Stylist Tips: Pairing Jeans & Shoes

It still amazes me that so many different styles of denim

 are simultaneously in style. There is truly something for

 every body type and preference. However, all these choices

 can be confusing. Here's a little stylist cheat sheet:

 Obviously, you can mix many of these shoes with different
 styles of jeans. This just shows you some sure bets.

Look of the Day

An easy outfit for a cold, wet day. This look is a little twist on sweater, jeans, boots. It's all in the details: cuff the jeans and throw on a complimentary necklace. Excuse the picture; I am unpracticed at selfies!! 

The look: black booties, long sleeved slim white tee, black Aztec sweater, rolled skinny jeans, orange wooden necklace and suede black booties.

  Jeans: 7 for all Mankind // Booties (similar): Kenneth Cole Reaction // Necklace (similar): Etsy

Fall Outfit

What a gorgeous afternoon! I snapped this shot in my front yard today watching the girls swing. This season's foliage is breathtaking.

On the fashion side: what an easy, comfortable fall outfit. I love a cable sweater, long necklace, jeans, and boots. Bring on the Polar Vortex!

The Fall of Denim

Athleisure

There was a fascinating article on NPR last week*. The article concerned the 6% drop in sales for denim over the past year. This is significant downturn as denim sales have remained steady for decades. 

What could be the culprit? Yoga Pants. Yes, you read it right and I am sure you are not surprised. The sale of yoga pants and active wear rose by 7% in the same time period. Athleisure may be here to stay. Says Amanda Halley of LIM College in Manhattan, "Everyone wants to look like they're running to the gym, even if they are not."

It seems Americans love elastic waistbands and soft stretchy fabric. The article also mentioned the relative non-wearability of recent trends such as skinny and colored jeans.  

Personally I am doing my part for both industries by supporting designer jeans and a terrible lululemon habit. I am a giver.

*NPR. Blue Jeans Losing their Grip on American Hips. L. Carol Ritchie, 9/6/14. Web. www.npr.org

Boyfriend Jeans

I dug my boyfriend jeans back out of my closet yesterday.  Man, do I love them. It's wonderful when when comfort and style meet! They are back in style just in time for warmer weather.

How to wear Boyfriend Jeans:

-The look is (as the name suggests) borrowed jeans from the man in your life- boyfriend/brother. But the great part is you can now get them in your size. Think slouchy, casual, lived in, throw in some rips and you are ready to go. It's another riff on fashions love affair with high/low concepts.
-Pair them with a something tailored or more feminine on top. A few borrowed ideas:

The key to the look is rolling the cuff to show a little ankle. Heels are always a winner but I like to wear mine with Toms or Chuck Taylors. With boyfriend jeans you can look simultaneously edgy and sweet. Love it! A few more ideas...

Fun and comfy: win win!!

Mint Condition

Usually, I associate mint with these little lovelies at derby time...

However, we are not discussing the fragrant mint plant here today.  This post is dedicated to the color:

Variations of the shade are everywhere, from design...

to runways...

                                                                                                                   DVF

Cacharel Fall 2012                                                                                                          
                                                   

Versace Fall 2012

Vera Wang Spring 2012

Mint has translated from Spring to Fall (Winter) very well.  In the warmer months the color comes off as sea-like and light as air.  At this time of year it takes on an icy, bright feel.  Wearing mint in the colder months is a matter of strategically choosing the weight and mix of textures and fabrics.  For example: corduroy or suede mint is perfect.  Chiffon could look silly. Mint in winter plays well with colors that ground it: camel, navy, gray, black, and even leopard prints.  

Accessories are an easy way to freshen up your wardrobe:

A Vespa's an accessory, right? Hahaha

Mint + Gold

Jeweled Clutch

Wow!  Painful but pretty!!

 

Chanel 'Nouvelle Vague'

Nail Colour

Low Maintenance Budget Pick:

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails

'Mint Sorbet'

$2.82 Drugstore.com

Trend Watch: Chambray

        Fantastic!!  Chambray shirts are back for Spring this year!!  I love it when a trend holds on for more than one season.  But this one is really a classic: think Ralph Lauren and the 80s!  Denim tops are an omnipresent force in fashion.  A button-down chambray or denim shirt is a chic way to blend different  trends with ease and little expense.  Mixing a chambray shirt now with work wear or casual is a great way to update the basics already in your closet.  The look melds the Southwestern and ladylike trends effortlessly.  Try these on for size:

a mix of formal and casual,

leopard, stripes, & chambray,

wide belt and white boot-legs,

peeking out of a sweater with an orange pencil skirt,

choices galore...

unexpected with gold sequins (more blurring of the formal & casual), 

great casual work look,

monochromatic...

chambray & white lace.

Simplicity at work!  Shop Your Closet: black blazer, chambray, and khaki pants.

If you are looking for versatile item to help you transition from Winter to Spring this top is a great choice.  It can be cozy now under a sweater and then fun with the sleeves rolled up for the warmer months ahead.  Many Spring lines are featuring fun day dresses and skirts in chambray as well.

Shop it:

J. Crew The Jean Shop Chambray Shirt

$198.00

The Look for Less:

Old Navy Chambray Shirt

$26.94

                                                                                                                              photos by Pinterest