Today's outfit was built around these new-to-me thrifted trousers that I fished out of the giveaway pile when I was rooting around for my coats last week. Regret-me-nots! 
They were in the giveaway pile because they were too big in the waist on me, so drooped and dragged on the ground. I paid less than $13 for 'em, so I didn't feel too bad.
- Velvet blazer - Talbots, thrifted; last worn here in January with red ruffles and leopard
- Top - Gilmour, consignment; first seen here in January 2022 with browns
- Trousers - Nanette Lepore, thrifted; purchased here for $12.47
- Shoes - Banana Republic, consignment; last worn here a couple of weeks ago with bronze and a beaded snake
These Red Boss Pants are not to be confused with my red linen pair, which are starting to fray and fall apart at the seams.
When I noticed that last summer, I put Red Boss Pants on my mental shopping list.
I was excited when I found these - good brand, okay fabric, Swoosh Factor 10 - but as I couldn't try them on, I had to risk it.
I was disappointed that they didn't work out, so when my eyes alit on them last week, I pulled them out and thought, "I can fix these, or at least make them wearable for me."
If you look carefully, you can see two small pleats at the waistband.
They're still not the greatest quality - I have not yet achieved Best Red Boss Pants!
Oh, yeah, the outfit. Did you notice the tiger on my shoulder?
Did you spot the snakes at my neck and on my wrist? My colleagues had fun discovering all my gold critters.
Back to the pants. I folded over a small pleat on each side of the centre seam at the front, and sewed the top part together securely.
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It tightened the waist by about 2 sizes, which pulled up the hems to a perfect length. I was pleased with the results. Go, me! I wouldn't spend the money to alter these, but that's good enough to make these wearable.
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My "Please stop, thank you for not hitting me!" at crosswalks. I aim to be bright!
No coat needed, so no risk of Velvet Rage.
Accoutrements:
I'm glad I kept these leopard shoes (another regret-me-not), although I still dislike the loafer style in general. That's a good heel.
The scarf wafted around me in the breeze on the way home.
- Scarf - fake Louis (Lewis!) Vuitton, thrifted
- Gloves - Parkhurst
The stuff:
Gold animal bling:
Three snakes and a tiger!
- Necklace - vintage expo
- Snake bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
- Bracelet/earrings - Alexis Bittar, consignment, gift from L
- Snake double ring - consignment
- Brass ring - vintage mall
- Creeper tiger brooch - consignment
- Belt - thrifted
Ooh, love the "Lewis" fake Stephen Sprouse collab rose print! "Lewis" goes well with leopard, and the reds work together, too. And OMG you're reminding me of a wonderful Cartier knock off bracelet I bought at a hotel gift shop. I loved it so much, but it finally broke. I still have the matching earrings, but I miss that bracelet!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it cool, Poppy? I actually have a black and white fake LV/Sprouse scarf too! Someone got ripped off in Italy on vacation, I'm sure! Your bracelet sounds amazing - I love that you still have the earrings, though.
DeleteI dislike loafers too. Just a bit to menly for my liking. However..... if they are leopard it's a different story of course! Make the clothes work for you right? Perfect example here.
ReplyDeleteThey just don't look right on my feet, Nancy. I love lace-ups/Oxfords, though.
DeleteCool outfit. Red & leopard are fab together. Lise
ReplyDeleteI so agree, thanks, Lise!
DeleteNot only is your outfit strong, colorful and crosswalk safe, but you also have on cool socks! What IS it with drivers who forget that when they aren’t in their cars they, too, are pedestrians?! Urg.
ReplyDeleteIt’s fun to have a mission for ‘always be trading up’ to the best version of red boss lady pants. Meanwhile, your fix does the job!
I was just imagining all your jeweled critters rising up to life at a crosswalk, causing drivers to halt in an instant. ;)
Cheers, Laurie
Lol, the socks embarrassed me - I should have worn sheer knee-highs (I need to do laundry). Oh, don't get me started on drivers vs. pedestrians!
DeleteYes, Always Be Upgrading! These are good enough for now, but I deserve really great quality and cut and fit (and pockets!).
I often cause cars to jerk to a stop - my bright colours catch their eyes!
Alteration makes many items fit better. Glad you tried it with success. I like the NL brand. Hope you find the ultimate Boss Lady pants!
ReplyDeleteIt really does, Ally. Most of the time, I'm too lazy to bother, though. I also like that brand, but I think it's being sold through Costco or Walmart now, and isn't anywhere near the quality of NL from 20 years ago. I'm still looking for the Best Boss Lady Pants!
DeleteA fabulous bit of altering, Sheila. Those trousers look amazing from here, you can't tell that the quality is lacking. I do love red with leopard print. I can't do slip on shoes at all, they just fall off! xxx
ReplyDeleteI was pleased with it, Vix! Thanks so much - the fabric is kind of gross and plasticky, but good enough until I find better. Aw, no slip-ons for you? That sucks!
DeleteWhat a great outfit! Love a velvet blazer and it's even better with a tiger on your shoulder. Awesome gold critters!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cheryene!
DeleteYou did a fantastic job on those trousers, Sheila! They may not be Best Red Boss Pants, but definitely good enough to be a regret-me-not! They look fabulous with the leopard top and shoes and I absolutely love all of your gold critters! I'm quite envious that you didn't need a coat. I wanted to put away my warmest coats last week, but I'm so glad I didn't! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann! They are good enough for a regret-me-not, exactly. I loved the red and leopard together, and I like having my menagerie with me. It's chilly in the morning, but very warm (up to 14 today!) in the afternoon.
DeleteLovely red trousers and definitely NOT forgettable...love a bold pop of colour!
ReplyDeleteIn other news my readers can leave comments but i cannot respond individually to their comments...but I am able to add a comment by itself ??? I need a brainy Blogger expert!!
Thanks, Lesley! I left you a ginormous comment that will hopefully help you. Your pop-out window is what's preventing that - you can only respond to comments (like I'm doing now) when your comments are inline following your posts.
DeleteI love the hunting of the critters! Super cute!
ReplyDeleteI like the golden animal additions, and I always like red and leopard together. I absolutely love that you made these pants work for you - even if they are not the best ones ever that you are still looking for, they look fabulous on you!
ReplyDelete