Ikat Dress with Men's Fedora

 Have I ever told you guys I have a big head?  Not as-in big-ego, but literally, my head is really large in size.  Growing up, my nickname was Tweety Bird because I had a small child body with an adult size head.  I did eventually grow into my head a bit, however, it's still larger than most women.  I know because I usually need to shop in the Men's Department for hats and bike helmets.  

Example A: the fedora in this post is from the Men's Department at Nordstrom Rack.  I'm ok with it.  I once thought a big head equals a big brain.  Not so much the case.

 SHOP:  BB Dakota dress via Hautelook   |   Danielle Nicole bag (similar) via Ideeli   |   Fedora hat (similar) Nordstrom Rack (Men's)   |   Sandals (similar)  |  Necklace

Color Blocking with J.Crew Factory and Gilt Blouse

 

 SHOP:  Marabelle top from Gilt  (similar)   |   J.Crew factory skirt (similar)   |   Nordstrom Rack necklace (here and here similar)   |   Tory Burch flip flops (reveal and similar) 

Howdy friends!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  These pictures were taken at the end of a busy day of running errands and taking care of the dogs, hence the wrinkles and (you can't see) dog hair.  We went to Target, my favorite place in the world and did just a bit of personal shopping.  The rest was groceries and boring household stuff.  

I went to the return counter to return some not-so-flattering lipstick and the nice Target associate said, "You look really cute, where are you headed?"  I replied, "To the grocery store."  I think she was a little surprised by my response or was expecting something more exciting on my agenda.  Because in Oakland/Berkeley (GranolaTown) you wouldn't typically wear this just to go to the grocery store.  I do my fair share of granola-wear for errands, but the weather was gorgeous and spring was in the air.  No matter how confident one might be, a pop of color or a bright statement necklace can brighten any day.  Maybe for you it's a swipe of bright lipgloss, glitter nail polish, or a nice handbag.  No matter what it is for you, I know you can all relate to what I'm talking about.

Instas Of The Week

Instagrams of the Week for GranolaChris
I haven't ordered anything from Ideeli since last October but I've really like 90% of the items I have purchased from them recently.  They've also implemented 30 free days of shipping after paying for one shipment, just like Rue La La, which makes them a great alternative.  

J. Crew Sweater  |  Weather Tamer Plaid Trench  |  Danielle Nicole Purse  |  LOFT pants

Kooba Purse from Ideeli (not yet arrived)

Tweed Jackets from Old Navy  |   Couldn't decide which color.  TBD.

 C. Wonder Earrings from Ideeli

OOTD for work  |  LOFT Blouse, Pants, and Brooch  

Week In Review: Stripes + Dots

I know, how predictable.  I am a lover of stripes and dots as evidenced by my week in review.

Here's my Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to follow along for non-post worthy pictures.

Sunday Brunch with Etsy Brooch and Ideeli Crossbody Bag

I put on this outfit because it was perfectly comfy for a bike ride across town to meet our friends for brunch.  Then we had to deal with our doggies and a million other things before leaving the house, so we decided to drive to make up for lost time.  I avoided helmet head, yippee!  

We love Sunday or Saturday Brunch and usually walk or bike to one of the many yummy spots around our place.  Brunch means you can semi-sleep in and it's a great excuse to have bloody marys or mimosas.  And since we usually walk or bike, it's usually combined with a bit of a workout.  Yea, Sunday Brunch is now officially a workout...in my wildest dreams.

* Excuse the gritty parking garage photos as we have to wait for our car to be called down, therefore, I usually request Mr. Granola to snap a few quick pics.

Instagram

SHOP:  Etsy Brooch  |  Tory Burch shoes (similar) |   Joe's Jeans (similar)  |   Kate Spade glasses (similar)  |   Loft shirt  |  Ideeli Bag 

Uniqlo Pants With Striped Tee From Rue La La

Hi Friends!
Have you ever heard of Uniqlo?  I hadn't either until last weekend.  One of our best friends got married and a ton of our college friends came into town.  They were going a little nuts over this store call Uniqlo.
The best way to describe it is a Japanese version of H&M.  Mid-quality basics at a great price.  I picked up some amazing lightweight layering tanks form their "Airism" line and some of these elastic pants.  Do you all remember the tights from the late 80's with the stirrups?  Well, these are the adult version without the stirrups and I love them.
This is what I wore on this casual spring day to go get my hair done.  

 SHOP:  Rue La La Tee (Similar) |  Uniqlo Pants (similar)  |  Shoes from Taiwan (similar)  |  LV Bag  | Etsy Necklace

Instagram

Tory Burch Natalya Wedge Reveal

Hi Friends!  
Long time no see!  We've been busy bees shopping for real estate, traveling, and working.  It's been awhile since I've done a reveal, so here goes one for my new Tory Burch Natalya wedge pumps.  Originally $265 I got these on sale for $185.  I realize they're not a great steal, but they're super comfortable and perfect for all the work travel I do.

tory burch wedge at Beso.com

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For sizing reference, I usually wear a size 7.5, but in TB Revas, I'm an 8.  I originally bought the black pair in an 8, only to find them too big because the toe box is a bit wider.  So I would suggest getting these in your true size.  However!!...the tan pair seems to run larger because they're slipping a little.  Hmmmmm.
Thanks for checking out my reveal.  I snuck in a recent purchase of my pink and orange Big Buddah Celine lookalike bag too, since it matched the boxes so perfectly :)

Urban Outfitters for the Oldies

Spring is in full bloom and I couldn't be happier!  
Here's what I wore to a grand opening of a local wine bar-- most of the outfit is from Urban Outfitters.  Which by the way, I was obsessed with during most of my 20's.  Who doesn't love their sale rack?  Plus they hold the best online sales.  Now I can't help but feel like an old hag when I shop there.  I'm pretty sure I went through the same thing with Bebe back in the day,-- where after the age of 24, all the stuff  at Bebe seemed so "slutty" and "flashy."   
So I guess I'm now learning to weed through the "hipster wear" at UO and find staples like this dress and blazer.  Some of my favorite shoes and all-time favorite opaque tights are from Urban, so I'll remain a loyal (oldie) shopper despite my age :)

SHOP:    dress (similar) and blazer (similar) Urban Outfitters   /   tights DKNY   /   wedge pumps via Hautelook (similar)   /   necklace eBay

Target Tunic and Etsy Scarf

My striped shirts are mating and creating more striped shirts.  Everywhere I look there are stripes in my wardrobe.  The next little mission of mine is to buy more polka dots and chevron for the rest of the year.  Because you know...I'm an equal opportunity employer.

SHOP: cowl scarf Etsy / tights American Apparel / tunic dress Missoni for Target (similar one I love) / boots Steven (similar) / cardigan F21

Target Cropped Pants & J.Crew Lookalikes

SHOP: pants Target / flats Tory Burch (similar on sale) / top Nordstrom Rack (similar) / cardigan F21 (similar) / bubble necklace ebay
I'll pretend like all of you missed me these past 2 weeks of non-blogging :) Although the truth is I've missed you and blogging!
Everywhere I look bold color blocking is BAM! in your face this Spring. Have you embraced the real-life-Technicolor?
For the past year I've really wanted to love the infamous Cafe Capris from J.Crew. Every catalog features a model pairing them with an outfit that is just to die for! But everytime I try them on, the fit disappoints me. Sometimes if you're not a size 00, you just can't look like the model in the catalog!
In my search for cobalt bottoms, I came across these cropped pants at Target. Surprisingly, they are made with a heavy stretch fabric that makes them look a little higher-end and the color was so rich. I just couldn't resist and I'm so glad these were priced at $25!

J.Crew Cafe Capri $158

Target Mossimo Ankle Pant $24.99

While we're on the topic of gorgeous J.Crew goodies, below you will find my favorite find- the J.Crew Bubble Necklace lookalikes for a fraction of the price.

J.Crew Bubble Necklace $150

eBay Bubble Necklace $9.99-$20(I own 4 different colors, LOL)
I hope everyone has a great week and fabulous Easter Weekend! What will you wear? Pastels or bolds?