Tag Archives: denim

November 24, 2014 · 7:17 pm

Monochromatic Look with Paisley Pants

While I was wine tasting in Walla Walla this past summer, I popped into a neat clothing store in the center of the quaint city center and found these paisley jeans.

Top: Gifted
Jeans: Boutique in Walla Walla
Shoes: Beyond Skin

They’re a neat twist on white jeans black paisley is actually velvet. Paisley is a classic pattern, and black and white is a chic color combo so I didn’t think I could go wrong. Plus, they were on sale.

I paired my denim with a simple black top that my mom bought for me. I like that it’s a knit but it has shirttails like a woven, button-up shirt.

I thought adding a pop of color with my yellow and white Gunas bag would be fitting. Gunas is an all-vegan line of quality, stylish purses. I’ve lusted after a Gunas bag for a while now so when I saw their booth at The Seed in NYC this past summer, I bought one (in fact, you can see the purse in the background of one of my photos–I was holding the red bag, but I settled on the yellow and white one).

Are you a fan of purses, shoes, or both?

4 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion

Tagged as denim, fashion, jeans, paisley, style, vegan

September 27, 2014 · 12:01 am

Peplum Top and Polka-dots

I didn’t jump on the peplum trend when it hit stores a couple of years ago, but when I found this peplum top at a clothing exchange I figured I’d take a chance on a new style.

Top: Swapped
Jeans: Makers of True Originals
Shoes: DSW with DIY heels
Bracelets: Claire’s

Peplums, a short overskirt or extra layer of fabric that emphasizes the waist, actually came into fashion in the 1860s. I think of them as more of a 1950s item. A couple of years ago, retro-inspired fitted jackets and tops hit the stores. I didn’t buy any, although I did find a peplum-inspired top at a clothing exchange a while back.

I’m late to the trend, partially because I’m still not sold on it–despite its waist-whittling effect. But like I said. Clothing exchange. Zero-risk investment.

I wore the top with denim capri pants (also slightly retro). Capris are a great seasonal transition piece. My red sandals got one last hurrah. I’ll be switching to closed-toed shoes soon. The rains are coming.

I have a winter peplum (black velvet) that my mom gave me so I’ll try that out when the weather is cooler. Do you have peplum tops? What do you think of them?

I’m linking up with Fashion Informant, Passion for Fashion, and Favorite Fashion Friday. See what all the others are wearing!

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Filed under DIY, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as capris, denim, fashion, peplum, style, thrifty fashion

July 7, 2014 · 11:01 pm

Double Denim

I’ve been told jean-on-jean is not a good look. Even if your name is Jean–and I agree (usually). If denim on top and on bottom looks very “Jay Leno on the weekend” (it’s also a look referred to as a Canadian tuxedo).

To look more fashionista and less farmer (not that I have anything against farmers), wear different shades of denim.

Dress as top: Roberta Oaks
Shorts: Banana Republic
Shoes: Aerosoles
Purse: Shiraleah

I paired a light chambray dress over shorts with a darker wash. You can try a dark denim jacket with faded jeans, a medium wash with colorful skinnies, or my favorite: blue with white denim.

I got this dress in Hawaii–where baring a lot was common. When I threw it on in Seattle, I felt underdressed. As summer progresses, I’ll get over that feeling. But for now, the dress is a tunic and the shorts are a good transition into skimpy summer looks.

I like remixing my clothes and layering is a great way to change up the look of certain pieces. Short dresses look great over skinny jeans, leggings, and even long, slim-cut shorts.

Do you have other tricks for re-wearing items?

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Filed under Fashion

Tagged as chambray, denim, fashion, jeans, shorts, style

September 15, 2013 · 9:05 pm

Casual Denim Dress

Hubby and I went out for brunch at the Blue Star Café in Wallingford. I love their hearty meals, and especially that they can veganize any of them. I had a tofu scramble with non-dairy “cheese” and toast and home fries. Delicious! And of course a mimosa is a brunch must-have.

I wore a denim dress that I picked up recently. It’s a simple shirtdress style that I can cinch with a belt. Today I chose a skinny white one but it would be fun with a wide belt or sash too. I’ll try this in the cooler weather with tights.

Dress: Old Navy
Pleather belt: Steve Madden
Faux suede boots: Novacas
Bag: Flea market in Harlem
Cuff: B.O.R.N Fashion
Sunglasses: Target

I love going sockless in the warm weather–sandals are a favorite–but I find boots take a summer dress into fall even before the weather is cool. It’s still relatively nice out but sandals are starting to seem less appropriate. Swapping in a bootie grounds the outfit and is a nice fall transition.

These booties proved to be invaluable on this occasion. After brunch, I got an invitation to meet up with friends. So hubby took my car and ran errands and I walked to the University District. I have to say, these boots are made for walking!

I’m also incorporating some of recent finds from my New York trip. The bag, from a flea market, is made of upcycled upholstery fabric. My cuff is from a great store on 125th called B.O.R.N (borrowed, old, refurbished, new). I’ll write about all the wonderful things I found at that store real soon!

I’ve joined Monday Bloom and Style Elixir for linkups – have a look at what everyone else is wearing!