jeanofalltrades

August 25, 2013 · 8:10 pm

Boyfriend Jeans

I usually wear darker wash denim but I like the light washes hitting the stores. Instead of forking over of a new pair of jeans, I raided the local Goodwill.

Jeans: Merona via Goodwill
Tank: Wet Seal
Top: Goodwill
Booties: Crossroads Clothing Co.
Cuff: Lauren Harkness

I found a super comfy pair of light jeans and I cuffed them like the boyfriend jeans in the stores. I couldn’t resist this mesh top so I picked it up while I was thrifting. It’s got a nice ’80s vibe to it.

To make this retro outfit a bit more modern, I paired it with booties. In the 80s, I’d probably have worn pointy bright flats.

I like incorporating styles from the past when they’re flattering and relevant but I always like keeping the look fresh with new twists.

What styles of bygone years do you like?

I’ve joined Visible Monday again today! Check out what everyone else is wearing.

9 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

August 21, 2013 · 12:14 pm

Florals, Dots and Leopard

I went crazy with pattern-mixing in this outfit. It was an experiment and I think I like it.

Jacket: Forever 21
Pants: Macy’s
T-shirt: Papaya
Satin pumps: Two Lips via DSW

I don’t have a lot of floral pieces in my wardrobe and I really liked the floral jackets I’d seen in magazines. I didn’t want to invest in a jacket with a trendy pattern so I looked at lower-end stores. Forever 21 isn’t my favorite place to shop but I can count on them for inexpensive versions of trends.

I already had the shoes, pants and top so I only had to combine them this way to copy the trend of florals and pattern-mixing. Why does it work? The jacket has black and white in it so the shirt complements it. there’s also green in the jacket so the pants aren’t adding a new element. And leopard is practically a neutral so I thought, “what the heck?”

It’s a fun look and I can take it down a notch by swapping the leopard shoes for a solid pair. I can swap out the top for a plain T if I want to calm things down even more. But for now, I’m going all out with the colors and patterns. It’s only fashion, right?

I’ve linked up with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy and at Transatlantic Blonde. Check out what other bloggers are wearing!

10 Comments

Filed under Fashion

Tagged as blazer, fashion, floral, floral blazer, green jeans, leopard print, pants, style

August 16, 2013 · 7:00 pm

Gray Cropped Skinnies and Flats

Today called for comfort so I opted for this super soft t-shirt and gray skinnies. I bought these shorts for $5 at an outlet store. What a deal! I’ve worn them dozens of times, making this a great buy.

T-shirt: Goodwill
Pants: Suzy Shier Outlet
Leather-look belt: Truth Belts
Rubber Cuff: Rogue City Killers
Shoes: Compassionate Couture
Rubber purse: Alchemy Goods

I’m on track to wear these flats a lot too. I bought them at the vegan bloggers conference I went to in May and I’ve worn them a lot already. In fact, they’re coming with me to New York. They’re the perfect city walking shoe.

The shoes are from Compassionate Couture, an all-vegan, eco-friendly online shop (I had the pleasure of meeting the founders at the conference).

As luck would have it, Compassionate Couture is having a sample sale right now. So if you’re in the mood for a cute bag, belt or pair of shoes, now’s the time to shop!

I’ve joined Style Elixir today. Check out what everyone else is wearing today!

7 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Events, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as Compassionate Couture, jeans, thrifty fashion, Truth Belts, upcycling, vegan

August 13, 2013 · 10:34 pm

The Dee Dees and Hell’s Belles at Neumos

Last weekend I went to a show at a club in Seattle called Neumos. It’s a great venue with a constant lineup of excellent musicians. The show I saw was no exception.

My friend Kirsten was in the Dee Dees, an all-female Ramones cover band.

They were great! The Dee Dees got the crowd hopping and singing along to familiar songs like 53rd and 3rd, Beat on the Brat, and I Wanna Be Sedated.

I loved it! I sang along, and I was really impressed with all the musicians in the band, the energy they brought to the club, and the response from the audience.

The second band, Hell’s Belles, is a local favorite. I’d seen them before and I know they have a big following in Seattle. They’re an all female AC/DC tribute band and even Angus Young knows of them!

Thy didn’t disappoint. They’re tight, talented, and have a stage presence that will keep an audience engaged. The songs they covered included Thunderstruck, Problem Child, and Back in Black. The lead singer pointed the mic at audience members on occasion so they could join in and sing the lyrics.

She also prove to be multitalented, at one point singing into a hand-held mic while autographing a poster to a guy in the front row.

There have been a few members rotate through Hell’s Belles but the lead guitarist is a constant. She delivers an impressive and energetic performance and work the crowd. She spends every moment running around the stage, head banging and flinging her blonde dreads around, and giving everyone their money’s worth. Not to mention she has mad guitar skills!

If you ever have a chance to see the Dee Dees or Hell’s Belles, don’t pass it up. You’ll be in for a very rock ‘n’ roll good time!

2 Comments

Filed under Events, Feminism, Music

Tagged as Dee Dees, Hell's Belles, music, Neumo's, rock 'n' roll, style, women

August 11, 2013 · 6:41 pm

Vintage Crochet Dress

I bought this dress at a bloggers’ meetup last year and realized I had yet to feature it on my blog!

Dress: Vintage thrifted
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Premier
Clutch: Seatbelt Bag via thrifted

A group of 10 or so Seattle Style Bloggers met for coffee and a walk through Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. We gravitated toward consignment, vintage and thrift stores. I couldn’t resist this dress.

I’d seen new crochet dresses (in fact, I have one), but the idea that this was an original made it even better. I’m not sure of its brand or age, but it’s a fun piece.

Of course, being unlined, I needed a full-length slip. As luck would have it, I found one at another vintage store on “the hill.” I chose nude, but I bet a navy slip would look fun under this dress.

Do you have vintage pieces in your wardrobe?

I’m linking up with Visible Monday and Style Elixir today! Check out what everyone else is wearing!

21 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as crochet, dress, fashion, style, thrifty fashion, vintage

August 7, 2013 · 10:31 pm

Wide Floral Pants

Wide-legged, lightweight pants are a perfect match for hot days. They’re as comfortable as pajamas and more socially acceptable in the office.

Tank: Target
Jacket: Betsey Johnson via thrifted
Pants: Terra Cotta
Shoes: Bamboo via Red Clover
Faux leather cuff: Trailer Park Gypsy
Necklace: eBay
Clutch: Crystalyn Kae

I got these floral palazzo pants on my recent trip to Georgia. I’d been looking for a pair of floral pants and these were perfect! In Savannah, men and women wear colorful clothes so I was inspired to be bright too. I like that I can pair these with orange, yellow, brown, green and even mint. They’re a perfect candidate for pattern mixing too. A striped or dotted T would be fun!

It’s practically impossible to see my sandals, but they’re a Savannah purchase too. I’ll make sure to show them off with shorts or a skirt soon. I was looking for a pair of brown or caramel faux leather flat sandals and lucky for me, I found them on my trip.

I’m linking up to The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde and Fashion Informant for some group blogging action. Check out what everyone else is wearing.

20 Comments

Filed under Fashion

Tagged as denim jacket, fashion, pants, style

August 5, 2013 · 12:37 am

My Travel Makeup Bag

I don’t wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis, but I do like (and need) a bit. Couple that with my need to pack light (I never take more than a carry-on suitcase), and you can see why picking the right products for a trip is paramount. Additionally, I only use product that are vegan and haven’t been tested on animals. Here’s what I’m taking on my upcoming trip.

My Arbonne day cream isn’t makeup per se, but it’s got SPF 20 and is an important way to start my make-up routine. I’m also bringing a tinted moisturizer with SPF. This Josie Maran is a great substitute for foundation and has SPF 30. It’s a great no makeup look. I find it really natural-looking and they have shades for almost anyone.

I’ll definitely need a concealer and this little tube (lower right) by Too Faced is perfect for under my eyes or to cover a blemish.

A light dusting of powder foundation is optional, but I like to be prepared. The Bare Minerals foundation also has SPF and is a nice way to mattify is sunscreen gets me shiny.

I usually buy single pots of eye shadow because it’s rare that I like all the shades in a set, but this Stila kit is an exception. It has five shadows that I can mix and match for day or night and a convertible lip and cheek cream. It includes a mirror and folds flat. They have several travels sets. I bought Vibrant in Vancouver.

I’m packing a dark brown eye liner by Jordana (proving you don’t have to buy from higher-end brands to get a good product). I buy Jordana because it’s inexpensive, goes on smoothly and gently, and is available in a myriad of colors. Plus, just about any drug store carries it.

I can’t live without my Stila liquid brow liner. The secret to a natural look is the right shade. I use blonde, and I make tiny brush strokes in the direction of my brows. It’s great to fill in and define. Well defined brows really frame the face and are youthful looking.

My BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) mascara is also a must. If I had to narrow down my routine to three products it would be brows, lashes and lips.

I packed a bright red lip stain from Stila because it’s an easy way to go from day to night and the cheek cream in the kit is pretty neutral.

Finally, Booda Butter keeps my lips moisturized day and night. I have one in my purse at all times.

As for my other skin and body care, here’s what I’m taking.

If I were going to a hotel, I’d skip the shampoo and body wash, but I’ll need my own so I’m packing a solid shampoo from Lush (just lather like soap and apply to wet hair like you would a liquid shampoo). It’ll be nice to pack a solid because I won’t have to worry about it in my carry-on (or at security checks).

I’m taking 3 ounces or less of hand sanitizer, body wash, a small tube of sunscreen (when I went to Hawaii I packed four little tubes instead of one big one–to make my bag carry-on approved), night cream, a bit of hairspray in a carry-on spritzer, hand sanitizer and a face cloth. My Norwex face cloth removes makeup better than a makeup remover so it’s one less liquid I have to pack.

So there you have it. What are your travel makeup essentials? Are you a light packer like I am or to you prefer to be prepared?

5 Comments

Filed under Beauty, Ethical, Travel

Tagged as beauty, cruelty-free, make-up, travel, vegan

July 30, 2013 · 9:15 pm

Summer Whites

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in a Women in White group post. How fun! I love the look of an all-white outfit. It’s so crisp and fresh. But I’ve never actually worn all-white (save for my wedding day). This was a great opportunity to try the look.

Top: Florida market
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Shoes: Aerosoles
Necklace: eBay
Bracelet: Gift

I wore silver shoes and silver and turquoise jewelry. I like the New Mexico flavor of turquoise and white. As I put this outfit together I thought of a lot of other fun white outfits. White looks great with brown, brights, pastels, and of course black and white is very sharp.

As a Canadian, I’ve often worn read and white for Canada Day. The possibilities are endless. Have you tried an all-white look lately?

I joined Style Elixir, Transatlantic Blonde, and Not Dead Yet for link parties. Have a look at what others are wearing!

10 Comments

Filed under Fashion

July 26, 2013 · 11:12 pm

Stars and Stripes with Booties

I’m really digging the skirt-and-booties look. Sometimes sandals are just too predictable. Then again, sometimes boots in summer are too hot. When I find the perfect balance of “warm enough for bare legs” and “not too hot for boots” I jump on the chance.

Top: Old Navy
Skirt: Forever 21
Booties: Urban Outfitters
Purse: Matt and Nat
Cuff: Florida street market
Cat: Petfinder

I really wanted to wear this blue and white stars T with red skinnies for an all-American look but I thought yellow was an interesting mix. Plus, the way the fabric of the skirt is folded makes it almost look like it’s striped. So I’m still sporting stars and stripes!

I added brown and green to keep things from looking too coordinated. When I first put this together, I thought I’d gone overboard, but I think it works.

I’m having a lot of fun in my garden this summer. We’ve been living in our new house for a year already so I’ve had the chance to experience all the seasons. I’ve planted a bit, but mostly it was wait-and-see until now. I’ve decided to replace the front yard with clover. The wild rabbits and bees will love it and I won’t have to mow it. The backyard is where the animals hang out so I can’t attract too many bees back here!

I’m joining the Fashion Informant link-up so check out what everyone else is wearing!

2 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as booties, fashion, skirt, style, t-shirt, thrifty fashion, vegan

July 23, 2013 · 9:43 pm

Red Shorts and Polka-dots

I’m on a roll, wearing shorts like nobody’s business. I think they work best (at least on me) when they hit at the widest part of my thigh and are slightly loose.

Top: Goodwill
Shorts: Swapped
Shoes: Thrifted
Belt: Truth Belts
Hat: Payless

I almost didn’t get these red shorts. They were castoffs from my last clothing exchange. I was gathering up the unwanted items and getting a big pile of clothes ready for Goodwill when I spotted them. I thought they’d be good for gardening but I’ve been wearing them out.

Today I dressed them up with a chunky-heeled sandal and my straw fedora. I hid the turquoise band with a black ribbon so the hat matches the outfit. Next time, I’ll wear a longer shirt. There’s nothing like seeing yourself in photos to realize what works and what doesn’t! I’m owning this fail.

I joined The Anything & Everything Blog Hop at My Thrifty Chic and What I wore Wednesday at Transatlantic Blonde. Now I’m off to see what everyone else is wearing!