Day One Fashion Challenge

 My five day fashion challenge started off with a bang. I'll admit, I was a little whiny about it this morning when I got up and I was tired and cranky. I just wanted to throw on the old favorite jeans, Uggs, a sweatshirt and run out the door. But after a small internal pep talk, I came up with this:

 

Thrifted gray thermal

 Green vintage mini dress

 Leopard print tights (Target)

Vintage Frye cowboy boots (etsy)

I went to take my kids to school and, of course, ran into my best friends, (dropping off their kids), in the hallway. I was so happy to see them in their non-jeans (although Amy was wearing a denim dress, I told her that was OK).

 

Adriane in her corduroy flares, cowboy boots and puffy vest

 

Amy in her denim dress, cowboy boots and quilted jacket.

My outfit, with a 70s duster (from the 360 Ecotique) and my fringe bag.

The silly thing was, it wasn't hard or uncomfortable. I felt cute and I didn't feel overdressed or out of place. What on earth is so appealing about jeans? It is decided. This is a great challenge for me. If anything I get to show off some clothes that don't get a lot of wear in my closet. And who knows? After this week, maybe I won't be so quick to grab for the same old boring pair of jeans.

                                                                      

A Poor Girl's Guide to Getting Everything She Wants

1. MAKE IT YOURSELF

                                                                          

    I get a case of "the wants" just as much as the next person, but my pocketbook keeps me from purchasing. I have always made my own clothes or "refashioned" what I already had. I am a self taught seamstress so the only thing you  need is a youtube video and a yard sale sewing machine.
  I have also been making my own kefir. It is a yummy yogurt drink full of probiotics and couldn't be easier to make (once you have the kefir grain). Here is a good tutorial if you want to start making your own.
  My husband has made our own sourdough starter, and we have been baking our own sourdough bread and enjoying sourdough waffles and crepes on the weekend.
  I have also been making my own kombocha tea for about a year now. Kombucha also offers great health benefits and is super yummy! Not to mention EXPENSIVE if you buy it from a store. The process is not that hard once you get started. Here is a great tutorial.


2. THRIFT STORES

                                                           

     These shops have been a great source for excellent treasures. I have practically furnished my whole house, supplied my whole kitchen and clothed my entire family from various thrift stores. I realize they can be overwhelming and sometimes "gross" to some, but I have the best time stretching my dollar in those often smelly treasure troves. I should probably dedicate a whole post to the AMAZING things I have scored, but for now, trust me, they are there.


3. BARTER/TRADE

                                                             

       We all have a service/talent/craft/product that we can use to trade with others who offer what we desire. I don't often have much cash to purchase, but have many times traded with other crafty and talented individuals. It is a great way for me to support other artists while getting my own stuff out there on other people.


4.  SAVE
                                           

                                                             
           I don't have a lot of experience in this area, so I can't truthfully go into great detail. I have heard if you put money away/don't spend every penny that ends up in your pocket, you might actually accumulate a little amount of money that you can put toward and spend on those "wish list" items. I am hoping to one day learn how to do this so-called "saving", but until then, I will continue to make, thrift shop and  trade.


I think it also important to note that yes, getting stuff is fun, but appreciating what you already have will have a greater long term effect on your life. Be mindful of your purchases, and try to put your money back into your community by shopping local and buying handmade. We are all in this together and should support one another. Move past the "wanting" and be a part of the "giving".


*pics are not mine unless otherwise stated.

Jane Birkin inspired spring look

spring/Jane Birkin by Amber Bass on Polyvore.com

Cheap Monday ribbed tee
$18 - idontlikemondays.us

Paprika crop top
23 GBP - rarefashion.co.uk

J brand jean
$219 - singer22.com

T strap heel
$250 - modcloth.com

Straw Studios sporty handbag
$36 - endless.com

ASOS beaded jewelry
$47 - asos.com

My Jane Birkin look for spring. Actually, it is what I would wear while thinking of Jane Birkin. I must have those jeans!

mismatched

Although it is a trend I have always been a fan of, and that I have worn since I can remember,  we are seeing a lot of mismatched prints/textures/colors all over the place. I am pleased. I have always believed that things didn't have to "match", as long as the fit was right. I remember wearing turquoise/plaid/hip-hugger bellbottoms with an army green/camouflage crop top. I loved that outfit. The proportions were spot on, and even though the prints and colors were far from matching, it just seemed to go. This was in the late 90's, and many 20 somethings can pull of quite a bit. Needless to say, I still mix things up, but in a less tummy-revealing way.
  This trend might be hard to adopt for some people, and that's okay. A great place to start is with florals. They are everywhere, from Urban Outfitters to Anthroplogie, to your closest thrift store or your local boutiques. You can draw from a color in that print and bring it out with other prints or solids in the same color pallet. A small floral print works well with just about anything; stripes, plaids, ginghams, other florals, etc. Just put things on, take a look and take a risk. It is one of those things that you'll know when you see it. You'll know when it really just isn't working. Don't try too hard. Start small and work your way to more bold choices. And if you are still too shy to mix prints, a good default is to pair whatever you have on with a pair of red shoes.
 You can also look at websites like Freepeople.com or Anthropologie.com for inspiration and a more visual guideline.
 Here is a little outfit, (pretty safe for me!), that I have put together to demonstrate my take on this trend.
                  

                                                                               

mismatched by Amber Bass featuring a duffle bag

Floral Palette Dress
$45 - modcloth.com
Retro dresses »

A Leg Up Socks in Leafy Green
$16 - modcloth.com
Over the knee socks »

Swedish Hasbeens High Heeled Jodhpur Clog Ankle Boot
$269 - asos.com
High heels »

Navajo Duffle Backpack
$110 - topshop.com
Duffle bag »

Bullet Pendant Necklace
$29 - urbanoutfitters.com
Chain necklace »

 Here are a couple looks from Freepeople.com

 

This spring will be the perfect time to try this trend out for yourself. Over-the-knee socks in funky colors, prints, or stripes will add just enough "funk" to that little floral dress with a slouchy cardigan. Happy spring transition! xoxox

siblings without rivalry

 check out my little sister's blog (the Penelope Times). she is so cute, she keeps me current and she looks SMOKIN' hot in the dress i made her for christmas (made from a recycled vintage tablecloth). not to worry, more are already in the works and you will be able to get your own in my shop.