Since I live in such a small town rural area I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do either with the family or sometimes on my own…
THE STORY
…Fortunately, even though I’m in the backwoods, I only live about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh and a half hour from Youngstown, Ohio so if something catches my interest I’ll make the drive.
This past weekend we went to the Youngstown Flea. It’s not a flea market per se, it’s actually a collection of local vendors selling handmade items and art, fresh flowers, as well as a lot of vintage boutiques selling everything from clothing to records to furniture. It has a really cool vibe, everyone is super friendly, and it’s easy to spend quite a bit of time just wandering around checking out all of the wares.
As much as I am a big fan of shopping online, I do love to shop local when given the opportunity. When I do that, not only am I supporting local small businesses, but I have also get the opportunity to meet some really fabulous people and find unique pieces that I might never have discovered online. For example I picked up a really cool epoxy crow skull from @holdfast_handmade for my desk in my new home office space I’ve been working on as well as a couple unique interpretive movie posters for the walls from @elevenbyseventeen. Both do custom work as well as sell online, so definitely check them out!
I also discovered some super cool vintage pieces from @melshabitat. I can’t wait to stop by and check out her shop, and we may be working on a little collaboration in the future that I’m also looking forward to! I love me some good vintage/secondhand graphic tees, so I was pretty happy when I scored some perfectly worn-in vintage Harley Davidson tees for my husband and I as as well as a cute little top for my daughter from @nomadic.threads too. All in all I’d have to say it was a successful day of shopping!
While the world is truly at our fingertips when it comes to making purchases, online shopping has also depersonalized the entire process. There’s nothing quite like shopping small businesses because not only are you going to discover some truly original handmade and vintage pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, but you also get the chance to make a personal connection with the human beings behind the business…and that’s something that oftentimes is forgotten…the importance of personal connection.
THE OUTFIT
While it’s true that I have a rather healthy collection of many things, kimonos and American Eagle denim are two things that jump immediately to mind, my most extensive collection probably has to be my graphic tees. Personal style is one of the most overt ways to express who we are to the world; and assuming that is true, graphic tees are like the neon sign of that outward expression.
When done right a graphic tee can work with everything from work wear to a silk dress, a tulle skirt and obviously, denim. The key to rocking a graphic tee with confidence no matter what you pair it with, is to choose tees that really resonate with you. Whether it be a saying, a reflection of something that you are interested in or love or simply an image that you think is pretty, a good graphic tee will express a piece of who you are and thus you’ll feel comfortable wearing it.
For example, the graphic tee that I’m wearing today is from “Z Nation”, a zombie show that I discovered on Netflix awhile back. I was never a fan of the zombie genre, however the characters were awesome and the whole thing was kind of tongue in cheek. My husband and I binge watched every single season in a matter of a few weeks. I was literally obsessed. When my husband got me this tee for my birthday I couldn’t have been more excited. Since it’s a kind of gritty badass image I decided pairing it with my flowy girly pink palazzo pants was a fun way to go. My snake skin gladiator sandals haven’t gotten a lot of love over the last few years so I’ve been making an effort to wear them this summer and thought they were the perfect finishing touch for this outfit.
I think that sometimes graphic tees get a bad rap. They are perceived as juvenile or inappropriate. Not so my friends. First of all, you should all know by now that we live in a time where antiquated rules and constraints are no more; if you love it wear it, age be damned. Secondly, just like many things that we wear some pieces are situationally inapproriate. For example, wearing shredded denim to a job interview is probably not an appropriate choice…the same goes for graphic tees…consider wear you going before you get dressed.
Back in the day I adored the show “What Not To Wear”. I probably wouldn’t be into it today because, well, I don’t appreciate being told what not to wear. Anyway, I clearly remember the episode that I decided I was over it. There was a woman who had a fabulous collection of graphic tees and Stacy and Clinton threw them away….whatttt?? Even then I had big love for graphic tees and nobody needs that kind of negativity in their lives, so I was done.
THE TIP
When styling a graphic tee keep these tips in mind:
- Choose graphic tees that resonate with who you are, if it doesn’t represent an aspect of your personality you in all likelihood not be comfortable wearing it
- Keep in mind where you are wearing it…is it situationally appropriate
- Pair a graphic tee with a blazer, pencil skirt or dress pants and pumps for work
- Style graphic tees with unexpected partners like tulle, satin and sequins
- Age be damned…if you have an undying love for Care Bears and find a Care Bears tee, then rock on with your bad self
- Some of the best graphic tees are secondhand/vintage or in your husband’s closet
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Pants: Free People (Similar); Tee: Similar; Sandals: Similar; Belt: Amazon
