Growing Up Tall

Quite some time ago (longer than I care to admit, actually) a reader asked me to talk a bit about growing up tall, including how my personal style evolved as a tall girl.  It took me so long to write this (sorry, Terra!) because I wasn't sure I was the right person to do so because growing up tall wasn't really a struggle for me.  But, then, I realized that maybe that's why I am the exact right person.  Because I didn't agonize about fitting in or adopt terrible posture to seem shorter or worry about being taller than all my friends.

And why didn't I?  In a word, sports.  I know it seems cliche and I understand that not all children are athletic but I believe very strongly that sports are good.  Especially for girls.  And especially for tall girls.

Sports were great for me for several reasons.  One, being long of limb can often be awkward; sports helped me be more graceful and to feel more confident in my body.  Two, playing sports was a great way to meet other tall girls.  Not all of my friends are/were tall, but many of them were/are and I met many of them through playing sports.  It was definitely nice to know I wasn't alone.  And three, sports gave me confidence.  Not just in my movement, but in my height.  I was able to walk down the hall without slouching because of the confidence I gained from being an athlete.

In fact, I'd say fashion and style was one of the few issues I had with growing up tall.  And even then, I don't think it was as bad as it could have been because I was an athlete.  Athletes, for better or for worse, often get a pass when it comes to style because they're so often in sweats coming to or from practice.  A lot of athletes take advantage of that and just wear sweats constantly because, especially for women, finding anything other than sweats that fit properly could be a nightmare.

Especially back in the day.  I don't recall a single retailer that offered tall sizes when I was growing up.  Al Gore hadn't invented The Internet yet so your only hope was to stumble upon a pair of Levis that seemed slightly longer than most.  At which point you counted yourself lucky and bought them in multiples.  Shoes were difficult as well because there were never larger sizes in youthful styles.  You could sometimes find up to size 12, but they were more suited for grown women than teenage girls.  Back then, shoe designers apparently thought that tall women wore a size 9 until they turned 30 and then suddenly their feet grew to a size 12.

Now that I think about it, the same was pretty much true for pants and shirts as well.  You couldn't find them in youthful styles or brands.  If you did find tall items they were almost always more office-appropriate than high school-appropriate.  Again, retailers seem to be laboring under the impression that tall women didn't actually become tall until their first day at the law firm.  Like having a job is what makes you shoot up to six feet!

So, how did I develop any personal style at all given the dearth of available stylish clothing?  Well, the first thing that I did was stop worrying about being trendy.  Even if I could find Guess jeans long enough, I couldn't afford them so I looked for alternatives.  Like wearing a lot of skirts and dresses.  Especially once I got through middle school.  I was a tomboy until then when my final growth spurt made it impossible to find pants that were even remotely long enough.  Once I got over the need to wear what everyone else was wearing, I began shopping thrift stores to find pieces that appealed to me in color and fabrication the way retail offerings didn't.

Today, I still wear a lot of skirts and dresses.  And I still do a lot of thrift shopping.  But, happily that's because I want to, not because I have to.  

What about you, Reader Friends?  Did you grow up tall?  If so, how did you cope with the clothing shortage?

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Kind of a Big Deal

I have something to tell you, Dearest Reader Friends.  And it's kind of a big deal.

Many of you have already seen this post of Sal's where she introduces the Already Pretty Team.  But, if you haven't, I'm happy to be the first to tell you that I am a member of that team!

As you can imagine, I am beyond excited about this opportunity.  I am a huge fan of Sally's and it's an honor to be working along side her and the other fabulous contributors.  I think she's put together a team that really does offer something for everyone.

The other contributors are:

Nadine from Adorkable Undies

Une femme d�un certain �ge

Luanne from Weesha�s World

Ashe from Ash in Fashion

Sonja from Hello Beauty!

I have a great deal of respect for all of these women; as Sal says, they're all "smart, talented and stylish." I can't wait to read their posts and I hope you'll visit all of us over at Already Pretty to read them too.


Happy Friday, All!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

Sunshine Award

A couple of weeks ago, the gorgeous Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb nominated me for a Sunshine Award:

 The rules for the award are:

1. Include the award logo in a post and/or on your blog sidebar.  Done. 
2.  Link to the blogger who nominated you.  Done. 
3.  Answer 10 questions about yourself.  See below. 
4.  Nominate 10 other fabulous bloggers and ask them 10 questions.  See even lower. 
5.  Link to your nominees in your post and let them know about the reward.  See # 4

Unfortunately, I couldn�t get to it before now, what with my sinus infection and bike accident, but I�ve finally put together a post.

Here are my answers to Catherine�s questions:

If you had to choose a totally different stage name for yourself, what would it be?

I actually have two; Barbarella and Velvet Camouflage.  I use them for pole dancing class.  Of course.

Barbarella Poster via imdb.com

Excluding loved ones or pets, what one material possession would you save if your house was on fire?

Family photos; especially of my sisters and I when we were young and my nieces and nephews when they were young.

My sister Rosey

Who's the first celebrity you can remember having a crush on?

I don�t know.  Maybe Buck Rogers?  

Buck Rogers poster via imdb.com

What's the best compliment you've ever had?

The other day someone guessed my age at 20.  Being as I�m a LOT closer to 40 than I am to 20, I was pretty flattered.

If you could only ever listen to one band/artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Nooooo.  This is too hard.  I really don�t think I can answer this one.  I want to say Adele, or Florence and the Machine, or City and Colour but I really can�t just pick one.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Hah!  There is no one even remotely tall enough in Hollywood to play me.

What is your favourite part of your body or appearance?

My smile.  I honestly like smiling and I think it�s because I like my smile; gap and all.

If you were to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, skill or pastime, what would it be (e.g. spoon playing, procrastinating, ironing, party planning, etc.)? 

Reading.  I am a world-champion reader for sure.  I'm currently reading Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, by Kevin Wilson and you should see how well I'm doing.  I'm reading the heck out of this book:

Image via amazon.com

If you haven't read it, I'd definitely suggest it.  I'm kind of in love with the author and I'm not even halfway through.

What is your favourite all-time TV show?

It�s a cross between Mad Men and The Walking Dead.  I love Mad Men because it�s smart and gorgeous.  I love The Walking Dead because I like to think I�m learning invaluable skills for the impending zombie apocalypse; it�s entertaining and educational.

Which celebrity's wardrobe would you most like to own?

Diane Kruger.  She has great style, whether she�s dressed up or down.  I think her style is accessible, but not boring, so, in a word; perfect.

Diane Kruger, image via snarkerati.com

Here are my questions:

1. Tea or coffee? 
2.  What would the name of your autobiography be? 
3.  Reality TV; guilty pleasure or sheer idiocy?  
4.  Favorite James Bond actor? 
5.  Ocean or mountains? 
6. Favorite author? 
7.  Thanksgiving pie; pumpkin, pecan or something else? 
8.  What are your thoughts on techno music? 
9.  What is the last movie you saw in a theater? 
10. And, finally, because Halloween is tomorrow, what is your favorite scary movie?

And here are the nominees:

Erin of Plus Size Curves Ahead

Tia of Reading in Skirts

Mia of Reading in Skirts

Dawn of Suitcase Vignettes

Whitney of Along the Lines of Style

Katie Q. at An Alaskan Weredork

MissSassypants

Jean at Dross into Gold

Jennifer at Librarian for Life Style

Lynne at Practical Paralegalism

And with that, I have finally spread the sunshine entrusted to me by Catherine. 

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

Weekend Update

Okay, so it's not the weekend, but in my defense, I thought it was until my sister corrected me, so, we're just going to go with it.

First, I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words about my bike accident.  You have no idea how wonderful it was to read all of your lovely comments.

Now, for an injury update.  It turns out that my elbow is, in fact, broken.  In two places.  But, they're little fractures and won't require surgery or a cast.  And, in spite of the fractured elbow, probable ligament damage and a sprained wrist, I am able to use my left hand a little bit now.  I can type (yay!) and lift up to two whole pounds. 

As I mentioned before, I also hit my chin on the way down, but my jaw is feeling much better already.  There is still a rather largish lump on the left side, making my chin uneven, but I still plan to resume outfit posts on Monday, uneven chin and awkward arm positioning or no.  And, the best news is that I didn't hurt my teeth.  Or my bike.  To be honest, those were the two things I was most worried about after the fall.

Unfortunately, even though my bike is okay, I've been banned from riding for at least four weeks, possibly six.  I was cleared for Jazzercise (provided I can get myself into a sports bra) but I have no idea when I'll be strong enough to go back to pole dancing, given that I weigh quite a bit more than two pounds and can't even imagine trying to climb a pole.

So, to recap, I am better, will be back to work and blogging Monday, my chin is uneven and I can no longer lift my body weight.

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all Monday!!

Gracey 

Good News and Bad News

Hello All!

I have good news and bad news to share with you all today.  Let's do the good news first, shall we?


Good News #1

One of my favorite online retailers, eShakti, is having a site-wide 40% off sale this weekend:



So, if you've been thinking about an eShakti purchase, this may be the perfect weekend to pull the trigger.


Good News #2

My cold is finally all better. I can breathe through my nose and everything.


The Bad News

I think my sinuses finally cleared because I spent much of yesterday morning in tears in the ER. I was in the ER because I had my first (and hopefully last) bike accident in nearly three years of commuting.  I swerved to avoid a car, hit a curb and went down hard.  I hit my chin and my left arm doesn't work so well (really at all) but nothing is broken, so I'm pretty thrilled about that.

I'm not sure when I'll be back to work or blogging, given my current one-armed state, but I hope by Monday or Tuesday.  I'll try to update Twitter regularly though.

Happy Saturday, All!

Gracey

11 Things and 11 Questions

On Oscar Sunday, Z, from Z Plus the World, sent me an email letting me know she�d tagged me for the �11 Things� post.  I was super flattered and of course agreed to participate.

There are five rules:

1. Post these rules.

2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.

3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.

4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.

5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you�ve tagged them.

My Photo:

My Random Things:

1.      As is evidenced by the picture above, I love to laugh.  A lot, loudly and often at inappropriate times.

2.      I�m also prone to saying inappropriate things � sometimes my filter just goes out the window and I blurt out stuff I maybe shouldn't.  And then I laugh.  Loudly.

3.      I plan on being super crochety when I get old.  I have no intention to be one of those �sweet old ladies.�  I want to be one of those old ladies who don�t like anything because they don�t have too, damnit.

4.      I also plan on wearing a plethora of caftans, turbans and necklaces, all together, when I get old.  Like Angela Landsbury�s character in Death on the Nile:

This will be me.  Minus the fake psychic powers.  Probably.

5.      This will be hard to believe, but I�m actually quite shy.

6.      I can talk myself into pretty much anything.

7.      I use my ability to talk myself into things to get over my shyness.

8.      I am terrified of heights.

9.      I like to (over)analyze things, which is why I think blogging is a good fit for me.  I was already analyzing my outfits, why not do it in public?  Yeah, well, it made sense at the time.

10.  I curse a lot.  I understand the thinking that people who curse only do so because they have a limited vocabulary, but I�ve decided that�s not true in my case.  In my case, I just curse a lot.

11.   I am sarcastic, but I�m happily sarcastic, not bitterly sarcastic.  I�m convinced there is a difference.

Z�s questions:

       
      What�s one specific piece of clothing you couldn�t live without?

      I didn�t think that I had one, but then I remembered my coat.  This coat:

I literally have no idea what my face is doing in this picture.

      I wear it almost everyday, probably 8 months of the year.  It�s the absolute best for riding my bike in.  This coat is waterproof, it�s black so it doesn�t get dirty, the high collar helps keep my neck warm and it has a zip-out lining for those really cold days.  And, it�s not just practical, it�s kind of cute with a nipped in waist and full skirt.

      What song do you think best describes your personality? 

      Grace Kelly by Mika, for what I think are obvious reasons:

 

How do you like to decorate your workspace?

Pretty minimally; I�d hate for my coworkers to think they knew who I was as a person.

      Where do you most often get your inspiration from?

       I am inspired by a lot of different things, including books, movies, poetry, other blogs, nature, etc.  How these different things inspire me may be different, but they all inspire me in some way.

      What would your ideal job be?

      You know that job where you do nothing but sit around and read all day?  Taking breaks only for great food and some shopping?  Whatever that job is called, that would be my ideal job; to do nothing.  I think I'd excel at doing nothing.

      What is your favorite character from a book?

      This was a hard one for me because I often read books with characters that aren�t exactly likeable.  But, then I remembered they don't need to be likeable to be my favorite.  As long as they�re well-written and honest, because that�s what matters to me.  In which case, my favorite character is the main character, Sarah Blight, from Lynn McFall�s book �Dancer with Bruised Knees.� 

      
      What is your best memory from 2011? 

      One of my best memories from 2011 is being included in Sal�s Lovely Links my first week of blogging.  She called me a knockout and it was just such a boost to my blogging esteem.  I�d read Already Pretty for quite awhile and admire the heck out of Sal, so to have one of my favorite bloggers do something so kind was just amazing.

      What is the one city you would love to live in?

      
      Actually, Portland, Oregon.  I currently live about 45 minutes from Portland, but it�s one of my all-time favorite cities.  I love Oregon immensely and don�t think I�d ever want to live anywhere else, at least not for a long period of time, and in Oregon, I�d choose Portland.  It�s not a large city, but I don�t love large cities.  Portland is just the right size for my tastes and it�s weird and sort of gritty and I love that.  And I love that it�s close to both the coast and the mountains.

      What is a hidden talent of yours?

      I have no hidden talents.  In truth, I�m a pretty untalented individual.  Except that I am really good at reading.  And sarcasm.  Neither of those are hidden talents though; if I�m not reading, I�m being sarcastic.

      What is your least favorite chore?

      Ugh.  All of them.  But, if I have to choose one, I�d say dishes.  I hate touching dirty dishes; even just loading a dishwasher is pretty hateful to me.

      What is one blog you really admire?

      Forgive me, but I�m going to wax poetic about Already Pretty a bit more.  Sal�s blog is so positive and well written and helpful and she�s so nice and stylish and accessible that I can�t help but admire them both.  So, yeah, love Sal and love Already Pretty.

My Questions:

1.      What is your guilty pleasure?

2.      What place would you most like to visit?

3.      If money was no object and you weren�t opposed to spending ridiculous amounts of money of fashion, which designer would you wear?

4.      Fur.  Yeah or nay?

5.      Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?

6.      What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

7.      What are your thoughts on zombies?

8.      What is the worst book you�ve ever read and how far did you get before giving up?

9.      Momentarily forgetting the lesson we learned in �Midnight in Paris,� if you could live during any era, what era would it be?

10.  What�s one thing you wish you could do better?

11.  What is your �signature dish?�  (And will you share the recipe?)

The bloggers I�ve tagged are some that I�d love to know more about:

• Nico from Satin and Salt
• Jeanne from I Dream of� {by Jeanne}
• Jess from Animated Cardigan
• Trixie at That�s Just Stupid What You Said
• Kari at The Chronicles of Lady K
• Ana at She�s Addicted to Clothes

 And now, you all know pretty much everything there is to know about me.  Pretty much.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

Black Friday Blog Awards

It's Black Friday, but I'm not shopping.  I'm still in Northern California "enjoying" the snow (I'm not a snow girl).  But, I didn't want any of you who might be reading blogs over the Thanksgiving Holiday to miss me too terribly (it's okay to miss me somewhat, I miss you all too) so I scheduled this post.  That's right, even when I'm away, I'm thinking about you guys.

Here's the deal.  Three of my lovely blogging friends, Kelsey of Charming Pumpkin, Karla of Frugal Big Girl and Erin of Plus Sized Curves Ahead gave me a couple of blog awards last week and I'm quite excited about it because it gives me the opportunity to do two things.  One, I get to share a little bit about myself for my new readers and for those of you who've wondered about my accent.*  Two, and this is my favorite part, I get to share some of my favorite new blogs with you guys.  Very exciting, no? 

Let's get started.  Here are the awards:

And here are the rules:

�         Link back to the fabulous blogger you got the award from (done, done and done)

�         Write 7 random things about yourself (I excel in random things, so, don't worry, I got this)

�         Fill in the question form below (I'll do my best)

�         Give the award to 10 other blogs and let them know (Love to!)

7 random things about me:

1.      I love books.  I read constantly, I just forget to update the What I'm Reading thingy in my sidebar.

2.      I wear a size 10 shoe and am under the impression that is practically dainty for someone my height.  Don't disabuse me of this notion.

3.      I was a three sport athlete in high school - cross country, basketball and track and field.

4.      Zombies both scare and enthrall me; as a result, I am obsessed with The Walking Dead.

5.      I love to laugh.  A lot.  And as loudly as possible.

6.    Grumpy people make me smile.

7.   I ride my bike to work every day, rain, shine or snow.  And it's the best thing I do for myself.

Question and Answer:

�         Name your favorite song: This probably isn�t the best way to start a Q&A, but I don't have a favorite song.  I can, however, tell you that right now I am listening almost constantly to The Black Keys.  Especially their album, Brothers.

�         Name your favorite dessert: Strawberry Lemonade Cake

�         What pisses you off: Besides snow?  People who say �I seen that�� � it makes me stabby when people say �seen� instead of �saw.�

�         When you're upset, you: Shriek and threaten to elbow the offending party in the neck, of course.

�         Your favorite pet: Dogs, I still miss my puppy immensely. 

�         Black or white: I�m both, actually.

�         Your biggest fear: Um� zombies.  Duh.

�         Best feature: I would say my wit, but I guess my smile is okay too.

�         Everyday attitude: I some how manage to be both high strung and disengaged.  It�s a talent.

�         What is perfection: Being woken up late on a Sunday morning from the light streaming through the trees. 

�         Guilty pleasure: The Walking Dead (seriously, I�m obsessed).

And here are some of my new favorite bloggers:

�         Amanda at Something Old Meets Something New � we�re physically polar opposites, but Amanda and her blog are so sweet, you can�t help but love them.

�         Jenn at The Suburb Experiment � Jenn is hilarious and we all know how I like to laugh (see # 5 above).  She�s good at dressing herself too.

�         Tracy at The Closet Shopper � great style and seriously diverse musical interests.  What�s not to like?

�         Kassi at The Closet Intervention � Kassi is a fellow tall blogger with fabulous style and a fabulous personality to match.

�         Fashion Dynamite � Great style and pretty pictures in the woods; an all around lovely blog.

�         Natasha at Required2BeInspired � I�d be inspired by Natasha�s blog even if she didn�t make it a requirement.  She has fabulous style and makes a lot of her own clothes. 

�         Krista at Lazy Saturdays � Krista is crafty, has great style and I LOVE her remix posts.

�         Cambria at Jupe � Cambria is super sweet and her style is what I�d aspire to if I weren�t a total drama queen.

�         Sydney at Basic Cravings � Sydney has very clean, very classic style while working color and the best statement necklaces ever.  Ever, I tell you, ever.

�         Dawn at Suitcase Vignettes � I loved Dawn�s blog from the first moment I read it.  And that was before I found out that she throws the best Halloween parties and pairs awesome fur hats with sequins.  Love.

* I'm just kidding - I have a slight lisp, but no accent.