Tag Archives: tights

September 29, 2013 · 10:59 pm

Summer Dress in Autumn

I bought this chambray dress last winter when hubby and I were in Honolulu, Hawaii. In the tropics, all I did was slip into a pair of sandals and I was ready to go. There are only a few days in Seattle when I can do that (even on hot days, evenings are cool). I wanted to get lots of use out of this piece so I planned to style it a lot of ways.

Dress: Roberta Oaks
Cardigan: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Shoes: Aerosoles
Belt: Ross Dress for Less
Purse: Forever 21

A cardigan (I call this one my Mr. Rogers sweater) over the dress adds warmth, as do the tights. For fun (and because I like breaking rules), I added purple shoes. Who says purple and red don’t go together? These shoes are a similar hue to the tights and they blend a bit.

I plan to wear this in a few other ways too. Over skinny jeans, with knee-high boots, hmm. I’ll probably think of a few more ideas. Do you have any?

I’ve joined Monday Bloom today so be sure so check out what everyone else is wearing.

17 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

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

June 20, 2013 · 2:26 pm

Springtime Scarf

Considering the official start of summer is tomorrow, I’ll stop posting shots with tights and scarves. The rain did come back today, and tights are not out of the question, but these pictures are a few weeks old. I sold these shoes earlier this week. Proof that I’m sitting on my photos!

Top: Swapped
Skirt: Swapped
Scarf: Swapped
Tights: Target
Shoes: John Fluevog

I’m happy to have sold them (even though I love that heel) because now I have money for new shoes. I’m replacing all my leather shoes with non-leather ones. Fluevogs do have vegan styles from time to time but nothing intriguing at the moment. Sigh.

Other than a shoe splurge that I’ve now partially regained, this is a thrifty outfit. I’m particularly smitten with the scarf. It’s light enough for warmer weather and has a neat combination of colors: olive, wine, yellow and gray.

I like using a scarf to dress up a t-shirt or other simple look. What accessories are your favs?

4 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Hot and Cold, Thrifty

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

June 13, 2013 · 6:58 am

Shorts for Cooler Days

I actually took these photos a couple of months ago, but on cooler spring nights, the shorts-and-tights combo comes in handy so I thought I’d share this unused set of photos.

Velvet jacket: Forever 21
Shirt: Old Navy
Belt: Goodwill
Shorts: Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: John Fluevog
Purse: Shiraleah

When I put this outfit together, it reminded me of something the ever-stylish Sarah Hulbert would wear. I love her use of texture, layering and belts.

There’s only one problem with this outfit: My shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the style, and they’re really comfortable. However, to fall in line with my eating habits (vegan), I’ve stopped wearing leather shoes. So at the time of this post, the shoes are up on eBay. I’m raising funds to buy some vegan replacements.

I had fun mixing colors and textures with this outfit and I’ll try something similar with a summer twist. Oh, one least thing–posting “old” photos is a great way to see that my hair is actually growing! The trouble is, I see this bob and sort of want to get a haircut. Do you have a go-to haircut or are you always trying something new?

2 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, John Fluevog, shorts, style, thrifty fashion, tights

May 21, 2013 · 1:23 pm

Sweater and a Wrap Skirt

I’m wearing one of my Erin McLeod wrap skirts again, this time on a cool day with tights. Last time I featured this skirt it was a summery look.

Sweater: Goodwill
Skirt: Erin McLeod
Tights: Target
Boots: MIA
Necklace: eBay

I paired the skirt with a boxy sweater, which I thought was a nice contrast to the fitted nature of the skirt. The sweater is really comfy but the outside is almost rubberized. It feels very strange but I don’t notice when I’m wearing it, fortunately.

I love my faux leather boots but I’ve never had boots with the zipper on the outside before. I like how the zipper detailing is visible, but when I cross my legs the zipper pull digs in to my leg a bit. All the more reason to sit up straight with both feet on the ground, I guess!

A wrap skirt is a versatile piece and in a knit, it’s great for packing. My mention of packing is a hint of future posts. I just came back from a girls’ weekend in Savannah, Georgia, so I’ll be showing off the city’s architecture soon.

Do you have any travel plans for summer?

Today I’ve joined the Anything and Everything bloghop by My Thrifty Chic and The Sapphire Bee. Check out what everyone else is writing about!

1 Comment

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as boots, fashion, skirt, style, sweater, thrifty fashion, tights, vegan, wrap skirt

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

January 10, 2013 · 10:35 pm

Mustard Tights and Stripes

I just adored the color of these tights when I saw them in the store recently. I decided to wear them with earth tones.

Cardigan: Smart set
Top: Swapped
Skirt: Red Light Vintage
Cuff: Lauren Harkness
Tights: Fred Meyer
Shoes: Frye via swapped

The tights stand out because of their high value (i.e.: brightness) but they still go with the orange and browns in the skirt.

Nothing in this outfit is a true match but I think it goes together nicely.

I’ve been lusting after purple tights too (among other colors) but whenever I’m in the store, I forget what I already have so I don’t want to buy more until I do a tights inventory count. Do you wear colorful tights? What are your favorite shades?

7 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, skirt, stripes, style, thrifty fashion, tights, vintage

December 9, 2012 · 11:06 pm

Striped Shirt Two ways

This past summer I wore my blue, white and green striped shirt with a denim skirt, denim shorts, and even white jeans. It felt fresh and crisp but I didn’t want to put it away until next spring.

summer look

Top: Mexx
Skirt: Dress Barn

I decided to try a bit of pattern mixing and give this top some fall style so I paired it with a skirt in the same hues, tights and boots. It was then that I realized the lovely, draped neckline was a bit too low-cut for work. So I did what I’ve done before: I wore the top backwards.

draped back

Wearing it backwards gave me a top with a boat neck and a low back. I didn’t mind showing off the back, but a cardigan or jacket covered it nicely.

Jacket: Swapped
Skirt: Eric MacLeod
Tights: Roots Canada
Boots: Wanted
Bracelet and earrings: Claire’s

I was more covered up for work and the top could stay in rotation in my fall wardrobe.

Do you have any tricks for being work-appropriate or extending summer items into fall?

8 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Hot and Cold

Tagged as boots, fashion, skirt, stripes, style, tights

November 1, 2012 · 12:19 am

Changing it up with Legwear

This month’s theme at Sophistique Noir is hosiery. Sign me up! I love all types of legwear: fishnets, tights, over-the-knee socks, you name it. Legwear has the ability to transform an outfit and I want to show you a few ways I do that with my collection of hosiery.

Today, I’m wearing a neutral outfit–a black top and skirt–so I can show how simply changing hosiery (and shoes) changes the look.

First I started with gold-tone fishnets. From a distance it almost looks like I’m not wearing hosiery, but up close, you can see the neat texture. Way cooler than beige pantyhose and more sophisticated than bare legs. I think this look has a retro vibe.

black and nude

Top, skirt, and bangles: Swapped
Necklace: Gifted
Tights: Marshall’s
Shoes: JC Penney

I bought these shoes as a “blank canvas.” Almost to be forgotten and blend in. Nude shoes elongate the leg, as does matching your shoes to your hose. Either will make you look taller, and I for one, am not opposed to that!

nude shoes and gold fishnets

Next, I went for fun. I kept the outfit the same but added purple and black striped thigh-highs. They’re warmer and more casual than the fishnets and create a totally different look.

black and purple

striped tights

Shoes: Aerosoles
Tights: Leg Avenue

Finally, I swapped out the stripes for sweater tights. They’re an open-weave crochet-style. Black is always chic and these are great for fall. I love fishnets too, but they can be chilly in Seattle winters.

head to toe black

Tights: Marshall’s
Shoes: Sell Your Sole

The cherry on the top (or bottom, as the case is) of this outfit are my amazing consignment find: Louboutin booties. I would have never bought these new (they retail for $995) but I got them for much less at Sell Your Sole, an upscale consignment boutique in Seattle.

tights and booties

Louboutin booties

Do you like tights and legwear? How do you use them to change your look?

30 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, fishnets, skirt, striped stockings, style, thrifty fashion, tights

October 14, 2012 · 7:56 pm

Little Red Dress: Three Different Ways

Every closet needs a little black dress. But if you’re in the mood for color, try a little RED dress! A few months ago I was hooked on the show Fashion Star, where upcoming designers compete to have their collections in H&M, Macy’s or Saks Fifth Avenue.

This dress is one of winner Kara Laricks designs. I ran to Macy’s the day after she won and found it on the Fashion Star racks. It came in black too, but I already have a LBD (or three).

First I styled it for a warm weather daytime event–like lunch with friends.

Dress: Macy’s
Clutch: Crystalyn Kae
Sunglasses: Florida street market
Shoes: Aerosoles

Then I swapped out the shoes and clutch and dressed it up for a date.

Clutch: Victoria’s Secret
Shoes: Tory Burch via consignment

Finally, I added tights and a cardi to show that a summer dress is suitable all year long.

Sweater: Swapped
Clutch: Swapped
Necklace: Sue Huston
Tights: Target
Shoes: Payless

I love how the hem is slightly longer at the back. It’s not an extreme, bi-level “mullet-style” so it’s not super trendy. But it feels fresh and unique.

I have to point out this amazing find from STA in Boston. Tory Burch shoes (never worn) for $40! They go great with everything. I think they’d look best on a darker skin tone, where they’d be a true nude. For me, they stand out a bit more, but I love the warm caramel tone and metallic toe. They go with the VS clutch too!

I’m participating in Visible Monday today. Go see what the others are wearing at Not Dead Yet!

5 Comments

Filed under Dress Up Dress Down, Fashion, Hot and Cold

Tagged as dress, fashion, fashion star, Kara Laricks, red dress, style, thrifty fashion, tights, tory burch shoes

May 31, 2012 · 11:50 am

Thrifty Thursday: Pink and Blue

This was one of the looks I featured in my guest post for Be in Style (check it out if you haven’t before). I didn’t feature this outfit in a post of its own though, so even though I took the picture a few weeks ago, I’ll write about it now.

Jacket: Thrifted via Labels
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted via Crossroads
Tights: Kushy Foot
Shoes: Mea Shadow
Purse: Crystalyn Kae
Watch: Airport vendor
Earrings: Designated Dryden

You’ve probably seen this coat before. I wear it a lot. It was a thrifted fund from Labels consignment shop in Seattle. I got the skirt at Crossroads Trading on the Seattle Style Bloggers spring meet and shopping outing. It’s fun with tights and isn’t too short to wear bare-legged this summer.

Overall, this is a thrifty outfit. And I’ll improve the cost per wear the more I remix these pieces. The skirt has a cute teal, pink, and yellow pattern so I have lots of choices when it comes to choosing a top.