Fashion Advice archive

True Life in NYLON

Sadly the days of mix tapes have passed...a nod to the days of hand written love letters can sometimes be found in a birthday card...but I hope I will never have to remember the feeling of walking into a bookstore and seeing a fresh stack of the latest issue of my favourite magazines- long live the days of ignoring time to dog ear all the things you aspire to have and to rip out the pages of all that inspires!! One mag that has been my BFF on the publication scene has been NYLON- for years I have been smitten with their typography, hypnotized by their collages and awkward models... and wishing hard to shoot a fashion story for them (ahem. What shameless plug?!) My relationship with NYLON goes as far back as their first few issues in ‘99- I still have my ripped out page of a fashion story photographed by co-founder/creative director Helena Christensen- it was a beautiful mix of b&w photography and illustration. Love at first sight does exist people! Should I also mention I am currently sporting the free-with-subscription-tshirt, or would that be too much?! Anyway... with that information being divulged...you'll have to believe me that the word ‘ecstatic' is an understatement for the emotion I felt when True Life was chosen as one of the blogs that NYLON featured in their denim issue as a ‘ site that makes us hit refresh."!! Is it silly to be jealous of my words that got to view the NYLON office via the monitor of an equally enviable NYLON staff member?? again- too much?? Unfortunately (sort of) , being in Australia is a bit of an inconvenience for this particular moment of joy as I will not be able to physically clutch my name in black and white( did I mention True Life was in NYLON??)....nor will I be able to secretly hope that the salesclerk asks me why I am buying 10 copies just so I can show her pg.72 ;)  

 

 

For those of you completely missing the monthly neon sign to NYLONation ...this is why they said they click..."The site sorts through global street-style blogs and posts the best in jeans. It's equal parts fashion voyeurism, sartorial inspiration, and travel tour guide- you might finally book that trip to Copenhagen knowing that you'll be able to find a pair of paper-bag-waist pants there."

Dear NYLON...thank you for your support- I adore you!!

Skinny Jeans, Strategize for Feeling Skinny

Here are some thoughts about trying skinny jeans:

Skinny jeans, when they fit properly, can give you a long, lean line, and are fitted all the way through the calf.  Two places that they are not tight are at the knee, and the ankle. 

The thickest part of the calf is in the upper back of your shin, so the legs are going to be a little looser at the knee to accommodate, especially when you have to bend your knee.

As shown in a Red Book Magazine spread, you should wear your skinny jeans with a loose top. Not only is this proportion more balanced, but you can also get away with wearing a waistband a little tighter than usual.  A flowing loose top allows you to hide any waist-pudge above your waistline. I feel that it is better to have skinny jeans fit very tight on top so you don't have to constantly hike them up when the waistband loosens up, so feel free to choose a smaller fit in the waist for skinny jeans.

The last part of your jean that must fit on a skinny jean is at the leg opening and length.

There are several length options to choose for your new skinny jeans:

-You can cut them off at the ankle.

-You can also leave the hem slightly longer than you think. 

Since skinny jeans are so narrow, it's ok to have scrunches around the ankle if they're too long, which is how some of the more vertically challenged celebrities are doing it. If you wear heels with them, eventually that scrunch will work its way around the heels of your shoes if they're too long. Enjoy feeling skinny!

Connie Chen
Technical Designer (clothing)
True Jeans Guest Blogger

 

Men's Shoes | A Character Flaw?

 

Rumor has it that you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. I personally don't buy into this theory, but there are a few authors out there that would scoff at my preference to the scuff! According  to Donna Sozio, author of "Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers: What His Shoes Say About His True Love Potential", the most important thing a woman should look for in a man's shoes is "Condition, condition, condition. If a man can't take care of his shoes, he can't take care of you, bottom line." Hmmm- I have to disagree. Besides, the man in the above photo is my husband in his incredibly full-of-life shoes...and I can't imagine being taken care of any more than he takes care of me :) Those shoes have followed me into the deepest woods for photo shoots, they've walked next to me on my darkest days, and most importantly they've played with our dog in the middle of numerous rainstorms! In some cases, shoes can just get better and build more character with time, but I'm not opposed to a little polish on a dressier shoe from time to time :)

Even though I hope my husbands shoes have a few more years in them, I asked him to put together a spring shoe wishlist to share with all of you. With lighter weight shoes having a slimmer sole compared to heavier winter boots, your jeans may tend to get caught underneath your heel and completely ruin the hem line. One way to avoid ruining your new spring jeans would be to get them hemmed through the True Jeans Original Hem Service.

 

(clockwise from top left: Converse Tweed Low Ox,  Kenneth Cole Chukka, UO Tonal Oxford,   Diesel Runaway , Bronx Atlanta , Calvin Klein Earle )

So how do the men out there feel about being judged on your shoes? Do you rate your potential dates on the looks of their shoes? For the ladies- do you put a lot of importance on a man's shoe?

Seasonal Transitions | Cropped Boots

If there's one thing that can distract me from what I'm working on- it's seeing the Who What Wear newsletter pop up in my email box! From the visual treat of seeing off-duty model style to suggestions for creating runway looks for under $100-this cleverly written shopping guide is worth its weight in fashion-inspiration gold!

The latest trend to appear on the Who What Wear radar is cropped boots. I don't know about you girls- but every year I am overcome with a sadness about having to part with my boots once the warmer weather comes! With the help of a few pairs of cropped boots- I can easily extend my boot relationship!

(WhoWhatWear)"...While over-the-knee boots and ankle booties still rule for fancy, non-working nights out, fashionable celebs pick a more moderate style for their daytime activities. The favored selection-henceforth to be referred to as cropped boots-is invariably paired with a loosely tucked-in pair of deep blue or black skinny jeans, resulting in a perfectly undone, totally easy-going look.

While the way these ladies wear their cropped boots might not seem revolutionary, the subtle style tweak makes all the difference. Don't forget that up until recently, a casual boots-and-jeans look always required a pair of knee-high equestrian or vintage boots and some methodical denim tucking (one never wants to add bulk to ones calves). However, as witnessed on some of the savviest trendsetters, the cropped boot is fast replacing its taller counterpart.

As for why this look is dominating, well, we're not exactly sure. Maybe everyone loves cropped boots because they offer a weather-appropriate way to transition into a spring wardrobe? Or perhaps it's a time issue: who has the patience to zip, button or lace a boot all the way up, when you can just pull on a boot that is roomy enough to easily slip your skinnies into? Whatever the reason, we are quite taken with the look, and can't wait to showcase our favorite cropped boots, as seen on some of the most stylish tastemakers from coast to coast."

I have put together a few cropped boots that have made my wish list! Even though WhoWhatWear does do all the shopping for you- I decided I needed to do some "research" myself ;)

Do you guys put a time limit on your boots? Are there certain styles you think could stand the test of all-year-round?

White On Style!

 

There are many denim treatments and styles that are deemed "in" or "out" throughout the seasons, but the white jean is one that tends to linger around each year waiting to make it into your wardrobe rotation. Unfortunately, it has become the black sheep of the denim family. We think it's time for white denim to bask in it's spotlight and shred the timelines and size restrictions it has become associated with!

Instead of waiting for Labor Day to pass (or are we supposed to wait for it to come?!) take the time to re-invent your wardrobe. Your navy blazer will look incredible paired with a flowy floral blouse and crisp white jeans for a fall day of shopping; and your brown cardigan will transform into the perfect cover up for that cool summer evening. You'll be amazed at the combinations you can create just by inviting a pair of white jeans into your denim collection!

One of the most disheartening things we hear at True Jeans too often about white jeans is that you have to be slim to wear them. Absolutely not true. Whether you look good in a pair of jeans has nothing to do with the color, it has to do with the right fit. By simply wearing your true fit, you can achieve the same sexy silhouette with a white jean that you can with its dark denim counterpart!  Check out Little in the Middle Confident Low Rise Bootcut or Empowered Mid Rise Bootcut jeans and also Svoboda's white flare jean.

Is white denim part of your wardrobe? Would any of you men out there give it a go? Justin Timberlake recently wore a pair of white jeans in his GQ 'Most Stylish Man in America' photo shoot and looked great!

(Featured above: Red Engine's Scarlett Low Rise Bootcut, Garnet Mid Rise Bootcut and Lotus Crop. Little in the Middle's Confident Low Rise Bootcut)

Continue reading "White On Style!" »

Men In Boots

The topic of men tucking their jeans into boots is one of those conversations that people tend to tip toe around. I've had a few brief discussions lately myself, and I am always left wondering why there is a timidness in the air about whether the look is preferred or not. I did a little searching around the blogosphere on this subject and came to these conclusions: a) men are a bit weary of trying it out, even though they really want to. b) women aren't quite sure how they feel about their men sharing their same fashion trends. c) some people (unfortunately) feel the need to attach stereotypes. For the people who fall under d) none of the above....I commend you!

With all this talk of change in the air, I thought I'd share a few ways to wear this controversial style in the hopes of inspiring at least one person to experiment, one person to stop over-thinking and just do it, and possibly one other to encourage someone else instead of giving that dreaded once-over look.

 

One way to show off your ankle boots is to follow the current women's trend of cuffing your jeans. Instead of giving your jeans a messy roll, try a crisper and taller fold like Chris Brown, who gives a nod to the rockabilly look of the 50's with his white tank, open shirt and chain. If you're looking for an overall style that is a little more tailored, then look to Justin Timberlake at his William Rast runway show for some inspiration. Casual friday's just got less casual!

Another option is to non-chalantly shove your jeans into your boots-giving the idea that you were just too busy to take the time to get fully dressed. Jude Law has successfully mastered this rugged look- wether or not he tried! Justin Timberlake also showed off his boots with this purposeful haphazard style. On the other spectrum, Ed Westwick rocks a pair of skinny jeans and harness boots on the set of Gossip Girl.

Being photographed out and about on the streets is not just for the celebrities anymore. One of my favorite blogs is The Satorialist- a daily style diary on average joe's photographed on the street looking far from average! I would imagine that seeing your image on this site would make anyone proud! These guys below are some of the d) listers that marched to the beat of their own drum and became part of the chosen ones.

So, now that you've seen a few different ways to show off your boots- are you going to go out and buy that pair you've been dying for? For those of you already wearing this trend- Do you have any helpful tips?

 

Men @ Work

 

 

The October issue of Men's Health magazine has an insightful editorial on "The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Wearing and Looking Great in Denim". Their Denim Through The Ages timeline takes you through James Dean's classic white t-shirt look in Rebel Without A Cause, to the 1976 punk movement with the Ramones in skinny ripped jeans through to a 15-year old Brooke Shields and her infamous Calvin Klein ads.

Along with having 'real guys' talking about why they love their blues they have their cover model Rob Hillis, carpenter of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, talk about his work wardrobe staple! '..."Baggy pants and protruding boxers are a liabilty for me, " says Hillis, who needs to be nimble on set. A precise fit will keep you from snagging and create a more flattering silhouette. Each brand has its own idea of sizing--often very different from the waist measurement on the tag...'

Other helpful tips in the article include some 'Blues Basics' from David Lim, founder and designer of Kasil Jeans. He explains how to clean your favorite denim:

-Wear your jeans at least two or three times between washings.

-Turn jeans inside out before laundering. use cold water and mild soap.

-Hang dry. Do not use a clothes dryer- heat will fade and shrink denim.

-To maintain the original color of your jeans, dry clean them.

The article also highlighted Lucky Brand Jeans, 7 For All Mankind and Kasil jeans as some brands to check out for different occasions. Below are a few style suggestions from True Jeans on how to  incorprorate jeans into your work wardrobe!

 

1. 7 For All Mankind Bootcut Fiji  2. William Rast Billy Prince 3. William Rast Billy Darkness

1.  Chip & Pepper Ike Nifus Dixon  2. Kasil Smith Grease 3.  7 For All Mankind Bootcut Fiji

 

Mood Swings

 

One style...endless looks! With a few easy shoe changes you can take your skinnies from day to night, from work to play and from one season to the next!

Now's the time to start parading around those new boots! The True Jeans team has found that a Jodphur clip (a stir-up with elastic clip typically used when riding horses) is the most effective and comfortable way to tuck your jeans into boots whether the jean is a skinny or straight leg, paired with a tight or slouchy boot! 

True Jeans is giving away a pair of these stir-up clips between October 1st and November 1st with the purchase of a skinny or a straight leg jean. (One pair of stir-ups per customer and while supplies last)

Jean featured is the Red Engine Cayenne Skinny in the Dark wash. Also available in Black.

Stirrup Your Boots For Fall

One of the hottest trends for chilly weather that has been sticking around for a few seasons is tucking your jeans into your boots.  The easiest and cleanest way to achieve this look is with a super skinny pair of jeans.  The True Jeans team has found that a Jodphur clip (a stir-up with elastic clip typically used when riding horses) is the most effective and comfortable way to tuck your jeans into boots whether the jean is a skinny or straight leg, paired with a tight or slouchy boot! 

 

Here is how it works: 

1.  Open the Clip and Close onto the hem at the side seam of your jeans.  (you can also cuff the jean if the length is too long)

2.  Pull the elastic band under the arch of your foot and attach the other clamp to the other side seam. 

3. Step into your boot and you are good to go!

True Jeans is giving away a pair of these stir-up clips between October 1st and November 1st with the purchase of a skinny or a straight leg jean. (One pair of stir-ups per customer and while supplies last)  Fall back in love with your jeans and boots! 

Keep Your Pants Up!

 

Has anyone ever pointed out to you that your fly was down?  The Zip Holder ensures this embarrassing situation will never happen again.  This clever little elastic button loop closure will keep your zipper up and is easy to attach from your jeans.  What do you think of the Zip Holder?

What Do You Think About Acid Wash Jeans?

So the 80's was an era that we all loved for the big hair, rock bands, and big haired rock bands.  Fashion was a different story; we poke fun at the fashion no-no's of the 80's but the past sure does repeat itself.  We have revisited the trend of colored denim, lace tights, off the shoulder shirts and ankle boots that have all made comebacks, so why not acid wash jeans?  Acid washed denim hasn't quite hit mainstream but is popping up on various celebrities. 

 

Alicia Keys and Ashley Tisdale tried an acid washed skinny jean, and Rhianna played the safety route by incorporating the trend in her denim jacket. What do you think of acid wash jeans/denim?  What was your favorite 80's trend? 

 

Boot-iful

There is no denying that skinny jeans are continuing to rule the denim scene this fall. One of the biggest trends this fall and winters is jeans and boots. Skinny jeans paired with boots are the perfect stylish duo to step out in as the leaves fall and temperatures drop.

How to De-Clutter Your Closet

It may be a little early to start thinking about Spring cleaning but now is as good a time as any to begin cleaning out your closets and organizing your wardrobe. 

Most people are probably familiar with the golden rule of closet cleaning:  If you haven’t worn it in six months, get rid of it.  For many of us, however, this rule is easier said than done; that is until now! 

I just came across this great tip from Lifehacker.com that will help easy the painful task of de-cluttering your closet.  Lifehacker.com suggests turning all the hangers of your clothing away from you and marking a calendar reminder to go off about six months later.

Then, “When your six months have passed, and your calendar reminds you that it's time, open your closet and remove every piece of clothing on a backward hanger; the chances are good you can give it away without the slightest pain, because you just clearly demonstrated that you don't wear it.”

Happy Cleaning!

How To Wash Your Designer Jeans

A recent article posted on EzineArticles.com entitled “How to Wash Your Seven Jeans” got me thinking about the best practices in caring for your designer jeans.  The article outlines the proper precautions to take when washing a pair of Seven Jeans. Given the garment’s level of quality and durable but delicate fabric, it is important to take care when washing to ensure a longer life of the jean and to maintain the great quality that the denim had at the time of purchase.

According to this particular article, “The ideal way to wash your seven jeans is to wash it upside down (inside out). Doing this will help you in two ways. First it will keep the color and the variations made in the shade of the jeans intact. Secondly the friction that develops while you wash several denim clothes together in a washing machine; gets reduced to a great extent.”  

This is sound advice but True Jeans also has a few additional tips to help you extend the life of your jeans, keep them from fading, and keep them from shrinking:

• Pay attention to any special wash and care instructions that may be listed on the tags.

• Turn jeans inside out prior to washing to reduce fading.

• Keep water temperature below 110 degrees.

• Use a mild detergent.

• Never put more than four pairs of jeans in the washing machine at once.

• Avoid the dryer.  Let jeans air dry.   

You can also check out this video from Nudie Jeans to see how they recommend caring for your denim.

Fight Club - The Place for Sneakerhead

My quest to find the perfect sneakers is taking me to New York City this weekend.  After learning more and more about the sneaker culture, I decided that I cannot just settle for any old shoe.  Instead, I will be venturing to Fight Club, located in Manhattan. 

Fight Club is the ultimate sneakerhead destination.  A friend of mind insisted that I check out this store because it is unlike any other.  According to The New York Times, "the people who frequent Flight Club are sneaker freaks, mostly men who are addicted to buying limited-edition vintage athletic footwear. They speak in highly technical language, tossing around terms like 'tongue graphic' and "toe boxes" with the gravity of men discussing tractor engines or team sports."

If you are in the New York City area, check out Fight Club  at , 120 Nassau St (between Beekman and Ann).

The store also has a second location in Los Angeles at 503 N Fairfax Ave (between Beverly and Melrose.)

Jeans and Sneakers - The Ultimate Duo

America is truly becoming a denim culture.  Jeans are no longer reserved for casual weekend wear; instead they have become a staple in our daily wardrobe.  What better to pair with your jeans than a great pair of sneakers.  Not only are they totally comfortable, but a great pair of sneakers can also be the ultimate fashion statement.

I went on the hunt for the perfect pair of sneakers recently and during my search I learned a tremendous amount about the growing sneaker culture that is making sneakers one of the hottest commodities on the market.

My knowledge of this growing sneaker culture was pretty limited.  Besides the fact that I love the way a great pair of sneakers looked when paired with awesome fitting jeans, I did not know much about how the sneaker culture got its start and slowly invaded main stream America.

In order to begin learning about this social culture and find my perfect pair of kicks, I checked out Hypebeast.com, an online magazine for all things relating to the sneaker culture.  This site is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about the latest sneakers to hit the market and is also great for those looking to learn about the many vintage styles that are out there. 

Hypebeast.com also has a forum with topics relating to specific sneaker brands, custom sneakers, where to buy sneakers, and street fashion.  The conversations that are contained in these threads certainly show the passion for sneakers that is growing.    

From there, I checked out a site called Sneakerhead.com.  Sneakerhead is a term describing the newest generation of sneaker collectors, those in search of  the coolest, rarest sneaker on the market, whether it be Adidas, Nike or Reebok.  If you are at all interested in learning about anything from the history of sneakers to where to get the best selection of sneakers, Sneakerhead.com's Sneaker Academy is the place for you.

Check back all week for more about what I learned about the sneaker culture!!!

Still Looking for a Last Minute Costume Idea?

Still looking a last minute costume for the trick-or-treating festivities this evening?  I can across this idea yesterday and had to share.  It is super easy and can be made mostly with items that you probably already have in your closet. 

Halloween Costumes for the Denim Lover

With Halloween only a week days away, the clock is ticking to come up with some last minute costume ideas.  There is no need to panic with these three simple ideas that can all be assembled with your favorite pair of denim jeans. 

You can easily create a cowboy or cowgirl costume by pairing your jeans with a western inspired vest, a cowboy har and some cowboy boots.  

To create a scarecrow costume, throw on some jeans and a plaid short and stuff the pockets full with straw or shredded raffia.  Tie twine of rope around your waist to make a belt.  Add a few touches of straw to a hat, gloves and boots.  Finish the look with a corn cob pipe and or even a fake crow perched on your shoulder. 

For those looking for a costume that is slightly more creative, check out the Where's Waldo above.  This costume can also be super easy.  First, pair your blue jeans with a red and white horizontally striped shirt.  Add a pair of round, black framed glasses and a red and white striped cap. 

Please feel free to share any other costume ideas that can be created with denim jeans!  I can't wait to hear what you come up with! 

Take Forbes Advice on How to Wear Fall's Fashion Trends

A recent Forbes article, entitled "How To Wear Fall Fashion's Top Trends," discussed the latest fall fashion trends and offers advice on how to take the runway trends and make them work with your everyday wardrobe. 

 According to Forbes, wearing runway looks can "pose  a risk: What won applause on the runway can get you hooted off the stage of real life. Says David Wolfe, creative director of The Doneger Group, a fashion-forecasting firm in New York City, "For the designers, it's an exciting time; but for consumers, figuring out how to wear these trends without looking foolish can be problematic."

Yellow and other bright hues were a major trend to hit the runways in designer's menswear fall collections.  Forbes advised that the best way to incorporate these brighter colors into your wardrobe is to "use sparingly."  A great way to pull this look off is to incorporated brightly colored accessories  such as a tie or pocket pocket to your outfits.  

For women, the major color trend is grey.  But for those who are looking for a little more color, geometric patterns are the way to go.  Forbes warns that you can "run the risk of looking a fool, though, if you wear too loud a print in too conservative an office. And to wear more than one patterned item at a time is definitely a no-no: You'll look like a test-pattern." 

To learn more about the right way to wear this season's trends check out "How To Wear Fall Fashion's To Trends"  at http://mt.corpblogsite.com/mt2/www.forbes.com

The Skinny on Tight Jeans for Men

Just how tight is too tight when it comes to men's denim?  It seems like the men's denim scene has been dominated with one look for as long as I can remember; the low slung, baggy look.  Recently though, we have begun to see a new trend emerging in the men's denim world. 

The skinny jean is now making a crossover into the men's fashion world.  The trend of slimmer menswear is popping up on celebrities and rock stars who have begun wearing slender, tight, and even women's jeans.

According to an article in Men's Health Magazine, there is a simple way to determine if jeans are too tight.  Quickly do an "anatomy test. If I--or you--can see any of your frontal anatomy through your pants, they're too tight."

Skinny, tight jeans are certainly not for every man!  Check out the clips below from Seinfeld to see what happens when Kramer tries out the tight jean trend.

 

Denim Invades the Boardroom!

In a recent article by Ezine Articles writer Megan Youngblood, the trend of denim becoming more and more acceptable attire for all occasions is discussed.  The article, entitled “The Modern Citizen: Jeans in the Boardroom,”  explains how even though the price of premium denim has risen, jeans have still managed to make there way into environments were they were previously taboo. 

It has become more and more acceptable to wear denim to the office.  According to Youngblood, one of the major reasons for the acceptance of jeans in previously non-jean friendly environments is the higher prices.  For example, “when your Citizens of Humanity, xxxx xxxxxxx jeans, and Seven For All Mankind jeans have prices in the same range as your dress pants, you’re bound to see a crossover.”

Price tag aside, it is clear that certain styles, washes and cuts of denim are more acceptable for more formal settings like the boardroom.  When taking denim into a professional or formal environment, look for jeans with dark, clean washes and minimal embellishments or treatments.  Also, avoid cuts that cling too tightly to the body.  More relaxed styles are more acceptable as they create a more polish, professional appearance.

 To read more about wearing denim to the office, check out Denim For The Office - What Every Man Should Avoid and The Skinny on Business Casual. 

Back Pocket Designs - Part 2

On Monday, I posted information on how to choose the best back pocket design for you.  Now I want to hear from you!! What is it that you look for most when purchasing your jeans?  Is it the back pocket design, the wash color, the brand name, etc?  Let me know!  I can’t wait to hear what you find important in your search for great jeans!!!

Fall Denim For Men

I came home from work the other night and sat down to relax and check up on the day's news in the local newspaper.  While reading, I came across an article in the lifestyles section that I have been meaning to share with all those guys out there who are wondering what looks will be hot for fall and winter.  The article, "Standard Time: Deeper Blue Hues and an Authentic Fit Rules Men's Jeans This Fall," was published in the Lowell Sun on September 25, 2007.  

According to the Lowell Sun article, men's denim look this coming fall and winter are reflecting a James Dean look. "The standard fit is the perfect everyday pair of jeans that work for just about every occasion," said Kimberly Terry, spokesperson for Gap stores.  Many men's denim retailers are returning to a more classic look for fall.  According to Terry, "Washes are more subtle, moving away from the more extreme washes of a few years ago."  

This is great news for the guys who are sick of the trendy washes and treatments that go out of style so quickly.  This season, look for a dark, clean wash and classic fit.  Check out Chip and Pepper – Bobby Baby in New Credit to see an example of a classic fitting, dark washed jean.

Back Pocket Design

How do you tell one pair of designer jeans from the next??  Simple, all you have to do is take a look at the back pockets.  The designer denim craze has created a population that is obsessed and fascinated with back pocket designs.  Most brands today have such a distinctive back pocket that makes them easily identifiable. 

 

With unique colors, stitching, shape, and size, choosing the best back pocket for you can become a daunting task.  Just because the design may appear to you on the hanger does not mean the back pocket will work on your body.  Keep reading to see which

Every brand has a distinctive color, stitching, shape or size that can either enhance or detract from your behind when you are wearing them. They may look great on the hanger, but do nothing for you when they are on your body. We'll try to help you understand what's best for your size and shape.

Oversized pockets:
Oversized pockets can be funky and fun but they do not necessarily work on all bodies.  When oversized pockets are placed very low and end up sitting more on the back of your thigh than on your butt, they can create the appearance of a perky butt on smaller seats.  For those of us with a larger bottom, these oversized pockets can make our behinds look even larger and shorter.  Check out J & Company’s Malibu jean for a great clean oversized pocket. 

Embellishments and Flaps:
Heavily embellished back pockets can really make heads turn. Intricate embroidery (like that on J & Company’s Beverly New Dagger), multi-colored stitching (on Antik’s Bootcut and Wide Leg) , and fabric insets (like that on Kasil’s Eleanore) are all designed to focus attention on your assets. These types of pockets are great for adding dimension and interest to your seat. While this is perfect for flat seats, making them appear fuller and rounder, it can be too much added bulk for those with fuller behinds.

Special Shaping:
Technology and art come together creating pockets with an extra lift.
Asymmetrical pockets with angled corners and unique shaping are specifically designed to flatter your seat. Darted back pockets create extra curve for your seat while special angles and corners work with your curves to give an illusion of lift. Done right, these jean pockets work well for anyone.

Siwy jeans are one brand that is integrating this special shaping into their design.  The tulip-shaped back pockets on both the Hannah and Kat jeans create the appearance of a fuller and perkier behind.

Blue Cult’s Original Buttlifter and Kate Buttlifter also use this special technology.  The yoke or back seam is removed from the jeans which allows for higher pockets and an instant lift.  Diagonally placed darts also give the illusion of a perkier behind.
 

Basic:

A basic back pocket design may seem hard to find these days but a simply designed rear is a classic way to show off simple signature stitching.  The classic back pocket has a basic spade shape that flatters every figure.  Red Engine jeans have mastered the art of the basic back pocket.  Wrangler 47 is yet another brand that keeps it simple and classic when it comes to back pockets.  These simple designs are clean and refreshing in this age of back pocket mania. 

Find the perfect coat for your shape -- Under $300.00

The winter season (at least on our side of the coast) is underway.  I woke up to a bit of frost on my car, and there is no denying that there are some cold mornings to come.  Having lived in New England all of my life, I know how hard it is to find a flattering and fashionable coat that meets my winter warmth standards.

To my delight, I found some great hints in this months Issue of O Magazine.  The article, entitled ‘The Right Coat For Your Body’ gives readers tips on just that—finding the perfect fitting, flattering winter coat.  Now, a few of the price points in the coats featured in the article are a bit high, so I have put my own twist on the piece.  I’ve found the same styles in the suggested coats online, all priced$300.00 or less. So here we go…

 

Problem: Some coats are bulky, taking away from our natural curves.  For women that want the look of softer curves, a jacket with side button closures and tailored lines is suggested.  I found a great jacket from Revolve Clothing. This is a lighter jacket spinning off from what is shown on Oprah’s magazine, but should create the desired effect of softer shoulders and a more pronounced, but soft waist.

 

 

 

 

Problem: Do you have a great waist, but a weaker upper half?  Many women experience the same problem and would like to find a coat that, by the jacket’s style, accentuates their shoulders.  Draping around the neck and shoulders is the best way to show off your upper half.  This gorgeous wool coat from Marc Jacobs on Bluefly is a perfect fit.  Wrapping around the waist still shows off your natural waist line, but the open v-neck and draping around the shoulders will help you with your fit needs. 

 

 
Problem: Some women try to hide the area between their hips and knees in heavy ankle length coats.  Well, O Magazine provides a solution: find a peacoat style more fitted around the upper waist, which forms into a a-line towards the bottom and make sure the coat is tailored to end above the knee.  I would also suggest wearing this coat with slimming clothes, like a high waisted but fitted pair of jeans like Kasil Jean's Tribeca, or a pencil skirt with herringbone leggings.  I found the perfect coat on Bluefly again.  A DKNY wool pea coat with extended collar, drawn in waist and a lower cut to end right above or at your knee.  

 

 

Problem: Need space for a bigger bustline, but still want room to move?  A cocoon shaped coat is perfect for this fit battle.  The coat’s shape allows for a full range of motion without looking like you’re swimming in the jacket.  In fact, this style of coat which is lightly gathered at the bottom is coming back into style.  Back in the 20’s the cocoon shape substituted for capes to offer better protection in the winter months.  Because these coats are so popular, it was really hard to find them within our 300.00 budget, but I did get lucky on Oasis a great black and white wool blend with fashionable buttons and a funnel collar will do the trick!

 

 

Problem: In the 50’s A-line swing coats came into style, and let me tell you, it simply isn’t old yet!  Every season new A-lines appear in better wool blend and colors than before.  If you have a pear shaped waist line, which many of us do, this is the coat for you.  Of all the coats suggested here, this is the easiest to find at your local department store.  However, if shopping on line is more your style, check out this coat on BlueFly by Adam Meets Eve.
 

 

 

 

Problem:  As a petite woman myself, I look for a coat which will give me a little more height.  This great coat from La Redoute is just what I’d purchase.  It has a wrapover look to give my torso a longer look and a partial funnel neck to give me more height up top around my neckline.  The coat shows more leg, which also gives the desired illusion of height.  Match that up with a great pair of heels and fitted bottoms and you’re ready to go!

 

I hope this helps you all either when browsing online or during in-store shopping trips!  

If you have any other fit problems we can help you out with feel free to leave a comment and I’ll work on finding the right coat for your body.  If you have any other favorite styles or stores online for coats feel free to share it in a comment as well!  Happy Shopping!

The Skinny Trend is Still Alive!

There is no denying that skinny jeans are continuing to rule the denim scene this fall.  I recently came across the collaborative fashion blog, Denim Blog, and found two posting that prove that the skinny trend is still alive and thriving.

The first posting, entitled “How Do I Wear Tight Hudson Jeans Well,” offers great advice for curvy women looking to rock the skinny jean look. A common concern among more curvaceous women is how to stay on top of high fashion denim trends without sacrificing a great fit and a happy body image. This article tries to send some light on how to make this trend work for you.   Make sure that the pair you buy fits you really well, and match them with some knee high boots to lengthen the appearance of your legs. Pairing them up with a loose-fitting top will also not only attract more attention to the jeans, but create the illusion of smaller hips and thighs.

The second post, “Designer Fashion – Back to the Future,” offers some insight into what runway styles will make it mainstream.  The article notes that retro styles are really making a comeback, and seem to have more impact with consumers than than cutting-edge new fashions do. Designers are noticing this trend and are gearing their designs toward the retro-fabulous, with wide headbands/bandanas, leggings, and of course, the skinny jean!  “The tighter the bottom, the better the look and they can be paired with just about anything.”

Check out some of the great skinny jeans True Jeans has to offer and see which styles will best fit you.  Some of my favorites are  the 575 Parliament, the Hudson Stella Skinny and the Wrangler 47 Lillington.

For the Men: Matching Shoes to Jeans

We have received many messages from men asking how to pair shoes with their jeans for various occasions.  I have been searing through the web and found a few useful resources for all the questioning men reading our blog:

About.com has a whole page about men’s shoes to wear specifically with denim.  About also boasts another article about men’s shoe suggestions in general.

Ehow has a great seven step process to find the shoes to match with your denim perfectly.  I just love having steps, makes everything so much easier to remember.

To make it easy on everyone, here are a few steps and suggestions to remember compiled from everything I’ve read.

Make it a Casual Thing...
Sneakers are always a safe bet for a casual look with jeans.  Some easy to find favorites are Pumas and Adidas.  These brands offer a more retro style offering and can be seen on streets from LA to NYC.

One Step up…
Boots and slip-ons are an easy and not to mention faster alternative to sneakers.  If you’re going the boot route make sure to find something a little more cutting-edge or urban.  Straps, buckles and especially square toes are always sleek and in style.  Unlike women’s boots, Men’s look best in an ankle boot, regardless of style or material.

Lace it Up
Most sites suggest choosing an Oxford or any other lace up loafer based on the shirt you are wearing.  For example, a tailored button down denotes a nice pair of Oxfords but a more casual T-Shirt is better with sneakers.

No Fail Advice Tidbits
Stay away from anything shiny.  Overly shined leather, patent leather or shiny animal skins are a bit over the top when it comes to jeans.  Stick to faded or distressed leather or suede if you have to.

Make sure to match your shoes to your belt.

Any other suggestions?

Long vs. Short Waisted - What Rise Works Best on Your Torso?

 

What a difference your waist waist line make!  It is important to pay close attention to where your pants' waistband rest, aka the rise.

If you have a lot of room between your ribs and hips and your legs are on the short side, you are most likely long waisted.  Wearing high waisted pants with tucked in tops is a great way to make your legs look longer.

 Those ladies with longer legs and less distance between ribs and hips are considered short waisted. By wearing pants with a lower rise with untucked shirts can stretch out your torso and make you midsection appear longer. 

When your waistband is hitting where it is should bem your legs and torso will appear to be in perfect proportion.   

For more information about finding the perfect rise for your body check out People Magazine's Style Watch.   

How to Dress to Flatter a Smaller Chest

 

Not all of us are lucky enough to have curves in all the right places.  For those who are a little less well endowed in the bust, there are a few simple tricks from People Magazine’s Style Watch that can make you appear more voluptuous.  Don’t worry, we won’t tell!!!  

Just like those with a boyish figure, you small busted ladies out there can create curves and a more shapely appearance by wearing clothing that is very structured.  Tops that add dimension, whether in the form of ruffles, embellishments, etc., are a great way to create the appearance of a larger chest.  Asymmetrical and higher necklines will also help to broaden the shoulder and create the illusion of a fuller bust. 

Adding layers or clothing that drapes and the bust is also a trick that helps to fill you out.  Kate Hudson is a great example of how layering can work in your favor.  “While the slim knit (left) is fine, the sweater’s added layers and the belt make for a sexier silhouette.” 

How to Flatter a Curvy Figure

 

 

 

Curvy figures are reminiscent of 1950s Hollywood glamour, evoking thoughts of Marilyn Monroe.  Killer curves can be super sexy with some flattering tips from People Magazine’s Style Watch. 

The best way to play up a curvy figure is to flaunt your beautiful hourglass shape.  Curves look best in clothes that are fitted and that emphasize the waist.  With that in mind, curving girls should avoid wearing anything that is super tight or extra baggy.  Tailored outfits really flatter your body’s natural shape and curve, so be sure to sick to clothing with structure.

Ugly Betty star, America Ferreira is a classic curvy figure.  In the photo on the left, America’s tailored jacket perfectly hugs her curves, accentuating her hourglass figure.  The white cardigan that she is wearing in the less flattering photo on the right is too baggy and makes America appear larger through the torso.

If you are extra curvy and looking to balance out some of your curves, look for bottom with a flared or bootcut leg. The extra width at the bottom helps put those curves in proportion with the rest of your body.  GoldSign’s Desire jean is a flare that is perfectly tailored to highlight her sexy assets. 

The Skinny On Business Casual

There seems to be an external disagreement between old and new schools surrounding what ‘business casual’ is.  The custom of ‘casual Fridays’ has been more accepted in years past, with most organizations launching to a ‘everyday business casual’ state of mind as of the past few years.  Thank you, Silicon Valley, for spreading the idea!!

So…let’s go ahead and define it, shall we?  Or better yet, we will let Wikipedia do it for us:

I am one who likes to dress a bit casually at work.  I am also interested in any way to defend my right to dress more on the casual side.  Sure, capris or skinny jeans might not make the cut, but what about a great trouser cut?  I wear my pair of Orchid Wide Leg Trousers quite a bit with a dress shirt or sweater.  To me, the key to wearing jeans to work is ensuring that the details in the seams and back pockets are simple and the wash in more monochrome and on the darker side instead of lighter washes with a distressed look.

I’ve recently found my silver lining, not to mention new source of rationalization!!  In a recent
Boston.com article, research conducted by Ladders.com was shared.  Ladders polled over 1,000 executives who make more than 100k annually, about their own (and their employers’) view on business casual.  The response to me was great!  Results found that of respondents polled:

- 62 percent said business casual is their standard workplace dress code
- 80 percent of executives prefer to wear more casual attire at work
- 42.2 percent mention that they see more company’s adoption a less formal dress code
- 22.3 percent said the definition of ‘business casual’ has stretched to include JEANS!

On the flip side, however, as reported by USA Today, some employees are finding that their industry does not think business casual is appropriate.  I guess you have to look at business casual through the eyes of your boss, not to mention the industry you work in.  There are helpful hints all over the web, one of which is About.com’s HR section. These sites are especially helpful if you don’t have a written dress code at work.

For a good laugh to see just how far telecommuters will go to stay comfortable at work, click here.

These are problems and questions we all face at some point.  Feel free to share your opinion or story here.

How to Flatter a Boyish Figure

 

 

 

Boyish figures are generally thinner, lanky and small-chested with thin hips.  Anyone with a boyish figure should be looking for clothing that creates the illusion of curves. The following tips from People Magazine's Style Watch can help you add feminine curves to any boyish figure.

First, try wearing jackets or tops and dresses that are structured at the waistline.  Clothing like this that carves out a waistline creates instant curves. 

Cameron Diaz is a great role model for how to dress a long and lean shape.  In both shots, Cameron creates a great long leg line with a great pair of William Rast’s Sadie straight leg jeans.  However, in the photo on the left, Cameron’s cropped jacket that hits right at her natural waist helps to create a much more shapely body.

Those with a boyish figure are lucky enough to pretty much get away with wearing anything on the bottom.  You should look for pants that hug your hips to help enhance any curves you do have.  Check out both Hudson and William Rast more hip hugging styles that help to play up sexy curves!

Men's Premium Denim Forum: Style Forum

Men have just as many woes as women finding jeans that fit.  There are countless blogs for women’s fashion, most specializing in specific fit and body issues.  There are resources for women for everything from plus sizes to petite sizes and everything in between.  I have used these sites numerous times for suggestions, product reviews and shopping hints.

But what about the guys?  How do men with athletic thighs find help with fit?  What about the tall and lean men out there?  I think I’ve found one possible solution for this lack of help online.

Style Forum is an active forum with more than 15,000 members.  Registration is free, and the forum is really fun to read and interact with.  They offer categories that run the gamut of men’s fashion from urban to more tailored fashion topics, not to mention a section on fitness and social life suggestions for cities across the globe.  More than anything thing else, I like this forum because of the community members that contribute.  I love reading through the threads and seeing the helpful tone and overall camaraderie between the members.  

I have already found threads that might be helpful to some of our male readers.  One recent thread is a member asking for help finding the right fit for a more athletic thigh.  From the measurements he gives it is clear he falls into the ‘normal’ category when it comes to inseam and waist line, but it seems he still finds most jeans are too tight above the knee.

True Jeans attempts to solve these fit problems by requesting thigh measurements as well as inseam and waist.  To make our predictions that more ‘spot on’ we are also ask multiple choice questions about specific body areas, in fact this might be the most important and useful information we ask in general.

So here’s my question for all you fashionable men: What is your most frustrating fit problem, and what brands/styles have solved it?

How To Flatter a Big Bust

 

Having a big bosom may sound like a blessing to many women but it can sometimes be difficult to find the right clothing to properly flatter a big bust.  Big busted women know that dressing their shape pose unique problems. To down play a top heavy chest, you should try to put together entire outfits that help make your chest appear more in proportion with the rest of your body.  

First, avoid wearing baggy, shapeless tops. One common mistake many women with large busts make is to buy baggy tops in the hopes of hide their breasts. But baggy tops only serve to add the illusion of pounds, so you look heavy and busty. You should choose tops the glide over and follow your curves.

To best play up your curves, be aware of necklines.  Look for v-necks, scoop necks, and open-collar button-ups. Each of these styles help to draw the eye upward, taking the emphasis off your chest.  Opening your neckline with tops like these will help to make it seem longer. 

Work on creating outfits that help elongate your midsection to help stretch you out.  Jessica Simpson is a perfect example of how elongating your midsection can work to your advantage.  In the photo on the left, Jessica’s unflattering high-waisted pants make her breast appear to be sitting right at her hips.  On the right however, Jessica creates a longer torso line by wearing lower-cut jeans and an untucked t-shirt.

How To Flatter a Petite Figure

Streetwear: The Insiders Guide by Steve Vogel

In May 2007 Steven Vogel released the book, Streetwear found here.  Vogel is a freelance writer and critic and has contributed to several international magazines and websites. He is also the Global Special Projects Manager at Burton Snowboards. 

Vogel is an enthusiast for all things street.  In his own blog post announcing Streetwear’s release Vogel writes about his own goals and aspirations behind creating this work:

“What I wanted to achieve with this book is not really that simple to answer with one statement. I wanted to gather all my friends, colleagues and people that have inspired me in one way or other and get them to sit around a table, eat some BBQ and drink beers and talk about our experiences, thoughts, fears, goals and opinions about the subject of streetwear and subsequently this sub culture which has, for all of his, turned from fan, life to work and hopefully still encompasses all these facets…you will not find the who’s who of streetwear here, some people whom I wanted to participate didn’t want to, I didn’t know them or they had no time…I don’t want to preach about what it is streetwear and what it is … Nor are any of the contributors interested in telling you what to think. Each contributor shares their story, their idea’s, their thoughts on their very own personal journey in this sub culture through either interviews and / or short stories that were conducted throughout 2006.”

In addition to his other achievements, Vogel curates the annual streetwear show, 'Untitled'.  Here is some information about the 2007 and 2006 parties .  'Untitled' is part of the BREAD & Butter international street culture tradeshow held in both Berlin and Barcelona every year.

I would suggest to any interested in street or urbanwear to check it out!  If you’ve already read it, or have suggestions on other books on the streetwear sub-culture I ask you to share the wealth in a comment!

To read more of Steven Vogel’s commentary go to his blog featured on Hypebeast.  There are a variety of blogs featured on this site about kicks, jeans, graffiti, art, and music.  All are great reads with an international flavor.

MySpace Fashionistas

MySpace unveiled the revamped version of MySpace’s Fashion Channel earlier this week on August 28, 2007.  The sites launch further deepens the relationship between the networking site and the fashion industry.  The Fashion Channel will be similar to the existing Music and Movies channels and will allows users to connect with fashion designers, brand and stylish celebrities.  Besides providing you with a way to connect with your favorite designers, the site will also feature video diaries of celebrities’ closets and fashion lives. 

InStyle magazine has signed on to partner with the Fox owned site.  InStyle will share the most up-to-date fashion news and information in a section entitled “InStyle News.”  WhoWhatWearDaily, one of my favorite daily fashion sites, has also partnered with MySpace Fashion. 

To check out the newest channel, go to www.myspace.com/fashion.  While you are browsing the site, be sure to check out True Jeans’ MySpace page and become our friend to receive special updates on sales and specials. 

Let Designer Denim Jeans Take You to the Head of the Class This Back to School Season

The last few weeks of August can only mean one thing – the back to school season is right around the corner.  For many, shopping for back-to-school apparel is a late summer ritual.  

Anyone who is prepare for back to school shopping should check out this must-read story from CNN reporting on the latest trends in shopping for back-to-school apparel.  

As tweens and teens become increasingly savvy about fashion, they are no longer asking for fashion basics to go back to school with.  Instead, they are asking for luxury products, such as $200  handbags and $100-plus designer jeans. 

So what is the major item in the fashion world this back to school season? Denim, varying from pencil skirts to long shorts to different styles, rises and colors of jeans. My absolute favorite trend for back to school denim has to be the wide leg styles that have hit the scene. The wide leg is a soft comfortable cut that is flattering to so many body types that can stylishly take you from class and extra curricular activities.  

What are your favorite back to school trends this season?

Victoria Beckham: Accomplished Author?!?

 

Victoria Beckham has become quite the style icon and now she will be sharing her fashion tips, tricks and ideas with the world in a new book. HarperCollins announced that the book, entitled “That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between,” will be released in November.  The book has already been released and climbed to the top of the best sellers list in the UK.

The US release comes on the heels of launch of Victoria's own line of denim, DVB. 

According to HarperCollins the book will offer guidance on everything fashion related, from dressing for special occasions to looking great day to day.  I know I can’t wait to see just how practical Posh’s advice is going to be.

What do you think of Victoria Beckham adding accomplished author to her list occupations?  I can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Suggestions on Spotting Fake Premium Denim Online and Off

There has always been quite a buzz online about how to avoid buying fake designer clothing.  To all you fakey sellers out there— we are catching on and sharing the information!!.  With the overnight success of premium denim it is no wonder that counterfeit problems will come into play. Sites like eBay are great to haggle on prices and feel more control of your purchases, but it’s not always 'what you see is what you get' on sites like these.  I wanted to write this quick post to let all our readers know about a few helpful hints and websites to help you buy online, and sometimes even in stores with confidence.  

eBay has a great list of resources written by members about the signs to look out for when perusing the site. Some of the suggestions are about brands in particular, such as Diesel, Seven for all Mankind, Rock & Republic and Xxxx Xxxxxxxx (just to name a few) as well as overall advice about identifying authentic vs. fake denim.  Many pictorial guides are offered, and you know we love photos to show the differences in labels, packaging, washes and styles of jeans and comparisons of the differences to look out for.   To be honest, I wouldn’t have known what to look out for before reading through these pieces since we sell 100% authentic denim on True Jeans.

Second City Style also featured a piece from Women’s Wear Daily, or WWD to us avid readers, with a shorter list of ‘what to watch out for’ advice.  One interesting section mentions:

On that note, here are my own suggestions with a little help from eZine @rticles:

- If the price is too low in comparison to store prices, be wary
- Read through an eBay seller’s feedback section, look specifically for reviewers who mention the brand your are looking to purchase
- If there are not enough photos of all the jeans’ labels, or if there are only stock photos of the item, make sure to request pictures of the actual jeans, specifically the labels and back pockets.
-Sure, premium denim comes at a premium price, but there are reasons for this.  In another post on True Life we mentioned that most designer denim is made in the USA, on the tags it should say that the jeans were manufactured in the states.  Japan, China and Thailand are hubs for producing counterfeits of all kinds, so just be careful of that as well.

My final suggestion, and the real motivation for writing this post, is to check out The Honest Forum.  This is an amazing community for premium denim fans!  Sure, the site costs $9.99 for a 25 year membership but let me tell you, it’s definitely worth it.  There is an entire section listing sites that sell fake denim, and mentions of eBay sellers which are known for peddling fakes which I found very useful.  These enthusiasts really know their stuff and are more than willing to help out other community members when something seems a little fishy.  

I hope you find this helpful.  I’d love to hear any other suggestions or counterfeit sites you’ve come across in your online shopping travels.  ‘Cause when you get down to it, there’s power in knowledge and power in numbers!

A Great Site for the Fashion Obsessed

Big time fashionistas out there are probably already familiar with my latest fashion find. For those of you looking for the most up to date fashion hits and misses, WhoWhatWearDaily.com is the place for you.

Founders Katherine Power, a former West Coast editor for Elle, and Hillary Kerr, a veteran of Teen Vogue and Nylon, know all when it comes to the latest fashion news and trends. Each day WhoWhatWearDaily informs its readers what fashionistas celebs are wearing.

You can even sign up for a free email subscription to easily and affordably bring your fashion obsession to your inbox every day!

Ask Julie: Jeans For Those With Tummy Trouble

Sally Asks Julie:
I have always had trouble finding jeans. If they fit on top, they don't fit on bottom, vice versa. I HATE to wear baggy jeans, but i have a belly that makes me LOOK like I'm three months pregnant, and at times i have the jeans going where they shouldn't go and have to wear a long shirt to cover, i can't tell you when the last time it was i was able to tuck a shirt in, i tried on 6 pairs of jeans today and none of them fit,is there any jeans out there for me.

Julie's Answer:
Dear Sally,

Yes, there are jeans out there for you. Don't give up just yet!  Your tummy trouble is something that many women experience and it can be difficult to find jeans that help minimize this common problem area.  To best solve the tummy trouble you have experienced in the past, it seems as if you would be most comfortable in a mid-rise jean.  A mid-rise can provide you with just enough coverage to feel secure, without being so high that it creates more bulk where it is un-wanted. 

If you want a form fitting jean all around, I would suggest a jean with at least 2% stretch in it to help hug the right curves, and stretch with you with your busy day to day activities.  A few brands I suggest you check out are Pine IV, JAG, and WORN which are great for style and comfort. 

Also, keep in mind that fit specialists are available for phone consultations as well.  Phone consultations are really a great way to receive an individual shopping experience because fit specialists can speak one-on-one with you to help match up your measurements and personal style preferences with the perfect pair of jeans for you.  Please do not hesitate to call at 877-348-8783! 

I look forward to hearing for you!

Julie

Ask Julie: Help me find the right shoes for my Kasils!!

Doug Asks Julie:
Julie:  I came in for a fitting in May just before I moved to LA - I bought two pair of Kasil jeans.  My question of what kind of shoes do you think go well with these jeans - mine are boot cuts.  My Luchese boots look great with jeans.  My flip-flops and tennis shoes do not.  Also, my formal cap-toe and wing-tip type of dress shoes don't seem appropriate either.  What shoes do you recommend for a 43 year old man going out on the town in jeans in LA?

Julie's Response:
Hi Doug!

My advice to you for your shoe selection would have to be to keep it simple. Simplicity will definitely make it easier for you to transition from day to night.  You can never go wrong with a black or brown shoe; and it seems as if men's fashion shoes are going toward a less chunky, smaller, sleeker sole; like a leather loafer or a trendy sneaker.  Celebrities seen in Kasil Jeans, like Nick Lachey, and Brad Pitt, are usual seen with a t-shirt and a blazer, and a casual dress shoe.  Aldo has a great fall selection, which mixes simplicity with style.  Check out Men Style.com; they have great fashion tips, but also gadgets, travel, and media advice. Also, you might enjoy this great blog called Plopculture.  It's a man living in LA; it's hilarious and honest about style, celebrity and life in LA.

Good Luck!

Julie

Remebering a Fashion Icon

It has been over a month since the passing of fashion mogul and icon Liz Claiborne and it is clear that Claiborne’s legacy and savvy fashion and business sense will live on long into the future.  

Claiborne launched her fashion company in 1976 with her second husband, Art Ortenberg, and two other partners.  Her initial goal was to create career oriented styles to the masses of working women.  Her collection of mix and match separates was an immediate a hit and the company made Fortune magazine's list of the 500 largest companies in the United States within a decade of its founding.  

Bill McComb, the CEO of Liz Claiborne Inc., released a written statement saying:

“In losing Liz Claiborne, we have not only lost the founder of our company, but an inspirational woman who revolutionized the fashion industry 30 years ago…Her commitment to style and design is ever present in our thinking and the way we work. We will remember Liz for her vision, her entrepreneurial spirit and her enduring compassion and generosity.”

Liz Claiborne started her company with only half a million dollars in the 1970s. Today, Liz Claiborne Inc. is almost a $5 billion business that includes fashion accessories and home decor, as well as men's and women's clothing.

It is no doubt that Liz Claiborne has is some way, same or form influenced the way every women dresses for work today.  Claiborne truly made fashion work for women by introducing the idea of having interchangeable basics in your closet and it is my hope that her legacy, drive and love of fashion live on long into the future.

 

Little in the Middle at Shecky's Girls Night Out

The entire Little in the Middle crew was recently spotted at the Shecky’s Girls Night Out shopping event in Boston, MA.  Shecky’s Girls Night Out is “the nation’s most INDULGENT shopping event!”  For five hours, you and your girlfriends can be treated to cocktails while shopping for the latest fashions, beauty supplies and accessories all from up and coming designer. 

A typical girls’ night out usually consist of a casual dinner, a round of drinks and maybe some clubbing or a movie. But when a large group of fashionistas get together, a girls’ night out can be taken to a whole new level. At a Shecky’s Girls Night Out, trendsetters partake in a massive sample sale where designer offer special discounts on all their good.  Discounts, drinks and new designers – could there be any better way to shop. 

Blogging Project Runway

 

 

New Online Fashion Community

Have you ever worn such a killer outfit that you wish you could share it with the world?  Well, a new online community is making it possible to share your cool style with the online world.  StyleMob, a new community for street fashion enthusiasts, allows you to upload images of your outfits and search and rate other individuals’ outfits.  Style Mob users also have the ability to mob other people's looks! As part of the mob, you vote and choose the day's top-rated street fashion.  Check out Groove Effect for a full review of the site. 

Style Mob is still in super-exclusive, pre-beta mode but is set to go public by the end of this week so make sure you check it this fun and refreshing way to share your awesome style!

 

Wide Legs - The Perfect Trend for Every Figure

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to share the newest trend hitting the denim world with you.  Let’s face it, not many of us were able to pull of the skinny trend and look good doing it.  With that said, it is so refreshing to see that wide legs have made a comeback and they have never looked better.

The wide leg is not a shape to be feared.  There’s hardly a jean that’s more figure-flattering for all kinds of body types.  This style of jeans can be super flattering on almost any body type.  Perhaps that is why all of Hollywood, including Jessica Alba, Sandra Bullock, and Brooke Shields has been seen wearing the butt flattering, flow legged styles.  

You may be thinking that this wide leg style will simply make you appear larger than you are. However, the wide leg style creates works to create a nice straight leg line and thus creates the illusion of longer legs and a taller frame.  

So what is the trick to making any figure look sophisticated without looking slouchy while wearing wide legs?  Read on to find out:

Curvy Figures:  Curvy girls can look ultra sexy by pairing wide legs with a tailored, form-fitting top.  You still want to look like you have a waist, so stay away from baggy tops that do not create a defined waistline.  A form fitting blouse and a great pair of wide legs will surely create a polished look.  Try Hudson’s Deluxe Wide Leg in Pure.  It has the perfect amount of stretch to hug all you curves while maintaining its shape perfectly.

Girls with Fuller Thighs:  A wider leg is a great way to help camouflage a fuller thigh area.  I suggest Goldsign’s Orchid Wide Leg Trouser in Ruckus to immediately slim out your bottom half.  The Orchid is perfect for those looking to disguise heavier thighs because this style falls in a straight line from the hip to the hem line.  

Skinny Figures:  Anyone with a straighter, skinny figure can pair their wide legs with a flowing top with a little more volume.  A-line blouse or slightly structured tunics work great to create a slight bohemian look.  J&Company’s Hollywood Trouser has a slightly more form fitting leg that will not overwhelm a slender figure but will still create an elongated leg line. 

Short Girls:  Shorter women should not shy away from the wide leg trend.  Even if they are several inches too long, do not worry.  Wide legs generally have a hemline that is very easy to be taken up without ruining the overall look of the jeans.  To get the most flattering silhouette from these jeans, I suggest pairing them with platforms or wedges to add additional height and tailoring them so they are just skimming the floor.  Check out Antik Denim’s Stella Wide Leg is made of ultra lightweight denim and has subtle western details that you will simply love.  

Tall Girls:   Those of you out there who are blessed with longer legs can also look terrific in this style.  Since you already have an elongated leg line, you don’t need the additional height that high heels provide.  Pair these with flats to look ultra chic and modern.  GoldSign’s Orchid in Taboo (with its 35” inseam) is perfect paired with a colorful pair of ballet flats for a classic look or with gladiator sandal for a more bohemian feel.

This wide leg trend is simply jeanius!  Try them out for yourself and see just how great they really are!

Fashion for the Blind

 

Shopping online can be a difficult task but just imagine trying to shop for clothing online without being able to see.  Rochester Institute of Technology students, Jaimen Brill and Asmah Abushagur, recognized the need for a site to help give the blind more freedom and independence while shopping and created White Cane Label. The idea for launching a site that addresses the shopping needs of the blind started off as a school project and could possibly be the next big thing in internet shopping. 

White Cane Label's site will be driven by sound and not by images and is expected to launch sometime this fall.  Customers will be asked a series of questions to help identify their personal style and put together a list of clothing recommendations, each with a detailed description that will be made accessible through special keyboards and voice content.

All clothing offered for the site will have Braille labels for size, style, washing instructions and suggestions for mixing and matching pieces.

To read more about White Cane Label, check out their Press Release and read about them in Democrat and Chronicle or All Headlines News.

 

Lucky Magazine's Denim Guide

For a great colored denim option, check out WESC’s Medium 5 Pocket jean.  The super bright Porcelain Blue wash of these jeans will certainly cheer you up all year long.  Lucky suggests balancing “out the wild factor by keeping everything you pair them with simple and streamlined.”  

Old-school washes and relaxed fits are another trend to watch out for this season.  According to Lucky, “these jeans are at their most timeless: versatile, straight-legged, and incredibly comfortable too.”  Wrangler 47’s Madison jean is a great option for those looking for the relaxed, laid-back fit with vintage detailing.  

 

A Welcome Change in Boston's North End

Living in Boston we know how important our warm summer months are to us. That’s why it’s time to ditch the mall and enjoy some great outdoor shopping!!. While Newbury Street and the South End are most popular for trendy boutiques, Boston’s famous North End is taking a spot on our fashion map.  For those of you outside of Boston the North End is our city’s Little Italy filled with great Italian restaurants and bakeries.  With the 'Big (neverending) Dig' finally coming closer to conclusion, the removal of the forgettable Northern Artery has brought more foot and automobile traffic, not to mention a new sense of Style to this historic area of Boston.  

Karma Boutique on Prince Street is a high end consignment shop were you can find great finds from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and more. They even carry vintage clothing and have started their own lingerie line. Having trouble finding a great gift? Then head over to Prima Donna also on Prince Street where you will find a variety of gifts for men and women. This place is so dog friendly they even sell dog cannolis so your pet doesn’t miss out on the Italian experience.  We all know how hard it is to find a great cocktail dress!  Twilight is a great new boutique on Fleet Street that is completely dedicated to dresses, both casual and cocktail.   After all that shopping you can work up quite an appetite so head over to Mike’s Pastry or any of the amazing area restaurants!

Any Boston area residents want to share their North End insight or diamonds in the rough we're missing here?

B-Buckles Make Room For Your Growing Belly

Dressing for the Office - What Every Man Should Avoid

 

 

We have all make fashion mistakes in the past, but these mistakes can be avoided with just a little knowledge.  A recent post on Sharp By Design discusses some of the most common men’s fashion don’t for the office.  This list of fashion faux-pas included wearing: 

-    Ill fitting suits
-    Clashing Patterns
-    Poor Quality Ties
-    Un-tucked shirts
-    Worn-out Shoes
-    Wrinkled Clothes
-    Mixing Casual with Dressy

These are great ideas, but it may be hard to understand how to incorporate them into your daily dressing routine.  To avoid clashing patterns I think you shouldn’t try and make so much of an effort to look fashionable that you end up overdoing it.  Less is certainly more when it comes to dressing yourself stylishly.  If you have a busy (patterned) shirt it is best to balance out any outfit with a simple, great fitting pair of jeans or slacks.  There is nothing wrong with a little color or a little pattern, but use sparingly.  By all means buy fashionable pieces if they suit you. Mix and match them with the basics in your wardrobe. You don't have to wear every single trendy item you own all at once.

Quality and fit are two of the things True Jeans stresses when buying jeans.  These qualities should also be considered when purchasing any item of clothing.  Poor quality looks cheap even to the untrained eye.  Fit is probably the most important thing to consider when buying clothes because no matter what, an ill fitting garment will never look good.  You CANNOT look fabulous in a suit that does not fit properly.

While Sharp By Design’s rules can be considered a good guideline, it is my opinion that there is a big difference between being stylish and just following the latest men’s fashion trends and rules. To avoid being a fashion victim at the office try not to follow all the latest men’s fashion trends without thinking of whether they suit your body shape, looks, or age.  You should also make sure your fashion style shows off your personality.  

Hopefully these tip will ensure that your fashion-sense or lack there-of is not offending the eyes of your colleagues or recklessly endangering your career!

How to Choose the Right Jeans - What Factors into Fit?

It may seem like a silly question to ask, but many people are curious about the elements that factor into great fitting jeans.  With so many different styles, cuts, colors and rises, it is difficult and frustrating to find the right pair of jeans.

A recent video interview with Anna Mormina, manager of Parasuco Jeans in Montreal, attempts to answer the question of what goes into finding your perfect fit.  During the interview, Mormina mentions that many customers are drawn to darker denim because of its ability to slim out your silhouette.  

While finding a wash that is appealing is key, even more important is finding the correct cut for your body type.  Whether you figure is flattered by a bootcut, wide-leg, straight leg or skinny has a great deal with your personal preference.  Don’t hesitate to ask Julie for tips on choosing the perfect jeans for your unique body.  

Men's Summer Denim Trends

 

 

With summer just around the corner, it is just as important for all of you guys out there to look good while keeping cool in the summer heat.  A recent post on Nothin’ But Fashion notes that men don’t “care about ‘skinny jeans’ and tube tops,” but instead are interested in reading about fashion that pertains to them.  

For summer, one of the biggest trends to hit the men’s denim world is lightweight denim.  The ultra lightweight fabrics not only look and feel amazing but also help to keep you cool as the temperatures begin to sore.  Blue Cult’s relaxed lightweight jean, which comes in two washes, is a terrific relaxed bootleg jean for the guy looking for both style and comfort.  The Manic wash's blue-grey tint will certainly set you apart from the rest of the crowd, while the Crystal wash offers a more traditional denim blue tone.

All you active men out there know that it is often difficult to find jeans that fit with your active lifestyles.  One of True Jeans’ newest brands, WESC, is perfect for just that.  With its roots in the skateboard and snowboard culture, WESC’s designs denim that sets its own rules and follows its own trends.  WESC’s Lower jean in either Rinse or Graze will be perfect for the guy looking for a snugger fit and straight leg.  

Finally, for all you fashion forward guys out there, you need to check out Justin Timberlake’s line, William Rast.  The William's great back pocket design and dark Resin wash is the perfect combination of funky detailing and classic styling.  

Don’t wait until the thermometer hits the triple digits to look good and stay cool this summer!  

Julie: What are the most flattering jean stlyes for different body shapes?

Kathy Asks Julie: Women come in all different shapes:  long legs, short waist, athletic thighs, classic hourglass, a little tummy, more than a little behind, and so on. 

Jeans come in equally numerous varieties:  different cuts, washes, and details.  Button-fly, flap pockets, tab closures - you've got them all!

What are the most flattering jean styles for different body shapes?  Who should avoid cropped jeans, for instance?  And who would look fabulous in an ultra low rise?  Are some colors/washes more flattering for hourglass shapes than others?

Thanks!
Kathy

Julie's Answer: Hi Kathy!

Shorter legs should stick with a shorter crop, preferably a knee length, to make your legs appear longer. 

An ultra low rise is the most flattering on a flat stomach, and better on a shorter torso. If you have a long torso it may make the jeans look and feel too ultra low. I have seen a lot of women try on the Red Engine Super Sexy Mid-Rise Boot cut, and the Gold Sign Desire, and these are great jeans for women with curves.  It is important to keep in mind that we need to flatter the assets we have, and find the best way to accomodate our not so flattering areas.

I myself have average hips, and seat, and typically have problems filling out jeans.  To make my seat look perkier and give me the lift I’m looking for , I focus on pocket placement, and details.  My favorite jeans that help me achieve this look are Hudson’s Deluxe Wide Leg Trouser and Blue Cult’s Kate Butt lifter, which do wonders for lifting my behind!  A dark wash is the most flattering on all body types, but it is always good to have a lighter wash to mix up your wardrobe! - Julie

 

 

Premium Denim at Premium Prices

Practicality may have once ruled over price in the denim market but that is certainly no longer the case.  With denim prices now soaring well into the triple digits, I am sure consumers are starting to wonder just what exactly they are paying for. 

An October 2005 San Diego Union Tribune article, entitled "Denim Has Legs,"  takes a closer look at the explosion of higher priced premium-jeans.  The article acknowledges that within the past five years the denim market has gone through some serious changes.  It has been "transformed, with so-called premium - which provides a superior fit and styling- becoming one of the hottest segments of the apparel industry. 

 

 

What exactly factors into these higher priced denim jeans?  To begin with, premium denim lines are almost always created exclusively from Japanese or Italian denim.  More time is taken in fit factor considerations when it comes to premium denim, many brands cater to different body styles or are constructed in a way to attract a certain shape of customer.  Even though denim is important, many of the premium brands are entirely manufactured in the United States, raising the total cost of manufacturing and thus this cost carries over to customers. Finally, and lets be real here, the ‘celebrity factor' cannot be overlooked.  Names like Jessica Simpson and even Justin Timberlake are synonymous with the most popular denim brands there are.  Elise Carter, a blogger at StyleDash mentions this in a blog post earlier this year.

So why do I think doling out money on a great pair of fitting jeans is a good idea?  I truly believe that a great pair of jeans makes for a smart investment because you can virtually wear them everywhere.  With many styles, washes and cuts to choose from, there is a pair of jeans for almost every occasion.  Whether it's to the office, out with friends or on a hot date, you simply cannot go wrong with a terrific fitting pair of denim jeans!

What do you think?  Is premium denim a wise investment?

 

 

What is an Orginial Hem?

Have you ever wondered how to get your jeans to be the perfect length and still preserve their unique styling details and leg opening?  Well, the answer is simple.  An original hem (sometimes called a tricky hem or European hem) maintains the integrity of your jeans because the original hem of the jean is kept in tact. Original hems can be done be cutting the jeans or by following the  uncut method.  Daily Denim agrees that original hems may change the common misconceptions people have about hemming jeans.  Jeans, just like almost every other item of clothing, may need a bit of tailoring to achieve a perfect fit.  It just so happens that length is the easiest alteration you can make to help you achieve a perfect fitting pair of jeans.  Original hems are the perfect solution for anyone who does not want to loose the signature look of their jeans.

Sure, there are some common misconceptions about what an original hem may do to hurt the look of your denim.  In a great post on DailyDenim a few of these were mentioned, such as: The flare is lost once hemmed, getting clothing hemmed is a hassle, even issues having to do with stitching and destruction on the hem being lost once hemmed is discussed.  Many of these common assumptions are disproved in this blog post.

True Jeans is now trying to take some of the hassle out of getting your jeans hemmed; we are offering original hemming service for $15.00 per pair.  Good tailors are usually able to alter jeans using the original hem method for a slightly higher cost than a regular hem.  To learn more about various hemming methods, check out Dacia Ray.  This post has great instructions and visual aids to guide you through the hemming process.

Don't let the inseam length dictate which pair of jeans you wear. Choose your fashion, don't let fashion choose you!

The Perfect Jeans for Active Lifestyles

With the hectic daily lives we all lead, it is no wonder I constantly find myself reaching for my favorite pair of jeans to keep me comfortable throughout my busy days.  Fashion trends my come and go but I am faithful to my jeans because they are just so darn comfortable. Women and men today are more active than they have ever been and they need jeans that fir into their busy lifestyles. 

With the wide variety of cuts, fabrics and washes available in the denim market, it has never been easier to dress for an active lifestyle.  A lightweight jean with a little bit of stretch and a mid-rise, like Red Engine's Midrise Bootcut, provides you with the perfect amount of comfort without compromising any style.  Kasil's Tribeca trouser is another terrific option for women like me who are constantly on the go.  The trouser cut of these jeans make them perfect for the boardroom and the unique wash can easily be dressed up for meeting your friends for cocktails.  Active men also have plenty of denim options to keep them comfortable while still looking great.  Chip and Pepper uses ultra soft denim and features unique washes. Check out the Big Pickle, which is roomier in the thigh more additional comfort, for that perfectly relaxed fit. 

What do you think?  What types of styles, cuts, and fabrics accommodate your active lifestyle?

Julie: I'm looking for plus sized premium denim

Dawn-Marie Asks Julie:  Why are there no plus sizes for jeans?  I was very excited to hear about your site, hoping it would help my jeans problem.  Alas, I find yet another site that talks the good talk, but when I went through and input all my data, there were *no* results whatsoever.

Also, on one of the pages, when it asks about the jeans you "usually buy" I could not input what I usually buy because the waistband is typically 10 or so inches bigger than my waist, and my waist size was the largest you could input as a jeans waistband size.  What's up with that?  I typically have to take the waist of my jeans in 10 inches or so, which results in a large dip in the backside; I've eliminated some of this problem by taking up some of the fabric as a dart into the front pocket.  The jeans fit, but they are unattractive at the waist, so I have to make sure my waist area is always covered.  (My waist is 34 inches, my hips are 56 inches.)  Got any advice for me, or am I doomed to look like a lump in my jeans forever?

- Dawn-Marie

Julie's Answer: I can assure you that you are not doomed forever!  In the field where you enter "usual size", that is typically the size jean usually worn, and not your actual waist measurement.  It is extremely important to us to provide great brands to plus size customers. The plus size community has long been underserved by the apparel industry in general, and we're trying to change that.  We are currently doing a lot of research in this area.  We are dedicated to helping all body shapes and sizes, find great fitting jeans, all while maintaining superior quality and style. 

As for your gapping issue, there is a solution in the works!  One of our brands, Little in the Middle (LITM), is a brand that is dedicated entirely to solving this problem for women. They make their jeans a size smaller in the waistband than the hips to accommodate and hug your curves and eliminate the gapping issue.  We have been working very closely with the LITM founder and pattern maker to include up to a size 22 (and above if we find that there is enough demand).  Within the next month, we will also be adding two new premium plus size brands, JAG jeans and Svoboda, which will go up to size 24 and size 28 respectively.  We will be sending out a newsletter, when these new brands are added to the website, so please don't give up on us yet!

Julie

Vanity Sizing - Alive and Well

Have you ever heard the rumor that Marilyn Monroe was a size 12?  Well, it’s no rumor.  Back in the 1950’s Marilyn was actually a size 12.  By today’s standards, Marilyn would be a size 6.  Why does this large discrepancy between sizes exist?  Two words – vanity sizing: the apparel industry’s dirty little secret.

Vanity sizing, or “size inflation, is the phenomenon of ready-to-wear clothing of the same nominal size becoming larger over time”.  Vanity sizing is certainly alive and well, and many American apparel companies use this sizing technique to seduce their customers into purchasing jeans that appeal to the “small body” aspirational archetype that society embraces .  Vanity sizing occurs when clothing companies cut their products larger while labeling them with small size tags.   In this way clothing companies are persuading women everywhere into believing that they haven’t gained pounds or inches in years.  A 2006 Good Morning America segment, found here on YouTube, highlights how three separate women fell victim to vanity sizing.

Why does vanity sizing seem to be less prevalent among men’s clothing?  Although vanity sizing certainly occurs in men’s clothing, it is definitely not as dramatic as the sizing discrepancies we see in women’s clothing.  Men’s clothing sizes have been standardized since the government, needing to outfit Civil War soldiers rapidly, found consistencies among men's measurements and labeled them with sizes that corresponded.  Those sizes, based on exact measurements, are still in use today by men’s clothing manufacturers.  That is why it is much easier for men to buy clothing off the rack without always needing to try things on.  

Women’s clothing on the other hand has not been standardized in almost fifty years.  The last time there was any standardization of women's sizes was in the 1940’s when the U.S. Department of Agriculture did a large-scale study of women's measurements, urged on by the mail-order clothing industry. This standardization was extremely short lived, many garment manufacturers instead developed their own sizing scales using measurements that suited them.  Today, it is becoming more and more common for manufacturers to create various sizing scales, even within their own brand.  Few companies are motivated to conform to a sizing standard because vanity sizing is a source of competitive advantage whereby companies can cater their sizing scales to flatter those who they view to be their “core customers” and influence more frequent purchases.

The vanity-sizing phenomenon has now begun to make its way overseas.  A recent Times article, “Revealed: The Jeans that Tell a Sizeable Lie,” exposes several brands, including H&M, Gap, and French Connection, who have begun practicing vanity sizing.  According to Time’s findings, French Connection seems to be the most embellished brand, with some of their pants being up to six inches larger than what was actually stated on the tags.

Because there is just no standardization in sizes, True Jeans takes the time to collect data and sizing information on every jean we carry.  Thus helping you to determine which size your unique measurements match up with for each style of denim we carry.

Our reviews thus far have been great, and everyone at True Jeans wants to continue to offer premium and niche denim brands to suit every need.  So I guess the question is now, does vanity sizing really change how you purchase clothes?  Or is it just a trend you think will eventually work itself out?  Should apparel companies standardize their sizing scales or continue to diverge? 

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