Whither the Kitsch?

The other day Sally wore an outfit where she said she was dressed for "almost herself."  I know exactly what she means.  This outfit is almost me, but not quite:

Target tunic-dress & leggings, Nordstrom cardigan, Macy's belt & thrifted boots.

It's me in that it involves bright colors, worn together.  And leggings; I love leggings darn it.  And boots.  I'm all about the boots.  But, it's still not quite me.

I think it's because there is nothing fun or particularly interesting about this outfit.  (That's right; I think I'm more interesting than this.  I said it).  It's also really drape-y.  I think I'm more comfortable in slightly more structured items with some fun to them.  I was physically comfortable in this, but it doesn't speak to my fun-loving, kitschy soul.  Whither the kitsch, Gracey, whither the kitsch?

Don't worry.  I'll probably get it together by next week.  Probably.

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

When Squirrels Attack

Yesterday, I was outside taking my pictures, when I was attacked by this squirrel:

That’s right, that little beady-eyed, venom-fanged menace tried to kill me.

He snuck up on me along the retaining wall, and when I screamed and ran away, he rushed me:

If you look closely, you can see the shank he has hidden in his tail.

Witnesses believe I was targeted because the squirrel didn’t like my outfit: 

I think that’s ridiculous because my outfit was awesome, but maybe he didn’t like the combination of burgundy cords (Banana Republic, here), lemon yellow sweater (Gap, here) and cherry red belt (Macys, similar here).  Or maybe he hates houndstooth (Old Navy via Goodwill, similar here). 

Whatever the reason for the attack, I think we can all agree that the squirrel is a menace to society and needs to be stopped.  

So, please take a good look at that horrifying face of evil, and if you see that razor-clawed ninja squirrel, please perform a citizen’s arrest.  We must keep the world safe for the children.  But, be careful.  He’s both fluffy and dangerous.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

** Disclosure: Actions taken from the hyperlinks in this blog post may yield commission/compensation for the writer. Please see the Disclosure tab for more details.

I Like Bright Pants and I Cannot Lie

Like these:

These cords (Merona, Target) come in other, less insanely bright colors, but as soon as I saw them, I knew I was going to get the flame orange pair.  My head tried to argue that a navy or tan pair would be more versatile and therefore more practical, but my heart yelled ‘practical clothes are for sissies’ and grabbed this pair.

And, really, they’ve turned out to be more versatile than I’d first thought.  So far, I’ve worn them with bright blue and houndstooth (here) and today I’m wearing them with peach (thrifted sweater) and black (thrifted Brooks Brothers silk tie and Hive and Honey flats).  If that’s not versatility, I don’t know what is.  Of course, the best part is not that I am able to wear these pants with multiple outfits, but that they’re outfits I love.  Which is why, Dearest Reader Friends, I like bright pants and don’t bother to lie about it.

Happy Friday, All!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

Autumnal

I’m convinced that this is the perfect autumnal outfit, in spite of the fact that it’s made up of brights:

(Exact Merona Cords, Similar Sweater, Similar Shoes)

And they are some BRIGHT brights too.  But, I like the flame-orange cords (Target) with the electric blue sweater (Nordstrom, thrifted).  It could even be argued that I toned the look down a bit with houndstooth shoes (Old Navy, thrifted) if, you know, you consider houndstooth to be toned down.  If you don’t, well, then, yeah…

Really though, even with the bright brights and not-exactly-neutral houndstooth, this outfit feels like fall to me.  I think I feel that way in part because it consists of cords and a sweater, which I think we can all agree is a classic fall outfit.  And, while I understand that these may not be classic fall colors, I think they’re fall-like in their own way.  For me, they evoke images of turning leaves, pumpkin patches and the blue fall sky before the rains come.

Of course, I could just be convinced this outfit feels like fall because today finally felt like fall.  It was actually quite chilly on the ride in and I may have to break out the mittens before the week is up.  So exciting!

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

** Disclosure: Actions taken from the hyperlinks in this blog post may yield commission/compensation for the writer. Please see the Disclosure tab for more details.

Lemon and Rose

This is one of my favorite color combinations to wear, but I have no idea why:

It doesn’t seem like rose and lemon would pair well together, and, for all I know, they don’t.  But, I like them together and I like wearing them together.  At least I think I do.  I do have to admit, however, that as I’m nearing the end of my Nosh Opping expedition, I may be putting together some ridiculous combinations just so I get everything worn and can shop again.

I don’t think that’s the case today, but it very well could be.  Whatever the reason, I paired a rose-colored skirt (thrifted) with a lemon yellow blouse (Old Navy).  I added a thin black belt (Steve Madden via Ross) and my previously orphaned ankle-strap flats (Hive & Honey “Yvonna” via Piperlime).  I think I probably could have added a black statement necklace except that I don’t have a black statement necklace because I don’t really wear statement necklaces.  Except that I’ve decided maybe I do which I guess means I’ll need to buy one for next time.

Future shopping plans aside, I do like this outfit and I’m definitely keeping both of these pieces.

And that’s it for me.  It’s been a long, exhausting week, but it should be a good weekend.  Tomorrow I’m going to the Jazz Festival in Cathedral Park and if her voice is healed, I’ll be watching Florence + the Machine at Edgefield.  I’m especially excited for both of these events because the combination of venue and music should be spectacular.

Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

Gracey

EBEW: Color Blocking

Today is the Everybody, Everywear Color Blocking challenge.  So I wore blocks of color:

Because I think you haveto for it to be “color” blocking.  I mean, can you even color block with neutrals?  I don’t know, but I think probably not.  So, blocks of color it is.    

My blocks are a cobalt maxi skirt (Target) and a citron tank (Old Navy).  I added black sandals (White Mountain via Macys), a silver fringe necklace (Jessica Simpson via Macys) and a few bracelets (handmade, handmade, Macys).

To see how other bloggers blocked their colors, make sure you visit Everybody,Everywear.

And have a Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Camp Counselor

I borrowed the idea for this color combination from Delayed Missives:

 

But, the decision to dress like a camp counselor at an aggressively feminist all-girls summer camp is all me.  You're welcome.   

To achieve this look, I paired a vintage Levi’s work skirt with a vintage neon pink camp shirt (thrifted).  I added sturdy navy platform sandals (MRKT via DSW) and a couple of bracelets.  I left my whistle at home though.  Oh, well, next time. 

Even though I already own a neon pink blouse, I think I want to keep this one as well; if only because the other neon blouse doesn’t have pockets or jaunty rolled sleeves.  And I think I’m going to keep this skirt also; it’ll be great for wearing with sweaters for the fall and winter.

Happy Monday, Everyone!  Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Gracey