Safari Zebra

Zebra dress, Jones New York. Linen blazer, Forever 21. Sandals and bag, Franco Sarto. Wooden bangle, swap. Brass bangle, World Market. Necklace, Urban Outfitters. Earrings, Claire’s.

As I suggested to Fiona, brown is a fun accent for a black and white dress. A zebra-print dress conjures images of an African safari. Accessories in shades of brown and gold emphasize the ethnic feel and glam it up a bit.

Tribal

Dress, Max Studio. Cardigan, Moda International. Obi-style belt, Sugadaminka (ebay). Necklace, Xhilaration. Bag, Franco Sarto. Pumps, X Appeal. Sunnies, Walgreen’s. Bracelets, swap.

I’ve always thought this dress’ print was a bit art deco. With the right accessories, though, it more strongly resembles a geometric ikat pattern.

I bought this obi-style belt from ebay seller Sugadaminka in early 2007 and this is only the fourth time I’ve worn it. I really must wear it more often. Any suggestions on what to pair it with?

Cooler

Paisley wrap, Images (gift from Londyn). Top, Ann Taylor Loft. Skirt, Eddie Rodriguez. Floral pumps, Miss Me. Bag, Franco Sarto. Necklace, Enve Designs. Earrings, thrifted. Sunnies, free from the Camp Foster uniform shop.



After some intense storms last night, it is much cooler today. Cool enough to warrant a wrap this morning. As my office is always freezing, regardless of the weather outside, I continued to wear it for the work day. It came in handy once more for the frigid bus ride home. I love wrapping myself in this sumptuous “blanky.” It’s perfect for a nap on the way home.

More Alterations To Come

Jacket, Charlotte Russe (overdyed by me). Sheer blouse, Forever 21. Skirt, Japanese department store. Shoes, Wild Diva. Wooden bangle, swap. Brass bangle, World Market.

Overdyeing this jacket was another of last weekend’s projects. It was originally an unflattering “oatmeal” color. I wanted to dye it with Dylon dye (like I do my jeans), but the color selection of that product is too narrow. Instead, I purchased Rit liquid dye and used the washing machine method. When I first removed the dyed and rinsed garment from the machine, I thought it was ruined. The color was horribly splotchy. Hoping for the best, I washed it with detergent and some dark towels. The final result is a lovely, even shade.

I think this skirt is up next for alteration. I am definitely shortening it, but also considering dying it a mustard yellow. The current shade is just too boring.

P.S. I thought this outfit was horribly frumpy, boring, and predictable. I guess a loss of brilliance is to be expected when I don't get to play "fashion show" on the weekend. (Not that I would have rather played fashion show than hung out with my buddy Karen in Cleveland!) It will make a good "before" shot, though, after I do alter the skirt.

Cleveland Irish Festival

Dress, Dublin Ohio Irish Festival. Sandals, Etienne Aigner. Bag, Nine West. Scarf (tied to bag), swap. Necklace, Gyokusendo Kingdom. Hat, Wal*Mart.

This is my second summer performing at an Irish festival. Last year, we were in Dublin, Ohio. This year we’re in Cleveland. I thought it only fitting that I wear the dress I purchased at the last Irish festival today.


It seems I left this hat off of Thursday’s Wal*Mart Wardrobe post. I’ve had it for a year or two and wear it for any prolonged outdoor activity, like canoeing, attending festivals, fishing, or gardening. It keeps my face and neck shaded and doesn’t overheat my head.

Adieu, Yellow Shoes

Sheer blouse, Forever 21. Waistcoat, NY & Co. Skirt, G.J. Forbes (thrifted and shortened). Pumps, Victoria Spenser. Clutch, Apt 9. Earrings and brooch, thrifted.

It may be time to say goodbye to my yellow pumps. I’ve owned them for a year and worn them about 30 times. While new heel tips could be applied, it would be prohibitively expensive to have the sidewalk-chewed heels themselves replaced. The patent of rest of the shoe is marked and scuffed. My early attempts to erase the scuffs with nail polish remover were not entirely successful. The Cincinnati streets and sidewalks are absolute murder on heels.



This skirt was another of my projects last weekend. I found it at St. Vincent de Paul and shortened it from tea length. As usual, I had trouble with the curved hem, but it passes a casual muster.

Wardrobe by Wal*Mart

I’m no snob when it comes to brand names. I relish the occasional trip to Wal*Mart so that I can take a spin through the clothing section and see if anything catches my eye. You’ll see me wearing items by house brands George and No Boundaries on this blog. April recently asked about the quality of Wal*Mart clothing.

As stylist Angie will tell you, price does not necessarily indicate quality. You can find well made pieces at Forever 21 and absolutely shoddy craftsmanship from a major designer label. Quality varies from piece to piece within a collection or label, no doubt subject to the standards of the factory churning them out.

I’m happy to share pictures of my Wal*Mart clothes and my experiences with them. I will caveat my observations with an admission that I treat my work clothing gently. I wash them only when necessary, hang them up at the end of the day, and do not engage in any sort of strenuous physical activity while wearing them. I have no children to pull at buttons or hems. No dogs jump on me with muddy paws and claws. The cats occasionally knead my tops when I flop on the sofa, but I usually change as soon as I get home.

George
Lace overlay tank bought November 2006, worn 11 times. It’s held up well. No sign of wear.

Another lace overlay tank bought November 2006, worn once. It was too long, so I swapped it away. It seemed to hold up well while I had it. I tried it on a number of times while playing “fashion show” and the zipper held up.

Patterned, pleated skirt bought May 2007, worn seven times. The material is a nice heavy weight, but the pleats ensure enough movement. I can’t recall if it is lined or not. No problems with the zipper or eye-hook closure.

Striped, micro-corduroy skirt thrifted December 2007, worn three times. Based on the size tag inside the skirt, this is Euro George, purchased by someone in Europe (at Asda?) and donated to a US thrift store. The quality is good. No problems with the hook and eye closure or zipper. The only reason I don’t wear it more is that it isn’t lined. I hate it when fall/winter skirts aren’t lined. The wearer will most likely be sporting tights and the skirt tends to creep up stockinged legs.

Wool sweater bought December 2006, worn a few times. I liked this sweater until I washed it. Despite cool water and an air dry, it shrank into a misshapen mess. This was definitely a waste of money.

Big-eyed sunnies bought April 2007, worn over and over. No complaints! The lenses have stayed in the frames and the arms haven’t fallen off. Mike thinks they’re really ugly, though.

Cranberry and gold bead necklace with ribbon tie bought November 2006, worn five times. I really like this necklace. No quality issues…I just forget to wear it! At first, I was frustrated by the way the ribbon wrinkled, but then I thought to iron it.

No Boundaries (Junior’s brand)
Tartan swing jacket bought November 2007, worn three times. Good points – the jacket is lined and warm. Bad points – the buttons are falling off and the fabric is pilling. I don’t wear it more because it is SO distinctive and also kind of hard to match. I do think it’s really cute though.

Sparkly cropped jacket bought April 2008, worn three times. This is still new, but holding up well. The body of the jacket is lined. The jacket closes with a hook and eye. Both the fastening and the decorative buttons are secure.

I’ve also got some No Boundaries tanks and tights. They are of average quality. No complaints or raves.

I am not a skilled seamstress, so I’m fairly oblivious to the craftsmanship of a garment. I do notice when hems fall out and buttons pop off, though. I also have a preference for lining in jackets and skirts. Overall, I've been happy with the things I've bought at Wal*Mart. The quality seems no worse than Target, Old Navy, Forever 21, etc. Based on the few “misses” I’ve had, though, I’d be hesitant to order anything online. I’d rather check the clothing out in the store so I can evaluate the quality. Returns are a pain in the patootie.

I’m curious to hear your experiences with Wal*Mart clothing.

Upscale Casual Palette

Cropped jacket, No Boundaries. Cowl-neck tank, Apt 9. Skirt, Merona (via swap). Shoes, Mossimo (visible in below picture). Bag, Franco Sarte. Watch pendant, Victoria’s Secret.



Like last summer, I’m loving “black and tan.” I don’t like drinking them (Guinness = yuck!), just wearing the color combination. It’s perfect for summer – a sort of upscale casual palette.



Oh! Time to go to rehearsal.

Full Skirts Are In

Blouse, Worthington. Waistcoat, Old Navy. Skirt, George. Slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Bag, Franco Sarto. Charm necklace, thrifted. Beaded mini-hoop earrings, Delia*s.

You know you’ve reached fashion saturation when you flip through the new In Style and nothing surprises you. “Yellow is hot” – yeah, we know. “Jewel tones for fall” – isn’t that EVERY fall? “Full skirts are in” – duh. It may not be a surprise, but I’m still grateful for the full skirt’s current popularity. They are flattering, feminine, and so comfortable on a hot, humid day. I simply can’t imagine pouring myself into trousers or a pencil skirt when it’s a steamy 85 degrees. Of course, I’ll wear full skirts all winter too, with thick tights and boots, long after they’ve fallen out of favor. Bottom line, if something works for you and your style, keep it. It will be “in” every few years and you’ll have an opportunity to replenish your stock. And there’s always the thrift stores to pick up the discards of the more fashion fickle.

Too Short Pants

Denim jacket, TJ Maxx. Cropped trousers, Moda International (cropped by me). Tank, NY & Co. Slingbacks, Wild Diva. Bag, Franco Sarto. Brooch, some department store.

These pants (and their twin, green-striped pair) were too short to wear with heels. I’m not sure if they were always too short or if they shrunk in the wash, but I became increasingly uncomfortable wearing them. Things came to a head when Angie, of You Look Fab, left me a comment pointing out they were about three inches too short for even my lowest heels. I contemplated my options. Because I rarely wear flats to work and would never sport pale, wide-leg pants without a heel, a change of footwear was not going to happen. Although the pants have a generous 2.5” hem, the edges are too worn to simply let it out. I nearly resigned myself to donating the trousers to the thrift store when I realized I could just make them shorter.

I consulted YLF posts on pants length, cropped trousers, and capris. Then, I donned my pants and experimented with different leg lengths by folding and pinning the excess fabric. I decided on a hem that hit at about the middle of my calf muscle. The result is roughly six inches shorter than the original trousers.


I haven’t chopped the green pair yet. I’m going to wear the pink pants a few times to see how I like the length. I always fight the suspicion that cropped pants make me look squat. I wouldn’t dare pair them with flats, but now I can wear them with my highest heels for a super long look.

Glad I Did It

Jersey dress and patent belt, The Limited. Scarf, Marshall’s. Sandals, Forever 21. Bag, Franco Sarte. Indian silver necklace, Camp Foster Marine Wives Gift Shop.

I am absolutely not regretting cutting off this dress’ self-belt. I never could have gotten through the day with the lumpy, jersey sash underneath this patent belt.

Prepare to see this bag nearly every day for awhile. I love it.