Holiday Gift Guide

It's less than two weeks until Christmas, Reader Friends!  Have you done all of your shopping?  Are you not sure what to buy people?  Well, I'm here to help with my handy, dandy holiday gift guide for those hard-to-please people in your life.

1. The Cat Lover

Do you have a friend who has a cat?  Does that cat paint?  Don't you think that friend would like to know why that cat paints what it paints?  Then buy them this:

Image via Amazon - available here

Personally, if I had a painting cat, I'd LOVE to receive this book.

2. The Dog Lover

Do have a friend who has a dog?  Do they think it's little puddum-wuddem face is just the cutest ever?  Then they'll love this:

Image via amazon - available here

No, really, this is a great book.  These dogs are adorable and hilarious.

3. The Misanthropist

Do you have a friend who hates people?  Do they always complain about how so-and-so is dumber than a box of dummies?  Are they harshing your buzz with that talk?  Then try this:

Image  from and  book available at, knockknockstuff.com

It's a journal where your dear, misanthropic friend can rail against all the idiots of the world without bringing you down.

4. The Tree Hugger

Do you have a granola-eating, chicken-raising, Birkenstock-wearing tree hugger of a friend?  Do they sometimes get poked in the eye by branches on the trees they're assaulting hugging?  Then this is perfect:

Via Eve's Little Earthlings Etsy shop

It's a soft, cuddly, truly huggable tree, made from an upcycled sweater, complete with friendly little mushrooms.  And it's frickin' adorable.

5. The Best Friend

Do you  have a best friend?  Did you two have those best friend necklaces in the 90s?  Do you lament it's loss on a daily basis?  Well, here's a replacement necklace with a literary bent:

Via Out of Print Clothing

It's inspired by The Great Gatsby and is perfect for the best friend who now lives on the other side of the country.  Or just across town.

6. The Wine Enthusiast

Do you have a friend whom you adore but can't trust with a glass of red because she's ruined two tablecloths, a rug and three of your shirts?  I think you and that friend would both benefit from these:

Via amazon.com

That's right, it's a wine sippy cup.  So feel free to buy a white tablecloth again.

7.  The Stock Broker

Do you have a guy friend who thinks that storm troopers are actually pretty cool?  Is he a stock broker?  Yeah, I figured as much.  Anyway, I bet he'd love this:

Via Engram Clothing Etsy shop

It's like a stock broker-trooper!  Your friend would totally hang this in his bachelor pad.  Trust.

8.  The Exercise Fanatic

Do you have a friend who is always working out?  Is she always looking for new work outs to try?  Then I'd like to suggest this work out:

Via amazon.com

Don't worry that your friend may not have bike shorts and a mullet.  All she really needs is a large and presumably very, very patient cat.  And, as an added bonus, Catflexing also works as a gift for cat lovers!

If you still have shopping to do, hopefully this list will help you get through the rest.  And if you're already done, these items make great Birthday, Hey, It's Tuesday, and Easter gifts as well.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

eShakti Fall

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed that I spent part of last night Pinning the heck out of eShakti's new Fall line.  Because it is gorgeous.  Seriously, have you seen it?  I want everything!

But, as I don't have the money for everything, here's a few of my very favorite pieces.

Cowl Neck Sweater

The color of this sweater just slays me.


Gradient Houndstooth

This is dress combines a very cool, very modern gradient houndstooth print with a vintage style dress.  I love that.



Plaid Perfection

I told you I was mad for plaid and this skirt is plaid perfection.


More Houndstooth

Because you can never have enough.


Giraffes

Okay, this one isn't from their Fall line, but I think we can all agree that giraffes are great all year round.

If you're in the mood for some giraffes, or houndstooth, or plaid, head on over to eShakti.  This weekend you can get free shipping.  And, if you're a new customer, you can get a $30 new customer gift coupon by using the code GRACEY53PH.  That code is valid through November 30th.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Gracey

**All images via eShakti.com**

Fall Fashion Finds

In spite of my best efforts to hold onto summer, I have to admit that I'm getting excited for fall fashion.  I don't need many (any) new clothes for this season, but there are a few things that have caught my eye.

Like this skirt:

Tildon Plaid Sweater Skirt - Nordstrom

I know, I know, my thighs may fight that slit with all the bootlegged weaponry in their arsenal, but I love it.  I love the scale of the plaid, I love that it's knit and I love that it sort of reminds of the 90s.  Plaid is big for fall and if I get anything plaid, I think it just might be this skirt and thighs be damned.


I also LOVE this eShakti dress for fall:

Graphic print fit and flare dress - eShakti

The cut is my beloved fit-and-flare and the print is amazing.  Aaannnnddddd it's currently 20% off (along with the rest of eShakti's new fall line).  Win-win-win.


Another trend for fall is gray jeans.  I personally like this pair from Old Navy:

Mid-rise skinny in gray - Old Navy

They say they're mid-rise, but I have them in another wash and they feel more like high-rise, which is fabulous for me.  They're so comfortable I might just have to get them in gray too.


Pointed Toe + Animal = Love:

Purple leopard flats - Gap

I know they're not for everyone, but I love pointy-toed flats and these are wonderful to me.  I love the color (they also come in green) and love the subtlety of the print.  I don't need another pair of pointy-toed animal print flats, but if I did, I'd get these.


Boots.  I know booties are having a moment and they're well-loved in my closet as well, but I will always love tall boots.  Especially tall boots that are tall enough for my giant self, like these:

B.P. Darbie boot - Nordstrom

These are intended as knee-high boots for the less tall, but they're the perfect height for me.  They're also the perfect calf-width for my somewhat muscular calves.


Wear your heart on your sleeve and your other sleeve and well, your entire torso with this adorable blouse:

Heart Icon Button Down - Gap

It took me some time to get on the button-down bandwagon, mostly because fit was an issue.  I've since found a couple brands that fit well, including the Gap shrunken boyfriend fit button-downs.  And this one is adorable.  I will be wearing alone and under my sweaters come winter.


Teal.  Not cobalt.  Teal.  Like these teal ankle pants:

"Marissa" ankle pants in Tall - LOFT

I know cobalt remains big for this fall, but if you want an alternative to cobalt, I'd like to recommend teal.  It's a sleeper color for this fall, but it's one I hope to see more of.


A cozy cowl.  I love cowls and I am obsessed with this one:

Skipjack cowl - Victory Garden Yarn

It's the skipjack cowl from Victory Garden Yarn and I'm convinced that its wonderful texture will make every fall outfit better.  And it comes in 25 gorgeous colors so there's something for everyone.

What about you, Reader Friends?  What fall fashion are you looking forward to?

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Seven Wardrobe Workhorses

The other day, Lucky ran a piece with their recommendations for nine wardrobe workhorses.  That got me to thinking about the workhorses in my closet and what I�d recommend.  Turns out that I don�t have nine, I have seven, but like the Seven Samurai, they get the job done.

1 � A Striped Top

Clockwise from top: J. Crew via Net-a-Porter, J.Crew, Madewell & Pim & Larkin via Piperlime

I love striped tops.  I have several and I wear all of them all of the time.  Striped tops are great because they manage to be classic without being dated.  They also look good in every color on every build.  And they�re very versatile; they can go dressy or casual and they play well both with solids and other prints.   Whether the stripes are horizontal, vertical or diagonal, wide or thin, variegated or uniform, a striped top is a must-have.

2 � Dark Pants

L to R: Ann Taylor, Vince Camuto and Gap

You all know that I love my colorful pants.  And my printed pants.  And my colorfully printed pants.  But, the fact of the matter is that I reach for my dark wash skinny jeans more than any other pair of pants, except for maybe black leggings.  Fun pants are, yes, fun, but dark pants are more versatile and are universally flattering.

3 � A Solid Dress

L to R: eShakti, Banana Republic & Old Navy

I am a printed dress junkie, but even I have to admit that they can be a bit difficult to style at times.  A solid dress, however, is so very, very easy.  They�re easy to accessorize and with the right accessories, easy to take from night to day.  So, whether you choose the always classic little black dress, an au courant little white dress or a little colored dress, a solid dress will serve you well.

4 � A Blazer

L to R: Gap, Aqua Girls via Bloomingdales & Target

I have not always been on Team Blazer.  I was a card-carrying member of the Culver City Cardigans (not a real thing) for years because I could never find a blazer that worked with my broad shoulders.  But, little by little I�ve built up my blazer wardrobe and I don�t regret it.  Yes cardigans are comfortable, but blazers can be just as comfortable and have the added bonus of looking a little sharper.  And blazers aren�t all stuffy and staid; you don�t have to get a black blazer if you think it�s too boring.  A white one is equally versatile and printed and colored blazers are a great choice; they'll work well with those solid dresses.

5 � A Printed Piece

L to R: Old Navy, Sir Alistair Rai via Piperlime & Gap

Some people are not comfortable wearing prints.  Even though I�m not one of those people, I understand it.  Prints can be a little too �hey, look at me!� for some people�s tastes.  I get it.  I do.  But, I still recommend a printed piece as a wardrobe workhorse.  It doesn�t have to be a big piece either; a printed shoe is always fun. And scarves are easy ways to incorporate a print into your look.  Or, maybe a printed shell or a belt.  Choose the piece you like and use it to add some oomph to your solid basics or even wear it with your striped top.

6 � A Colored Piece

Tinley Road studs, Alexis Bittar bangles, Nordstrom scarf, Kate Spade "Della" sunglasses, Gap belt, Nine West "Ambitious" pumps, Mar Y Sol "Opal" clutch and Tinley Road bangle

Just as some people aren�t comfortable in prints, I know that some people are also not comfortable in color.  And, again, I get it.  But I still maintain that color can make you happy as long as you�re wearing a color that, well, makes you happy.  So, find a color you love and buy something in that color.  As with the printed piece, it doesn�t have to be anything major.  That coral dress above isn�t for everyone, even people who like coral.  But, a bit of color in a shoe, a clutch, a belt, a scarf, a ring, anything, can add a little zing to your outfit and a little joy to your life.

7 � Comfortable Shoes

I know this seems like an obvious inclusion on this list, but hear me out.  Everyone should have a pair of comfortable shoes in their closet that are not tennis shoes, not flip flops and not slippers.  Notice I didn�t say a pair of comfortable heels.  No.  I don�t care if you wear heels or flats or something in between, as long as they�re comfortable.  And I do mean comfortable; you should be able to stand, walk and, if need be, run from zombies in these shoes.  And yes, boots are an option. My go-to pair of comfort shoes are my Born Crown riding boots and I�d be lost without them.

So, what about you, Reader Friends?  What are your wardrobe workhorses?

Gracey


** 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.

Memorial Day Sales for Giants

There are a LOT of Memorial Day Sales this weekend; here are a few that I think are worth the look.


eShakti

There are dozens of styles up to 50% off and eShakti is also offering free customization through Monday.  I love the Textured Check Stretch Dress:

And the Boat Print Crepe Dress, the Ethnic Print Pleated Skirt and the Large Check Circle Skirt.



House of Heirlooms


This is my friend Kendra's shop and she only has two sales a year.  For her Memorial Day Sale, she is offering 20% off of your entire order with the code MEMORIAL20.

That includes the gorgeous, vintage Ferragamo scarf I wore here, a gorgeous 1960 summer dress, and this amazing, vintage, tags-on Diane Von Furstenberg jumpsuit:

Gap Red Bright & Blue Event


Gap is offering up to 40% off select styles both online and in stores.  I snapped up a couple of these tanks for myself:

I love the wide straps and the drape of the fabric.  Not into neon?  They're offered in non-neon hues as well.  This sale is also a great time to snap up some adorable dresses and the skimmer jeans you've had your eye on all spring.  Remember, all Gap clothes are offered in Tall now!



Happy Saturday, All!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gracey

For Your Feet

Shoe retailer, Ros Hommerson, is closing down their online site and have marked everything down to 50% off.  That includes their shoes, boots and sandals.

Why am I telling you?  Because their motto is "We have your size."  They carry shoes from size 4 to size 13 in widths from super slim to extra wide in most sizes.

So, if mama has hard-to-fit feet, but needs a new pair of shoes, go take a peek.

Gracey


Oh, and a special thank you to the ladies at The Junoesque for the heads-up!

eShakti Update

Hello Lovelies -

Apparently eShakti had some technical difficulties with some of their coupon codes, including the 20% off code I gave here.

They've corrected the problem, and even better, they've extended the use period to March 20, 2013.

So, if you tried to use my code and it didn't work, please try again, this time with FSHNFRGNTS03.

And if you hadn't tried yet, you now have until 3/20/13 to use the code.  So go, buy yourself something pretty.  You deserve it.

xoxo,

Gracey

Just for You - An eShakti Discount

As you all know, I love my readers.

Well, eShakti must love my readers too, because they've offered a 20% discount from now through 3/10/13 for you guys.  Just use discount code FSHNFRGNTS at check out.

Haven't browsed eShakti lately?  Well, I have and here are some of the looks I'm currently craving.

Diana Dress - I know the color is not for everyone, but I LOVE it.

Contrast Belted Stripe Dress - yes, it's back in stock (I wore it here)

Gingham Dress - is there anything better for Spring than gingham?

Also, if you order today, you can still get Free Customization on most pieces.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

The fine print: The code has to be entered in the 'Promotional Code' box. There is no Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times through 3/10/13. This code can be combined with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on Overstock items.  And is not applicable on previous purchases.

Pre-Spring is in the Air

Although the air is marginally warmer here in Oregon, I don't think I'll be going bare-legged any time soon.  But, that doesn't mean I can't start to think about what I am going to wear when bare legs are possible.

Happily, retailers are encouraging that sort of thinking by tempting us with their Spring offerings.  Or, in the case of online retailer, eShakti, their Pre-Spring offerings.  And they are lovely. 

Here are some of my favorites from the eShakti Pre-Spring/Resort line.

For the Love of Buttons

Button Chambray Skirt

Metallic Button A-Line Dress

C'mon, Folks, They're Horses!

High Stepping Crepe Skirt

Horses!!!

Long Live Tangerine

Retro Style Poplin Dress

Sweet, But Not Saccharine

Heart-Embellished Crepe Dress

Hearts and buttons, ftw!

 

For When March is a Lion

Ruffled Military Style Chambray Jacket

Remember, eShakti carries up to size 36W now.  And you can always have a style altered for your longer (or shorter) arms, legs or what have you, for an additional $7.50.  And, right now, their Pre-Spring/Resort line is 30% off, but only until tomorrow.

Have any of you been looking at eShakti's Pre-Spring line?  What are your favorites?

Happy Wednesday, All!

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

The Non-Replacement Shoes & a Closet Orphan

Friday I was so proud of myself for having purchased replacement shoes and for somewhat following my one-in-one-out policy for buying new items.  Today I have to admit that I fell off the wagon.  I ordered these shoes the other day and they�re not intended to replace anything, I just really like them:

Image via Piperlime

I have been looking for a pair of gray shoes that weren�t gray suede and I think snake is such a fun print, I had to get these.  And, of course, I had to wear them today:

For their inaugural outing, I paired the shoes (Pierre Dumas Chic-1 via Piperlime) with hot pink pants (Michael Michael Kors via Ross) and a lightweight sweater (v. old Hinge via Nordstrom).  This sweater is the closet orphan I alluded to in the title.  I love the color and the open weave on the back is pretty cool�

But, I never wear it because it�s kind of an odd length.  I think that on non-giants it�s probably a proper tunic, but on my giant-self, it hits me at the worst possible place on my thighs.  And you know how thighs get if they think they�re not being shown in the most flattering clothes; they get mutinous and stabby.  Or, at least mine do.  To avoid Mutinous Thigh Syndrome (MTS), I tried to work with my thighs by reverse-tucking the sweater under my belt, and I think it worked.

Oh, and, in addition to new shoes, I�m also wearing a new necklace:

Isn�t it fabulous?  I mean, sure, it�s a bit off-kilter in this photo, but that�s just how I roll.  And, even off-kilter, I think it�s awesome.  I bought it this weekend at Lil� Gypsy Vintage.  It�s from the 70s and the stone is moss agate.  And it's fabulous.

In addition to the vintage shopping, I also went thrifting and somehow managed to limit myself to only a blouse and a coat.  I�m very proud.  Oh, and I went to pole dancing class where I got some more bruises and mastered Naughty Carousel.  I�m also proud of that.  Next week?  Peter Pan.

Finally, because there is nothing shy about hot pink pants and snake platforms, I've linked up to Patti's Visible Monday over at Not Dead Yet Style.

Happy Monday, All!  

Gracey

The Replacement Shoes

This was not a good summer for my shoes.  My blue suede platforms broke, my leopard peep toes are years old and starting to fray, I ruined the soles on my ankle boots falling down some concrete stairs and the linen straps on my espadrilles gave up the ghost:

The thing is; I�m hard on my shoes.  I use my heels to put my kickstand up, I ride my bike in the rain so my shoes can get pretty wet, and, let�s be honest, I�m not the most delicate flower in the blogosphere, so my shoes have to contend with a not small amount of weight.  I do what I can to protect my shoes against wear and tear, but they do eventually wear out.  Which means Mama needs a new pair of shoes.  Or four.

Luckily for me, I�ve added all of these to my shopping list.  Because, after my admittedly brief, but still grueling, shopping ban and closet purge this summer, I am actually doing better about sticking to my list.  And, because I am getting rid of the shoes I�ve replaced, I�m also following the (admittedly half-assed) one-in-one-out policy I�ve implemented.  Yay, me!  

Even more luckily for me, Nordstrom Rack had a clearance sale over Labor Day weekend and I was able to score two pairs of replacement shoes for under $50.00.  I bought the yellow pair I�ve been wearing the past couple days to replace my blue pair, and I bought this pair to replace my espadrilles:

I paired my new sandals (BP. Shoes) with a new-to-me thrifted dress and added a thin belt (Steve Madden via Ross) and a vintage bangle.  I know these shoes don�t resemble the pair they replaced that much, but they had everything I was looking for: they�re two-tone (black and natural), they�re strappy (T instead of ankle) and they�re comfortable.

Enough about the shoes though, let�s talk about the dress for a bit.  I love this thing:

Not the print so much � I have no idea what it is.  But, I love the cut and the fit.  And what I really love are the possibilities of this dress.  Because it buttons from hem to neck, I think it will be extremely versatile.  I can�t wait to layer it over, under and next to things all year round.

Happy Friday, Everyone!  Have a great weekend!

Gracey