1 event, 20 minutes, 1 shower, 1 look.

Believe it or not, even those of us who plan our time down to the minute, find ourselves running late. So this is a look to take to the bank when you’ve got a minimal amount of time, most of which will be spent in the shower, and blow drying.

This look is an old 3 piece Grishley standby. All you need is a dress, a waistbelt and some boots.

This dress is another great find that I found on clearance at Kohl’s. It set me back about $15 and it part of the Simply Vera by vera Wang collection. I threw it on just in the nick of time with a black waistbelt and a pair or indian inspired earrings. I stepped into my classic western style boots and ran out the door.

This look is great for several reasons. First it is easy to throw together in a rush, and better yet it will keep you comfortable all night long. It spans the gap between casual and “I took time putting this together” and will leave your event attendees envious of your casual elegance. When youre stark naked and fresh out the shower with dinner is in 20mins this is where you should end up.

When in doubt blow your hair out and throw on this look!

Love, Grishley.

1-2-3 Times a Lady for Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, you either love it or hate it. But when it comes to style, Valentine’s Day can be one of the most daunting dressing days in the entire year. So Grishley is coming through in the clutch (with time to prepare) to make sure that no matter what kind of message you will be sending this Valentine’s Day, you look smashing doing it. Not to mention a fashion treat or two for numero uno that are much better than chocolates!

The Big V-Day usually breaks down into three categories style wise;

1. The -Date Night Look.

2. The-You best be taking me on a date tonight Day Look.

3. The- I’m gonna look better than your Valentine anyways Look.

(If you would like to  jump to one of the items featured just click on the photo! Grishley will take you straight there!)

Look #1

The Date Night Look

The key to the date night look, is that it is a date night. It might be the first time that you and your main squeeze have made it out of the old routine of rent a movie and ordering in, so you might as well try to break the fashion bank on this one (notice Grishley didn’t say budget). Without breaking the rules of the comfort and style cocktail, this look is an excellent choice for a night out on the town… even if that night ends up being a movie and midnight pancakes at your favorite diner.

Lets begin with the staple piece the dress! Grishley has wrangled up a few options for you to make your date night extra special

All three of these looks are available at bannanarepublic.gap.com . All looks are available online and will set you back no more than about $60.

These looks are great to purchase for a date night, because they can easily be accessorized for the office, or a lunch date with your girlfriends. When it comes to making an investment in a single piece like a cocktail dress, always look at the price vs. usage idea. If you can get away with it under a cardigan every third Wednesday at the office, then it is probably a good buy!

If you don’t own a pair of black tights by now get on it! They are available virtually everywhere and won’t break the bank! Another rule at Girshley is to invest one piece at a time. If you go to wallet-town on a cocktail dress, don’t buy new shoes. If you follow this rule and play your cards right you can splurge just a little bit on these tasty accessories!

All of these earrings are from Grishley favorite Modcloth.com. All of these dangles are date worthy, and none of them will set you back more then about $20.

Look #2

The- You best best be taking me on a date tonight look

Now this look is for the ladies, that may not be so spoken for as those who have a date on lock down for V-Day. This look is for the ladies who wanna plant the date seed into the shamelessly handsome noggin of the guy in class/on the bus/ in the office/maybe even at church.

Now ladies the key to this look is innocent hinting, we’re not going to channel Fatal Attraction on this one, or ever for that matter.

Grishley has pulled some great skirts for your come hither hinting pleasure, all of which are from the fashion favorite ModCloth, and at prices all under $75, these skirts will not ony allow you to treat yourself, but also serve you well in the coming warm months!

There are a few great things about all three of these skirts, First off their length makes them ultra versatile. They would all pair nicely with a knee high boot, or even a maryjane. They are also great picks because they offer the -to tuck or not to tuck- option, all having a gentle taper to make their styling possibilities endless. Let’s face it ladies, If he can’t figure it out with one of these skirts, some pumps and a smile… you might as well move on.

Look #3

The- I’m gonna look better than your Valentine anyways Look.

So it is probably a safe assumtion to note that at one V-Day or another we have all been the woman scourned. Either by the fact that we don’t have an arm to show us off that night, or for the sheer fact that somewhere out there, there is a not so nice lady on the arm you used to be on. We have all had those visions of keying the side of his car Carrie Underwood style…but really in the end we all know that there is only one rational way to truly get back at an Ex…Shoes. These shoes require some healthy planning budget wise, but they are sure to profit you in more ways than one.

All three of these options offer sky high confidence infused with a cute and spicy knack for your feet. Spanning the shoe spectrum from high, mighty and risky, to more demure business with a wink.

Need Grishley say more? All of these looks are from Nordstrom.com and they are destined to make you feel like a million bucks.

When it comes to love and life, Don’t hate the player, Don’t hate the game.

Just have phenomenal shoes.

Happy Valentine’s Day- Love Grishley

Another Birthday, Another Stellar Look!

As if she wasn’t already doing an amazing job at looking killer for her birthday! My besty Sam snapped a few pics of her winning birthday look and sent them Grishley’s way!

Playing to a few of Grishley’s fashion basics, Sam built a look that is not only eye-catching, but also offers great utility! The main piece of this look is a dress Sam picked up at Kohl’s. It is part of the Lauren Conrad Collection, and comes equipped with waistbelt and ruffled neck detail.

If you were ever a fan of The Hills on MTV then you know exactly who Grishley is talking about when we mention Lauren Conrad, and yes ladies it is that Lauren Conrad. The LC  Lauren Conrad Collection is a label designed by Conrad exclusively for Kohl’s. Not only does Conrad design the collection, but she also has infused her beachy california style into a boho-chic collection available at affordable prices! If you want to copy Sam’s birthday look you can get a similar dress in the same collection for only about $35. Not to mention that if you spend $75 on the Kohl’s website you qualify for free shipping! P.S. If you act now you can score a major deal in the LC Lauren Conrad Sale!

Now back to what makes Sam’s look really stand out… THE ACCESSORIES!

Sam made this outfit sparkle with a pair of lacey tights, and strappy flats, the real deal for a hard working girl who spends all day on the rainy OSU campus! Lets not forget to mention the great accent of classic black beads that topped off Sam’s look for a put together pick me up for a cold winter day!

Might we add that the pattern mixing of the dress and tights are an extra plus! To emulate Sam’s look try out a pair of these patterned tights, that will quickly become staples in the “spice it up” section of your closet!

These lacey goodies are available at Forever21.com and will only set you back about $6. Which is a great deal considering they flawlessly make the transition from day to date night!

 

Easy is as Casual does…

Because sometimes… it is cloudy outside, and sometimes its raining, and sometimes…its monday. A casual look should be a staple in your easy go-to’s especially when your alarm clock isn’t the sweetest sound in the morning.

The top is an easy layered look made up of a white ribbed tank top that I bought in a pack of 6 in the men’s underwear department.

(If you are going to take this hint always make sure that you buy the HANES brand. They have a hem, rather than just a zigzag stitch at the bottom. They can also be dyed/tie-dyed to create your favorite American Apparel looks. For even more great buys in the tighty-whitey section, check out the Men’s V-neck tees. They offer great fit and they are easy to care for and to dye.)

The Sweater is a beautiful Dolman sleeve sweater from Forever 21. I got it on clearance for about $6, and it has served me well.

My absolute favorite part of this outfit are the accessories. The earrings were a flea market find from a family vacation in Arizona, and they only set me back $2! How is that for a lesson in digging for buried treasure. They are a beautiful beaded weave, and they are also incredibly light weight! The scarf is an import from India, and I purchased it at the Portland Saturday Market three summers ago. It reeked of perfume when I first bought, but after a good wash and some styling it quickly became one of my favorite pieces.

The Jeans are just a basic trouser cut from Old Navy, and they were on sale and I had a coupon so they only set me back about $13. The best part about them is the back pocket detail, which when worn with a tunic or long tee looks just like a pair or Sevens. Now, now Grishley isn’t a big fan of a knock off, but if you’ve got a case of mistaken identity then that is completely acceptable… especially if tuition is keeping you on a style budget!

Lastly, this look is topped off with a pair of burnt red chucks. They are the old stand-by when it comes to casual style, and school boy prep. Live, Love, and Learn in your Chucks.

A Birthday Skirt!

Just because her birthday is in January doesn’t mean that my lovely cousin can’t throw on a flirty spring outfit for Grishley. I made this off pattern skirt with paperbag waist for Jessica’s birthday! It was quick and easy, and in yardage it was an absolute steal!

I included an exposed zipper, and mismatched the pattern on purpose. To a traditional sewer the pattern can look like an eyesore, but for the young and fashionable a mismatched pattern is as attention getting as a great mixed pattern, adding an even more dynamic element to this soon to be favorite.

This look is accessorized with a classic dual-buckle black waist belt and a big gold bangle. These accessories are simple, but add even more dimension to this spring ready outfit! Not to be forgotten gladiator sandals were added for their utility and ease, as well as their statement making studs and ankle strap.

The original skirt pattern is Simplicity 9825. I made a few modifications to the pattern to make it a bit more interesting. If you are working with the “C” option on the pattern, you can make this skirt by extending the hem, and also inverting the waistband and adding front pleats!

This look:

Vest: Forever 21

Shirt: Victoria Secret

Shoes: TJ Maxx

Bracelet/Belt : Forever 21

Skirt: Grishley

OSU Recycled Fashion Show 2010

If you are a fellow Oregonian, or you just wanna get a good dose of some unconventional fashion come check out the OSU Recycled Fashion Show!

The Oregon State University Fashion Organization Presents:

The Recycled Fashion Show 2010

February 25th @ 7:00pm in the MU Ballroom

Garment is the 2009 Winner designed by Jennifer Russell

Photography by Elizabeth Russell-Baumgartner and Modeled by Ellen Cooney-Mesker

It’s the 20th Annual Recycled Fashion Show!

Come see designs by fellow students created from 100% recycled materials. Bring all your friends to see the most fun fashion show on campus!

Doors will open at 6:30 pm and there will be absolutely no seat saving this year so come early because the Ballroom will fill up fast!

If you are interested in Designing:

Garment turn in is February 19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in Milam room 229.

Some rules for the 2010 Show:

• No more than $5 can be spent per garment and materials used must be truly recycled
• We strongly encourage you to use something that has had a previous use and would be thrown away if you did not use it
• Joint projects will be accepted
• There is a 3 garment limit per designer
• There will be a $5 entry fee for each garment entered

A full rules packet and entry form will be available by Week 3 outside of the DHE Office (Milam 224)

See all of you at the show!!!!

To RSVP check out the Facebook link;

OSU Recycled Fashion Show 2010

Grish loves the Ognibenster!

You always hear that having friends in high places is a good thing, but at Grishley we believe that having friends who can stitch is an even better thing!

Because she is not only one my best friends, but an incredibly talented sewer CutandSew’s very own Nicole Ognibene made me this brilliantly comfortable dress for my birthday.

Not only did the Ognibenster stitch a beautiful garment, but also excelled in fabric choice and color palate. The Pattern is Mcall’s #M5924 and is available online or at most fabric stores! The color blocking makes the look both versatile, and simple while still being dynamic and extremely fashionable.

All Grishley had to do was throw a three dollar waistbelt around it and step into the old standbys and this look was complete!

GrishleyBoo Loves the Sun!

With the first sunny day that Oregon has seen since fall, Grishley pulled out all the stops with this spring worshiping look!

This look is all about fun fun fun! A warmth conscious yellow basic adds warmth and wearability to this semi-formal dress. Boots and complimentary blue accessories add to the punch of this color kickin’ outfit.

The Best Part of this look is it is made up of pieces that you’ll most definitely find in your own closet. It may seem like your long sleeve tees are on the other side of the drawer then some of your semi-formal garments, but throw them together with a pair of boots and a smile and you are all set!

This look:

Shirt: Kohl’s. Dress: Forever21. Boots: Kohls. Sunglasses: Forever21. Necklace: Salvation Army

Gorgeous at the Golden Globes

So if you were like Grishley and you couldn’t wait for the Golden Globes to roll around then you’re not alone. Let’s not lie to ourselves here… we know we don’t watch it for the awards, I mean we loved that one movie with that one chick and she showed up with that one guy… but really it is all about the fashion.

Desperate Housevives Star Eva Longoria at 2010 Golden Globe awards 

Not only is  the Golden Globes the first time we get to see our favorite stars in something other than a wifebeater and sweats on the cover of OK! but, we also get to see a little tease of what is to come for the Oscars in the spring.

There were a few looks we loved at Grishley, and we can tell the stars did too, full length is back in full swing and so is the Asymmetrical look.

Even though it was a bit rainy out stars didn’t shy away from a cold shoulder, reigniting the strapless and one strap trend that was o-so popular this fall. Here are Grishley’s picks for the top three best dressed of the evening!

#3-Lea Michele

Red Carpet newcomer Lea Michele looked phenomenal in a black Oscar de la Renta gown at the Sunday night awards.

#2- Kate Hudson

A-Rod eat your heart out! Kate Hudson looked killer in her all white garb by Marchesa.

#1 Penelope Cruz

In a beautiful off the shoulder number by Giorgio Armani Prive. Cruz was a stunner from head to toe… or Umbrella in her case, walking away with not only top nods for her seductive skills in the film Nine, but also Grishley’s Best Dressed of the night!

 

Neutrals? Naturally.

If trying to match your blacks has got you down and out, then make way for grey! Grey is even more versatile then the old standby, and less intimidating for day. Warm grey tones clash well with cool grey tones, and to pull the look together black accessories make the look a bit more dynamic.

Grishley’s boots are made for walkin’… and perhaps thats why you’ve seen these lovelies all over my blog.

This outfit is all about utility, comfort, and color theory, bringing together one pop of color and a lot of neutrals. This grey look is two pieces, both of which are made from ultra versatile knit cotton. The longsleeve tunic length dress was $8.99 at Oldnavy, and the jersey blouse was a Kohl’s clearance purchase from the Simply Vera by Vera Wang Collection, running me about $12.99. The best deals are yet to come, as my tights were $7.99 and have a killer pattern up close and personal. They are also from Kohl’s. Lastly if you’ve think you’ve heard it all about a good Grishley bargain, then think again because, this Pashmina looking piece is actually a summer sarong which I purchased brand new at a second hand store for $3.99. So not only does it look great around my neck, but it will also be a great cover up when the summer rolls around.

What did we learn from this look?

1. Cool Greys and Warm Greys are one happy family.

2. Black and Brown do not a bad match make!

3. Sometimes to put summer color into your winter wardrobe you have to think creatively!

-Grish.