Textural Interest

One of the more difficult things for me is working different textures into an outfit.  As with most things, the textures that appeal most to me are not subtle.  I don’t just want texture, I want TEXTURE.  I want big, chunky sweaters and fur and the odd feather or seven.

Unfortunately, when you get into the bolder textures, they can add bulk to an outfit.  This can be problematic for everyone, but we larger women, especially, are told to stick to sleek knits for their slimming effect.  God forbid we look bigger than we are, or even our actual size; the oft preached goal is to appear smaller. 

Well, as I often do, I’ve thrown that rule aside.  This time in favor of some texture:

But, I’m not a complete fashion heathen, so I’ve tried to compromise.  My delightfully fuzzy vest (Design History) has a fairly slim cut and so adds texture without adding too much bulk.  The sheer blouse (Liberty Loves via Nordstrom Rack) under the vest and the slim cut of the skirt (vintage via Goodwill) also add texture without bulk.  I added a bit of leather with the boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom) and metal with the cuff (thrifted via Goodwill), all of which combine to create textural interest. 

 

At least that’s what I’m going with.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!  And Happy Valentine’s Day!

Gracey

Ambitious

I think today’s outfit was a little ambitious:

It hurts to smile...

...but I fought through the pain to provide you all with this goofy look.

I don’t mean sartorially ambitious (obviously), I mean it’s too ambitious for my current physical capabilities.

It took me at least 10 minutes to struggle into these tights (DKNY via Nordstrom) today.  And my sister not only had to hook my bra for me, she had to tuck my shirt (Halogen via Nordstrom) into my houndstooth pencil skirt (thrifted) for me.  I was able to put on my sweater vest (vintage, thrifted) and studded belt (Michael Michael Kors via Nordstrom) all by myself but needed her help to pad the bruise on my ankle before I could put on my boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom).

I think I’m going to have to go a bit simpler for the rest of the week, if only for my sister’s sake.

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

A Tale of Two Midis

Of the eight black skirts in my closet, three of them are pleated and two of them are midis.  

One of the midis is also pleated:

I wore the pleated midi (thrifted) today with a black and gray striped tee (Target) layered under a tan vest (thrifted).  I added a black corset belt (JC Penney), a few bracelets and the last of the supplies to reach me here in The Land of Nosh Opping.  I bought these Matiko Ella wedges during an Ideeli Last Chance sale and they were airlifted into my base camp in The Giant’s Closet last week.  I absolutely adore them.

I didn’t get a chance to a get a close-up shot of the wedges but this photo shows the heel a little bit:

The other midi is not pleated:

I wore the non-pleated, tie-waist midi (vintage, thrifted) Tuesday with a neon pink silk tee (thrifted) and a white/multi cropped jacket (vintage).  I also added camel wedges (Corso Como via Piperlime) and a blue glass-bead necklace (vintage).

I don’t think I need two black midi skirts in my closet, so I’m going to get rid of the pleated one.  One, because I’ve already made the decision to keep one black pleated skirt, so that hole is filled.  Two, because I think the non-pleated skirt may be more flattering and is equally versatile.  And three, because I don’t wear the pleated midi skirt; I've had it in my closet for months and today is the first time I’ve ever worn it.  In part because I have to pull it on over my head (the waist does fit over my hips) and in part because it has a dropped waist which severely limits how I style it.

So, the pleated midi is out.  Also out is the vintage cropped jacket I wore Tuesday.  Although it makes me happy with all its crazy colors and its compatibility with neon, it’s too small across the shoulders (darn you, Man Shoulders!), so it has to go.  Sad face.  And the vest I wore today is also going.  That wasn’t a stylistic decision not to button that top button, folks; I couldn’t if I’d tried.  Even that second button is holding on for dear life (darn you, Lady Boobs!), so the vest also has to go.  Double sad face.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey