True Cool 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!!

Lyrical Locations

 

The ultimate pairing; Converse sneakers and jeans. The ultimate road trip companion; the owner of the above pair of Converse sneakers and jeans- my cousin and fellow wandering soul, Kit, With maps in hand, gas tank full, and a soundtrack to rival any Cameron Crowe movie...we left the Melbourne sky line in our rear view mirror and headed west. The goal: to find some more locations for me to shoot in...and to have another possible contender for a Top 5 Day ;) The end result: definitely a Top 5 Day...with the bonus of finding a location!

Our route took us passed forgotten houses, through sheep covered pastures and between the thickest forests that guided us toward one of the most important tourist requirements and one of the most picturesque highways (think car commercial); Great Ocean Road. It was built between World War I and World War II by returned servicemen in honor of their fallen comrades. The road took 16 years to build by using hand picks, shovels and dynamite. This road is definitely not intended for driver's with indecisive tendencies! After passing generous amounts of scenic lookouts, we pulled off of the dizzying path onto an off-the-beaten path. " Where are you going?...Where do you go?...Tell me where are you going?...Where...Let's go." - Where Are You Going? Dave Matthews Band

So there we sat...on a log in the middle of a stream- gnats flying around our heads, the smell of previous canine visitors, and Kit's shoe soaked through from the delicate (and sparse) path to our hangout. All the while- up stream on the other side of the bridge was the brightest blue ocean water kissing the Australian coast line with it's calm waves- and I had no desire to change my tiny hard seat for the soft empty beach. " Turns out not where- but who you are with-that really matters." - Best of What's Around DMB

"Oh, but tonight we're dancing in the faint light. Don't you rob yourself of what you're feeling. Don't rob yourself of all that you could be".- 'So Right' DMB

"The future is no place to place your better days"- Cry Freedom DMB

Jeander Bending

 

well, I finally found my place behind my camera again! As you can see...my Aussie model for the day, Tim, is speaking the Universal Language of Denim in his ripped jeans. Finding a stylist for my shoot was really tough, so I ended up taking it into my own hands...and I found myself pulling clothes from the women's section because the choice of men's clothes was lacking in that certain je ne sais quoi! I was aiming for the layered style that Australians have mastered - which I'm finding out has to do more with the temperamental weather patterns than what I had originally thought! I know some of you gents out there are partial to the cut and fit of women's jeans...but do you also look to the ladies' choices when it comes to shirts and jackets- or is it just jeans? 

 

Recipe for a Top 5 day

For me, the beauty of being in a foreign place is that getting lost is not scary. Every neighborhood is innocent, every alley way seems magical and the phrase 'wrong side of the tracks'  is nothing more than a song title. Yes- I have a tendency to be a little naive sometimes...but if I wasn't, I wouldn't have stumbled into a contender for my Top 5 Best Tuesday's!  I like to think of myself as a simple girl with simple happiness...so any day that involves an uncontrollable laugh, holding hands or a really good breakfast is definitely up for a vote :)

 After too many minutes of dodging my way through packs of off-duty school girls in the latest off-duty uniform - denim leggings (yuck!!) - I ducked away from the main street...followed the sound of a band rehearsal...chose the left side of the street so the sun wouldn't be in my eyes...turned left to avoid someone with a clipboard...and ended up at the beginning of my brilliant Tuesday; an afternoon in Mag Nation. From matte to glossy, boating to fashion, weekly to annual...every possible magazine you could be looking for (including the one that you have always wanted to start up yourself!) is lining the walls of this little slice of heaven. The free wireless internet, decedent coffees and plush seating pale in comparison to the thousands of local and international magazine titles inviting you into their pages. Not planning on coming to Melbourne anytime soon?! No worries! ;) Mag Nation recently launched an online shop- where you can order subscriptions or single issues of most of the 4000+ magazines that they stock. 

 With a copy of Australia's Russh Magazine in hand and a beautiful collage in my head of everything I just soaked up...my cloud 9 floated down the street to my next unexpected sweet destination. Picnic Cafe- home to what has been haunting my cravings ever since i walked out the door; a scrumptious Kiwi fruit and white chocolate muffin!! Words cannot describe this culinary experience....so here is a similar recipe for you to try out while you wait for your magazines to be delivered ;)

 

 By the way- I have learned (thankfully not the hard way) that "G'day" in Australia is like "Yo" in America- an expired stereotype! So along with ignoring travel books on how to speak the lingo on your next vacation- how about re-discovering your own back yard and giving the other side of the tracks a new perspective: your own. Create a soundtrack for your walking tour, and add a little something from Australian band Empire of the Sun to hopefully influence your day into becoming a Top 5 contender ;) I look forward to hearing about any magazine recommendations...how your muffins came out...if you discovered a new corner to your hometown...and if you share the same sentiment about denim leggings as me. Painted on pockets! Really?! 

LBE | Little Black Everything

Turns out, word on the street was true! The water does go down the opposite way here in Australia! I know I know...now you can go on with your day right?! ;)

 For the past few weeks I have been location scouting for photo shoots, mastering the Melbourne tram system, discussing the taste of Vegemite with makeup artists...and all the while, keeping a keen eye on the Australian style surrounding me. With winter in the air, there is a heavy dose of leather motorcycle jackets, floppy knitted berets, fingerless gloves and flat boots. Not impressed? well- it's what's underneath that will have your mind wandering to your own wardrobe trying to conjure up new combination of layers! The main vein of the Melbourne style is saturated in black...with a heavy emphasis on cut and shape. From oversized arm holes and skewed hemlines to off the shoulder sweaters and strategically draped tunics....wading in this black pool is not for the cautious! Layering is not really about warmth, but more about creating a sculpture. The unassuming simplicity is where the beauty lies within Melbournians-you'll be hard pressed to find a perfect up 'do or cascading bohemian waves; the messier the hair, the better! The bobby pin has never been so over exposed...and having bed head has never been less judged. There is a delicacy and a strength to the people of Melbourne- from their style to the way they carry themselves....the confidence that permeates through the streets is incredible!

 Last week I ducked into a bookstore to get out of a random Melbourne rain storm. I was immediately drawn to a girl wearing a long multi layered tulle dress, leather jacket and perfectly scuffed boots. Fortunately for her, she was on the cover of the Harper's Bazaar Australia Style book- so there was no need for her to fend off the inspired photographer and boot enthusiast! For the next hour, I was invited to experience Australian style through the passion of local photographers, designers and authors. It was the perfect way to spend time protecting my "messy" hair from getting ruined by the rain- hehe. 

Over the next couple of weeks, I hope to share some images from my fashion shoots with you! In the meantime, I'm going to leave you with some Australian fashion labels to look over (images show below)  www.sassandbide.com  www.willowltd.com  www.trimapee.com   

A Change of Style

Sometimes people try out new trends (whether it's shorts with boots or double denim)...and sometimes it's just not for them -and I commend them for at least giving it a try!...but I'd like to think that most of the time they find a part of themselves within this new trend that adds a whole new level to their self expression!  It's so easy to be comfortable in your boot cut jeans, that you just forget how many different styles there are out there to experiment with :) well my friends...I'm trying out a new "trend" of my own- Australia!! I am trading in my boot cut jeans (aka Boston) for a pair of boyfriend jeans (aka Melbourne)! For the next three months I will be experiencing life, fashion, and photography from down under...and I plan to share as much of it with you guys as possible! One thing I plan to do is to get lost in the Laneways that Melbourne is renowned for. Visiting these narrow alley ways is like exploring a secret garden- every day can offer a new discovery! Nestled between the fire escapes and unmarked doors are one-off boutiques, unique galleries, tiny cafes and hidden bars that are waiting to take you on a detour away from mainstream culture. I can only imagine what fashionable treats for my eyes are waiting around each bend courtesy of Melbourne street style!  

So as I start mentally packing and trying to mix and match outfits as much as possible...I am brought to a grinding halt! What do I wear on the plane?! Not rocket science- this I know...but with airports being so stuffy, planes being so cold, blankets being rationed and shoe removal only necessary sometimes...planning the travel outfit can be as much of an art form as managing to coordinate all your connecting flights! Luckily for me, I will only have my bag in tow and not the "companionship" of the paparazzi- so I'm going to be packing my heels and saving my sunglasses for sunnier locations ;)

I do, however, plan to take a few cues from the celebrity jet-setter guide to a stylish-yet comfortable flight by sporting a scarf. It almost seems like a required part of the travel uniform- and for good reason! The scarf can double as additional warmth to your blanket or it can cover your face to shield your nap from your neighbors reading light- not to mention the oh-I-just-threw-this-old-thing-on cool factor that goes along with it ;)

The other smart outfit choices made by these women was the art of layering- which I think Kate Hudson made a masterpiece of! Not only does it allow you to control your own temperature through all the different climate zones of the airport, but it also leaves just a little extra room in your baggage for that dress that you may only wear for one night- but who cares!? ...you have the room in your bag! This brings me to my next decision- shoes. I already know I'm wearing my Red Engine Bonfire straight leg jeans, so I have the option of flats or boots. Yes, the flats do seem like the obvious choice for security reasons, but if I opt for the boots...I just gained a little more room in my suitcase for the 4" heels to go with the one-night-only dress...and I have also saved on my weight allowance :)

Do you guys have any travel suggestions or lessons you want to share? Like maybe you missed your flight due to spending too much time at security undoing your over-the-knee lace up boots?!

Universal Language of Denim: Los Angeles

Well guys, our street style tour has come to it's final destination: Los Angeles, CA! Considering we started this stylish trip on the East Coast in NYC, it seemed like the appropriate place. I hope you guys have enjoyed this little project as much as I have! If there is only one thing you got out of it, I hope it was to celebrate your individuality-because someone out there is admiring you :) And no matter how many different trends there are- whether it's ripped jeans, tye dye jeans, high waisted jeans- in the end, they are all made from denim. Look into that as deep as you'd like ;) ...but do know that, yes, I am comparing jeans to the human race :)

 

Universal Language of Denim: Amsterdam

With Spring in the air here in Boston, brighter colors are fighting their way through the muted remnants of winter! I chose our street style tour destination today based on this same aesthetic. Nature can be so inspiring! So I bid you 'Hallo' from Amsterdam! Neon is one of the many hot trends happening right now, and I love how some of these guys have injected just a small dose of this bright color family into an otherwise pretty tame outfit!

Do you guys prefer the neon incorporated as an accessorie (like the sneakers and boots on the 1st and 2nd row) or would you prefer to make it the stand out clothing item (like the two guys in the middle)?

 

 

 

Double Denim

I'm very close to taking that leap over the fence towards the positive side of the double denim issue, but I think it could be solely to do with the girl on the left. To me- she is absolutely owning this look! The combination of the awkward stance, the hat, the red lips and the boyfriend jeans just begs to take center stage on the pages of a fashion editorial!

The March issue of Lucky magazine had a feature on how to master the look of denim on denim for the girls. Here are their three fail-safe ways to wear the trend:

• dark+dark : Indigo washes have a 70's workwear appeal-and the added benfit of being slimming. So a loose silhouette works well: A baggy jacket (with the sleeves rolled) and wide-leg trousers look clean and casual. Keep it all simple by tucking in a white tee, and add patterened wedges for a bit of color.
• light+light: Pale hues instantly lend a lighter, girlier quality, so they're great for softening the look of tough pieces like tight jeans and motorcycle jackets or rocker-ish vests. A long undershirt reinforces the lean silhouette, while a studded sandal will echo the glamorous/edgy feel.
• dark+color: Bright stovepipe jeans are quite bold, and pairing them with black denim-in the form of a sleek blazer-is a fun and easy way to balance them out and play them up. Hit an elegant note with the rest of the outfit: a drapey silk blouse and super feminine beige heels.

Don't fret guys!...this trend can be for you too! For those of you looking for inspiration not involving skinny jeans...read on to see how Kayne West put his spin on wearing denim with denim!

So, how do you feel about this denim-on-denim trend? Have you found the perfect combination that you'd like to share?

Continue reading "Double Denim" »

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)

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?

Universal Language of Denim: Melbourne

G'Day! Monday's are always a tough wardobe day for me because I'm still clinging to the disheveled comfy weekend wear. So today I am going to admire the street style of Melbourne, Australia and take some pointers from a few of these polished and preppy looking people. I'm loving the blazers! If I had one, I would absolutely throw it on over my childhood horse t-shirt to smarten it up a bit! Hey...it's the thought that counts right? ;)

 

 

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.

Universal Language of Denim: Tel Aviv

Shalom! High rise jeans and an 80's color palette are proving to be a strong trend in Tel Aviv, Israel. From the bright pops of bold color, to the uncharacteristically sweet look of the neon spattered paint; these guys have managed to keep these looks current, but still bring back the good memories from decades past!

 

 

images from thestreetswalker

re(Define)(Real)ity Runway Show

Please join us to re(Define)(Real)ity; an exclusive runway show celebrating the official re-launch of Little in The Middle jeans! Immediately following the jeans show, enoy personalized shopping at the Denim Bar where True Jeans Fit Specialists will match you to the Little In The Middle jean that fits you best. With a $5 donation at the door benefitting The Alliance For Eating Disorder Awareness, you will receive a complimentary drink ticket. R.S.V.P

So if you live in the Boston area, we'd love to see you there!  For those of you unable to attend, I will be photographing the event (including all the backstage preparations!) and will post them as soon as I can!

 

Universal Language of Denim: Buenos Aries

Hola! Our world street style tour has landed us in Buenos Aries, Argentina with these brightly colored personalities. I love all the poses! Their confidence is definitely the most stylish thing about them :) Their sneakers are a close second!

 

 

images from on the corner 

Say It With Eye Candy

Poladroid; possibly the most addicting thing since Tetris! This free program magically turns your photos into digital Polaroids! It even has a little camera icon that mimics the sound of a Polaroid as it spits out your picture. You can either wait for the photo to develop, or you can stop the process at different stages to give different exposures to each one. Below is a photograph from one of my True Jeans fashion shoots that I Poladroided. Nothing beats the look and feel of a true Polaroid, but this is a very close second and would make a sweet Valentine's card!

Here are a few Poladroid's from the website's gallery. I hope you guys will add something to it as well!

 

 

Universal Language of Denim: Paris

Love is...Paris street style. Everything about each and every one of these incredibly fascinating looking people has validated Paris as being the city of love for me! Yes, they may have meant it in a completely different way all these years...but, to each their own- right?! I have fallen so hard for the mastery of styling that Paris has to share, that this blog has become part of my morning ritual! Paris...tu es pour moi la plus belle.

 

 

Universal Language of Denim: Tokyo

moshimoshi! Feast your eyes on the layering, the subtle details, the shapes, the pops of color! These creative individuals seen in and around Tokyo, Japan seem take a simple every day task of getting dressed and make it into an art form.

images from streetpeeper.com

Universal Language of Denim: Copenhagen

Hej! These fine looking folks from Copenhagen, Denmark are not afraid to dabble in a denim trend or two. I have to say, I am seriously considering adding a pair of acid wash jeans to my wardrobe! Either a pair of those, or tie dye ones like the guy from New York City.

 

 

images from copenhagenstreetstyle.dk

Universal Language Of Denim: London

I have a special place in my heart for London, so I was very excited to spend the morning living vicariously through these unique individuals! I can only imagine what gem the adorable girl in the jean shorts has in that Selfridges bag! Cheers to my love...London, England.

Just joining us? Check out the street styles of New York City, Budapest and Berlin. Images from stylescout.blogspot.com.

Continue reading "Universal Language Of Denim: London" »

These Boots Are Made For Endless Walking

I promise I will get down from my men-in-boots soap box shortly...but I'd just like to share one more thing I found over the weekend! TeddyBoyInc. Your feet will thank you, but your jeans may get a little jealous...and so will everyone else on the street!

Universal Language of Denim: Berlin

Guten Tag! Today we are exploring the streets of Berlin, Germany. I can't seem to take my eyes off of the guy in the tie-dye jeans and plaid blazer- I would love to spend a day shopping with him! Are you guys coveting any looks that you saw here? Or perhaps someone in New York City or Budapest caught your eye?

 

 

(images from stilinberlin)

The Universal Language Of Denim: Budapest

 From New York City, USA...to Budapest, Hungary...

 

 

(images from bpstyle.blogspot.com)

 

The Universal Language Of Denim

Fashion trends have their inspirations, muses and origins. Designers have been known to pound the pavement to cure a little design-block and even shopping magazine Lucky has taken to the streets for styling tips from passers by. The way a bike messenger rolls his jeans to avoid the spokes could prompt you to roll your shirt sleeves differently, or maybe you'll experiment with a new shoe color because of the girl running for the train in the most amazing tights (yes, I can't stop thinking about that flash of marigold!). The streets are fashion's playground, and people share whether they like it or not! :)

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting images of people around the world...on the streets of their cities..doing what they do best; being themselves. No matter what country they're from, they are all fluent in denim! First stop on the style tour...New York City, USA.

Street style blogs such as The Sartorialist and Style Sightings are satisfying the people-watcher in all of us, but documenting street fashion is not a new thing. New York Magazine's fashion writer Amy Larocca and photographer Jake Chessum were teamed up in 2004 for the magazine's weekly feature/social experiment/style record known as the Look Book. New York Look Book: a gallery of street fashion is a compilation of 3 years in the making where the core of its theme is the idea that New York City is a giant-sized runway.

Next stop... Budapest, Hungary!

(images from The Sartorialist, Style Sightings and Refinery 29)

William Rast Movies Are Here!

The short web based William Rast movies have finally premiered.  These promotions were long awaited so, enjoy!

What do you think of Justin Timberlake’s portrayal of character William Rast?  Do you think this a good way to market the William Rast brand?

Guy Back Flips Into His Jeans

Sometimes getting dressed can be frustrating and dressing rooms can turn into nightmares and a workout!  Here is a fun video to watch of a group of guys performing tricks to put on their jeans.  Don’t try this at home; it’s not as easy as they make it look!

 

 

Jeans are a Girls Best Friend

Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, and Alexis Bledel are back on the silver screen for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.  The bond continues as the 4 girls venture into college and encounter the struggles of becoming a young women and individually growing apart.  The girls never seem to let life get in the way of their unbreakable friendship all held together by creating memories in sharing a great pair of jeans.  Check out the trailer and go see the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 in theaters now; enjoy!

 

Girls are always trading and borrowing clothes (it's almost like we are shopping for new clothes just saving money) do you and your girlfriends have a story behind a piece of clothing or pair of jeans? 

USA Gets a Gold Metal in Fashion?

The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies were nothing short of spectacular.  Bejing hosted a marvelous 4 hour whirlwind of entertainment previous to the Parade of Nations introducing the proud athletes completing this year.  Our team at truejeans.com highly appreciates sportsman ship and we are proud of our USA team amongst all of the great athletes from around the world, but we always have our eyes on fit and fashion. 

Picture courtesy of boston.com.

For this year one of America's finest, Ralph Lauren, designed USA's uniform for the Parade of Nations opening ceremonies. The classic all American tailored look for both men and woman may have topped some of the looks showcased, but fashionista's on bravotv.com have mixed opinions.  Was USA a fashion do or don't?  What other countries did you think had great style?  

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.

Justin Timberlake to Become William Rast

In an effort to help promote William Rast jeans short web based movies are in the making called "My name is William Rast" where Justin Timberlake will take on the role of William Rast; in this Bonnie and Clyde style documentary film by Jonas Akerland.  Stay tuned to see Justin play a fugitive along side model co-star Erin Wasson.

In the meantime, check out Justin in his William Rast Billy style Jeans, in Madonna's video "4 Minutes to Save the World".

Jessica Simpson Expands Her Music Career

 

We are big fans of William Rast jeans here at True Jeans and so is Jessica Simpson. She is currently rocking William Rast Jeans in her new country Single "Come on Over". Fans have been giving her mixed reviews on the song but one thing is for sure Jessica is a true fashionista and looks great in her jeans. She even added her own style and cut her William Rast's for her recent appearance at the Country Thunder USA event.What do you think about Jessica's new album?  Should she stay country? And how do you feel about her making her jeans into cutoffs?

Want jeans like Jessica? Check out all the latest William Rast washes and styles...we especially love the Jupiter wash!!!

 

 

True Jeans featured on Big Idea with Donny Deutsch (CNBC)

True Jeans was recently featured on CNBC's "Big Idea with Donny Deutsch".  Jessica and I (Romney) sat down with Donny and his two other guests to get feedback on whether True Jeans has what it takes to be the next BIG IDEA for internet shopping.  The two other guests that day happened to be Duff Makagan (former bassist for Guns n' Roses) and his supermodel wife Susan Holmes (swimwear and jeans model).  We had a great time visiting with them on set.  Duff expressed some hesitation about shopping for jeans online but by the end of the segment we were happy that he came around.  Suffice it to say... they all believed True Jeans was a "Big Idea".  Enjoy the segment.

 

Sick of Taking Your Clothes to the Cleaners?

I am always on the lookout for cool products that will help save me time or money.  This new product that I have come across helps save both.

I dread taking my clothes to the dry cleaner's.  It is such a long process of gathering everything together, dropping them off, and then somehow remembering to pick them up three days later.  It can also become quite expensive. 

A friend of mine knew just how much I dreaded this chore that she introduced my to Dry Cleaner’s Secret.  To use, simply throw one sheet in the dryer with up to four items of clothing and tumble on medium heat for twenty minutes. 

I tried this out on a couple of my shirts and they came out smelling fresh and looking crisp. 

These sheets are a great way to save time and money while cleaning all those dry-clean only items you have (except for fur, suede, and leather).  Not sure if you want to dish out the cash to try this out?  Check out the manufacturer’s site for a free sample and see for yourself how this product works. 

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. 

Patricia Fields for Payless

Patricia Field, the style mastermind behind the costumes of Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada, has teamed up with mega shoe retailer Payless to launch a collection of her stylish shoes.

Field recently wore a pair of 'one of a kind' shoes to the Oscars which will be remade as part of the range. 

The collection is expected to hit Payless stores some time this holiday season and will retail for $45.00 and under. I am hoping Patricia's collection will be perfect to pair with some of my favorite jeans for all my holiday parties this year!

Target Goes Model-less

With all the talk about model’s being too skinny lately, Target has ditch models for its latest showing of fashion and have enlisted the help of animated holograms to debut its newest fall fashions.  The 3-D projections were created by Musion Systems Limited, who also helped created the holograms used during the Gorillaz’s live performance for the MTV Europe Awards.  This show was the first virtual model-less fashion show of its kind.  

Target's show took place last week on November 6th and 7th at Vanderbilt Hall in New York’s Grand Central Station.  Streaming projections were broadcast several times each hour throughout the two day event.  The show featured men's, women's, bridal and maternity collections from Bowie by Keanan Duffty for Target®, Erin Fetherston™ for Target, Isaac Mizrahi for Target®, Liz Lange for Target® and Mossimo for Target™ as well as jewelry, handbags and shoes from Dominique Cohen for Target® and HOLLYWOULD for Target®.

What do you think of Target’s innovative fashion show?  Is it a strike of genius or should they have stuck with traditional real life models to show their new live of fashion?

 

So just how huge has the sneaker culture become?

So just how huge has the sneaker culture become?  American’s obsession with sneaker has grown so big that ABC’s Nightly News team covered the story. The segment is great because it touches on the fact that sneakers are a form of nostalgia that many people are willing to pay a pretty penny for.   

Click here to check out this segment.  The segment features clips from HBO’s hit series “Entourage” and Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing. 

Sneakers: The Complete Collectors' Guide

I know I am not the only one who has already begun their Christmas shopping!  If you are looking for a great gift to give to that super fashionable guy or gal in your life, I have a great idea for you. 

Check out Sneakers: The Complete Collectors' Guide.   This book is the ultimate guide to the very best and most collectible sneakers out there. This book is neatly organized like an encyclopedia and has some great photos.

Books not your type of gift?  A True Jeans gift card is a gift that always fits! 

Change your Jeans not your Genes-- find a pair that fits the TRUE you.

It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce our True Life readers to our first official guest blogger.  Addie Smith works for Boston College as a Research Coordinator in the Women's Resource Center. Boston College is currently in the midst of their "Love Your Body" week long campaign to raise students' awareness about body image issues. Please read on the find out more about this campaign and how you too can get involved to promote healthier body image.

 

Change your Jeans not your Genes--
find a pair that fits the TRUE you.

 

 

 

Standing in front of the mirror squeezing, stuffing, and shimmying into jeans left over from my senior year in high school I realized—I’m not a size 2 anymore—not even close. I looked in the mirror, sighed, and like any other woman scrutinized-- hated.

For me, this scrutiny is particularly shameful. I run a research study looking at the biological (and genetic) correlates of anorexia nervosa - a serious psychiatric disorder where the fear of fat and weight gain is so over powering that individuals fast, exercise, and purge to points of severe malnutrition and life threatening medical complications.  So, shouldn’t I, the scientist, understand how ridiculous it is to try and make my body do and be things it simply can’t? And shouldn’t I, who sees women each day who have lost themselves in the pursuit of thin, lead by example and love all of me? Well, it would help if I could find a pair of jeans that fit.

Inspired by the National Eating Disorders Association and in conjunction with the Boston College Love Your Body week the Eating Disorders Research Team in the Boston College School of Nursing has partnered with TrueJeans to encourage college age women (and men!) to change their JEANS not their GENES.

The lifetime prevalence of full blown anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in women are .9% /1.5% respectively and .3%/.5% respectively in men (Hudson et al. 2007). These numbers still surprise me and they barely touch on the amount of healthy individuals who struggle with poor body image and disordered eating patterns—especially in college!

Although exercise and healthy eating are important, we now know that the size and shape of your body is greatly determined by genetic factors—which are hard to change, but with a site like TrueJeans finding a pair of jeans that fits everyBODY isn’t so hard.

Just For Kicks

Are you interested in learning more about how the vintage sneaker collection got its start?  If so, I recommend watching Just For Kicks.

Just For Kicks is the first film of its kind to present the underlying drivers and players that fueled the global sneakers revolution and its $26 Billion global market. Just For Kicks offers an insider’s history of hip hop’s most treasured fashion item; revealing behind the scene stories with exclusive testimonies.  You are sure to gain appreciation for the influence sneakers have had the hip hop culture. 

Check out the short clip of the film below and go to www.justforkicksmovie.com to learn more. 

Sneakerpimps

For years now, Sneakerpimps has been on a revolutionary traveling sneaker tour that represents the sneaker culture through out the entire world.

Sneakerpimps is a lifestyle showcase with more than 1,500 shoes on display as well as sneakers crafted by artists and inspired by photography. Most sneaker events only have Air Jordan or Nike displayed and a couple more brands that have blown up the last couple years. However, Sneakerpimps has a wide variety of limited edition kicks that are hard to find anywhere else.

This show is a lot different from others traveling exhibits. The show takes an innovative look at not just the colors but also the artistic vision that goes into creating every pair. Most of the shoes that travel with Sneakerpimps were custom painted or custom created. The Aragon hallways were filled with sneakers.

If you are a sneakerhead, I definitely suggesting check out this show when it comes to a city near you!

Continue reading "Sneakerpimps" »

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!!!

Eco Friendly Clothing Lines

Going green is not a new concept. In fact, I have shared environmentally friendly news about ways to recycle your old denim and Pine IV's efforts to be an eco-friendly brand.  This trend of environmental awareness is beginning to take over the fashion world. 

More and more brands are looking for ways to make them more eco-friendly.  Innovative, affordable, eco-friendly designs are here to stay, and boutiques and stores are recognizing this emerging trends, and beginning to make these eco-friendly styles more available to consumers.   

One of my favorite new eco-friendly brands is Doie Designs.  This beautiful collection of Asian-inspired bamboo jersey fashions is the brainchild of Sara Kirsner.  Kirsner previously worked with well known designers Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan before deciding to leave the  high-end world of fashion to focus on her own environmentally friendly clothing line. 

Doei Designs are made from bamboo fabric.  Unlike cotton, bamboo grows fast without artificial assistance and does not require pesticides.   Bamboo is also incredible soft and extremely durable and strong.

One of my favorite piece in this environmentally friendly collection is the Harusame Nagameru Dress.  Check out the entire Doei collection at www.doiedesigns.com.

Get Fit and Give Back!

Give back and get gorgeous!!!

National Denim Day may be over, but there are still plenty of ways to support the search to find a cure for breast cancer.  There are plenty of beauty products out there that save your life but these three literally can.  When you purchase any of the following products a portion of all the proceeds goes to breast cancer research.

Check out www.esteelauder.com to see their entire Pink Ribbon Collection.  All purchases of items from the Pink Ribbon collection will help Estee Lauder in North America donate $500,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Visit www.target.com to pick up Sonia Kashuk's 8 Piece Brush set.  The set includes a blush/powder brush, a nylon applicator brush, a blending/smudge brush, a medium eyeshadow brush, a small eyeshadow brush, a lash/brow groomer, an angled eyeshadow brush, and a compact mirror.

Finally, you can give back buy purchasing philosophy's Shower for a Cure shower gel.  100% of the philosophy net proceeds from the shower for the cure is donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.

Thank You!!!

 

 

Thank you to all of our customers who participated in our Denim Day Campaign to benefit Breast Cancer research. 

A Cool Way to Recycle Your Old Denim

Looking for a cool and environmentally friendly way to recycle your old, worn out, ratty pairs of jeans?  Well look no further!  I came across an article in  The Witchita Eagle today announcing a city wide drive that will collect any used denim items.  These items will them be converted into home insulation that will be used for Habitat for Humanity in association with the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ denim drive. 

In 2006, the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ denim drive traveled to 14 colleges throughout the nation and collected an astounding 14,566 pieces of denim, doubling the original goal. The donated denim was converted to UltraTouch™ natural cotton fiber insulation and helped in the building of 12 houses for hurricane-affected families in Baton Rouge, LA.

Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ hopes to build off of its first year's success by visiting five college campuses during 2007.  Visit www.accesscotton.com to learn more about making donations in your area.

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 Office Participates in National Denim Day

The cast of NBC's The Office will be participating in National Denim Day.  What are you waiting for?!?  Use discount code denimday to recieve $5.00 off your order.  This offer is only valid through October 6, 2007 so don't wait to get yourself into a pair of great fitting jeans and help a great cause! 

Celebrity Plastic Surgery

Reading an article in Ontario’s online paper, The Star, about the tragic death of 32 year old Canadian real estate agent Krista Stryland prompted this post.  Krista passed last week in the emergency room following complications from a liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Behnaz Yazdanfar at the Toronto Cosmetic Clinic.

The world’s emphasis on the perfect physique, face and overall image has taken the media by storm.  Shows like Dr. 90210 are showing the face of women who have made the decision to alter their bodies by having surgery.  Magazines and websites are flooded with news about which star got what procedure, like Heidi Montag of The Hills decision to have a breast augmentation.  Stephanie, over at Back In Skinny Jeans wrote a similar post about the 15 worst celebrity plastic surgery blunders.  You can check out this post as well for more photos and commentary about the top 15.  But things don’t always work out for Hollywood celebs that choose to have surgery; in fact, Rose McGowan was just turned down for a role in Speed Racer because the studio felt she has been so altered that no one will recognize her on the screen.  Here’s a before and after from a popular celebrity plastic surgery website.

 

 
So what do you think?  Have things gone too far in terms of celebrity plastic surgery and augmentation?

True Jeans and National Denim Day

True Jeans’ National Denim Day campaign is kicking off today.  Celebrating its twelfth year, this national event has raised more than $66 million for breast cancer research. True Jeans hopes to add to that total with its special promotion being offered from September 28, 2007 to October 6, 2007.

Perhaps the coolest thing about Lee National Denim Day now is where your dollars are going.  The Entertainment Industry Foundation has launched its Women's Cancer Research Fund. Focused on early detection of cancer, the initiative is supporting EIF's Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project—an ambitious, groundbreaking scientific project where a group of internationally recognized scientists and clinicians from some of the best scientific institutions in the world are collaborating to develop a blood test that will detect breast cancer in its beginning stages, when survival rates are highest.

By using discount code denimday you can receive $5.00 off your order (valid through October 6th).  Plus True Jeans will donate $5.00 of every order placed this week to the EIF’s Breast Cancer Research Fund. 

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?

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.

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 Petite Figure

Cool New Website - Styleviolet.com

I am always on the lookout for great bargains and in my search I came across this cool new website that I couldn’t help but share with our True Life readers.  Styleviolet.com is a small boutique site featuring some of the latest fashion trends for women.  You’ll love the site because nothing is more than $150 and most items are under $50.  Styleviolet.com features pieces from small designer and celebrity favorites.  Check out the some of my favorite items below.

Have any great site that you would like to share?  Let me know.  I am always dying to find new and exciting website! 

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. 

Fashion Rocks Helps Kick Off New Fashion Season

Some of the biggest names in fashion and music joined forces last night at Fashion Rocks ’07.  The concert, which was held at Radio City Music Hall, featured performances from Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Usher and many more.  Other heavy hitters, including Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Teri Hatcher and Carmen Electra, also came out to celebrate the strong bong between the fashion and music industries.  The concert timing perfectly kicks off a new fashion season as well as celebrating the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. 

Be sure to catch the great fashion and awesome musical performances tonight!  Fashion Rocks airs on CBS tonight at 9PM EST. 

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.

 

Zune Digital Media Player Meets WESC Headphones

I recently visited Los Angeles for a wonderful (and long overdue) vacation.  I was on the hunt for the new and upcoming street style that only LA can provide.  Trends and the ‘next big thing’ to reverberate from the west coast over to us on the east coast.

It’s funny to me that after all the Rodeo Drives and Melrose’s that the city offers I found my diamond in the rough from one night out at a club called King King.  There was a photographer from the popular nightlife and events scene named Rich Kim, of Blink of an I Productions.  Kim was mingling among the crowd snapping photos of the attendees and performers with skill and ease.  All of my friends in the LA area, that I was with, kept saying that ‘Rich is the best’ and ‘No one captures what he can’.  So obviously, on my return to Boston I had to check out his site.  Let me tell you my friends weren’t kidding! All the photos featured within the company’s index are nothing short of amazing.

This is where it gets really good.  I noticed that Blink of an I captured a recent event featuring Zune and WESC.  WESC offers their own high-end headphones in addition to their jeans.   At this launch party WESC headphones were displayed with Zune’s popular digital media players along with WESC’s denim and shirt offerings.

Since True Jean’s offers WESC, my interest was sparked.  It is well known that a lot of denim brands offer lifestyle items like sunglasses, handbags, shoes, and outerwear….and well… I guess now media items.  So here’s my question for you: what is your preferred items to buy from your favorite jeans company other than denim?  Personally I have purchased various items from Lucky Jeans, that have nothing to do with their denim line.. To be honest their hooded sweatshirts are constantly in and out of my closet.  Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

To See all of the photos from this event go to Blink of an I Production's site where you can see the entire portfolio of the event.  To Contact Blink of an I Productions just look at their event index and click one of the contact boxes at the top of the page.  Furthermore, a whole-hearted thanks to Richard for the OK to reproduce these photos!  I really appreciate it!

Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid post.  It’s plain and simple: love these (and many other of Rich's) photos and the overall lifestyle branding trend we're all seeing so much of.

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.

For The Hills Fan Who Loves Fashion

 

This post is for all you Laguna Beach and The Hills fans out there.  Lauren Conrad has quickly become one of the most stylish reality TV celebrities out there.  She has created a chic style all her own that has included trapeze and draped dresses that perfectly flatter her figure.  Buzz was recently created about Lauren’s future as a designer when she was spotted this week on the red carpet of the Teen Choice Awards looking absolutely lovely in her own teal creation.  

Can’t get enough of Lauren’s style; have no fear!  The Lauren Conrad Collection debuted last week at the Las Vegas MAGIC Convention and is scheduled to hit stores on September 15th.  Conrad, who is currently studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, has always had a love for fashion and design and has certainly honed her personal style over the last few years.  Her new line is set to include forty different pieces in fabrics like jersey knit and gauze and is inspired by the clothing Lauren loves wearing.  

Check out www.shoplaurenconrad.com to get a preview of Lauren’s new collection.

 

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!

Alyssa Milano Gets in "TOUCH" with Baseball Fans

 

Alyssa Milano debuted some items from her new line of clothing “TOUCH” at the MAGIC Convention on Monday, August 27,2007.  MAGIC is where the fashion industry converges on Las Vegas for one of the most influential four days in the business.  MAGIC International is the world's largest and most widely recognized producer of trade shows for the apparel industry and it is the perfect place for Alyssa to unveil some new products from her line of baseball inspired clothing.  

Alyssa, who has been a huge baseball fan all of her life, partnered with G-III Apparel Group and Major League Baseball and are working together to create a line of ladies' baseball gear designed for juniors and young women.  The line consists of denim, dresses and other chic items that are said to "utilizing high quality fabrics and body-contouring silhouettes."  

The line hit stores in spring 2007 and has been so successful that it will also be expanding to include headwear in the form of traditional caps, trucker hats, military hats and visors.  I know I am very excited to see someone making stylish baseball inspired clothing, especially since the line includes some super cute Red Sox items.

To read more about Alyssa’s thoughts on the game as well as insightful analysis on the sport she loves check out her baseball blog at www.alyssa.mlblogs.com. You can also check out some of the “TOUCH” products at www.MLB.com.

 

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!

 

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?

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!

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

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.

 

Uptown Liz - Where Shopping Gives Back

A recent post on Back in Skinny Jeans introduced me to a great company that I just had to share with our readers.  Uptown Liz was founded by Ramona Russell.  Ramona lost her twenty-eight-year-old sister, Elizabeth Ann ‘Liz’ Overturf, to breast cancer in 2006.  Ramona and Elizabeth dreamed of opening a boutique together, but after Liz’s death Ramona became even more determined to make this dream a reality.  Thus, Uptown Liz was born.  Uptown Liz “was founded to promote products from companies whose proceeds directly give back to charitable organizations… Our mission is to build a bridge between compassionate consumers and concerned companies in order to improve the world around us.”

Uptown Liz works to raise funds for a number of organizations and causes including: The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation, The Livestrong Lance Armstrong Foundation, The Joyful Heart Foundation and Cure Autism Now, just to name a few.  By clicking on the Shopping link you can choose if you would link to shop products by cause or by product.  What a great way to shop and still give back to causes that are close to your own heart!

 It is always great to see originations like this giving back to terrific causes.  Check out the post about White Cane Label to read about another non-profit fashion initiatives are is set to be up in running in the near future. 

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. 

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. 

A Little Something for Designer Jean Lovers!

 
Ever wonder how your designer jeans get their fantastic detailing and fading on them?  Have you ever been curious to learn how to give your favorite pair of jeans a more worn in look?  If these questions have ever crossed your mind then you should check out The Denim Design Lab's Encyclopedia.  This perfect coffee table book is ideal for all you denim enthusiasts out there.  It contains a tremendous amount of useful information including great historical background and simple step-by-step guides to design your own designer jeans.  The detailed instructions allow you to customize your jeans to perfectly match your personality.  Even if you are not crafty at all, this book will provide you with a wealth of knowledge about how jeans are made from start to finish.  

True Jeans is Featured in Upscale Living Magazine

Upscale Living recently included True Jeans in a feature article in their Summer 2007 issue.  The article highlights how  "True Jeans bring the dressing room to your computer room."  With a wide array of designer jeans to choose from, True Jeans is sure to help you find your 'true fit."

Article Preview:

"We have sliced bread. We have gone to the moon. And yet we can't find a pair of jeans that fits right. Until now. Thanks to True Jeans (a new offering from the True Apparel Company of Woburn, Mass.), not only can every man, woman and fashion-conscious child find the perfect pair of jeans, they can do it in the privacy and comfort of their own home.

According to a survey in The Wall Street Journal, more than 70 percent of those who wear clothes had trouble finding jeans that fit in conventional stores. Now, with the new technology being offered by True Jeans, more people can get more satisfaction in less time than ever."

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!

 

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?

 

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.

 

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?   

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.

Perez Hilton Appears on The View

 

The infamous celeb gossip blogger Perez Hilton appeared on The View today.  Hilton, who has repeatedly defamed The View’s hosts on his blog, was grilled during his interview.  The co-hosts of the morning talk show were concerned with harshness of so many of Perez’s blogs, especially since the site is viewed by younger blog readers.  

PerezHilton.com posts gossip items about a variety of celebrities. Perez’s posts are usually delivered with an irreverent, tongue-in-cheek and sometimes even cruel slant. He often posts tabloid photographs over which he has added his own captions or "doodles."

The site has garnered both criticism and praise for the mocking comments his blog delivers.  What do you think of Perez Hilton’s blog?  Are you guilty of checking out his blog and mocking celebrities with him?  

Check out Perez' take on his appearance on The View here.  

will.i.am Parteners with Antik Denim

Yet another celebrity is introducing a clothing line.  will.i.am, rapper and music producer who is best known as the front man for The Black Eyed Peas, has teamed up with the fashion house Blue Holdings Inc. to create his own denim fashion line.  The line, which will be called i am Antik, is an extension of Blue Holdings’ Antik Denim Collection.  

will.i.am, whose real name is William James Adams Jr, was a student at the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles prior to joining The Black Eyed Peas.  will.i.am’s background in fashion design certainly sets him apart from other celebrities –turned designers out there.  Blue Holdings CEO Paul Guez says he approached will.i.am because, unlike most celebrities who want their own clothing lines, will.i.am is an actual designer with the knowledge, tools and love of fashion

In this YouTube clip, will.i.am discusses his dream to launch and market clothing in a manner that combines music and fashion. "I want to design the line and score it the way a composer scores a film and tour the collection like a band will tour an album," he says.

i am Antik is scheduled to debut in August in specialty stores.  

The Clothes Off Our Back

You may know Jane Kaczmarek as the mother on Malcolm in the Middle and Bradley Whitford as Danny Tripp on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, but to their friends in Hollywood, they're the charity clothing couple. The husband and wife team are the founders of The Clothes Off Our Back, a charitable organization that works to turn the glitz and fame of the entertainment world into rewards for specific charities.

Whitford and Kaczmarek’s efforts have helped advance the lives of children across the world.  The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation hosts charity auctions "showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire." Items are put up for bid to the public both online and during live auctions with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Some of the charities where proceeds are donated are The Children's Defense Fund, Cure Autism Now and UNICEF.  

One of the most recent auctions was hosted by Carmen Electra in March of 2007.  Clothes from designers Trina Turk, Kevan Hall, Dina Bar-el, Rachel Pally, Jenni Kayne, Jennifer Nicholson, Costa Nostra, Arden B, Sue Wong, Miss Davenporte, L'Wren, and Scott Richard Tyler were featured in the show.

At True Life, we are interested in learning in aspects of celebrity and everyday fashion.  We are especially interested in learning about any charitable organization that uses fashion as a means to give back to the community.  Please keep let us know about any goodwill acts you may know of that are happening in the fashion industry.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

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.’

Back In Skinny Jeans

 

While recently surfing the net, I came across a great blog that I just had to share.  Back in Skinny Jeans is a blog full of information about fashion, beauty, celebrities, dieting, and other trends.  I was particularly drawn to the site because the information is useful to women (and men) of all ages and sizes.  

Back in Skinny Jeans is written by a woman named Stephanie who lives in San Francisco, CA.  She is by trade a marketer who has worked most recently at Microsoft as a Enthusiast Evangelist, a job she left on her own accord after not being happy with the work she was doing.  In her bio, Stephanie describes her motivation for writing ‘Back in Skinny Jeans':

"Back in skinny jeans started as a personal rant about my own struggles with beauty and losing weight, the unrelenting fashion industry, and Hollywood. I wanted to share my experiences to help others, and to help heal myself. My desire here is to help other women (and men) feel good about themselves and their lives no matter what our culture "says" we have to look like. To help give perspective when we have lost it. To look at how we can grow and live in a beauty obsessed world without it making us crazy, sick, or feel unworthy. The word "skinny" also means "news, lowdown, and information". Throughout the blog, I'll also use the word skinny, depending on context, as a reference to being "in the know."

If you have any free time I think you should definitely check out this blog. To read a little more on the topic of vanity sizing check out “Vanity sizing Size 0: From 00 to 0”.

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