Back of the Closet: Tank top tunic

As you all know by now, I try to extend my wardrobe as much as possible by wearing things over and over again, but I always try to rock items in a new way. I decided last winter that I could take this tank top tunic into winter by piling on a comfy sweater over it and adding leggings and knee high boots. I think it works so well because it's kind of a wintery color and pattern and not a bright summer color, even though it is a tank top. So look in your closet and see if you have a tank that you can take into winter too!

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:
1. Tank top tunic, bought on a really old Lucky Deal of the Day ($14.99)
2. Sweater, J. Crew from Rugged Warehouse ($12.99)
3. Leggings, Charlotte Russe ($4.00)
4. Boots, DSW ($60.00)
5. Gray bag, Designer Details in L.A. ($40.00)
6. Sunglasses, Venice Beach ($7.00)
7. Necklace, ATL market ($3.00)
8. Leaf hair accessory (gifted)
9. Bracelet (borrowed)
10. Leaf ring, Charm (gifted)

 

 

Photos: Laura Menconi

Make this, don't buy that

Last year I got pretty crafty with my New Year's Eve outfit and decided to make my own feathered skirt. It was a huge success, even if I did molt all night long. I mean, I think that just made it easier to find me...follow the feathers! Anyhow, I loved the skirt and I wore a couple more times too actually so I know I got my time and money's worth out of it.

Then, just the other day, a friend of mine in NYC sent me a photo of a very similar outfit at Urban Outfitters going for $199.00. Um seriously? I made mine for about $50 or less. I should start mass producing these apparently!

So if you love this outfit from UO, but would rather spend the time to make your own for less, you can find the detailed tutorial from WWWD here. All you need is a skirt, feathers, glue and then a black tank top to tuck into the skirt. If I can make this, you can too!

Bangs or no Bangs? That's the question.

If it were possible, I'd have bangs/fringe year round. But I have to accept that I have naturally wavy hair and attempting fringe in the miserable hot and humid summers in the south is just out of the question. I'm not sure what that would look like and I'm too afraid to try, so I have this cycle of cutting my bangs in the fall/winter and growing them out come spring.

I'm going on my third year now with this cycle, and it made me wonder if maybe I should just stop altogether and continue to grow the bangs all the way out. So I'm leaving the fringe debate in my reader's hands. So what should I do? Cut em or grow em?

Help me decide and take my poll below!

Should I cut my bangs again or continue to grow them out?

Grooveshark picks for November

Artist: The Belle Brigade
Album: The Belle Brigade
Why I love it: It took me a couple of times to listen to this album before I was smitten. Then it just becomes addictive.
For fans of: Fleetwood Mac

Artist: Trombone Shorty
Album: Backatown
Why I love it: It's jazz meets r&b meets hip hop. I think? Either way, it makes for an excellent collaboration.
For fans of: JJ  Grey & Mofro, Carolina Chocolate Drops

Artist: Vampire Weekend
Album: Vampire Weekend
Why I love it: There's no way you can have a bad day listening to this album.
For fans of: Ra Ra Riot, Phoenix

Artist: Vetiver

Album: Tight Knit

Why I love it: It's groovy, peaceful easy listening. 

For fans of: M. Ward, Bob Dylan

Artist: Elvis 

Album: 30 #1 Hits

Why I love it: It's Elvis, who wouldn't love it? Ok, so maybe I had a friend give me some inspiration for this one, but I am really glad he did. Not sure how I lived without the King for this long. 

For fans of: The King







ps. I'm aware it's December now...this was supposed to get posted yesterday, but there was technical difficulties.