

Here are five olive pieces I love for the (eventually) upcoming cooler weather:

1. Faux Fur Trim Parka - Living in a region that has true, freezing cold winters, I have a new appreciation for warm coats.  This one looks like it will be very cozy due to the combination of hood, double fastening front and inset knit cuffs (trust me, you want this).  And, it's currently on sale for less than $100!

2. Fringe Bucket Bag - This bag has everything I love in a bag.  It's olive.  It's fringed.  And it's a bucket.  It's basically perfect.

3. Caslon Dot Stitch Sweater - Olive.  Dots.  Olive and dots.  Together in one place.  OLIVE AND DOTS.  That is all.

4. Pleated Gaucho Pants - These pants won't be practical for the entire fall, but they'll be perfect in early fall with a lightweight sweater and a cute scarf.  And of course they'll work for the rest of summer too.

5. Faux Leather A-Line Skirt - Leather remains a big trend for fall and colored leather leads the pack.  This faux leather skirt is both on trend and cuter-than-hell.  Win-win.


Happy Friday, 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

Fresh for Fall: Sweatshirt Chic

Much to the enjoyment of sporty gals everywhere, sweatshirts are having a moment.  Sweatshirt chic is a big trend for fall.  It's been a fringe trend for years due to chic, yet expensive offerings from the likes of Phillip Lim and Kenzo.  Now, however, the trend has finally trickled down to the masses and this fall there are affordable options at nearly every price point.

Keep in mind though that these are not your average, everyday track and field hoodies.  No, this fall's sweatshirts are more sophisticated than that; they're embellished, printed and not always made of sweatshirt material.

Here are some of my favorites:

Kut from the Kloth Crochet Overlay

Image via nordstrom.com

I love the texture on this multimedia sweatshirt.

Caslon Three-Quarter Sleeve

Image via nordstrom.com

Polka dots.  Also available in stripes, more polka dots & classic gray.  Love.

BLU PEPPER

The bejeweled sleeves on this sweatshirt give it just the perfect amount of interest.


Buffalo by David Bitton

Image via lordandtaylor.com

I love the short sleeves and studded crosses on this one; it's both tough and chic.


Gap Metallic Leopard

Image via gap.com

Shiny and leopard and gray; I'm not sure it gets any better than this.

Unlike your boyfriend's old wrestling sweatshirt, these sweatshirts weren't made for weekend lounging.  Instead, don't be afraid to take these out of the house; they look great paired with pencil skirts, full midi skirts and leather.  Or, for a more casual look, pair them with distressed jeans and flats, like I did here.

So, what do you think, Reader Friends?  Are you into sweatshirt chic for fall?

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Fresh for Fall – Tasseled Scarves

Adding a scarf to your fall wardrobe is probably not the most ground-breaking suggestion I’ve ever made.  But wait.  I’m not done.  What I’m actually suggesting is adding a tasseled scarf to your fall wardrobe.

What’s that?  Mind blown?  Yeah, I figured as much.  

Seriously though, while scarves for fall may not seem fresh or new, tasseled scarves do feel new.  Everyone owns printed scarves and fringed scarves and printed scarves with fringe.  Adding a tasseled scarf to your wardrobe adds interest and an injection of “now” for the new season.

Below are some tasseled scarves that I think would be fabulous additions to any fall look.

Anthropologie “Scotia” Tasseled Scarf

Scotia scarf (image via Anthropologie)

This scarf has everything, in the best possible way; stripes, subtle sequins and multicolored tassels in a palette that will work all year round.

Mango TOUCH Printed Tasseled Scarf

Mango TOUCH print scarf (image via mango.com)

Obviously you’re going to need a scarf with orange in it for fall.  Obviously.

Muk Luks Guatemalan Tasseled Scarf

Muk Luks scarf (image via Amazon.com)

This scarf is cool.  Like you picked this scarf up in a market in the Andes cool.  And the color palette is gorgeous.

The Limited Tasseled Infinity Scarves

Both of these scarves make me very happy; you really can’t go wrong with leopard or plaid for fall. 

Anthropologie Tradewinds Tassel Scarf

Tradewinds Tassel Scarf (Image via Anthropologie)

Not interested in putting a riot of colors near your face?  Then, for you, I recommend this Anthropologie scarf.  The palette is subtle and sophisticated but not boring.

Michael Stars Hummingbird Tasseled Scarf

Hummingbird scarf (image via Nieman Marcus)

Come on, folks; it’s hummingbirds and tassels.  Hummingbirds.  And.  Tassels.  ‘Nough said.

So, what do you think, Reader Friends?  Are you a fan of tasseled scarves?

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey