jeanofalltrades

May 18, 2013 · 11:28 am

Back to Bootcut

I like skinny jeans, but I also like boot cuts. The nice thing about the 21st Century is that anything goes. I wouldn’t have dared wear wide legged pants in the 80s (where would I even find a pair?) and I would have shunned skinny jeans in the 90s. Now, I wear what I feel like wearing. Is that a sign of the times or just me getting older and not caring?

Sweater: Target
Jeans: For You
Shoes: Goodwill
Necklace: Sue Huston

This is a simple sweater that I dressed up with a long chain necklace. I like the elongating effect, so I add long necklaces to my outfits a lot.

Coincidentally, this pair of thrifted shoes that I’ve had for years matched. Turns out this was a good casual work outfit that did double-duty for a night of billiards.

Is there a go-to piece of jewelry you have?

4 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

May 12, 2013 · 8:15 am

Rainy Days and Sundays

I went to the Seattle Center with my hubby recently. It was pouring all day and we almost didn’t leave the house. But if you live in Seattle and don’t go out in the rain, you might wait 6 months to get out! So we went for it.

Here’s an example of how faux leather boots are a better choice than the real deal. These leather-look boots are practically rain gear. They look cute and they’re totally waterproof.

Umbrella: Hubby’s
Cape: Target
Brooch: eBay
Jeans: Goodwill
Boots: MIA via Amazon
Purse: Crystalyn Kae

I wore a cape, not a raincoat so I had to use an umbrella. Most people in Seattle skip umbrellas. We’re usually well equipped with our jackets and hats and we just don’t bother. Plus, the rain is often barely more than a mist. And while it goes on and on, it’s not heavy enough to warrant an umbrella.

I like the buildings in the area. Between painted murals and post-modern architecture, you almost won’t mind the rain.

6 Comments

Filed under Architecture, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as boots, cape, EMP, fashion, Seattle, Seattle Center, skinny jeans, style, thrifty fashion

May 9, 2013 · 9:15 am

Layered Shirt and Sweater

I rarely wear shirts–actual buttoned-up, collared shirts. They’re usually restrictive and often need ironing, so I ship shirts in favor of knit tops. But I’ve seen lots of stylish women–in blogs, magazines, and on the street–rocking the shirts and sweater look.

Sweater: Target
Shirt: Goodwill
Jeans: Goodwill
Shoes: Swapped
Necklace: eBay

I’m not one to easily fall for a fad, but I wanted to try this for myself. I’d always thought of this as a preppy sort of look, but with a mix of colors and textures, it’s sort of cutting edge. So I picked up a fun, stretchy shirt that was comfortable and didn’t need ironing. I layered it under a contrasting sweater, and voila!

I liked the look, I felt chic and not overdone, and yes, I’ll try this again.

Have you tried any new looks recently? Would you try a sweater and shirt combo?

4 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, shirt, skinny jeans, style, sweater, thrifty fashion

May 6, 2013 · 10:53 am

Yellow Pants for Spring

When I started getting this post ready I thought something looked familiar. Then I realized I have two gray striped sweaters. What!

Cardigan: Ross Dress for Less
Top: Swapped
Pants: See by Chloé
Boots: Old Navy/Dirty Laundry
Bracelets: JC Penney

In my defense, this one is sleeveless and didn’t cost me anything. I picked it up at a clothing exchange. It’s a light, loose knit and makes a great layering piece. Wearing a cardigan over a sweater with sleeves would bee too bulky.

I’m wearing my yellow skinny jeans again (not to be confused with my yellow boyfriend jeans). Do you see a theme? Sometimes when I like something (stripes, yellow), I tend to repeat it in slight variations. I also switched shoes halfway through this shoot. I like both looks, but I ditched the high-heeled Old Navy booties for low-heeled silver boots by Dirty Laundry. I knew there’d be lots of walking in my day, so I went the practical route.

Do you have certain wardrobe favorites?

I’ve joined Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet. Check out with the others are wearing!

5 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, skinny jeans, stripes, style, thrifty fashion

April 30, 2013 · 10:49 pm

DIY Structured Skirt

I’m not sure what to call this upcycled skirt. It used to a an A-line shape but it hit too low on the leg (knee length) and was a bit frumpy so I pulled and gathered here and there and secured the new shape with a zig-zag in contrasting green.

Top: Papaya
Scarf: Boutique in Vancouver
Skirt: Swapped
Necklaces: eBay
Cuff: Greenbelts
Tights: Target
Boots: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Now the skirt is shorter, more fitted, and gathered. It has an architectural flair that reminds me of designer pieces by Neodandi or Ivan Grundahl.

If you try this, start with a piece much bigger than you want–because you’ll lose a lot of length and width when you gather the fabric. I also feel a skirt like this isn’t supposed to be perfect, so don’t go for symmetry. Make it fun!

I did this to another skirt a while ago. Speaking of which, I think I’ll wear that one tomorrow!

I’m joining Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Check out all the other bloggers!

6 Comments

Filed under Crafts, DIY, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as crafts, DIY, fashion, skirt, style, thrifty fashion, tights

April 29, 2013 · 12:05 pm

Denim Skirt for Spring

I actually took these photos late in the fall, on one of the last, nice spring days. It seemed silly to post warm-weather wear after the temperatures dropped, so I’ve been sitting on these pictures.

Top: Best Kept Secret Sample Store
Skirt: Swapped
Sandals: Aerosoles

The weather is nice enough for bare legs again (depending on the day), and this is an outfit that I’ll wear in spring too. I’ll have to paint my nails blue again too!

I found this top at a sample sale and loved the color, softness of the fabric, and the way the neckline draped. The skirt was from a clothing exchange. I was drawn to the vertical panels.

Sometimes I like putting together a unique look; other times simple style does the trick.

Do you have a go-to look for spring?

I’ve joined Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet. Have a look at what all the others are wearing.

8 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as denim skirt, fashion, sandals, style, thrifty fashion

April 23, 2013 · 8:48 pm

Sparkly Stripes

Some days I like simple dressing. Today was one such day and this is one such outfit. It’s just a sweater and jeans.

Sweater: Dress Barn
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Bracelet: Consignment shop

It’s a bit more special than most “plain” outfits because the sweater has a nice, subtle sparkle to it. Just enough to shine, but not too much for daywear. And my jeans are glazed denim. They have a look not unlike leather, but much cheaper–and vegan!

My mom helped get me this top. She saw a “buy one, get one half off” sale at Dress Barn but wanted only one item. So she brought me along and let me get the discount on whatever I wanted. How nice!

I’ve joined the Anything and Everything blog hop by The Sapphire Bee and My Thrifty Chic. Have a look at what the others are blogging about!

And since it’s Wednesday in the UK, I’ve also joined the fun at Transatlantic Blonde for WIWW. Check it out!

10 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, jeans, sparkles, style, sweater, thrifty fashion

April 21, 2013 · 5:32 pm

Blue, Gray, and a Cowl-neck Scarf

I found another way to wear my Ivan Grundahl skirt. I got it on sale a few years ago, but even on sale, designer threads aren’t cheap. But my cost per wear is getting lower. I’m glad I bought this piece. I feel like it’s timeless.

Jacket: Swapped
Sweater: Target
Belt: Ross Dress for Less
Watch and cuff: Thrifted
Cowl: Scarf City
Skirt: Ivan Grundahl
Boots: Prada via consignment

Today I paired my skirt with denim, navy, and a pair of thrifted, microfiber Prada boots. In the past, I’ve worn it with fuchsia, green, and even dusty rose.

I have enjoyed my cowl-neck scarf a lot too. I was so happy when Rosalind, owner of Scarf City, made me a custom non-wool scarf. I find wool terribly itchy and I’m on a quest to not wear animal products of any kind. This cotton scarf did the trick!

I’m joining Visible Monday today. Check out all the other visible women at Not Dead Yet Style.

8 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as cowl neck, denim jacket, fashion, Ivan Grundahl, Prada, style, thrifty fashion

April 20, 2013 · 7:34 pm

Rainy Day at the Fremont Market

I’m debating going to the Fremont Sunday Market tomorrow. It’s a fun place to get a bit to eat, look at antiques and crafts, and people watch.

Rain Coat: Wet Seal
Leggings: Newport News
Boots: Hunter
Purse: Crystalyn Kae

You know you’re at the market when you see the flags and unofficial vehicle.

That’s right: Unofficial

There are a lot of great arts in Fremont.

It is Fremont, Center of the Universe, and capital of all things quirky. At the annual Solstice Parade, you can see dozens of naked cyclists wearing nothing but body paint and a smile.

I went to the market a couple of months ago and ran into a dog named Zsa Zsa who had a heart-shaped patch of brown fur on her back.

I asked to take her picture and not only did her person oblige, she gave me a bookmark with the link to Zsa Zsa’s website! Turns out Zsa Zsa has a book.

I had a pair of this style of roller skates when I was a kid. They are adjustable in length and wider and strap on to a pair of shoes. Old school!

I also had these classic wooden blocks. It’s probably a bad sign when the toys of my childhood are considered antiques.

If you’re ever in Seattle, I recommend a trip to the Fremont Market.

4 Comments

Filed under Fashion

Tagged as antiques, dog, fashion, Fremont, Fremont Sunday Market, Seattle, style

April 15, 2013 · 9:25 pm

On Top of the World

My parents visited us a few months ago. When they left to go home, hubby and I sent them off in style–with dinner at the revolving restaurant at the top of the Space Needle.

Jacket: Wish
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Louboutin via consignment
Tights: Target
Purse: Target
Belt: Ross Dress for Less

We arrived at dusk so we could see both the daylight and nighttime views from the observation deck before our reservations.

Getting to the top is a breeze if you make dinner reservations. They’ll waive the cost of the trip up–and whisk you to the front of the elevator line. Like a VIP!

My mom also blogged about the event, where you can see the dress she borrowed and read about the meal we ate.

The restaurant is a lot of fun. A full rotation takes a bit under an hour (so you’ll be sure to see the view from all sides during you meal). You’ll get to see the city, the Cascade Mountains to the East, Puget Sound, and the Olympic mountains to the west.