June 2007 archive

B-Buckles Make Room For Your Growing Belly

Dressing for the Office - What Every Man Should Avoid

 

 

We have all make fashion mistakes in the past, but these mistakes can be avoided with just a little knowledge.  A recent post on Sharp By Design discusses some of the most common men’s fashion don’t for the office.  This list of fashion faux-pas included wearing: 

-    Ill fitting suits
-    Clashing Patterns
-    Poor Quality Ties
-    Un-tucked shirts
-    Worn-out Shoes
-    Wrinkled Clothes
-    Mixing Casual with Dressy

These are great ideas, but it may be hard to understand how to incorporate them into your daily dressing routine.  To avoid clashing patterns I think you shouldn’t try and make so much of an effort to look fashionable that you end up overdoing it.  Less is certainly more when it comes to dressing yourself stylishly.  If you have a busy (patterned) shirt it is best to balance out any outfit with a simple, great fitting pair of jeans or slacks.  There is nothing wrong with a little color or a little pattern, but use sparingly.  By all means buy fashionable pieces if they suit you. Mix and match them with the basics in your wardrobe. You don't have to wear every single trendy item you own all at once.

Quality and fit are two of the things True Jeans stresses when buying jeans.  These qualities should also be considered when purchasing any item of clothing.  Poor quality looks cheap even to the untrained eye.  Fit is probably the most important thing to consider when buying clothes because no matter what, an ill fitting garment will never look good.  You CANNOT look fabulous in a suit that does not fit properly.

While Sharp By Design’s rules can be considered a good guideline, it is my opinion that there is a big difference between being stylish and just following the latest men’s fashion trends and rules. To avoid being a fashion victim at the office try not to follow all the latest men’s fashion trends without thinking of whether they suit your body shape, looks, or age.  You should also make sure your fashion style shows off your personality.  

Hopefully these tip will ensure that your fashion-sense or lack there-of is not offending the eyes of your colleagues or recklessly endangering your career!

Back In Skinny Jeans

 

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

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

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

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

Celebrity Fashion Lines

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

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

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

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

How to Choose the Right Jeans - What Factors into Fit?

It may seem like a silly question to ask, but many people are curious about the elements that factor into great fitting jeans.  With so many different styles, cuts, colors and rises, it is difficult and frustrating to find the right pair of jeans.

A recent video interview with Anna Mormina, manager of Parasuco Jeans in Montreal, attempts to answer the question of what goes into finding your perfect fit.  During the interview, Mormina mentions that many customers are drawn to darker denim because of its ability to slim out your silhouette.  

While finding a wash that is appealing is key, even more important is finding the correct cut for your body type.  Whether you figure is flattered by a bootcut, wide-leg, straight leg or skinny has a great deal with your personal preference.  Don’t hesitate to ask Julie for tips on choosing the perfect jeans for your unique body.  

Julie: My problem is the thickness of my legs BELOW the thigh

Ann Asks Julie:
Hi Julie,
I found you through Claudia and Grumperina.
I have taken the plunge, measured myself, and gotten a list of jeans on the website. I have a small waist and curvy hips (25/37) but my biggest problem with all pants are the thickness of my legs my BELOW the thigh. from mid-thigh to ankle they are big.

The 4 jeans in my shopping cart include: iT diva, Lucky Sweet n Low, Little in the Middle Tab Front Midrise, and the Worn Lou Casey. Of these four, which 2 do you think are my best bets?

Julie's Answer:
Hello Ann-
Your best bets would be the Little in the Middle - Tab Front Mid-rise and the Worn -Lou Casey.  It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for the curvy figure that Little in the Middle intends to fit.  The Worn Lou Casey has 3% spandex and a relaxed fit through the thigh, which may be more comfortable for you.  For more accurate suggestions, I would need to take a look at all of your measurements listed in your profile to lead you in the direction of other styles.  I hope this helps your search!

Best,

Julie

Shopping For Men's Denim Isn't As Easy As You Thought!

In today’s world, women are not the only ones who crave the perfect fitting pair of jeans.  Men also are in search of a great fitting, timeless pair of jeans that they can wear either to casual Friday’s at the office, for a night out on the town, or even to those afternoon sporting events.  A recent post on AskMen.com advises male readers to stick to “tried and true denim styles” while shopping. Most importantly, AskMen.com encourages its readers to purchase a pair of jeans that they feel comfortable in.  This may seem like a simple task but for most men it is far from that.  
The search for these perfect jeans can be difficult due to the unique needs men have.  

I think it is a common misconception that most women believe that men have it easy when they shop for jeans.  I know most of my girlfriends believe that men simply need to know their waist and inseam measurements to be able to shop.  That, however, is far from the truth.  Just like women, men have problem areas and cannot simply fit into any style of jeans.  

Josh from Houston explains the unique problems he faces while shopping for jeans, stating, “For almost my entire life I have dreaded buying jeans. I am 6'9" tall and I weigh 280 pounds, and purchasing clothes that actually fit has to be one of the most time consuming things I do.”

Randy from Friendswood, Texas has a completely different problem; “Being a weightlifter, my thighs are much larger than 'normal'. I also prefer a short rise. I have yet to find jeans that are just right. Levi 550's are close. 560's are too baggy. I have a 38" waist, but need 40" jeans to fit all the other stuff into.”

As it turns out, both Josh and Randy’s problems were solved by Chip and Pepper’s Big Pickle jeans.  This relaxed style is great for men with an athletic build.  Because they are a bit roomier in the leg, they make plenty of room for your studly thighs and butt.  

What has your own experience been while shopping for jeans?  I can wait to hear both your horror and success stories! 

Second Life and The Virtual Fashion Revolution...Or Not!

 

 A recent post on Ethic Denim introduced the concept of the fashion industry invading the virtual gaming world. The popular online game, Second Life, allows players to create 'avatars' who inhabit a 3-D virtual world. These avatars can do everything humans normally do, including shop. Several established brands, including American Apparel and Adidas, have already signed on to become part of this cyber world.

Can fashion really thrive in a virtual world? Will this idea of virtual fashion really catch on? I suppose only time will tell.

Photo Retouching - The Shocking Extremes Taken By the Beauty Industry To Create Perfection

Photo retouching has long been the fashion industry’s dirty little secret.  The ability to digitally retouch photos is certainly not a new technique used by the fashion and beauty industry but just how much has this art of digital manipulation changed the way we view true beauty?  Magazines have come under fire for the extreme measures they take to digitally ‘perfect’ people.  All of these false images that we are bombarded with every time we turn on a television or open a magazine are certainly contributing to the unrealistic body ideals and negative body image of both women and men all over the world.

Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty recently featured a video clip showing the retouching process done to a model from start to finish.  Dove, whose recent advertising campaigns focus on beauty coming in all shapes, sizes and ages, call out the drastic measures some companies take to create the perfect picture.  It is quite shocking to see how the finished product looks so completely different from the starting shot.  How could seeing all these artificially altered images be good for anyone’s perception of their own body?

 

An even more shocking video posted on the blog Back in Skinny Jeans highlighting the extremes of photo retouching as at least 100 pounds are digitally taken off a model during the retouching process.  Watching this will opening your eyes to the way technology can be used to give any model the ‘digital diet’ treatment and leave you wondering just how ethical it is to practice these extreme retouching techniques.

What do you think?  Are critics right when they say photo retouching has gone too far and is dramatically harming American’s body image?

Men's Summer Denim Trends

 

 

With summer just around the corner, it is just as important for all of you guys out there to look good while keeping cool in the summer heat.  A recent post on Nothin’ But Fashion notes that men don’t “care about ‘skinny jeans’ and tube tops,” but instead are interested in reading about fashion that pertains to them.  

For summer, one of the biggest trends to hit the men’s denim world is lightweight denim.  The ultra lightweight fabrics not only look and feel amazing but also help to keep you cool as the temperatures begin to sore.  Blue Cult’s relaxed lightweight jean, which comes in two washes, is a terrific relaxed bootleg jean for the guy looking for both style and comfort.  The Manic wash's blue-grey tint will certainly set you apart from the rest of the crowd, while the Crystal wash offers a more traditional denim blue tone.

All you active men out there know that it is often difficult to find jeans that fit with your active lifestyles.  One of True Jeans’ newest brands, WESC, is perfect for just that.  With its roots in the skateboard and snowboard culture, WESC’s designs denim that sets its own rules and follows its own trends.  WESC’s Lower jean in either Rinse or Graze will be perfect for the guy looking for a snugger fit and straight leg.  

Finally, for all you fashion forward guys out there, you need to check out Justin Timberlake’s line, William Rast.  The William's great back pocket design and dark Resin wash is the perfect combination of funky detailing and classic styling.  

Don’t wait until the thermometer hits the triple digits to look good and stay cool this summer!  

Julie: How Do I Measure My Inseam?

Leslie Asks Julie: 

I'm really looking forward to your addition of larger sizes for women. Wearing a 20 or 22 women's petite makes it difficult to find anything I really like.

I know I'll probably have to hem (I'm 5'3" but seem to be short legged in relation to the rest of me) but hope I won't have to cut off 6 or 8" of material to do so. That's a lot of fabric wasted. It has always seemed to me that I'm paying for a special cut due to my size and because the cutter isn't using the fabric economically.

I do have a question though - how to accurately measure in-seam. What are the rules?
Thanks,
Leslie

Julie's Answer: 
Hi Leslie!

Here is the easiest way to measure your inseam.  This illustration can also be found while creating your profile in the measurement section.  Personally, I like to keep my inseam length on the longer side to accommodate for heels.

There are many people out there that share your frustration for short inseams, but I always suggest having an original hem put on your jeans. Original hems preserve the style and details of your jeans.  True Jeans now offers the original hem service for $15.

A newsletter will be sent out early in July when our premium plus size brands are showcased on the website. 

Best,

Julie

High Waisted Jeans - High Waisted Horror!

Becoming a mother does not mean having to compromise your sense of style, but why is it that so many women succumb to wearing the ever unflattering mom jeans that were made famous by the Saturday Night Live skit.  If the waistband of your jeans is almost reaching your bra band, you are probably a victim of the mom jean.  Stacey London recently appeared on Oprah's Bra and Jean Intervention and discussed some of denim's worst fashion crimes. 

London considers these "high waisted horrors" to be the "cardinal sin of fashion."  These extremely high-waisted jeans can make your butt look like a pancake while making you tummy seem much larger than it is, so why is it that denim designers are turning to the SNL skit for inspiration for their spring and summer lines?

This spring, the high-waisted trend seems to be trying to make a comeback.  This trend has been seen about Tinseltown on celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez and Mischa Barton.  But are these new high-waisted jeans any better than SNL's mom jeans?  Two words: No Way!  Just like the skinny jean trend, high waisted jeans are only for a very specific body type.  A recent post on Pink Rock Candy examines exactly what makes this style so unflattering, stating that "the higher waist was initially created to camouflage the tummy many women get after pregnancy, but in all actuality it accentuates any tummy you may have. A lot of this is due to tapering and peg legs.'  Anyone with even the smallest rounded tummy will look ten pounds heavier because these higher waistbands over exaggerate anything in the tummy area.  This new trend is also unforgiving on curvy figures.  Just take a look at Jessica Simpson!

As for me, I think I will stick to the wide leg trend for the summer season.  Unlike these higher waisted jeans, wide legs are flattering and forgiving on almost all shaped and sizes.

Donna Karan Launches Her Own Blog

As you can see, the True Life Blog is a fairly new addition to the True Jeans' website.  It seems that more and more influential individuals are jumping on the blog bandwagon to discuss many different issues that are important to women everywhere.  Among these new bloggers is world-renowned fashion designer Donna Karan. 

Karan's blog is a little over a month old and has gained quite a following. In her bio, Karan states, "Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul,"  and based on this quote it is no surprise that Karan uses her blog to discuss topics like health, well-being and healing.  Karan's focus on healthcare and health issues in her Well Being Forum may seem like a far cry from her role as a fashion designer.  However, Karan's life experiences offer a knowledgeable take on important health issues that all women should be aware of.  For a quick taste of some of the health topics Karan talks about, check out her post entitled "Healing is Individual, Not One-Size-Fits-All."

Julie: What are the most flattering jean stlyes for different body shapes?

Kathy Asks Julie: Women come in all different shapes:  long legs, short waist, athletic thighs, classic hourglass, a little tummy, more than a little behind, and so on. 

Jeans come in equally numerous varieties:  different cuts, washes, and details.  Button-fly, flap pockets, tab closures - you've got them all!

What are the most flattering jean styles for different body shapes?  Who should avoid cropped jeans, for instance?  And who would look fabulous in an ultra low rise?  Are some colors/washes more flattering for hourglass shapes than others?

Thanks!
Kathy

Julie's Answer: Hi Kathy!

Shorter legs should stick with a shorter crop, preferably a knee length, to make your legs appear longer. 

An ultra low rise is the most flattering on a flat stomach, and better on a shorter torso. If you have a long torso it may make the jeans look and feel too ultra low. I have seen a lot of women try on the Red Engine Super Sexy Mid-Rise Boot cut, and the Gold Sign Desire, and these are great jeans for women with curves.  It is important to keep in mind that we need to flatter the assets we have, and find the best way to accomodate our not so flattering areas.

I myself have average hips, and seat, and typically have problems filling out jeans.  To make my seat look perkier and give me the lift I’m looking for , I focus on pocket placement, and details.  My favorite jeans that help me achieve this look are Hudson’s Deluxe Wide Leg Trouser and Blue Cult’s Kate Butt lifter, which do wonders for lifting my behind!  A dark wash is the most flattering on all body types, but it is always good to have a lighter wash to mix up your wardrobe! - Julie