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OOTD x2: Double Denim for Spring + DIY Paper Bracelet Page to Bead Examples

I have to say that wearing double denim as a style choice is not something that comes naturally to me! I am still haunted by the combination of the 1980s double denim look complete with acid wash, oversized jean jacket, and giant hair + the ubiquitous Texas tuxedo of my Oklahoma upbringing.


But one way I will wear two denim pieces together is when one of them is this thrifted striped denim vest (CJ Banks brand via Goodwill, $6.99, 12/2018). As of mid-March, I had only worn this vest 5 times in the 4+ years I've owned it, but then I pulled it out twice in the last week because it was just the right weight for layering in our changeable spring weather. Current cost per wear: $1.

My first double denim outfit pairs the striped vest with dark wash skinny jeans and a blush pink long-sleeved T. I had initially been planning to wear a dusky pink pullover sweater, but when the time came, I thought the sweater would be too warm for me, so I switched in the T and vest in its place. (Oddly, I have a couple of pale pink LS Ts but none in a darker shade so I couldn't do a straight sweater to T substitution; however, I thought the blush pink worked fine in this outfit.)

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40
OOTD 3/28/23

This outfit features double stripes as well as double denim because I added this black scarf with rich sparkly stripes in shades of pink, blue, and tan/taupe (the scarf I had planned to wear with the pink sweater).

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40

The outfit also has double sparkles because I wore these black and blue tweed ballet flats with silver threads in the tweed and sparkly centers on the bows.

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40

I wore my go-to DIY braided headband and a pair of pink crystal earrings.

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40

I was looking for a DIY bracelet set that combined black with blue and pink, and the set that I created in light blue, pink, black, and silver to coordinate with one of my summery scarves fit the requirements nicely (for details, see Set 4 in this design a DIY bracelet set post). That accounts for the top 5 bracelets in the stack. The bottom deep orchid glass pearl bracelet is a recent DIY piece that I added at the last minute for some extra shine.

DIY Bracelet Set

My second outfit is the Barbiecore version of double denim with black jeggings and a bright watermelon pink sweater. The sweater has a cute crane motif (which you can see here), but it was mostly obscured in this outfit by my flowing scarf.

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40
OOTD 3/25/23

This scarf is an interesting combination of various bright pink and orange colors that look a bit like paint brushed against a black background. Like other ombré, tie-dye, watercolor patterns, and similar prints with a gradual shading and blending of colors, it has the multiple colors of a print without the distinct shapes of a print. I like the look of these prints and find them easy to incorporate into print mixes because they don't tend to visually jar against other more distinct prints.

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40

I added another print to the look with these black and white knit smoking flats by Skechers.

Plus size outfit idea for women over 40

My all-DIY daily bracelet stack is a combination of 3 paper bracelets I made as a set to accompany my bright pink/orange/black polka dot/bird motif silk scarf (#5 in this post), a clear crackle bead and black bead bracelet I often wear with those three, and the black bead + cat charm bracelet I made for last Halloween (described here).

DIY Bracelet Set

I didn't take a photo of the paper for the bottom pink and white bracelet, but I do have the pages (or strips) for the other two. The bicone beads on the middle bright pink and black bracelet started life as a full-page ad in The Economist with black palm trees and white text against the rich pink background. I covered up the white text on the triangular strips with black marker before rolling them. The tube beads were made from the image of a patchwork dress in a Coldwater Creek catalog; the image was quite small, so I cut it out and glued it to the end of a full page before cutting the rectangular strips. I painted the tube beads with black acrylic paint on both ends.

DIY Paper Beads page to bead example
DIY paper bead page to bead example

Other posts in this series:






Selecting rabbits to coordinate with these outfits was very easy! A strikingly patterned black Dutch rabbit and an ultra-soft black mini rex rabbit were the clear choices.

Black Dutch and black mini rex rabbits

In my first outfit with the sparkly scarf and ballet flats, the velvety texture of the mini rex rabbit's fur adds depth and a luxe sensibility, elevating the simple t-shirt and jeans look.

In the second Barbiecore outfit, the optic black and white color combination and angular pattern of the Dutch rabbit's fur replicates the look of the smoking flats for a stronger sense of intentionality.

Do you like wearing double denim? What items do you like to pair for such a look?


Blogs I link up with are listed here.


14 Comments


carolbenton
Apr 10, 2023

I like this combination of black + red + vertical stripes + a long scarf. The textures and colors work well together. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 59.

Carol

www.scribblingboomer.com

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sallyinstpaul
sallyinstpaul
Apr 11, 2023
Replying to

Thanks, Carol - having some go-to formulas does make creating outfits easier!

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awayfromblue
Apr 09, 2023

I love finding a formula of basics that works and then switching up slightly each time - which you do so well with both these outfits. I like the blush pink and the brighter pink versions equally! And as always, you accessorise so perfectly.


Thanks for joining the Weekday Wear Link up :)

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sallyinstpaul
sallyinstpaul
Apr 11, 2023
Replying to

Thanks, Mica - isn't it nice when we can tweak a formula instead of having to reinvent every time??

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mlrbanks57
Apr 04, 2023

Double denim or denim on denim is so difficult for me. I think it's because so much of my denim seems to match! I think the key to success is to have contrast. You accomplished that so well with this striped vest! I love both looks, especially with the way you so easily incorporated the extra prints! Brava!!


https://marshainthemiddle.com/

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sallyinstpaul
sallyinstpaul
Apr 04, 2023
Replying to

You are exactly right, Marsha! When the denim pieces match or worse, almost match, it just feels strange to me. With contrast, it works. That's the takeaway point here - thanks for articulating that!

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Natalie Ogbourne
Natalie Ogbourne
Apr 03, 2023

Double denim doesn't come naturally to me, either, but I'm hoping to step out and try it someday. Thanks for the inspiration! Also, that vest is stunning!

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sallyinstpaul
sallyinstpaul
Apr 03, 2023
Replying to

Thanks, Natalie! This vest was such a great find - it definitely makes it easier for me to step into the double denim look.

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Allyson Lauder
Allyson Lauder
Apr 03, 2023

I always enjoy seeing your DIY bracelets and appreciate the tutorial! I'm featuring you at this week's #HomeMattersParty. Thanks for sharing! SouthernSunflowers.com

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sallyinstpaul
sallyinstpaul
Apr 03, 2023
Replying to

Thank you, Allyson! I definitely appreciate the feature as well as your kind comment!

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