Thrifty Thursday: Recycled pants

You guys remember when I was talking about making pants into a nontraditional pair of cargo shorts? Well, here they are. How? My girlfriend was kind enough to take on the project. Here's what it takes:

• An old pair of chinos (I conveniently chose these pants in particular so that I'd have an excuse to buy a new pair of khaki chinos, but that's neither here nor there.)
• A few buttons and some thread
• A sewing machine
• Someone who knows how to use that sewing machine

Originally, I said you should probably reimburse whoever constructs these things for you with some cash. Luckily, my girlfriend was willing to help me out. Why? Dinners, movies, gifts and unconditional love, of course. Honestly, what other reasons does she need? (And really, how many more sentences can I begin with an adverb?)

Seriously though, more power to you if you're skilled enough to pull off this feat of apparel construction yourself. If you're not, find a friend who is. Hopefully you've got one somewhere. And pay them well: Food, beers, yardwork... or money if you're not feeling creative.

The shorts turned out extremely well. The most obvious changes are the front pockets, which are great. The thicker belt loops are a little less noticeable, but they're probably my favorite change. Also, the roll at the bottom was intentional when these were first made, but ultimately they squeeze my soccer thighs a litte too much. A hem is scheduled for the near future. Overall, these are definitely shaping up to be my go-to/knock-around shorts for the summer months—and all for the price of four buttons and a spool of thread. Not bad.

And oh yeah: THESE RULE.

Spectator LX in "Incense" (courtesy of Vans) by Vans Vault, size 10; khaki chinos converted into shorts with pockets (originally from Urban Outfitters, $50) by Paul Frank, size 30; vintage plaid button-down (thrifted, $3) by L.L. Bean, medium; braided leather belt (thrifted, $4); Corter for Japan bracelet (Corter Online Shop, $25 shipped) by Corter Leather.

Photos by Jarred Donalson. And many thanks to the lady.

midweSTYLE: Campustyle

The Midwestyle Boys reunited on Park University's campus (where none of us went). We mixed up classic looks and pieces with something fresh, new and unexpected:

Chambray pants, Dad's old jacket and a pair of Red Wing boots.

A blazer to dress it up, a varsity jacket to keep cool and a windbreaker for purpose.

WHAT JEFF'S WEARING: A clean varsity jacket matched with chambray pants is an unexpected look I've grown to like. Instead of the regular denim, I often try to see how I can incorporate these chambray pants into a look. I think it turned out well, even when blending the textures and patterns.

WHAT SETH'S WEARING: When wearing a lighter jacket, it's not a a bad idea to create a high contrast. The dark denim suited him well against his Dad's glorious "Mizzou '68" windbreaker. Pair this look with a neutral tie, and you're looking sharp. Is he breaking the black/brown rule? To that we say, "What rule?"

WHAT CAM'S WEARING: Navy blazer and khaki chinos are a pretty standard go-to outfit, but we mixed it up with some boots. Preppy but practical. That's what we like.

Jeff (L): Varsity wool & leather jacket (Wild Man Vintage, sale $9) by Butwin; Chambray welt pocket pant ($69) by American Apparel, brown captoe shoes (thrift, $5.99) by Bass; blue and yellow repp tie (thrifted, $1); gold "boyfriend" watch ($12.99) by Target.

Seth (C): "Slim Jim" dry black-coated denim (Standard Style, sale $75) by Nudie Jeans; wool skinny tie (Urban Outfitters, sale $9.99) by BDG; retro "Mizzou '68'" windbreaker (father's jacket in college); brown woven-and-stitched tassle loafers (thrifted, $9).

Cam (R): Suede Irish Setter boots by Red Wing Shoes; faded khaki chinos (Urban Outfitters, $50) by Paul Frank; navy "Captain's Blazer" (thrifted, $10); pink plaid "Sunday's Best" tie (thrifted, $2).

Photography by Jarred Donalson

midweSTYLE: Gazebo

With the warm weather being ushered in each week, we're ready for spring.

Then it snows. Then it's sunny again the next day to melt the snow, followed by another snow.

Welcome to weather in the Midwest. The weather is what you will it to be. Throw a cuff in your khakis and a tie on your button down.

We proudly roll our chinos occasionally. Gotta keep up with the times. Wanna learn how? Check out the Gilt MANual.

Shawl-collar cardigan ($60) by J.Crew; deadstock tie (eBay, lot of seven for $14); khaki pants (Urban Outfitters, $60) by Paul Frank, chestnut Longwings (thrifted, $4), size 10; "The Paulie" Chambray three-quarter sleeve shirt (Standard Style, $90) by Baldwin Denim.

If you tumble, check out our tumblr: www.themidwestyle.tumblr.com

Photography by Jarred Donalson,

great day for a great shoot by a great photographer.