January 2008 archive

HonestMall - the Fashionista's (and Fashionisto's!) eBay

Perhaps you've visited the folks over at DenimBlog and HonestForum via our blog roll or some of our blog posts for some fashion advice or the scoop on the latest trends.

There is another really cool part of their website called HonestMall. You know how if you go into eBay and search for designer clothes, you end up with a gazillion results loaded with knock-offs and scams? Well, on HonestMall, it's a much smaller scale, and they've taken precautions to make sure that all of the listings are authentic.

The mall charges a one time $10 entry fee to keep the scammers out, and there are brand managers that review the posted items to make sure they're real. They dig through to make sure that the seller is a real person, that they have a high feedback rating, where the item came from, and they even comb over high-res photos to confirm stitching and tag details. No more squinting at your monitor to figure out if that sexy Juicy Couture sweatshirt or that cute Kate Spade bag is fake! Some sample brands you might find on there include Diesel Jeans and Sevens as well as Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Manolo Blahnik, and more.

They are also working on integration with myspace and facebook and are building a mini version to work on your phones and blackberries. The best part? They've started a charity too and a portion of all their revenue goes to the poor. Stay tuned for more info as we collaborate, and remember to shop safely! If you're ever suspicious, remember to have a look at our blog post about how to spot fake premium denim so you don't make an expensive mistake!

Julie: I Need a Midrise Jean with Some Stretch

Hello Liz-

Great comment, and feedback!  We have jeans to your rescue!

The truejeans predictions will give you the sizes and styles in which will fit you best according to your body shape and measurements, etc.  We are currently working on factoring torso length in the body shape section to factor in that additional fit criteria. When you receive your personal catalog, from that point I would encourage you to narrow down your search results to your personal preference mid-rise, boot cut, snug fit.  Our classification of a mid-rise is approximately in the range of 8+ front rises, which is listed specifically jean to jean in the details tab of your selection, also with the fabric content.  For a stretch mid-rise jean, I would suggest Pine IV, Christopher Blue and WORN styles, which all have 2-3% stretch for your comfort.

Best,

Julie

Finally - Plus Sizes are Here at TrueJeans!

You've commented, you've emailed, and we've listened! TrueJeans is now branching into plus sizes! We're starting out with two main brands - Svoboda and Jag - and are looking to expand once we get some feedback about the other brands people are interested in. We're also offering free shipping, exchanges and returns to all plus size customers, and are offering a special 15% off coupon by entering "PLUSPROMO" in the code box during check-out for the following styles: Svoboda - All Styles, Jag - Gordon Plus, Madison Plus and Lucy Flair Plus. 

Since we're just starting out with this new venture, your feedback is even more important to us in order to help us make our services even better for you. Now, more than ever, we encourage you to contact us to let us know what's working for you, what isn't, what you'd like to change, and what brands you'd like to see in the future once we're able to expand even more. 

We hope that this is the start of something great for us, and it's because of the feedback of our customers and blog readers that we've been able to provide new offerings to better suit your needs. Thanks to everyone for helping us and continuing to get the word out about TrueJeans. Happy shopping! 

Julie: Where are your Plus Sizes?!

I just received a comment from one of our readers who was having trouble with finding a pair of jeans in her size on our site. 

"Hey Julie:
I guess us chunky gals don’t quite cut it on your computing.  I can wear Lane Bryant jeans, but your calculations didn’t come up with even one suggestion for me?  whats with that?  please get in touch with me - if you are truly interested in fitting everyone in custom jeans!  thx! - Anita"

Dear Anita,
We regret to hear that you were disappointed by your visit to truejeans.com. We completely understand your frustration! We, too, have been frustrated by how few plus size premium denim brands there are. We do realize that we currently have some limitations in the selection of jeans that are featured and profiled on our site. Luckily, we have two plus size brands that will be featured on the site this week, ranging in sizes from 14-26.

In order to predict fit and size accurately, we have to do extensive testing, so creating a deep product mix takes some time, and since we study the brands so closely we only give predictions for the brands that we carry. Many jeans brands cater only to “certain” body types.

Unfortunately, there are many body types which are underserved by the apparel industry in general. It is our goal to represent and serve a wide variety a body types on our site, therefore we appreciate your help, feedback, and ideas! Please accept our deepest apologies and we thank you for your patience as we strive to make the jeans buying process effortless for you.  I would encourage you to re-visit truejeans this week.

Best,
Julie

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.

Julie: Should I Be Wearing Skinny Jeans?

I recently received another great question on the Ask Julie main post: 

"Hi Julie! I created a profile and it suggested a number of jeans for me, some of which were skinny jeans. Because of my proportions, I know for a fact that skinny jeans don't work (I have thick thighs and calves). What do you think the problem could be if I am being honest in my measurements, but my results still don't fit properly because the thigh is way too tight?

- Sharon"

Great question Sharon! For the fit predictions to be accurate we need you to be honest about your measurements, but one feature that is great about our site is the style search. Truejeans will generate a personal catalog of all of the jeans that will fit you in a certain size, paired with a star rating. From that point, it would be up to you to narrow your personal style preference and you could eliminate skinny jeans altogether, amongst other categories that you don't feel comfortable in such as extra low rise or snug fit, etc.

It is a pretty common misconception for a figure that has a fuller thigh so stay away from skinny jeans. If you are uncomfortable in the style I would definitely stay away, but if you are comfortable in a skinny it should be paired with a heel and a longer top, or tucked into a boot to balance out the top of the leg and hips. We also suggest for a fuller thigh to stick with a darker wash to create a slimmer look, and a fabric that has some stretch to it. Thanks again! - Julie 

Julie: Please Help My Curvy and Petite Girlfriend

A reader recently left me a comment asking about what jeans would flatter his petite and curvaceous girlfriend. 

My best advice for your girlfriend after she creates a profile would be to stick with a darker wash jean, and a fabric that has at least 2-3% stretch.  The darker wash creates a slimmer silhouette, and the stretch helps for a curvaceous figure and athletic thighs, for utmost comfort.  A couple of brands that incorporate stretch and work well with a curvy figure are Pine IV and WORN.

Inseam length is the least of our fit issues, because we can always provide the original hem service.  There is nothing better than a fabulous pair of shoes to pair up with your new jeans to help boost your height a bit, or the jeans are just a good excuse to get a new pair of shoes!

Julie

Julie: How can I sort jeans by inseam length?

"can I sort all style options available by inseam length?"

- Lisa

Hi Lisa-

Currently there is not a search functionality to sort by inseam, as of yet, but thank you for the great idea; we appreciate any feedback that will help our customers shop for jeans.  Typically when you receive your personal catalog then click on your jean of choice, the check boxes at the bottom of the page will showcase how short or long the jean will be on you.  Also, there is a tab function titled details which will tell you approximate inseam length on any jean.

Julie

Dads Helping Daughters With Their Body Image

Body image problems and low self esteem are fueling a rise in the prevalence of eating disorders in our society. As many of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty's efforts convey, there needs to be a change in the way we see beauty and the way we see ourselves. According to an article at DIY Father, over 40% of girls in first, second and third grade wish they were thinner. These are 6, 7 and 8 year old children! Something needs to change!

The article addressed an important part of self esteem building - having a supportive family that doesn't just shrug off concerns or reassure blindly by saying "you're beautiful", but that takes the time to discuss what's happening in the media, and tells the child specific things about her (or him!) that are beautiful. In particular, the article addressed dads.

We often think of our mothers helping us with things like body image questions or fashion advice, but fathers are important, too! There are many single father families out there as well, and it's important to help everyone learn more about empowering their children and helping them to develop a healthy body image. So dads, if you're looking for help, the biggest thing you can do is listen. Not only listen to your children, but listen to the messages that are getting sent their way in the media and online. You can't provide a bullet-proof shield from these messages, but you can provide the knowledge and strength to think independently and know how to handle them.

We were excited to find this article since it puts a new twist on helping reinforce a healthy body image. Our partnership with the National Eating Disorders Association will only grow stronger with the supportive thinking that the author of the DIY Father article has put forward. Remember, it's not only your jeans, it's what's in your genes that's truly beautiful!  

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! 

2008 Fashion Predictions

The blogosphere is a flurry of New Year's news - from resolutions to predictions for politics, fashion and celebrity gossip, you name it! Everyone's looking toward 2008 with their own personal resolutions as well as some ideas for what the future will bring. At TrueJeans, we thought it'd be fun to bring you some of the buzz for the next year in fashion. Will wide leg jeans sweep our closets or will skinny jeans reign supreme? Will boots over jeans suddenly be a mistake? And will we ever see the end of Crocs? Only time will tell, but it's fun to play fortune teller and see what happens!

Men's Denim

The menswear gurus over at styleforum are tossing in their predictions for Spring denim trends. Senior member 'DGP' predicts more emphasis on waxed or coated denims. Other posters respond with praise for the classic boot-cut and straight leg, claiming these staples will never go out of style.

Should You Ditch your Skinny Jeans and Leggings?

Not yet, according to Stevie Wilson of la-story.com. She's found a great article from Fushion Magazine that has taken both the New York and Los Angeles fashion weeks into consideration to come up with some predictions to suit both sides of the country. Leggings and skinny jeans paired with high heels were spotted on the runway, so don't toss 'em out just yet! Of course, if you shy away from the skinny jean/legging silhouette, never fear. With more wide leg jeans hitting the market now, there is a fashion forward option for every body type.

Aim High and Go for the Gold

Stevie Wilson and Fushion Magazine also tells us that the runways are showcasing more and more high-waisted skirts, high heels, and high shine. Shimmery leggings, rich and luxurious goldtone fabrics and shoes, gold accessories, anything with shimmer and shine (without looking tacky, of course...it's a delicate balance) is in for 2008 on the runways. The Budget Fashionista affirms the high-waist trend as well, noting that knee-length pencil skirts, sequins, silks and metallics will all be more popular this year. 

Lose a Half an Inch

On your tie, that is! TheLedger.com's Samantha Critchell gives us a heads-up for the fashion-conscious men out there: "Buy a skinnier tie". In a section of the fashion industry that moves at a slower, less drastic pace, menswear trends move in cycles approximately every 5 years, according to Critchell. It seems only natural, then, that such a seemingly small alteration would weigh just as heavily in menswear as, say, changing from stilettos to flats for women's trends. As trends lean more and more toward the dressy and put the grunge look behind us, men are taking the hint from stars like Justin Timberlake and Kanye West who wear suits as casual wear. Subtle changes like a fitted jacket, casual shoe or a more slender lapel turn the would-be corporate suit into fashionable street wear.

The Bottom Line: It's Time to Grow Up

Style Dash helps put all of these trends into perspective by summing it up for us with an article they found in Fortune Magazine (an unlikely spot for fashion advice, we know!). The trends we're seeing unravel for 2008 all seem to have one thing in common - sophistication. Of course there are playful accents and more casual accessories or garments if you choose, but a streamlined, classy look is something that will never go out of style. It just happens to be particularly in right now! Fortune suggests making use of a scarf as your next major accessory, high fashion sneakers (I'm a little biased to this one. I love a cute pair of colorful sneakers), sheer fabrics, and even industrial fabrics. These fabrics are making their appearance with some more high end designers (Established 1887 is offering a tee shirt with silver anti-microbial chips embedded in it to repel stains and odors...a shirt that cleans itself?)

Whatever you choose to wear this season, what's most important is that you feel good about yourself and love what you're wearing. If you're just not feeling the high-waisted pencil skirt, don't wear it! Thankfully, with more traditional and classy styles on the forefront, this means that all different body types can enjoy feeling stylish and on the cutting edge of tomorrow's trends. As for the Crocs, though I can't say that I'd ever want to wear a pair, I think they'll be sticking around for at least a little while longer. Some even have a fleece lining! I suppose that's an entry for another day, though.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to great fashion and great jeans for 2008!