by taylordavies on January 27, 2012
As you’re all probably aware by now, I try on a lot of jeans. Pairs upon pairs. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably cringing at the thought. Finding the right fit, the perfect length, something that actually flatters your body – it’s no easy feat. The process can cause serious emotional stress. But then you find them – the jeans that make your heart, your legs and your butt happy. I mean, am I right? They’re all involved.
I had the percolation of these feelings when I first laid eyes on these James Jeans Icon Moto skinny jeans. Something about their detailing just grabbed me. True, jeans always look better on the fit model online than they do on me, but I had this vision that I couldn’t not love these jeans. Sure enough, when I pulled them on, buttoned the closure and turned to face myself in the mirror, I was in love.
The Denim
Unlike the James Couture jeans I tried out a couple of weeks ago, these fit like a perfectly-molded glove from the get-go. They have a lot of stretch (very similar to their ‘Twiggy‘ jean), especially in the (contoured) waistband. This is ideal for me as a strong size 27, but if you teeter between, you can probably size down. They’re also cut from an incredibly soft denim (97% cotton, 3% Lycra) and will hug you like a denim legging. They have a 7 and 3/4 inch rise (mid) and an inseam of 29 inches. The opening hit me just at the ankle with minimal bunching.
The main difference, and what sold me on these jeans is the stitching and detailing on the thighs and knees. There’s fading and irregularity in the dye around the seams, which gives the denim a more worn in and antiqued look. In the black, which is quite nearly charcoal, the effect is like what might happen to your favorite leather jacket after years of wear.
Styling Ideas
I absolutely love ‘moto‘ inspired style. From boots to leather jackets to these jeans, I think they’re the perfect counterbalance to many of my preppier pieces. So on that note, don’t go wearing all your moto gear at the same time. I’m pretty sure you’re not a member of Hell’s Angels. Let motorcycle-inspired pieces add edge to your usual uniform. These jeans would look killer with pointy toe pumps and a silk blouse for a night out, or a super-soft sweater and wedge suede booties for everyday. All-in-all these are a really fun and easy-to-wear alternative to colored or printed denim if you want to spice up your denim look without stepping too far outside the box.
[Photos by Amanda Boyce.]
by taylordavies on January 26, 2012
If you ask me, there are few colors more timelessly chic than navy. (To this point I will argue that black is not really a color.) It’s grounded, sleek, sophisticated and seasonless. Washed-out navy shorts in summer look as right as a wool coat in such a deep hue it’s nearly midnight.
I spotted this girl on Grand and Crosby, wearing one of my favorite navy-pairing combinations: with olive green. It breaks up the monochromatic effect you get when you pair a dark blue jacket with dark rinse jeans, and the effect is mildly preppy, still very much downtown, and all-around easy.
I’ve been searching for the perfect navy pea coat, and this look only further inspires my desire. A simple, classic coat like this will never go out of style, and can be worn with just about everything, from denim to dresses to denim dresses.
For a funky alternative, I am totally into this BB Dakota jacket with a fur hood. If you’re not in the market for a warm topper, build up your navy wardrobe with versatile pieces like this pleated maxi skirt or ankle-zip skinny pants from Vince.
[Photo by Taylor Davies.]
by taylordavies on January 25, 2012
The darling blog JenLovesKev has been around for a few years, but I’m embarrassed to say I’ve only been reading it for a few months. Jen documents her stylish adventures and tid-bits of her life with her husband and adorable baby on her blog, making me both jealous and constantly awaiting the next post. She has a cool and casual approach to denim style, and I got a hold of her this week to find a out a little more about her denim style.
What is your denim philosophy?
I think I always go for being chic and comfortable. If I can find a piece of denim clothing that fits those two categories them I am sold.
What do you wear with your denim?
Anything! Denim is one of those classic fabrics that seriously add to any outfit. I love wearing a denim jacket over a pretty floral dress, or wearing some leopard loafers with an awesome pair of denim leggings. It is all about mixing and matching.
What are your favorite denim brands?
I love J Brand, the jeans from Madewell, and the high waisted skinnies from Urban outfitters. I am not a big spender so I have a mix of high and lower end denim in my closet.
Do you have a very favorite pair of jeans?
I splurged and bought the J Brand Maria jeans. AMAZING!
Tell us a little about the jeans you wear the most often?
My J Brand Maria jeans are a high waisted, legging jean. Being a stay at home mom, they are my go to item. I don’t let that stop me from feeling fabulous though. They look great with a blazer and a statement necklace or a I pair them with a great boot and a tucked in button up. It’s all in how you dress them up.
What’s on your denim wish list?
I am trying to find the perfect denim jacket. It has to be the right wash and fit. I have had my eye open for about a year. My fingers are crossed.
Do you remember the first pair of jeans you ever owned?
My mom use to take us to the Limited Too to get new school clothes. I remember owning every color of the rainbow pair of jeans from there with the matching striped top. Haha. It is funny that I am wearing a pair of Turquoise jeans as I type this.
by taylordavies on January 24, 2012
The best thing to happen to fashion in the last decade has been the near-complete destruction of “rules.” You know, never wear this with that, certain colors for certain seasons… That’s all gone out the window and ushered in an anything goes age of dressing. So on that note, lets talk about pastels. They have always signaled spring, flowers and flirty little sundresses to me. However, the rise of colored denim in every shade your mind can imagine has me reconsidering.
I really like the idea of embracing a new hue of denim, but one that’s soft and subdued – like the denim equivalent of a cashmere sweater. For example, these Paige Denim mint green Verdugo denim leggings will look divine with any of your winter staples. I kept them cozy with a dove grey Splendid sweater, but think of possibilities! Mint looks fresh with navy, chocolate brown, and burgundy for everyday looks – but try it with neon, plaid or another bold print for a serious wow-factor.
Here are a few more of my favorite pastel denim pieces:
1. Hudson Nico Mid-Rise Supper Skinny Jean in Lavender
2. IRO Jayrod Skinny Jeans in Saffron
3. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jean in Coral
4. DL1961 Angel Ankle Jeans in Sherbet
Some of these colors are more winter-wearable than others, but it’s really all about how you mix them in. Try all tones of grey, mustard yellow, forest green, and raspberry to compliment the lighter tones. Avoid black (too harsh). I’m quite curious about the possibilities with this color palette myself, so stay tuned for more winter pastel exploration.
Will you try out winter pastels this year?
[Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher]
by taylordavies on January 23, 2012
By Ann of Holier than Now
The Pre-Fall Collections are always a great source of inspiration in the midst of Winter – and unlike the core Fall or Spring collections, the timing means you can translate your favorite looks for today’s weather. With Pre-Fall, there’s no struggling to translate that pastel chiffon floral dress you’re craving into something you can wear with tights and boots!
Denim cropped up in unexpected ways in these micro collections. Stay ahead of the pack with 3 simple ideas you can pull into (or out of) your closet now:
1. Denim-Dyed Knits – This phrase might call to mind something your mom wore in the 80’s, but Carven and Thakoon showed beautifully soft-looking sweaters dyed in denim hues. These could be an amazing way to create a denim-on-denim look with your favorite jean jacket. Keep your eyes out when scouring thrift stores, or put these luxe pieces on your wish list.
2. Cuffed Details – The chambray shirt is a wardrobe staple for me, so I’m really inspired by this simple-yet-chic way to wear it. Wear an oversized, boyish denim shirt with long sleeves popping out of your favorite wool coat, like the look shown at 3.1 Phillip Lim, or push up the sleeves of your favorite trench coat and pop out your cuffs, a la Dsquared2.
3. Drapey LDDs – The little denim dress is another piece destined to become a wardrobe essential. If you’re in the market for your first – or looking to expand your collection – consider a drapey-er cut along the lines of Diane Von Furstenberg or Zero + Maria Cornejo. It’ll take you right through Spring/Summer to early Fall.
What were your favorite Pre-Fall collections? (Mine was Prabal Gurung – a predictable choice as it got a ton of buzz, but I really loved it all!)
Images via Style.com
by taylordavies on January 20, 2012
You tweeted, I listened. Last week I was trolling the internets for denim inspiration so I could bring something fresh over to ESD for you. I inquired what kind of denim you would love to see, and people were resoundingly asking for prints and pastels. With this pair I tried to give you a little bit of both.
To be honest, I haven’t tried on a pair of AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans in ages. I went through phases with my favorite denim brands, and all I remember about my AGs were their loose fit and extra soft fabric. The AG Stilt Cigarette Leg jean in blue Ikat really couldn’t be farther from that. The fit is tight and the denim is sturdy without much give. That’s how I’d want them to fit though, because with printed denim, I wouldn’t want the pattern to fade or distort because from stretch and wear.
I swear, my ankles must run hot. All through the winter I’ve been wearing cropped jeans with my flats and letting those boney little inches bask in the chilly air. The fit is similar to the Current / Elliott Cheetah jeans I reviewed a while back, but with a more generous leg opening. They both have a mid-rise (7″) that’s a touch lower than most of my jeans, but in that way looks really flattering with shirts tucked in. The ikat print and faded colors of these jeans definitely scream, “Spring!” but with the right mix of colors and fabrics, they can add a little jazz to your winter-wear too.
[Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher]
