Premium Denim Brands archive

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?

Justin Timberlake on Oprah | William Rast

 

Oprah's Friday Live brought Justin Timberlake to the round table! The actor, producer, song writer and fashion designer visited Oprah to show some pieces from the William Rast spring collection. (Oprah.com)"Justin says he loves to see women wear a mix of sexy and tomboy looks...a style his girlfriend, actress Jessica Biel, is known for. "She's obviously a huge muse for me and with the designers too," he says. He also added that every woman should have a good pair of jeans and a leather jacket in her wardrobe. 

In keeping with this style, the first model came out wearing William Rast's black leather jacket with studs and Jerri skinny jeans. Both models were also wearing a pair of cropped boots; a style that Jessica Biel has been seen wearing a lot lately and also becoming a fast Hollywood trend! 

"Over the years, Justin has become known for his unique sense of style. "I like mixing sort of a cleanup top with the rugged jeans and like a flannel with a blazer," he says. "Try it, guys. See what happens." To illustrate his point, a male model pairs the William Rast "Ben" jeans with a flannel shirt and optical wave wool blazer."

What's the inspiration behind these looks? "I'm inspired by our president, and I'm inspired by new leadership," he says. "I'm inspired by the world, and we're expressing it."

"William Rast takes its denim very seriously. To get the creases for the line's "Ben" jeans just right, Justin says Johann, the head designer for men, wore the same pair of jeans for 18 months...without washing them."

Check out this video on oprah.com to see Justin Timberlake giving a tour of the downtown Los Angeles William rast headquarters.

Willliam Rast doesn't just look amazing on models and celebrities! Trace took to the streets of Chicago to recruit young men and women to model more looks. See the video here on oprah.com."

(excerpts and images courtesy of oprah.com)

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!" »

re(Define)(Real)ity Fashion Show

 

The re(Define)(Real)ity event brought out many people in support of the re-launch of Little In The Middle Jeans- despite the foot of snow! All the true New Englanders that braved the storm and made it to the show not only helped benefit The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness, but also saw beauty in many different shapes and sizes from the gorgeous Maggie Inc. models!

The gorgeous 50's pin up style hair and make up was created by the talented team of stylists from the Carl Michael Salon.

Founder of Little In The Middle jeans, Lee Ann Park (pictured below with True Jeans Co-Founder Jessica Arredondo), started the show with a beautiful tribute to a late friend of hers and a brief background on how she was inspired to create her brand. After the show, guests were invited to a personalized shopping experience at the True Jeans Denim Bar, where they were matched up to the Little In The Middle jeans that fit their body type the best. For those who prefered not to take off their snow boots, True Jeans assisted in taking their measurements and setting up a profile for a cozy at-home shopping experience with fuzzy slippers instead!

Ginny Colangelo (seen below) created incredible body art on two of the models for the show. These two girls were embracing being comfortable in their own skin on a whole different level- which is a concept we absolutely stand behind! 

The re(Define)(Real)ity event was flawlessly pulled together by Jessica de Guardiola and Elena Lelchuck, from 5s PR agency.

William Rast Fall/Winter '09 Fashion Show

 

Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala hosted their William Rast Fall/Winter '09 fashion show in the Bryant Park tents this year. They were joined by creative directors Marcella and Johan Lindeberg to show off their new line of jeans. The New York Post had this to say about the collection: "...Timberlake, Ayala and Lindeberg truly understand the sexiness of a studded leather jacket, a plaid shirt and some well placed leather fringe. And the denim- as usual- is trendy, inventive and interesting. The biker bar and feel and acid wash skinny jeans were a combination we could get used to on boys and girls. This year's theme was "New America" and the show notes read, "New America is here, and with it, William Rast is embracing the renewed confidence and vision. We believe that during this coming of era of modern America, it is creativity that will be one of the most important ingredients into today's culture." The notes continued, "We are part of understanding the needs and appealing to the desire of this evolving culture."

Here are a few looks from the collection. Check out Denim Blog to see more from the collection and to see who was sitting front row!

 

Jeans- Our Second Skin

With the economy at an all time low, we are all trying to figure out how to save a penny here or there. Right now, women are foregoing their weekly salon treatments and opting for do-it-yourself manicures and bending over sinks to touch up their own roots- but must we really bow out on premium denim? I say ‘never'! Denim is quickly working its way up to replacing the importance of  ‘little black dress', and with new styles and washes being invented each season, it is one of those wardrobe staples that can transform your look from day to night in an instant. "According to a survey created by Lifestyle Monitor, 78% of female respondents say that they enjoy or love wearing denim. Such affection for denim is clearly reflected in ownership; the typical female respondent owns a pair of jeans for every day of the week. And in spite of such a strong ownership, three out of four female respondents say that they may or probably will buy more denim in the near future." says an article in Women's Wear Daily. So despite the falling economy, premium denim is holding on by more than a few threads! Why would we stop investing in such a versatile piece of clothing? With jeans slowly replacing traditional business attire in some work places, you can show your creativity with a limitless mix and match style without breaking the bank. Premium denim can be worn up to three times a week without losing its shape, so with a few shoe changes and an addition of blazer or two, your weekly wardrobe rotation just extended itself into next month!

 Or maybe you're wondering why premium denim comes with a high price tag and why it should even be considered an investment. Well, if you consider premium denim to be ‘just jeans', then I can see how parting with your hard earned money could be a bit much to swallow. But before you scoff at the next price tag, keep in mind that the process of making premium denim is pretty much an art form, and often a dangerous job. Workers use glass, sandpaper, pumice stones, enzymes, chemicals or plastic balls to create different washes and distressed effects. This job is potentially so dangerous that workers are required to wear respirators, overalls, gloves, and protective goggles. After cutting and sewing at a garment factory, jeans are typically sent to a laundry for washing; a process where the jeans get ripped, beaten, sandblasted, over-dyed and often chemically treated to create those signature looks and current trends.

I found an amazing photo essay, by photographer David Freidman, that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a denim factory in Kentucky that specializes in distressing jeans for some top premium brands. For more photos, visit his blog.

 

 

So what makes up the difference in cost? Mass-market labels have machines to do the work, where as premium brands do it all by hand.  The difference in fabric alone sets apart the premium brands, not to mention the detailing and high quality hardware. Think of it this way, your next pair of high quality premium denim jeans will probably out last this recession with the amount of care put into their construction. For years now, jeans have been like our second skin so don't even think about shedding it just yet.  Jeans will always be a staple item in our wardrobes from year to year, no matter what tries to contend with them!

By Tilly Southwick

 

 

Meet Trace Ayala...The Other Face Of William Rast

William Rast is by far one of the hottest denim brands on the market, created by Justin Timberlake and his childhood best friend Trace Ayala.   True Jeans wanted to catch up with Trace and find out a little more about the brand and get to know the other face of William Rast.  Enjoy!

True Jeans: William Rast is a little bit of LA mixed with Tennessee style; which parts of William Rast's characteristics best describe your personality?

Trace Ayala: The Tennessee part is definitely me!  I try to enjoy the same things I did in Tennessee here in LA.

True Jeans: When you and Justin decided to launch the William Rast line of clothing, what was the motivation?  Did you feel like there was something missing in the market or did you just want to start a cool new clothing line?

Trace Ayala:  A little bit of both.  I feel like the market is definitely missing a true American heritage brand that stays true to their roots.  Everyone today wants that European style but we are who we are; 2 boys from the South.

True Jeans:  What is your favorite William Rast Jeans style to wear and why?

Trace Ayala:  I like the Billy Flare or Billy Bootcut.  I ride almost every day and like the looser fitting denim that is comfortable for me to wear while I am roping.

True Jeans:  What is your favorite William Rast women's style and why?

Trace Ayala:  I like the Women's Savoy.  The design of the yolk on the back makes all girls rears look amazing!

True Jeans:  The brand has a strong celebrity following. Other than William Rast being a celebrity-driven brand, how will William Rast continue to differentiate itself amongst other top and emerging denim brands?
 
Trace Ayala:  All we can do is be true to who we are and true to the clothes that we want to wear and I think that will end up differentiating us from the mainstream.

True Jeans:  We absolutely love William Rast's signature back pocket design!  Is there a story of influence behind the design?

Trace Ayala:  We call it "Dub" because each pocket is half of a W which ties back to William Rast

True Jeans:  Does William Rast have plans to branch into other merchandise categories besides clothing?

Trace Ayala:  Absolutely!  We will be creating an entire lifestyle brand. 

True Jeans:  What kind of jeans did you and Justin wear growing up?

Trace Ayala:  Mostly Levi's because they always stay true to being an American brand.

True Jeans:  What will be the hot trend we can expect to see for upcoming seasons from William Rast?

Trace Ayala:  Distressed and vintage denim, work wear styling and classic and high-rise silhouettes.

True Jeans:  What role do you and Justin play in the company? Are you just investors or do you participate in the day-to-day operations of the business?

Trace Ayala:  Justin and I are co-founders of the brand.  We are involved every day.  I have an office here downtown and I have basically become the culture ambassador of the brand.  I ensure that every aspect of this brand stays true to who we are. 

True Jeans:  Congratulations on your engagement to Joanna Garcia!  Will you be wearing any William Rast to your wedding?

Trace Ayala:  Absolutely! 

True Jeans:  Last question...What do you think of our website TrueJeans.com and our unique fit technology?!?
 
Trace Ayala:  I think it is awesome!!  I have always been a true believer that whatever jeans makes you feel comfortable is something you should be wearing regardless of the brand name.

HonestMall - the Fashionista's (and Fashionisto's!) eBay

Perhaps you've visited the folks over at DenimBlog and HonestForum via our blog roll or some of our blog posts for some fashion advice or the scoop on the latest trends.

There is another really cool part of their website called HonestMall. You know how if you go into eBay and search for designer clothes, you end up with a gazillion results loaded with knock-offs and scams? Well, on HonestMall, it's a much smaller scale, and they've taken precautions to make sure that all of the listings are authentic.

The mall charges a one time $10 entry fee to keep the scammers out, and there are brand managers that review the posted items to make sure they're real. They dig through to make sure that the seller is a real person, that they have a high feedback rating, where the item came from, and they even comb over high-res photos to confirm stitching and tag details. No more squinting at your monitor to figure out if that sexy Juicy Couture sweatshirt or that cute Kate Spade bag is fake! Some sample brands you might find on there include Diesel Jeans and Sevens as well as Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Manolo Blahnik, and more.

They are also working on integration with myspace and facebook and are building a mini version to work on your phones and blackberries. The best part? They've started a charity too and a portion of all their revenue goes to the poor. Stay tuned for more info as we collaborate, and remember to shop safely! If you're ever suspicious, remember to have a look at our blog post about how to spot fake premium denim so you don't make an expensive mistake!

William Rast on The Daily 10

Amidst the flurry of runway clips and previews surrounding Justin Timberlake's denim line, William Rast, and its, er, 'effect' on boosting celebrity Jessica Simpson's figure, we hear a voice amidst the crowd: "I'm sure God did some...William Rast did the rest." Described by 'The Daily 10' as a "booty-rockin' denim line", William Rast jeans have made big headway and don't appear to be stopping any time soon.

The brand, so named for Justin's grandfather, William, and design partner and best friend Trace Ayala's grandfather's last name, Rast, is snagging the attention of both men and women alike. The video features a step by step tour through the process of creating William Rast jeans, from picking out the type of denim to use, to the wash and the fit.

And what about the fit? We couldn't talk about jeans on True Life without talking about the fit! Instead of using a fit model like many companies do, the William Rast line takes the "best of three" approach - finding cuts that fit three different body types, and then picking a 'happy medium' that will look great on many different shapes and sizes.

To top it all off, their fashion show not only used models, but dancers as well! When's the last time you saw a fashion show with runway walkers break dancing? Sounds like Justin and Trace are bringing more than jeans to the catwalk.  

What do you think of it all? What makes Justin's line different from other celebrity fashion and beauty lines? Does the fact that he didn't use his name in the label make it more credible to you? If you're interested in trying a pair, you won't have to guess whether you're within the "best of three" fit rule. Check out True Jeans' line of William Rast jeans and use our fit technology to find your perfect fit!

Ever Wonder How Designer Jeans Are Made?

Ever wonder how your favorite designer jeans are made? Nylon TV, a division of Nylon Magazine, gets to the bottom of this question in this YouTube video segment.

For the August Denim Issue, Dani Stahl visited the 7 For All Mankind factory and learned what goes into making the perfect pair of denim jeans. This video also illustrates all the steps it takes to make a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans.  Many of the steps are done by hand which is one of the things that factors into the higher cost of premium denim jeans.   

Pine IV is Creating a Buzz

 

Pine IV has created quite a buzz around the green community lately.  It is hard to escape the eco-awareness craze and this is one trend that I hope is long lasting. 

The Green Girl Guide, a blog dedicated to eco-friendly beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends, recently featured Pine IV in one of its posts.  This post is great because it mentions how Pine IV is planning on launching a line made from organic cotton and bamboo in 2008.  In the mean time, Pine IV continues to do its part to help the environment by planting a tree for every pair of jeans they sell. 

Katherine McPhee wearing 7 For All Mankind

Katherine McPhee’s style has certainly come a long way since her first auditions for ‘America Idol.’ The 'American Idol' Season Four Runner Up has become a fashionistas and a stand out at red carpet events.  Katherine, who recently opened up about her struggles with eating disorders, landed herself on the cover of Self Magazine’s April 2007 issue. 

Go behind the scenes in Cabo San Lucas at the cover shoot for the April issue of SELF and see Katherine wearing a pair of 7 For All Mankind Shorts.

Jennifer Garner Loves Her 7 For All Mankind Jeans

Jennifer Garner loves her 7 For All Mankind jeans so much!  This lovely lady practically lives in these jeans, wearing them to run errands, attend meetings, sign autographs and even while playing with daughter, Violet.   Jennifer seems to favor the "A" Pocket style but has also been spotted wearing the signature bootcut. 

Join us in Welcoming Paige Premium Denim

Join us in Welcoming 7 For All Mankind to Our True Fits

True Jeans is pleased to announce the addition of 7 For All Mankind to our rapidly growing list of premium denim brands. 7 For All Mankind, also known as Seven Jeans or "Sevens", is one of the most popular and successful designer jeans brands and practically defines the premium denim category. Seven Jeans was instantly popularized by Hollywood’s elite when they launched in Fall 2000. Their flattering fits and unique washes continue to be a wardrobe staple of Liv Tyler, Jennifer Garner and Cameron Diaz.

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.

7 For All Mankind Broadens Its Brand

The Journal tends to support the idea the 7 For All Mankind’s expansion will give the brand a stronger presence in the market and will be good for the company, stating:

"Launched in 2000, without any advertising but lots of word of mouth in hip, fashionable circles, Seven For All Mankind's jeans quickly became hot sellers, racking up $70 million in sales in its second year in business in 2002, up from $13 million its first year… The brand burned hot enough to catch Wall Street's attention. In 2005, Bear Stearns's Merchant Banking unit bought a 50% stake in Seven for All Mankind LLC for nearly $300 million. Founder Mr. Koral owned the rest. He is staying on with Seven until his contract expires in February."

Seven has also recently been acquired by the major apparel label, VF Corp, who also owns brands like Lee, Wrangler and Nautica.  Seven should be able to use the resources already in place at these sportswear brands while breaking into the accessory market.  

7 For All Mankind’s premium jeans literally exploded onto the scene, quickly earning critical acclaim and an immediate following for its innovative us of fits, fabrics, and finishes in denim.  Will the same happen for the brand’s new line of accessories? 

What do you think?  Will 7 For All Mankind be able to successfully crossover into other product categories or should they keep their focus on the quality denim that so many of us how come to love?

Jennifer Garner Talks About Her Pine IV Jeans

Check out this video clip of Jennifer Garner talking about her Pine IV jeans.  Jennifer has recently been busy promoting her new movie, The Kingdom. 

Click here to check out photos of Jennifer wearing Pine IV. 

Victoria Beckham Loves Her dvb Jeans

Jessica Simpson is Definitely In Style

Jessica Simpson graces the cover of the November 2007 issue of In Style Magazine.  Jessica, whose two new movies, Blonde Ambition and Major Movie Star, are in the works, answers questions from both In Style readers and personal friends.  

Jessica looks absolutely gorgeous in these shots.  She is of course wearing her favorite pair of William Rast jeans.  

To read the entire In Style article, click here.

Pine IV Jeans Featured on The Today Show

Looking for a way to shop and avoid that post purchase guilt?  With so many brands making donations to charitable causes these days, it is easy to find designers who can make you look great in your clothes and feel great about giving back.  Stephanie Greenfield, owner of New York's boutique Scoop, shares some great brands that give back to great causes. 

A recent segment on The Today Show, focussed on clothing lines that donate portions of their profits to great causes.  Pine IV was featured as a brand that is eco-friendly.

Eco-chic can be beautiful.  Pine IV plants a tree for every pair of jeans sold in the United States.  To read more about Pine IV's environmental efforts click here.

Other great brands featured in this segment include Linda Loudermilk, Mauri Pioppo, and Green and Gorgeous. 

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.

Breaking Denim News! Citizens of Humanity Acquires Gold Sign

 

The latest breaking news in the world of denim hit presses last week.  On Monday, September 10, 2007 Citizens of Humanity's announced its acquisition of GoldSign.  GoldSign is the brain child of Adriano Goldschmeid, who has created a line of luxurious and sophisticated premium denim.  This addition should prove to be beneficial for both brands and will allow each brand to bring innovative designs to its consumers.

The most important aspect of this acquisition has to be the fact that Citizens of Humanity has not only acquired the GoldSign label but it also has aquired Goldschmied's legendary laboratory and laundry facility, Laundry Atelier. Laundry Atelier is special because it is one of the few laundry facilities in the United States.  Laundry Atelier is a unique and innovative wash house where innovative and fashion forward denim washes, treatments and designs are created.  Citizens will now be able to benifit from Godschmeid's innovative technology available at this laundry facility.

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?

Scratch and Sniff Denim - What Will They Think of Next???

You can always count on Women’s Wear Daily to provide you with breaking news in the fashion world.  The latest news in the denim world is reminiscent of childhood.  On August 30, 2007, WWD.com introduced me to a Spanish denim retailer, Cimarron, who has introduced scratch and sniff jeans for their fall line.  The idea arose during a late night design session when a member of the design team accidentally spilled a green tea onto their trousers.

The latest fall collection features colored denim with a matching scent.  The yellow jeans have a lemon scent, the orange jeans are scented with mandarin tones, green denim is minty fresh and pink smells of fresh berries.  According to Cimarron’s designer, Tiziano Folgia, the scent is only released when the denim is rubbed and the scent should last up to 20 washes.

This is an interesting concept but I am not sure if I am ready to walk around in denim smelling like mint or lemon.  What do you think?  Would you be interested in owning a pair of these new scratch and sniff jeans? 

Designer Trace Ayala Talks About William Rast's Denim Line

William Rast is one of the most popular denim lines on the market today.  With there unique washes and stellar fits, it is no wonder that celebs and regular folks alike cannot get enough of this fashion forward brand.

Justin Timberlake and best friend / partner Trace Ayala launched the line in 2006 and its popularity has skyrockets over the last few months with the help of celebrity endorsements like Jessica Biel and Jessica Simpson.  

In a recent interview with E! News, Ayala, who started his design career making custom designs for music tours and for friends, discusses William Rast’s upcoming fall line, which according to Ayala has an “Elvis/ Sinatra type of vibe.”

Check out the video to learn more about the celebrities who love this line and the technique William Rast uses to achieve a great fitting jean. 

William Rast on E!'s Daily 10

 

You’ve seen Jessica Simpson sporting these sexy jeans everywhere lately.  All of the growing celebrities buzz prompted  E!’s Daily 10 to  featured Justin Timberlake’s William Rast clothing line.  The line, which is inspired by Elvis and Frank Sinatra, has attracted quite a large celebrity following over the past couple of months.  The Daily 10’s host Debbie Matenopoulos went behind the scenes and spoke with JT’s partner Trace Ayala to see how the pair goes about creating a great line of clothing.

Trace describes how the design process begins by choosing which type of denim (Italian, Japanese, American, etc) will be used for a particular style.  Next, the duo decides which type of wash will be applied, whether it will be a dirty wash, a clean wash, or if the denim will be left raw.  Finally, the fitting process begins.  Instead of using one fit model, William Rast uses three very different models and takes the best fit out of the three.

Check out the video clip to learn more about how Jessica Simpson had William Rast design jeans exclusively for her.

 

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.

Designer's Chip and Pepper at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards

HollywoodUpClose recently caught up with dynamic twin brothers Chip and Pepper Foster at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards.  The quirky and crazy brothers chatted about the California lifestyle vibe they hope to embody in their clothing line.

The pair also shared their excitement about their recent collaboration with JC Penney to create their new line C7P.  C7P is an awesome new line that will be sold exclusively at JC Penney for affordable prices (everything retails for $34.99 or less).  The twins describe the jeans in their new line as, “the best jean at that price in America.”

Chip and Pepper also offer advice for new designers just getting into the fashion industry, saying “Go for it!” and “work for a good designer and get some training!” 

Jessica Simpson Loves William Rast's Savoy Trouser

Jessica Simpson just cannot get enough of Justin Timberlake’s line of denim, William Rast.  She was spotted last Friday night heading to popular nightclub, Le Duex, in Hollywood California while wearing the Savoy Trouser. The very next day she was seen out grabbing lunch with some friends wearing the exact same pair. 

Jessica looks fresh and beautiful in her William Rast's Savoy jeans paired both with a white tank top and a green hoodie.  These jeans are just perfect for both casual and chic dressing. 

The William Rast Savoy is now available in three washes - Evening, Dust and Barcelona.  Get yours today!

Heidi Klum - The Newest Face of Jordache Jeans

Supermodel and “Project Runway” host, Heidi Klum, is the newest face of

Jordache jeans.  Klum replaces previous Jordache model Elizabeth Hurley.  The mother of three looks incredible in nothing but these Jordache jeans.

 

President of Jordache Enterprises Liz Berlinger said of Klum, “With her success as a supermodel, businesswoman and mother, Heidi embodies the sexy confidence that the Jordache brand is about.”

If only I could look like that in my designer jeans! :) 

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!

The Next Celebrity Denim Line?!?

Unless you have been living under a rock the past week, you must be well aware of the rumors abuzz lately about whether or not Amy Winehouse has admitted herself into rehab.

Rumors have also been circling about Amy becoming the next celebrity to design her own denim line.  The buzz is that the beehive-wearing, tattooed songstress has been called on to come up with her own line of denim jeans although no offers have been settled as of yet.  Several fashion houses, including Calvin Klien, have been in the running to seal of deal with the British singer.

A source was recently quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying, “"Amy is constantly being asked to create her own clothes range and the main area designers are interested in her working on is denims. Skinny fit jeans and denim shorts are the stuff she wears. Amy is of course interested in these offers, but her music comes first.”

In my opinion, not only is her sense of style questionable but from recent new of Amy’s entrance into rehab, she may not actually be capable of designing anything.

Do you think anyone would even be interested in wearing jean inspired and designed by Amy Winehouse?

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

Designer Jeans Get Eco Friendly - Pine IV's New Partenership

Many fashion trends that start in Hollywood fizzle so quickly that they are never missed.  Going green is one Hollywood trend that I certainly hope has staying power long into the future. 

One of the latest brands to 'go green' is Pine IV.  Pine IV is one denim company that certainly takes pride in its eco-friendly efforts. Pine IV’s line of denim is made from the finest materials from Japan making them so comfortable you could almost sleep in them.  The company also strives to be environmentally friendly. 

In a recent press release, published on June 24, 2007, the company announced its partnership with AmericanForests.org “to implement a tree planting program in which a single tree will be planted for each of its Pine IV jeans sold in the US.” AmericanForests.org is the oldest and most respected non-profit organization that is dedicated to the funding and oversight of tree planting organization throughout the world.

Simply Blue Apparel, Inc., the parent company of Pine IV, “will donate $1 per Pine IV jean sold at retail in the US, the amount necessary to fund the planting of one tree. SBA has inaugurated its program with a donation to retroactively plant trees for all Pine IV jeans sold in 2007.”

Click here to check out a picture of Jennifer Garner in a pair of eco-friendly Pine IV jeans. 

Lucky Brand Hits the Road

Lucky Brand Jeans has hit the road this summer with their Denim Highway rock-n-roll tour.  A group of Lucky Branders are traveling across the country in '1949 Flexible Bus' that has been updated into a vintage-inspired high-tech lounge.  All of the bus’s restoration was completed at Galpin Auto Sports, which is best known for working on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.”  The pimped out bus is making stops at a variety of music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Bang, and Austin City Limits.  Besides music festivals, the tour also hits other hot events like the Boston Harbor Fest and the Phoenix Grand Prix.

This ambitious marketing effort kicked off in mid June and runs fro six monthst.  Lucky Brand is breaking away from the traditional media efforts of print ads used by most of its competitors in favor of a much more grass roots feel. You should check out DenimHighway.com to see if the bus is heading to your hometown.

In my opinion, this experimental marketing campaign fits perfectly with Lucky Brand’s laid back, non-conventional image.  What do you think of Lucky Brand’s marketing idea?

 

What is Your Denim Personality?

Since it is Friday, I figured I should share a little fun with you.  I came across this denim identity quiz at Glam.com.  Take a break from your work and give it a try. 

According to the quiz, I am a Chip and Pepper - No need for anyone to take a chill pill when they’re around you. Your casual, laid-back, and happy-go-lucky personality is soothing, comfortable, and approachable, just like a pair of too-cute and relaxed Chip and Pepper jeans.

Diesel "Liquid Space" Holographic Fashion Show

Diesel’s latest fashion show was anything but ordinary.  The show, which was held in Florence on July 21, 2007, combined all aspects of visual art, with the models walking the runway accompanied by holographic sea creatures.  The sea creatures were in mid-air and seemed to be interacting with the models in an underwater runway.  This was the first fashion show that ever had real models showing with holographic models. 

For a review of the show, check out Groove Effect.  According to Sean, who attended the show, "the Liquid Space show used holographic projectors and live models simultaneously, blended them together seamlessly with a great soundtrack, and ultimately produced one of the best multimedia events I've seen in some time… the visuals were so well done and integrated into the show so seamlessly that they were the real stars of the event."

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!

Chip and Pepper Team Up with JC Penny

Interview with CEO and Founder of WESC - Part 2

Nylon Magazine recently interviewed Gregor Hagelin, founder and CEO of WESC.  I recently found this interview and though it was a great follow up to the WESC post from a few weeks ago.  In this interview, Gregor goes into detail about his background as a avid skateboarder back in the '80s.  It was his love of skateboarding that inspired him to initially create a clothing line for that culture. 

 The clothing line has since evolved to include all elements of street fashion.  Street fashion, according to Gregor, is "being developed all the time. The aesthetic of it is to somehow find the Nordic quality and we made an agreement not to follow the same colors/trends for that year. We said from the beginning that we would never be that company that goes to a garment trade show to buy what all the big dogs are buying. Instead, we try to be leaders instead of followers. When we bring stuff to the table nowadays, people are ready for it." 

To check out the full Nylon Magazine interview click here. 

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?

Interview with Daniella Clarke, creator of Frankie B. Denim

Fashion News Online briefly interviewed Daniella Clarke, creator of Frankie B. denim.   The interview took place at the Frankie B. runway show from the LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring collections 2007.

Daniella, who is married to rock guitarist Gilby Clarke, created this line of denim because every time she went to go try on jeans there was nothing that fit they way she wanted it to.  The line is named after Clarke’s twelve-year-old daughter, Frankie B.

Daniella Clarke started cutting the waistbands off of her jeans when she was still a teenager. The Frankie B. jean collection is a sexy, casual blend that evokes the essence of the sexy, contemporary woman without sacrificing the emphasis on the body that Frankie B. is renowned for.  

This particular Spring line was inspired and influenced by music.  Music, especially rock and roll, has given Clarke the freedom to go wild in her designs.  What do you think of Frankie B.’s feminine rock and roll styles?   

Hudson Jeans' Fall Winter 2007 Lookbook

Hudson jeans have been one of my favorite brands for quite some time now.  Their incredible fit, unique washes and super-soft fabrics have made my Hudson’s one of my most beloved pairs of jeans.  

Hudson recently made news during their photo shoot for the Fall Winter 2007 lookbook.  “Pushing the envelope of artistic expression and creative thought, Hudson shot their Fall Winter 2007 Lookbook photo shoot live during 944 Magazine’s one year anniversary party at the Stoli Hotel in Hollywood, California.”

Hudson could not have picked more fitting celebration to shoot at. The magazine, which focuses on fashion, lifestyle and culture, embodies everything the brand represents.  Check out the video and let me know what you think of Hudson’s photo shoot ideas.

William Rast UK Launch Party

 

Justin Timberlake may be busy ‘bringing sexy back’ but he had enough time to squeeze in an appearance at the UK launch party for his clothing line, William Rast.  Timberlake made the time to promote his clothing line while in London for the UK leg of his concert tour.

Interview with CEO and Founder of WESC

 

 

While doing a little bit of searching on YouTube, I came across this pretty interesting interview with AJ Jackson of Label Networks that I thought was worth sharing.  During the interview Jackson speaks with Gregor, the CEO and founder of WESC, who is asked about the brand, its marketing strategy and the brand’s products.

WESC is Swedish based street fashion brand for ‘life after skate.’  The company was founded in January 2000 and quickly gained a cult following with its unique line of street or ‘life after skate’ styles.  This street fashion company has a strong background in skateboarding and this deeply rooted background has enabled the brand to grown and gain a terrific reputation.  It has been over two years since the company began doing business in the United States and they are now selling more women's clothing than men's. 

During the interview, Gregor takes a bit of time to discuss the major changes that have occurred within the skate clothing industry.  Several years ago, skateboard stores where the only places that products like those made by WESC could be found.  These skateboard stores were slowly replaced by street wear stores which in turn where replaced by active wear boutiques as the demand for quality active wear clothing grew.  WESC fits into the gap perfectly over the years.  The company has thrived on the notion that clothes are what you wear while you do stuff.

WeActivists express the further idea that WESC apparel is the clothing worn by people who do interesting things.  WEactivists are creative people who endorse the brand and the lifestyle that the brand represents.  They are artists, photographers, skateboarders, actors, film makers that are extremely good at what they do.  WESC strives to make the best possible product for each and every WeActivist so that their clothing can reflect the way they want to live their lives. 

The brand name speaks for itself.  WESC creates quality and feel of the highest caliber making it perfect for casual or formal settings.  Check out some of the styles of WESC jeans that True Jeans is offering and see for yourself how WESC truly does make jeans for people to wear ‘while they do stuff.’

B-Buckles Make Room For Your Growing Belly

Celebrity Fashion Lines

A recent post on Ethnic Denim got me thinking about the sudden surge of celebrity endorsed clothing lines that have recently hit the market.  The post announced the launch of Victoria Beckham’s newest project, a denim collection called DVB.  

You may recall that Beckham had recent success working with Rock and Republic but has now branched out to her very own collection.  The line of DVB jeans sells for about $250.00 and each pair features star stitching on the back pockets.  Victoria is hoping to promote the new line, which launched on June 18th, by including blog posts and videos of herself on the brand’s website.  

Sarah Jessica Parker is the latest victim of the celebrity fashion line craze.  Her new line, Bitten, just launched at Steve and Barry’s this month.  Bitten claims to offer affordable fashion to all women.  According to Ethnic Denim, “the line is a low price ($20.00 or less), high fashion collection with sizes from 2-22.”  

There is no doubt that some of our favorite celebrities have great style and excellent taste in fashion but do they all really need their own clothing lines too?  Which celebrity do you think will be the next to launch a clothing line?  

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?

 

 

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?

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