In my world of denim blogging, the J Brand Lovestory flare has taken on an almost mythic quality. I’ve heard stories, read reviews, seen tweets – all singing the praises of this pair of jeans. Jennine saw them at NYFW here, Caitlin of Style Within Reach names them as her favorite jeans, as does Beth of B Jones Style as well as Midtown Girl.

With a rap sheet like that, I had to see for myself. I ordered a pair in the Heritage wash, which features a fair amount of whiskering and wrinkling near the fly and front pockets. Normally this would turn me off – I usually prefer a sleek, dark rinse on a jean with this dramatic of a flare. However – as is usually the case with J Brand – I was pleasantly surprised by the wash of these jeans. When I put them on with a black top and black shoes, I instantly felt like they could be dressed up.

The Lovestory features regular 5-pocket styling with a single button closure – classic to a tee. The hem is generous, about 2″ I’d say, which gives them a more casual feel. For some reason I associate a thin hem with a dressier pant. The 21″ leg opening creates a distinct, very 1970′s flare. The inseam is 35″ so I wore them with a fairly tall heel, about 4.” Shopbop says they have an 8.5″ rise, but they feel much lower than that to me. Take note though, I feel like I could have sized up to a 28 in these jeans. The 27 is tight in the waist – almost uncomfortably so. However, the denim 72 percent cotton and 28 percent polyester (not Lycra) so I think they will adjust to a more comfortable fit after a bit more wear.

Though this wash isn’t my favorite, I think the J Brand Lovestory lives up to it’s legendary reputation. The denim is sturdy and comfortable, the flare really is just right, and they flatter my hips and legs the way my other most treasured J Brand jeans always have. At $200 these jeans are an investment, but one that’s ultimately worth it – a well-cut flare that makes you feel tall and lean is worth every penny.

[Photos by Crissie Fuller]

In my downtown wanderings, as I comb the streets for cool denim style to share with you, there’s something I’ve noticed. There is never not someone stylish near the intersection of Grand and Crosby Street. Maybe it’s because there’s a great little deli on the corner, maybe it’s becuase Saturday’s Surf is just up the street – but it’s becoming almost funny. I head out to see who’s on the streets, I wander, I peek, and I stroll – yet all the well-dressed young things are at Crosby and Grand. Perhaps next week I’ll just stage and stake-out.

Today was no exception, and almost immediately upon leaving the office I spied this girl, in all black and pink. I was drawn to the contrast immediately, and then totally hooked when I noticed that her pink jeans, Levi’s, appeared to also be coated. With a buttoned black wool coat and seriously bad-ass boots, she looked enviably balanced between trendy and classic.

Get the look with these Citizens of Humanity, these Current / Elliot low rise Stiletto jeans or the J Brand mid rise skinny in coral.

I talked about wearing pastels in winter last week, but what are your thoughts on pink?

[Photo by Taylor Davies]

What first hooked me on Tara’s blog, Wonder Girl, was her smirk. I looked at her and thought, “I like this girl.” What kept me hooked were her amazing photos and inspiring style. She mixes her personal style with photos of her adventures, shopping stories and inspirational tid-bits – just what I’m looking for in a one-stop fashion blog! I caught up with Tara last week to talk denim, personal style and even Yves Saint Laurent.

What is your denim philosophy?

Don’t over think. Denim should be easy, relaxed, cool in my mind. The late, great Yves Saint Laurent really did say it best:

“I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”

What do you wear with your denim?

I always like my denim looks to be relaxed and effortless in their own way and always with a sort of rockstar edge. Frye boots and a load of layered necklaces? Yes, please.
What are your favorite denim brands?

J Brand has been a longtime favorite, a wardrobe staple for years for me. You can’t beat their fit and quality of fabric and dye. Recently, though I have discovered Madewell denim and I am seriously impressed.  A little more of an approachable price point and I love love the silhouette of their Vintage Rocker!

Do you have a very favorite pair of jeans?

No! It varies! I tend to wear 2 pairs of jeans for 4 or 5 months straight and then move on. Right now its my J Brand black high rise skinnies (for tall boot season) and my Madewell Vintage Rockers. But now that I think about it, I also love my J Brand High Rise Flares….

Tell us a little about the jeans you wear the most often?

Dark wash, mid rise, a little stretch and a lotta attitude!

What’s on your denim wish list?

For Spring: light vintage washed flares to wear with all my brown platform wedges! I also saw a pair of Acne distressed vintage wash skinny crops that I can’t get out of my head…

Did you have a favorite denim trend of 2011?

I mean, the return of the 7os flare is pretty awesome! It changed the silhouette and vibe of fashion completely this fall. I’m not hugely into colored denim strangely, I like my denim straight up blue.

Do you remember the first pair of jeans you ever owned?

I remember the first pair of ‘premium’ denim I ever owned. A pair of medium wash and heavily whiskered Paper Denim & Cloth when I was a senior in high school in 2002. The reign of the 7 For All Mankind bootcut jeans was just starting to hit my high school and I wanted to rebel and go with the PDCs. I felt so cool in those jeans. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

I think my obsession with all things French dates back to around 1990, when I started learning the language in kindergarten. Little words like beaucoup, magnifique and pain-au-chocolat have been in my vocabulary for decades. When I spent time in Paris in high school and college, I fell deeply and irrevocably in love with the city, the people, the language and of course, le mode.

I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that emulating celebrity style is not really my thing, but getting inspired by editors, bloggers and industry leaders certainly is. If you were to marry these two loves of mine (French and fashion editors) you’d end up with Emanuelle Alt, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris. (She succeeded Carine Roitfeld in February of 2011). If ever there were a proper time to use the adjective chic, it would be to describe Alt’s personal style.

With fashion week close at hand, I am totally having a moment for Emanuelle Alt’s effortlessly Parisian looks. I’m envisioning myself flying between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center in impossibly skinny jeans and the perfect jacket as if I were born in them. Alt has a pitch-perfect formula for a sexy, sleek and utterly cool ensemble. The best part? It starts with denim. Here are three key pieces for attaining her denim style with ease:

1. The stovepipe jean: The basis of Alt’s go-to look is her amazing and skinnier-than-skinny pants. She favors dark denim and leather pants, to the ankle or with a bit of bunching. Denim leggings are not the look here, you want sturdy jeans with a sharp fit. Find a brand with an inseam that works for you, but something like these Genetic Denim Shya jeans are a great place to start. (See also: the James Icon moto jeans.)

2. The structured jacket: Layer a well-tailored blazer-style jacket over a loose, comfortable t-shirt. I love how Alt wears a white dinner jacket like this Tory Burch blazer with her jeans. Depending on the temperatures where you are, you may have to opt for something warmer, like this cool Gryphon coat or this insane Helmut Lang jacket. (A girl can dream…)

3. The pointy-toe pump: To finish off this look, pull your your most dangerous (and probably a wee bit uncomfortable) pointy-toe pumps or boots. A shoe like this conveys power, confidence and that certain je ne sais quoi of women leave trends for the birds. Get the look with these Kate Spade heels or go even more edgy with these Boutique 9 pumps.

*Bonus Tricks: Go for a low-slung pair of jeans, add a belt and tuck your loose t-shirt into your pants, but just in the front. Consider a minimal make-up look and let your hair just do it’s thing.

Et voila, French (denim) style a la Emanuelle Alt.

By Ann of Holier than Now

I’m a big believer in wardrobe recycling – and I tend to feel most strongly about it after a weekend of heavy shopping!  Although there are some vintage pieces that I’d never part with, for the most part I believe in truly wearing the things I own – and selling, swapping or donating the things that have fallen out of rotation.

I love the idea of my unloved clothes moving on to a loving owner, and I frankly use this system to finance my shopping.  I resell a decent number of items each season, and I use the funds to buy new (or new-to-me used or vintage) clothes.  I’ve written about my system on Holier than Now, but having just sold off some designer denim, I thought I’d share a jean-specific version here.

Following are my 5 tips for divesting of your denim.  My process starts not when I decide I want to sell the item – but when I buy it.

1. Archive: If you’re investing in a pair of jeans, take the time to store away the tags and any accoutrements that came with them (like a cloth bag or extra buttons).  Although you shouldn’t pass off your items as “new with tags” if you’ve worn them, it’s a nice touch to show a potential buyer that the item has the original tags, etc., and you might need to reference them for the style name and original retail price.

2. Take care: I generally try to treat my clothing as if it’s on loan. With denim, that means washing inside out, letting my jeans partially air dry after a bit of time in the dryer, and generally not beating them up if possible.  You can read a few more tips on caring for denim here.

3. Pick Your Destination: Depending on the price point and condition of your used denim, there are lots of options to pass it on.

• If you have high quality designer jeans and need some quick cash, consider taking them to a designer resale boutique. Some give you cash on the spot, while others pay you after the item is sold.  These stores usually take a decent chunk out of the purchase price, so you’re paying for the convenience.
• If you have time on your hands and want to try to make a good chunk of your money back, consider listing on eBay or the new site The Cools, where the commissions are far lower than at most designer resale boutiques.
• For lower price point jeans in good condition, a resale boutique like Crossroads Trading will buy on the spot for cash or store credit.
• Swaps are a great way to spend the day with friends – or you can swap from the comfort of your home with a site like Swap.com.
• Charity donation is a feel-good option that can also benefit your bottom line, as many charity shops will give you tax receipt for your donation.  As long as your jeans are in good condition, the Salvation Army or your favorite charity will be glad to have them.

4. Do Your Homework: If you’re taking your items to a resale store, call ahead to make sure they accept denim (and if you’re bringing non-denim items, ask what season they’re buying for).  For online listings, search the designer and style name to see what similar items are selling for.

5. Prepare to Sell:

• I always clean and press items I’m bringing to a resale store, and I pin the tags on (just don’t try to make it look like they were never removed- bad karma!).  I think a nicely pressed item is an easier buy for the store (less work for them), and the price tag helps the buyer know how much the item is worth.
• For online, look up the measurements of the jeans or take measurements yourself – including waist, inseam, and leg opening at the ankle. I’ve learned from experience that jeans photographed flat on the bed or a clean floor sell better than jeans photographed on my body – maybe it’s just my body!  But I think in general, people are searching for jean styles they already like … so I don’t want to confuse them by showing them on a shape that might not be the same as theirs.
• Whether selling to a store or online, make sure to inform of any stains, holes or other issues – it’s far better to disclose these now than get a call or email after the fact.
• And have fun with it!  I’ve found some of my favorite pieces at resale shops and charity outlets, so always stay a while and take a look around.

Do you recycle your wardrobe?  Are you an eBay power seller or a swap queen? Share your tips below!

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.]

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.]

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.

Joie Pants
Markus Lupfer Pants
Pencey Pants
Monrow Pants
Elie Tahari Clothing

Milly Pants
Alexander Wang Pants
Sass & Bide Pants
Fernando Frisoni
Fernando Frisoni Pants

Tibi Pants
JNBY Pants
Yigal Azrouel Pants
Ellery Pants
Cut25 Dresses

10 Crosby By Derek Lam
Monrow Dresses
JNBY Sweaters
Alexander Wang Skirts
Alexander Wang Shorts

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]

Indah Pants
Soft Joie Pants
Tory Burch Pants
Jenni Kayne Pants
Alice + Olivia Pants

Jill Stuart Pants
Soft Joie
Camilla & Marc Pants
Adam Lippes Pants
Robert Rodriguez Pants

ALC Pants
So Low Pants
Wilt Pants
Dsquared2 Pants
Piamita Pants

Rlx Ralph Lauren Pants
Rachel Zoe Pants
Donna Karan Pants
Thakoon Pants
Adriano Goldschmied

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