Tye Dye: Fashion and Hiking

I've been obsessed with tye dye for a while, but sadly haven't had much opportunity to actually learn/ dedicate much time to learning how to do it much myself. I did try ice dying once and while I really loved that, it only made me more appreciate the art of tye dying.

When I volunteered at Above Rubies several years ago, I met this wonderful, fun person called Tye Dye Mary. I loved sitting with her at social events and parties, or helping her with her packages when she dropped them off at the office I worked at. She was just so much fun and has such a colorful, vibrant personality that totally suits her career ... tye dying. I think it's because of her that I love tye dye so much and would love to someday learn how to do it. 

And it's because of her that I'm willing to trade an arm and leg in order to own a few of her lovely pieces ... 

I love this dress. It's nearly perfect for hiking ... I just wish it was about three to five inches longer.
There was a chilly wind out when my sister and I went hiking for these pictures, so I had a nice wool sweater to keep me warm ... also hid my gun nicely ;p—the gun is for bears and mountain cats, as we don't have much other crime to worry about where we live ;D 

 

But you know, ya still gotta show off the guns ;D

The snow had just melted, though it still spots some of the mountains. It was a bit muddy out, but otherwise, it's starting to feel like spring. 

I really have this thing for dead trees ...

... oh, and have I told y'all that I'm a tree hugger? I mean, I hug 'em and then I'll sit by quietly and enjoy them being roasted to warm my fingers, too ;) 

The rocks were a bit uneven and VERY rough, so my splits look awful. But had to get the picture anyway, right?

"There's more color, just 'round the bend, so never stop smiling and dreaming" 

This skirt is perfect. The length is gorgeous. The material is so soft. AND THE COLORS!!!! I think this skirt is my favorite of all three of my tye dye pieces.

I've had this skirt the longest ... it once belonged to a friend of mine, but she wasn't as enthusiastic about tye dye as I am, so I stole it from her ; D Remember that time long ago when I had that horrific and somewhat embarrassing and definitely humorous horse accident? Well, I was wearing this skirt. The splits tore a little higher, but still loving this skirt. I'm telling you, this fabric is made out of some heavy duty, quality cotton. And that dye sure isn't fading!

One other thing I love is how she puts her signature down at the hem, making it all the more like a work of art (which her clothes are!). But the signature isn't in your face like many brand tags are. 

And they don't really wash out or bleed. I wash these on cold with the rest of my clothes (even my whites) and then hang dry them. 

I've cleaned in this skirt, so it has a bleach stain ;/ 

Clothes:

-Dress and skirts from Tye Dye Mary (100% Lightweight Cotton Jersey)

-Brown cotton leggings from RebelNatureClothing 

-Wool sweater from a thrift store (Woolrich brand, and totally buying it new if I ever lose this sweater, because I've loved it for years

-White button up from a thrift store

-Pink shirt from Ross's

-Sunglasses from Smith's

-First necklace: gift from my grandma. If you can see my second necklace; I made it

-Shoes: a gift from my uncle, but Altra brand and great shoes for walking/ hiking

My sister and I; she's my photographer. And the one who can really shoot the gun ;)

Do you like tye dye? Have a favorite picture/ pose from my multitude of fashion/ humor pics? Share your thoughts with me, and tell me if you plan to go hiking this summer and what you'll wear!