True Jeans archive

Embrace Your Genes Campaign

True Jeans is really excited about supporting the National Eating Disorders Association and its Embrace Your Genes campaign.  The campaign is all about encouraging people to love their healthy bodies and embrace the genes they inherited. True Jeans is supporting the campaign by giving people a special discount to buy jeans that fit the TRUE you.  This special discount can be found at EmbraceYourGenes.org.  For every pair of jeans purchased using this discount, True Jeans will donate $20 to the National Eating Disorders Association.

We would also like to thank Microsoft and MSNBC for supporting the campaign.  On Thursday, MSNBC featured EmbraceYourGenes banners on its homepage for the entire day.  That's a $90,000 value.  Microsoft has been very supportive of NEDA and this campaign.

True Jeans will continue to support NEDA and the Embrace Your Genes campaign throughout the year and we're proud of the cause and our association with NEDA.  The campaign is a perfect fit wth True Jeans existing values and goal to be able help people of all shapes and sizes to be able to find jeans that fit.  We still have some limitations and limited selection for certain sizes and body shapes, but we are still striving to expand our offering for all.  We've made significant progress in this area as we started offering Plus Size women's jeans from brands like Svoboda and Jag Jeans in the past few months.  The response has been overwhelming and we appreciate everyone who has taken time to offer feedback and better understand how we're doing from your perspective.

thanks again,

Romney Evans
Co-founder / CEO
True Jeans

True Jeans featured on Big Idea with Donny Deutsch (CNBC)

True Jeans was recently featured on CNBC's "Big Idea with Donny Deutsch".  Jessica and I (Romney) sat down with Donny and his two other guests to get feedback on whether True Jeans has what it takes to be the next BIG IDEA for internet shopping.  The two other guests that day happened to be Duff Makagan (former bassist for Guns n' Roses) and his supermodel wife Susan Holmes (swimwear and jeans model).  We had a great time visiting with them on set.  Duff expressed some hesitation about shopping for jeans online but by the end of the segment we were happy that he came around.  Suffice it to say... they all believed True Jeans was a "Big Idea".  Enjoy the segment.

 

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.

 

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! 

 

Join us in Welcoming Paige Premium Denim

Change your Jeans not your Genes-- find a pair that fits the TRUE you.

It is with great pleasure that I am able to introduce our True Life readers to our first official guest blogger.  Addie Smith works for Boston College as a Research Coordinator in the Women's Resource Center. Boston College is currently in the midst of their "Love Your Body" week long campaign to raise students' awareness about body image issues. Please read on the find out more about this campaign and how you too can get involved to promote healthier body image.

 

Change your Jeans not your Genes--
find a pair that fits the TRUE you.

 

 

 

Standing in front of the mirror squeezing, stuffing, and shimmying into jeans left over from my senior year in high school I realized—I’m not a size 2 anymore—not even close. I looked in the mirror, sighed, and like any other woman scrutinized-- hated.

For me, this scrutiny is particularly shameful. I run a research study looking at the biological (and genetic) correlates of anorexia nervosa - a serious psychiatric disorder where the fear of fat and weight gain is so over powering that individuals fast, exercise, and purge to points of severe malnutrition and life threatening medical complications.  So, shouldn’t I, the scientist, understand how ridiculous it is to try and make my body do and be things it simply can’t? And shouldn’t I, who sees women each day who have lost themselves in the pursuit of thin, lead by example and love all of me? Well, it would help if I could find a pair of jeans that fit.

Inspired by the National Eating Disorders Association and in conjunction with the Boston College Love Your Body week the Eating Disorders Research Team in the Boston College School of Nursing has partnered with TrueJeans to encourage college age women (and men!) to change their JEANS not their GENES.

The lifetime prevalence of full blown anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in women are .9% /1.5% respectively and .3%/.5% respectively in men (Hudson et al. 2007). These numbers still surprise me and they barely touch on the amount of healthy individuals who struggle with poor body image and disordered eating patterns—especially in college!

Although exercise and healthy eating are important, we now know that the size and shape of your body is greatly determined by genetic factors—which are hard to change, but with a site like TrueJeans finding a pair of jeans that fits everyBODY isn’t so hard.

Jessica Simpson is Definitely In Style

Jessica Simpson graces the cover of the November 2007 issue of In Style Magazine.  Jessica, whose two new movies, Blonde Ambition and Major Movie Star, are in the works, answers questions from both In Style readers and personal friends.  

Jessica looks absolutely gorgeous in these shots.  She is of course wearing her favorite pair of William Rast jeans.  

To read the entire In Style article, click here.

Get Fit and Give Back!

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. 

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.

Thank You!!!

 

 

Thank you to all of our customers who participated in our Denim Day Campaign to benefit Breast Cancer research. 

A Cool Way to Recycle Your Old Denim

Looking for a cool and environmentally friendly way to recycle your old, worn out, ratty pairs of jeans?  Well look no further!  I came across an article in  The Witchita Eagle today announcing a city wide drive that will collect any used denim items.  These items will them be converted into home insulation that will be used for Habitat for Humanity in association with the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ denim drive. 

In 2006, the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ denim drive traveled to 14 colleges throughout the nation and collected an astounding 14,566 pieces of denim, doubling the original goal. The donated denim was converted to UltraTouch™ natural cotton fiber insulation and helped in the building of 12 houses for hurricane-affected families in Baton Rouge, LA.

Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ hopes to build off of its first year's success by visiting five college campuses during 2007.  Visit www.accesscotton.com to learn more about making donations in your area.

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!

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.

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?

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.