May 23, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Mexican Blanket Skirt

I love the creativity and color that symbolizes Mexico in my soul. There is so much to inspire: The Talavera, the Otomi embroidery, the Huichol beadwork, handblown glass, beautiful silver jewelry, intricate leather purses, embroidered dresses and woven blankets. I love it all.

We have Talavera tile all over our house. Even in our pool. I layer with Otomi blankets on couches and beds in our house. Each time we visit Mexico, I never ever leave enough room in my suitcase. I want to bring it all home. The lively spirit of Mexico has my heart in its grasp.

So, when I saw this vintage Mexican Blanket Skirt (similar not vintage item from Modcloth here and vintage item here and here and here) being sold from Effina Vintage, I knew my pocketbook did not stand a chance. Especially since it was exactly my size. And also, the seller was selling it very reasonably and her commentary on her items is fun.

I paired the skirt with my Anthropologie Cloth and Stone Denim Daydrifter Tee from last year (similar tee here) and my Anthropologie Almanac Sandals.

The necklaces are Free People’s Coin Necklace (given to me as a participant of Free People Me. Similar here) and Simply Livly’s Turquoise Necklace.

The Mexican Blanket was brought back from one of our trips. I thought it would be a fun prop with the skirt. I did not carry this blanket to Costco with me later in the day. Although, with all of the samples they give away, wouldn’t it be funny if I plopped this blanket down in the middle of the store and had myself a free little picnic?

That wouldn’t anger anyone.

Speaking of free samples, did you know that Trader Joe’s gives out free wine samples?!?! I also learned that on this day when I ran in there for Peonies. And walked out with Peonies and wine. Well played, Trader Joe’s! But next time, I’m bringin’ my blanket. You won’t even see me comin’.

The bracelet is Free People’s Hammered Stacked Multi Cuff

If my spirit was a skirt, this would be it. Wearing this skirt makes me feel more like “me.” Does that make sense?

What piece of clothing would your spirit inhabit? Do you own it? Do you feel more like yourself when you are wearing it? Do you think I would be able to finish my free samples of wine before I was asked to leave the store with my blanket? A curious girl would like to know.

* This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from certain links will result in a small commission for ~~my bail~~ this site.

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

May 7, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Feeding My Etsy Beast: Vintage Maxi Skirts

I posted about a Vintage Maxi Skirt that I own on Tuesday. I felt bad that I could not link to it, because it was vintage and one of a kind. I had an idea. I found some maxi skirts that I think are gorgeous in a variety of sizes being sold on Etsy. Being vintage, it makes sense that these items sell out quickly. There is only one of them. Often times buying vintage means a cost savings, as well. There are many bohemian beauties I have my eye on at retail price in chain stores, but I cannot afford them right now. Vintage can mean getting something cool for less. It means no one in your town will be wearing that garment the same day as you. It is also being green. The sizes will vary. If you click on a link and it is sold out, I am sure more vintage items will pop up soon.

I am not affiliated with the sellers of the following skirts in any way. I have always had a beautiful experience shopping on Etsy (I have purchased from over 100 sellers), but please shop at your own risk. I have had contact with each of these sellers (in requesting to use their photos) and they were lovely. I would advise reading the product description carefully before purchasing. Most vintage pieces are nonreturnable.

Suzanne, from the blog Style Files, styles vintage pieces like nobody else. She is fun and sassy. I love her style. She wrote a super helpful post entitled “Top Tips For Shopping Vintage.” In fact she has a section on her blog devoted to vintage tips. I highly recommend checking it out.

I thought it would be fun to show some pretty vintage maxis that have caught my eye lately:

Who can resist a fun green maxi skirt? This Sweet Green Floral Skirt is from Sunny Lizard. The waist for this one is thirty inches. The brightness of this skirt makes me long for days spent drinking lemonade by the pool. Great summer find.

I love this Red Eyelet Skirt from Vintage Stew. In fact, it is on my personal wishlist. The only reason I did not scoop it up was because I have a very similar short red skirt all ready in my closet. This skirt features a 28 inch waist.

I like plaid all year round. There is just somethin’ about it. This Colorful Plaid Skirt is so pretty. If only I had a twenty five inch waist to be able to wear it. It is being sold by Indie Style Society.

I saw this amazing find and if I had a 34 inch waist, I would scoop it up. I love anything sky related. This Cool Zodiac Skirt is sold from the shop Bumblebee Buck. The pattern is awesome.

Polka dots! I recently snagged a sweet white and black polka dot Free People maxi skirt at Nordstrom Rack. This reminds me of it. Except this one is vintage, so it is cooler. This Red Polka Dot Skirt has a 30-35 inch waist. It is being sold by the shop Pendulum Vintage. I love the sweet buttons on this one.

I think this skirt is the closest to my vintage find from yesterday. The waist stretches to 24-29 inches. It is the Black Floral Appliqué Skirt from Cocoandmillie. I would style it exactly as seen here. It is exquisite.

This Aztec Bird Skirt is so interesting. It is being sold from Red Hat Vintage with a high waist of twenty eight inches. I am been obsessed with pink lately. And this one is no exception.

I love this Sunshine Skirt from Brass Giraffe Vintage. This skirt sports a 26 inch waist. I love the colors. My grandma’s favorite colors were green and yellow and I have found myself attracted to that combination lately. This eye candy fits the bill.

This Strawberry Appliqué Skirt being sold from Victoria Westbury is amazing. I love the fabric with the cool design. Even though this skirt has a small fabric flaw, I think it is gorgeous. I love it shown with the red shoes here. It also has the best red polka dot ruffle underneath.

Last but not least, is this Gorgeous Green Skirt. It is just a little too big for me with a twenty nine and a half inch waist. I love the colors of this. I think this skirt worn with a black t-shirt and long green necklace with silver sandals would be amazing. It is being sold from Momo Deluxe Vintage.

Do you shop vintage? What do you look for? Do you like this feature? Are you an Etsy addict like me? I love browsing the beautiful shops.

May 4, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

I’m Walking In Sunshine Skirt

When I bought this Colorblock skirt from Free People last year, I was so excited. The colors were brilliant and it was 75% off. I previously wore it here and here..

It has always reminded me of Anthropologie’s Field of Vision Skirt. I missed out on that one, but Mary from Happily Grey styled that skirt gorgeously a few months ago. I like how she wore it with a vest. I plan to do that in the fall with this skirt, as well.

I like how it transitions into every season. Every season deserves some sunshine.

I cannot resist a maxi skirt. There’s just something about a long skirt that makes my knees weak.

That is not my hair sticking out at the top of my head, by the way. That is me with an unfortunate tree made of twigs right behind my head. This venturing out of the house thing is happening in baby steps.

Let’s talk products:

The Colorblock Skirt is sold out on the Free People website. But it is still available from a different retailer here. A similar coin necklace is being sold right now through Free People. My coin necklace was care of Free People for being involved in the Free People Me program. The silver sandals are from Anthropologie. The shirt was from Anthropologie many years ago.

Whew! That was a mouthful. Or is it handful, since I am writing it? Hmmmm.

Do you have a piece of clothing that transitions into every season? What is it? I think I might style this skirt with my Daydrifter Denim Shirt next. What do you think?

April 27, 2014 by gn0mel0ver

Colima And See What I Did

Last year, Anthropologie sold the Colima Skirt. It came in many colors. I believe the final count was six. But I could be wrong.

I bought two of them. And then I could not figure out how to style the darn things. The skirts were pretty. But the hem that I thought I would like, proved to be a challenge. And they were a bit too clingy and see through.

The other day, I had an epiphany.

Why not wear them together?

Why not create the hem I wanted by layering the two together?

So I did.

I love them worn this way. Together they have become my favorite maxi skirt.

And the spin factor cannot be beat.

Trust me.

If you missed out on the Colima Skirt last year at Anthropologie, you are not out of luck. Modcloth is carrying an incredibly similar version of it in blue. They call it Sway by the Sea Skirt. It is $49.99. The original price for the Colima Skirt was $118. I am trying to decide if I need another layer to mix up the colors. Because that price is great.

I have also seen this skirt being sold in a variety of colors on eBay.

The top was a random clearance find at Nordstrom Rack last spring. It is by Cloth and Stone. You can find similar chambray shirts here and here.

Have you ever layered two skirts together? Did you end up liking the end result? What other top could I pair with these skirts?

Honesty is the best policy: The links above are affiliate links. This blog may receive a small compensation when a link is either clicked on or purchased from.

P. S. Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, Mandi! : )

And

I shared this on The Pleated Poppy and Effortless Anthropologie.

Gnome Lover

Stumbling through life while still having fun

maxi

Mexican Blanket Skirt

I’m Walking In Sunshine Skirt

Colima And See What I Did