True Jeans archive

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? 

 

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)?

 

 

 

Men's Shoes | A Character Flaw?

 

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

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

 

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

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

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?

White On Style!

 

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "White On Style!" »

re(Define)(Real)ity Fashion Show

 

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

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

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

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

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

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!

 

William Rast Fall/Winter '09 Fashion Show

 

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

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

 

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" »

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)

 

Congratulations Nightmare #1

Congratulations to the winner of our Dressing Room Nightmare's contest. Nightmare # 1 recieved the most comments and sympathies from all of you, and also a $200 Gift Card to shop at truejeans.com! She's on her way to eliminating those dressing room nightmares :)

Emmy Diary- Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields spent some quality time with True Jeans Fit Specialist Julie Reppucci. When asked if Shields would mind having her measurements taken, Brooke responded "Do you want my "actual measurements" or the measurements you see on the cover of Shape Magazine... I swear that was actually me".  This was a clever commentary on how many magazine covers photoshop and airbrush the reality right out of the photos.  She said she really liked the idea of having TrueJeans.com tell her which jeans best fit her body.  She really wanted something that she could just wear outside that is comfortable and would allow her to play with her kids, bend over without giving the paparazzi a peep show.  She came to the Presenter's Lounge wearing jeans from 7 For All Mankind, found at TrueJeans.com.  She left the lounge with a new pair of Red Engine Jeans from TrueJeans.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

...and the winner is!

Congratulations to Suzanne M. of Tuscon, AZ! Suzanne voted for all the correct Emmy winners in the True Jeans Emmy Contest. Just like all the presenters at the 60th Annual Primetime Emmys, Suzanne will be receiving a $200 Gift Card for truejeans.com

Thank you to all who took the time to participate in the True Jeans Contest!

Embrace Your Genes Campaign

True Jeans is really excited about supporting the National Eating Disorders Association and its Embrace Your Genes campaign.  The campaign is all about encouraging people to love their healthy bodies and embrace the genes they inherited. True Jeans is supporting the campaign by giving people a special discount to buy jeans that fit the TRUE you.  This special discount can be found at EmbraceYourGenes.org.  For every pair of jeans purchased using this discount, True Jeans will donate $20 to the National Eating Disorders Association.

We would also like to thank Microsoft and MSNBC for supporting the campaign.  On Thursday, MSNBC featured EmbraceYourGenes banners on its homepage for the entire day.  That's a $90,000 value.  Microsoft has been very supportive of NEDA and this campaign.

True Jeans will continue to support NEDA and the Embrace Your Genes campaign throughout the year and we're proud of the cause and our association with NEDA.  The campaign is a perfect fit wth True Jeans existing values and goal to be able help people of all shapes and sizes to be able to find jeans that fit.  We still have some limitations and limited selection for certain sizes and body shapes, but we are still striving to expand our offering for all.  We've made significant progress in this area as we started offering Plus Size women's jeans from brands like Svoboda and Jag Jeans in the past few months.  The response has been overwhelming and we appreciate everyone who has taken time to offer feedback and better understand how we're doing from your perspective.

thanks again,

Romney Evans
Co-founder / CEO
True Jeans

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.

 

TrueJeans is 'Fitting' In with the Stars

Things have been a whirlwind here at TrueJeans! Not only did our 5 Minutes for Mom contest help spread the word about our true fit technology, but we've been busy rubbing elbows, er,...holding measuring tapes up to celebrities at the recent Access Hollywood 'Stuff You Must' Gift Lounge! If you're on our emailing list, you likely received our most recent edition covering all of the details. But in case you haven't, here's a sneak peek at how the stars 'measured up' in Hollywood (sorry, couldn't help myself).

While there, Julie, our fit specialist, was put to work helping to find a true fit for celebrities like 30 Rock's Jack McBryer, The Pussycat Dolls' Kimberly Wyatt, and Rescue Me's Adam Ferrara (among many others). Poor girl. Such an awful job, right?

Our co-founder, Jessica Arredondo dove in to help fit Entourage's Rex Lee find his perfect pair. The verdict? Celebrities' fit needs vary just as much as ours do! Adam Ferrara found his true fit with a pair of Red Engine jeans, while Kimberly Wyatt discovered a perfect pair of Kasil Caitlin jeans. Other celebrities rocked brands like William Rast, Pine IV, Chip and Pepper and more.

While everyone at TrueJeans had a great time with Access Hollywood, it's back to work now to continue our pursuit for the perfect pair of jeans for every body type, famous or not. We encourage all of you to keep those fit questions coming so that you find the perfect pair of jeans that will make you feel like a star.

 

Congratulations to the 5 Minutes for Mom Winner!

Earlier in December, we partnered up with the ladies over at the ever-popular Mom blog, 5 Minutes for Mom,  to run a contest featuring a $200 TrueJeans gift card prize. Not only were we excited to be featured on one of the coolest Mom blogs around, but we were overwhelmed by the response! Over 700 entrants replied to the contest post, and nearly all of them were resonating the same thing - "I would love to find a pair of jeans that actually fit me! Count me in!"

Winner Marilyn Paris was drawn right before Christmas, and we at TrueJeans just want to extend our congratulations to her! Marilyn has received her gift certificate, and we hope she's able to find some awesome jeans that fit her just right (as if we'd expect any less, right?).

In addition to Marilyn's winnings, we were excited to find out that Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom has received her pair of TrueJeans in the mail. The results? They Fit! She ordered the iT Jeans in Hottie and the Red Engine bootcut in black.

We're so excited to ring in the new year by helping more satisfied customers find their true fit.

And how about you? If you were like me, you probably found yourself with that familiar drowsy frustration, waiting in line to return things at the zoo, er, mall, after the holidays. What better way to make use of that extra holiday cash than to get yourself a *real* gift - jeans that fit!

To help make your new year a bit brighter, we're currently offering:

FREE priority shipping on all orders over $100

The Chip and Pepper 'Tuck' jean of the week on sale - 20% off!

A bunch of great sale items, with many up to 60% off! 

Stay warm and cozy and stay true to you! 

 

Join us in Welcoming Paige Premium Denim

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.

Jessica Simpson is Definitely In Style

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

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

To read the entire In Style article, click here.

Get Fit and Give Back!

Denim Invades the Boardroom!

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

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

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

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

Fall Denim For Men

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

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

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

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!

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. 

The Skinny Trend is Still Alive!

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

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

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

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

For the Men: Matching Shoes to Jeans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure to match your shoes to your belt.

Any other suggestions?

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

How to Dress to Flatter a Smaller Chest

 

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

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

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

Is Global Warming Changing the Way We Dress???

Everyone who has seen Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth knows that global warming is no joke but who knew that one of the most obvious effects of the warming trend can be seen in your closets.  A recent article in the Wall Street Journal examines how we as a global community are moving toward “seasonless dressing.” 

The WSJ also claims that “people spend so much time indoors and in cars that their lives are essentially climate-controlled. There's less of a need for bulky sweaters and tweedy woolens.”

So what are designers trying to do to adjust to the climate change?  Liz Claiborne Inc, Target, Kohls and JC Penny are all shifting the way they sell clothes, so they have items on the rack that customers need "month to month, instead of season to season." These companies have been working with climatologists and meteorological consultants to how plan the fabrics and styles that should be available month to month.

Because there are lee dramatic changes between seasons, the chore of switching out your entire wardrobe every few months is no longer necessary.  I wonder if that means that the near future we will be wearing white denim all year round – kind of a scary thought!!!

What do you think about the climate change’s effect of fashion?

Breaking Denim News! Citizens of Humanity Acquires Gold Sign

 

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

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

The Skinny On Business Casual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Flatter a Boyish Figure

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

Men's Premium Denim Forum: Style Forum

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Flatter a Big Bust

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Flatter a Petite Figure

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.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Weeks Kicks Off in New York

It’s that time of year again.  The fashionistas are flocking to New York City to determine what is hot and what is not for next season during Mercedes Benz Fashion week.  Taking place September 5-12, this year’s events will feature the hottest trends and styles from some of the biggest names in fashion.  Big name designers like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Betsey Johnson will be showing there newest collections and up and coming designers like actress/ fashion icon Chloe Sevigny are participating in the event for the first time.

With over two hundred shows scheduled for New York’s Fashion Week, it can be extremely hard for designers to stand out from the rest of the crowd.  I cannot wait to see what designers have up their sleeves to wow the crowds and highlight their new collections.

Because the clothes can’t make it down the runway on their own, check out New York Magazine for a list of the top ten models to watch during this fashion week.

Streetwear: The Insiders Guide by Steve Vogel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica Simpson Loves William Rast's Savoy Trouser

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

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

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

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.

 

Heidi Klum - The Newest Face of Jordache Jeans

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are your favorite back to school trends this season?

Victoria Beckham: Accomplished Author?!?

 

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

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

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

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

 

Suggestions on Spotting Fake Premium Denim Online and Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Julie's Response:
Hi Doug!

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

Good Luck!

Julie

Remebering a Fashion Icon

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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."

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!

Chip and Pepper Team Up with JC Penny

Lucky Magazine's Denim Guide

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

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

 

A Welcome Change in Boston's North End

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

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

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

Interview with Daniella Clarke, creator of Frankie B. Denim

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

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

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

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

Hudson Jeans' Fall Winter 2007 Lookbook

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

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

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

William Rast UK Launch Party

 

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

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!

B-Buckles Make Room For Your Growing Belly