Fashion Advice archive

Keep Your Pants Up!

 

Has anyone ever pointed out to you that your fly was down?  The Zip Holder ensures this embarrassing situation will never happen again.  This clever little elastic button loop closure will keep your zipper up and is easy to attach from your jeans.  What do you think of the Zip Holder?

What Do You Think About Acid Wash Jeans?

So the 80's was an era that we all loved for the big hair, rock bands, and big haired rock bands.  Fashion was a different story; we poke fun at the fashion no-no's of the 80's but the past sure does repeat itself.  We have revisited the trend of colored denim, lace tights, off the shoulder shirts and ankle boots that have all made comebacks, so why not acid wash jeans?  Acid washed denim hasn't quite hit mainstream but is popping up on various celebrities. 

 

Alicia Keys and Ashley Tisdale tried an acid washed skinny jean, and Rhianna played the safety route by incorporating the trend in her denim jacket. What do you think of acid wash jeans/denim?  What was your favorite 80's trend? 

 

Boot-iful

There is no denying that skinny jeans are continuing to rule the denim scene this fall. One of the biggest trends this fall and winters is jeans and boots. Skinny jeans paired with boots are the perfect stylish duo to step out in as the leaves fall and temperatures drop.

How to De-Clutter Your Closet

It may be a little early to start thinking about Spring cleaning but now is as good a time as any to begin cleaning out your closets and organizing your wardrobe. 

Most people are probably familiar with the golden rule of closet cleaning:  If you haven’t worn it in six months, get rid of it.  For many of us, however, this rule is easier said than done; that is until now! 

I just came across this great tip from Lifehacker.com that will help easy the painful task of de-cluttering your closet.  Lifehacker.com suggests turning all the hangers of your clothing away from you and marking a calendar reminder to go off about six months later.

Then, “When your six months have passed, and your calendar reminds you that it's time, open your closet and remove every piece of clothing on a backward hanger; the chances are good you can give it away without the slightest pain, because you just clearly demonstrated that you don't wear it.”

Happy Cleaning!

How To Wash Your Designer Jeans

A recent article posted on EzineArticles.com entitled “How to Wash Your Seven Jeans” got me thinking about the best practices in caring for your designer jeans.  The article outlines the proper precautions to take when washing a pair of Seven Jeans. Given the garment’s level of quality and durable but delicate fabric, it is important to take care when washing to ensure a longer life of the jean and to maintain the great quality that the denim had at the time of purchase.

According to this particular article, “The ideal way to wash your seven jeans is to wash it upside down (inside out). Doing this will help you in two ways. First it will keep the color and the variations made in the shade of the jeans intact. Secondly the friction that develops while you wash several denim clothes together in a washing machine; gets reduced to a great extent.”  

This is sound advice but True Jeans also has a few additional tips to help you extend the life of your jeans, keep them from fading, and keep them from shrinking:

• Pay attention to any special wash and care instructions that may be listed on the tags.

• Turn jeans inside out prior to washing to reduce fading.

• Keep water temperature below 110 degrees.

• Use a mild detergent.

• Never put more than four pairs of jeans in the washing machine at once.

• Avoid the dryer.  Let jeans air dry.   

You can also check out this video from Nudie Jeans to see how they recommend caring for your denim.

Fight Club - The Place for Sneakerhead

My quest to find the perfect sneakers is taking me to New York City this weekend.  After learning more and more about the sneaker culture, I decided that I cannot just settle for any old shoe.  Instead, I will be venturing to Fight Club, located in Manhattan. 

Fight Club is the ultimate sneakerhead destination.  A friend of mind insisted that I check out this store because it is unlike any other.  According to The New York Times, "the people who frequent Flight Club are sneaker freaks, mostly men who are addicted to buying limited-edition vintage athletic footwear. They speak in highly technical language, tossing around terms like 'tongue graphic' and "toe boxes" with the gravity of men discussing tractor engines or team sports."

If you are in the New York City area, check out Fight Club  at , 120 Nassau St (between Beekman and Ann).

The store also has a second location in Los Angeles at 503 N Fairfax Ave (between Beverly and Melrose.)

Jeans and Sneakers - The Ultimate Duo

America is truly becoming a denim culture.  Jeans are no longer reserved for casual weekend wear; instead they have become a staple in our daily wardrobe.  What better to pair with your jeans than a great pair of sneakers.  Not only are they totally comfortable, but a great pair of sneakers can also be the ultimate fashion statement.

I went on the hunt for the perfect pair of sneakers recently and during my search I learned a tremendous amount about the growing sneaker culture that is making sneakers one of the hottest commodities on the market.

My knowledge of this growing sneaker culture was pretty limited.  Besides the fact that I love the way a great pair of sneakers looked when paired with awesome fitting jeans, I did not know much about how the sneaker culture got its start and slowly invaded main stream America.

In order to begin learning about this social culture and find my perfect pair of kicks, I checked out Hypebeast.com, an online magazine for all things relating to the sneaker culture.  This site is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about the latest sneakers to hit the market and is also great for those looking to learn about the many vintage styles that are out there. 

Hypebeast.com also has a forum with topics relating to specific sneaker brands, custom sneakers, where to buy sneakers, and street fashion.  The conversations that are contained in these threads certainly show the passion for sneakers that is growing.    

From there, I checked out a site called Sneakerhead.com.  Sneakerhead is a term describing the newest generation of sneaker collectors, those in search of  the coolest, rarest sneaker on the market, whether it be Adidas, Nike or Reebok.  If you are at all interested in learning about anything from the history of sneakers to where to get the best selection of sneakers, Sneakerhead.com's Sneaker Academy is the place for you.

Check back all week for more about what I learned about the sneaker culture!!!

Still Looking for a Last Minute Costume Idea?

Still looking a last minute costume for the trick-or-treating festivities this evening?  I can across this idea yesterday and had to share.  It is super easy and can be made mostly with items that you probably already have in your closet. 

Halloween Costumes for the Denim Lover

With Halloween only a week days away, the clock is ticking to come up with some last minute costume ideas.  There is no need to panic with these three simple ideas that can all be assembled with your favorite pair of denim jeans. 

You can easily create a cowboy or cowgirl costume by pairing your jeans with a western inspired vest, a cowboy har and some cowboy boots.  

To create a scarecrow costume, throw on some jeans and a plaid short and stuff the pockets full with straw or shredded raffia.  Tie twine of rope around your waist to make a belt.  Add a few touches of straw to a hat, gloves and boots.  Finish the look with a corn cob pipe and or even a fake crow perched on your shoulder. 

For those looking for a costume that is slightly more creative, check out the Where's Waldo above.  This costume can also be super easy.  First, pair your blue jeans with a red and white horizontally striped shirt.  Add a pair of round, black framed glasses and a red and white striped cap. 

Please feel free to share any other costume ideas that can be created with denim jeans!  I can't wait to hear what you come up with! 

Take Forbes Advice on How to Wear Fall's Fashion Trends

A recent Forbes article, entitled "How To Wear Fall Fashion's Top Trends," discussed the latest fall fashion trends and offers advice on how to take the runway trends and make them work with your everyday wardrobe. 

 According to Forbes, wearing runway looks can "pose  a risk: What won applause on the runway can get you hooted off the stage of real life. Says David Wolfe, creative director of The Doneger Group, a fashion-forecasting firm in New York City, "For the designers, it's an exciting time; but for consumers, figuring out how to wear these trends without looking foolish can be problematic."

Yellow and other bright hues were a major trend to hit the runways in designer's menswear fall collections.  Forbes advised that the best way to incorporate these brighter colors into your wardrobe is to "use sparingly."  A great way to pull this look off is to incorporated brightly colored accessories  such as a tie or pocket pocket to your outfits.  

For women, the major color trend is grey.  But for those who are looking for a little more color, geometric patterns are the way to go.  Forbes warns that you can "run the risk of looking a fool, though, if you wear too loud a print in too conservative an office. And to wear more than one patterned item at a time is definitely a no-no: You'll look like a test-pattern." 

To learn more about the right way to wear this season's trends check out "How To Wear Fall Fashion's To Trends"  at http://mt.corpblogsite.com/mt2/www.forbes.com

The Skinny on Tight Jeans for Men

Just how tight is too tight when it comes to men's denim?  It seems like the men's denim scene has been dominated with one look for as long as I can remember; the low slung, baggy look.  Recently though, we have begun to see a new trend emerging in the men's denim world. 

The skinny jean is now making a crossover into the men's fashion world.  The trend of slimmer menswear is popping up on celebrities and rock stars who have begun wearing slender, tight, and even women's jeans.

According to an article in Men's Health Magazine, there is a simple way to determine if jeans are too tight.  Quickly do an "anatomy test. If I--or you--can see any of your frontal anatomy through your pants, they're too tight."

Skinny, tight jeans are certainly not for every man!  Check out the clips below from Seinfeld to see what happens when Kramer tries out the tight jean trend.

 

Denim Invades the Boardroom!

In a recent article by Ezine Articles writer Megan Youngblood, the trend of denim becoming more and more acceptable attire for all occasions is discussed.  The article, entitled “The Modern Citizen: Jeans in the Boardroom,”  explains how even though the price of premium denim has risen, jeans have still managed to make there way into environments were they were previously taboo. 

It has become more and more acceptable to wear denim to the office.  According to Youngblood, one of the major reasons for the acceptance of jeans in previously non-jean friendly environments is the higher prices.  For example, “when your Citizens of Humanity, True Religion jeans, and Seven For All Mankind jeans have prices in the same range as your dress pants, you’re bound to see a crossover.”

Price tag aside, it is clear that certain styles, washes and cuts of denim are more acceptable for more formal settings like the boardroom.  When taking denim into a professional or formal environment, look for jeans with dark, clean washes and minimal embellishments or treatments.  Also, avoid cuts that cling too tightly to the body.  More relaxed styles are more acceptable as they create a more polish, professional appearance.

 To read more about wearing denim to the office, check out Denim For The Office - What Every Man Should Avoid and The Skinny on Business Casual. 

Back Pocket Designs - Part 2

On Monday, I posted information on how to choose the best back pocket design for you.  Now I want to hear from you!! What is it that you look for most when purchasing your jeans?  Is it the back pocket design, the wash color, the brand name, etc?  Let me know!  I can’t wait to hear what you find important in your search for great jeans!!!

Fall Denim For Men

I came home from work the other night and sat down to relax and check up on the day's news in the local newspaper.  While reading, I came across an article in the lifestyles section that I have been meaning to share with all those guys out there who are wondering what looks will be hot for fall and winter.  The article, "Standard Time: Deeper Blue Hues and an Authentic Fit Rules Men's Jeans This Fall," was published in the Lowell Sun on September 25, 2007.  

According to the Lowell Sun article, men's denim look this coming fall and winter are reflecting a James Dean look. "The standard fit is the perfect everyday pair of jeans that work for just about every occasion," said Kimberly Terry, spokesperson for Gap stores.  Many men's denim retailers are returning to a more classic look for fall.  According to Terry, "Washes are more subtle, moving away from the more extreme washes of a few years ago."  

This is great news for the guys who are sick of the trendy washes and treatments that go out of style so quickly.  This season, look for a dark, clean wash and classic fit.  Check out Chip and Pepper – Bobby Baby in New Credit to see an example of a classic fitting, dark washed jean.

Back Pocket Design

How do you tell one pair of designer jeans from the next??  Simple, all you have to do is take a look at the back pockets.  The designer denim craze has created a population that is obsessed and fascinated with back pocket designs.  Most brands today have such a distinctive back pocket that makes them easily identifiable. 

 

With unique colors, stitching, shape, and size, choosing the best back pocket for you can become a daunting task.  Just because the design may appear to you on the hanger does not mean the back pocket will work on your body.  Keep reading to see which

Every brand has a distinctive color, stitching, shape or size that can either enhance or detract from your behind when you are wearing them. They may look great on the hanger, but do nothing for you when they are on your body. We'll try to help you understand what's best for your size and shape.

Oversized pockets:
Oversized pockets can be funky and fun but they do not necessarily work on all bodies.  When oversized pockets are placed very low and end up sitting more on the back of your thigh than on your butt, they can create the appearance of a perky butt on smaller seats.  For those of us with a larger bottom, these oversized pockets can make our behinds look even larger and shorter.  Check out J & Company’s Malibu jean for a great clean oversized pocket. 

Embellishments and Flaps:
Heavily embellished back pockets can really make heads turn. Intricate embroidery (like that on J & Company’s Beverly New Dagger), multi-colored stitching (on Antik’s Bootcut and Wide Leg) , and fabric insets (like that on Kasil’s Eleanore) are all designed to focus attention on your assets. These types of pockets are great for adding dimension and interest to your seat. While this is perfect for flat seats, making them appear fuller and rounder, it can be too much added bulk for those with fuller behinds.

Special Shaping:
Technology and art come together creating pockets with an extra lift.
Asymmetrical pockets with angled corners and unique shaping are specifically designed to flatter your seat. Darted back pockets create extra curve for your seat while special angles and corners work with your curves to give an illusion of lift. Done right, these jean pockets work well for anyone.

Siwy jeans are one brand that is integrating this special shaping into their design.  The tulip-shaped back pockets on both the Hannah and Kat jeans create the appearance of a fuller and perkier behind.

Blue Cult’s Original Buttlifter and Kate Buttlifter also use this special technology.  The yoke or back seam is removed from the jeans which allows for higher pockets and an instant lift.  Diagonally placed darts also give the illusion of a perkier behind.
 

Basic:

A basic back pocket design may seem hard to find these days but a simply designed rear is a classic way to show off simple signature stitching.  The classic back pocket has a basic spade shape that flatters every figure.  Red Engine jeans have mastered the art of the basic back pocket.  Wrangler 47 is yet another brand that keeps it simple and classic when it comes to back pockets.  These simple designs are clean and refreshing in this age of back pocket mania. 

Find the perfect coat for your shape -- Under $300.00

The winter season (at least on our side of the coast) is underway.  I woke up to a bit of frost on my car, and there is no denying that there are some cold mornings to come.  Having lived in New England all of my life, I know how hard it is to find a flattering and fashionable coat that meets my winter warmth standards.

To my delight, I found some great hints in this months Issue of O Magazine.  The article, entitled ‘The Right Coat For Your Body’ gives readers tips on just that—finding the perfect fitting, flattering winter coat.  Now, a few of the price points in the coats featured in the article are a bit high, so I have put my own twist on the piece.  I’ve found the same styles in the suggested coats online, all priced$300.00 or less. So here we go…

 

Problem: Some coats are bulky, taking away from our natural curves.  For women that want the look of softer curves, a jacket with side button closures and tailored lines is suggested.  I found a great jacket from Revolve Clothing. This is a lighter jacket spinning off from what is shown on Oprah’s magazine, but should create the desired effect of softer shoulders and a more pronounced, but soft waist.

 

 

 

 

Problem: Do you have a great waist, but a weaker upper half?  Many women experience the same problem and would like to find a coat that, by the jacket’s style, accentuates their shoulders.  Draping around the neck and shoulders is the best way to show off your upper half.  This gorgeous wool coat from Marc Jacobs on Bluefly is a perfect fit.  Wrapping around the waist still shows off your natural waist line, but the open v-neck and draping around the shoulders will help you with your fit needs. 

 

 
Problem: Some women try to hide the area between their hips and knees in heavy ankle length coats.  Well, O Magazine provides a solution: find a peacoat style more fitted around the upper waist, which forms into a a-line towards the bottom and make sure the coat is tailored to end above the knee.  I would also suggest wearing this coat with slimming clothes, like a high waisted but fitted pair of jeans like Kasil Jean's Tribeca, or a pencil skirt with herringbone leggings.  I found the perfect coat on Bluefly again.  A DKNY wool pea coat with extended collar, drawn in waist and a lower cut to end right above or at your knee.  

 

 

Problem: Need space for a bigger bustline, but still want room to move?  A cocoon shaped coat is perfect for this fit battle.  The coat’s shape allows for a full range of motion without looking like you’re swimming in the jacket.  In fact, this style of coat which is lightly gathered at the bottom is coming back into style.  Back in the 20’s the cocoon shape substituted for capes to offer better protection in the winter months.  Because these coats are so popular, it was really hard to find them within our 300.00 budget, but I did get lucky on Oasis a great black and white wool blend with fashionable buttons and a funnel collar will do the trick!

 

 

Problem: In the 50’s A-line swing coats came into style, and let me tell you, it simply isn’t old yet!  Every season new A-lines appear in better wool blend and colors than before.  If you have a pear shaped waist line, which many of us do, this is the coat for you.  Of all the coats suggested here, this is the easiest to find at your local department store.  However, if shopping on line is more your style, check out this coat on BlueFly by Adam Meets Eve.
 

 

 

 

Problem:  As a petite woman myself, I look for a coat which will give me a little more height.  This great coat from La Redoute is just what I’d purchase.  It has a wrapover look to give my torso a longer look and a partial funnel neck to give me more height up top around my neckline.  The coat shows more leg, which also gives the desired illusion of height.  Match that up with a great pair of heels and fitted bottoms and you’re ready to go!

 

I hope this helps you all either when browsing online or during in-store shopping trips!  

If you have any other fit problems we can help you out with feel free to leave a comment and I’ll work on finding the right coat for your body.  If you have any other favorite styles or stores online for coats feel free to share it in a comment as well!  Happy Shopping!

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.

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.” 

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’