Fashion Friday: Wide Leg Wonders

Maybe it's because I spent the summer flitting around in maxi skirts and the thought of something clinging to my legs just doesn't sound appealing anymore (sorry skinny jeans), but I am seriously craving wide leg pants right now.

It started with these Level 99 High Waist Chambray Trouser jeans that are super roomy and leggy but still somehow chic.

Yes, they're totally a throwback to the 70's, but they are a lot of fun to wear and the high waist means I am not exposing anything unseemly from behind. Even though I am swathed in fabric, I still feel surprising sexy and polished. I guess it's this feeling - which originally hooked me on maxi skirts - that has me mad about wide legs.

(I snagged them about a month ago for half off of their original cost at Anthropologie. It looks like they are no longer available online, but you might still be able to find them in stores.)

Then the J.Crew catalogue came in the mail. This spells trouble in my house (even though I lay in wait until what I want goes on final sale and finally falls into my price range). These Hutton trousers had me at hello.

I wish I could find the pic from the catalogue. The model is walking and the movement of these long and lovely pants is perfect. So much better than this pic above.

I would wear them with this shirt tucked in.

The jade color, texture, and detailing are perfect. Oh, and it would work nice too with this perfect-for-fall wool maxi skirt.

Maxi skirts, I just can't quit you.

Who else is ready for some relaxed fall dressing?

TGIF!

I am prepping the house for our first houseguest, as well as putting the finishing touches on my classroom for the start of school next week. Thanks to an unexpected classroom move on Monday, my first unofficial week back to work has been stressful to say the least...so I am taking the day off from blogging. My apologies but man am I grateful it is Friday!

I hope you get out there and enjoy these last fleeting days of summer. If I could, I would be flitting around in this, soaking up some sun, and perusing the September issue of House Beautiful.

Pinterest via Amber Bell via  justlikemarypoppins.blogspot.com

Instead there will be a whole lot plaster dust falling around us this weekend. 

Thank goodness we have a houseguest who's willing to be put to work! Whatever you are doing, have a great weekend and see you on Monday! 

Fashion Friday: Fall is in the Air

Okay, it's really not. We are still in the height of summer. But school starts in two weeks, and even as an adult, I still get excited about back-to-school shopping and fall fashion. Nothing says fall like the perfect mix of rich colors and textures: kelly green, moss, ochre, mustard, leopard print accessories, chunky knit sweaters, tweed, broken in leather. So I whipped up a little fall fashion inspiration board to share with you all.



























Now you won't see me rocking any of these outfits unless I hit the lottery or I
have the patience to wait for them to go on sale. But here's the breakdown,
clockwise from top:

The Leopard Sunnyday Sandal from Madewell, Widelegger Jeans in Explorer Wash from Madewell, Wayward Jean Shirt in Desert Wash from Madewell, Fatigue Finery Cape from Anthropologie, Calvary Skirt from J.Crew, Little Belt in Tiny Cheetah Print and 1960's Tweed Jacket from Emersonmade, Nora Calf Hair Ballet Flats from J.Crew, AG Stevie Ankle from Anthropologie.

What are you looking forward to wearing once fall rolls around?

Fall Fashion by GlamGranola featuring a cheetah print belt

Fashion Friday: Maxi Skirts for Everyone

A few weeks back, I wrote about my obsession with maxi skirts and how they are just perfect for summer. To my surprise, my mother-in-law (hi Pam!) asked me to find her some maxi skirts from Nordstrom.  Here's what I came up with.

First is this Willow and Clay Print Maxi Skirt for $98.00.

The solid waistband ensures comfort and the color is flattering, but what really grabbed my eye is the pattern, which almost looks like fossils. Awesome.

Next is this little sorbet number:

It's the nine 3 two Pleated Maxi Skirt in Mimosa for $198.00. I love the color, which I think will transition well from summer to fall, and I know it will look great on Pam. Anything golden is flattering on her. (Oh, and there's a grey color too for those that tend towards more muted colors.)

Last but not least is this sweet little white skirt.

It's the Remain Tiered Maxi Skirt, and unfortunately for those of you scared to wear white, it only comes in Creme. At $78.00 it's the cheapest of the lot, and how much do you love that crochet detailing on the belt? This is seriously a skirt for all. Too bad I already spent my maxi skirt loot...

So which ones did she go with? Numbers 1 and 2. I can't wait to see what they look like in person.

I hope your weekend involves lounging around in a maxi skirt. Ours will most likely involve priming the walls in preparation for skim-coating them and organizing the last of the stuff in the guest room. (We are this.close.)

Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend and a festive 4th of July!

There's No Substitute for the Real Thing...Unless There Is.

Sorry to have been MIA yet again. It's truly been a series of poorly timed and thought out events; namely, summer school started at the same time that I decided to (drastically) cut back on my caffeine intake. I had gone from two (in reality, I think it could be considered 4) cups of coffee a day to one. I even tried tricking my brain into being content with half-caf, but there truly is no substitute for the real thing. Turns out that coffee is my Prozac, so it has not been a fun week.

I could not motivate to do anything - cook, exercise, blog... you get the picture - besides drag my very tired self into work and back each day. And because my blogging philosophy is to write when I have something to say, not because I feel like I have to say something, I have been neglecting in my duties. My apologies. I have, however, been catching up on some really good and equally bad T.V. thanks to the internet, specifically Twin Peaks and Cougar Town. (What? I watch Cougar Town for the fashion and the interior design, but the quirky, campy factor has me embarrassed to admit that I am hooked.) Similarly, there have been some good and bad movies that I have enjoyed equally on Netflix: Heartbreakers - the French film, not the American version staring Jennifer Love Hewitt (C'mon, I'm not that bad!) - and Killers, which was a fun RomCom.

But enough excuses and T.V. talk. I am back up to four two cups a day of liquid happiness and the world makes sense again. And what really makes sense with this skirt that I posted about last week...

are these shoes - Stuart Weitzman's Alex Wedge.

Via

But at $365.00, there's no way I could afford them. (Although I did try to justify them as a dollar a day, which is crazy talk!)

Then I happened upon these babies:

Via

They are the spitting image of the wedges above, but at a fraction of the cost: $69.50. And so my heart moved on from the real thing, Alex, to the substitute, Steve Madden's Fantastik. I'll be honest, I love the thicker weave the Alex's water hyacinth wedge, but was it worth an extra $300.00 I don't have? No.

Fantastik with a "k" and I are madly in love these days. Check out our PDA's.

Oh, and if you are curious, the nail polish is Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Mint Sprint #440. I picked it up at Target, and this genius polish covers in one coat and lasts for about 3 glorious weeks. I really don't want to know what's in it.

Psst - I am standing in the grass that we planted a couple months ago. Isn't it fantastik with a "k"?

Oh happy (Fri)day!

Fashion Friday: Maxi Skirts

I spotted a couple of uber-chic girls flitting around town in maxi skirts a couple of weeks ago - looking quite casual, summery, and comfy - and ever since I have been obsessed. My obsession snowballed out of control earlier this week when I took a break from my catatonic state to gather up this Patagonian Maxi Skirt from Anthropologie.

It costs $88.00, but thanks to a gift certificate I have been squirreling away since the holidays, it was free for me. However, it does run large and long. I got a small, and even on my 5'8" frame, it puddles on the ground with flats.

That dilemma can be easily solved with some wedges or heels, but one dilemma that had me mired was how to wear it. So I hopped on Pinterest for some inspiration photos and came away with a few different ideas for how to own the maxi skirt.

Here's a different striped maxi from Anthro. I love the fitted jacket with the loose belt. I can do this.

Here's a more relaxed approach: tucked in tee, statement necklace, and flats.

Via

Striking a casual pose in front of a punchy wall doesn't hurt either.

But behold my favorite combination:

Via

We'll stay with the tucked in tee, but throw in a belt and a scarf for good measure. I think a summery scarf in a citrusy or coral-ly hue, or even a fun pattern, would make this combo sensational for summer.

Here are a couple other ways to wear the maxi that I am just not bold enough to try.

Via

I love all that loose, flowing fabric, but I don't think it would do me any favors. 

And then there's this one with the tucked in chambray top, which I am brave enough to try, but not with the fedora. 

Pinterest via Monique Patterson

Even so, I think I've got this trend under control. Oh, and if it's one your interested in as well, I hear Old Navy has solid maxi skirts for around $25.00. If you get one (or already have one), send me a pic. If not, what summer trend are you getting up the gumption to try? 

Wish me luck! 

Fashion Friday: Cheap Thrills

I had to take a day off from the old blog yesterday thanks to my migraine brain. But I couldn't resist posting about some pretty sweet and cheap fashion finds at Target to get you excited for those weekend errands.

I know the blogosphere has been buzzing about Calypso's new line with Target. Their home goods line has been getting a lot of attention, as has their large and colorful jewelry. But while I admire their jewelry on others (I am easing into wearing big, bold jewelry), what I really want is this dress:

The grey linen would transition well from summer to fall, and it is more appropriate for work and weekend than the white version, which is also really sweet.

What really got my pulse racing were all those playful ruffles.

I *love* ruffles on pretty much anything - shoes, shirts, skirts, (wedding) dresses, you name it - and the wrap silhouette is so flattering. Once I saw that $42.99 price tag, I knew I had to make this dress mine. But when I jetted down to my local Target, all they had was the white; I was so disappointed that I didn't even think to try it on so I could figure out my size and buy it online. But mark my words, this dress will be mine...

Fortunately, the trip to Target was not a lost cause. I stopped by my new go-to place for shoes, AKA their shoe department, since I am still wearing these laser cut lovelies to death. (I am on my second white pair and I also bought them in the pewter). And to my joy, I found two pairs of shoes that made my disappointment over the Calypso dress all but disappear.

These gold flats will get a ton of use over the summer. They are perfect for work and weekends and feel more dressed up than flip flops, but at $15.00 a pair, they almost as cheap as their more casual cousins.

And these babies are for going out. Yep, they're my dancing shoes. I wore them at Megan's recent wedding thinking my feet would be all torn up and aching since they are faux leather, but they were no worse than any other 3.5" heel. They will be taken for another night out on the town at a wedding next weekend. I can't wait!

Their nude color blends in well with these blindingly white legs, making the gams look much longer. And while nude heels are (and let's face it, have been) a huge trend, if they suddenly plummet in popularity, it won't be the end of the world since they only set me back $29.99.

What cheap thrills can't you get enough of these days? Do tell!

Have a relaxing weekend!

Fashion Friday: These Boots Are Made For Raining

I am sorely in need of some rain boots. Although I have been cursing myself all week for not already owning a pair, I am hoping to snag an end of the season deal. With my luck, a purchase will signal the end of the wet weather and the beginning of spring. Wait! Who am I kidding? That's a win, win either way!

I have had my eye on the original - Hunter Wellies - for a couple of seasons now.

Via Piperlime

They are perfect, in my opinion, except for the price. I can't seem the find them for cheaper than about $125.00 except for on ebay, where all of the new boots have what's called "blooming," meaning they look like they have a white circular film on them. Not nearly the deal I was hoping to snag.

I found this pair on Piperlime as well.

I am loving the herringbone and buckle details, the charcoal color, and the price: $59.99 plus free shipping. The silhouette does not seem as flattering around the ankle as the Hunter boot, but it's hard to tell without seeing them on someone.

Target has a Hunter knockoff for $24.99, but it's not getting the best reviews; there are multiple mentions of soaking wet feet, and if that is the case, then it is not really a deal.

I ran into these Tory Burch boots in the latest issue of InStyle magazine, and I am loving their playful, retro vibe:

Unfortunately, even on ebay they are more than the Hunter boots I adore, so I think they are out.

The Chooka herringbone boots might be the winner here, but I need to sleep on it. What are you wearing on your tootsies these days in this wet weather? Any recommendations for me?
 

Fashion Friday: Laser Cut Lovelies

I am having a moment with laser cut shoes. I bought this pair from Target a couple of weeks ago for a mere $22.99, and I have been wearing the heck out of them.

I am contemplating going back and buying them in some of the other colors they come in. They have them in a rainbow of colors, including a fun raspberry, electric blue, and yellow. They a comfy, springy, and it's fun to get peeks of my painted toes through the laser cut design.

As a side note, I am loving OPI's Ski Teal We Drop - a deep peacock blue - that I was a bit scared of in the nail salon, but which looks really flattering against my ghostly pale skin.

I just found it on Amazon, and will be ordering it soon. It feels just right during this transition from winter to spring, and I bet it would be great in the fall too.

But I did miss out on these gems from Anthropologie: the Shimmering Trellis Heels. 

They went on sale a couple of days ago for about $75, but I wanted to wait till I showed them to you all and got some feedback since I was on the fence. Now I am really regretting not buying them (especially since I have a gift card for almost the full sale price), since I could have returned them if they did not work out. I thought that the pink might read as almost a nude against my skin, and if so, I could get a lot of mileage out of them. I had visions of pairing them with this dress for Megan's wedding next month.

(The reception, not the ceremony, Meg. Don't worry. I have some flats for the ceremony!)

My question to you is should I hunt them down like General Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game"? Or should I try to find something else? (I have had luck calling Anthro in the past when they have sold out of stuff online.) Are you as smitten with these beauties as I am? Or are they too much?

P.S. The new duvet really livens up the master bedroom. Can't wait to share pics next week!

Have a lovely weekend!

Fashion Friday: Oscar Roundup

I know everyone has an opinion about the fashion at this past Sunday's Oscars, and not surprisingly, I do too. Since this is my space to wax poetic and rant, I am giving you my Oscar fashion highlights.

Disclaimer: We still don't have the TV hooked up - and even then, we won't have cable - so I did not see the actual event or how the dresses below move. I am basing my opinions solely on pics from www.guardian.co.uk and www.stylepulse.com. I am disappointed to have missed the Academy Awards; I am always reminding my husband that they are my Superbowl.

That said, here's my pick for best dressed:

I think that Gwyneth Paltrow always looks impeccable; she is a style icon for me. But she really hit the mark here. She looks like liquid gold or maybe a tall glass of bubbly. Her signature stick-straight hair, which sometimes can seem severe, complements the color, sheen, and column cut of her dress. Perfection!

A close second for me was Reese Witherspoon's simple modernized 60's look.

The color and fit of her dress kept the focus on her. (Sometimes I think the dress can take over. A-hem, Cate Blanchett.) I thought her teased ponytail and cat eye worked seamlessly with her gown to keep her looking playful and fresh.

Other successes for me were Michelle Williams (I still think about that Grecian style, nectarine-hued dress she wore to the Oscars the year she and Heath Ledger made Brokeback Mountain and sigh). I am always amazed at her boldness in fashion - witness the short sleeved shirtdress with a Mia Farrow circa Rosemary's Baby cut - or in movie roles, so it's nice to see her get some attention.

I also loved Amy Adams in this sparkling sapphire dress. She has captured the feeling of Old Hollywood with her soft waves, vintage emerald necklace, and ruby red lips, all while still managing to look modern. (Maybe I am just partial since sapphires are my birthstone?)

I also thought Mandy Moore looked so elegant and mature, as always. It's brilliant how you can't really tell when the dress ends and her shoulders begin. She literally glows, and it's nice to see another porcelain girl like myself flaunting her fair skin. Stunning!

Except for Reese, it seems as though glittery, jewel-like dresses really caught my fancy this year. I know many of you loved Mila Kunis' dress, but I was not swooning over all the purple and plum on the red carpet this year. Sorry Mila, Natalie, and Scarlet. You're all talented ladies, but I am just not feeling it.

How about these two for best couple?

 They are positively glowing! Here's hoping your weekend shines even brighter than these dresses.