I can now say I have Eddie Bauer in my closet

scarf from T (similar); Shade Clothing t-shirt (similar); thrifted vintage Eddie Bauer maxi skirt, $3; Walmart sandals, $10 (similar)

My maxi skirt is another thrift purchase from the Memorial Day extravaganzas. It was a big skirt and I just took it in on one side all the way down since it has an elastic waist. EASIEST THRIFT REFASHION EVER. So, next time you go to the thrift store and pass on that humungo skirt with an elastic waistband, GIVE IT TO ME INSTEAD. Or you can take it in yourself and then give it to me.

P.S....

Have you been walking lately?

How To Turn a Sundress into a Maxi Skirt by Kristina

Okay, I know maxi skirts are really easy to find in the summer, but they generally come in the most basic colors, and sometimes the best prints can be found in dress form. I've been wanting a blue striped skirt like this since I saw one on Anthropologie's website and was super duper thrilled to find this dress at the Gap Outlet. Here's a tutorial on how you can turn a similar jersey knit dress into a maxi skirt.

My Current Favorite Skin Care Products

So, if you're fairly new to the site, I had really bad adult acne the past year and it just started clearing up. I'm still recovering from acne scars, redness, and the occasional pimples here and there, but it looks SO MUCH better than before. (I'll try to get a pic later.. Waiting on a few stubborn pimples to go away..) I shared some of my favorite products in that post and wanted to add a few to that list..

I'm also using Proactiv's pore refining peel, Paula's Choice's 2% BHA liquid, and Paula's Choice's natural cleansing gel.

Essentially the pore refining peel and the 2% BHA liquid are supposed to do pretty similar things but I use both anyway because I have huge pores. The BHA liquid is an exfoliator and works great for those annoying red bumps on your upper arms too (called keratosis pilaris). Sometimes the peel and BHA liquid aren't enough to exfoliate my skin so I'll do this baking soda scrub a couple times a week. After all that, my skin feels so smooth!!

At night, I use Paula's Choice natural cleansing gel to wash off my makeup. This is my favorite cleanser EVER. I have pretty sensitive skin and have had several allergic reactions to various products but this is so gentle and takes all my makeup off. It's even gentle enough to remove eye makeup! Highly recommend for sure.

Other than that, I'm still using the Proactiv cleanser (in the morning), toner, advanced blemish treatment (LOVE), dark spot corrector (ALSO LOVE), and Neutrogena mineral sheers foundation compact.

I've still yet to try the coconut oil per a reader's suggestion, but I'm still apprehensive and uneducated in that area.. I just need to take the time to research it. Time...can I have more of you, please?

Let's talk... Have you bought/tried/loved any new products lately?

Made for Walking

secondhand blouse via yard sale, $1 (similar in solid black); Target pink belt (similar); thrifted Express pants, $8 (similar); Vince Camuto heels, $76

So...I've had these pants for a while...but...never wore them...obviously...because...I don't know. I just didn't know what to wear with them? They seemed too businessy? too grown-up? But, now that I'm a grown-up  (Ha ha, no, I'm not.), I figured it was time to bust them out. And, now I'm wondering why I never did because they make my legs look long and amazing. As a shorty, I need all the help I can get.

Side story about these pants:  I bought them at the thrift store only to get home to find a stupid anti-theft tag on it!!! That's probably why someone donated them. Chase and I looked on the YouTube and after 23nf9823r73 hours were able to get it off. (You can find anything on the 'Tube these days..) We made a couple holes on one of the hems in the process (tear) but at least the stupid tag is off and the holes are barely noticeable unless you were staring at my feet...creeper.

Also, check out my butt pedometer. I just joined the 10,000 steps a day club. I sit all day for my job so this tracker reminds me to move it move it. And.... confession:  I only broke the 10,000 cap once...when Chase and I went for a walk-talk and ended up walking 5 miles. We're hardcore like that. I'm also reverting to pillow talks..

inVEST

YOU GUYS, I HAVE SOME BIG NEWS. I'm back home on the east coast for the week. (Been more than two years! What the what!) I'll be chillaxing with my fam and trying to eat as much of my mom's Korean home cooking as I possibly can. But, no fret. I have posts scheduled and ready for your viewing pleasure, so in a way I'm still here...kinda. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram to KIT. HAGS. LYLAS.

thrifted American Eagle vest, $2 (similar but darker); Shade Clothing striped tee, $16; skinnied Levi's jeans, $70; Franco Sarto wedges, $33 (similar)

I thrifted this vest over Memorial Day weekend along with my man shirt. You wanna know the funny thing about it? Well, when I used to work at American Eagle years ago when I was in college (Oh, you didn't know?), we sold these vests! I totally remember them!! And, there it was... Taunting me to buy it now that I could afford its $2 price tag. And, I did just to remind myself never to work in retail again. The end.

Also, this is my first vest...like ever. #patontheback #amiagrownupyet #probablynot #whenarewegoingtotalkinhashtags

A Gray Area

thrifted Van Heusen shirt, $3 (similar); Forever 21 necklace, $3 (similar); pants via sample sale, $1 (similar); Franco Sarto wedges, $33 (similar)

I...really need to stop pursing my lips. #sourface I don't even realize I'm doing it! #nooooo

I whip my hair back and forth.

So, if you guys didn't notice, this shirt is Van Heusen. Isn't that a grandpa brand? I mean, my dad shops there...so, yeah...there's that. Anyway, does Van Heusen carry women's clothing? I am almost positive this is a men's shirt. Not like it matters.. I mean, I steal from Chase's side of the closet all the time.. Granted, it is a small closet and it's hard to tell whose is whose when I'm still half-asleep.. Either way, this shirt is superduper comfortable and I've already worn it like a bajillion times since I thrifted it during our Memorial Day getaway.  So...I think that makes me doubly gross..

How To Embellish T-Strap Sandals by Kristina

Ctrl+X

thrifted Express blazer, $3 (similar); Gap t-shirt, $10 (similar); Gap Outlet boyfriend jeans, $26 (similar); Target clog sandals (similar)

I've been trying to be more adventurous lately so I cut my boyfriend jeans...like free hand...as in no ruler. If that's not crazy, I don't know what is.. I got this idea from Emily. Actually, if we're going to be honest, I stole this whole outfit from her.. (Love her pin real life series.) So, I'm telling you now.. Cut-off boyfriend jeans are in and rolled hems are out! Do it and post a pic on the FB page so we can all see your excellent scissor skills...because we're going back to kindergarten. #sharingtime

How to Mix Prints and Patterns by Mary

Hi, I'm Mary from Happily Grey, my personal fashion journal capturing images of expression through effortless style of myself and others, incorporating clothing, decor, and special moments. I’m happily married to my best friend who has unknowingly become quite the photographer through this fun hobby of mine. I love the combination of colors, prints, and patterns paired together to give a fresh, trendy look. Read on to know how I mix prints and patterns.

This look came together when I first spotted this adorable pink polka-dotted skirt! Polka dots are a timeless pattern that can be worn by any age group in any style. I initially tried styling my spotty motif with a bold solid only to find it boring, forgettable, and desperately in need of a print! Incorporating mixed prints is a great way to freshening up your wardrobe and provides more variety and depth to your looks. When I came across this small navy and white checkered shirt I knew it was a perfect match for a few reasons:  the mix of navy really allows the pink to pop, the small checkers complement the oversized dots rather than competing, providing a smooth transition into the next print, and most importantly, it's super comfy and lightweight! I finished the look by adding a preppy blazer, nude pump, and a chunky chain necklace.

A few things to remember when mixing prints…

• Use prints with variation of size. Generally, two large prints will compete & appear unbalanced rather than flow. Here I chose an oversized polka dot (my large print) and paired it with the smaller checkered pattern. 
• Choose colors that complement each other. This will aid in a smooth transition from print to print and allow the colors to pop. Also, having one common color quietly mixed in between the two prints gives the look continuity. 
• Be confident! Mixing prints, patterns, and color is trendy, hip, and most importantly fun! If you are not quite ready for print-on-print, work with a solid and print combo and gradually work your way there!

P.S. See more posts on how to wear prints and patterns and pretty ways to mix patterns.

Striped Memorial

H&M sunglasses, $10 (similar); Shade Clothing tee, $16; gold nautical necklace (similar); thrifted Forever 21 shorts, $5 (similar); Target flats, $20 (very similar)

These were taken over Memorial Day weekend when Chase and I took an impromptu trip to Sac-town to see his family. His dad got a new ride and we had to take it out for a test drive because, you know... we're never going to have a new car ever again, let alone a convertible! We ended up driving out into the farm lands and orchards and then I made Chase stop the car and take my outfit pictures because that's what you do on an abandoned road in the middle of nowhere.

And....here it is again, the Shade tee. (See how I wore it the first time here.) I seriously wore this all weekend - it's so comfy! ..I was kinda gross...and it was sorta awesome.

Proof:  I jump like a crazy person.

Also, you guys, I couldn't possibly keep this ridiculous photo of me from you. It's too good...possibly even blackmail-able in the future. (Why am I even.... Whatever.)

You've got striped

Shade Clothing striped tee, $16; Target pink belt; Gap shorts, $11; Franco Sarto wedge booties, $33 (similar)

So, remember when I told you guys to buy this striped shirt? It's finally here! I ordered it in my usual size (small) and it was roomier than usual. If there are some who didn't buy it yet, get it in a size smaller. With the horizontal stripes, I don't think you'd want it to be bigger... You know...illusions? Mine shrunk a bit in the wash -- only length-wise, not the width. I wish I had gotten a smaller size and I don't want to buy the exact same shirt right now so I'll just find ways to make this work. Probably with low-slung bottoms that rest on my hips. I tried the whole cinching-at-the-waist and it looked too poufy on top.. :/ ANYWAY, I still like how this turned out!

Have any of you bought it and worn it yet? What do you think of this shirt?

How to Draw Fashion Illustrations by Heather

Hey guys! I'm Heather Anderson. I blog about fashion, hair, beauty, and art over at Latter Day Style. Elaine was nice enough to let me guest post and teach you guys more about fashion illustration.

Like you guys, I love Clothed Much. I've been following the blog for a while and love Elaine's polished, yet relaxed style. When putting this post together, I knew I wanted to feature some of Elaine's outfits. I was planning on just choosing three, but I couldn't decide.. There were too many good ones and I ended up with ten looks! Read on to learn more about fashion illustration.

My desk

Tools

• Pencil, sharpener, eraser
• Color medium (colored pencils, markers, gouache, paint, etc.)
• Black pen
• Paper (computer paper, tracing, or vellum paper)

Extras

• Oval stencil, circle stencil, French curved ruler, or standard ruler
• White out pen and gel pens
• Utility knife
• Drafter's brush
• Clothing catalog, pictures to draw from, reference books
• Prismacolor markers, colored pencils, Micron pens for outlines

Velvet Back

Forever 21 hat, $4 (similar); plaid scarf c/o Anytime Scarf; American Apparel t-shirt, $10; thrifted and refashioned velvet skirt, $4 (similar); Old Navy boots; thrifted bag, $3 (similar)

This is an outfit I wore right after we got back from our cruise when I was feeling all I DON'T CARE I'MA DO WHAT I WANT. So I came up with this and I loved wearing it! I thought I was da bomb. Where is that confidence now? I don't know...but I want it back, dangit. Dressing in the morning is becoming a chore again..

P.S. Wearing a black skirt as an everyday piece reminded me of this post from Kristine..

Wardrobe Essential: Nude Pumps by Kristine

Normally, when we think about neutral-colored accessories, especially shoes, we think black or brown. But, sometimes black is too harsh or brown is too...earthy. I propose a solution to this problem:  nude pumps.

This is a great shoe to have, especially if you're just starting to bring color into your wardrobe. For example, if you've got on a bright dress, a great way to highlight the dress is to go subtle with your shoes.

Here's another reason to have a good pair of nude pumps:  they make your legs look longer. Sure, any pair of heels can do that, but since the beige color is so close to skin color, it elongates them indefinitely.

And a last tip:  nude pumps would also look great with this season's colored denim trend! Be sure to come visit me over at Kristine or Polly or click the images to see the original posts.

Made Well Enough

Forever 21 hat, $4 (similar); Forever 21 cardigan (similar); Gap dress I cut into a top, $8 (similar); thrifted and skinnied Target high-rise jeans, $8 (similar); Target clog sandals (similar)

Another from before the cruise.. I think this is the last one.. For this outfit, I was inspired by this Madewell look I pinned. I loved the casualness and ease of the hat, t-shirt, and high-rise(?) jeans. I added a cardigan because, well, I was cold..

Win a Fossil watch! (CLOSED)

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Simply Feminine

thrifted Ann Taylor sweater, $6 (similar); American Apparel skirt, $13 (similar); JCPenney heels (similar)

Still posting outfits from before the cruise... Just one more after this! Anyway, not much to say about this one.. Just a simple one from when I was running late and just needed to pick something now. I was a bit uneasy about it at first but I ended up liking it.

How To Make a Textured Bow Blouse by Kristina

It's always fun to up-cycle an old item of clothing into something really special. Here's a tutorial on how to take a (blah) blouse and make it stand out with minimal effort or cost. This would also work really well on a t-shirt.

Body Image Issues: How happy are you with your body?

A couple days ago I asked on Facebook and Twitter if anybody was truly satisfied with their body. The response was minimal, to say the least.. Well, lately, I've been thinking about body image issues...mostly because of my own insecurities. I gained five pounds from our cruise (Hello, desserts!!) as did Chase but he's actually happy about it... That is a different story...

It made me think... I mean, I know I'm not fat or overweight. I'm skinny in a lot of people's eyes but I feel fat. Part of it is because I used to be skinnier, e.g., before the cruise..!!! Another part is from what I'm shown and see on the internet, magazines, T.V., etc..

Why is that even though we know these things, we still feel the need to criticize others and ourselves? The human body is amazing! My body is amazing! I can run! I can do a real push up! Just one! For now! I don't have any injuries that prevent me from doing anything! My body functions the way it should! It is healthy! Exclamation point! Shouldn't we be amazed and grateful at that alone? There are many people out there, perhaps some even reading this, who don't have good health. It is so easy to take it for granted right now.

Every time I say or think something bad about my body, I quickly tell myself that
I'm beautiful. I'm healthy. And, that's all that matters.

DON'T let someone or something dictate how you should feel about your own body. It's YOURS. YOU are the one who ultimately has control over it, of course, as long as you nourish and care for it, physically and mentally.

A great comment from an article I posted about here:

There are 3 different bone structures(small, average, large) then there's 3 different body types(ectomorph/boney, Mesomorph/muscular, and endomorph/fat) and on top of that there are different body shapes(apple, pear, cone, ruler, hourglass) then there's people with short legs and a long torso and people with long legs and a short torso. My point; WE ARE ALL DIFERENT AND WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFULL NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE WEIGH!!!

Now...it's your turn. In the comments below, tell me and everyone else that you're beautiful. Do it. I dare you. No, I don't.. I take that back.. Do it for yourself.