Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thursday Thrift Score: Denim, Part II

As I mentioned previously, I loves me some jeans. And I think I've made it abundantly clear I loves me some thrift shops. So it stands to reason I would jump at the chance to score a pair of quality jeans for a fraction of the original price, right? Imagine my delight when I spotted these babies a few months back at my local Goodwill.

J. Crew JeansJ. Crew Jeans

You're looking at a pair of like-new J. Crew toothpick jeans that fit me like a glove. These typically retail for upwards of $125, so I didn't think twice about forking over the $10 second-hand price for them. I wear these jeans at least once a week, limited only by my lackadaisical laundering habits. Today I paired them with my raspberry velvet blazer, my refashioned plaid vest, a frilly thrifted tee, my favorite pairs of boots (DSW clearance), and my handmade beaded scarf-necklace.

J. Crew JeansJ. Crew Jeans

Sure the outfit's a bit autumnal, but with 17 rapid weather changes in the past 3 weeks, I'm beginning to get confused what season it is! Plus, sometimes I like to flag my geek flag without anyone in public noticing. Did you figure it out?

4869675My Homage to Doctor Who

That's right! It's my homage to the fourth Doctor Who, the illustrious Tom Baker. Just get me a fedora, and you'd never know the difference!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday Sew-Day: Denim, Part I

I had such a blast making over all the blazers in my refash closet, but all good things must come to an end. Luckily, I have no shortage of garments just waiting for their turn under the needle. So without further ado, let us now turn our attention to: DENIM!

I don't know about you, but I live in my jeans. All these skirts and dresses I make, sadly, just don't get the amount of time in the spotlight they deserve. Some time, sure, but not as mush as they should. My jeans, on the other hand, get so much use they often end up ripped, stained, and/or threadbare. Such was the situation in which I found myself recently. It's time to retire a few pair to yardwork or the scrap fabric pile, and call up some replacements. Enter three pair of pants from last fall's clothes swap. Okay, so one of them's not denim, but I figured I'd tackle them while I was doing the others.

Skinnies! - Before

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Thursday Thrift Score: Refash Reload

Well, it was bound to happen eventually. I'm out of thrift score blazers. So instead today, I'm going to show you a different way to style my circus skirt, recently refashioned from a blazer. Rather than keeping the rest of the outfit neutral with a black blouse and black boots, and since the weather has warmed up again, I decided to go for a more spring-worthy look with a sequined turquoise tank ($2 thrifted) and some yellow cut-out ballet flats (Target clearance $5ish).

Circus Skirt, Take TwoCircus Skirt, Take Two
Circus Skirt, Take TwoCircus Skirt, Take Two

Then I can just toss on a white cardigan, and I'm all set for work! I still like the black outfit from last week, but this combination seems much more fitting for the skirt's obvious personality.

Circus Skirt, Take Two

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday Sew-Day: Blazers, Part X

You guys really impressed me with your creative suggestions for my Valentine's Day refashion. So what will it be? A bikini? A halter top? A corset? Alas, I was no where near as imaginative as you lot. I took this pink, polka dotted, linen blazer from last fall's clothes swap (I wonder if the same person also brought my clown jacket to the swap?), and I turned it into...

Pink Polka Dotted Blazer Refashion - BeforePink Polka Dotted Blazer Refashion - Before

...a blazer! Surprise! Okay, so maybe it's no big transformation or anything, but I felt like this one had some potential as is. It just fell a little short. I like pink. I like polka dots. But this blazer just seemed to have a bit too much of both. Plus, I felt like the patch pockets and boxy style didn't really suit the fun, feminine fabric.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentine's Teaser

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! And what's V-Day without a little pink or red in your wardrobe, right? I've got plans to turn this eye-popping, polka-dotted blazer into something much more wearable for the occasion.

Pink Polka Dotted Blazer Refashion - BeforePink Polka Dotted Blazer Refashion - Before

What would you do with this piece?

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Thursday Thrift Score: Blazers, Part IX

Things to be thankful for this week:

1. My brand spankin' new camera - Nothing super fancy. I'm not a professional photographer or anything. But it sure beats the old camera phone. I'm still playing around with it, exploring its features, but I can already tell we're gonna be besties!

Teal Corduroy Blazer

2. My brand spankin' new tripod - Together with my new camera's self-timer, this frees me up from waiting for my husband to get home to take pics. He loves not having to take pictures, and I love not having to hear him groan about taking pictures. Win-win!

Teal Corduroy Blazer

Teal Corduroy Blazer

3. My $5 thrifted blazer - Teal is one of my favorite colors, and there's something about corduroy that's makes me feel very... collegiate. I should be sitting under a tree reading Emily Bronte, no? In fact, I'm considering adding leather elbow patches. And those so-ugly-they're-cute fake leather buttons? Yeah, I totally love to hate those, but the blazer just wouldn't have the same feel without them.

Teal Corduroy Blazer

Teal Corduroy Blazer

Sunday, February 09, 2014

Sunday Sew-Day: Blazers, Part VIII

This blazer was... interesting. I spotted it at the end of the night at last fall's clothes swap. No one had taken it yet, and it's obvious why. My husband's first comment upon seeing it was "It's never too late to begin a career in clowning."

Circus SkirtCircus Skirt

But the colors are beautiful, and the fabric is a lovely silk/linen blend.

Circus Skirt

So I decided to bring it home with me and ask it what it wanted to be when it grew up. The answer it eventually gave, after much quiet contemplation and staring at one another, was "a skirt". The bright, bold pattern has a bit of a 60s mod vibe, so let's run with that.

Thursday, February 06, 2014

Thursday Thrift Score: Blazers, Part VII

My college roommate has a thing for velvet blazers, so this week's thrift score is dedicated to her. Last year, I picked up this super soft and comfy jacket for around $5 at one of my favorite stores, Thrift City in Richardson, TX. Its deep raspberry color is perfect for autumn and winter, but could last well into spring if paired with a little floral dress or maybe a graphic black and white print.

Raspberry Velvet Blazer

There are two small side straps to make it a bit more fitted if necessary.

Raspberry Velvet Blazer

It even has these tiny little grommets under the arms for ventilation since velvet can be a touch on the warm side.

Raspberry Velvet Blazer

Hurray! Another thrift store find that needs no alterations!

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Blazers, Part VI

Sunday's inclement weather delayed my return from a weekend road trip, and yesterday my photograhusband didn't get home from work until after dark. I swear, I really am trying to maintain a schedule. It just seems like every week something else gets in the way. Eesh!

Anywho, last Thursday I showed you how this piece began - as a thrift score on a much heavier Carissa, purchased for $5 at Goodwill with the original $165 Nordstrom tag still attached!

Plaid Blazer Refashion Before

But since it no longer fits, it's time to make some changes!

Plaid Blazer Refashion - BeforePlaid Blazer Refashion - Before