Plum Pop

Although I was tempted to channel my inner Captain Casual again today, I wanted to wear my Karina Dresses dress one more time before the giveaway* closes.  I almost went with all black, but decided instead to do a pop of plum:

I paired my black dress (courtesy of Karina Dresses) with a black blazer (Gap Tall), plum tights and black wedge booties (Nine West �Peekaboo� via Piperlime).  And I added a brass and crystal necklace (Special Portland) to add some interest up top.  The plum tights, of course, add interest to the bottom of the outfit.

I have to say that, although I do love brightly colored tights, I think my plum tights have proven to be the most versatile.  They add color on days where I don�t necessarily want to add COLOR but want a little something.  If you�re still on the fence about colored tights, try plum, burgundy, rust or olive � they�re easier to incorporate into a neutral wardrobe than bright tights.

*What�s this?  You didn�t know I was hosting a giveaway?  Well, I am.  Karina Dresses was kind enough to provide me with this lovely dress and are going to provide one of my fabulous readers with a lovely dress of their own.  Interested?  You can enter, and find a discount code for $30.00 off, here.  But hurry; the giveaway closes tomorrow night at midnight, PST.

And, that�s it for me this week.  I have the rest of the week and next Monday and Tuesday off.  I�ll be working on a project, catching up on my mending, finally putting my clothes away and hiking in Eastern Oregon.  I�ll try to take pictures of the interesting stuff.

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year!

Gracey

Rust, Plum and Wrinkles

Do you all remember all the way back to last Friday when I mentioned that my office doesn�t have a dress code but that I still try to keep my casual outfits for Fridays?  Well, the key word there is try.  Some days a girl just wants to wear jeans.  Today was such a day:

As it turns out, today was also one of those days when a girl just didn�t want to iron.  The result?  Rust, plum and wrinkles. 

Curious how to achieve this look on your own?  Pair a clean-but-wrinkled plum and rust polka dot tee (Gap) with wide-leg jeans (Gap) and a clean-but-wrinkled cardigan (Old Navy).  Add cognac booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx), a rust colored scarf (Nordstrom) and coral and Peruvian jade earrings (Crafty Wonderland purchase).  And there you have it; rust, plum and wrinkles.  Easy peasy.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  I�ll see you all tomorrow with less wrinkles and more hair-brushing (probably).

Gracey

Comfy Cozy

Even though I was out sick on Monday, this has seemed like the longest week.  And very challenging, sartorially.  Basically, I�ve just been waiting for Friday so I could be comfy cozy:

Which is kind of funny because no one at my job cares what we wear.  People run around here in sweats and crocs on a daily basis.  I guess I just like to pretend we have more of a dress code than we do (or that we have one at all) and save my more casual outfits for Fridays. 

And I think that today�s casual outfit is one of my favorite.  I paired crimson skinny jeans (Old Navy �Rock Star�) with a charcoal sweater (wool, thrifted) layered over a cream and tan tunic (Old Navy).  I added cognac lace-up booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx) and a black and cream infinity scarf (Steve Madden via Macys) and really was comfy and cozy all day.

And that�s it for me until after Christmas.  I have Monday off, but I�ll be back on Tuesday. 

I hope everyone has an absolutely wonderful holiday, whatever holiday it is you celebrate!

Gracey

The Accidental Outfit (Or, Avoiding a Thigh-Coup)

This outfit was an accident:

Now, you�re probably thinking �Gracey, this outfit looks fine; you didn�t need to tell us it was an accident.�  But, here�s the deal; you all know we�re big on transparency here at Fashion for Giants.  However, what you may not know is that that transparency is necessary to prevent a thigh-coup.  Now, thigh-coup may rhyme with haiku, but it would be a mistake to assume it�s anything as lovely.  No, a thigh-coup is actually when my crazy militant thighs attempt to take over the current government (me).  In an attempt to avoid this, my current government practices transparency as much as possible.

And, to that end, I have to admit that I didn�t plan this outfit this morning.  The outfit I planned during my cough-riddled half-sleep had a lot of color, some complicated layering and possibly fur.  But, when I woke up this morning and faced my piles of clothes � all clean but none put away due to my cold and my natural laziness � I saw this dress lying next to this sweater:

And it appeared to me, in my head-cold-haze, to be a match made in heaven.  The navy and blue polka dot dress (vintage Karin Stevens, thrifted) pairs surprisingly well with the peacock-colored cardigan (a.n.a via JC Penney).  I also added a thin belt (Gap) to define the waist, riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom) because they go with darn near everything, a watch and a vintage bracelet (gifted). And there you have it; an accidental outfit is born.

So, yes, while I�d like to pretend I spend hours selecting outfits that demonstrate that I do, in fact, know how to dress my giant self, I can�t.  My thighs are watching and if they think I�m being less than honest, they�ll ally with my hips and attempt a thigh-coup.  They�re bossy like that.

Happy Thursday, All!  Here's hoping it's free from thigh-coups and hip-juntas!

Gracey

Back in Black

As much as I love color (and I do love me some color), I�ve been drawn to all black outfits lately.  I wore this one last week:

And I�m wearing this today:

I know it�s all taboo and whatnot to wear different shades of black together, but I rather like it.  I think it�s because I�m trying to work more with texture to give my outfits interest.  I usually rely on color, which is fairly easy for me to work with, but texture is more of a challenge.

Today�s outfit has less texture than last week�s and is more sleek, but I think it still has enough interest.  Thanks in part to my snake-print leggings (I like to call them snakings):

I paired the leggings (Target) with a black kangaroo pocket tunic (Nordstrom) layered over a black turtleneck (Gap) and added black wedge booties (Nine West �Peekaboo� via Piperlime).

How about you, Dearest Readers?  What do you depend on to give your outfits interest?  Color, texture, accessories or something else all together?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Polka Floral

Hello, All!  I�m sorry for being gone so long.  I was fighting a cold all last week and I�m sorry to say the cold won this weekend.  I was out of commission yesterday and I�m still fuzzy today.  But, I dragged myself out of bed this morning and stumbled into this outfit:

Which is only okay.  The colors are good and I love me a good polka floral combination, but this isn�t the most flattering silhouette. 

I think the vintage Janzten skirt (thrifted) with the polka dot blouse (thrifted) is good.  But the cardigan (men's vintage Janzten, thrifted) needs to be slimmer.  And a different shoe is probably in order as well.  I wore my riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom) but a bootie might have been better.  Either less bulk on the top or the bottom and the outfit would have been more flattering.

But, hey, what are you gonna do?  You win some, you lose some and when I�m sick, it�s all I can do to get dressed, without worrying if it works or not.  Hopefully I�ll feel better tomorrow and won�t look as if the abominable snowman discovered polka floral.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Holidays = Giveaways: Karina Dresses Review and Giveaway

Somehow, with my admittedly sizeable closet, I managed to not own a little black dress.  Karina Dresses has remedied that oversight by sending me this little black dress:

Yes, it was cold.  See what I do for you, Dearest Readers?

And I love it.  It looks simple enough, but is surprisingly versatile.  Today I�m wearing a winterized work version of the dress with a wool Lauren Ralph Lauren jacket (thrifted), olive tights, riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom) and a bird-print scarf (thrifted):

But I could easily dress it up with a statement necklace, or a brooch or three at the waist or shoulder, or a colorful shoe or some major earrings.  And, in the summer, it�ll work wonderfully with a metallic sandal and an arm full of bangles.

I think it�s the cut that makes this dress so versatile.  It has a flattering v-neck, waist-enhancing waistband and a thigh-approved full skirt.  I also like that it�s sleeveless, but still offers enough coverage so my bra straps aren�t tempted to run amok.  And I love the length � its one that would work for any age, any body and any height. 

Little black dresses aren�t all that Karina Dresses makes though.  They offer this particular dress (the Marissa) in several prints and colors and even offer it with sleeves.  They also offer several other dress styles in a variety of prints and colors.  And, because the dresses are made from limited edition fabrics, the prints change regularly so their customers can always find new options in their favorite style.  I love that.

There is a lot to love about Karina Dresses though.  I love that they�re a small, American company based in Brooklyn and that they produce all of their dresses on site.  I love that their dresses are targeted towards women of all ages, all ethnicities, all aesthetics and all body types (they carry up to size 20 in some styles).  And I love their fabulous fabric � it�s a microfiber blend with 4-way stretch that is machine-washable and never needs ironing; which, as a lazy gal, I truly appreciate.

And I think you�ll appreciate Karina Dresses as well.  Which is why I�ve teamed up with them to offer one reader a free dress and the rest of my beloved readers $30.00 off the purchase of a Karina Dresses dress. 

To enter the giveaway for the free dress, just do the following:

1.      Stop by Karina Dresses and peruse their wares.

2.      Visit the Karina Dresses Facebook page and �like� it.

3.      Leave me a comment letting me know which style of a Karina Dresses dress you�d choose and your email address so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close on midnight, PST on December 29^th.  Which gives you a couple of weeks to enter.  Just don�t forget!

And, to get $30.00 off the purchase of any full price Karina Dresses dress, just visit Karina Dresses here and enter this code PANG30 when you check out.  Also, Karina Dresses is offering FREE SHIPPING for the entire month of December! 

That�s right, a giveaway, $30.00 off and free shipping.  You�re welcome, folks.  You�re welcome.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

That 70s Sensibility

Lately I�ve felt like my clothes have reflected a 70s sensibility that I didn�t even know that I had.  This outfit is no exception:

I�m wearing flared, pin-tucked jeans (Gap), a bow blouse (Gap) in a decidedly 70s color and platform booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx).  Even the sweater feels a little bit 70s to me with the color combination and the belled sleeves.

The funny thing is that it�s not like I�m nostalgic for the 70s � I�m too young to remember any of it.  But, I�ve realized that the 70s aesthetic is perfect for my current lifestyle.  I�m not talking about the disco 70s (although I do love a jumpsuit), but the more practical but still ladylike 70s. 

I bike to work every day which means that I need practical clothes that allow me to move with ease.  At the same time though, I have an impractical streak a mile wide in that I like to ride my bike in high heels and pretty things.  Dressing in the 70s style of easy, moveable fabrics (double-knit may be ugly, but you can�t say it didn�t allow you to move), longer skirts, high waists and tall boots allows me to be both practical and feminine.

Which isn�t to say that I always dress with a nod to the 70s; I don�t.  And I don�t go full 70s with an outfit � if I do have vintage pieces from the era, I mix them with modern pieces to keep if from being costumey.  I think both of these things are important to keep from getting in a rut and to keep that rut from being daily trips from the 70s in your time machine.

How about you, Dear Readers?  Do you have an aesthetic from the past that appeals to you?  And how dedicated to that aesthetic are you?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Go Chic or Go Home Giveaway Winner

Well, folks, we have a winner, but first, lets see a photo diary of the journey, shall we?

First, I put all the names in this hat:

Then I shook the hat around and prepared to pull a name:

I drew out a name�

(Is the suspense killing you yet?)

And, the winner is:

Melissa of Wear Something Bold Today.  Congratulations, Melissa!  GCOGH will be contacting you about your gift card.

Feeling frowny and down that you didn�t win?  The fabulous Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb is holding her own GCOGH gift card giveaway this week so you can take another shot at it.  Even if you don't want to enter, you should visit Catherine's blog.  She's a gorgeous blogger with great style, so pop by and visit.  And if you do want to enter her giveaway, the rules of entry can be found here.

Congrats again, Melissa!  And thank you to all who entered!

Gracey

EBEW: Sequins and Sparkles

It�s Everybody, Everywear time, people!  And today that means sequins and sparkles.  Full disclosure, I�m not a fan of sequins for the daytime.  For me, it�s like leaving your Christmas lights up all year long; it saps some of the magic come Christmastime.  And daytime sparkle saps some of the magic come fancy-dress-time.  But, sometimes a girl needs to branch out so I gave today�s EBEW Challenge my best shot:

Given my reticence to wear any sequins during the day, you know there was no way I was going Full Sparkle.  Instead, I kept it minimal so it still felt like me.  To do so, I layered a sequin-striped t-shirt dress/tunic (Ross) over a black turtleneck (Gap) and black leggings (INC via Macy�s).  Over that I layered my oft-worn black sweater (Jones New York via Ross) and some black wedge booties (Nine West �Peekaboo� via Piperlime).

And I liked it.  It was warm, layered (What can I say?  I love the layers) and that bit of shine was sort of nice.  I wouldn�t say I�m a convert, but I am going to give daytime sequins another try next week, so maybe I�ll get there. And maybe I�ll leave my Christmas lights up year round too.  (FYI � this is sarcasm).

How about you, Dear Reader Friends?  Are you fans of sequins for day?  If you are and want more ideas on how to wear them (and probably on how to wear them more aggressively), stop by Everybody, Everywear and feast your eyes.  It�s sequintastic!

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Freezing in Plaid

It has been absolutely freezing in Oregon lately.  And today, it was both freezing and windy.  Hence my looking all hunched and awkward in these photos:

But, I never claimed to be a model.  I don�t even play one on this blog.  So, let�s all ignore the dear-God-its-so-cold look in my eyes and focus on the clothes, shall we? 

Today I layered the heck out of my outfit in a mostly failed attempt to keep warm.  On the bottom, I layered a vintage wool plaid skirt (thrifted) over tights (Target) and layered socks over my tights.  On the top, I layered a charcoal wool cardigan (Tulle) over a cream cashmere short-sleeve sweater (Forte via Ideeli) which in turn was layered over a burgundy blouse (Target).  I topped the whole thing off with a studded belt (Michael Michael Kors via Nordstrom) and my Born Crown riding boots (�Sosie� via Nordstrom).

Happy Monday, Everyone!  I hope you�re all staying warm (or cool if you�re lucky enough to be experiencing summer right now).

Gracey

Reader Question: I Have Big Calves and I Cannot Lie

Okay, I am lying.  I do not, in fact, have big calves.  What I have are giant, feisty, often militant thighs the likes of which haven�t been seen since the Venus of Willendorf:

Isn't she lovely?

But, this isn�t about me.  New reader, Cathy (Hi, Cathy!), sent me a question the other day regarding good sources for wide-calf boots.  Now just because I don�t have wide calves, doesn�t mean I don�t have my sources.  I do.  They just happen to be my dear friends Erin, of Plus Sized Curves Ahead and Kelsey, of Charming Pumpkin.

Both of these women have self-admitted large calves.  In fact, Kelsey�s calves and my thighs frequently hold summits on how best to take over neighboring countries.  And, both of these women have successfully found and styled (rather well, I might add) wide calf boots.

Erin at Plus Sized Curves Ahead:

Kelsey at Charming Pumpkin:

So cute, right?  But, where did they get those fabulous boots?  Erin�s are Viva La Diva from Simply Be and you can read more about them here.  And Kelsey�s are Abound from Nordstrom Rack.  Kelsey also recommends the following:  Avenue Wide Calf Boots, Evans, Lane Bryant and Duo Boots.  To that list, I�d add WideWidths.com, Nordstrom and Cougar Boots.  You can see a review on Cougar Boots at 260 Days, No Repeats and also see how Iris styled her Cougars.

Booties are also a good option for women with wide calves.  Booties that come to just below the ankle bone are probably your best bet.  It allows you to maintain the shapeliness of your gorgeous legs.  If you go just above the ankle bone, compensate with a little shorter skirt � just above the knee is perfect.  And a trick I just learned today, from my gorgeous, wide-calved friend Jodee, is to buy "slouchy" boots.  The shafts of slouchy boots are usually cut more generously, so while they may not slouch on you, there is a good chance they'll fit your wider calves.

How about you folks?  Anybody have any good sources for wide calf boots that I might have missed?  Let me know in the comments!

Also, speaking of boots, did you know that the current monocle theme on Go Chic or Go Home is Boots?  Don�t know what I�m talking about?  Find out more and enter my $50.00 gift card giveaway here.  And hurry, the giveaway closes at midnight tomorrow!

Happy Saturday, All!  I hope you�re all having wonderful weekends!

Gracey

Caramel, Smoke and Lagoon

I�ve decided that using nouns as adjectives to describe my clothes is my new thing.  Take this outfit for example:

It was a rough week, but I'm much better now.  Also, my friends are hilarious.

I could have described it as brown, gray and blue, but I practically fell asleep at my keyboard just typing that.  So boring.  But, caramel, smoke and lagoon?  Now that�s an exciting color combination.  To this end, I�m describing my outfit as lagoon jeggings (Gap) paired with a caramel sweater (thrifted Land�s End) layered over a smoke-colored tunic (Tulle).  I added cognac lace-up booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx) and a multi-colored scarf (Nordstrom).  Fancy, no?

But, I can�t take all the credit.  Gap described these pants as �lagoon� on their website.  And do you guys remember back in the day when catalogs used words like �stone� and �haze� and �cayenne� to describe their clothes?  I remember J. Crew being especially fond of this practice, offering shirts striped in �melon� and �celery.�  When I was younger, I thought it was kind of silly, but now I realize it�s sort of great and far more fun. 

What do you think, Dear Reader Friends?  Ridiculous or fabulous?

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

P.S. If you haven�t already, don�t forget to enter my giveaway for a $50.00 gift card from Go Chic or Go Home!

A Little More Color

In keeping with what appears to be the theme of this week, I�m wearing color again today.  But, just a little bit:

Okay, so maybe it�s more than a little.  I can�t help myself.  As melancholy as I�ve been, I still reach for color in the morning.  Today I reached for my burgundy pleated skirt (vintage, thrifted), an orange blouse (thrifted) and a peacock-colored cardigan (a.n.a via JC Penney).  I added peacock colored tights that are actually sheer black chevrons layered over opaque teal tights (Target & Hue, respectively), my oxidized buckle belt (thrifted) to keep my too big skirt up and my trusty riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom) because, hey, they�re trusty.

I know this color combination is a little over the top for some, but burgundy and orange just holds such an allure for me.  It�s one of my favorite punchy color combinations and at a time I needed some punch, it actually did help to cheer me up.  As have all of your guys� kind comments.  You guys are the best.  For reals.

You know what else helps cheer a girl up?  Parties.  To that end, I�ve linked up to the Thursday is for Thrifters Link Party over at Spunky Chateau.  I feel better already.

Happy Thursday, Everyone.  And please know that I really do appreciate each and every one of you.

Gracey

Two Things I Like and an eShakti Review

If there are two things I like, they are chickens and red dresses.  In a further attempt to shake my melancholy, I�ve incorporated those two things in my outfit today:

Still not a real smile, but I am trying very hard to maintain.

Again, forced, but an unsmiling me makes me cry (more).

Chickens, right?  Abstract chickens, but chickens all the same?

Yes, folks it is a red, chicken print dress.  And it was sent to me by the lovely folks at eShakti.  They contacted me and allowed me to pick at item to receive and review.  Of course I picked this dress (red and chickens, people, red and chickens) and I love it.  It�s sleeveless, which helps it fit nicely under cardigans during the winter.  It has a nipped in waist, which helps me look like I do too.  And it has a nice full skirt, perfect for bike riding and during happier times, twirling.  They even added a few inches to the length of the skirt for me (more on that later).

I winterized my new, red, chicken print dress (c/o eShakti) in the usual manner.  By which I mean that I layered the dress under a cardigan (Beth Bowley via Nordstrom Rack) and over doubled tights (cream and navy via Target).  I added my riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom) and a braided belt (thrifted) to help maintain the waist on the dress.

What�s that?  You�ve never heard of eShakti?  Well, then, lemme tell you about �em.  One, they are clearly brilliant because they have the presence of mind to offer a red, chicken print dress.  Two, and I believe this is further evidence of their brilliance, they offer clothing in sizes up to 26.  Three, and this is my favorite, they offer to customize their clothing for a mere $7.50 more. 

Are you, like me, a giant with long arms and legs?  eShakti has your back.  You can increase sleeve length, pant length and skirt length, etc.  Not a giant?  They can also decrease the length if that�s your thing.  If you are, unlike me, endowed with a sizeable chestal arena, eShakti can help you out as well.  Uncomfortable going sleeveless?  Put a sleeve on it!  eShakti allows this option for several of their blouses and dresses; and they let you determine the sleeve length.  In truth, they have a ton of custom options for only $7.50.  (Seriously, don�t tell your tailor or accusations of undercutting may begin to fly).

If you haven�t already tried eShakti, you should.  And to make that more of a possibility during these trying economic times, eShakti has provided me with a discount code just for Fashion for Giant readers (and, really, anyone who stumbled across this blog by accident or whatever). 

So, go to eShakti, get a chicken dress of your own, or a coat or whatever tickles your fancy, use this code, FFG0811, and get $20.00 off your purchase.  The code is good until 12/31/2011.  Also, don�t forget to enter my gift card giveaway.

And, have a happy Wednesday.

Gracey

P.S. Thank you all for your kind words.  I'll get over myself.  Eventually. 

Putting On a Brave Face

I am having a rough month.  Yes, I know we�re only six days in, but December really isn�t working for me.  I tried cheering myself up with some hot pink:

And it almost worked.  But, that smile is pretty forced � this is how I really felt today:

Boo on the sad face.

It�s not the outfit�s fault though.  I actually really like the hot pink sweater (Talbots, thrifted) layered over the blue and navy dress (thrifted) with the blue tights (DKNY via Nordstrom) and tasseled booties (Seychelles via Nordstrom).  I�m just gloomy, is all. 

Although I wasn�t able to put on much of a brave face today, bear with me; I usually find my smile again after not too long.

I hope you�re all having a happier Tuesday than I,

Gracey

Take Four: Winter Coats from Coast to Coast

Today�s Take Four topic (ooh, alliteration) is Winter Coats.  This topic was a hard one for me because I have a lot of coats.  I mean A LOT.  I think it�s because when I find a coat that fits my broad shoulders and long arms, I feel compelled to buy it.  This lemon-yellow houndstooth was the latest coat I felt compelled to buy:

My friend Kathy called it a �grandma coat� and I suppose it is.  But, I absolutely adore it.  It�s handmade vintage (the tag says it�s �An Original By Miss Michael�), it�s houndstooth and it�s yellow.  It�s also thrifted and a bit fuzzy without being full-on-Muppet.  Oh, and it fits my broad shoulders and long arms.  What�s not to love?

Today I wore my vintage coat over a vintage dress:

Unlike the coat, the dress isn�t handmade and it�s also not conducive to riding a bike in (I drove today), but I rather like it.  I paired the dress (thrifted) with gray tights (Nordstrom), a thin belt (Gap) and my increasingly-ubiquitous burgundy pumps (Naya �Jada� via Nordstrom).  All in all, a little more body-con than I usually go, but I think it worked.

Enough about the outfit though, we�re here to talk about coats.  You�ve seen my coat, now may I suggest you take a look at what the other ladies of Take Four are rocking?  Visit Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking, Kelsey of Charming Pumpkin and Karla of Frugal Big Girl to see some fabulous winter coats and possible tomfoolery (I may have made that last part up but you�ll never know if you don�t stop by).

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

Good Advice, A Community and A Giveaway

Go Chic or Go Home.  It's good advice, no?  As it turns it out, it's also an online community of chic, fashion-lovers and for you, my lovely readers, it's also a giveaway.  My first giveaway, in fact.  But, we'll get to the giveaway in a minute, first let me tell you about Go Chic or Go Home.

Go Chic or Go Home is an online community of fashion-lovers that provides an opportunity to share, experiment with and explore fashion in a easy-going, welcoming environment.  The site has a variety of different features that let you do anything from uploading and remixing your wardrobe, to posting questions or advice for fellow members, to getting inspiration from fellow members. 

My absolute favorite feature on GCOGH is the Monocle.  It's an inspiration board to which members post outfits based on a theme.  It's a TON of inspiration all in one place.  The current theme is Boots and given my love of boots, you know I'm thrilled.

GCOGH has also paired with a number of  vendors to offer an online shop.  And you, Dear, Sweet Reader Friends, have the opportunity to win a $50 gift card to any one of GCOGH's vendor partners.  That's right, any one!  All you have to do is the following:

1. Follow Fashion for Giants (do it, it's fun).
2. Sign up for a Go Chic or Go Home account using this special invitation link (also super fun).
3. Poke around a bit on the site, maybe visit (fall in love with) the Monocle, and then tell me what you think in the comments.
4. In your comment, make sure you leave a valid email address; you can't win if you don't leave an email address.
5. Wait for next Monday when I'll announce the winner!

Also, this giveaway is open to all of my readers, including current GCOGH members and international readers.  For international readers, just make sure the vendor you choose the giftcard for ships internationally.  And for current GCOGH members, you just need to leave your email address in the comments.

And, finally, the giveaway is open until midnight, Pacific Standard Time, on December 10th.

Good Luck, All!

Gracey

I Made This Sweater

�into a cardigan.  Of course I didn�t make the sweater, that's pure lunacy.  Jones New York made the sweater.  But, I did make it into a cardigan:

I thrifted the sweater because of its vaguely Southwestern motif which is on trend for fall (�Southwestern� I mean, not �Vaguely Southwestern� although if the trend were �Vaguely Southwestern� it would be sort of awesome, right?) and because I thought I could make it work.  I couldn�t.  Between the cut (boxy) and the fringe (fringe-y) it wasn�t working for me.  So I decided to try to refashion it into a cardigan.  And it was really easy.  I just cut the sweater down the front, folded the raw edges under and zigzag stitched each side.  

And, frankly, I think it�s an improvement.  I feel like I�ve taken the sweater from being boxy and dated to being kitschy and amusing.  And if you follow my blog, you know I love the kitsch and I love to laugh.  In keeping with the vaguely Southwestern theme (and the kitsch), I paired the �cardigan� (Jones New York Sport, thrifted) with a chambray tunic (Old Navy), riding leggings (Vince Camuto via Nordstrom), riding boots (Born Crown �Sosie� via Nordstrom), a turquoise beaded necklace (rummaged) and silver and turquoise earrings (Mom-ed).

The earrings:

In closing, I'd like to say the following: one, please forgive the wrinkles.  It was just that type of day.  Two, making a cardigan out of a sweater is super easy; you should try it.  Three, Happy Friday, Everyone.  And four, of course, is..

Have a marvelous weekend, folks!

Gracey

The Mildly Pink Skirt

"Mildly pink" is how one of my coworkers referred to this skirt when she saw this outfit this morning.  I�m pretty sure she was joking:

I know that some might argue that I shouldn�t swath the largest part of my body in hot pink silk, but my thighs said it was okay.  They even said that after they secede (yes, I have secessionist thighs) and become their own country they might include hot pink on their national flag.  What can I say?  My thighs and I love a good, eye-searing hot pink.

This particular hot pink delight is actually a dress; a very 80s dress with a very 80s bodice that I�m still not sure what to do with.  Until I figure it out though, I thought I could wear the dress (thrifted) as a skirt.  So I layered it under a charcoal wool sweater (thrifted) and added opaque black tights (Spanx via Nordstrom) and black wedge booties (Nine West �Peekaboo� via Piperlime).  I have to say that really like this dress as a skirt, so perhaps I�ll take the bodice off altogether?  We�ll see.

Also, and I find this amusing, the dress has a rose pattern woven in:

So 80s, so hilarious, so pink

Finally, because it's Thursday, I'm linked up to Spunky Chateau's Thursdays are for Thrifters Link Party.  Are you a thrifter?  If so, you should definitely join in.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey