Monday, January 16, 2012

Visible Monday: Denim-on-Denim, Twice

I've been on the lookout in thrift shops for a denim shirt ever since Janet of The Gardener's Cottage started wearing hers with sequins, leopard and with denim.


I already loved Janet's denim-on-denim look, then I got into Pinterest - such a fun and creative way to avoid my to-do list - and saw this slightly different look on Katie Holmes.


Last week, on my way home from work, I stopped off at my favorite thrift shop and found this denim shirt on sale for $1.99.


I knew my jean get up needed some color so I wore cognac booties by Tsubo, a brown belt and a colorful scarf Bliss generously gave me several months ago.


I tied it so that the vibrant orange showed the most, à la Katie Holmes.


Another look I've been wanting to try is a denim shirt is with white jeans. I found this cute outfit on Pinterest, too. 

From Running on Happiness

I wore my trusty white jeans from Banana Republic, black Calvin Klein pumps, black and silver belt...


and a big chain link choker by Ralph Lauren I bought many moons ago and never wear. I really can't remember ever wearing it and I've had it probably nine years. I want to wear it more often; I am liking the big, chunky look these days. My only complaint about it the way the links don't all lay horizontally.


Now that I've tried the denim-on-denim look, I've decided I like it. Have you ever worn a denim shirt with jeans?

My $1.99 shirt is just okay, certainly not bad for the price, but I would prefer one more fitted. It must be rather old as the shoulders are cut too wide and it's not tapered at all. I'm thinking it's from the early 90's when the grungy, baggy look was all the rage.

Through this experience, I've discovered another great reason to thrift: I can test-drive styles and fashions that interest me without making a big financial commitment. Now that I know I like denim shirts, I can start looking for a more modern one.

Something like this would be nice....

J Crew denim shirt: $198.00

too bad it's 100 times more than what I paid for mine. Yikes!


Do you wear denim with denim?

Have you ever used thrift store finds to experiment with style? 

Be sure to visit Visible Monday over at Patti's blog, Not Dead Yet Style and Monday Mingle at Bon Bon Rose Girls to see what all the lovely participants are wearing today.

XO,

Adrienne 

91 comments:

YEYE STYLE BLOG said...

denim on denim has got to be one of my all time favorites!

déjà pseu said...

Adrienne, these are both GREAT looks on you. I picked up a Ralph Lauren denim shirt on sale at Macy's in the fall for something like $40. (I'd NEVER pay almost $200 for a denim shirt; JCrew, "are you TRIPPIN?") Most of the brands like Gap, BR, Lauren by Ralph Lauren have some sort of denim shirt offerings right now. (I'm still trying to figure out how to style mine. Probably will wear open as a lightweight jacket alternative over a tee or sweater.)

Patti @ NotDeadYet Style said...

Adrienne, these looks are fantastic. I do wear double denim quite a bit, mixing light with dark like you've done here. Your scarf, necklace and boots are all fabulous accents. Thanks so much for participating in Visible Monday, I appreciate you!

Catherine @ Not Dressed As Lamb said...

Adrienne this look (with both dark and white jeans) is perfect on you... you make it look sooo chic. I too love double denim as we call it in the UK - I remember how much of a fashion faux-pas it was considered in the Noughties!! I know what you mean about wanting a more fitted shirt but this one is fabulous on you. It's a great find!

Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com/

La Vie Quotidienne said...

You look great in both outfits. I usually don't wear denim with denim, I like more contrast...but here it looks great!

Fashion By Alicia said...

Love your denim on denim looks. I definitely love the last look with your white jeans. So cute!

Rebekah said...

So California chic...very French, too. I saw many denim shirts worn just so in Venice. I think accessories, a well-tailored shirt, and jeans that fit you well are key to these looks.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do not own any denim tops sop double denim is not happening here...
thrifting might change that though!

I do like the white jeans and denim shirt combo.

It's so chilly here today, we have snow!

Adrienne said...

@YEYE STYLE BLOG It can look great if the contrast is there. I remember how it used to be a big no-no many years ago. Now it's stylish!

Thank you for stopping by!

Adrienne said...

@déjà pseu Thank you!
What a great find for $40. I am going to start hunting for a denim shirt at BR, Gap...like you suggested. Jcrew does have a cheaper denim shirt that I am considering. It's on sale for $59. Not bad, not great either.

I tried to wear mine open, but it looked even bigger on me. When I find one more suited to my shape, I will give that look a try, too.

And $198 for a denim shirt?? Yes, they are trippin' :)

gracefully50.com said...

Great look! Love it both ways. Mine was a black denim shirt w/light jeans. I'm also starting to love bold jewelry as well... :)

Jill said...

$1.99! I can't believe it! I love denim/chambray shirts. I particularly like how you paired it with the white jeans and belt. So effortless.

Sulky kitten said...

I like the double denim look when the denim is in contrasting shades.With your figure Adrienne, you could definitely go for a more fitted shirt, but you look great in your thrifty find as well !

Amy said...

Both outfits great, by my favorite is with the white jeans. That jcrew top seems a little overpriced. Perhaps check out Old Navy for a more fitted one? Much better prices there : ) (although I must say that I really like the fit of the thrifted one!)

Bravoe Runway said...

Hi Adrienne! I have yet to try the denim on denim trend! I like the denim with ivory jeans on bottom, definitely very RL-esque and the silver necklace you are wearing is gorgeous! I'm stopping by from Monday Mingle, can't believe it took me THIS long to discover your blog :) Looking forward to your next post!

Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell said...

Love all your denim on denim looks. I used to do that all the time, but then came "THE RULE" that said no denim on denim, so I haven't done it for a while.
I have an idea for your big link necklace. Run a scarf through it. I think it would look fabulous!

freeteyme said...

found you on BonBon Rose, very nice blog!

One of my favorites are black and white with Denim - black top, white jeans denim jacket. It always looks so chic no matter what the season is.

http://freeteyme.blogspot.com
check out my Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Love all of the looks and I really love that RL necklace...I wouldve worn it before now..its great!! I got my favorite denim shirt at WalMart for $7 a couple of years ago..so you out shopped me once again. I like denim on denim with the right accessories!! Great job!

Alyson said...

WOw, great score on this denim shirt. I'm also loving the denim on denim trend.

Cathi said...

I like a light denim on a dark. I have a shirt very similar to the J. Crew denim shirt and I got it at Target for under $20.00. I like all of your looks you have displayed here! xxoo

Savvy Southern Style said...

Great find and love the way you've styled it. I almost put my denim shirt in the goodwill pile, but decided to keep it after seeing denim pop up all over the place with denim, white, leopard, you name it.

fashionoverfifty said...

I remember when this was a huge no-no. Course that was the matching denim suit thing!
I wear my denim shirt so much!
Love this look~

Hines-Sight said...

I think you look really fabulous in the denim with the white pants, chunky necklace, hair pulled to the side. It's my favorite of the two looks.

I hate to say it, but I'm not as wild about the first outfit. Perhaps tie the scarf like Katie or maybe it is the angle you are standing. To me, the jeans are not as flattering as that second photo. Or maybe it is the fit of the jeans...those white jeans are just smashing on your figure in the hip area.

Always amazed by your finds.

steppingmywaytobliss said...

You wear denim well...I think I like the second look best. I wonder if you could just have that shirt tailored? Brought in a little around the middle? Just a thought. ~~Bliss

Paula said...

Love the double denim! There is something very Kate-esque about you dear (and I mean both the princess and the actress!)

www.superclementina.blogspot.com

xx

High Heeled Life said...

OMGOSH!! I love that look!! You have shared some great inspiration photos. Now I need a denim shirt, I had one years ago; since i"m going more casual this would be perfect. I love how you did your scarf (beautiful scarf)... wishing you a fabulous day! xo HHL

Carrie Teal said...

What a great find at the thrift store! That makes my day when I find a bargain like that. I love the denim shirt with the white jeans.

mummaducka said...

I'm not a big fan of denim on denim, preferring instead, white or black with dark denim and a colourful scarf to highlight. I love the necklace, but agree that you have to have the right top to wear it with as it spreads out wide.

mummaducka said...

Just thought, have you got a big pendant that you could hook on with an enhancer to the bottom link of the necklace? That helps chunky chains to lay flat and provides interest. and I do love the denim and white look with black accessories.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to take a risk and say no to denim on denim. A previous commenter mentioned the jeans in the first photo do not appear to be a good fit for you, I think she is right. The shirt is too shapeless and not worth the cost of tailoring. Also, any of us who wore this look back in the 90's might want to consider leaving it to the younger set who find it a fresh new look as it is just aging. You wear sportswear well and your white jeans look great, maybe if you find a denim shirt that fits better and pair with the white denim and scarf or necklace you've got a hit!

materfamilias said...

Two great looks! I've avoided the denim on denim, although I'd wear my slightly faded denim jacket with dark-wash jeans or skirt. And the white jeans and jean shirt don't register as denim on denim to me -- I just love that faded blue with sharp white.
I've let go of thrifting as it just takes more time than I currently have available, but this is a great example of being able to experiment with new looks at almost no cost.

Terri said...

Adrienne--You've nailed both of these looks! I have all the parts for a denim on denim look, but I seem to lack the "accessories" gene necessary to pull it off. I really really like the neglected necklace.

the gardener's cottage said...

thanks adrienne for the mention!

denim on denim is harder to do than you think huh? i love the way you paired it with a scarf and i always love white denim with a workshirt.

if i were you, i'd pop into a j crew outlet store and pick up one of their fitted chambray shirts. i think they run under $50.

thanks again. and you look beautiful as always! xo

Adrienne said...

@Patti @ NotDeadYet Style I think I prefer your term better than mine - double denim sounds much more elegant than denim-on-denim :)

I love Visible Monday! I can honestly say that it has improved the way I dress and made fashion more of a priority in my life. I am so glad I found you! xoxo, A

Adrienne said...

@Catherine @ Not Dressed As LambThere is the "double denim" again. I wish I could go back and change that from my denim-on-denim. Oh well! Too late now.

It was such a fashion no-no several years ago. I remember when I first saw it on a website and thought it looked weird - and not in a good way. Now it almost seems normal! It's fun to play around with.
xo

Adrienne said...

@La Vie Quotidienne Contrast is the key in double denim. If your denim shades are too close, it looks very weird and not very stylish.

Hope you are well! xo

Adrienne said...

@Fashion By Alicia I prefer outfit #2, too. I rarely go wrong with my white jeans...never thought I'd type that! White jeans used to be off limits for me.

Kristin said...

I looooooooove your denim on denim takes! The pop of color your scarf lends is just fabulous!

Adrienne said...

@Rebekah Really...in Venice? That's good to know. I suddenly feel more chic just knowing that!

What I need to work on is a pair of blue jeans that fit me well. Easier said than done!

Adrienne said...

@hostess of the humble bungalow Until I found this shirt, I didn't either. I had a cute short sleeved button down that was fitted years ago...I wore that thing to shreds!

Lucky you! I would love to see some snow in the hills around here (that's about all we ever get) but I would settle for some darn rain. It hasn't rained in weeks and weeks.

Adrienne said...

@gracefully50.com Oh, I have never even thought of black denim. Good idea! I am loving bold jewelry, too.
xo

Adrienne said...

@Jill Yes, $1.99! I was already going to buy it at $3.99, then I found out they were having a half off sale.

I am already on the hunt for a chambray shirt that fits a little better because I love this look, especially with the white jeans.

Thanks for stopping by!

Adrienne said...

@Sulky kitten Thank you, SK! You are right...the key is contrast when it comes to double denim.

Adrienne said...

@Amy Good tip on Old Navy... I will look there. Ultimately, I would like to find one in "tall" so that the bodice and the arms are long enough for me.
I prefer the white jeans look, too.

Adrienne said...

@Amy I just remembered I had a $20 coupon to use by the end of the month. They had a couple blue denim shirts, but the red denim really caught my eye - so I bought it! Thanks for the idea! xo

Adrienne said...

@Bravoe Runway Hi and welcome!

I prefer the white jeans look over the blue jeans look, too.

I'm off to visit you right now!

Nav said...

I love wearing denim on denim...except this days I experiment with colored denim ;)

xo Nav
http://navlandstyle.blogspot.com/

Miss Lego said...

Awesome! this is perfect for a fresh look at any hour! denim rocks!

Adrienne said...

@Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell I know that rule well. And it prevented me from trying denim with denim - "double denim" - until now.

I like your idea about the scarf with the big link necklace. Currently, the scarves I own are all too big. But I am sure I will find a smaller scarf that would work on one of my thrifty adventures :)

Adrienne said...

@freeteymeHi! So glad you stopped by!

Great idea with the black top, white jeans and denim jacket. I'll have to try that sometime.

I am off to visit your blog!

Adrienne said...

@Pam @ over50feeling40 I have tried to wear that necklace dozens of times and it never has looked quite right until now. I hope I can find other shirts to wear it with.

You grabbed a great deal at Walmart! Contrast and accessories are key with double denim looks.

Adrienne said...

@Alyson It was a great score, but it's likely heading back to Goodwill. I am on the prowl for a fitted denim shirt so I can continue to wear double denim.

Tamera Beardsley said...

Adrienne, what a lovely and educational post...I so appreciate the time and creativity you share. I too am a big fan of white jeans, it wasn't until I started posting this summer that I realized how much they were my go to piece!

Adrienne said...

@Cathi I like the contrast of light and dark denim, too. It's the only way to wear it fashionably, in my opinion.

Great job getting a denim shirt you love for just $20.00! That is what I am hoping for. xo

Adrienne said...

@Savvy Southern Style I am glad you kept your denim shirt - they really are everywhere and at every price point. I actually saw one today at Nordrom online for over $600! Good thing you held onto yours!
Thank you for stopping by and saying hello!

Adrienne said...

@fashionoverfifty I remember well when it was a big no-no. I am glad it's acceptable more, especially since I wear jeans 4 or 5 days of the week. It makes dressing a little more fun!

Adrienne said...

@Hines-Sight It's the jeans, Leigh, they aren't the best fit. I get SO frustrated with my jeans. The one pair that fits me in the hips and waist and rear, is too short to wear anything but flats. These jeans are the only ones that have enough length for a heel.

After I read your comment, I searched around and found some long - actually extra long jeans at Gap. I hope they work out! Fingers crossed. As soon as I find a pair, these blue ones featured in this post are going bye-bye.

karen said...

You adorable thing! I just bought a JCrew soft denim/chambray shirt and it was around maybe $50? I like mine fitted too and am experimenting with ways to wear it over and over. I think yours looks great tucked in like that. Why not also put a tee under it and then belt it? Or try it buttoned up with the sleeves rolled up. I think you will like this and you are smart for finding a two dollar shirt this week! Karen

Adrienne said...

@steppingmywaytobliss I thought of having the shirt tailored but it's not worth it. Plus, the shoulders are too wide. As soon as my seamstress brings them up, the length will be gone from the sleeves. I think I can find a denim shirt that I like and that will fit for less than $40... that is my goal. Thanks for the idea, though. It had crossed my mind, too. xo

Adrienne said...

@Paula Welcome and thank you for saying hello!

That is a lovely compliment! When I read it, I had to share it with my husband right away. Thank you, thank you :)

Adrienne said...

@High Heeled Life I hope you find a denim shirt you love. There are loads of them out there - I've been looking. I think it's a great item to have if you find yourself wearing mostly casual chic outfits.

I hope you have a lovely week! Give your furbabies a kiss for me. xo

Adrienne said...

@Carrie Teal Hi Carrie! Thank you for stopping by! Finding a good thrift store item always makes my day, too. It's really such a thrill!

Adrienne said...

@mummaduckaThat is an idea. I have no enhancers, but I can look for one. It may end up making the link drop down vertically. But I am willing to try it! Thanks for the idea :)

Adrienne said...

@Anonymous Thank you for your input. I agree that they jeans I am wearing in the first photo aren't flattering and am hoping a pair I ordered today fit a little better. A good pair of jeans is essential - especially when you wear them nearly everyday like I do.

I am also hoping to find a fitted denim shirt and I think as long as the contrast is there, denim on denim can look great on most people, young and old(er).

Adrienne said...

@materfamilias The white jeans sort of are not "real" denim - so I did fudge a little ;)

Thrifting can be time consuming and you have to be in the mood - the right frame of mind (patient, open-minded, not pressed for time). I have a small thrift shop nearby where I find most of my things -I stop by once a week for a look-see and usually find something that wasn't there the week before.

There is a huge thrift store that just opened up. I want to go, but am waiting for a day when I can bring a friend and take a few hours to browse.

Adrienne said...

@Terri I think you could pull a double denim look, for sure! If the contrast is there and you add some colorful accessories, I believe it can work.

I like my neglected necklace, too. I just need to spend some time working with it. I am going to try to wear it again this week.

Adrienne said...

@the gardener's cottage Hi Janet! I am so glad you dropped by. You have been my biggest influence to thrift and create new looks from my finds.

It isn't easy to find the right jeans and accessories to wear with a denim shirt - you're right about that.

There is a Jcrew outlet in Napa. I think I'll stop by next time I am over there to see if they have any denim shirts. There is Banana outlet not too far from me, too.

Thanks again for all your wonderful inspiration! xoxo, A

Adrienne said...

@Kristin Thank you for stopping by today, Kristin! I appreciate you hosting today's Monday Mingle.

I was so happy to finally wear my lovely gifted scarf. Orange is one of my favorite colors.

Adrienne said...

@Nav Hello Nav! Thank you for dropping by!
Colored denim is something I have considered...not sure I can carry it off and not look like I'm dressing too young. But I am curious. Maybe I'll start with a jacket.

Adrienne said...

@Miss Lego Thank you, Miss Lego!

Adrienne said...

@Tamera Beardsley Hi Tamara! Thank you for stopping by!

White pants and jeans were off my radar for so, so long. I am very glad I rediscovered them. They are very versatile.

Adrienne said...

@karen Hi Karen!

I'm starting to think J Crew is where I need to find my new denim shirt.

I will try a T shirt underneath and play around with belts once I find the right shirt.

Thank you for the advice, Karen!

Fashion Confessions of a Mommy said...

Visiting from Monday Mingle.
I love your denim on denim examples.
I haven't done the tying the scarf tight around my neck like that in years and reminded me how cool it looks.
The blue on white is very pretty as well.
Daphne.
http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com

kim at northerncalstyle. said...

Adrienne,

Love the denim shirt on you. i'm digging mine out this week to see what I can wear with it and I love the scarf idea. Looks great on you!

Kim:)

kathy peck said...

I like it when there's some contrast. And the scarf looks great with it too. Not crazy about the RL necklace on you though, it doesn't lay right, and I find it distracting. I've been eyeing that J.Crew denim shirt too!

~ B. said...

I just have to say that I love that you are trying out so many new looks! Good for you! I think my fav is the denim with the white! :)

Laura said...

great thrift find! I like both those looks! I see what you mean about wanting a more fitted version, but I don't think you current shirt looks sloppy or grungy at all!

V.O. said...

Adrienne, tres chic! I love the look; and YES to thrifting -- I find as much of my capsule wardrobe as possible thrifting. In Houston you can find barely worn treasures in the right places. You've inspired me to add a denim shirt to my spring look, and like you, I'll look for a fitted one. BTW< you are totally on top of the trends!! Nordstrom is copying you. They feature denim shirts on their "Top Trends" site under the "French Charm" option. Thanks for your inspirational posts! XOXO

Mongs said...

you look so stylish as always. I like your demin inspiration, and you totally made your $1.99 shirt looks like a million bucks! Well done.

mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

Adrienne said...

@Fashion Confessions of a Mommy Welcome, Daphne! I love your name.


I went many, many years without wearing scarves and now I wear them three or four times a week. They are such an easy way to add color to an outfit.

Thank you for stopping by!

Adrienne said...

@kim at northerncalstyle. Hi Kim,

I think denim shirts can be quite versatile. I have seen them with long skirts and short, shorts, slacks, and, of course, jeans. I hope you find some fun ways to wear yours! xo

Adrienne said...

@kathy peck The fact that that RL necklace doesn't lay right may be cause for me to consign it. Maybe it's twisted or something...if it does it again, it's gone!

I really love that JCrew shirt, too. But $200 is too much for my budget. I could buy a second hand Hermes scarf for that. However, I have been looking at denim shirts, and it's hard to find one as lovely as that one.

Adrienne said...

@~ B. The white jean look is my favorite, too. It looks like my New Year's Resolution is try out different styles! That wasn't planned, but that is what is happening. It's fun!

Adrienne said...

@Laura The shirt isn't that bad, but it is too wide in the shoulders which really bugs me. Still searching for that fitted denim shirt for under $40. In the meantime, my $1.99 shirt will have to do!
Hope you are well! Nice to hear from you. xo

Adrienne said...

@V.O. I am so glad to hear you are successful with thrifting, too! I hear from lots of people that they have terrible luck in thrift stores. I think you have to find the right one - for you - and have to be prepared to spend some time, be open minded and be willing to tailor.

I owe being on top of the denim shirt trend entirely to Janet of the gardener's cottage....she makes hers look so chic!

I'll have to check out that Nordstrom tab...I love the "French Charm" title. That's delightful!

Thank you for stopping by! It's so nice to hear from you. xo

Adrienne said...

@Mongs I am always inspired by your thrifted finds. You make everything look like you paid big bucks :)

Four Flights said...

Found you through Monday Mingle, and my chambray shirt purchase last fall was my favorite purchase all year. Your looks are great, especially the one with the white jeans.

Adrienne said...

@Four Flights Welcome Four Flights! So great to "meet" you through Monday Mingle.
I am liking the chambray shirt as a new addition to my wardrobe. It's so versatile!

Anonymous said...

Haven't done that in a while. I think my last denim shirt was pretty boxy and loose too. It looks great with the white pants. I'm on the hunt now for a denim shirt and white denim pants. JCrew is best when on sale. Just put it in your cart and wait for the extra 30%off sale. I get great bargains for the whole family that way!
CT

Anonymous said...

Haven't done that in a while. I think my last denim shirt was pretty boxy and loose too. It looks great with the white pants. I'm on the hunt now for a denim shirt and white denim pants. JCrew is best when on sale. Just put it in your cart and wait for the extra 30%off sale. I get great bargains for the whole family that way!
CT

Lorena said...

You look spectacular - and i totally love your hair.
:)

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