jeanofalltrades

January 1, 2014 · 10:51 am

Zebra Striped Dress

I’m ringing in the New Year with a dress in one of my favorite patterns: Animal print. There are so many types of prints (zebra, leopard, giraffe, snake, tiger, even cow!) so the look never gets repetitive. Add color to the mix, and you can see why I’m drawn to the infinite varieties of animal prints. Plus, I like animals, and you know what they say about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. I’m copying their pretty designs!

Dress: Swapped
Pleather boots: MIA
Necklace: The Vegan Woman
Vinyl purse: Shop in Pittsburgh

The best part of this dress might be that it was free. I got it at a clothing exchange from a fellow animal-print lover who tired of this particular piece.

It doesn’t have a defined waist, which makes it really comfortable, and the black vertical detailing at the front keeps this looking long and lean. I love the retro 70s collar!

I wore this with boots today but I’ll try it with other shoes and maybe a different pop of color, like an orange or green purse or a big cuff.

Happy New Year!

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Tagged as boots, dress, fashion, necklace, style, thrifty fashion, vegan

December 29, 2013 · 12:23 am

New Year’s Eve Outfit

The outfit I pick for New Year’s Eve depends on what I’m doing. I’ve worn everything from a ballroom gown and heels to a motorcycle jacket and armored pants. (It was a midnight ride, and perfectly appropriate for the occasion.)

I might even wear PJs. Sometimes New Years isn’t a huge party, but an intimate stay-home-and-cozy-up event.

Truth be told, this year, I’ll be home early. Hubby is getting his wisdom teeth out the day before and I plan to be home with him. I’ll leave him for a bit around dinner so I can grab a bite with friends, but I want to be home well before the clock strikes midnight. For me, it’s not New Year’s if I can’t kiss my sweetie.

So my outfit this year won’t be special, but it could look something like this:

Jumpsuit: Rachel Roy via consignment
Tights: Target
Shoes: Poetic Licence
Rubber cuff: Shop in Honolulu
Vinyl purse: Shop in Pittsburgh

I found this jumpsuit (onesie?) at a consignment shop and adored it! I might not have forked over a lot for it, but it was a great deal and worth a try. I snapped these pictures shortly after I bought it (spring–see the pretty daffodils?) but never posted them. They’ve given me my New Year’s outfit inspiration though, so I’m glad I saved them,

It’s a fun look for dinner, drinks, dancing, and dare I say, New Year’s. I could wear this in warmer months–it is a shortset–but I like it paired with tights. Plus, it’s a chance to wear my purple velvet and sparkle heels! I tried to match my shoes and tights to elongate.

Do you have any special New Year’s plans? No matter what you have scheduled, have fun, be safe and:

See you in 2014!

I joined Not Dead Yet and Style Elixir for blog linkups today. See what the others are wearing.

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Tagged as fashion, jumpsuit, style, thrifty fashion, tights

December 27, 2013 · 1:16 am

Accessories for a Casual Day

I’ve worn this sweater on the blog before, but never with these fun accessories.

Sweater: Old Navy
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Boots: Thrifted
Ring: Old Navy
Necklace: The Sapphire Bee

I loved how big this ring was when I saw it in the store. Yet it’s light, and not at all cumbersome. It’s folded fabric, and I bet I could make one just like it! Sometimes it’s easier to just buy something ready-made though.

I got this empty cage necklace from Brittany at The Sapphire Bee. Brittany is a blogger and artist and student, in addition to creating and selling jewelry. She sounds like a Jean of all Trades to me! Sometimes though, we can’t do it all, and I don’t see anything in her store right now. I hope she sells more soon. I really like her designs.

I’m a proponent of “emptying cages,” so to speak. I enjoy wild animals in the wild, not in zoos, circuses or at places like SeaWorld. So, to me, this empty cage represents hope for a better future for animals. I like looking at it and imagining that a little bird has flown to freedom.

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Tagged as big ring, fashion, jeans, necklace, style, sweater, vegan

December 23, 2013 · 10:06 pm

Animal Print and Faux Leather

I’ve remixed my leopard-print dress again. I can’t get enough of animal print! I’ve worn this in cooler weather and warmer days. This time, I wore my faux-leather-sleeved jacket and purple tights.

Dress: Ross Dress for Less
Jacket: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Booties: Old Navy
Bag: SNAP Designs

I’m a fan of booties and find these stacked-heel ones easy to walk in and funkier than a pump. But they still add the height that my flat boots couldn’t give me. If I’d have known how much use I’d give these, I’d have bought a back-up pair. I’m not sure how much life these have left. I love them though! The faux suede hasn’t faded or scuffed, and they’ve kept their shape.

As usual, I had to sneak a pop of color in somewhere. In addition to my muted purple tights, I have my bright SNAP bag. It’s vinyl and is wipeable, so I can keep it clean despite the light/bright shade.

I’m joining Monday Bloom today. Check out what the others are wearing!

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as dress, fashion, leopard print, style, thrifty fashion, tights, vegan

December 18, 2013 · 10:49 pm

My New Vaute Couture Coat

Let’s it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

I’m ready! Of course we don’t have snow at the moment, but Seattle had experienced a cold snap lately. I don’t mind though–I get to put my new Vaute Couture coat to the test.

Emily coat: Vaute Couture
Scarf: Fred Meyer’s
Jeans: Just USA
Pleather booties: Diba

I almost didn’t buy this 3/4 length coat because it’s “warm enough for a Chicago winter” and we don’t get weather like that around here often. I’m so glad I got it though. It’s cozy and toasty without being bulky. When the cold stays out, I don’t hunch over to stay warm. So I can walk with my head held high, no matter what the temperature.

I’ve been wearing it zipped half up, moto-style, but I can zip it all the way up to really keep my neck warm. I unzipped the hood already, but I’ll add it back to show you how cute (and toasty) it is.

I love the velvety soft fabric and bright blue color. I’ve tried a couple of different looks so far. I love my bright pink infinity scarf, but I also like the blue stripes. They both go with the other, shorter Vaute jacket I bought the day this arrived in the mail. I loved this so much that I had to get another one.

Best of all, this is wool-free, 100% vegan, and has a quilted, recycled fiber lining. Vaute is a design house based in Brooklyn. It’s great that all of Vaute’s clothing is made in New York, by people who are paid fair wages. I love supporting small businesses–especially ethical ones!

I preordered this in early September at a great price. Buying before the coats are made gives the company funds to make the line.

I am more than thrilled with my coat. It almost makes me appreciate winter.

I’ve joined Style Elixir, The Pleated Poppy, Elizabeth Nygard, and Transatlantic Blonde for blog link-ups today. See what everyone else is wearing!

12 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion

Tagged as coat, ethical, fashion, jacket, style, Vaute Couture, Vaute Couture coat, vegan

December 15, 2013 · 11:05 pm

Wearing over-the-Knee Boots

I like the look of over-the-knee boots but sometimes it’s hard to wear them and not look a little like Pretty Woman. For most of us, that’s not the effect we’re going for. Elly, from one of my street style posts, knows how to work the look. She wore wedge heels, thick tights, and a flowing boho dress.

Another way to wear OTK boots is with jeans. I kept my look casual by wearing flat-heeled tall boots.

Top: Express
Jeans: The Gap
Boots: Cri de Coeur
Cuff: Craft Fair

These boots are versatile because I can fold over the cuff and turn them into regular knee-high boots. I lose the studs that way, but it’s still a nice option. I bought these on sale from a local shop that is unfortunately not open anymore. Luckily, I can still shop online.

With an OTK boot, I think it’s best to keep the rest of the outfit relaxed (like Elly’s loose dress or my simple jeans). I’d probably steer away from a dress so long that it covers the tops of the boots. Part of having tall boots is showing them off! Plus, a bit of leg shape is nice. Notice that I said leg shape. Tights or jeans are still good to wear. If you have a bare leg with a short skirt and tall boots, a flowy dress and shorter heel is the best way to work the right proportions.

Do you ever wear OTK boots?

I’ve joined Visible Monday today. Check out what other bloggers are wearing.

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Tagged as boots, fashion, jeans, OTK, over-the-knee boots, style

December 10, 2013 · 11:03 pm

T-shirt Dress with Mustard Tights

Here’s another examples of a summer dress adapted for fall. I’ve done this so much that my winter dresses aren’t getting any use. I’d better start wearing them soon or they’ll start feeling left out!

Cardigan: Thrifted
Dress: Damselfly
Tank top: Old Navy
Belt: Lulu’s
Tights: Target
Boots: MIA

I’ve worn these tights before and liked them so I wanted to wear them again. They’re bright, but I find they go with lots of things. And I’m a fan of adding color to an outfit. Tights are sometimes the easiest way to do that.

I realized that when I last wore this dress (in summer), I was in New York (you can see me wearing it in the last photo, along with my mom). Even though it was warm out, I paired the dress with these exact boots. They were comfortable and we walked a lot that day.

This time, I belted the dress though, to give it (or rather, me) more shape.

I’ve joined The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for blog linkups today. Have a look at what other bloggers are wearing. And since it’s a busy time of year, remember to breathe deeply, make time for yourself, and enjoy the season!

8 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Hot and Cold

Tagged as boots, dress, fashion, style, tights

December 8, 2013 · 3:50 pm

Birthday Post: What’s Your Secret?

I woke up this morning to a nice post in my blog feed: My mom, Carmen of Fashionable Over 50, made me a wonderful video tribute featuring a best of collection of the outfits I featured on my blog this past year.

You can read the whole post here.

I don’t mind turning another year older with surprises like this!

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Tagged as birthday, fashion, style, tribute, video, year in review

December 6, 2013 · 9:20 pm

Turquoise Cardigan and Patterned Dress

Here’s another summer dress I’ve worked into my winter wardrobe. I bought this for a summer wedding a few years ago and finally decided to wear it for less formal occasions. Today, I went to work in it. Just like the other summer dress I recently wore, this one has a dark background, making it more wintery.

Dress: Boutique in Seattle
Cardigan: Old Navy
Boots: Borrowed
Belt: Madden Girl
Scarf: Thrifted
Clutch: Shiraleah

Step one: Boots. They always make an outfit fit for fall and winter. I borrowed these from a friend while she borrowed a pair of mine.

Step two: Cardigan. Layering is practical because it keeps you warm, but it covers short sleeves that would otherwise scream “summer.” I belted mine to give this outfit a bit of shape.

Step three: Scarf. I like scarves all year long, but they’re especially nice in cooler weather. They can hide a low neckline and generally add polish to an outfit. I picked a scarf in a small pattern with some of the same colors as the dress. If you’re new to pattern mixing, a scarf is a good place to start.

Do you have any secrets for incorporating summer wear into your winter wardrobe?

I’m joining Passion for Fashion, Fashion Informant and Fab Favorites today. Check out what everyone else is wearing!

10 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Hot and Cold

Tagged as boots, cardigan, dress, fashion, style, thrifty fashion

December 1, 2013 · 5:13 pm

Velvet Biker Jacket

I love the look of a classic biker jacket–you know, like James Dean or Marlon Brando used to wear. I recently went to an exhibit at Experience Music Project about the rock ‘n’ roll aspect of this style of jacket. I was blown away at how versatile this iconic piece is. Everyone from Joan Jett to Michael Jackson has been seen in the “antihero’s anti-sportcoat.”

The motorcycle jacket can be hardcore punk or art piece. What started as protective gear and became associated with outlaws and rebellion is now a fashion statement.

I’ve sworn off leather, and I do have a few faux leather jackets, but I also like the idea of reworking a classic in new ways. So when I saw this velvet version I snapped it up.

Jacket: Forever 21
Tank top: Target
Sweater: Target
Jeans: Just USA
Shoes: Consignment

Black is the classic color, but I really liked the brown. Next up: hot pink! I’d like a biker jacket in a thick cotton knit or even denim! There are so many options. You can wear them with jeans or a dress and they’re always in style.