September 2007 archive

The Office Participates in National Denim Day

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

Celebrity Plastic Surgery

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

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

 

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

True Jeans and National Denim Day

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

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

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

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.

A Great Site to Share Your Talents

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?

How to Flatter a Heavier Bottom

 

 

 

Bottom heavy ladies out there have no fear.  People Magazine’s Style Watch recently featured several simple tips to help flatter and enhance your pear shape.

Songstress Nelly Furtardo is a great example of a bottom heavy, pear shaped figure.  “Combining a tight top with skinny jeans (left) only makes her behind seem bigger.  The halter neck and longer top (right) create a more balanced look.”

Your goal in dressing yourself should be to draw attention to your upper body and minimize the appearance of your lower body.  That said, you should avoid anything that adds to the perceived size of your lower half, including wide leg pants and flared skirts.

A great straight leg or slim bootcut jean works great to play up your bottom half without over emphasizing it.  Red Engine’s Straight Leg jean or Super Sexy Bootcut are classic styles perfectly suited for pear shapes.  When pairs with a sleek pair of heels, Red Engine’s jeans create the illusion of a longer, leaner shape.

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.

How to Flatter a Curvy Figure

 

 

 

Curvy figures are reminiscent of 1950s Hollywood glamour, evoking thoughts of Marilyn Monroe.  Killer curves can be super sexy with some flattering tips from People Magazine’s Style Watch. 

The best way to play up a curvy figure is to flaunt your beautiful hourglass shape.  Curves look best in clothes that are fitted and that emphasize the waist.  With that in mind, curving girls should avoid wearing anything that is super tight or extra baggy.  Tailored outfits really flatter your body’s natural shape and curve, so be sure to sick to clothing with structure.

Ugly Betty star, America Ferreira is a classic curvy figure.  In the photo on the left, America’s tailored jacket perfectly hugs her curves, accentuating her hourglass figure.  The white cardigan that she is wearing in the less flattering photo on the right is too baggy and makes America appear larger through the torso.

If you are extra curvy and looking to balance out some of your curves, look for bottom with a flared or bootcut leg. The extra width at the bottom helps put those curves in proportion with the rest of your body.  GoldSign’s Desire jean is a flare that is perfectly tailored to highlight her sexy assets. 

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?

True Jeans To Participate in National Denim Day

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? 

Fashion Week Kicks Off With a Bang!

Fashion week is well underway in New York.

Check out style expert Robert Verdi in this video clip as he takes you on a whirlwind tour through the best and most glamorous that fashion week had to offer.  The clip includes interviews with designers Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenburg, Michael Volbracht for Bill Blass and many more.  Verdi also speaks with celebrities like Joan Rivers and Kim Catrall about the allure of fashion week. 

Check out the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week YouTube site to see more video clips from several of the runway shows. Can't wait to see what is store this week at fashion week!

How To Flatter a Petite Figure