Satisfaction and DIY Distressed Denim Bermuda Shorts


The Challenge
This was another one of those youth-oriented store finds at American Eagle. 
(Also, see How to Shop Youth Oriented Stores.)  I spied this t-shirt from across the store and was immediately drawn to it.  If you're a young adult, you might wear this ironically.  At my age, I can wear this non-ironically, Ha!

It's near impossible to think of the Rolling Stones without some of their song lyrics running through your head.  Am I right?  This t-shirt got me to thinking about (I can't get no) Satisfaction.  

As we mature we can get some satisfaction.  We are able to own our decisions including personal, career and education.  We realize we've done the best we can do in most situations.  We realize we have failures and weak points, but are able to more easily forgive ourselves.  We can stop blaming ourselves for things that were never really in our control in the first place.  We can accept ourselves and others in spite of our/their flaws.  We understand that things don't make us happy.  This is one of the blessings of growing older.

Now, on to the shorts!  I was pining for a pair of distressed denim shorts.  Sure, I could buy them, but where's the fun in that?  Plus, I don't care for overly distressed denim and this way I'd have control.  This called for a trip to our local thrift store, where I found these full length jeans.

The Details
First, the jeans were cut off at roughly the knee.  Then I used the scrap leg portion to do a test (Test Leg, below) distress.  The test consisted of slicing them with a box cutter, approx. 1/2 inch apart, then throwing them in the washer and dryer.  I placed a rolled up magazine between the pant legs while I was slicing.  Chalk was used to mark starting and stopping points.  Oh, yeah, it worked pretty well.  (I've tried distressing in the past, and these turned out the best.)  The second (jeans only) photo is how I sliced up the shorts.  Note:  On the "after" photo, the large white thread portions, had some of the threads pulled out with tweezers, but it is not necessary.  Also, the back pockets were the big flap, what I refer to as "Miss Me" pockets.  I cut off the flap and removed the large metal button using a You Tube instructional video.  I added my Stones tee and was satisfied--Ha!--how could I not say that?  

Back to the tee for a minute.  I adore the mix of red and green, such an easy piece to accessorize! 

The Takeaway
As I've mentioned in the past, remember to check out youth-oriented stores.  Don't be afraid to take distressing into your own hands, it's fun and less expensive than buying new.  If thrift stores aren't particularly "your thing" this might be a way to try them out.  Also, you could do this with an old pair of your own jeans, or find an inexpensive pair at a consignment store.


Test Leg

Actual Cutting







Outfit Details


11 comments

  1. Great tip on how to diy your own distressed look. Love the Stones tee too! My son recently bought an Eagles tee from a Vintage Consignment Shop - of course he had no idea what it said, just bought it because he liked how it looked! Ugh!!!!
    I can totally see why this outfit gives you "Satisfaction"!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Ha ha--I know, it's funny right(?) what our kids find. I'm really happy with these shorts, thanks!

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  2. Youth Oriented finds ate so fun! Just love the yellow back drop of the tee and fabulous distressing pretty lady!

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    1. Thank you--sometimes I'm hesitant to shop youth oriented--but this find turned out great.

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  3. I think it's fabulous that you made these shorts your own!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Jodie, I'm a DIYer from way back, lol!

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  4. You did a great job distressing your jeans! And, yep, I’m all for the vintage wash tees. I also wear them unironically.

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    1. Thanks, Daenel. Ha ha, a lot of those rock n roll guys have to be in their 70s!

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  5. For the jeans it's all over now (well half of it) Sorry, couldn't help myself! Fabulous tee!

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  6. I adore this outfit, and the DIY destructions! You look fabulous! Isn't it wonderful to destroy things, and have them look better?

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