Monday, April 30, 2012

Simple, Yet Effective


If I were to describe my style, I wouldn’t use the phrase “simple, yet effective.”  No, I enjoy my bells and whistles (and tassels and prints) way too much for that.  I would, however, use “simple, yet effective” to describe this outfit:



You know what wasn't simple (or particularly effective)?  Getting these pictures taken.  My sister took them and first I got photo-bombed by our porch cat, Elizabeth Swan:


And then my sister took pictures of me explaining things:

No one knows what I was explaining.  Something tiny, clearly.

So, yes, the outfit is simple, but I don't think it's boring.  Sure, it’s just jeans and a blouse, but these jeans are awesome (Banana Republic) and the blouse (Gap) incorporates color, print and a wee little almost-peplum.  I added a rust-orange beaded necklace, because orange and purple totally make sense, wedge booties (Nine West via Piperlime) and a vintage bracelet.

Truthfully, I don’t know howI’d describe my style.  Probably something like “Color, Color, Color, Print, Print, Print.”  Yeah, that sounds about right.

What about you, Reader Friends?  How would you describe your style?

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

P.S. A porch cat is a cat that moves onto your porch and has kittens.

Run ...

                                                                                                CLICK TO SEE MORE

                                                                                              shoes: mango,
                                                                                              jeans: pull&bear,
                                                                                              t-shirt: primark,
                                                                                              jacket: zara,
                                                                                              bag: parfois,
                                                                                              sunglasses: ray-ban,
                                                                                              flowers: accessorize, h&m,
                                                                                              watch: michael kors,
                                                                                              ph. Ceca

Fresh start happens each Monday ...
New post, some small changes in layout, new song on repeat (this time "Run" from Snow Patrol) ....
I was wearing the same outfit from our night out, because many of you asked me about complete look, so here it is. My favorite comfy "semi" baggy jeans, striped shirt, black shoes and bag paired with flowers on my new denim jacket, and of course pink lipstick. Something that can be worn during the day or night. Don't you just love these types of outfits? ;)

Enjoy in this sunny day ....






Friday, April 27, 2012

FBFF for April 27th – Outfit Planning (and Outfit Wearing)


Today’s FBFF Questions are all about outfit planning.   Or, as I like to think of it; why I wear what I wear when I wear it.  And given yesterday’s conversation about psychotic weather and today’s outfit, these questions are actually pretty timely for me.  Please to let me explain below.

First, this is what I wore today:



Black leggings (Target) layered under a navy and blue skirt (also Target) with a black micro-ribbed tank (yes, more Target) layered under a coral waterfall cardigan (Nordstrom).  I added cuffed boots (Chinese Laundry), a tassel pendant (Old Navy), vintage bracelet (Lil’ Gypsy) and earrings (Nikki Jacoby Jewelry via 2011 Crafty Wonderland).  Sure that’s a lot of Target for one outfit, but it was comfortable.  And colorful.  That’s a win-win in my opinion.

Now to the questions:

1.      How do you go about picking your outfit for the day? (Do you lay stuff out the night before? Do you plan a whole week's worth of looks Sunday night? Do you wing it every morning?)

It depends.  My outfits are generally a combination of planning and winging it.  In fact, today’s outfit is just one such example of a combination of planning and winging it. The winging it portion comes from the fact that this outfit is a direct result of my not having put my laundry away.  As it turns out, the skirt and cardigan ended up next to each other on my desk chair, I liked the look of them together and went from there.

The planning portion comes from the fact that I ride my bike to work and therefore weather considerations force me to be a least somewhat thoughtful in what I wear. 

Terri asked me yesterday how I stay dry riding to work.  I don’t.  And I don’t even try.  I’m lucky that my ride is only about 10-12 minutes each way.  Yes, if it’s pouring I get soaked, but I’m usually able to get away with only getting a little damp.  And a little dampness is manageable because I make sure I wear clothes that dry quickly.  I am in skirts and tights most of the winter in part because they dry more quickly than jeans.  Leggings also dry fairly quickly – which is another reason for today’s outfit.  It’s supposed to rain off and on and just in case it’s on while I’m on my bike, I chose leggings and a skirt instead of jeans.

I will say though, that I’m trying to be better about planning outfits.  At least to the point of having something in mind if not laid out.  To that end, I keep a list of outfits I’d like to try.  These may be outfit ideas that I get from a blog or in a magazine, or just those that I come up with while staring into my closet.  Of course, many of the outfits on the list are often better in theory and often don’t make it out of the house. 

I have never, ever planned a whole week’s worth of looks on a Sunday.  I can’t even plan a week’s worth of looks to go on vacation.  I just throw a bunch of stuff in a bag and pray I have enough underwear.


2.      Do you try stuff on and then take pics to see how it looks, like Cher in Clueless?

Anybody who has read my blog knows I don’t do this.  No, instead, I like to be surprised by how terrible an outfit photographs right before I post the pictures.  It’s more fun that way.


3.      And are you consistent in your planning or lack thereof, or is your planning limited to special events?

Planning?  What planning?  Seriously, I don’t even always plan for special events.  This outfit, for a girls’ night out and friend’s birthday party?:


Yeah, I came up with that half an hour before I was supposed to be at the bar (which is an hour away).

I did a little better with this one:


But, even for this event, I think I only figured out what I was going to wear the week of the event.  And I was still not that confident in my decision.  At least not until I saw the pictures, so that was a nice change.

4.      Do you have a way of keeping track of which outfits you wore when?

Yes.  I have a blog.  It’s called Fashion for Giants and word on the street is that it’s hugely popular among tall people and/or people who appreciate the sublimely ridiculous.

All kidding aside, I don’t worry too much about when I wore an outfit.  I’m more conscious of when I wore a particular piece, especially if it’s something noticeable.  For example, I am going to try not to wear my hot pink pints every week.  I’m going to limit them to every other week. 


5.      How do you come up with new clothing combinations? (An app? Computer program? Trial and error?)

Wait?  What?  They have an app for that?  Huh.  Technology, it’s amazing.  But, I don’t use it.  The list I mention above is a hand-written list, which I keep in my handbag, of ideas for new clothing combinations. 

Sure, it’s old-fashioned, but when the zombie apocalypse happens, I’ll still have that list of ways to look fashionable while fleeing the living dead and everyone else will just have to wear whatever comes to mind because they lost their fancy app/program.

Want ideas for actually planning outfits?  Visit Katy Rose at Modly Chic for a list of this week’s FBFF participants.  There is bound to be someone who actually plans their outfits.

And have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

Gracey

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Spring in Oregon


So, it’s spring in Oregon, which doesn’t necessarily mean sun.  We have sun and then we don’t.  Spring in Oregon basically means the trees are blooming and then the rains are coming along and beating the snot out of those trees.  Seriously, I think there are more petals on the ground here than on the poor cherry trees.

This now-I’m-sunny-now-I’m-not weather can also be difficult to dress for.  I mean, it’s spring, I’d like to wear spring-like colors but it’s also raining and sometimes pouring.  Today’s outfit is my attempt at a compromise:



I wore a skirt because it dries quickly but a bright yellow skirt (Eileen Fisher, thrifted) because it isspring, after all.  I paired the skirt with a gray tee (Old Navy) and a black cardigan (Gap) because Oregon’s spring weather requires layers.  I added cuffed boots (Gap) so my toes don’t get wet (I hate wet toes), a silver necklace-as-bracelet and a silver, fringe necklace (as necklace, Jessica Simpson Collection via Macys).

Happy Thursday, All!  I hope your weather is less psychotic!

Gracey

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Coral Pop


So, apparently I really do love a high-waist, regardless of whether they love me or not (it’s a tumultuous relationship, to say the least).  I’m wearing one again today, this time in skirt form:



Last time I wore this skirt and sweater together, the lovely and fabulous Jodi, of Day2DayWear, suggested a pop of pink.  I didn’t have a pop of pink but I do have a pop of coral, which is a pinky-orange and so is practically the same thing, right?  True pink or pinky-orange, Jodi was right, I love the added color.

The coral pop comes both from my belt (Steve Madden via Ross) and my coral-and-Peruvian-jade earrings (2010 Crafty Wonderland purchase).  And I really do love the coral with both the aqua sweater (Target 2011) and the blue skirt (vintage, thrifted).  I also added a camel Mary Jane wedge (Corso Como via Piperlime) and a few bracelets.

Today’s Takeaway?  Everything is better with orange, be it pinky-orange, tangerine or traffic cone.  Trust me, I have a blog.

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

P.S. Thank you all for your kind words about my photos yesterday; I’m still all out of sorts but am taking the ostrich route to recovery.  It’s only a problem if you don’t like sand in your ears.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Love the Outfit, Hate the Photos


You know those days where you feel great in an outfit right up until the point where you see the pictures?  I think I’m having one of those days.  I think maybe I had one of those days yesterday too.  I thought it was the sun, but it’s overcast today and I still can’t seem to photograph worth a damn.

Don’t worry though; today’s post isn’t another photo-free post.  This is what I wore today:



Seriously, y’all, I adoredthis outfit when I left the house this morning.  I love the crazy print and the high waist of the pants (silk, thrifted).  And I love this sweater (Old Navy) for its lovely color, open-weave and button-back:


And I love the two together and with the nude platform sandals (Banana Republic). 

But I do not love the photos.  At all.  I don’t think it’s the outfit; though it could be, I’m not sure high-waists are my thing.  Really though, I think it’s me.  Work has been hectic which makes me feel unsettled and unable to just relax and take a picture.  I’m just flat out twitchy.

Oh, well.  What’s a girl to do, right?  Right.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

P.S. Autie asked for a close up of the shoes:

Banana Republic "Natalie"
 

Week through Instagram 2 ...

                                                                                                CLICK TO SEE MORE







                                                                                                ph. via Instagram

Quick Instagram post ...
Here are my last two weeks in photos:
1. time for my babies ...
2. weekend with my mom at the market (favorite thing to do on early Saturday/Sunday) ...
3. went with Jovana to visit one fashion atelier before grand opening ( Darko Kostic couture) ...
4. short family road trip and crazy sky ...
5. babies before their new haircut ;) ...
6. i also did some of arm swag ...
7. one more beautiful nature photo taken from the car ...
8. new foundation, pretty satisfied for now ...
9. get dressed for Coachella in my head ;) ....

What were you doing? ;)


Monday, April 23, 2012

Words, Not Pictures

So, I have no pictures of today's outfit.  I did wear clothes and they were good, serviceable clothes, but the photos were an epic fail.  Basically, it's sunny here today and that threw a bit of a monkey wrench in our picture-taking endeavors.  (We don't know what we're doing).

Therefore, for today, we just have words, not pictures.

Speaking of summery weather, this past weekend was gorgeous.  We actually made it to the 80s.  In April!  In Oregon!  And it was glorious.  As predicted, I did some reading in the sun but I also was actually surprisingly busy given my natural inclination towards laziness.

Let's see.  On Friday night I went out with my friend, Alex to a local bar to listen to a local band.  The band is called Rock n' Roll Cowboys and they are country rock?  I don't know, but I believe this is a thing.  We mostly just went for the rock portion, but the band is a lot of fun and we danced most of the night and even ended up singing along to "God Bless Texas" because the chorus is extremely easy to learn.  Really, in spite of our lack of familiarity with the country portion of their performance, we ended up having a great time.  We're actually planning on seeing them play this coming weekend too.

On Saturday, Alex and I went thrifting where I got a silk tee that I am actually wearing today (don't worry, it'll surface again), a vintage top, a skirt that I've already hemmed and a prom dress for 80s prom for my little sister.  It's awesome.  Which reminds me, I found my prom dress a couple of weeks ago and it's gorgeous and hideous at the same time.  It's less prom than last year's but very, very 80s.  I'll try to remember to give you guys a sneak peek soon.

On Sunday, I read in the sun and then went for a long (hour-and-a-half) walk around one of our local parks with a friend.  The park was unsurprisingly packed but it was still fun.  Sunday evening I went to the "Club Dance" workout and it basically kicked my heinie.  Seriously, I haven't popped my booty that much since my college days.  Between the booty-popping, arm-waving and hip-thrusting, I am sore as heck today.  But, I will definitely go back; it was hard, but it was so much fun!

Oh, and I almost forgot one of my favorite things I did over the weekend was to watch that new HBO series, Girls.  Natasha Fatah talks about it a bit on her post, here, but basically, I thought it was pretty great.  I didn't love it unreservedly, as it's not always easy to watch, but I'll definitely watch it again.  Have any of you seen it?

Happy Monday, All!  I'll figure out how to take pictures in the sun tomorrow (or you'll just get really, really bad pictures).

Gracey

Friday, April 20, 2012

Citron and Gray


I should have called this post “Citron and Wrinkles” because, holy smokes, does this blouse get wrinkly.  And this is after I ironed it this morning:


 
I still love it though, wrinkles and all; I just think citron is such a sunny, pretty color.  Because it’s still not quite warm yet here, although I do believe this weekend will be gorgeous, I paired the blouse (Old Navy) with gray jeans (Gap).  Because it’s not exactly cold today either, I risked an open toe and wore studded wedges (Vince Camuto).  I added a silver fringe necklace (Jessica Simpson Collection via Macys) and my vintage turquoise-bracelet (Ray’s Ragtime).

Most importantly, however, is that today is Friday!  About which I am even more excited than usual.  I have random, tentative plans for this weekend that may or may not involve music (listening, not playing; don’t be silly), sewing (undoubtedly poorly), a dance workout (Club Dance?  I don’t even know, but I’m excited) and/or hiking.  Realistically though, I’ll probably do nothing but sit in the sun reading a book.  Because I’m lazy like that.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Any exciting plans?  Or will you be joining me on the HMS Lazy?

Whatever your plans (or lack thereof), have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

Gracey

Attention ! - Opéra - Paris

hebergeur image  
   Attention ! - Opéra - Paris
   Photo by Easy Fashion Fred

Nadia - Les Tuileries - Paris

hebergeur image
   Nadia - Photographer & Blogger - Les Tuileries - Paris
   Photo by Easy Fashion Fred

Zoe - Le Marais - Paris

hebergeur image
   Zoe - Le Marais - Paris
   Photo by Easy Fashion Fred

Daphne Guinness - FW - Paris

hebergeur image                  
   Daphne Guinness - FW - Paris
   Photo by Easy Fashion Fred

White interiors ... (+ giveaway winner)

                                                                                           CLICK TO SEE MORE











                                                                                          ph.via Pinterest


Last two weeks were very busy for me, i got ear infection ( which is luckily over now), had a short holiday at my grandparents house, where we celebrated Easter following our family tradition, and i also had some work to do, so here i am today ! :)
Until i manage to find some time, and make outfit post i prepared for you post with photos from one of my favorite boards on Pinterest called "Home is wherever I'm with you ..." (named by a cute cover from Jorge&Alexa Narvaez., love to listen their videos! Girls are adorable, check it Here). It's all about clean, white surfaces, walls, floors, furniture and some beautiful colored details. Fresh flowers on the table, and you have a pure joy in your home! I find these photos very inspiring, and they are perfect to steal ideas if you want to make some small changes in your apartment. The first thing on my "to do" list is definitely wall painting! Can you guess the color? White of course! :)


p.s. Romwe Giveaway winner is : nere_saphira@hotmail.com ( if I counted well :)) Congrats!




Thursday, April 19, 2012

Back to Boots


Oregon refuses to play along with my plans to fake Spring.  The weather has, instead, gotten progressively colder and wetter as the week has gone on.  I snuck some sandals in on Tuesday but was forced back to boots today:



The good news?  I was able to wear the boots sans tights.  Here in Oregon, we call that progress.  In addition to boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom), I wore a rose-colored skirt (thrifted, and hemmed by me) paired with a multi-colored sheer blouse (Liberty Love via Nordstrom Rack) and a studded belt (Michael Michael Kors via Nordstrom).

The better news?  This long, cold, wet week is nearly done. 

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey