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.

Proof of Life

I just want you all to know that I am still alive.  I know there were rumors that my sinuses had kidnapped me and were holding me for ransom until they were free and clear and I’m here to tell you that those rumors are true.  But, we’re making progress on the negotiations and my captors have offered up this proof of life photo to show I haven’t suffered too horribly at their hands:

You can almost see today's date...

That’s right; I actually made it in to work today after being out for nearly a week.  I am feeling slightly better, but I still can’t breathe through my nose and I’m still exhausted, so I basically wore pajamas to work:

 (Similar maxi dress, similar boots, similar cardigan)

I know everyone says that wearing a maxi dress feels like wearing pajamas, and it’s true.  They’re kind of great like that.  They’re also kind of great because they’re an item that can work well into fall, as long as it’s not raining.  Trust me, you don’t want to ride your bike in the rain in a maxi dress or skirt; they’re another item that takes forever to dry.  

Happily it’s still not raining here in Oregon, so I was able to wear my super-comfy maxi (Gap) which I made a little more autumn-appropriate with a bright yellow cardigan (gifted) and faux lace-up wedge boots (Kenneth Cole Reaction, v. old).  I also added a belt (thrifted) in an attempt to give myself some sort of waist being as I haven’t worked out in over a week now and have a midsection that appears to be made of pudding.  I have pudding abs, people; it’s not cute.

Pudding abs and mouth-breathing aside, I’m very happy to be back to work and back to posting nonsense.

Happy Monday, 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.

Uncooperative Weather & A FRAAS Review

A few weeks ago, the lovely people at FRAAS sent me one of these fabulous scarves:

It's the Fair Isle infinity scarf and it comes in four color combinations: navy/turquoise, camel/ivory, rose/petal and black/grey.  I received the black/grey scarf and it is the softest, coziest, warmest scarf.  I am a big fan of infinity scarves; they're just so easy.  And this one really is lovely.  It's long enough and soft enough so that when it's doubled it doesn't look like an Elizabethan neck ruffle.  I love that the Fair Isle pattern is subtle enough that I can pair it with other patterned pieces with no problem.  All this and it retails for only around $40.00.

When I received this scarf, I couldn't wait to wear it.  Unfortunately, the weather has been uncooperative and way, way to too warm for a wool-blend scarf.  But, I can tell you that when the weather finally cooperates, I plan on wearing it with oxblood, cream, mustard, red, black and grey pieces all fall and winter long.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone! 

Gracey

Inspired By: Half-Naked Models and Hobbits

The majority of my outfit is inspired by this Guess ad:

Guess Fall 2012 - Image via Bloggers.com

And here is my version:

Luxury Rebel "Yuma" - Image via 6pm.com

 (Similar pleated skirt, similar houndstooth blouse, Luxury Rebel "Yuma" booties) 

As you can see, my brooding, half-naked male model failed to show and I went ahead and buttoned my shirt, but otherwise I think we can agree that I pretty much nailed this recreation.

For my version of the look, I paired a sheer, pleated skirt (Pleione via Nordstrom Rack) with a silk houndstooth blouse (Jones New York, thrifted).  I added my replacement black booties (Luxury Rebel “Yuma” via Piperlime), a vintage Monet bracelet (via Red Fox Vintage) and what I refer to as my “Eye of Sauron” belt (vintage, thrifted).

The name for the belt is inspired by this image from Lord of the Rings:

Eye of Sauron - Image via LOTR Wiki

And yes, it does make my pelvis all-seeing; thank you for asking.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

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.

Why Not Try: Oxblood?

This fall, why not try oxblood?  Sure, it’s the most unappealing sounding trend since underwear as outerwear, but it’s actually quite nice.  So, what is oxblood?  Oxblood is a deep, reddish brown hue similar to burgundy:

Pantone Oxblood Swatch - Image via Amazon.com

And it is a huge color trend for fall. Personally, I love oxblood for fall because unlike some trends (again, underwear as outerwear comes to mind), I think this one is extremely wearable.  It’s also versatile, easy to find, and easy to thrift.  

Take, for example, these oxblood (yes, I’ve referred to them in the past as burgundy, but I guess this year we’re calling them oxblood; just go with it) “nun shoes” (Naya “Jada” via Nordstrom): 

Image via Shoes.com

I bought them last fall and I wear them all the time.  I wear them most often with gray and black because they add just the right bit of color.  But, you don’t have to go dark; oxblood also looks fabulous with blush, cream and teal.  Most recently, I paired it with bright yellow and navy blue:

In addition to being versatile, oxblood really is easy to find, both in retail stores and thrift stores.  Aside from my Naya shoes, all of the rest of the oxblood in my closet has been thrifted.  But, if thrifting isn’t your thing, here are some pieces that I like for fall.

Mossimo Women’s Elbow Sleeve Ponte Dress:

Image via Target

I think this is a great dress and if you want to see just how great it is on a real person, my girl, Sal, rocks it here.

Banana Republic Skinny Cords:

Image via Banana Republic

I have these in mustard and they fit wonderfully; so much so that I just ordered them in the burgundy oxblood.  (Also, you can get 30% off today and tomorrow with the code, THANKYOU).

Topshop Peplum Tank:

Image via Nordstrom

Unfortunately this tank is only available up to size 12 and runs a full size small, but it’s an otherwise great way to combine two trends in one.

eShakti “Vintage Ponte Knit Dress”:

Image via eShakti

I think I may be sort of obsessed with this dress.  I want very badly to wear it layered over a turtleneck with tights and boots. 

Naya “Jada” Pumps:

Image via Shoes.com

Yep, they’re still available and they’re still awesome.

MARC by Marc Jacobs “Too Hot to Handle” Shopper:

Image via Nordstrom

Yes, it is crazy expensive, but it’s also too pretty not to be included.

Still not loving oxblood?  Try calling it burgundy or Bordeaux (ooh, fancy) and see if that doesn’t change your mind.

And have a Happy Monday!

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.