Cool Kid

(the perpetual photobomber)

Do you ever feel like you're not cool enough for a fashion trend or style? I was feeling that way about the newest incarnation of the distressed jean. It just looked so cool for some reason and I really didn't think I could pull it off. However, I kept coming back to it and part of me really wanted to give it a try. 
In the process of cleaning out my closet, I was getting ready to throw away this pair of old jeans. I bought them right before my freshmen year of college in the junior section at Kohls. For only $17.99, they have served me well for a long time. By now though, they had shrunk in length and starting to lose their shape. I decided to give them one last chance at life by DIYing my own pair of "cool" jeans. You know what? They did make me feel cool. It was so funny. I don't know if it's because they are on trend, I made them myself or just some mental concept that I have created. The jeans made me feel cool and I don't mind that. I probably won't get many wears out of my new cool jeans. That's ok. I am just happy that I went for it. Getting a few more wears out of something that was on it's way to the trash is fine with me. 

Do you have an article of clothing that makes you feel cool? Are you nervous to try out a trend because you don't feel cool enough? 

Style: A Small Attempt

Here it is, guys. An outfit post. I know I am going to look back at this and cringe big time. Ha!
Part of the reason I started this blog is because I have been a big fan of blogs for a long time. I got into fashion blogs in 2009. I stumbled across the idea of blogging after browsing through Chictopia (anybody remember that?) There were a few girls on Chictopia that I loved to check out regularly so when I found out that they had their own sites, I just cut out the middle man. Sorry, Chictopia. One of my earliest follows was A Clothes Horse. She was and still is inspiring. I never knew people actually dressed like that! Her vintage style and plethora of dresses was so different from my normal fair of jeans and cardigans. It was eye opening.
Her style is always adorable but what is more amazing is her photography skills. She takes most all of her own photos using a tripod and a self-timer. I am constantly blown away by her skill level. Some of her shoots are editorial quality. I can always count on her for inspiration.
While my photos are not nearly as amazing as hers, I really enjoyed taking them. It is so nice to carve out a little time on a gloriously sunny to do something creative. I'll be back at work cleaning out the freezer here soon, but for a little bit I got to play. Hopefully, this playing will eventually turn into something cool but as for now, I am just going to revel in the dorkiness and go with it.

Over the Weekend: Halloween

Hope everyone had a good weekend! Our festivities were dampened by a little by sickness, but it did not stop us from getting dressed up. For Baby's first Halloween, I decided I would try to make a cute little bird costume. He always has his frog Wubbanub in his mouth so I thought a little bird chomping down on a frog would be hilarious. I wanted to make his costume, first to save money and secondly because I enjoy the creative process. I don't know if it was much cheaper but I know I enjoyed the experience. I found the hoodie/zip up combo on hm.com for $18. The felt for the beak, eyes and feathers cost $2 at Hobby Lobby. Overall, I didn't sink too much money into the costume and I love that it gave me an excuse to break out my sewing stuff.
Since I never pass up on a chance for a costume, I was a bird watcher (every baby bird needs someone to look after it). My outfit consisted of some work pants, one of Scott's flannels and his duck hunting hat. I also had a backpack and a pair of binoculars that were not pictured.  It was all rather silly and low key but I loved every minute of it. The night ended with some candy in bed while the sick husband watched some 30 Rock. A Halloween for the record books, folks.

Non-Outfit Post

You would think that with a blog named "When In Doubt, Wear Stripes," there would be at least ONE outfit post. Well, I tried to photograph one this afternoon and it went horribly. The lighting was off, I was being attacked by mosquitos, and I frankly felt like I looked fat in every photo. I admitted defeated and headed inside and changed into my "around the house" clothes. A long sleeve t-shirt and athletic shorts. I love to get dressed up for the day but when I am home it is all about comfort. I decided to not let the defeat of one bad shoot get me down and I attempted another outfit post in the house. This is my usual attire when I am getting stuff done. Easy, casual and above all cozy. It is not glamorous by any means. Maybe one day I will get a good outfit shot but for now, this is what I have.