Outfit Ideas Women Archives - Page 28 of 589

Western Trend Inspiration With Layered Denim Dress

I’m sure you’ve all read about the latest revival of the western wear trend. As a gal that grew up partially in Alberta this so-called trend has been part of my life for a very long time and is nothing new.

I’ve owned these cowboy boots for over 29 years having purchased them (if-you-can-believe-it) in Paris of all places.

I wore them non-stop while living and travelling in Europe, especially in Montpellier when I was studying in France. They were so well worn that I had to have them resoled.

I know it is very weird that I had to go to Paris to buy cowboy boots when they were everywhere in Alberta. That was in the late 80’s.

Proof that what ever goes around comes back around and classics never go out of style.

I have quite a few great cowboy boots for sale in the shop right now like these that are very similar to mine or these which are black and cream. There are some less authentic more fashion forward ones like these grey ones too.

I consider a denim dress a timeless piece as well.

The vision in my head of layering this piece was radically different from how it turned out. Isn’t that the way it always goes?

western trend inspiration with layered denim dress by suzanne carillo style over 50 — All items purchased secondhand. Look for these groovy booties in the Etsy store soon.

The cool thing about a button front denim dress is that it can double as a light coat.

Of course in Canada this weight of coat is perfect for about two weeks out of every year but in more moderate climates it would be ideal.

I decided in the end that I preferred the dress on its own.

I can just add a turtleneck sweater and some tights for winter.

Here are a few other western inspired looks I’ve worn in the past.

contemporary urban cowgirl style over 50 — The funky patchwork boots will be coming to the Etsy store soon.

how to style a poncho over 40 suzanne carillo — The cool poncho sold already.

how to wear thrifted clothing over 50 suzanne carillo — Groovy skirt currently for sale.

How do you feel about the revival of western wear?

Which of my western inspired outfits do you prefer?

Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday

Recently a girlfriend of mine mentioned she was confused about how she could help curb environmental destruction by the fashion industry. She is another style blogger who adores clothing. You may know her, Greetje of No Fear of Fashion.

Here is her comment,

“…What am I to do? How am I to know which brand is completely good/sustainable? And if I buy something of that brand second-hand, will that be so much better? Or do I help to maintain the idea that such items are desirable, keep their value? Like second-hand fur (which I never buy). I don’t know, I am really confused.” – Greetje

Three Things A Fashion Lover Can Do To Help Save Our Planet

1. Anything you buy secondhand will be better for the earth.

New resources aren’t utilized to create it. Trying your best to shop secondhand first is the easiest way to have a clear conscience that you are making a personal effort to curb the destruction of the only home we have.

The quality of pieces you can find secondhand will astound you.

If you don’t have the time to shop secondhand yourself you can always shop consignment stores which will have a more curated selection. You can also shop secondhand online via Poshmark, Thred Up, Ebay and Etsy. Most of the pieces I find for my Etsy store are bought via thrift.

Here are a couple of my recent secondhand finds…

Three things fashion lovers can do to help save our planet. 1970s Brown vintage velvet jumpsuit for sale. — Vintage 1970s Velvet Jumpsuit For Sale S/M

grey sweater dress red boots shop secondhand first suzanne carillo — I wanted to make sure you see the back of those amazing appliquéd red boots. Sweater Dress M Here – Vintage 1980s Boots 7.5-8 Here

2. Educate Yourself

Remaining oblivious to the reality isn’t a choice anymore. Knowledge is power. Taking responsibility for our choices and educating ourselves and others is the best course of action.

We are on the Titanic now. One can look away from the iceberg, ignore it, keep eating our lovely meals, dancing away wearing our beautiful clothes but in the end we all know how that story ends.

Here are some documentaries and articles I recommend for educating yourself about the perils of our obsession and overconsumption of fashion:

River Blue

The True Cost available on Netflix

The High Cost of Fast Fashion

Are Your Clothes Wrecking The Planet?

Luxe: Les Dessous Chocs (in French)

Fast Fashion: Inside The Fight To End The Silence On Waste

Shop Less, Mend More

Clothing Fabrics: How Sustainable is Your Wardrobe?

3. Buy Less

Ultimately consumption is the enemy. Taking small steps towards reducing your fashion consumption will not only benefit the earth but your pocketbook as well. Understanding what fuels our desire to consume will help you better control your spending habits.

95% of the time we don’t buy because we need something, we buy because of how it makes us feel.

Buying is based on emotion. You are never buying what you think you are buying, you’re buying into a lifestyle, an ideal, a dream of what you want your life to be. We buy aspirationally.

Every time you feel the desire to purchase something new ask yourself these questions:

Do I need this?

How will this improve my life?

Can I buy this used instead?

Is this better than what I already own?

Am I anxious, unhappy, bored, sad and buying this to make myself feel better?

How do I feel knowing that acres of land/water/resources were destroyed in order to make this piece?

Will this have any meaning for me when I look back on my life?

Ultimately you will need to decide for yourself if you want to be part of the solution or part of the problem.

I leave you with one last thought…

“We are the first generation to know we are destroying our planet and the last one that can do anything about it.” – WWF UK Chief Executive Tanya Steele