Wardrobe Reinvention // 5 Ways to wear a knit dress

Time to reinvent that little wardrobe of mine. I actually counted all the items in my closet, and got a surprisingly high number. I mean, who would have thought that there are still about 70 items of clothing in my wardrobe. It looks way less when I stand in front of my closet in the morning. Just goes to show how we tend to underestimate what we have. 

I remember when knit dresses became a trendy item a couple of years ago, and how I resisted getting myself one. I thought that those curve-hugging knits just weren't suited for a pear-shaped body like mine. I would surely highlight my thigh area, which I've always been a little too subconscious about. But, eventually I caved and got myself one. Body-shape style rules are meant to be broken sometimes, I think. And, there are always ways to counterbalance the unflattering effect they might have. Or, just embrace the type of body you've got and be proud of that big booty, flat chest, or both. Here's a few ways to do both. 

 Wearing // Knit dress: H&M / Jeans: gift from Mom / Boots: thrifted / Earrings: Christmas gift from hubby / Necklace: DIY / Watch: DIY (tutorial here)

Wearing the dress with jeans is actually something I started doing fairly recently. I guess I was worried to stretch out the dress before. Now that it's already 3 years old I don't care as much, although I doubt it would harm the garment even if it was new. I noticed that wearing jeans underneath seems to make the hips less curvy, although logically it should make them stand out even more. Instead, I feel very balanced and comfy in this outfit. Even kind of cool (shh, don't tell anyone, but I always kind of wanted to be a cool kid). 

 Wearing // Knit dress and tights: H&M / Boots: thrifted / Earrings: DIY / Belt: from my Etsy shop

Belting is the easiest way to style this dress, and that's how I mostly wear it. Although, after this little challenge, I find other ways so much more interesting. It's funny I've worn this outfit that much compared to the others, since this is actually the only one of the five that makes me a little too subconscious about my lower half.

The other thing is, that if you wear something the same way over and over again, you just get tired of it. Which is why the wardrobe reinvention exercise is so good. It challenges me to wear old clothes in a new way and fall back in love with them. 

 Wearing // Knit dress and tights: H&M / Vest: thrifted / Boots: thrifted / Earrings: DIY

Adding a vest is a very simple way to elevate the dress. It adds more structure and helps to balance to top half of my body. The vest is exactly the kind of garment that makes a dress like this wearable for pear-shaped women because it moves the focus from the hips to the top, and helps to create a more hourglass-y silhouette. 

 Wearing // Knit dress and tigths: H&M / Skirt: thrifted / Boots: thrifted /
Earrings: DIY / Brooch: from my Etsy shop

This is my favorite outfit of the bunch. It's just so very me I think. Although I'm slowly moving away from a cute and utterly feminine look, I'm still drawn to a girlie outfit. Plus, hubby said he has the most beautiful wife when he saw me in this outfit, which might have swayed my opinion. 

I used the dress as a layering element for this outfit. It would be perfect for the winter months to add extra warmth when you still want to wear a skirt, but it's sooo cold outside. Keeps your bum and thighs nice and warm.

 Wearing // Knit dress and tigths: H&M / Sweater: thrifted / Boots: thrifted / Earrings: DIY /
Brooch: DIY / Belt: Seppäla (this belt has a fun story attached to it, but I'll leave that for another time)

Another great way to layer during winter. This sweater is the most colorful, warm, and fuzzy sweater I own. I love it! It's one of those sweaters that you can de-pill very easily, so I've gotten a lot of mileage out of it already. Something like 5 years I think, which is a lot considering I got it second-hand. All in all, makes for a very comfy outfit. 

And, this is what I do when, after 5 outfits, I'm totally out of poses. Got to work on my modeling skills more, I guess. It's hard, you guys!

How did you like today's wardrobe reinvention? Which one was your favorite outfit, and why? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!

If you're new to the blog, you can check out the whole Wardrobe Reinvention series right here, and all the style posts here. 

Until next time!

xo. Hanna

Wardrobe Reinvention // 3 Ways to wear a bow tie belt

Yes, I did a Wardrobe Reinvention around a belt. I know it seems a bit strange, but after Laura said in the comments of this post, that she loved the bow tie belts, but couldn't think of what to wear it with, I immediately wanted to create this post, because I love those belts, and they are a great accessory. So that's the answer to the why. Also, I wanted to show you how accessories really do matter, and can add so much to an outfit.

Wearing // Tee - refashioned / Skirt - DIY / Belt - Pearls & Scissors / 

Shoes - thrifted / Earrings - gift from hubby

I love that this is mostly a me-made outfit (I've gotta learn how to make shoes...), and it's also very lady-like. I think wearing the belt over a skirt or dress is also probably the first idea that comes to mind. So, nothing earth chattering there, but it doesn't have to be only fancy dresses like in the promo photos.

This is something I used to wear to school. Now I'd wear it to a date with hubby, to a concert, or a trip to the city when I feel like dressing up a bit. It's just in between a fancy and a casual outfit, which I really. Feeling put together without being over-dressed.

 Wearing // Jacket - Reserved / Bloused - H&M (old) / Skirt - refashioned / Belt - Pearls & Scissors

Another way to wear the belt is over a jacket. Since the belt is made of fabric, it's soft and therefor doesn't wrinkle the jacket as much as a stiff belt would. And, it really adds a special touch to the outfit, I think. Using a belt on a jacket changes the look of it just slightly, so it becomes a more versatile piece. If you're not a formal jacket kind of woman, this is something to try out. I think it softens the look and feel of the outfit. More feminine, for sure.

 Wearing // Blouse - hand-me-down / Jeans - gift from Mom / 

Shoes - thrifted / Belt - Pearls & Scissors

Last, but not least, the classic belted jean. Sure, the belts are not that useful when the purpose of them is to give support, but they are very useful, when the main purpose is to give a bit of excitement. For me, the belt elevates this outfit from a casual button-down with jeans, to something a little bit more fun. Rein said I look like a little hipster in these outfit. Hipster or not, I really like it.

I had a lot of fun styling these outfits despite my very limited wardrobe choices. I hope you got some inspiration and ideas to try out!

xo. Hanna

Wardrobe Reinvention // 3 Ways to wear a jumpsuit

I feel it's been centuries since I did a Wardrobe Reinvention post, but it's good to be back, friends! Today, I'm sharing a special edition of wardrobe reinvention that I made with my former flatmate Mari Krõõt.

I've always loved playing dress-up, and I must say, I still do. I also love picking out outfits for others. Actually, I like shopping for others way more than for myself. So, I was thrilled when Mari Krõõt agreed to do a style post with me. 

For the starter piece, we chose a back jumpsuit she'd picked up on a recent thrift-spree. So, this is to prove all those curvy girls, who think they can't pull off a jumpsuit, wrong. You totally can, and you totally will!

First, we styled it in a sort of business-casual way. Something that could be worn to an office-job, or to a formal meeting of any sort, or just to run errands. I mean, you don't need an excuse to look marvelous, do you?

For the second look, we dressed the jumpsuit down for a fun everyday look. I could see Mari Krõõt wearing this everywhere really - to school, to work, to a Sunday brunch-date. Somehow, this looks is so her. I love how the DIY necklace gives this monochrome outfit a pop of color. This outfit would also look great with the necklace from my shop.

For the third look, we decided to just play up the jumpsuit in its full glory. I love the exposed back with the draping. And, black with gold is my favorite color combination at the moment (wait till you see my sewing nook here in Leverkusen, and you'll know what I'm talking about). You can find out how to make the necklace right here, and how to glitter your heels here.

I hope you liked this post as much as I loved playing dress-up with Mari Krõõt. I also hope I can do more wardrobe reinventions with guest models in the future, because I really had so much fun doing the styling for someone else. Any volunteers?

xo. Hanna

His & Her Style: 90's comeback

It was a super hot day in May and we decided to take a walk to Kadriorg park. It's one of my favorite places in Tallinn. I'm definitely going to do a special post on this gorgeous park once all the flowers are in full bloom. It's stunning. I love that it's just a short walk from the city center, yet you feel as if you've reached a whole new world. Whenever it gets hot in the city, I need to get into the green, so it's also the perfect getaway.

I'm totally loving the overall trend! I remember getting my first pair of overalls in the 6th grade. I looked like a rapper, or a construction worker. The overalls were massively big, but that was the trend back then. And then, in 8th grade, my Dad went to the USA and brought me back another pair of overalls. Better fitting this time, but by then the trend was already so last season. So, I never really wore them much. And then I went through a major overalls-are-hidious phase. But, me and overalls are friends again.

It's a funny thing with trends. They come and go, and so one day we hate something and the next day we love it again. As far as I can tell, the 90's are so back. I mean, overalls and denim shirts pretty much sums it up. Can't say I'm complaining, though. It is the decade of my childhood, so I'm very fond of it. And the style was pretty great back then, I think. Floral everything and denim dreams - what's there not to like. So, I think a pretty floral dress and some high-waisted denim shorts are definitely lurking back into my summer wardrobe.

How about you? Are you on the overalls' train? And, what do you think of the 90's being back in vogue?

His & Her Style // Dreams of happy days

Happy Friday, my friends! It's been one of those weeks. The past couple of days have been rough. We had our ensemble exam on Tuesday and it went great, but then, on Wednesday my voice was so week and tired, I couldn't get a proper tone out. With two more exams within the next few days, needless to say, I've been very worried. I'm trying my best to keep this weeks words in my mind and just take things as they come.

She's wearing: Jacket - thrifted&refashioned // Peplum top - made by me // Jeans - Miss J // Bag - made by me // Scarf - borrowed from Mom // Shoes - Walking 

I love looking at these photos we took this past weekend. Reminds me of the happier days. I know this is just a passing problem, and that sunshiny days with no worries will soon be back in my life. And, with a little bit of luck, and a lot of care and patience, I will make it through my finals and the entrance exams in Cologne in two week (yikes!).

He's wearing: Plaid shirt - thrifted // Trousers - thrifted // Scarf - Reserved // Shoes - Kangol

I don't know what I would do without this guy. He's the most supportive fiance a girl could ever ask for. He makes me laugh and holds me tight when I feel sad. And then I don't feel that sad anymore.

Our next exam is tomorrow, so wish us luck!