I have been pining for a pair of the Gap's "broken-in" rolled-up khahis - they look so comfortable with the higher waist and relaxed fit (sigh, there was a time when I would never have uttered 'comfortable', 'high-waisted' or 'relaxed fit' without shuddering...). My comfortable wardrobe these days seems to be teetering on full-blown slob, so I am hoping these walk the less-slobby side of the line for cooler days at the park.
BUT, I am trying to get through the summer without investing in too many new things - fighting the urge to have whatever the trend is and be more responsible with my cash and my need for new clothes. The horror of the tragedy in Bangladesh has not left me - especially since 90% of my wardrobe is Joe Fresh. I have no idea what the answer to that can of worms is, but I can tell you that this beast of a need to shop is tougher to ignore than I would like.
In an effort to feed the shopping monster without waking the guilt monster, I bought a pair of ca. 2005 (or is it 1995? I forget) Gap trousers at Value Village. They fit nicely around the hips and butt but were quite wide in the leg for my 2013 sensibilities. So I brought out the sewing machine and in-expertly brought them closer to the leg by turning them inside out, pinning about where I thought they should go, and running a straight-ish line down the inside seam. I did one leg first, and sewed it a few times before I was happy with the shape. Then I just folded them over and copied the line to the other leg. Turned them back out, rolled up the bottom, and taddah, my own broken-in khakis.
New clothes, a trip to Value Village, a little DIY, the style I was after and my hazy, ill-defined values intact - who knew one pair of trousers could satisfy in so many ways?
They look good! I always thought changing the inseam would be harder- good to know it was just a simple stitch!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! I'm a big fan of altering clothes to fit current trends. And I also have a lot of Joe Fresh stuff :( I love the casual style.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy! It was my first time actually doing it, but I know I will be doing it more and more. My next ambition is to make those big boxy concert Ts more fitted.
ReplyDeleteThanks Casey! I wasn't sure which seam to do, but the outside seam was fancier and sturdier, so I went with the more simple inside seam. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice! I just did this yesterday to a pair of old jeans I had. Such a great idea doing it with pants too. Lord knows I have a lot of old wide legged pants that could use altering!
ReplyDeleteYou are the bestest Brooke. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! I think I may try my hand at a jean skirt next - I have been searching for one that is bigger than a handkerchief without success. And I hadn't thought of jeans!
ReplyDeletethat is crazy how awesome a couple flips of a hem can make a pair of pants look! amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara! I agree, sometimes your old stuff is just a step or two away from looking completely new and fresh. :)
ReplyDelete