Tag Archives: skirt

February 8, 2016 · 4:22 pm

White Shirt and Convertible Boots

Well hello there! I’ve come out of hibernation on this sunny day to show off some new items.

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Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Nordstrom
Vegan boots: BHAVA Studio
Wristlet: Crystalyn Kae
Jacket (below): eBay

I’ve heard a crisp, white shirt is a wardrobe must-have. For years, I didn’t own one. Even now, I rarely wear one. It’s hard to keep them clean and neat. I do agree that they go with everything and are a great part of any wardrobe.

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I paired this shirt with a stretchy pencil skirt and a pair of convertible boots. Yes, convertible. I’m wearing an ankle-length boot with boot sleeves for a knee-high effect. I’ll show you the look in ankle length soon.

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These nifty creation are by BHAVA Studio. There’s also an OTK sleeve option if you want extra tall over the knee boots. Love this! What a great travel accessory.

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I hope you’re enjoying February and that a bit of sun is gracing your day. I feel spring in the air, and that makes me happy!

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion

Tagged as BHAVA, boots, fashion, pencil skirt, skirt, style, vegan, white shirt

December 31, 2015 · 3:40 pm

Happy New Year!

As 2015 comes to an end I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. It’s been a great year and I’m looking forward to what 2016 brings.

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Jacket: Target
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Swapped
Tights: H&M
Pleather boots: Guess

I’ve often thought about how to join the themes of this blog and my vegan blog and I think I’ve found a way (don’t worry, Jean of all Trades and Sunshine and Slaughter will still be around). But in case you’ve wondered about what I’m up to in between posts, well, I have tales to tell. I’ll have to wait a bit though, before I spill the beans.

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For now, have a look at what my garden looked like just a few short months ago. In no time, flowers will be blooming again and I will feel the warmth of the sun on my SPF-slathered face.

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Be safe, celebrate with loved ones, and see you in 2016!

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Tagged as boots, fashion, skirt, style

December 13, 2015 · 12:48 pm

Cloudy Day Skirt

Today I’m wearing mostly black with red and white accents. Not exactly Christmas-y, but a popular color scheme for me. I often fall into the black (or black and white) with red palette. I try to swap out the pop of red for hot pink or bright yellow but I tent to gravitate to this.

Jacket: Swapped
T-shirt: Target
Tights: H&M
Skirt: OPP
Booties: DSW
Bag: Couch

I won this skirt in a silent auction at last year’s Seattle Area Feline Rescue gala. SAF-R is the rescue groups where I adopted my three cats. The skirt is by Konnyaku, which has since been rebranded as OPP (Other People’s Polyester), a Seattle upcycled/repurposed fashion line.

I love the asymmetrical clouds accents and just how cute and comfy this skirt is. I wore it with black tights and a black T, and made my bag stand out against the dark backdrop.

My bag is made from upcycled automobile vinyl. It was deadstock intended for a Volkswagen. Couch is a company that specializes in guitar straps but also does a great job with bags and wallets.

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Tagged as fashion, skirt, style, thrifty fashion, upcycling, vegan

September 13, 2015 · 11:09 pm

Uncommon Jewelry

Have you heard about Uncommon Goods? It’s an online marketplace that showcases unique items from artisans and designers around the world. I’ve shopped the Uncommon Goods catalog in the past because it’s a fantastic place to find gifts—especially ones that are handmade, recycled and organic.

I had a unique opportunity to work with Uncommon Goods and style a couple of pieces of jewelry from their catalog. I chose a cuff and a pendant. Finally something for me!

Pendant and bracelet c/o Uncommon Goods

Artisans in Namibia made this tribal-inspired upcycled pipe cuff (yes, it’s made from actual plastic pipe!) I love it looks like ivory, but is cruelty-free. I learned that all of the Uncommon Goods items are green and sustainable and that they’ve never sold products made with leather, feathers or fur. You know how important that is to me!

The mini rock stack pendant on a silver chain reminds me of the cairns I sometimes see on hiking trails or by the beach. It’s so calming, and I love that I’m supporting artists with this piece. People should make a living wage through their work, and Uncommon Goods advocates for that.

As for styling these pieces, I went with a monochromatic look. The pieces were so nature-inspired, that I thought my black and white leaf-print skirt would work.

Top: Swapped
Skirt: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Aerosoles

If you’re looking for gifts for others—or treat for yourself—check out the Uncommon Goods site. Besides jewelry, you’ll find art, home goods, garden items, and things for kids.

Flouncy Skirt and Turquoise Tank

Here’s my first H2T outfit from Germany. I picked up this flouncy skirt at an outdoor art market in Berlin. I was drawn to the 70’s, Pucci-inspired print and great colors. It’s a great travel piece too. It packs small and doesn’t wrinkle. I met the designer herself—another reason why I liked the piece. I was supporting a small, local business.

Top: Tranquillo
Cardi: Thrifted
Skirt: Karo und Punkte
Shoes: Aerosoles
Jewelry: Markets in Berlin

Later in my trip, I found this terrific tank. It’s designed by a German company, made in India, and is fair trade. I loved the asymmetrical woven details on one shoulder.

Next to Karo und Punkte at the market, I saw a vendor selling this neat puzzle-piece necklace. My mom got one as well. I forgot to check to see if the pieces fit together. I bet they do.

Also in Berlin, at the Mauer Park flea market, I met a wonderful vendor who sells silver jewelry from Turkey. I bought three rings from her, two of which you can see here.

It’s funny how when I’m not trying to buy an entire outfit, all the pieces just come together.

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Tagged as ethical fashion, ethical style, fashion, jewelry, silver, silver rings, skirt, style

April 20, 2015 · 9:38 pm

Skater Skirt and flats

I started putting this outfit together, scarf-first. I wanted to wear this patterned scarf. So I grabbed some solids and let the scarf take the spotlight.

Cardigan: Swapped
Tank: Target
Scarf: Boutique in Portland
Skirt: Swapped
Tights: Target
Shoes: Beyond Skin

Gray and olive aren’t colors I usually mix together, but I really like they way it looks. I usually stick with warmer tones (khaki, tan, brown) when I wear olive. But the grey is fresh–plus, the colors in the scarf pulls it all together.

My Beyond Skin bowtie flats worked well with the short, flirty style of the skirt. These shoes were my “reward” for my contribution to a Kickstarter. They fit perfectly and go with practically everything. Score! Beyond Skin is a UK-based ethical shoe company. They’re animal-free (no leather) and work closely with factories in Spain to make sure people aren’t exploited in the making of these shoes either.

I’m joining the Visible Monday, Style to Inspire, and How I Spring link-ups today. See what everyone else is wearing!

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Tagged as fashion, scarf, skirt, style, thrifty fashion, tights

April 13, 2015 · 12:06 am

Misprint Skirt and Mustard Jacket

I love my Misprint Skirt! It’s on sale now, if you love it too.

Top: Old Navy
Jacket: eBay
Necklace: Herbivore Clothing
Skirt: Betabrand
Faux leather boots: Mia

This skirt is a terrific idea. Betabrand needed a way to use up the ends of colorful fabric. Their screen printer used to test ink on t-shirts but was asked to use the roll ends instead. Each panel is printed with ink “tests.” It’s a mashup of colors and patterns and I adore it! I can wear this with any panel on the front, and I can fold the waist over if I want a shorter look.

This is a great travel skirt. It packs well, looks different each time I wear it, and goes with everything. I’m a fan of Betabrand. Between this and the Perfect Dress I have, I’m going to be all set for my upcoming trip to Austin.

I paired my skirt with a bright fleece jacket. Fleece is very Pacific Northwest. Everyone has a fleece jacket. I find most aren’t very fashion-forward, but in a moto style cut, I approve!

I’m joining Sydney Fashion Hunter, Rachel the hat and Pink Sole for link-ups. See what all the others are wearing!

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Tagged as boots, fashion, jacket, skirt, style

March 30, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Black and Red Maxi Skirt and Nicora John Boots

Today, I’m starting from the bottom up.

Vegan boots: Nicora John
Skirt: Fred Meyer
Top: Gifted
Scarf: Herbivore Clothing
Faux leather jacket: Aeropostal

My new Nicora John boots are my favorite thing ever! They go with everything and are quickly becoming part of my “uniform.” These are handmade in LA, in an eco-friendly factory (solar panels anyone?). NJ is keeping the craft of shoemaking alive in the US, while working exclusively with textile leathers (meaning they’re all vegan). I can’t say enough great things about this company.

I found out Nicora John is doing a fundraiser to upgrade their factory, increase production, and lower costs.

Turns out there are next to zero shoe manufacturing facilities left in the United States available to emerging shoe companies, which forces them to outsource. The USA has lost 70,000 jobs in the show industry since 1979! And unregulated foreign-made shoes often lack animal welfare laws or labor and environmental standards.

There are so many reasons to support Nicora John. Plus, these boots are comfy! I’ll be getting the Willow boots next. So cute!

Okay, up to the skirt. This skirt looks red, but is actually a fine red and black striped fabric. I saw it on clearance and couldn’t resist (even though I’m trying to stick to my shopping goals of supporting USA-made and/or small businesses–it’s hard to break old habits and shop in a new way!).

I wore my new skirt with a scarf (purchased in a small shop), so maybe that evens things out. Scarves are my favorite way to dress up an outfit (and stay warm).

I think a faux leather jacket goes with just about anything. I wear mine all the time–with jeans, pencil skirts, dresses, and long skirts. This quilted version has a nice texture and is my go-to jacket.

I’m linking up with Style Elixir, Rachel the Hat, Penniless Socialite, and Rhea Etcetera–check out what everyone else is wearing!

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Filed under Ethical, Fashion

Tagged as boots, faux leather jacket, infinity scarf, jacket, nicora johns, scarf, skirt, stripes

February 26, 2015 · 7:56 am

Stripes and Dots

Here’s a #TBT (Throwback Thursday) post for ya, taken about a year ago (before I stopped growing out my hair and started snipping it bit by bit until it was short again). I don’t mind posting this so late because I plan on wearing this tomorrow. It still works.

Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Ililana (via flea market)
Tights: Roots Canada
Faux suede booties: Old Navy
Pleather cuff: Etsy

I enjoy pattern mixing (is that still a thing?), especially when the look is monochrome. If everything is black and white, it has to work! Here, I paired a well-work black and white striped sweater with a Swiss dot wrap-around circle skirt.

I love adding a pop of color and I thought the red cuff did the trick. I read recently that some clueless company in Norway made their female employees wear red bracelets during “that time of the month” so managers would know why they were taking extra bath room breaks. Ridiculous! Talk about TMI and “none of your business.: Well for better or worse, I think about that story whenever I reach for this bracelet. Then, I often decide not to wear it. Well, this is purely a fashion statement. I am discouraged to hear of such backward practices from an otherwise forward-thinking nation.

Back to the outfit! I bought this skirt at a flea market in Brooklyn. It was new, from a company called Ililanga, but I can’t find them online anywhere. I guess you’ll have to go to Brooklyn to see their collection of skirts and dresses. I like the length and shape but I think a midi needs to be worn with heels–so that’s what I did.

I’ve joined a linkup at Fashion Should be Fun. See what everyone else is wearing!

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Filed under Fashion, Feminism

Tagged as fashion, feminism, polka dots, skirt, stripes, style, thrifty fashion, vegan

February 10, 2015 · 10:23 pm

Lace Pencil Skirt and Message Shirt

I’m a fan of hi-low. Hi-low hems but also hi-low outfits. A lace skirt might seem fancy, but a message t-shirt and boots dress it down and make it more casual. A prefect combination of high and low.

Shirt: Herbivore Clothing Co.
Skirt: Brooklyn Industries
Tights: Target
Pleather boots: Diba
Glazed fabric purse: Crystalyn Kae

I like that I can still wear this skirt with heels and a jacket for dinner, but I can get more use out of it my making it suitable for day. This day, more days ago than I care to admit (okay, November), I wore my Love Life shirt with the skirt.

I like how the color in the skirt is also in the shirt. But best of all, I love the message: Love life, no matter whose. It fits in with my animal-free wardrobe and vegan lifestyle. And it’s a cute, friendly way to spread the love.

A lot of message shirts are short-sleeved, and I like that this one is long. I didn’t even show off the nifty thumb holes on the cuffs. I love this shirt!