Distressed: Magnificent 8 Collaboration

I’d thought to use the term “self-destruction” in the title as a play on the concept of the selected theme of distressed for this installment #2 of the Magnificent 8 collaboration. If you missed the first one, you can read it here and get the backstory on how it came to be. Be sure to also read Back On Two Feet: Forward Momentum to find out why that last post has been my most popular one this year.

“Frayed around the edges” and “torn and tattered” were two other taglines I had toyed with using as well. As you see, I decided not to stray but it was fun thinking of alternatives. When Shelbee first shared that distressed would be the theme, I was a little stumped on how I could put my own personal spin on it. Since I like dabbling in DIY projects, I set my sights in that direction. The raw edge hem on the jeans that I’m sporting in the look for Friday in yesterday’s Last Week This Week post I did myself and check out my results in DIY Project: Fringe Hem.

As I pondered on an outfit for this post, I thought about doing a bit of self-destruction to a worthy garment. I’ve been tempted to buy a denim jacket that appears to have had its collar and bottom band removed but hadn’t found one that I just had to have. Seemed like a perfect time to try another DIY project. Not wanting to sacrifice a beloved jacket that I already own, I went on a hunt at various thrift stores to find a suitable candidate. It was during that recent birthday weekend in Las Vegas that I found this lucky number (LOL).

It was really quite easy. Using my handy-dandy stitch ripper, I plucked away at the stitching while getting caught up on a TV show that had been recorded. My initial plan was to remove only the collar and the bottom band. It wasn’t until both of those had been removed that I realized that the cuffs needed to come off as well. Each of those pieces is still intact and I’m hanging onto them for a potential future project. The obligatory before and after photos are below.

All the while that I was working on taking out the stitches, The Husband kept remarking that the jacket hardly looked distressed. It needed to be roughed up a bit, he said. So following tips I’d seen on how to DIY distressed/destroyed jeans, I added a few rips at the elbows. Of course, I left doing this project until about the last minute so I may have been a little cautious about not going overboard. I see this as an on-going project as I want to try splattering it with some drops of bleach and perhaps adding some patches. Be on the lookout for a progress update.

As for the rest of my outfit, the skirt is a recent thrifted find as well. The animal inspired print caught my eye and I carefully checked the skirt over to be sure it had no rips or tears. I was going to attempt some self-destruction on it too but wasn’t ready to take the risk. The necklace and belt are also resale items but not the top or boots.

Have you visited any of the other Magnificent 8 gals yet and seen their spins on the theme of distressed? In case you haven’t, let me show you the way.

The intent of the Magnificent 8 is to show that are no age restrictions on style. So wear what you want, when you want, add a smile, and strut your style with confidence. And be sure to check out all 8 of these amazing gals! We will be sharing these posts on a quarterly basis … be on the lookout in January for the next post in this series.

Courtney of Sugar Coated Bears is representing teenagers.
Michelle of Michelle’s Pa(i)ge is representing the 20-somethings.
Roxanne of Glass of Glam is representing the 30-somethings.
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge is representing the 40-somethings.
Rena of It’s All Fine. Whatever Tickles The Fancy is representing the 50-somethings.
Cathe of Atypical 60 is representing the 60-somethings.
Nancy of Jodie’s Touch of Style is representing the 70-somethings.
And Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style is representing the 80-somethings.

In my opinion, a little goes a long way with the distressed trend. I’m not one to judge but the whole heavily destroyed, gaping holes, and chunks of missing fabric look is not stylish and it’s rarely flattering. Rough edges, threadbare spots, and a patch here or there are much more to my liking no matter your age.

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