MarketPlace: Handwork of India

The other day I was contacted by a company called MarketPlace: Handwork of India with the offer to review one of their products.  I had never heard of this company so I did a little research and they�re pretty amazing.  They are a nonprofit Alternative Trade and Development Organization that works with 480 women artisans around Mumbai, India, to produce clothing and home d�cor items showcasing authentic techniques such as hand batik, ikat and hand embroidery.

The women work in supportive, non-exploitative work environments in the form of 14 cooperatives around Mumbai, which the women organize and manage.  And, addition to the much needed employment, MarketPlace works in conjunction with another nonprofit organization in Mumbai, SHARE, to provide social programs to the artisans.  And the women in turn use their own social program, Social Action, to get involved in their communities, tackling everything from garbage collection to domestic abuse.  

So, yeah, pretty amazing.

And so are the items they produce.  Like the Majuli Tunic:

Here is a close-up of the hand printed pattern and the hand embroidery at the yoke:

I don�t wear a lot of purple, but I love the dusty plum of the tunic.  And I love that the embroidery inspired me to pair the tunic with a mustard scarf:

Really, what's not to love about a company that empowers women and inspires the wearing of mustard?!  That's right, nothing.

To share in the love and learn more about MarketPlace: Handwork of India, please visit them here.

And have a Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Black on Black on Black

The lovely Fashionista Next Door has challenged us to wear all black as part of Style Me Friday.  And y'all?  This was crazy hard for me.

That's right, I had trouble putting together leggings and a tunic.

The thing is, I don't wear black from head-to-toe.  I pretty much have to have a pop of color; scarf, earrings, something.  Or something shiny.  I had to force myself to back away from my Foxxy Anubis brooch this morning.

However, I (sometimes) like a good challenge so I bit the bullet and resisted the urge to add color or shine, depending instead on different textures to (hopefully) add interest to my monochromatic look.

I, apparently, also wanted to show how it was possible to wear head-to-toe black and not look sleek and cool.

But, enough about my enduring fluffiness.  Let's get back to the texture:

Yes, my sweater is texturally interesting.  And yes, I do have to make that face when providing a close-up of this tunic. Rules is rules, folks.


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Dress Like A Wasp's Nest

I feel like a cocoon today.  Or a wasp's nest, what with all my gray, lumpy layers:

Which isn't to say I don't like this outfit.  I actually really do.  It's cozy as hell and it's as comfortable as pajamas. And it's successful deployment of a maxi dress in cooler weather, which is something I've struggled with in the past.

What it's not, is figure-flattering.  I know as a blogger I'm supposed to be demonstrating how to dress in the most flattering way (Right?  Isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing here?), but I just can't do it.  You want to wear something that swallows your shape?  Go for it.  Dress like a wasp's nest, if you want.  I totally support that.

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Sweater Weather

After a few weeks of unseasonably warm weather, sweater weather has finally arrived in Oregon.  So, I dressed accordingly:

Actually, I overdressed, as I do.  This sweater (thrifted) is alpaca and it's ridiculously warm.  Almost too warm actually.  But, I've been waiting for months to wear it and the weather finally dropped below sixty so I decided now was the time.

Also, it's the perfect excuse to wear orange and burgundy together:

Cashmere scarf: Nordstrom, similar  Skirt: thrifted, similar  Tights: Target  Boots: Born "Mabel"

Not that I need an excuse.  But, I do think it makes my friends and family feel better when I can point out that there is both orange and burgundy in the sweater so therefore the scarf and the tights totally make sense. Sometimes people need things to make sense.

Personally, I just like to wear orange.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

A Reprieve

We're having a reprieve from the rain for a few days and it is delightful.  It's still pretty cold in the mornings but the afternoons have been glorious.  So I took the opportunity to shed some layers:

I know, it's not a very fall-like palette but I actually really liked the skirt (Old Navy) with the gray sweater (JC Penney).  But the boots (Enzo Angolini via Nordstrom, similar), the boots are totally fall-like.  An effect I probably ruined with my pink and blue necklace (via Etsy shop, Nest of the Bluebird) and neon pink studs (Kate Spade New York).

Still, I'm sure I'll be back to fall colors once Oregon gets back to fall weather.

Happy Friday, All.  And have a lovely weekend!

Gracey

Before the Rains Came

So, I'm not actually wearing this dress today:

Vintage RK Originals dress, Gap boots & Kate Spade New York earrings

Nor did I wear it yesterday as is usually the case.  No, I wore this before the rains came.  Over the weekend, Oregon remembered that it's Oregon and it has a responsibility to rain steadily from the first day of autumn through the last day of spring.  It's off to a great start.

But, enough about the weather.  Let's talk about the dress.  I think it's from the 60s and I think it's fabulous.

My favorite part is the studded trim:

Seriously, aren't those just the most ladylike little studs you've ever seen?

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

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

Tough Cherub

I am, admittedly, obsessed with scarf-print blouses.  This is the latest addition to my collection:

Yes, those are cherubs on my chest.  At least I think they are.  I can�t see any wings though so maybe they�re just naked babies.  But, we�re going to call them cherubs because �Tough Naked Baby� is just a ridiculous title for a post.  

In addition to the maybe-cherubs there are also gryphons, urns, some floral elements, and on the back?  Well, on the back, there is a big ol' eagle:

Why?  Presumably because nothing goes with gryphons and babies like a big ol' eagle.  Whatever the reason, it results in a hilariously awesome shirt, so I�ll take it. 

In addition to my fabulously ridiculous shirt (thrifted via Goodwill), I also wore my trusty black skirt (thrifted via Goodwill) and a collar necklace (Nordstrom).  I �toughened� up the look with black boots (Vince Camuto via Nordstrom) and a studded belt (v. old JC Penney).  

Tough cherub indeed.

Happy Wednesday, All!


Gracey

Spring Suede

For the past year or so, fashion magazines have been trying to convince me that summer leather is not only a thing, but that it�s a good thing.  And perhaps, for others, it is.  But, not for me.  I am a heavy glistener, by which I mean I sweat a lot.  Add to that the fact that I sweat even more because I ride my bike to work and I can imagine only a few things more uncomfortable than wearing leather in the summer.  But, even though I unequivocally refuse to attempt summer leather, I�m willing to compromise with spring suede:

Because I�m all about compromise.  Okay, not really.  But, I like to try everything once.  And, I�m glad I did; because I think it worked in my favor here:

The suede skirt (Valerie Stevens via Goodwill) paired with the denim top (Caslon via Nordstrom) were perfect for today�s in-between weather. I also added a bib necklace (Nordstrom), my vintage ram-buckle belt and my new spring boots (Corso Como �Seminole� via Piperlime).

Image via Piperlime

 

So, yes, spring suede I�ll do, but summer leather is still a �no� for me.  What about you, Reader Friends?  Are you summer leather wearers?

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Similar suede skirt (eBay has lots of options)

Similar chambray shirt (tall available)

Corso Como �Seminole� boots

Vintage ram belt buckle

Similar bib necklace

 

Buttons, Boots and Polka Nots

Today's outfit consists of buttons, boots and polka nots.  The polka nots are what brilliant reader, Aya, calls the pattern on my shirt (Eddie Bauer via Goodwill):

They look like polka dots, but they're not, so polka nots they are.  The buttons are on the skirt (thrifted via Goodwill) and the boots are my spring boots (Enzo Angolini "Saylem" via Nordstrom).  I told you that was a thing.

I love the button front on this skirt and, surprisingly, my thighs are okay with it too.  Usually button-front skirts tend to make my thighs Hulk out just to prove they can.  But, they stayed put today.  Thank goodness.

I also wore a woven belt (thrifted via Goodwill) and a lovely vintage apple pendant from Ally Hoot Vintage.  But, I forgot to get a close up.  You can see it here though.

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

Shop the Look:
Similar Eddie Bauer shirt (Tall & Plus available)
Similar button-front skirt
Exact Enzo Angolini "Saylem" boots
Exact apple pendant

** 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.

Bat-Wing Boobies

I love leopard print paired with floral print.  And I love leopard paired with blue.  So, pairing my leopard cardigan with this blue, floral dress is a combination that really probably should have occurred to me sooner.  But, better late than never, right?

I actually wasn�t sure the dress (vintage Anthony Richards) would work under the cardigan (Ann Taylor).  It has elbow-length sleeves and as much as I like a dress with sleeves, they aren�t always the easiest to layer.  At least not for me and my arms.  They tend to bunch and twist and generally make me angry.  But, I�m happy to say that I was not angry today; the cardigan is loose enough through the sleeves to fit easily over the sleeves of the dress.  

I also added my lighter-hued boots (Enzo Angolini "Saylem" via Nordstrom) because even though it�s been pouring rain, it still actually feels like spring here. 

That's right, I've decided these are my spring boots.  That I will wear year round.

Really, the only thing I wasn�t entirely happy about with this look was the belt (Old Navy).  I love the blue, but I think it�s too skinny.  The cardigan kept drooping over at the sides, giving me bat-wing boobies (you can see what I mean in the first two photos especially).  And nobody wants bat-wing boobies.  Probably.  I'm not going to claim to know everyone�s boob preferences.  So, suffice it to say that I don't want bat-wing boobies.

Happy Tuesday, All!  May it be free of strange breast shapes (unless, of course, that's your thing)!

Gracey

Proper Deployment

Sometimes I covet things not because they are solidly in my style wheelhouse, but rather because I wish they were in my style wheelhouse because they look so cool and chic on everyone else and I'd like to grow up to be cool and chic someday too.  Things like anoraks. 

I love how they look on other women, adding just the right bit of casual chic to an outfit. But, the thing is, they don't work like that on me. I seem to have some sort of anti-cool anorak-disorder (AC/AD, not to be confused with AC/DC, whom I adore) that keeps me from being able to wear them properly. 

But, today, I think perhaps I've finally mastered proper deployment of the anorak:

I mean, it looks kind of cool and almost chic paired with my black and gray stripes (Target) and colorful skirt (Plato's Closet), right?  And it does work with the boots (thrifted via Goodwill) and bright scarf (gifted by the very chic and cool, Ana), doesn't it? 

Honestly, I think this is as close to proper anorak deployment as I'm ever going to get, so I'm going to go ahead and check it off.

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Cozy Thunderbirds

I think I might be getting another sinus infection (stupid bad sinuses) and couldn�t think past being cozy when getting dressed this morning.  So, I wore this:

And it did the trick.  This sweater is super cozy, especially when layered over one of my beloved turtlenecks (Gap).

Luckily, it didn�t rain today so I didn�t have to wrestle with tights (I would have lost) and was able to pair the sweater (via Vintage by the Pound) with pants.  Specifically, I paired it with some graphic print skinnies (thrifted via Goodwill) and added some boots (Enzo Angolini �Saylem� via Nordstrom).

I think I rather like the graphic print of the pants with the stylized thunderbird.  But, then again, I�m not feeling well so I can�t be held accountable.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Vintage thunderbird sweater

Graphic print skinnies (Reasonable, Expensive but Cool)

Enzo Angolini "Saylem" boots

** 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.

Zigzag Goodness

I adore this sweater.  It is full of zigzag goodness:

It is vintage Nan Dorsey and is in amazing condition; one of my better Goodwill finds, for sure. 

I wore the sweater with a black turtleneck (Gap), black knit pencil skirt (vintage via Goodwill) and boots (Gap) to pick up the black zigs.  And I added cobalt blue tights (Nordstrom) to pick up the blue zags.

Yep, zigzag goodness.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Vintage Nan Dorsey sweaters (here and here)

Similar knit pencil skirt

Similar mid-calf boots

** 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.

Deepest, Darkest Jungle

I love the black background on this tropical print jacket.  It reminds me of the deepest, darkest jungle:

And it�s more �appropriate� for winter than a brighter tropical print might be. 

I also love the Karina dress (Marisa, c/o Karina Dresses) that I paired it with.  This dress has been a closet workhorse since I received it a couple of years ago.  It�s held its shape beautifully and is so easy to layer so it can be worn year round.  In addition to the jacket (vintage, gifted) and the dress, I also wore tights (Spanx via Nordstrom) and boots (Gap).  I also added coral statement necklace (via Piperlime) to complement the colors on the jacket. 

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Shop the Look:

Similar jacket (And by similar I mean, vintage tropical print with a black background)

Similar Karina dress (It doesn�t look like the Marisa is currently available, but I strongly recommend the Audrey for its similar cut).

Similar boots

Similar necklace

** 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.