DIY: Red It and Weep

 Since I'm still partaking in a no-buy 75-day challenge, I'm having a lot of fun with DIYing and updating the clothes I already own. Doing so makes something slightly old feel fresh and new again. I highly recommend going back into your Goodwill pile and seeing if you can breathe new life into something. 

I saw these red letter statement shirts while doing my normal Pinterest doom scrolling and thought; yes, please!

In recent years I have found myself avoiding statement tees or shirts with phrases on them. I felt like it was something I had grown out of. But that's the fun thing about personal style; you never know when you, yourself will bring back an old trend. And since I'm in a place right now where I am embracing any and all inspiration, I thought, "Why not?! Just do it!" 

If anything, I can always put the shirt behind a frame and call it art.

 All you need is a shirt, an iron, and letters. I found these iron letters at Michael's. And like my last DIY, do whatever you want! Have fun with this! You can clearly see I was hamming it up with this one.

DIY: alphabet soup pants

 I'm taking part in the 75 Hard Style Challenge started by TikTok and fashion writer Mandy Lee a.k.a. @oldloserinbrooklyn. It's a really well-curated and inspiring challenge to help new zest to your personal style and more importantly, fall back in love with your own closet. Because one of the rules; is no buying!

That's right! You can't buy any clothes. Nothing new or thrifted. No buying at all! Sure, you can go shopping but make sure it's merely window shopping. I love this rule because it's going to be hard but also so necessary. Since coming back to this blog and falling back in love with fashion, starting with what I have is a great jumping-off point. It forces me to work with what I have and not use retail therapy to fix a larger problem. 

One thing Mandy Lee doesn't talk about but I found via context clue; can't buy new clothes but that doesn't mean I can update the clothes I already have. So?! Fun new DIYs!

I have this pair of purple slacks that are cute and comfy but I'm really into statement pants. I love my legs and they are my best asset so statement pants are a no-brainer. I found these iron-on letters from the terrible, disgusting, awful company that ruined my hometown; Amazon. I hate supporting them but I liked these letters. If you can; use letters from a local spot. (I could have lied to y'all but I respect you too much.)

There aren't any steps other than plug in the iron, grab the letters, and pick an article of clothing you would like to zest up! I of course don't have a before picture but since my design is only on one leg of the pants; just imagine the blank leg two times. 

Have fun and enjoy!

Old Age & Wisdom

 There's been a funny debate happening recently on TikTok (of course) about the fashion trend of "Eclectic Grandpa."

What does this mean? Well, think colorful knitwear, hella tweed, loafers, tube socks, cozy cardigans, sensible sneakers, dad hats (a.k.a baseball hats), watches, and blazers. Think of your grandpa. Or any grandpa.

What's the debate? Well, there are many angles. Some are calling it a "micro trend." Something linked to brands trying to sell us on something and something that feels part of fast fashion. Because the thing about trends is they come and go but your style lasts forever. If you're not feeling something, don't hop on that train. Let it pass on by. It's OK.

Another aspect of the debate is that you can't dress like an eclectic grandpa if you're not a real grandpa. That an eclectic grandpa has lived a whole life and earned that title. It's not something you can just "put on." Like a grandpa bought all that tweed brand new and it got worn in properly. It's a lifestyle, not a trend. 

Here's the thing; I get the overall message but part of me can't help but think it's not that serious. Fashion is supposed to be fun. I understand how passionate people can be about it but there's nothing wrong with finding inspiration in something surprising. I'm a strong believer that everyone should try on as many things as they want while on their journey to finding their personal style.

Now! All of that is to say, I got dressed this morning and someone told me they liked my outfit and they called it Eclectic Grandpa. WHICH IS HOW I LEARNED IT! The lovely person told me about the trend and then I fell down a DEEP DIVE of TikTok about this heated debate. I won't lie, I felt cool that I was doing something without even knowing it was a thing. 

But honestly, I just wanted to be cozy today! Honestly, I was going for more of an "English Major Teaching Assistant who overslept but was having a great hair day." But someday I hope to grow up to be a grandpa! xo 

OK! A moment for the shoes! So these are NOT the BIRKENSTOCK's Bostons. But I fooled you right!? No, these are a legit comfy, cozy, cheaper, and HELLA similar knockoff from Target. I'm a guttersnipe. Why would I spend $180 when I can spend $30? I mean, that's not even girl math; that's just logic.

Breakdown!

Pants - Target - $30

Shirt - Atlanta Thrift Store - $6

Blazer - Seattle Goodwill - $12

Caradgian - Abercrombie & Fitch - Christmas gift (Seattle Shopping Spree)

Shoes - TARGET - $30

Belt - TJ Maxxx - 3 for $10!