How To Make a Little Gift Bag!.....250 Days To GO!!!!

Well 250 is a nice neat little number, isn't it? Half of 500...115 days down. Goes pretty fast! I'm taking a break mid-finals to do a little tutorial, inspired my my Christmas preparation.  I've whipped up these little bags since I was in middle school. This year, some ladies in my life are getting these little bags stuffed with some nice goodies! (but I won't tell what they are in case any of those ladies read this:)).

First, the particulars....I picked out 2 fabrics (on my challenge it's ok to get fabric stuff if not for clothes, because I can't spend any money on clothes blah blah blah!). I just got 1/8 yard of each of the 2 fabrics I picked. So, the fabric totaled $0.87! Then, I got a spool of black, narrow ribbon....$0.47.  I used a couple beads I have on hand, since I occasionally do beading.

Of course, you can use any remnants to do this project, and you can use bits of ribbon you already have. I didn't have any suitable fabric remnants or ribbon for this project, so I had to buy it. But it is still very affordable. 

So, I started with strips of the fabric that were the same width all the way down.  Although I made these "nice" I wasn't super picky about the details. It's just not that big of a deal when making little bags!

*Oh, and I serged the non-selvage edges of all the fabric, but I didn't include that step because it's not essential, and most people don't have a serger.  And, I had a problem with my serger (my serger and I have a very tenuous relationship!), so the serging looks awful. But, it's there to keep the edges from fraying, and not to be that pretty! 

ANYWAY! Here's HOW TO MAKE A LITTLE GIFT BAG!!!

1)  First, fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise...

2)  Next, iron at the halfway point, as shown...

3)  Cut at the crease to cut the fabric in half exactly....

So it ends up like this...of course...

4)  Pin the pretty sides of the fabric together, as shown...

5)  On one side, measure down double the width you want the tie-pocket to be, put a red pin or marking in that spot. 

6)  Start at the red pin, and sew all the way around, pivoting at the corners, and backtacking thoroughly at the beginning and end....

 It should look like this when you are done...

7)  Trim the bottom corners like so, so that they will turn easier when the time comes....

8)  Next, take the open edges above the red pin, pin them inwards, and....

9)  ...Sew those edges down so that the edge of the tie-pocket looks clean and finished

10)  Next, Fold the top towards the inside so that there will be enough room to get the tie in, but so that the tie-pocket will be adequately battened down....measure at the seams to make sure it is continuous, and pin it....

11) And then sew it down (can be a challenge on a tiny bag like this one!) 

12) Turn the bag pretty-side out! Time to thread the ribbon tie into the tie pocket!

13) I put one end of the tiny ribbon in a tiny safety pin (the kind they pin tags into garments with), and I left the other end on the spool, which anchors it just fine.

14) I threaded it through the tie-pocket, using the safety pin to grab it and pull it through, through the outer fabric. 

15)  When I finished with that, I took one end, and I tied a knot about 1.5" down, and then I used a needle to thread a bead onto the ribbon...

16) Then I tied a knot on the other side of the bead, very close to the bead, and trimmed!!

YOU ARE DONE! It is that easy. 

You get the hang of it really quickly, as it is a pretty simple project:).  Here's all the finished baggies I am making...(as of now)....

So are you including handmade gifts in your Christmas gifts? (Knowing this crowd, I bet you are:)) What are you including that you made? Any exciting holiday plans? Fill me in below:) Thanks for stopping by!!! Hope your Holiday prep is going great!!

Dress Challenge......258 days to go!

Oh hi there! How are you guys doing? Well, classes ended for the semester (yesterday), and now it is FINALS! At my school we have 2 weeks of finals, and a partial reading week. So, it kind of goes on forever. And ever. And ever. It has also been extremely frigid in the area of the world where I live. Tons of snow, below freezing at times, etc.

One thing that happens to me, very commonly, is that when the semester is starting to wrap up, and temperatures are dropping, I tend to become very schlep-y. I get in a clothing rut, dress in only my comfiest, warmest clothes, and generally look very blah. So this year I decided to wear a skirt or dress for the last 10 days of class (not finals. I even allow myself to wear sweats during finals). It went pretty well. Here are my findings...

1)  I felt more confident and business-like

2)  I got a lot of compliments...which is never a bad thing

3)  I re-discovered many dresses and outfits I'd never even thought of, further broadening my wardrobe! (which is a very good thing when on a no-buy!)

4)  Sometimes tights and a dress are even warmer than regular pants would be!

5)  Dresses and tights take up less room in the washer than jeans and sweaters. Which is pretty awesome when I'm already busy and don't have time to do 8,000 loads of laundry every week.

6)  It is much easier to update an existing outfit with a new pair of tights than to get a new outfit.  (If you'll remember, I am allowed to replace undies on this challenge, and to replace worn out hosiery...and all of my tights were in rough shape!)

7)  It was kind of fun to play dress up! When I was in gradeschool, I wouldn't wear pants. I wore skirts and dresses every day. I even did this for awhile in highschool. Once I got to college, that kind of ended. So it was fun to revisit all of that and play dress up.

8)  I liked it so much that I may even continue to dress up with more frequency!

All-in-all, avoiding the pre-finals schlep was a very good move.  Having so many more outfit combos at my disposal now really has opened up some clothing doors and helped quell any new-clothes cravings (easy to get this time of year with all the awesome sales around). 

So tell me, how much do you dress up during the winter? What are your go-to stay-warm styles? Any other thoughts on avoiding the schlep and staying warm at the same time?

Well, as I enter finals I suspect I will be a lazy poster for a little while longer. However, I will be back with a vengeance when the semester is over!:) Hope your pre-holiday times are going swimmingly!

BLACK FRIDAY.................268 days to go!

Well, faithful readers and friends, I have been very remiss in my posting.  Around this time of year, I always become lost in the holidays and in school (the pre-finals rush! Yay....?).  However, now that there is a calm before the storm of Christmas and Finals, AND it is Black Friday, I figured I should write SOMETHING!

So, Black Friday. I did not shop for ANYTHING today. I didn't buy a single Christmas gift, I definitely didn't buy anything for myself, and I actually didn't buy anything as small as a cup of coffee.  I guess I remember Black Friday's rise to fame. It used to be an occasion only the bravest of the brave traveled out to enjoy. But now it is a retailer's heyday, and everyone participates. I guess I have trouble getting behind that, unless there is a truly phenomenal deal to be had (and let's be honest, no one wants to get up at 5 a.m. after a giant Thanksgiving feast to acquire any deals).

I suspect it is time for a real CHALLENGE UPDATE since I'm almost 100 days down (I think? Bad at math...why I'm in law school....HA!). Aside from the fact that I have most of the Christmas gifts for people that I need, I've felt lately like it all just doesn't matter that much.  Somehow, this no-new-clothes challenge has really made me realize how little I need all that. I already have good clothes, I don't need new ones. It's turned off the consumerist switch that corporate America installed inside of my brain (Yes, I'm gonna blame corporate America here:)).  Today, I was brainstorming a few final gifts to get....and I realized that I hadn't thought about buying clothes for a long, long time. I didn't even miss it. And that, my friends, felt FABULOUS :). 


In the meantime, I found much joy in hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time.  Also, for the first time, most of my husband and my families gathered together on a holiday.  It was very special, and I had a wonderful time preparing a good dinner, and setting a pretty table.  I enjoy few things more than having time with my loved ones, and serving up some good eats! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, with another wonderful holiday to come in a month:)


My First Thanksgiving Table (Before dinner was served!):

(I got a great deal on some napkin rings that you can draw on with markers....they double as place cards because you can write everyone's name on them! It was a fun little table addition).

T-Shirt Makeover!!!........................284 Days To GO!!!!

Well, true to Law School fashion...just as things slowed down and I thought I'd have more posting time, things sped right back up.  However, with the day off of school today in honor of Veteran's Day (thank you to all who have served or are serving!!), I figured it was a good chance to do some sewing.

This sewing project shouldn't take a long time, but it will be a fun one.  In a garage cleaning effort, my husband found a box of old clothes.  He didn't want this shirt for my FAVORITE sports team in the world: The University of Montana GRIZZLIES!!! So, I claimed it. It is football season, and I could use a long sleeve tee to wear to the games! And, I can't buy a NEW one, so, I am gonna do a makeover on this Griz shirt!!

This project will be a good example of how to make over any t-shirt that is too big. I've always done this with all of my t-shirts, especially the unisex, shapeless t-shirts you get for free at various events/jobs. 
(p.s. For some of these shots, I had to put the shirt on our pool table...and our pool table is old and not in perfect shape. That's why it looks dirty..the felt is just really uneven. Ha ha:))

Also, in this project I use a washable felt-tip pen liberally. I use this pen because I know that it will come out of the fabric I am using it on.  ALWAYS make sure to use a pen that will wash out, or use pencil, or a sewing pen or pencil.  TEST IT FIRST!!

Here's the shirt, the "before" shot.  It is a men's large:

You will notice that, as with most unisex t-shirts, there are NO side seams.

This is kind of a messy way of doing it, but it works for shirts like this that I really don't mind having a less precise look. 

1)  Turn the shirt inside out, and try to find where the side seam WOULD be. I usually hold up the arm and rotate the torso until it creases in line with the underarm seam. As shown here:

2)   Pin both side where the side seam WOULD be, based upon where you found it in step 1. (shown in next step)

3)  After the faux side seams are pinned, I carefully free-hand a line where I want to sew to take the sides in.  I just kind of know how big I am and how things will fit, so I don't measure anymore.

But, to measure for your own alteration, just try the garment on and pull the garment as tight as you want it in the front.  Measure the amount you pulled in, and divide it by 2.  After dividing, take that measurement out of each side seam. 

The free-handing is why I consider this project more "messy" than my usual work.  However, I have a lot of experience free-handing these alterations, so, if you prefer to measure these things out more precisely, please do!!

When you draw the line where you will sew, draw it on the side you will be sewing on. So, on the right side, I drew the line on top, then I flipped it over to draw it on the left side.  You'll see what I mean when you start doing it.

4)  Next, pin the fabric where the line you will be sewing on is. That ensures that it will not shift around while you follow that line. (shown in next step)

5)  Sew along the line, as pictured...

 Here's what it will look like when done (at the last minute, I decided to take a little less out towards the bottom of the shirt, as shown.  You can do it any way you like though)

6)  Trim the excess fabric off of the seams (after trying it on inside out to make sure that it fits you well)

***If you are happy with just taking it in on the sides, stop here. I decided to spice up the neckline by doing an open neck that will lead to kind of a flash-dance look.  Here's how that went.

7)  Measure how far you want the neckline from the shoulder seam, on both sides. 

8)  Draw a new neckline with your pen.  I freehanded it, but you could measure it all the way around from the original neckline. (shown in next step)

9)  Cut along the line

10) Sew close to where you trimmed the fabric, so that the neckline does not totally fray out. Plus I like the look of the stitching (you don't have to pin or anything, just make sure it is an even stitch line)

11) Wash the garment to get rid of the pen marks, and to give the garment its finished shape. Here's the "after"

I am utterly in LOVE with my "new" shirt, even more so than I thought I would be. I'm gonna wear a maroon tank top underneath, to accent the flash-dance look with school spirit (our colors are Maroon and Silver).  Here's wishing you many happy t-shirt makeovers:)

Having Fun With What You Have....291 Days To Go!!

It is important to make the most of what you have. This week my husband asked me to "model" for him in a photoshoot he has to do for a photo course he is taking. Of course, I agreed...I mean, ya gotta help your hubby out, right? I decided that we should have some fun with it....

Even though I don't have any new clothes, I decided to make a fabulous outfit out of what I have. I wanted something kinda retro, and something that is very chic. So, I went with a Tulle's (http://www.tulle4us.com) pairing...I got the dress for $2 from a Tulle's sale, and I got the coat for $5 from a Tulle's sale.  I stalked the shoes for months, they are from Nine West. They are $90 shoes, and I found them for a very nice price of $26. I thought that the pairing of a dressy outfit with some fall colors would be really fun.

So, here are some of the photos....like I said when I posted these on Facebook...I know it is kind of vain to post so many pictures of one's self. But, I loved the photos my hubby took SO much, I just have to share them. And this is a clothing related blog, so I thought ya'll would appreciate that part of it! So anyway, here's a couple of the photos....

And of course, one of the requisite silly photos...

So there you have it. It was SO  much fun, and it really made me appreciate the wardrobe I have. So, if you ever have a chance, I HIGHLY recommend a fun photo shoot, with a concept behind it that involves a fun pairing of your own clothes! I guarantee you will have a fabulous time, and probably get some great photos out of it, to boot:)

Not buying clothes = spending more on "beauty" products.....295 days to go!!

Ok, I have to admit, I have been spending more on beauty products.  Much like one gets a little boost when wearing a new item of clothing, one can get a little boost from bumping up their appearance with a new hair product or lipstick.  Now, for me to say that I have been spending more on beauty products isn't saying much. I use the cheapest moisturizer I can buy, I use Purpose face soap, cover girl and wet n' wild cosmetics (and not many, at that), Suave for hair....etc. But, lately, with the appearance of a couple of great sales, I have purchased a few beauty products I normally wouldn't.

I've only spent maybe $10-$12 on beauty stuff in the past couple months. And I discovered a fabulous lipstick that was only $1.19....

It's by NYC and it is called "Red Flame." It is kind of a muted, matte Red with gold flecks. It is really subtle on...more so than many red lipsticks. I am not really a "red lipstick" kind of gal generally, but I do like this. It reminds me of a shade of lipstick I loved at Clinique when I worked there. But, needless to say, the price is much nicer! And I actually like the finish of the NYC lipstick better.

Also, I guess for me the thing is that  I always used clothes as a way to "better" myself instantly. A new sweater in a vibrant color could really make me feel more vibrant and pretty, especially when faced with the winter doldrums.  However, I do think that buying a new lipstick vs. buying a new sweater is the more economical choice. And, like I said, it isn't as if I have gone crazy... in other words, no $85 lip gloss here! Seriously, Burberry is selling an $85 lipgloss. WHY?!?! 
http://www.bellasugar.com/Burberry-Makes-New-85-Lip-Gloss-Key-Chain-11451803

I have, however, been noticing how much we've saved with my No Shopping policies! Sometimes it takes NOT doing something for awhile to realize a) it is not really needed and b) it is a good thing not to do it. Shopping is like that for me. With a few exceptions, I have realized I don't really need new stuff, and that there are positive consequences for layin' off the clothes-crack.

In other news, my supercrazybusy time in school is simmering down a little, so I will get back to posting some more clothes alterations and transformations soon!!

Also, on a technical note, I received word that a friend of mine left a comment, but I never received it or saw it.  So, I am wondering if I am having some technical issues on this blog. If you've had a problem with commenting or posting something, please let me know! I love everyone's comments and it upsets me to think that I could be missing some of them.

Hope you all have an excellent Halloween tomorrow, as well:)

Halloween without buying anything new....300 days to go!

I'm officially 65 days down, a little over 2 months, and it has been surprisingly easy so far. Every once in awhile I have an "I want that!" pang, but it's very rare, and more because I've found something practical I know I would get a lot of use out of. 

However, when I arrive at situations like Halloween, I really wish I could get a costume! I haven't dressed up for awhile, so I don't have a costume stock pile. So, I need to come up with something creative with what I have, and I just dunno what to do. I thought about being Joan from Mad Men, but I don't have Red Hair (or the curves, but that's not a big deal! Ha ha!).  I'm really gonna have to think on this one! If you can think of any good costume ideas, let me know!! Getting a little risque or crazy with it is fine too!

So tell me, what are YOU gonna be for Halloween!?!

I Already Have Christmas On My Mind!!!....304 days to go

And no, it is not because I want people to buy me clothes:). Actually, I really can't think of any items of apparel that I NEED right now. Although, Nordstrom Rack (heaven for bargain shoppers who love high end brands!) is now online, and they have some good stuff....http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack?origin=headerlogo. However, it is not really that tempting. I'm 61 days down, 304 days to go and more excited about shopping for OTHERS than EVER!

Now, full disclosure on my own gift front...my Mom and Dad did get me a pair of jeans. However, I did not ask them to, and it was a total surprise. One of my original rules is that I can accept clothing gifts, but I cannot ask for clothing gifts. So, that was really nice of them.  And, a nice little clothing infusion!

Now, about Christmas gifts. I find the key to getting good deals on Christmas gifts is to start shopping 3-4 months early! Although I can't really tell exactly what great deals I've found lately (in case any of my loved ones are reading...), I can say that I have a healthy jump start on my Christmas shopping. I found great deals on some clothing items for a family member, some really nice "add-on" gifts for the ladies in my life (there are so many, you know), and we are still hunting for some awesome gifts for our parents. But, having a leg up on Christmas not only eases the mind, but the pocketbook. 

To look for Christmas deals, I just check www.slickdeals.net every day! I mentioned them before, in this post, which tells all about how to use www.slickdeals.net effectively... http://nomoclothesmoney.blogspot.com/2010/09/slickdeals-and-challenge-update352-days.html.  Every few days, I'll find a screamin' deal that I know one of my loved ones would love. That's how I handle the folks I don't know what to get. But, for the folks that I DO have a gift in mind, checking slickdeals helps too...I keep a list in my head of the items I want to get for people, and just check for them on slickdeals every day while I look for other good gift deals.

Also, I love browsing www.etsy.com for gifts for my female friends. You are sure to get something unique, usually hand made, and you're benefiting the seller and their craft or trade. It's a win-win as far as I can tell!

Responsible living and anti-consumerism are not part of the overall message of my blog, although they are things that I care about on a personal level. However, I just wanted to give a nod to the idea of giving donations to local charities as a Christmas gift. It's the perfect thing for someone who has everything. A couple years ago, I gave my in-laws and and my parents both a card, in addition to their gift, that said that I had donated a turkey to the food share in their name, so that the less fortunate can have a turkey for Christmas. They both really appreciated it, and I know someone else probably did too.

Now, I do have to admit that shopping for others definitely fills any shopping void that was there, though I am not sure how much of one was there really. But, I actually like it more. I like feeling like I just spent money on someone I love instead of myself. 

In other news, I'm terribly behind on posting, it is mid-term season in school, and I've had lots of tests and projects. But, I promise my lackadaisical approach to the blog will not be permanent:). Thanks for stopping by today, good luck with any early Christmas shopping you may do!

The Siren Song of Old Navy....312 days to go!!!

I've had a checkered past with Old Navy.  I always liked the low prices, but issues of pants fit, sweater quality and inconsistent sizing always held me back.  However, in recent years, especially this season, things are gettin' fashionable up in thur!

Old Navy has started doing Knock Offs of J.Crew items. Anyone who knows me knows that I love J.Crew. Hell, most people I know love J.Crew. J.Crew is awesome. And hella spendy! So, Old Navy knock offs are not only tantalizing and stylish, they are practical!

I have the J.Crew version of this dress. The J.Crew one has a higher quality fabric, but it was a lot more expensive, and they really look exactly the same, especially in person. 

This of the moment dress is truly lovely...I kinda want to either a) buy it or b) just snuggle with it for a bit:

And, shoes. Old Navy shoes really are pretty comfortable. And these are just SO cute!

Also, Old Navy has started some good sales in the past couple years. My favorites are when they have 50% off existing clearance. You can get t-shirts for $1, sweaters for $2, etc. They have especially good clearances for men! I know some people who have gotten most of their wardrobe from those clearances. And they look pretty darn good all the time!

So, today, my brother-in-law was in town. And we went to Old Navy. And I figured out the key to not getting anything...Don't *really* LOOK! Because, let's face it, when you go shopping, you have to LOOK to find the things you want. So, if you just put blinders on, and ignore the in style J.Crew knock offs..everything goes well. I've seen cute items on my classmates and in commercials, but without looking for those items in the store, I really don't WANT those lovely sweaters and ruffled shirts.

So, tell Old Navy hi for me. And Old Navy, you and I will look at exchanging some goods for money in about 312 days!

Vintage + French = almost ended my experiment!!...316 days to go!

I've always had a fetish for French culture. The language, the clothes, the architecture, the FOOD, the style, the attitude...all of it. I love all of it. I've never actually been to France, but I hope to go someday. Until then, I satiate my fascination with books, movies, and occasionally hearing other people speak beautiful French (I tried to learn in college, I'm afraid I'm more of a Spanish learnin' gal!)

I also love love LOVE vintage things. I always liked antiques, but when I was in middle school, my sister got into thriftstore shopping. She found many beautiful vintage things and got me permanently hooked on  vintage style.  I love all eras, especially stuff from the 1940's - the 1960's. I love the housewares, the clothes, the hairdos and beauty tips...all of it.

So, I was looking at my friend's website...www.makingthishome.com, and one of her sponsors was this amazing Esty shop. I saw the words "vintage" and "french" and before I knew it was clicking. It actually inspired me to say out loud "Holy Jesus...I LOVE THIS!!!" while sitting alone in my office. My dogs must think I am nuts. Actually, I think that they probably  just think I am boring because I am staring at a laptop instead of playing with them!

Anyway, are you ready for this? (Drumroll sounds....)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehopetree

They have vintage French housewares, clothing, jewelry, even a vintage French WEDDING DRESS. And a sale section. OMG, it is FANTASTIC! I know I can buy the housewares, but the clothing items and jewelry are really want got my drooling:) She doesn't have a TON of items, but definitely enough to keep you interested! It almost broke me. Almost. Dammit, I wanted that black pencil skirt! But, I was strong:)

So, what genre of fashion/design/style sucks you in the easiest? Vintage French? Modern Italian? Mid-Century Canadian? (I kind of made up that last genre of fashion...). Fill me in!!:) Have a great weekend all!

What would you wear?....318 days to go!

I saw an interesting post somewhere asking what readers would eat for their last meal if they were on death row. While that is a morbid question, and brings up the inevitable political issues, I have a more cheery question, inspired by such thinking.... If you could only wear ONE OUTFIT for the rest of your life what would your outfit be? (and comfort/temperature changes are NOT an issue. Basically, you live in the perfectly temperate utopia and heels never hurt) 

I would wear my favorite little black dress, and my favorite nude high heels (3.5" tall). I'd keep it simple, and fabulous. Ha!

I can't wait to hear your answers.

Also, sorry for the lack of blog posts this past week, as I am sure you all understand, life has a funny way of taking control and derailing us sometimes! I'm back on it though. As far as a challenge update, I've had some challenges lately, seeing great clothes and good deals.  But, starting to early Christmas shop for my loved ones distracted me adequately. I find it VERY fun to shop for others, I love giving gifts. It's an even better feeling than getting something for myself! I'm sure many of you will agree. :)

How Do You Scrub Out?....326 day to go.....!!!!

As much as I'd love to put on the image that I am immaculately dressed at all times, and that I sleep in elaborate satin negligees and high heels...that's just not me!  Although it'd be wonderful to be so glamorous and fabulous at all times, I find no greater joy than in taking off my skirt n' heels at the end of the day and slipping into some sweats n' slippers:). Yes, indeed, I LOVE my scrubby clothes.

Here are the 3 components to an awesome scrubby "outfit" (in my view. I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts):

1) Sweatpants. Or yoga pants. Either way, they just have to be comfy. Here is a pair of my husband's Air Force sweatpants, from 12 years ago, that I have stolen. They are the ultimate in comfy.:

2) Slippers. I love my fuzzy L.L.Bean slippers, and I am not trying to advertise for the company. I just love them, and they last a long time. And the tread on the bottom means I can wear them out of the house...not that I'd do such a thing.  I felt really dumb taking this picture...but I love my slippers so much, they deserve a portrait, right?

3) ROBE. I Love Robe, almost as much as I Love Lamp. I have...(counting in my head)...9 robes. 10 if you count the one I often steal from my husband (I can't help it, it is fuzzy).  You might refer to me as a Robe Enthusiast. Robes are essential, especially during the winter in my area. It gets COLD.

So, tell me, how do you scrub out? And, do you ever steal your male companion's clothes because they are comfy? I gotta say, the Air Force makes some NICE sweatpants!

Dresses Dresses Dresses.....330 days to go!!!

So you know what wants to make me shop EVERY time? Seeing ADORABLE, vintage-y DRESSES! I love love love dresses. When I was a kid, I would wear nothing but dresses.  And even though I live in a cold climate, and don't have an opportunity to wear them as much, I am still drawn to them like a moth to a flame!

Here's my, when I was little, wearing one of my favorite dresses!:

All the dresses I've been seeing lately are totally retro, very Mad Men, and very drool-worthy. The ones on www.modcloth.com are my favorites! Like this one...

*SWOOOOOON!* Kinda makes me wish that I was shopping. But, my credit card statement continues to make me glad that I am not shopping. As does my continual removal from caring about shopping. Well, until I see those dresses, anyway...have you guys seen any awesome dresses lately?

Which Weird Trend Are You Gonna Rock?.....334 days to go!

One thing I do not miss about shopping is all the weird trends. There are fun trends, like the resurgence of adorable-y vintage oxfords...these are mine today...(and yes, I even sepia-toned them to up the vintage feel! Haha!)

But there are some weird-ass trends...like boots with spats (from piperlime.com):

SPATS! Vintage, but not adorable. Especially with boots.


And socks with open-toed shoes (from urbanoutfitters.com):

Is this a recession inspired fashion? Like, trying to get more out of your summer footwear?

Or one of my all time favorites (not!)...JEGGINGS! (from ae.com):

One thing I think is important is to not wear trends that have their own word designed around them (such as jeggings). Most people who have tried "jeggings" on know that truly, only models can wear them and *really* look good in them!


Now, don't get me wrong, there are always fashionistas out there that can pull these looks off. And I have mad respect for them! However, I don't think they are generally a good idea. But, then again, I can play it rather conservative...today someone told me I look quite J.Crew. Of course, I take that as a compliment, but I also realize I could get a little more trendy, at least when I can shop again.

But for the time being, I'm glad I can't shop because I have yet another excuse to not partake in the recent odd trends. Please do tell which weird trend you'd rock, or any other weird trends you can think of!:)