Practicality

Yesterday, Carrie at Petal by Petal wore a dress that she said was probably the �most impractical� item in her closet (she looked gorgeous, btw).  And that got me to thinking about the practicality of my own wardrobe.

On one hand, I think that I have a very practical wardrobe.  Because I commute by bike, the majority of my closet is filled with clothes that are good for riding a bike in.  But, I will admit that practicality isn�t my only criteria when shopping.  Hell, sometimes it doesn�t even enter the picture.  However, for the most part, I try very hard to find items that are both good for riding and that make me happy.  Like this dress:

It�s printed, which makes me happy.  And it�s pleated, which is great for riding my bike (and makes me happy).  It also gets practicality points because of its versatility; last time I wore it, here, I paired it with sandals and a skinny belt.  This time I paired the dress (vintage, Goodwill) with tall, gray boots (Circa Joan & David �Ralco� via Piperlime), the same skinny belt (Gap) and a cuff (Goodwill).  And I think this is a piece that will work well into winter too.

On the other hand, I own some pretty impractical pieces too.  For example, as practical as my dress is, these boots are just the opposite:

They are suede, and light-colored suede at that.  I�ve treated them, of course, but unfortunately, even treated suede is no good during the Oregon winters, so these and my other suede shoes have a pretty small window of wear.   

I know I should probably stop buying impractical pieces, especially given that my window of wear is smaller than most because I do commute by bike.   But I just don�t think it�s in me to have a completely practical wardrobe.  The way I see it, it is entirely possible that I�ll need a mink-collared cape or a sequined dress some day and I like to be prepared.   Andpreparedness is very practical trait so, yes, I�d say I have a very practical wardrobe.  On both hands.

What about you, Reader Friends?  How practical, or impractical, is your closet?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Coral and Stripes

I love pairing brights with stripes.  For me it�s a win-win as it combines two of my favorite things.   And today�s bright/stripe outfit is no exception:

Image via Piperlime

I paired the coral skirt (Banana Republic) with a navy and white striped dolman-sleeve tee (Target) which I layered over a white tank because it�s crazy sheer.  I added gray suede boots (Circa by Joan and David "Ralco" via Piperlime), my silver fringe necklace (Jessica Simpson Collection via Macys) and a few bracelets (self-made, local artisan, Macys).  And, of course, I love it.  The pieces are a little less structured than I usually like for my body, but I can�t deny it�s comfortable.  And bright.  And stripe-y.  So, yeah.  Love.

Do you know what else I love?  This new lip gloss/stain.  I�ve wanted to try a brighter lip for awhile now but was a bit nervous about it.  Until I found this YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Rouge Gouache:

Image via Nordstrom

Seriously, I love this stuff.  And I�m not just saying that because YSL is sponsoring me.  Because they aren�t.  Though I�d totally be open to that.  Hedi, call me.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey