Refashioning Old Jeans

For a while now  I have been wondering what to do with a stack of old jeans tucked away in my closet.  I am no longer into the boot cut and most of the boyfriend cut are too baggy for me these days.  I had actually considered trying to sell them but then it dawned on me... just refashion them!!

So I went to my main source for creative ideas... Pinterest of course!

Now I just might actually take on two projects - turning jeans into shorts & jeans into capri's!  And all without a sewing machine!!!

Thanks to two sources on Pinterest here are my possible projects :


The first project - jeans into shorts (according to Refinery 29)

Now instead of explaining it step for step I'll just refer you to their link.

Hopefully this will fix the fact I actually only like one pair of jean shorts I own!


The second project - jeans into capri's (according to By Your Hands)
(Since I don't have a sewing machine I am going to use the technic I'll learn from the shorts instead of the zig zag stitch she suggests.)

 

Again, here's a link to their site instead of explaining it step for step.

Now the capris seem way more challenging than the shorts, but if it works it would be nice to have actual capris instead of rolling up my jeans!


If and when I get around to it, obviously before the summer, I'll be sure to document my progress and keep you updated.

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste! Salut!

:) Danica

Replacing Basics

My wardrobe has a few key items that I wear often.  My American Eagle "jeggings" and my Graceland boots.  I don't like spending a lot of money on clothes or shoes because they can so easily get damaged, but if I find something I like I'll just keep buying it again and again.

But what happens when the store let's me down?

Take American Eagle for example, I have been a dedicated customer for over 15yrs!  But this past year I realized their jeans just aren't the same anymore, what am I going to do!!!  A few years back I jumped on the "jegging" bandwagon and haven't looked back.  (Actually I have a stack of "boyfriend" jeans I don't know what to do with.)  When I visit The States I pick up a pair of AE "jeggings" or have my Mom send me a pair for the holidays, it's the easiest way to keep stocked up overseas.  But the pair I bought back in March 2014 just didn't fit right, I tried to shrink them, I tried everything, and yet after 30 minutes they are baggy and falling off.  I thought I bought a dud pair and had my Mom send me another pair for Christmas.  They're not as bad but still I can't keep them on all day because they just can't keep their fit.  I compared the labels of my old jeans with these, old jeans 99% cotton + 1% spandex, new jeans 99% cotton + 1% elastane.  Supposedly spandex and elastane are comparable, but I'm telling you the jeans just don't have the same fit anymore and they are impossible to shrink to become more fitted.  I am highly disappointed.  I actually think I might have to try out a different brand, it's not like I can wear the same 3 pair of jeans that do fit for the rest of my life.  Anyone else notice the difference in the American Eagle jeans?

Another dilemma on the horizon, is my favorite autumn-winter boots are wearing out and I can't find anything comparable in the stores right now!  To some they are extremely ugly boots, I must admit when I first moved to The Netherlands I never would have worn them.  But time wears you down, and you end up adjusting your style.  And actually you'd be surprised how many outfits these boots go with.  I can wear them with "jeggings" & "skinny" jeans, none of my other boots can handle the extra material of the "skinny" jeans.  I can wear them with light or dark colored jeans.  And because of the sneaker like sole I don't mind walking distances in them.  I could go on and on.  Anyway, I've been occasionally checking the 2 stores that carried them and they don't have anything like them anymore.  I have the feeling I am going to have to either pay more money elsewhere or find a different style.  I know the stores have to change styles every season, but that doesn't mean all of the people do.  I should have bought 2 pairs when I waited a month for the sale, arg!  Any store let you down recently by discontinuing a shoe model?

My sister-in-law did tip me off to a store worth trying here in Eindhoven for jeans, but that doesn't solve my shoe problem.  I'll let you know if I can find replacements to my basics!

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste! Salut!

:) Danica

Polyvore - Outfits #2

Last time I mentioned Polyvore I focused on one particular member and the great outfit combos she pumps out, but this time I just want to focus on Fall.  And outfits that I can actually recreate thanks to similar items in my closet... and a couple pieces that I would like to see in my closet.

The 1st Fall outfit is centered around the wrap/poncho.  I absolutely love the grey poncho!!!  I have one at home with a mix of pinks, blues, & beiges but a solid color seems to be easier to dress up and down. I also like how she has mixed the grey and brown, never thought of doing this.  If you want to see more of her ideas you can find her via this link.
 

The 2nd Fall outfit is simple, and can be worn everywhere.  It looks so easy, just wrap up in a warm cardigan, slip on some ballerina flats, toss on a scarf to tie it all together and you're gone.  I could see myself wearing this many places.  And what's even better, it can all be found at H&M.  More of her outfit combos can be found here.

 

The 3rd Fall outfit I like only for the awesome print and color combos of the cardigan.  The boots aren't my style, I prefer ankle boots.  But the cardigan, wow!  I might actually have to find something similar and add it to my closet.  A friend of mine has one in wool, which isn't my favorite fabric but there is hope of finding one here in The Netherlands.  For more of her outfit combos look here.


The 4th Fall outfit isn't from Polyvore but it still caught my eye.  (Found all of these outfits through Pinterest, btw.)  This outfit is nearly straight out of my closet, and I was happy to see this combo.  Makes me think I am occasionally on the right track!  But I must admit, I'm not into backpack purses, even though it looks convenient.  For more follow this link.
 

Now with these outfits in mind, I'm ready for the cooler weather and an excuse to wrap up in cozy thick cardigans!  Do you have any outfits you're excited to get back in to this Fall?

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica

Summer Dress

Summer dress... party dress... something to wear to a wedding, whatever you want to call it I'm having a little trouble deciding what to wear to an upcoming event. 

When purchasing a dress for an acquaintances wedding many requirements arose.
#1)  It has to be multi-functional, I can't justify getting a new dress if I'm only going to wear it to weddings.  (At my age there aren't so many weddings anymore.)
#2)  It has to be able to handle weight loss & gain.  (This is unfortunately common for me.)
#3)  It has to be fun, I'm not really into formal, chic, or stuffy.  (Most people are surprised when they see me in a dress.)
#4)  It has to be summery with refreshing colors, patterns, or embroidery.  (Here in NL it's only warm enough to wear dresses in the summer anyway.)

 

Keeping all of this in mind, as well as a budget, I ordered 8 dresses from an online store.  The beauty of ordering online - you can try it on in the convenience of your own home and return what you don't want.  Generally the "fitting room" sessions are quite upsetting.  I went through this in the weekend at H&M, I left feeling like an elephant and that styles these days aren't made for my body shape.  Depressing!!!  But luckily the "fitting room" session in my own bedroom today went much better.  Shockingly I liked the majority of the dresses and they liked me.  I actually had to choose between what I wanted to keep and/or found most relevant for the event.  (This never happens!)

 

So, now I've narrowed it down to two dresses, and just have to decide which one to wear.  The old tradition says never to wear white to a wedding, but come on, it's 2014, and I'm sure that tradition is long gone.  But I also have to keep in mind I'm in The Netherlands and to be honest I have no idea what their norm is for wedding guest attire.  And to be fair, coral is my color, it makes me look tan and cheerful.  So most likely I'll go with the coral dress but I thought I'd first ask around for other opinions.

What do you think, which dress is more wedding guest appropriate?
(Keep in mind the white one is embroidered on the top, it's kind of hard to see.  And the stripe near the bottom is see through.)

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica

Polyvore - Outfits #1

For anyone out there interested in fashion, you have to check out Polyvore!  Maybe you are great at coming up with stylish combinations and want to share your ideas with the world or maybe you're like me and desperately need help coming up with stylish outfits.  Either way, Polyvore has something for everyone... they even have home decorating tips.

I mentioned Polyvore way-way-way-way back in March 2012, in a post about my clothing style.  There are a couple members that were brought to my attention via Pinterest (love the combos they create), and then there was the original one that even drew me to Polyvore, dixi3chik.  I have no idea how I even stumbled upon this site, probably during a Google Image search!  Anyway, it's definitely helped me to come up with fresh ideas or even just to learn how to combine clothes I already own.

So today I wanted to highlight one of the other Polyvore members I follow, steffiestaffie.

Here are 4 different combos she came up with that I can actually apply to my closet.  No I don't own the exact clothes she is presenting but I do have comparable items.  Thanks for helping me layer and adding pops of color!  Not to mention finding a reason to pull the white pants out of the back of my closet!  (After a scroll through Polyvore yesterday I realized it's time to get myself tan or gold spring/summer shoes!!!)

Any of you check out Polyvore for ideas?  Any of you adding outfit combos to Polyvore?

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica

Night of Firsts

Well, my husband has been on 4 trips this year already (America, Germany, Spain, & Hungary), and me, I haven't had a night on the town in ages.  That was until this past weekend!  My husband was in Budapest, my daughter at her aunt's, and I was home with the dog.  I had no intentions of sitting home alone so my mother-in-law (we're kindred spirits) and I decided to hit the town!

The 1st "first" :
I finally had the nerve and the event to wear my new skull shirt!  (Well, new, um, it was actually a Christmas present.)

 

The 2nd "first" :
Tried out a new Italian restaurant I've been eyeing down, Mi Dica.  Great atmosphere, good service, boring food, oh well!

The 3rd "first" :
Restaurants besides McDonald's are stepping into the 21st century... instead of a printed menu, the entire menu was on a mini iPad (possibly tablet, not sure, it was dark)!

The 4th "first" :
Finally dared play Black Jack at the casino.  It's much faster than roulette which I tend to play, but I think I can get into it!  (BTW, I love the casino!)

The 5th "first" :
After a night on the town, thought I'd kick back with a glass of merlot... that was until I launched the bottle off the counter while trying to open it... never had to clean up a mess like that before!

All in all, it was a good night, but I am definitely glad to have the family back home!

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica 

New Hat #2

Around 6 months ago I wrote about a hat I purchased to get me through the winter, but I also mentioned my hopes for a summer cap.  Well, thanks to my b-day the wish was granted... not only did I get one military cadet cap but my mom bought me two!  I was pretty set on the pink hat, but I of course sent multiple suggestions so I wasn't actually sure what would end up in my b-day package from The States.  I was of course immediately over the moon with the pink hat, and it's come as quite a surprise but I'm wearing the beige conductor hat equally as much.  Being that it's not a neon color it actually goes with more summer outfits, should have known, thanks for thinking ahead Mom!  Either way, I am enjoying both caps.  They're great for... the hot summer days when I just don't feel like putting on the make-up I know will melt off in minutes... when I need to run an errand but just haven't had time to wash my hair yet... sprucing up an outfit for a festival or a day outside... or even for trips to the pool when my hair is pulled into a messy ponytail!  Obviously I'm getting a lot of use out of them.  And wearing hats has seemed to rub off on the family, instead of toting sunglasses around I've noticed the tot and hubby also packing hats for sunny day trips. 
Being that I'm from The States, you could even narrow it down to The South, I of course had to get the hats in shape before wearing them.  This meant bending the bill, can't stand a flat bill!  It was pretty simple, I put a tennis ball under the bill, wrapped a rubber band around it, and let it sit over night.  Voilà, the next day the bills were rounded (I'm even considering a round two). 
I don't see many Dutch women in hats unless they're exercising, where I come from in FL hats were pretty common, what about in your area?

My Rain Coat

Well, in the spirit of my birthday, I'm writing about another great b-day present.  (There will be more of these to come.)  A couple weeks ago I mentioned that I was on the look out for a rain coat.  Well, I finally made a decision and when my b-day rolled around I crossed my fingers and suggested it as a b-day gift from the in-laws.  I found the hooded coat to be quite expensive, so since I'm frugal (do I mention this in every post?) I did my research until I found the same coat on sale.  The sale wasn't great but it was still less than buying it direct from Happy Rainy Days.  After suggesting it as a present I didn't really hear anymore about it, so when my b-day celebration rolled around I was ecstatic to see the box sitting in the eat-in kitchen.  I patiently waited until they handed it over, but once they did I ripped the box open, yanked the coat out, and immediately put it on.  (Despite breaking out into a sweat).  It's awesome... it fits great, it looks great, and I can't wait to use it.  Now I fully understand my b-day falls in the summer and a rain coat isn't actually practical until the weather cools off again, but at least I have it.  As of now it's hanging on the coat rack waiting for the first cool rain of autumn.  Since I live in a country known for rain and cool weather I should get a lot of use out of it.  As always I snapped a pic (don't usually take reflection pics). 

I didn't ask for the coat I showed you in a previous post, Happy Rainy Days has so many patterns and designs I searched until I found one that suited me.  It was hard to choose between the pink & white or black & white, but you see which one I obviously went with.  I'll be sure to write a post once I actually use it!  Thanks in-laws, you're great!!!

Happy Rainy Days

Living in a place where it often rains means you need a good rain coat.  And yet some how after all my years here I am yet to buy one.  About a month ago when it rained for around 3 weeks straight I went in search of a cute yet adult rain coat.  I'm an online shopper so immediately a world of options opened.  And I mean it literally... I found 3 coats I adore, 1 in the US, 1 in the UK, & 1 here in NL.  The bright yellow Steve Madden jacket from Macy's in The States was sold out so that was the end of that. The black & white daisy print jacket from ASOS in England was cute but returning it if it didn't fit would prove to be a challenge.  So I'm pretty sure I've settled on a brand here, Happy Rainy Days. They have a huge variety of styles & colors and now I just have to decide which one suites me best.  And since I have a b-day coming up it will be a perfect gift to ask people to pitch in on... they're not cheap, you definitely pay for the quality.

 

What do you all think of the jackets?

Do you have a rain coat and where did you find it?

Tank Weather

I'm not a fan of extremely hot weather (not really sure how I survived 20 yrs in Florida).  But I am a fan of a sunny day and the only clothes needed are a pair of shorts and a tank top.  In preparation for the spring/summer I bought a few new tank tops while visiting The States.  I'm getting a little tired of waiting to wear them though, it's still ranging between high 30's and low 50's here!  I know I can team them up with a cardigan or something but I don't actually like layering... even though it's something you have to do in this climate.  I love the "boyfriend tanks" from American Eagle, I already have a couple, one solid and one with a mesh back.  When I popped into a mall somewhere in TN I was sure to hit up AE and buy a couple more.  I decided a dark pink almost purple and a dark grey would be perfect for my collection.  But then when I visited an Old Navy to buy a few things for my husband & tot I couldn't help but pick up one of their "perfect tanks" too.  It wasn't that the cut or tank was so spectacular, I just love the color combo.  Since I'm horrible at matching clothes, I figure the color combo will help me create more outfits.  At least every other day while I'm getting dressed the striped tank crosses my mind, I don't think I'm going to be able to hold out for the warm weather before I find an excuse to wear it!

Crazy Clothes

Yesterday my husband wanted to do something fun for our 3yr old, and out of every option he chose to dress up in a crazy combination of clothing.  At home this wouldn't have been bad but we were headed to the grocery store!  I threatened many times to stay in the car, but it's important to teach your child confidence.  So I just pretended he was dressed normally and mostly went about things that way.  He claims it was our daughters idea, but it was completely his idea.  I at least convinced her to wear a princess gown over her clothes and under her jacket so at least people thought there was a themed party or something, ha-ha! 

Let's take a close look at his outfit choice...  It starts out with a base layer of pajamas, t-shirt & plaid cotton pants.  Then he added slick basketball shorts over the pants.  Then a random volleyball sweatshirt.  Followed by a corduroy dress jacket.  Then he added carpenter boots and a belt.  And finished the assemble off by wrapping himself in his Snuggie which he also tied behind his back and tucked into his belt. 

Some people glanced and continued walking on... some people did double takes... some people actually stopped to take in the entire outfit.  At least one man spoke to us normally, he must have gone with the they-were-at-a-party idea.  And once we headed to the parking lot, me taking a breath of relief, we ended up helping a lady push her broken down car, what a sight!  I think this is just the beginning, because my husband keeps reminiscing about the crazy clothes combinations his father used to wear when picking my sister-in-law up from social events.  Maybe I should be worried for me & our tot!!!

Wordless Wednesday #45

Trying to blog from TN last week somehow my WW moved to Thursday!  And this week I was too sick to post one yesterday, apparently brought a mean cold home with us.  Hopefully next week I can get back in rhythm. 

Link up here for Wordless Wednesday!

Our curious camera compilation can also be found here...

Bedrijfsetentje

Business Dinner = Bedrijfsetentje

This weekend my family's company hosted a dinner party, something they try and do at least once a year.  We've gone to an array of restaurants through the years, one of the most memorable until now was Landgoed Wolfslaar.  It's a Michelin Star restaurant located in a beautiful old villa tucked away in the woods.  This years choice was also quite unique, we dined inside an old windmill.  De Meulen is a quaint restaurant attached to a historical windmill called De Korenaar.  I wish I could say this post was about the delectable food (I'll include a couple pics thanks to a colleague Suzanne) or all of the lovely people that work at our company but it's not.  It's about my outfit (my husband is probably rolling his eyes right now).  I knew right away that I wanted to wear an unworn black dress that has been hanging in my closet for over year.  It's a great dress, skin tight yet forgiving, falls just below the knee, and has a boat neck.  I've pulled it out many times and yet it always seemed just that bit too much.  Finally I had an event to wear it to, the only problem was, it's sleeveless and it's very cold here.  This meant I was going to have to layer it up in order to wear it to the business dinner.  I'm not into fashion, and have very little understanding of clothes, so the best idea I had was to wear a cardigan and pantyhose.  (Of course I also asked around hoping someone would have a better suggestion but nothing suited me - even asked Party411.)  I made my husband watch as I tried on at least 6 different cardigans and boleros, all of which he just laughed at, saying I looked like the preachers wife.  I eventually settled on a small silvery bolero (aka shrug), it was the most flattering of all the unflattering cardigans, if that makes sense.  Once dressed for the party I realized I had completely dulled the outfit down.  The black dress, black pantyhose, and black heels all blended together.  And the bolero kept me semi warm but took away from the neckline and fit of the dress.  But no matter what, I knew I wasn't too flashy and I was more on the conservative classic side of style.  Being that I am the GM's wife and daughter-in-law of the owners it was appropriate.  Then as everyone filtered into the party I realized I was dress like all of the women about 20 yrs older than me and that all of the women my age were wearing skin tight black pants (also an option I had shown my husband)!  Arg!  People tried to be polite and say that I looked nice, but I know what they were thinking, ha-ha!  Besides the uncomfortable pantyhose which I hated from the moment I struggled to put them on, I also had to suffer through shoulder pain.  Somehow the day before the party I hurt a muscle in my shoulder, the pain slowly grew until I could barely move my right arm (and I'm right handed).  I managed to feed myself during the dinner, but my husband did have to pour my water and help me with my jacket... in the end he looked quite the gentleman.  No matter the outfit or pain, it was a lovely company dinner and I look forward to the next one... thanks to the in-laws for a great party!

New Hat

I don't often wear hats, mostly because I'm afraid of the dreaded "hat-head" when I take it off (I have the type of hair that immediately fills with static or gets a strange ripple across the back).  But I keep seeing this hat around and I was just positive it would suit me.  Technically it's a cap, it has a lot of different names one of which a military cap.  During the summer I couldn't find what I was looking for (cotton/twill), but then the other day at H&M the winter (wool/polyester) version popped up and I was sure to buy it!  H&M call it a flat cap but if you look up a flat cap, it's similar but not quite the same.  Maybe it's just the female version.  Needless to say it's super cute!  I wore it the first opportunity I could, and my niece's soccer in the middle of December was just the right excuse.  I'm sure it helped keep me warm, hat's are there to serve a purpose.  But I have to be honest and say I wore it purely because I liked how it looked, how vain of me!  Sure times will arise that I'll actually use it to stay warm, giving me more options than the one white knit beanie I own.  Actually I own other hats, but I don't think I'll be wearing the leopard print cuffed hat I bought in the 90's that's still lurking in one of my drawers. 

Which reminds me, why do we keep these things?  Anyway, I just wanted to show you all my new winter hat, and the one I hope to find during the summer.  Speaking of summer hats, I still regret not buying a straw cowboy hat with seashells I fell in love with while dress shopping in 2006!  This doesn't happen to me often, but it was one time I wish I hadn't taken the cheap road and put the hat back on the shelf.  Maybe the next time I'm back in Florida I'll find another one.  And if there are any men reading this post, I promise you there is a difference between the two hats pictured besides the color, ha-ha!

New Suit

Being a former Floridian I've owned many bathing suits in my lifetime.  There were the teenage years, skimpy bikinis held together by strings.  Then board shorts became popular, and of course I owned matching flip-flops and visors.  In my mid 20's I moved on to bikini's with shorts to ensure no slippage during activities, combining the idea of bikinis and board shorts (and to cover what I thought then was fat).  After having my daughter I decided it was only fair to everyone to conceal my stomach and start wearing a tankini, what a wonderful invention!  But as of late I'm realizing the tankini just isn't doing its job.  During my daughters swimming class as we jump around in the pool and chase each other, it's constantly raising up still revealing my stomach and nearly comes down flashing the class.  So I decided to try out a one piece bathing suit.  I put on the Speedo I use for water aerobics and lap swimming but it only accented the ring of blubber I've developed around my waistline.  I put it back in the closet and decided it would only be used for sports not toddler swimming class or fun visits to the pool.  I went online in search of my options, and of course the ones with waist control were screaming my name.  When I pulled the bathing suit out of the bag I just knew it would be a disaster, again helping to destroy my confidence (I hate trying on clothes).  But when I put it on I was amazed, it was flattering and suited me well.  I was a bit nervous about swimming class, all of us moms are quite observant and a new suit requires comments.  But the feedback was positive, jackpot!  So here I am, early 30's and I've already progressed to the one-piece bathing suit, what will I be wearing later in life, a full caftan in the water?  As of now I am content and wanted to show off my new suit (no, not while wearing it!) 

This week has been a busy pool week... three different activities, three different pools.  There was lap swimming at the pool on the north side of town.  Then there was babysitting my nieces which included swimming class with the 8 yr old at ZIB one town over.  And then we rounded off the week with normal toddler swimming at the pool on the south side of town.  Luckily I like the water!!!

New Dress

Being in fashion is not important to me, I'd actually prefer to look a little different than other women I know.  Conforming is not my thing!  But occasionally things happen and I buy something that's considered trendy... usually on sale at the end of the season so technically it's no longer in fashion, oh well.  We had planned a trip to Ireland this weekend, but a chicken pox scare forced us to cancel our trip.  Prior to the trip I had ordered quite a few dresses from H&M but since we decided not to go I didn't bother to open the bag.  Then last night unexpected dinner plans popped up and I needed something to wear.  I generally never wear new clothes unless I wash them, much less wrinkled ones straight out of the bag but I had no option (actually I own a lot of dresses but I felt the need for a new one).  I tried on around 6 dresses and in the end let my husband pick.  I knew it was too wrinkled, I tried to iron it but with no avail, and yet I let my husband talk me in to wearing it out.  While it was still daylight I hid between my husband and my purse, and of course sunglasses that don't actually hide a thing but make you feel concealed.  It was a friends birthday and she was shocked to see me out in a dress.  I wear them more than she realizes, but in the 8 yrs we've known each other she can count on one hand how many times she's seen me in one.  It was nice to know everyone thought I looked so nice considering how uncomfortable I was.  By nightfall (and on to a fav bar), I came out of my shell a bit and didn't mind the attention the neon pink dress was bringing, and to be honest the flowing skirt made dancing around fun.  I still have a few other dresses in the H&M bag that I might try on again and consider keeping, but then again I live in The Netherlands and it's rarely warm enough to truly enjoy a dress.

Recycle (#2)

This post is a quick follow-up to one from last October - Recycle!  My search for a one-stop recycling spot is over, I've found it.  With one quick trip in the car (not involving a visit to the city dump) I can take care of all recycling in one go.  It's on the corner of the Karel de Grotelaan & Keizer Karel V Singel, near the Domino's Pizza.  They have containers to recycle plastic & glass (which you can find everywhere), but also paper/cardboard & clothing.  I was surprised to see the container for paper & cardboard, I haven't seen one anywhere else.  Now I no longer have to wait for the city to pick up paper once every two weeks, I can now take care of it before the bag starts overflowing.  Clothing bins are harder to find than you imagine, so I was ecstatic to see one mixed in with the other recycling containers.  Hope you find your way to the recycling hub I found, and help make a difference!