Fashion Frustration - Pants Two Ways



For much of my life I've had a recurring frustration. I would come up with these fantastic outfit ideas, in my head.  When I went shopping I would find out that my outfit included an item that wasn't yet available. Six months to a year later, the item would come onto the market. Which is part of the reason I considered a career in fashion design. I've often looked high and low for an item, only to find that no one is making or selling what I have in mind. Like the sheer organza blouse I wanted several years ago, which you can now find everywhere. The internet has helped this issue some but many times my challenge isn't just that the item isn't being sold but that it's not available in my size. For about two years now, I've been on the hunt for a pair of camouflage pants in a narrow cut (skinny). At first I couldn't find them anywhere. Then I couldn't find them in plus sizes. Now, they are all over but every blogger is wearing them and plus size versions are still scarce.  Camo is a huge trend right now. It's frustrating because instead of being unique, I will look like everyone else. Even though they are all over the blogosphere, my love of them hasn't dwindled. I just found a pair at Old Navy and instead of whining about the fact that I will look like a copy cat. I will take the trend and make it my own.

Old Navy Plus Size Skinny Twill Pants in Forest Camo (other sizes)

 

I see camo as a neutral.  It works well with almost any color (black, brown, blue, maroon, etc.). You can dress it up or down. You know that one of the most imporant factors for me when purchasing an item it ensuring that I can wear it multiple ways and multiple places.  I would definitely sport these pants during the day and for an evening out.

 

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

For weekend errands or a casual day, I would wear my pants with a rock t-shirt (I already own a similar vintage shirt), a leather jacket and my favorite low heel booties. I'd add a sparkly necklace and ring and this pretty but practical, maroon bag.

 

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

 For a night out, I'd swap my biker jacket for a tuxedo jacket and my t-shirt for a lace or embroidered top. Instead of low heel booties and a practical day bag, I would wear a great pair of heels and a statement making clutch. I'd add some sparkle with dangle earrings and a couple of bracelets. Adding the feminine touches gives a fun mix of tough and pretty, which I love.

 

How do you adjust a trend to make it work for your style?

 

 

How to Wear a Vintage Rock T-Shirt

Lucky for me I saved many of my old concert t-shirts. I have some dating back to my earliest concert days.  One of my favorites is my U2 t-shirt from 1985.  I also have t-shirts from Duran Duran, AC/DC, and others. I frankly wished I'd saved more of them. If you didn't save your favorite concert t-shirt or you weren't even alive when the band was still together, you're in luck. There are reproductions everywhere.  But please, if you decide to wear a band's t-shirt (repro or original) at least know the band and their music. If you're wearing a Ramones t-shirt and you don't know who Joey Ramone is and have never heard the songs  "Blitzkrieg Bop" or "Rock n' Roll High School", I will insist that you wear another shirt. Don't disrespect the band (the Ramones or any band). Better yet, get a rock education and buy their songs on iTunes.  Rock tees are more than just fashion. That's the music lover in me talking.

There is so much great street style for inspiration.

I love the way that people are styling rock tees in all sorts of outfits.  They aren't just for jeans and sneakers anymore. A couple of ideas for styling your favorite rock t-shirt.

Add a tuxedo jacket to your favorite pair of printed jeans. Grab a fancy clutch and some shiny or sparkly shoes. I love my mirror, silver oxfords. You could also do heels. And you're ready for an evening out.

I love the contrast of the rock t-shirt with girlie pieces.  Adding strappy heels, a flowy skirt and a ladylike bag is a cool change for your casual t-shirt.

How do you wear your favorite concert t-shirt?

Keep an eye out, a few blogger friends and I are going to do a concert tee styling day soon.