Shopping Our Closets: Graphics on Clothing

Today I thought I would spend a little time talking about graphics on clothing. When I refer to graphics, I am talking about specific pictures, words, sayings or branding that make a statement. I read an article called A Brief History of Graphic Tees. I was surprised to find that the first printing of a word on a tee shirt happened in one of my favorite older movies, The Wizard of Oz. In one of the scenes after Dorothy and her companions reach the Emerald City, they are all getting cleaned up. Three workers, all wearing tees with the word "Oz” printed on them, are seen re-stuffing the Scarecrow. That was 1939.

The article goes on to show how graphic tees gained popularity being used by presidential candidates, Walt Disney, and artists like Andy Warhol. Graphic tees really took off as a “messaging platform” in the 1960’s and 70’s with the explosion of rock and roll and anti-war protests. Tee shirts became an easy way to show what you believed and who you wanted to associate with.

Today, graphics are not just common place on short sleeved tees, but can be seen donning sleeveless and long sleeve tees, as well as pullover sweaters, sweatshirts and tops with added textures and trims. Graphics can also be found on sneakers, bags, water bottles and bedding.

A few years ago, I came across a company called Love in Faith. All of their tees and products have to do with the Christian faith. This is not a sponsored post. I have not been given any products or money to endorse this retailer, I just like what they do, and the products they produce. Today’s outfit revolves around one of their tees.

You know my style is casual, but even with a tee shirt I like to look like I made some effort in putting the outfit together. This look was entirely put together from things I already had in my closet. I have loads of tees, and over the last couple of years since I found out about Love in Faith, I have purchased a number of their fun, tees which are always spot on either with verses, lines from hymns or Christian songs, or specific holiday graphics.

I chose this particular tee because it has the words, It is well, with my soul, which is the first line of the chorus from one of my favorite hymns, When Peace, Like a River. I was totally taken in by the bold, white flowers and the unique cognac color. I decided to layer a black tee underneath since our weather is still very unpredictable.

To keep me cozy I grabbed my fuzzy, chenille cardigan. This was a hand me over from my oldest. I had actually gotten this for her one Christmas a few years ago, but it didn’t really grab her attention. When I saw she was getting rid of it, I snatched it up. It is a perfect topper fall, winter and spring and it’s cream color makes it a very versatile piece.

To keep this look light and more fitting for spring, I grabbed my medium wash, thrifted, Bandolino, straight leg jeans. These are very comfortable. Since they are not all that interesting, I added a hem roll on the bottom to give them more of a boyfriend vibe.

I opted for gold jewelry, but you could easily swap in white or black, or go for a more bold choice and pick a medium blue necklace or scarf to pull in the color of your jeans. That would also make the outfit look even more springy.

I wear these thrifted, moto boots several days a week. While they are completely man made materials, they seem to be holding up very well. My cute, little, woven bag is a recent thrift find, and I thought it would be perfect for Easter.

Do you wear graphics? If so, what sort of graphics do you wear? What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Let me know what you think, in the comments. You can also comment on Facebook if that is easier for you. I just love to have your feedback.

Here are a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Have a great week.

My Style: Classic Look

As fashion bloggers we talk about style all the time, but not everyone knows what their style is. Style types vary, and while many people stick mainly to one type or another, others of us tend to blend our styles. I believe blending is taking elements and components from various styles and mixing them together.

What I would like to try to do over the next few months is show you outfits from various named styles that I do borrow from, and then follow that with a few outfits I would consider blended. Since I am talking about my style, everything I show you will be taken from my own closet, but I hope to give you plenty of info and style tips, so you can decide if any of these styles are for you.

I found an article through Pinterest and thought you might like to read it too, so here is the link: Classic Outfits: Timeless Fashion Choices. It talks specifically about classic wardrobe pieces. If you have a classic style then you probably already have most of these things in your closet. Classic style revolves around clean lines and pieces that are simple to use and combine with other pieces in your wardrobe.

For today’s look I chose a black blazer, white tee (my v-neck was in the wash), classic wash (medium to light) ankle length jeans, and white sneakers. Since bags and jewelry are constantly changing I decided on my bird print tote bag, and a layered gold necklace.

This vintage, double breasted, Aldolfo, wool blazer is a thrifted piece that I have had for years. I seriously thought about getting rid of it, but I like the cut, the buttons and the fact that it is wool. Upon preparing for this post, I started a list of things to look for at thrift stores, and one thing will be a black blazer that is more appropriate for spring and summer and with a single button front rather than the double layer.

Style Tip: When looking for a black blazer decide what fabric texture and weight you would like. If you wear blazers often it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have two; one for cold weather and one for warm.

A simple white tee is the perfect piece to layer under your black blazer. This scoop neck is long sleeve, but you could also use a short sleeve one when it get’s warmer. This is Hanes brand. I did the front tuck to give the look a little more class, even thought I opted to keep it casual by not adding a belt.

Style Tip: Make your classic casual outfit more work wear appropriate by swapping out the tee for a white button down shirt. Tuck it in and add a thin belt for a sleek, polished vibe.

The classic wash, Stitch Star jeans were a clearance purchase at Meijer last year. They have a good amount of stretch, and I know I will be wearing these more in the warmer months ahead.

Style Tip: You can’t go wrong with a classic or medium to light wash jean. I love my dark wash jeans in the cold months, but when spring and summer comes I really want to lighten things up a bit. While a light wash may not be your style, anyone can pull off the classic medium wash.

These Steve Madden platform sneakers are on rotation in the spring, and summer. I need to clean them, but seeing as they are made of a vinyl type material they do clean up quite easily with a little baking soda, water and a toothbrush.

I really need to take this bag out and use it! Ha, ha. I love the color and the beautiful blue birds printed on it. Since bags are constantly changing I’m going to say use whatever bag you want. A more classic bag would probably be a crossbody bag in a light brown or tan color, especially with spring coming. I’ll leave some other choices in the shopping links below.

I thought a simple layered necklace completed the look, although I think a silk scarf might be better seeing as this is a heavier blazer and it is still cold. It was freezing when I took these pictures. This more delicate necklace might be better with a spring/summer weight blazer.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like the classic look? Is classic your style? Do you have these pieces in your closet. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I always love to hear your ideas.

I’m including a few shopping links. Use these to purchase something or just to give you ideas. I appreciate all your support.

Have a great week.

Outfit from Clara Sunwoo

This outfit was gifted to me and I was not paid to do this review. All opinions are my own.

Recently I was contacted by retailer Clara Sunwoo to do a collaboration. Clara Sunwoo started sewing clothing in 1968. In 1975 she moved from Seoul, Korea to New York City. Twenty years later Clara and her daughter Roseann, saw a need for women’s clothing that fit better and in 1997 started their own clothing line in Manhattan’s fashion district. In 2004 they designed their own soft, stretchable knit fabric, a fabric that is breathable and wrinkle free. Their clothing has reached all across the United States and is loved by women including Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Kathie Lee Gifford.

This outfit features the side tie watercolor top paired with the brown signature straight leg pant. (Please note, the links only take you to their main website, but you can look each item up by it’s name, or click on the link for tops, or the link for pants, etc. and scroll to find the item.) Each item is made from a soft, breathable knit created by the mother/daughter team.

Their website states that this knit is breathable and perfect for traveling. On the day I took these pictures, it was only in the forties, so I will have to let you know how this light weight fabric does in the heat of summer at a later date. The fabric is pleasing to touch and feels great on. It stretches as you move, making it perfect for our busy lives.

I love the elbow length dolman style sleeves, and the cute detail of the front tie. The muted neutral tones will be fun to style with other items in my closet.

I was concerned when I took these straight leg pants out of the bag, that they were going to be too small. I chose a size Large (14). I would say these are just about spot on. I am between a 12 and a 14. I was actually surprised that they looked as nice as they did with my wider hips. I would like to try a pair of their wider leg, or split leg pants to see how they compare.

I decided to use silvery gray for my accessories. My shoes and bag were both thrifted.

Clara Sunwoo is a retailer I can get behind. Their story (be sure to watch the piece from the Today show) is a picture of the American dream. Most of their products are designed and manufactured right here in the United States. The clothing is well made with quality fabric that moves with you as you move throughout your day. Their sizing is fairly inclusive running from an extra small (4/6) up to a 1X (18). I think they allow for larger sizing due to the stretch in the fabric, but I don’t know that the pants or certain sleeve types would necessarily fit all body sizes and types. Keep that in mind if you are interested in ordering anything.

I also like that this is a Slow Fashion manufacturer. They only make a limited number of pieces for each season, so there is less waste. The price points are higher than what I would normally pay, but I would consider these investment pieces. These are the perfect pieces for a resort trip or cruise, walking the beach or going out to dinner. They would also translate well into the work place where comfort and classic style is a plus.

I have signed up to be an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo, so if you want to purchase something on their site just use the code, STYLINGRANNY10 and you’ll receive a 10% discount site wide. They always have free shipping in the U.S. Check them out!