Category: Fashion

Every year, we are always inundated with the latest “trends” or “micro-trends” that you just HAVE to purchase. And yes, we all know it’s just fueled by the buy-buy-buy mentality. And frankly, at a certain age you just really don’t CARE whether something is cool or not, as long as you love it.

Anyways, I’ve always loved the vintage band tee and distressed denim look. It’s a little tough/badass, while still being pretty timeless and trend-free. However, I’ve noticed lately that a more oversized t-shirt with a cropped hem keeps popping up on my feed.

Yes, I know that is very specific. But like this:

Source: Octopiedmind.com

It’s cropped, but there is no belly on display. And it’s a boxy cut, so it’s nice and slubby and oversized. These tops from Octopied Mind intrigued me, so I decided to play around with the look a bit on my own.

First off, I hit up my favorite thrift stores and checked out the men’s t-shirt sections. I wanted something boxy and oversized and found a couple graphic tees that I liked for less than $5 each. Then, I brought them home, washed them, tried them on and chopped them with a pair of scissors.

After wearing them for a few weeks, I have feedback. I LOVE the look. But I was overaggressive in chopping them too short. After a few wearings/washings the hem tends to roll up and get shorter. I’ve learned my lesson now and on my latest try I chopped the tee right at my hips. That way, after wearing them a few washes I can determine if they need another little trim.

So yes, thrift stores for the win again!

However, to be completely transparent I also ordered a couple tee shirts from Octopied Mind because the ads internet stalked me and how could I resist a shirt that says “Poison the Patriarchy” with Medusa on it?! Or “Overwhelmed and Overtired” or “Riots Not Diets”. While they do offer the cropped versions for sale (as pictured above), I ordered the longer versions so I could do a bespoke cropping on my own. I’ll be sure to post photos on my Instagram when they arrive!

I’ve always loved the saying “March weather comes in like a lion and out like a lamb” because it gives me some hope for some sunny, spring-like days in the dead of the gray cold winter. Sure enough, the month started with tights and boots and ended with bare legs and sandals.

Let’s take a look back at March:

Here are two very similar work looks using the same formula — dress + belt + topper + boots. The dress to the left was a consignment shop score with a scandalous deep v neckline, so I’ve enjoyed styling it as a pinafore over a top for more versatility. For a work event, I topped it with a blazer and wore tights and booties below.

The wrap dress on the right was also styled with a belt, even though I could have just used the wrap belt. For that look, I topped it with a navy cardigan and green suede booties to play off the green in the dress pattern.

This dress is one of the easiest in my closet to throw on with basically any cardigan and pair of shoes. So on a busy day, this look took no thought at all and still look professional enough for a half-day meeting.

Here are another two similar looks, this time with — top + cardigan + skirt + tulle. For the outfit on the left, I added my own tulle surprise by way of a neon pink skirt worn as a slip that peeks out of the bottom. For the outfit on the right, the skirt came with it’s own tulle fun! Both these looks were easy to throw on for work, while still giving a little extra bit of personality and pep to my step.

New vs Secondhand Tally

This month, I count 14 thrifted items and 5 that I purchased retail!

I know what some of you are thinking… secondhand shoes? Ew, no thanks. But hear me out. There are SO MANY amazing shoes out there that have barely been worn, just sitting around waiting for a second chance. Think about it, how many times have you bought a pair of shoes that you thought you were going to wear all the time, only for them to sit in the back of your closet gathering dust?

So, why not scoop up a barely-worn pair of shoes for a fraction of the price and give them a new life?

Here are my easy-peasy tips for cleaning up your secondhand shoes. Of course, you can also do this to the shoes already living in your closet to help keep them looking new for years to come!

Disinfect the Inside

Grab yourself a handy dandy bleach wipe and wipe out the inside of the shoe. Get all up in there and give it a good cleaning with the bleach. Even better if it’s a lemon scented bleach wipe!

If the insoles are removable, just throw them out and replace them with a new pair.

Tackle the Outside

I typically wipe down the outside with a damp rag. However, for fabric shoes you can also use a damp Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

For shoes that have exterior details that look a little dusty, I grab a soft bristled toothbrush from the stash the dentist gives us for free.

I just wet it and give the edges a little brush, paying special attention to the areas where the sole meets the upper part of the shoe.

Buying secondhand shoes is a fun way to save money, find unique styles, and do your part to keep good footwear out of landfills. So next time you’re scrolling through Poshmark, browsing your local thrift store, or hitting up a consignment shop, don’t be afraid to give those pre-loved shoes a second chance. A little TLC is all they need to be as good as new!