Remember how I said I was only going to add three items to my closet for the fall? Well I had one more item fly in under the radar. I’m calling it under the radar because it came from Goodwill. I bent the rules when I found something that I thought would take me a lot longer to track down. Since a modern black blazer is on my Life List (more on that another time), I felt pretty good about making the purchase. Rules are good but sometimes caveats are necessary.
I spent some lovely time thrifting over the weekend and really enjoyed myself. Just me and rack after rack of old clothes. I tried on so many jeans that after awhile I started to get creeped out by them, as most of them were old men’s jeans. Not as in belonging to old men, but as in old denim that once belonged to men. After sorting through heaps of denim I am beginning to feel like the magic, vintage 501’s I am after are somewhat of a white unicorn. Of course I can find replicas of 501’s of days of old, like the ones I am wearing in this post, BUT they are made in China, and I really can’t say for sure if they are ethically made. Once upon a time Levi’s were actually made in the USA… :(
However all my trying on was not fruitless. I narrowed down the size and cut of what I am looking for, which will mean far fewer to try on in future trips. For now though I have sort of relinquished myself to the idea that this could take months, even a year to accomplish. It’s definitely liberating to release myself from the idea that “I HAVE TO HAVE IT RIGHT NOW” – which is how I’ve operated most of my life. I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.
Back to this blazer. Isn’t it lovely? I feel so snappy and put together in it. And because I paid less than $10 for it, I really don’t feel bad paying the dry cleaning bill. I have found more and more outfits work best for me when they involve the element of contrast. Here I’ve paired the blazer with the distressed denim so I don’t feel overdressed. If I’d styled the blazer with dark skinny jeans or a skirt it would have felt too dressy for everyday. Sometimes I even find contrast creeping up in other elements of my look: nice hair with sloppy flannel, favorite Vans with button up shirts, etc. It’s just one way I feel pulled together and effortless at the same time. :)
[blazer, thrifted (made in USA options: one, two) / tank, Everlane / jeans Levi’s 501’s (made in USA option that fascinates and scares me) / bag, Cuyana (tall), made in USA / shoes, Frye]
I’m so curious about those Urban Renewal jeans too… Almost ordered some, but don’t understand the sizing! Are they “old” levi’s sizing? Modern sizing? I have so many questions that I haven’t taken the time to find answers to yet.
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
I don’t get it either! I sure wish they weren’t an online exclusive, I’d much rather go to the store and try them on!
I love the whole look, especially the Cuyana bag! I think vintage 501’s have been snapped up by those eBay sellers and Etsy shops that specialize in vintage items. I had the idea to buy old 501’s and resell them on eBay, but there were none to be found at my local Goodwill. A quick glance at eBay though and you find people selling them; sometimes as much as $100!
I think you are totally right Rebecca! I am sure in a big city like Portland they would definitely be gone from Goodwill. :(
BTW, I think you’re due for a new blog post! An update on life at the farmhouse. :)
Great blazer! This looks is so classic. About your comment on my Cuyana bag, I’m not sure they make that one anymore. I got it in store on sale this past summer. Have a great day!
-Becky
The Pumpkin Spot
It’s so cute, lucky you for snatching it up! Thanks for the info Becky. :)
Maybe the thrift gods are smiling on us- I also found the perfect black blazer thrifting a few months ago! I was so surprised after looking for so long that I somehow found a great blazer that wasn’t all shoulder pads and huge lapels! Its a miracle. Its a great way to dress up the average outfit!
Kate
kateintheclassroom.com
Seriously – shoulder pads would have done me in!
Agreed, I love how a blazer ups the ante on an average outfit. Glad you found one too!
A perfect item to bend the rules for!! I love your contrasting items style – what a great way to add polish and style to a casual look. I’m wearing my black blazer tomorrow, but in a more work-y combo!
Thanks girlie!
Definitely a firm believer of: rules are good but breaking them can also be good :) I might quite welcome an unstructured black (or even white!) blazer in my wardrobe, to wear with skinny jeans and sneakers perhaps :)
I don´t know if it´s really my style though, so I am not hunting it down.
The contrast you talk about works often for me too, though I hardly ever have time/can be bothered to do my hair nicely so that category is closed to me ;)
xo Kat
Oh Kat, I love your ideas, white blazer + sneakers sounds awesome! I bet you could make it look your style. ;)
Hehe, I may try! :)