Posts tagged jeans

A Thing or Two on Transitioning into Spring

It’s that time of year again where one day it is 80 and the next is 50 (this week is a PRIME example of this). Most days, the morning commute leads to a warmer, afternoon lunch break. Throw in some (random) on and off rain showers and you have yourself the most unpredictable season… There you are, Spring! We could never forget about you. The transition into to spring is a tough one, but it is even harder on your wardrobe. Don’t let the this ever changing season intimidate you, but let it inspire you! We rounded up our go-tos for transitioning into Spring!

The Timeless Trench Coat

A true investment piece. Outwear has never looked so polished. This makes for the perfect outerwear piece for commuting. Heavy enough for the chill in the morning, but light enough to throw into your tote bag when the sun starts to heat things up. I love a beige trench coat, but the pastels I have been seeing are definitely getting my attention!

Slightly Sheer Tights

Spring is the season to take your tights game to the next level. With the days constantly changing, your tights can do the same from opaque to sheer to everything in between. I love designs on sheer tights, like small hearts or faux stockings. It adds that extra bit of warmth and oomph to any outfit.

The Chic Motorcycle Jacket

A no brainer. The perfect piece to wear from day-to-night with no hassle. Classic enough for work, but edgy enough for Happy Hour. Dress up and down too! Most definitely t-shirt approved. Who doesn’t like to feel a little badass every once in a while?

No Boyfriend Needed Jeans

Hands down, favorite fashion trend/staple EVER! So comfortable and easy. Probably the most versatile and laid back jean out there. Who’d have known that stealing your ex’s jeans would have paid off this well?

How do you tackle The Spring Transition? Sound off in the comments below!

~ Taylor, fashioniSTA

Ring in New Styles

It’s the new year fashionistas!  And that means a time to start fresh.  No doubt, 2013 served us well with many memorable trends.  Peplum tops, colored pants and statement necklaces were loved by all.  But with the new year comes new resolutions.  It’s time to venture out of our beloved trends and explore new styles.  For 2014, we have a few style resolutions of our own.

1. Venture Outside of Riding Boots

By no means do we mean stop wearing them.  Leather riding boots are a necessary staple of any wardrobe.  However, it’s time to stop relying on them for every outfit.  There are so many shoes and so many styles, why should we limit ourselves to tall boots (especially in the winter).  We particularly love trying a lower rise boot or wedge booties for a similar yet unique style.  And don’t forget about loafers, flats or heels!  in 2014, we’re all about stepping out of our style comfort zone and giving the rest of our shoes some love.

2. Experiment With Mid-Length Skirts

We’ve all loved maxi skirts and our fair share of the mini.  But what about the neglected middle child?  Mid-length skirts are whimsical while modest and sophisticated. Pair with a cardigan for a sweet and almost vintage feel, or go with a leather jacket for a sartorial look. Give them a try in any season!  We’re loving this new trend.

3. Wear More Blazers

Blazers are perhaps the easiest way to turn any casual outfit into a chic ensemble.  Having just one or two in your wardrobe offers endless mix and match possibilities.  A blazer can complement every item in your closet and instantly adds flair to any outfit.  Even pair with a tshirt and jeans for an effortless daytime outfit.

4. Flaunt Pastel Pieces

2014 is bringing back pastels in full force.  We love pastels for their undeniable feminine flair and positive energy, and they’re not just for springtime (pastel leather anyone?).  Pastel jewelry and skirts are two pieces we’ll be sure to try this year.

We’re looking forward to 2014 and the fashion it brings!  But for now, we’ll try to keep these new year’s resolutions.  Happy New Year FashioniSTAs!

All photos from pintrest.com

Three Styles, One Fashionable Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, the one holiday that is actually about food.  If you’re anything like me, I don’t necessarily feel my most beautiful and put-together self when I’m stuffing my face for 24 hours.  It’s hard to resist those comfy and stretchy yoga pants, but don’t give in!  Here are three fabulous outfit inspirations to keep you looking fabulous (as usual) this Thanksgiving.

1. Cozy and Versatile

This outfit is great for all of the active ladies. Whether lounging with the family or running around with the kids, this outfit is comfortable but ready to go!  Citizen jeans are the epitome of classic casual, and the Theory knit sweater is a subtle touch of cozy and confident.  Tory Burch boots add a little glam, and the Burberry scarf ties the whole thing together for an unstoppable ensemble.

And wouldn’t you know, this Burberry quilted jacket from STA 324 Newbury St. goes perfectly when it’s time for the family football game.

2. Elegant and Feminine

Sometimes we celebrate Thanksgiving with a loved-one’s family instead of our own.  But don’t let that frighten your holiday fashion sense!  A feminine, chic outfit is appropriate for any Thanksgiving atmosphere.  We love this blouse from Ralph Lauren, which you can dress down with Calvin Klein black skinny jeans.  Then add your personality in the accessories!  We added some sparkle with Rebecca Minkoff loafers and a Marc Jacobs bracelet.

These Prada silver jeweled flats from STA Armitage are a fabulous way to add some glam to your sophisticated ensembles.  And If you’re a guest, the Chanel cross body from STA Haddonfield can carry all of your little necessities while you’re out!

3. Stylish, Yet Forgiving

Maybe you’re like me and love to spend Thanksgiving with a glass of wine in the kitchen with the women of the family.  All I know is I don’t want to wear anything too restricting, especially as I’m nibbling all day!  A dress is a great way to stay comfortable and fashionable.  This Marc by Marc Jacobs short dress allows you to move freely around the house.  Paired with black tights and Chanel boots, it screams bold and down to business.  And we can never resist a good accessory, like this Michael Kors collar necklace.

And don’t forget a Michael Kors boyfriend watch from STA 176 Newbury St. is a mandatory accessory on Thanksgiving to keep track of all the madness!

Happy Thanksgiving fashioniSTAs!

Black Friday Countdown: 7 Days

We’re almost there fashionistas!  Just a few more days until Black Friday, only the best day of the year for us shopaholics.  I have to admit, I’m getting more and more excited by the minute, but I’m also getting nervous!  There’ll be so much to shop for, and so little time!  I can’t go in without a plan.  It’s time to assess my closet and figure out exactly what I need to track down on the big day.

There are 10 items I definitely can’t go home without on Black Friday.

The List:

1. Statement necklaces
2. Plaid (Burberry) scarf
3. Timeless loafers
4. Holiday Party Dress
5. Cross body bag (appropriate for day and night!)
6. Costume rings
7. Anything Louis Vuitton8. Black Jeans
9. Classic Blazer
10. Killer (but comfy) Flats

… and 11. Anything with tags is a perfect gifts for friends

Make your lists ladies, time is running out!

Photo Credits: pintrest.com

Campus Style - City School Inspired

Every college campus has their own style and trends depending on location, weather, student culture. I may be a little biased, but the city schools are definitely the ones who set the trends and are the ones to keep an eye on. Need some inspiration? Here are some college trending topics that can make getting a degree that much more stylish.

It’s time to put your high over-the-knee boots back in your closet and take out the heeled booties. The booties look superb with skinny jeans and just about any sweater (as shown below). Combined, these items make the perfect fall outfit, all you need is a great handbag to carry to class or the local coffee shop. Booties can be dressed down to be worn to class - just add leggings, an oversized sweater and a scarf - or dressed up to be worn out to a nice dinner. To take the transition from day to night, add a jersey or sweater dress with opaque tights.

On a  more casual note, vests are the perfect topper to pair with a long sleeve shirt or sweater on your way out the door to class. They are comfortable warm and stylish…. what could be better. A popular look this fall is a flannel shirt paired with a vest, skinny jeans and combat boots. If that’s not exactly your style, go for a sweater, vest and boots for the comfy, ready for class look.

There are also some staple pieces that can be found on any campus (shown below). These pieces include: Longchamp bags, North Face jackets, Hunter boots, and Tory Burch flats. These are very durable, comfortable, and reliable items that ever college girl must have in her closet in order to get through four years of lectures, labs, and discussions. Have these items in your style artillery and you’ll never be late for class again!

~Jenna, fashioniSTA

Columbus Day Weekend Sale: 30%-50% Off!

Celebrate Columbus Day weekend
with an STA sale!

From Friday, October 5th through
Monday, October 8th,
save 30% - 50% off
almost everything in the store.*

And with every denim purchase you make
this weekend, 10% of the proceeds will go to
Lee National Denim Day,
benefitting breast cancer research!.

Check out what else STA is doing during for Breast Cancer Awareness month!

ALL LOCATIONS

*excludes new arrivals

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Back to School and Campus Cool

Summer is nearing it’s end which means last minute vacation getaways, fall fashion, and the most dreaded back to school. Although going back to school isn’t very exciting for most of us, the shopping for back to school is. With so many new trends and with those trends circling their way around each year, we’ve come up with a few fashioniSTA back to school basics for your wardrobe. Not only are these pieces super versatile, but they will keep you looking stylish all year long.

The Jacket
Basic Black Blazer: First and foremost, if your closet does not already have one of these hanging in it, GET ONE.  A blazer is an absolute wardrobe essential. Wear it over your sun dresses or shorts for a great transitional summer to fall look, and pair it with jeans and ballet flats for an effortlessly chic look.
Biker Jacket: A motorcycle inspired topper is a favorite jacket for spring or fall. We love fun details like zippers, buckles, or studs, but if that’s not your style, opt for a simple jacket in white or brown. Again, these jackets look great over your summer dresses or a feminine blouse- the contrast is super stylish and edgy.
Faux Fur Vest: Bring on the layers this fall because we love love love a layered look with a fur vest! Girls, wear it over everything (even your biker jacket).

The Jeans
Boyfriend: These laid back and comfortable jeans are perfect for the campus or classroom. They have that “I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-still-look-amazing” effortless style to them. Pair them with a plain white tee and a fun pair of flats.
Legging: Oh-so-comfy and stylish. Can’t go wrong.
Colored: Last fall colored denim really made a name for itself, and this year the trend is still going strong. We love a pair of brightly colored jeans paired with a neutral chunky knit sweater and moto-boots.
Printed: If you want to make a statement in your classroom, rock a pair of printed jeans- just make sure to keep the rest of your look simple and neutral.

The Top
Chambray: This stylish lightweight shirt is the it shirt for back to school this year. Wear it with your dark skinny jeans, wedges, and top it with your fur vest. Such a great look.
Plaid:  A cool, casual shirt that can be dressed up with a pretty layered necklace and skinny jeans, or dressed down with leggings and sneakers.
Chunky Knits: This season stock up on cozy cable knits in neutrals of gray, cream, and tan. Wear them with your colored jeans or leggings and boots.
Neon: Color is huge trend this fall. Neon has thrived through spring and summer and now making it’s way into fall. Take your colorful clothes you wore all summer, and maybe some fresh new additions as well, and pair them with all your favorite fall pieces. Neon and fall neutrals are a killer color combo.

The Shoes
Fun Flats: Patent, colored, printed. Our fashoiniSTA favorites are Tory Burch Revas. And leopard print.. of course.
Moto-Boots: These boots are fall must-haves. They go with everything and add a little edge to any outfit.
Wedges: Since the last thing you want to do is walk though school and around campus in heels, go for a great pair of neutral wedges (in a moderate height- comfort is key).
Sneakers: This fall a bright pair of sneakers are a back to school staple. Comfortable and cool. We love classic Chuck Taylors, but Keds and Nike are some other classics worth adding to your shoe collection. Wear them with your leggings, a sweater and biker jacket.
Rain Boots: For obvious reasons. Plus, they are super cute- go ahead, wear them with your colored jeans, shorts or even dresses. Thank you Kate Moss for making rain boots stylish.

For more inspiration, check out our back-to-school board on Pinterest! Happy shopping and happy back to school!

~Lisa, FashioniSTA

Eighth Day of Style - Just Add Sparkle

The holiday/NYE season is all about the glitz, and wherever I can get away with wearing a little extra sparkle, I’m all over it. From using a glitter topcoat on your nails to busting out the baubles, there are tons of great ways to infuse your everyday wardrobe with a little sparkle. Breaking out the sequins for a party is a great start, but add a little of that shine to your casual look, and it’ll make everyday a mini celebration.

A Pinch of Glitter From Your Head to Your Toes
When the weather gets colder, it’s easy to slide into a dark-colors-only wardrobe. Don’t worry, you can still do that and not look like you’ve become seasonally depressed. An all-black or all-navy ensemble can look great with a multi-colored or silver glitter flat. To pull together a casual – yet polished – look, start with the pair of dark denim of your choosing (boyfriend, distressed, skinny, etc.). Pair your jeans with either a black tank/blazer, or with a dark cashmere sweater. Finish off the look with a thin, sparkly headband and either a sleek blowout or a messy up-do. Glitter flats also work great with darker jewel tones, such as cranberry or forest green. For a modern look, pair your jewel-toned corduroys with multi-colored glitter flats, topping off the look with a white button-down or a lace top.
For an even subtler look, try a black glitter belt paired with an all-black, fitted ensemble. Or you can always go with solid-color flats that have a sparkle cap toe. It’ll add just a tiny dose of glam to a basic outfit. Sparkle tights have been popping up everywhere as well, and they range from slightly shiny to full-on gold sparkle. Find what you’re comfortable with and add them into your tights rotation to spice up your normal work or nighttime attire.

Layer the Glitz In With Your Basics
Got a sequin or embellished tank that you usually reserve for after the sun goes down? Make the most of it and wear it during the day! Layer it over a basic black or gray long-sleeved knit top and pair with jeans, basic pants or a neutral skirt. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with minimal accessories and a blazer for a day at the office. The neutral layers will balance out any embellishment, and the glitzy detail will provide the same accent that your jewelry normally would.
You can also break out your sequin sweaters during the day as well. Pair any sequin sweater with contrasting neutral pieces for a fresh take on timeless chic. Lighter sequins tend to work better for daytime, but a black sequined cardigan, styled with a white cotton tank and dark denim, is a great casual option that can quickly go from day to night. Got a metallic sweater that doesn’t resemble a basic cardigan and you don’t know what to do with it? You can always layer it with a blazer or other indoor-appropriate jacket to tone down the sparkle, but these pieces are also great seasonal transition items. Pair a gold sweater with a pastel skirt (see below) for a winter-sparkle-meets-spring-awakening look, which will help you transition in style by using the best of both seasons.
Sequin skirts are usually reserved for nighttime activities, but if you own a sparkly skit in a lighter color, you can also work them during the day. Pair knee-high, flat boots with a cream sequined skirt and a cream cashmere sweater for a winter white ensemble that is daytime-appropriate and wonderland-esque.

Remember, fashioniSTAs, probably the easiest way to subtly sparkle in style is to brush a glitter topcoat across your nails, it’s quick and will complement any ensemble!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

A Denim Review: Part IV

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

 

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)