Last time I wore this shirt (and photographed it) it was summer, and I was in Berlin. It was the perfect combination for the jeans I wore then. It has been perfect for spring in New York, awkardly paired with a mis-matched shirt. Worn under a jumper–as a pop styling surprise. And yes, before the heat wave, tucked under a different pair of jeans. Jeans, that somehow, tighter (along with the shirt) with even a different kind of life to them…
Some of my favorite tops have tiny holes, or are stretched beyond their original form. And though it seems I’ve gained weight over the winter (more on that soon), this shirt is being worn again this summer. Same. But different.
Here’s how I did it:
+ A simple thin printed top that can be worn under, over, summer, fall, with a bra and without.
+ Vintage high waisted denim jeans. Or ones that look like such.
+ A pop of color to bring the summer in full swing.
Off you go!
Any things of your own that are surely past their life-span, but you wear them anyway?
Photos by Amanda Petersen for LaTonya Yvette
mine is a well worn crepe wrap dress whose matching fabric belt is in dismal condition. it’s staying in my closet forever though because i wore it to the hospital when my son had a minor surgery. i knew, even if i looked somewhat out of place in a floral dress around people mostly in sweatpants and scrubs, it would cheer me up and get me through the waiting.
(also, love this look! so summery in primary colors)
I love this, Ashley! Thank you for sharing. I definently have things in my closet that reminds me of a specific time I wore it and just can’t pick it up again. And I am a firm believer in clothes as armor.. that dress got you through. it’s so important!
In my house we mend clothes. I grew up in a three generational female household. We all shared our clothes; depending on who found an item in the back of a closet, or loved it more, or simply who needed it the most (because she had put on weight and needed something that fit!). This is how I found my favorite pair of jeans: through my Mom’s generosity. First they belonged to my father, before he left, them my mother, and now me. The crotch has been patched a dozen times, the pockets are torn, the thighs are thin. They are perfectly worn, and well loved.
I adore your blog, Latonya. It’s nice to see a fellow Brooklyn girl do what she loves so beautifully. Congrats on the book!
Maddie, I instantly thought of the time I sat and learned how to sew with a machine because I wanted to mend the clothes or remake them! I love your story and so good to hear others are fixing and rewearing things they love.
And thank you so much for the sweet comment. Some days or weeks, I’m like WHAT IS IT IM DOING HERE. And its really important to read and see comments like yours. Because there’s so much work on the back end to run a space, fund it, and do it with love and truth. So just a long note to say, it means more than you know!
I keep them, I love them past their life time. Restyle them in a different way or hand them down to my teenage daughter🤗 It’s fun. Love your blog. Love your book! Love your shirt and your hair! you are just a GIFT🙌🏾 Light and love to you Queen!
I have a pair of jeans that somehow always make my day, old, mended, probably two sizes too big… happiness!