Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesday Top 5!

T-shirts That Make Me Want to Wear T-shirts Again

In high school I was really into t-shirts. I was into t-shirts with the same fervor that many of my classmates were into vodka or tractor demolition derbies or both at the same time (Banks, Oregon: Where we get drunk and crash our tractors for fun!). I went to Goodwill at least once a week in search of vintage t-shirts, preferably ones with cool graphics or random slogans. My favorites included a "Hugs Not Drugs" gem and a sweet Ramones concert tee.

In college, I started trying to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, and Carrie Bradshaw rarely wore t-shirts. Then the hipster trend really took hold, and everyone on earth suddenly had their very own vintage "Hugs Not Drugs" t-shirt. In addition, I was beginning to realize that t-shirts weren't all that flattering on my large bust, so I packed away part of my t-shirt collection, sent the other part off to Goodwill (for the hipsters, of course), and forged ahead toward a new wardrobe that included tunics, blazers, cardigans, tank tops, minidresses--and very few t-shirts.

Recently, my friend Vivian returned from Korea, arguably the graphic t-shirt capital of the world, and brought me an amazing teal tee with "I DO ART" written down the front in big block letters. It was so cute and comfy and versatile that my t-shirt love was suddenly rekindled, and now I'm yearning to restock my closet with these:

Don't Give Up Tee, $22
I came across this great graphic tee on Frolic awhile back, and it's been stuck in my head ever since. I always tell friends that if you find yourself dreaming about an article of clothing, you should buy it. So it might be time for me to shell out for this one.

Flattering v-neck, gorgeous shade of purple, giant blue feathers. Just awesome.

Green Tuffet Scoopneck T-Shirt, $26
I love this color and the way the blades of grass form a necklace shape, plus the scoopneck would look lovely on ladies with bigger busts.

I actually bought this t-shirt at the Human Rights Campaign store in San Francisco, and I absolutely adore it. It's super soft, has a worn-in look, and although I would happily wear a moldy pickle barrel to support gay rights, this shirt combines a great message with a great style.

Bow Tunic Tee, $26.50
OMG. How cute would this be with a swingy little black skirt, black lace tights, and flats? Or skinny jeans and boots? Or a pencil skirt and heels and a sweater coat? Or, like, anything?

Are you a t-shirt fan or anti-tee? Please feel free to post links to your favorites--I'm always on the lookout for new ones!

24 comments:

Rosie Unknown said...

I don't know, I think I would have to go with the somewhat clichéd leather and studs with the final beauty.

Great round up!

Leigh said...

love that love conquers hate one especially, but they're all so great!

WendyB said...

Love that shade of green...

Suzy said...

aggghhh! sequiiinnneeddd boooowwwww!

Ms Constantine said...

I am a t shirt fiend!My latest purchase was a couple from sickforcute.com. One of them was so cute and cheap - http://www.sickforcute.com/shop/product/216/Cute_Doctor_Promo_Plus_Size_Tee - that I bought it even though it only came in white. Usually I only ever wear black t shirts.

The other was adorable and dark http://www.sickforcute.com/shop/product/145/Killer_Penguin_Mens_Tee

Michelle said...

I love the purple one with the feather print - the colors! The last one is also adorable, but alas, as a fellow busty girl I tend to stay away from bows for fear I'll look like I wrapped my boobs up as a present to the males of the world.

I don't mind tees as long as they're v-necks or scoop necks (see: busty girl - crew necks are extremely unflattering as you well know). I tend to get stuck with tops, though, because shirts that are well-structured and of non-stretch material tend to fit me in the waist but not the bust or vice versa. I'd love to see a post on t-shirt alternatives!

Courtney said...

Those tees are awfully cute. Though I could never imagine spending that sort of cash for a t-shirt. Eek. I have a strict "no t-shirt over $15 policy." The typical material used for tees, combined with minimalist variation of cut style... there just isn't justification for anything over $15. I could make several tees myself for the cost of some of those tees.

Sorry. Didn't mean to rant. Those are really great tees to choose though if you're limiting your collection. ;)

Anonymous said...

GREAT picks, lady! I tend toward the girlier graphic tees - a la that darling scoopneck.

Claire said...

I love t-shirts. I like buying tees to support people I like: friends who design and sell them, bands, creators of underrated shows. In fact, I'm holding off on spending until later this month so I can load up on band merch at a show I'm going to.

My favorite way to wear them (besides the obvious jeans) is with a pencil skirt and cowboy boots, a la rockabilly casual. So much fun!

Sarah said...

I have a huge collection of t-shirts from indie rock bands ... I impulse-buy shirts whenever I go to concerts, plus I have a bunch that I got for free when my boyfriend was the booking director for our college venue. I like wearing them with cardigans and skirts or skinny jeans.

Elise said...

Funny you should mention this, I've totally fallen in love with a few random t-shirts lately too.

One of my favorites just says "World Peace" and makes me giggle like my name is GracieLou Freebush. (It's over at savethetatas.com).

TheSundayBest said...

This has nothing to do with the post, but is just to say OMG Paul Collins' quote on your Amazon page!!!

Anonymous said...

That green grass tee is GORGEOUS.

I love that your definition of T-shirt, by the way, still means T-Shirts Of Grace, Style, And Impeccable Fit.

PS: My favorite T-Shirt is an old Threadless gem - deep navy blue with a rainbow astronaut holding a boombox on it.

Yeah.

You heard me.

Becky said...

I lurv a good scoop-neck tee (i'm of the bigger busted population as well) and that cattail one (i think that's what those are with the grass?) is darling. And. I don't know why I don't have that sequinned bow one in my closet RIGHT NOW. I would put on my cropped leather jacket with it and be the coolest kid in school...erm law firm...erm wait, they don't allow tee shirts...erm girl on the sidewalk.

Lisa said...

Love #2 and 3.

Brittney said...

All I can see with that last pink top is how the bow would sit on the crease below your breasts/over your belly like you were expecting a baby.

OH GOSH NONA, YOU DON'T HAVE NEWS FOR US, DO YOU?!?

Nickie Frye said...

Hm, not jumping up & down about any of them except the one w/the bow.

I love this handpainted roses, deadstock vintage tee:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32495723

And this incredible Indian Chief tee- TDF!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32392074

Leila said...

I also had an enourmous t-shirt collection that I finally sorted through. I got rid of most of them but I kept my faves; "The Rumors are true", "Leaf me Alone", "Hustler, Hardcore Since '74" and a "Johnny Walker" tee. :)

do dah said...

i second the request for a post on t-shirt alternatives for those of us whose busts cannot generally be contained by your typical shirt. pretty pretty please! because one can only have so many cute variations on the tee before they die of sartorial boredom.

Kristen said...

I usually stick to black t-shirts to use as layering pieces, but that last t-shirt with the bow is making me change my mind. So cute.

lo said...

Golly! Why isn't that pink bow top in my closet?! Le swoon!

Caroline said...

That bow tunic is about the best thing ever. I love the longer back.

Elizabeth said...

These ts are worth the money. I hope you'll get a few!

Kitty said...

I love the plumy purple one!

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