Recycled Stripes and Jewels

(Stripes and jewels for a casual weekend look.)

This past weekend the humidity disappeared and it finally started to feel like fall in Central Texas.  To celebrate, we went out for lunch and then headed to San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, one of our favorite places to visit in nice weather.  I went through several wardrobe changes before finally settling on something fall-inspired, but still cool enough for the Texas sun.

This outfit is entirely recycled, with my homemade boyfriend jeans and an old top from Loft that was originally long-sleeved.  I bought the blouse two years ago and wore it throughout the winter months, but since it’s made of cotton and I love the jewel neck, I just cut the sleeves off above my elbows so I can wear it more often.  I’m not in the habit of taking scissors to my clothes, I promise, but it was an easy way to extend the life of an old top I might not wear otherwise.  The shirt’s hem is already rolled and frayed by design, so the sleeves are in keeping with that style, and I didn’t even have to hem them.  Too easy.

(A closeup of the top’s jewel neck.)

Of course, it’s the jewel neck that made me want to preserve this basic top, rather than donating it.  I love how simple it is to wear, and the neckline adds an instant bit of glamour to a plain tee.  It’s the perfect thing to wear on an early fall day, and I’m glad I’m getting more use out of this old top.

Are you in the habit of altering your clothes when necessary, or is it just me?