Posts tagged denim
The Long and Shorts of It
Jul 9th
With the warmer weather finally upon us, it’s only a matter of time before summer comes full-swing and pants no longer become a viable option. While skirts and dresses are clear favorites for the summer months, a new contender has blown into town: shorts. This casual summer staple has taken on new superpowers, making it work-appropriate as well as red-carpet-worthy.
Working It Out
Wink Shorts - You'd Never Know They Weren't a Skirt!
No longer just for lazy weekends, shorts are popping up in the most unexpected places. What was strictly a “no-wear zone” has taken a dramatic turn to office-friendly. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing this trend if you work in strict office environment, if you happen to work in a fashion-friendly zone, wearing shorts to work will make your summer approximately a billion times easier. To keep them work-appropriate, stick with variations on the classic short. Go for a pair of knee-length, straight-leg shorts in a dark neutral with a tucked in blousy tank to slim a pear shape, or try out a pair of blousy harem shorts to create curves. Quick tip: harem shorts are a great way to indulge in your Sex and the City 2 movie fashion fantasy without committing to the overly-indulgent harem pants that the stars sported in the movie. However, the shorts version is not for the fashion faint of heart, but if you are a risk-taker, they are a great way to complement a basic tank. Wear with metallic gladiator flats for a true statement outfit.
Another way to rock this trend in the workplace is to go with shorts that almost look like a skirt. These definitely work best in a creative field, but with designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore paving the way with this trend, consider yourself in good hands. While you can go down the skort route with this option from Marc Jacobs, if you prefer to not revisit the ‘90s just yet, going with a patterned or textured pair is the perfect alternative. Try out the floral pair from Nanette Lepore, or the tiered, ruffled version from Wink. Going with a pattern or a texture will minimize the shorts element and maximize the element of style.
Eveningwear
Tired of your usual jeans and tank combo when you hit the town? Try a pair of short, tailored shorts in a neutral color – like black, white or metallic - to spice up your night out. Opt for a sleek pair from Winter Kate, Alice + Olivia or Theory, paired with one of your usual embellished, loose tanks or a fitted, black button-down. This is the only time that stiletto heels with shorts is permissible, so try out your highest pumps with the first option, or your strappy sandals with the latter. You can also add a cropped, lightweight blazer for cooler nights.
A dark denim short is also a great alternative. This cuffed pair from Joe’s Jeans can easily be paired with metallic flat sandals and a tank for a more casual night out.
Should you be feeling a little Lindsay Lohan crazy, you can try out sequin shorts from Gryphon or Diane von Furstenberg in place of the sequin leggings you wore during the colder months. Clearly not for the faint of heart, you can pair it with a matching sequin top to create the look of a romper, or go for a flowy, black top in a lightweight material that still fits close to your torso. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing sequined board shorts about to hang ten.
Lauren Conrad's Weekend Shorts Look
Weekend Chic
When the work week ends, anything goes on your days off. This is a great time to explore what I think is the greatest trend known to (wo)man: nautical. Play off this trend with a pair of cuffed, denim shorts from Joe’s Jeans or Citizens of Humanity, pairing them with a conductor-striped top and chunky, gold link bracelets or a necklace. Or go with a blue seersucker pattern with a red tank and metallic sandals.
You can also channel your inner Daisy Duke with denim shorts, either cutoffs or cuffed. Pair with a floral top for a hippy vibe, or try out gingham on top for a retro feel to your look.
For extra comfort, try a pair of paper bag-waist shorts. Go for a pair in an earthy neutral to create a safari look. Complete your ensemble with a tank in a complementary neutral and pair with gold accessories and oversized, tortoise shell sunglasses.
No matter where you go, remember that shorts with more spandex than your tights are reserved for biking or in-house lounging only!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
A Denim Review: Part IV
May 13th
Habitual
Here are my picks for personal favorites amongst the lesser-known denim brands as well as my picks for denim brands to watch…you never know when you might find your new favorite jeans!
Personal Picks:
Habitual – My sister and I love these jeans. I am not sure how universal their fit is, but they are like a second skin on us. And the Maltese Cross – their bum adornment – is not only one of the coolest signature symbols around, but it also pads the tush, enhancing its…um…”ass-ets.” He-he.
Vince – Usually I am wary of any denim made by a brand that was originally a clothing line. However, in my eyes, Vince can do no wrong, so I am more than excited about trying out their new denim collection.
Vince
Cheap Monday – Who doesn’t love getting something for less? After all, that is our mantra here at Second Time Around! In a world of $200+ jeans, I’ll take a pair of $60-$80 jeans with the same fashion sense as their more expensive counterparts any day.
Madewell – J Crew’s grungy little sister boasts a wide selection of cuts, washes and styles. I don’t own any myself, but I have heard that they are gaining converts left and right!
Brands to Watch:
Current Elliot – Already established as the official “boyfriend jean” brand, I have a feeling that this brand is going to take over the denim world in due time. They have mastered both fit and deconstruction – two of the most difficult denim tricks – so the road before them is clear of obstacles.
Rag + Bone
Rag & Bone – Now a lifestyle brand offering
clothing, shoes and accessories for both men and women, Rag & Bone started as a denim brand. They are known for their quality of construction, classic British tailoring and clothing that is both easy to wear and undeniably cool. Their denim is no different and their basic, no-frills styles are sure to catch on like wildfire.
PRPS – PRPS will fill the fashion void that Rag + Bone can not. Rather than perfecting the basics, they are pushing the envelope when it comes to denim silhouettes and construction, honing in on the details and creating one-of-a-kind jeans eachand every time.
A.P.C. – Similar to Rag & Bone, A.P.C. is all about getting back to basics. (Do I see a trend on the horizon??) They make a classic jean of raw denim and – gasp! – expect their customers to break them in on their own.
Hope that this Denim Review was helpful! If you are still not sure which brand is right for you, swing by your local STA where you will find loads of designer denim. Try on the different brands that I have written about here and see for yourself! (And, hopefully snag yourself a pair at 1/3-1/4 of the original retail value!) Happy shopping!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
APC
A Denim Review: Part III
May 11th
Joe's Jeans
7. Joe’s Jeans
Joe’s Jeans are – in my humble opinion – the designer jeans that cater to the widest variety of body types with the greatest success rate. There is a cut for almost every silhouette – complete with cheeky name – and their website makes it easy to select the cut and the wash that is best suited for your anatomy. Their greatest contribution to society?: the “Honey” or “booty fit” jeans. Every single client of mine with fuller thighs and a voluptuous rear who have tried on the “Honey” jeans have fallen in love with them and taken a pair (or two!) home with them.
8. Adriano Goldschmied
Adriano Goldschmied, generally referred to as “AG,” is one of those denim labels with a cult following. I don’t think that they are necessarily flattering on everyone – or even a majority of the population – but if they do flatter you, chances are you are devoted to them…and to anything else they make for the lower half of the body, i.e. pants, skirts, shorts, etc. Their styles are on-trend, but never trendy, and they make a smattering of great accompanying basics in the form of corduroy and twill pants, tees and light-weight outerwear.
9. Diesel
Italian in both style and construction, Diesel always pushes the fashion envelope and thinks outside of the box. One of the original designer denim labels,
Diesel
Diesel has maintained a steadfast following throughout all of the highs and lows of the fashion industry. They are always exploring new silhouettes and washes and have created a successful lifestyle brand to complement their denim foundation. Look to them for a distinctly European take on denim.
Still to come: The best of the “lesser-known” denim brands as well as the denim brands to keep an eye on! Check back soon!
Adriano Goldschmied (AG)
Denim Review: Part II
May 6th
Paige
4. Paige Premium Denim
Former denim fit-model, Paige Adams-Geller, decided to put her knowledge and expertise to work and created Paige Premium Denim which debuted in February 2005. Due to the brand’s background, Paige has a devoted following by many fans who claim that Paige jeans give them the best-looking bum and the slimmest thighs, hands down. The styles are on-trend, but not over-the-top and the denim tends to be very easy to wear – neither too stiff nor too flimsy.
5. True Religion
True Religion – best known for their low rise, swing seam and stand-out stitching – has a definite cult following. While their brand has a true Americana, “urban-cowboy” feel to it, they somehow have also managed to pump out some of the most detailed and trendy jeans on the denim map. Unfortunately, the down-side to this characteristic is that some of their styles can look dated rather quickly. For example, if they distress their jeans; the rips are bigger, longer and deeper than those of their competitors and if they bedazzle their jeans; each rivet and button is sure to be replaced by a “gemstone” and crystals are sure to line each seam. You are sure to look very of-the-moment in their jeans, but be prepared to replace them when the trend is over.
6. Hudson
Hudson jeans are the epitome of California casual. Their jeans are best worn with a simple tee or tank, accompanied by flip-flops or a fashion sneaker. They do everything that a great pair of jeans should do – slim and lengthen the leg and hug and lift the tush – and they do it
while looking like they aren’t trying at all. As an added bonus, they have great details like additional stitching on the seams and unique flaps on their patch-pocket styles.
Stay-tuned…3 more brand reviews are on their way as well as my picks of the “lesser-known” denim labels and the denim brands to watch!
True Religion
Hudson
A Denim Review: Part I
May 5th
Seven for All Mankind
During my time at Second Time Around, I have exploited my employee discount to the max. As a result, I have owned almost every single brand of premium denim and numerous styles within certain, favored brands. Some pairs have come straight back to the store after one wear due to an ill fit of either my body or my style, some have earned a temporary place in my closet while I experimented with a particular trend and some have earned a permanent place in both my closet and my heart as a denim match-made-in-heaven.
Due to this extensive fit-testing and the additional research that I have done as a stylist for my clients (help with jean shopping is the number one request that I receive…) I feel confident that I can give both an impartial and informative review of the major premium denim brands. So, here goes…
1. Seven for all Mankind
Arguably one of the first – if not THE first – premium denim label to rise to prominence, Seven for all Mankind, affectionately referred to simply as “Seven” by its fans, has been a consistent contributing member of the designer denim phenomena. I view them as the old stand-by – that reliable brand that you can always return to. They follow the trends, but are never too trendy, allowing their customers a chance to look stylish and hip without being fashion road-kill. Perhaps the only complaint that someone could have is that their fit is a bit on the narrow side, prohibiting curvier women from enjoying what they have to offer.
2. Citizens of Humanity
Created by Jerome Dahan, the same designer who launched Seven for all Mankind, I consider this brand a more casual version of the “Seven” brand. They are the perfect weekend jean to throw on with a t-shirt and sneakers and they offer a better fit for those ladies with a curvier figure.
Citizens of Humanity
3. J Brand
A favorite of both models and celebrities, J Brand wrote the book on skinny jeans. Whether you are looking for a stove-pipe leg, a pencil leg or a “jegging,” the brand you want is J Brand. As an added bonus, I think that their jeans have the most authentic and pleasing raw denim color and they have teamed up with the makers of Lycra to inject their denim with the comfort of stretch without the annoyance of a saggy bottom.
Check back soon to read more denim reviews and to find out my favorite lesser-known denim labels as well as my suggestions for denim brands to watch…
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
J Brand