Waking Up a Winter Wardrobe

The other day, Angie, of You Look Fab, listed her four ways to liven up a winter wardrobe and it got me to thinking about how I like to wake up my winter wardrobe.  Especially now when the days tend to be short, dark and cold.

Sparkle and Shine

A couple of years ago I was firmly against daytime shine.  I liked to save my sequins for special occasions and couldn�t figure out how to incorporate them into my every day wardrobe.  This winter I�m all about daytime shine; incorporating sequins, rhinestones and metallic into my every day looks.  Whether you wear a little, or a lot, daytime shine is a great way to beat the winter blahs.

Nine West "Darbie" boots

Gap tee

Gap glitter belt

Brights

Angie advocated bright coats and accessories in her list, but I�m advocating brights in general.  I love wearing brightly colored pants, sweaters and yes, accessories, during the winter.  Even when it�s freezing out, brights bring a smile to my face.

Banana Republic Blue Bow Skirt
Gap legging cords
 Banana Republic colorblock scarf

Texture 

This time a year, you�re probably wearing a lot of knits.  I know I am.  And I know that can get boring.  But, if you look for texturally interesting pieces, it can alleviate some of that boredom.  Honeycomb, cable knit and popcorn stitching can all add interest to basic knit pieces.  Fuzzy sweaters are also a great option in a delightfully 80s way.

Eyelash Plaid Cardigan

Echo open stitch infinity scarf

Kyi Kyi Pom Pom Hat

New Neutrals

Black is a very present neutral in my winter wardrobe.  But, I also like to mix things up with new neutrals.  This year I�ve been wearing a lot of navy and gray but I also think camel, cream or even olive could work as a winter neutral.  

 Gap legging cords

Leith infinity scarf
Banana Republic Plaid Fringe Scarf

What about you, Reader Friends?  How do you wake up your winter wardrobe?

xoxo,

Gracey

Speaking of Fall

In the comments for yesterday�s post, blogger-friend Nicoasked me what was on my wish list for fall.  Even though I�m the first to admit that I certainly don�t need any clothes for fall (or any other season), I do have a fall wish list.  And it�s huge.  I started keeping lists of �holes� in my closet as a way to help control my shopping.  Because, as my Nosh Opping Expedition showed, left to my own devices, I will continue to buy black skirts even though I already own five.  So, I figured a list, which did not include a black skirt, would help keep me on track.

It hasn�t.  I mean, sure, I haven�t purchased another black skirt since the Great Purge of 2012, but I�ve purchased other items that aren�t on my list.  In fact, I think I purchase more things that are not on my list than are.  Because I have no discipline.  There it is.  I said it.  I�m undisciplined.

So, what does this undisciplined giant want for fall?  Well, here are some items from my list:

�         Rust skinnies (skinny is best for tucking into boots)

�         Burgundy skinnies (ditto)

�         Mustard skinnies (my mustard skinnies were purged due to size issues)

�         Gingham shirt (I don�t wear a lot of gingham, but I feel like I want to start)

�         Bold striped l/s tee or sweater (for wearing under a blazer)

�         Heeled loafers (it took me awhile but I�m finally firmly on board with these)

�         Green pumps (Callie from Coffee & Cardigans has a pair that prompted this addition to the list)

�         Cap toe flats (I�m slightly obsessed with cap toes)

Really, though, those are only some of the items I have listed; my wish list in its entirety is ridiculously big.  Why is it so big when I freely admit that I don�t really need more clothes?  Well, because I figured if I put every possible thing on my wish list, then when I bought something I could say it�s on the list.  Yes, it is a little like cheating, isn't it?

But, enough of that nonsense, let's take a look at what I've purchased for fall so far, shall we? 

A rose-gold sweater (not on the list):

Remain Metallic Sweater - image via Nordstrom

I couldn't find the rose-gold version of this sweater online, but that's the one I bought and I love it.  Ostensibly I bought it because metallics are big for fall and that was supposed to excuse the fact that I didn't have a metallic anything on my list.  Mostly though, I just really like shiny stuff.

A denim shirt (actually on the list):

Caslon Long-Sleeve Shirt - Image via Nordstrom

I've been looking, unsuccessfully, for a denim shirt for ages.  I finally found this one and it's perfect.  It's cut close to the body and although the model has the sleeves pushed up, it is long sleeve and the sleeves are actually long enough for my giant self. 

Polka dot skinnies (not on the list):

Wit and Wisdom - Image via Nordstrom

I'm pretty sure my not having polka dot skinnies on my list was just an oversight.  I mean, really.  Also, yes, I do plan on wearing these with my denim shirt.

Cap toe wedges (actually on the list):

Bandolino "Tijah" Cap Toe Wedge - Image via DSW

I wasn't kidding about being obsessed with cap toe shoes.  And I adore the color combination on this pair.

So, I guess I�m not totallyundisciplined.  I�m half disciplined.  And I don�t know about you, but that feels like progress to me.  Now if I can just continue to resist the lure of black skirts�

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Wear It Wednesday: Tunics

I'm participating in Wear it Wednesday today, which is being hosted by the lovely Bekah of Matters of Merrymaking.  This Wednesday's item to wear is tunics, about which I am fairly excited because I love tunics.  And my favorite way to wear them is layered over leggings as I've done here:

In front of a huge sequoia at McMennamins Grand Lodge.

For this outfit I paired snake print leggings (Target) (you can sort of see the snakiness of them in the last shot) under a cream and gold lace tunic (thrifted) which I in turn layered under my trusty black sweater (Jones New York via Ross).  I added flat black boots (Chinese Laundry via Piperlime), a brass and crystal necklace (via Special Portland) and a few bracelets (Banana Republic and Macys).  Full disclosure; I'm pretty sure this tunic was originally sold as a dress.  But, as you can see, it's nowhere near dress length on my tall self.  So, for you tall ladies out there, if you're looking for tunics, look in the dress section - that's what I do.

To see how everyone else wore their tunics today, stop by Matters of Merrymaking; Bekah has a whole list of participants.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!  I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Gracey