One Piece Many Ways: Leopard Tank

I thought that this link up challenge was a good one for me, since I have so many pieces of clothing that I tend to wear the same way each time.

I actually switched pieces 3 or 4 times before settling on something that was versatile without being generic. I know we aren't reinventing the wheel here, but remixing a chambray button up or striped tee felt like a regurgitation of what we've all learned from other bloggers in the first place!

So what I finally settled on was this leopard spotted tank top that I have only worn once or twice. 

 

  My "norm" would be to wear it with a neutral cardigan and jeans or shorts - with the animal print be the loudest item. In this case, I structured my outfits around the 4 seasons, and gravitated toward bolder and brighter pieces.

All: tank kirra (buffalo exchange, $3)
1. sweater goodwill | scarf goodwill outlet | jeggings goodwill outlet | boots buffalo exchange $20
2. sweater JCrew (Goodwill) | jeans prvcy (gifted) | shoes steve madden (free pile)
3. blazer boys suit jacket (vintage store, $5) | necklace from dad | skirt H&M (buffalo exchange, $1) | flats Dexter (Goodwill, $3)
4. shorts JCrew (value village, $4) | belt H&M (goodwill, $2) | flip flops old navy $2
5. jacket sister's | jeans goodwill outlet | heels $15 online

The morning that I took these photos, my cat had woken me up around 5 - as he does nearly every morning. I often am able to fall back asleep until my alarm wakes me for work or I get up naturally. But this particular morning I was so sore and stiff from my Ultimate Frisbee game the night before, that I couldn't go back to sleep. After laying around a bit, I figured I might as well get up and do something productive. So pardon my sleep deprived faces. 

Plus I got to explore both indoor and outdoor early morning lighting for photos!

H&M "Regular" Waist Jeans

During my most recent Goodwill outlet trip, I found these H&M jeans in my size.

The label and website call them "Regular" waisted jeans, but these are by no means a regular waist. These are the highest waisted jeans I have ever worn - and I lived through the 90's.

In general, I am not a big fan of high waists coming back into fashion. (Aside from skirts)

I think high-waisted jeans are unflattering on most people, and in particular when paired with very short cutoffs, the result just horrendous. One's fly length should not be 3 times as long as their inseam. I find that the combination of butt cheeks peeking out of the cutoffs and a tight, high waist produces this weird emphasis on your crotch and rear areas, almost like a jeans bikini.

But I digress.

For the most part, I do like these jeans. The fit is tight - definitely the "skinniest" jeans I own, but they are also very stretchy. I love the dark wash, and while the shapes and placement of the holes are a little funny, I like their casual edginess. And they have ankle zippers!

But this high waist, man...
I feel like I'm wearing Mom jeans.
Aside from the various fashion associations of high rise pants, this look is not doing my body any favors. I think this style makes me appear heavier than I am, and even worse is it makes my butt look long and flat.

So I think I will only be wearing these with tops that are long enough to cover most of the high waist and hit at my hip or below... basically hiding the fact that they are high waisted.

What are your opinions on high-waisted pants, particularly in regards to your body type?

Third Thirsday Threads : Stripes

I'm joining up with Bri at Work Clothes, I Suppose for Third Thursday Threads - my first blogger link up!

Sweater: Mossimo | Goodwill by the pound
Tank: Target | Buffalo Exchange | ($3/ I traded so it was free)
Pants: Gap Cropped Trousers | Goodwill by the pound
Shoes: Steve Madden | Free pile
Bracelet: Estate Sale | $2
Necklace: From Dad
Earrings: jewelry grab bag | $15 total for 4 items 
Glasses: Guess

I realized I have a lot of stripes in my closet! I especially love the colors in this top, and how the stripes aren't uniform. Though I could pair it with any number of cardigans, this neutral beige is my go-to. 

I'm also happy to say I have found my new photo-taking spots! There's a fence with a nice ledge on the side of my house that is perfect for setting up the auto timer. So say goodbye to the dark indoor photos and messy pile next to my front door that has sat there since moving in over a month ago!
 

Documented Goodwill Outlet Haul #1

The Goodwill outlet store is my biggest weakness. For anyone unfortunate enough to have never seen one, its a warehouse with large bins of clothing, shoes, household stuff, etc, and everything is priced by weight. It takes quite a bit of patience to sort through the heaps, which are not organized in any way. But this is half the fun - the ultimate treasure hunt, and any visit can be completely hit or miss.

On my most recent trip, the majority of the bins were filled with household junk, toys, etc, and the few clothing bins were fresh and swarming with people. This is usually a sign of a "miss" trip, however it wasn't long before my bag was overflowing.

The one downside is that they never seem to have enough carts, forcing you to carry your findings along as you go, arms weighed down or feet protectively guarding the lot. Or, lurk at the check out area until you can swipe a cart. I usually just stop when I cant carry my stuff anymore. My one element of self control!

This trip, I scored 2 coats, 5 dresses, 10 tops, 6 bottoms, 3 belts, a cardigan and a vest.

My grand total? Just $14.80! The same amount that many would consider a bargain for one top!

I even managed to acquire some pieces from my "want" list, including a military type olive jacket (as I've been coveting every other bloggers'), a thicker neutral waist belt, as well as several patterned tops and dresses. Even though it is ridiculously inexpensive to shop at the outlet, I'm trying to make wiser purchases and only get items that fill a hole in my wardrobe.

Free!

This weekend I scored big at the mother of all free piles.

I don't know if this is just a Northwest thing, but people will leave curbside piles of stuff they don't want and its all free for the taking. Sometimes there's a Craigslist ad alerting of the pile, other times you just have to be lucky enough to stumble on it.

I'm kind of obsessed with free piles - they're even more fun than the Goodwill outlet bins. I've acquired some good stuff from free piles, but I think this one takes the cake.

Among my prizes:

-Full size inflatable air mattress, with pump
-Two Thermarest camping pads
-Sewing and beading supplies
-French Press
-Revlon ceramic flat iron
-Bissell shopvac/ vacuum (replacing mine that doesn't work!)
-Heavy wood cutting board/block
-20GB early iPod with all the accessories and a huge music collection
...as well as misc. smaller items.

Are epic free piles common in your city? What is your best free find?

Potentially defective pants?

After a couple weeks of wonderful 80 degree weather, it has cooled off and the mornings are actually quite cold, almost coat-worthy. So we're back to my "uniform" of jeans and cardigans.

Tank: Target | Goodwill by the Pound
Scarf: Goodwill by the Pound
Cardigan: Banana Republic | Free Pile
Jeans: JCrew Matchstick | Goodwill Store | $2.50
Shoes: Cushe Hellyer | giveaway win

These jeans became my favorite pair as soon as I got them, until my mom pointed out that the front and back of them were two different colors.
In actuality, there's a fading treatment on the front, which happens to end right at the seams, creating the illusion (when looking side-on) that the pants were mismatched during production.

I don't think it's too noticeable/horrible, but I have considered doing a bleach or dye treatment to even it out. I'm pretty sure the result would be something worse, and these jeans are otherwise pretty perfect.