Personal Style: Blue vs Gray Manifesto

madewell

Say Yes to Hoboken did a say no to jeans campaign earlier this year. I don't think it's that hard right now with the soaring heat to be wary of jeans, but being a fall kind of gal, that's attracted to simple, comfortable lines and colors (namely, gray and camel) I am still in love with the following outfits she chose as inspiration.

shirt: abercrombie   dress: kohls  necklace: handmade by me

I wore a blue maxi dress the other day that got lots of compliments, but when I took pics for my outfit post, it just didn't feel right. Getting out of the car in the long lengths of soft drapey fabric, didn't feel right. Having a lacey empire waist... didn't feel right. I've been feeling that way for a while now. I'm just not cut out of bright colorful cloth or long flowy things, or cute rolled capris, or partial tucked blouses that are the fashion rage. I may love it on you, but not on me. Maybe it's my coloring, or my petite, apple shape and chicken legs that just doesn't work well. 6 years ago with a 20 inch waist, I could do some of it... not now. So, instead of trying to dress differently or more fashion forward, I'm going to retreat into my soothing grey vnecks for a while. Maybe even pair one with my faux leather leggings for a fashion kick, (or those awesome madewll pants above) but being more true to my style none the less.

 

madewell

I love this... reminds me of Elaine's awkwardly adorable long skorts.

 via pintrest

Do you have some sort of dressing manifesto to be the real you? I'm not talking about giving up altogether and wearing pjs and sweatpants or horrible 80's tapered jeans and tweety bird t-shirts~ but what are some styles you decided to say 'no' or 'yes' to, while still feeling beautiful and comfortable?

Personal Style: Lovin Some Gray

This dress's bottom ruffle is coming off in about 8 places. Nothing a few safety pins couldn't handle. I'm handsewing a dress refashion and it's taking me forever, and I really wanted to wear this dress so the safety pins had to do. It's thrifted, it's maternity, (no I'm not pregnant), but it fits like a normal empire waist dress. Plus, gray is my favorite color, so I spiced it up with well, more gray.

Earrings can be purchased here.

dress: motherhood maternity, thrifted
sweater: jc pennys (?)
belt: off a NY& co skirt
bag: thrifted
shoes: steve madden
watch: fossil
earrings: metal roses (the larger version), made by me, jeweled ambrosia

Linked to Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday

Inspired Color: Grey and Pink

Not surprisingly, I've been attracted to grey again. But instead of my yellow/gray fascination, it's come to pink and flesh tones pairings. A perfect summery treat for the ladies and gents such as myself, who shy away from loud colors and keep to the shadowy confines of familiar and flattering gray, whilst grabbing pops of pinks. Interestingly enough, florals also start to show up when I gravitate toward this color combination.

grey zen garden desk organizer by karolinefelixDream

grey mist ruffled tulle cuff by karolinefelixDream 

pink and black house

starlight by the dreamy giraffe

vanilla layer cake, buttercream frosting and sugar spray recipe by bakerella

the home of Jane Atla. I am just loving this chair. All boringified revamped in doilies, paint and embroidery.

I don't know who makes these epic floral tights, but I am quite desperate for a pair. Any ideas?

grey  bow detail, ted baker dress. I could probably wear this every day.

 the white house for moooi by marcel wanders via mocoloco.

Inspired Design: French Gray Interiors

 leafy168 blog (via)

Sipping a cafe au lait and eating a croissant in a small cafe with a single candle as table decor near the Champs Elysee or gazing out on Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower are quintessentially French.  If May in Paris is not in your future, you can still live a life inspired by French style and beauty in your own home. 

We're in love with French Gray inspired interiors right now. The French have a way with gray that makes it feel romantic and chic, never dull or boring. French gray can range from dove gray to a blue gray and is almost always paired with warm, creamy white for a classic French feeling.

Here are some of our favorite French gray interiors we hope will inspire you too:

Jessica Lagrange Interiors (via)

We adore the the French-like wingback accent chairs near the fireplace, as well as the matching floor lamps in this living room we spotted in Jessica LaGrange Interiors via Design Shuffle. The creamy gray walls balance the warm neutral furniture pieces, keeping the room feeling light and airy.

Dwelement Home Design (via)

This monochrome gray kitchen is French Country chic gorgeous! We like the white and brown accents from the pottery.  The lighter cabinets keep things from feeling too dark or heavy.

Pleasant Living (via)

Gray walls can go quite nicely with all neutral-tone furniture, just like in this casual living room. Check out the chandelier, candle holders, and wall art right above the accent table. All of these items looks like it came from a Parisian specialty store. So chic and unique!

Busybee (via)

The tufted headboard in this bedroom is so romantic.  Soft gray walls and crisp white and neutral tone linens create a soothing, calm environment perfect for sleep.

Decor Pad (via)

This room demonstrates all the key elements of a French Gray inspired room: soft gray walls, cream and warm wood furniture, a sparkly vintage style chandelier and vintage mirror. What makes it one of our favorites is the blue sideboard.  It's a nice spot of color. Don't be afraid to add accent colors in soft hues -- light pink, moss green, silvery blue, pale yellow all work well with gray.

*Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a site that specializes in top quality home decor items at extremely affordable prices. Go visit them today!

Personal Style: Golden

Yep, another fully thrifted outift. Accept for the winged tiger (panther/lion?) necklace, I made that from a vintage stamping. I have about four of them left.

I always thought gold tones were for old ladies. I guess my tastes have matured, fashion has changed, or I am now, an old lady. I'm guessing... okay hoping... it's a mix of all three.

I had this little gray jersey tunic (not a maternity shirt, thank you) for a while, but couldn't find a good top to wear under it. I've also had this sequin gap tank for even longer, and they just came together perfectly one day. Like a casual way to wear evening wear {almost}. The tank is way too big, so I safety pinned the straps like a racerback, makes kind of a cute effect for layering, imo.

I've been looking for a sailor knot type earrings for a while. Who knew I would find this amazing golden vintage pair at a garage sale for 10 cents. Reminds me a bit of the Auryn (from The Never Ending Story).

These shoes are supposed to be for my princess dress. But, I had to give them a test drive with a casual outfit. More comfortable than  imagined for extended periods of time, but not good enough for running around. I'm thinking I will need a pair of glittery toms.

Linked to *thrifters anonymous

Personal Style: Vested To the Fair

I love this shirt b/c it reminds me of Guenevere's mustard major cowl/boat necked dress in Camelot during The Take me To the Fair scene with Sir Lionel. (nerd, I know.) I went out on a limb and paired it with this baggy charcoal jersey-ish vest. Maybe it's not that cute, but I like it, so there. I think I'm going to take the vest in and make it a tad tighter.

I got this bag for free at a clothing swap. Have you ever been to one? Hosted one?

 I did Jo's messy low side ponytail (tutorial)... only mine didn't turn out as messy. sadface.

 I blinked in almost every photo. This is the best I've got.

 

Going to the gym has been great for my abs and finally losing the baby weight. As for my a*s.. not so much, It's shrinking! That's not a good thing in my book. I guess I'll have to workout then go home and gorge on some brownies or something.

Personal Style: Elegant Wench

Another odd shirt tuck rescue. I adore the cut and ruching on this top, though when untucked it looks like a poofy maternity shirt. So, I took my favorite assymentrical, raw edged jersey skirt and high waisted it. I always thought I was too short (at 4'11") for this, but now, I have to say, this is one of my favorite and most comfortable dress styles now. Even though it looks a bit pirate wench like, I love it.

 I kept accessories minimal, just my handmade metal roses earrings, black belt, and my favorite red lipstick.

Concerning my legs. As my sister would say, "I'm not pale, I'm angelic." Really, I used to be obsessed with tanning. But now, even though I love a little glow, I am just fine with my pasty white self. In some countries in a much different era, the milky complexion was considered a mark of royalty, as only the laborers were tan from hard work in the sun.

 I did a sort of a side chignon... a loose bun. I just put my hair in a low side ponytail, pulled at the crown for some height. I took about 4 sections of hair, and wrapped each one up and secured with a bobby pin. Probably used about 5 pins total. Similar to the cinnamon bun tutorial.

 shirt: thrifted/ skirt: thrifted/ belt: ny &company/ shoes: steve madden/ earrings: me (jeweled ambrosia)

*linked to Rule Breaking Monday.