Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Shoestring Chic #5: Jeans

These jeans were passed on to me by my Aunt Nancy and I love love love the color, fit, and straight leg.  I didn't have to go jeans shopping all day at the mall to find them!  They fit me perfectly. . . although they are getting a little loose because it's been so long since I washed them.  My rule for washing clothes is that they have to smell or show visible dirt, unless it's a white shirt and that gets washed immediately so as not to get sweat stains.

You see I'm wearing my ex-hoodie and smashed quarter again, kind of like my winter uniform, I guess.  I like the European model of fewer, better clothes worn more often.  This was a work-at-home day, but it helps my attitude if my clothes please me. 


My husband's precious bike (as opposed to his everyday bike) is on the wall in our workroom.  Too lazy to lift it down for a photo!


Shoestring Chic:
wool zip-up sweater: $4
thrifted pale blue shirt:  $3
thrifted scarf from high school era
jeans:  free
thrifted argyle kneesocks: $2
the shoes I would be wearing are brown sneakers, bought with Christmas gift money

Total:  $9

13 comments:

Jennifer Jo said...

I like the European model of wearing good clothes, too. I need to do it more often, but for some dumb reason I'm always terrified I won't have anything nice to wear out of the house anymore. But then, shouldn't I be celebrating because it means I have an excuse to buy something new?

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I like the splash of color that your scarf adds, and I admire that you're not afraid to pair a scarf with a necklace. I am so untalented at accessorizing, which is what so often makes an outfit. You're looking cute, comfortable, and put together. Not bad at all for $9!

Margo said...

JJ, I'm not always pleased when I have to get new clothes because I've grown so fond of my old ones. It takes time to get good clothes that fit you well in your price range that you love. What I tend to do is replace old things with the same concept (red skirt wears out, I get another red skirt; brown cardi gets holey, I get another brown cardi).

And Christian, YES to accessories! It's such a cheap, low-commitment way to play with trends and colors. But ultimately, I think the best accessory is your own comfort and confidence in your own style :)

Anonymous said...

I'm working on building a better work-at-home wardrobe, and I agree wholeheartedly that often the accessories give an outfit extra punch. You always do that so well. Wonderful outfit!

Unknown said...

I've been working at wearing what I really like. It's great to get up and wear something you like, it makes the day better, but I too have always feared wearing out my favorite things....I have to keep telling myself "I love this, so I should wear it and enjoy it, and when it wears out I'll find something else wonderful to wear and enjoy..." I'm happier when I'm wearing what I like and I'm less prone to discontentment with my wardrobe.

BLD in MT said...

I am working on whittling down my wardrobe to good clothes worn more often and in different arrangements. It is harder than I thought it would be though as I apparently have a lot of clothes I feel sentimental about. The drawers are just too full and besides one can get a lot of different outfits out of just a few pieces if they all work well together...and maybe have a few great accessories to tie it all together.

(That is my laundry philosophy too! I figured I wasn't alone...)

Beth said...

Looking good. I really love the way you repurposed the hoodie a while back. I'm not with it enough right now to take part in shoestring chic with you guys, BUT I am wearing some mega-cheap Ann Taylor Loft pale khaki cargo pants today...I think they were less than or close to $10...and they fit great, not all baggy and unflattering, and can work as rolled up capri's too.

LOVED the stamp collecting post...have ALWAYS had a thing for pretty stamps and papers and good pens and real mail! Hadn't thought of just ordering the stamps!

Jacinta said...

The pic with the wheel across your face made me laugh! I have the same washing rules as you. hehe.
And love the bright orange scarf. I can't believe you were only $9... darn as I thought I'd beat you this week!! :)

Margo said...

Jacinta, it's because I didn't wear my boots for once :)

Unknown said...

There is nothing more satisfying than adding up an outfit and it coming to $9. Nine dollars? You're amazing. And I love that you didn't have to struggle from shop to shop to find the perfect jeans. Me, jealous much? You betcha! xx

life in this 1880 farmhouse said...

Crocs. You need Crocs!
Nice to see you in your jeans. For me that would take guts. Mine are all of barn like quality. Your co-ordinates are as always terrific, even for just bumming around home. Comfort to wear and comfort in your own skin is much more important then modern fashion.

Margo said...

ha. Crocs would make my feet look very very big. I like Crocs for my children because they're so easy to get on and off and clean up so easily.

Kylie M. said...

I love your ex-hoodie, I just read several tutorials for changing sweaters and shirts like that, but don't know if I'm brave enough to do it. And how lucky that you got a pair of perfect-fitting jeans! I'm ready for spring/summer clothes because I don't have any really great jeans.