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.

Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

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7 Comments

  1. Nancy – WESTERVOORT

    Fantastic look! Denim jacket, skirt and boots! Hallelujah woman!

  2. shelbeeontheedge1 – Watertown, NY – Over 40 Blogger living on the edge of sanity, midlife, and fashion. Army wife, boymom, and serious coffee drinker.

    Rena, I absolutely love this DIY distressed denim jacket! Now I want to do it! How great. And that skirt is equally fabulous, my friend.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  3. Jodie – United States – Women Over 50 Inspiring Style for Many Sizes & Budgets

    I love this idea…what a great concept for when the sleeves are too long. It’s always hard to shorten them otherwise!!
    You are such a great DIYer!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. Your DIY distressed jacket is impressive! I like the way you let the project evolve. Deciding the cuffs had to go was a good move. I look forward to the possibility of further artful additions to this jacket in the future!
    The Magnificent 8 looks like a group that will work to inspire and sustain each other!

  5. OMGOSH your jacket looks amazing! Can you make one for me?? 😉 I love how it turned out!

    michellespaige.com

  6. This Main Line Life – Inspiring women over 50 & in midlife to feel beautiful inside & out. Bringing you health, beauty, outfits and wellness content that’s relevant to you (not a teenager). Come share the journey with me.

    The jacket looks great. I’d be so afraid that I’d mess it up.
    X, Julie | This Main Line Life

  7. Liz Klebba, AICI-CIC – Closet Play Image – Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Closet Play Image Liz Klebba is an Image, Wardrobe and Color Consultant, blogger, presenter and social media influencer. She likes to think of herself as a Mindful Dressing Evangelist! Liz combined a life-long love of style and fashion, culture and psychology, years of international living experience and people-watching, with professional image training to found Closet Play Image in 2017. Liz collaborates with her personal clients to cultivate their style and let their authentic selves shine! She helps them build wardrobes that flatter, fit their lifestyles, and support their goals and budget. (Why budget? Because: Liz = Financial Responsibility Geek) Closet Play Image also provides workshops and trainings to businesses for help with those awkward conversations around employee dress issues. Her passion for authentic personal style and classroom experience give Liz a unique ability to teach the language of style to her clients, allowing them to step out confidently into the day’s adventures! Liz is a Certified Image Consultant and VP of Education for the US Southeast Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Masters in Teaching at Augusta University.

    Love your distressed jacket! Not sure I’d have had the courage to slice the elbows! I cropped and left my Levi’s hems to fray last year; I love it on others, but am not comfortable wearing more than frayed hems, myself.

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