Must-Have?

Let us discuss the phrase "must-have".  I was out looking for a wallet for one of my college kids this weekend, so of course I had to try on a few things.  The first thing I noticed was that practically every display sign in the store said must-have.  Well you can't 'must have' every shirt and sweater in every department.  

I tried on what turned out to be a shapeless cardigan, a shirt with sleeves that fell off my shoulders, and a black sleeveless shirt with an interesting layered look on the front.  All of these were supposed to be 'must have' pieces, and none of them were for me.  I decided that I would 'like to have' the black sleeveless shirt because it was interesting, and versatile.  While I follow fashion trends as much as the next person if not more, one should not let an overused phrase dictate what you decide to add to your wardrobe this fall.  Don't forget about classic pieces that last several seasons, they get the most mileage.  Word to the fashion advertising gurus, get a thesaurus.  Did I find the wallet?  Of course I did, a black leather trifold by Dockers for $10.40 on clearance.  Go Me!
Elle top from Kohl's 

Distress Your Own Jeans

Ok ladies, it's time to channel Macgvyer.  Take an old pair of jeans that still fit, but you don't wear much.  Mine were an old pair of London Jeans in an outdated wash.  Next, go around the house and find things that might make good tools.  I found a funny shaped serrated knife that I rarely use, which I suspect has something to do with seafood.  Also,  I donned a coarse nail file, some sandpaper, a sponge and bleach.
First, go online and find a pair of distressed jeans that you like.  Observe where the distressing is and how much of it looks good to you.  I jumped right in, wielding my funny knife, and proceeded to cut my finger.  Go me!  So, blood stains are optional.
Saw the knife back and forth until you have a worn area - go lightly at first till you get the hang of it, you can always add more later.  Remember, the areas will get bigger in the wash so I recommend doing a little - washing the jeans and then doing some more.
I used the sand paper and nail file to rough up any corners like at the pockets and the zipper area.  Don't forget to work your knife across the bottom of the leg to give that frayed, worn in look.
Finally, put some bleach on a sponge and work it over the distressing - this adds a really nice faded look.  You can also rub some bleach down the center of the leg which will not only look worn, but also add nice contour.  Let them sit overnight & give them a final wash.  As you wear and wash the jeans they will look just like the ones you would have dished out big bucks to have.  Mine only cost me a band-aid!