Call me impatient, but all I want to do is wear leather jackets and knit caps and opaque tights and plaid things and, well, everything I can't wear because August in DC is several months long. With the "uggggh-it's-Summer-but-I-want-to-wear-Fall" transition in mind (and a bit of Elvgren and Vargas, for good measure) here are some styling ideas to get you through until the humidity breaks (you know, mid-October).
Get all ready for adventures in the woods with lightweight, sleeves-rolled-up plaids (which are available, BY THE HUNDREDS, in both the men's and women's section when you're thrifting) and higher-waisted shorts with a tidy little belt. In a month or two, replace the shorts with some higher-waisted skinnies or stovepipes (or pop some tights underneath the shorts, if you're REALLY feeling adventurous) and you're totally October-ready. Shorts: $3.59 and belt: 99cents from My Friend's Closet (MD); Stylist's own vintage top and Payless booties.
Go Summer-nautical in a crisp white tank and a pencil skirt that will translate every-which-way into your Fall wardrobe. Make the perfect sailor skirt at home in under 5 minutes: take a plain, navy or black thrift store piece that fits you well and get symmetrical with needle, thread, and some big white buttons from the fabric store. Way easy, way cheap. Undershirt: $7.99 for a pack of 3 at Beauty Island; skirt: $6.40 from Village Thrift; buttons: $2-somethin' for a 4 pack at G Street Fabric. Stylist's own hat and shoes.
Look ahead to a deeply-hued Fall in Crayola colors - but no fluorescents! And while you're at it, protest pools closing and that whole "no white shoes after Labor Day" rule and flaunt both your swimsuit and white kicks until it's no longer 85 degrees. When the weather DOES change, wear the skirt with a collegiate cardigan or blazer, a great knit cap, a pair of thick tights, and some cute flats in a bright color - MAYBE EVEN WHITE ONES. Luella-for-Target skirt: $4.45 at Goodwill (rte. 50); 1-piece bathing suit: $1 at Second Chance Thrift Store (rte 7). Stylist's own UO boots.
Plaid is oh-so-very Fall, but you can wear it even when it's scorching outside by keeping it Summer-simple. A loose dress with some cute flat shoes will get you around the city now, and later go to town with layering - long sleeves, a blazer, tights, a belt and some boots. Dress: $6.50 from Yesterday's Rose (Fairfax, VA); saddle shoes: $5 (DIY!); sunglasses: 99cents from My Friend's Closet.
Photography: Shervin Lainez of shervinfoto
Model: Laura Burhenn
God loves a cheerful giver.
Great Googly Moogly!
what in the hell is wrong with you people?
it may not be blanche deveraux goes to a singles event in miami but....... i am digging on #3.
i think laura's ready for american apparel modeling.
nope. i take it back. laura is the hottest girl in dc . . . at least until the next evil disco.
damn morgan. you are so awesome it hurts.
i LOVE plaids and I never did get over grunge but its hard to find thrift plaid that fits me and buttons..I WANT BUTTONS!!! Where is there a sewing and trim shop in DC?
i love this photo shoot!
Thanks for shopping at the Goodwill on Glebe and 50 - isn't it the best? I've picked out a few amazing vintage dresses there to showcase on the DC Goodwill Fashion blog this fall. Cheers!
i looove the first one. and i have the skirt in number 3. never thought of wearing it with a bathing suit, haha. the last one reminds me too much of my catholic school uniform... it's only been 3 years. too soon, too soon.