Archive for the 'denim101' Category

An interesting alternative to hemming your jeans….

Published by Liane, Editor January 10th, 2008 in denim101. 3 Comments

We ran across this site today and thought we’d share it with you.  It’s PantsFix.com which presents an interesting alternative to hemming your jeans.  We know sometimes you like to wear your jeans with flip flops, and sometimes with heels, and with this product, it appears you can!  We wouldn’t think this would work as well on something like Rock & Republics which have a 36″ inseam, if you are normally a 30″ inseam because there would be too much bunching - but if your jeans are just a couple of inches too long for you - try this!  They keep your jeans from dragging on the ground and give a natural look.  Check out the after (left) and before (right) pics below.  They run $17 for a of pair of Pants’Fix®, a pair of thermo adhesive and 3 pairs of adhesive velcro.

Denim 101: Spotlight on 7 for All Mankind

Published by Liane, Editor January 9th, 2008 in denim101 and seven for all mankind jeans. 2 Comments

We found this guide at National Jean Company’s website and thought it was a great fit guide to share with our readers.  From time to time we’ll feature different brands to help you decide what style best suites you!

7 for All Mankind by denim guru Jerome Dahan, are known for their buttery soft stretch, comfortably snug fit and celebrity following. The magic of 7 for All Mankind is the way they maximize the shape of the wearer.

The A Pocket has a low rise and fits the shape of the leg: narrow at the knee, flare bottom. The waistband is contoured, lower in the front than in the back. This protects against a peek-a-boo in the back and makes the jean look generally lower in the front. This stretch denim is very forgiving on athletic legs, and rounder bottoms.

The Bootcut has a low rise, sits low on the hips and has a snug fit through the leg, loosens just above the knee. This is the signature jean by Seven.

The Dojo is the lowest fitting jean from 7 for All Mankind. The fit is tight through the leg, until it breaks into wider trouser leg. The bottom has a wide hem for a very sharp and sophisticated look.

The Ginger Wide Leg is a lightweight denim style with the spirit and style of the 1970’s. The contoured waistband has a front rise of 9”, 13.5” in the back. A single crease runs down the front and back of the legs giving the legs a long and lean look.

The High Waisted Trouser is a sophisticated and fashion forward style. They fit slim through the hips and fit wide through the thighs and leg. This is our highest rise at 13.75” and higher in the back at 16.25”. The slant front pockets add to the trouser style and the besom back pockets give a clean and smooth appearance. This only embellishement is a crease down the front and back of the leg.

The Kate Straight Leg is a slim fitting jean with a slightly stretchy feel. The denim pant has five pocket styling and straight leg. The waistband is contoured for a flattering fit on the waist and hips, a lower rise in the front at 7.5” and higher in the back at 12.25”.

The Lucy Skinny Pant combines the aesthetic of a jean, rivets, pockets, button, zipper fly with the feel of a legging. Runs true to size. The thick knit fabric keeps you in and warm. Fantastic with boots.

The Roxanne is the essential silhouette for a sophisticated denim look. Roxanne has a tapered, slimmed-down leg, intended to scrunch at the ankle over a killer pair of heels. The back of the jean has a yoke that rounds and lifts the bottom. The contoured waistband flatters the waist and hips, giving coverage in the back at 13.5” and lower rise in the front at 7.5”.The soft denim weave will tend to stretch a size with wash and wear. If you are between sizes, try down a size the jeans will stretch to your shape.

Our Top 5 Denim Picks!

Published by Liane, Editor December 4th, 2007 in denim101, diesel jeans, joe's jeans, rock & republic jeans, seven for all mankind jeans and true religion jeans. 3 Comments

It’s that time of year, and one of the best presents you can give any denim diva is a new pair of jeans.  So we decided to talk about our Top 5 picks for Denim this Holiday!

Did you know that the average woman owns 7.2 pairs of jeans? That’s a lot of jeans!  They can be dressed up and down. Jeans are a versatile item that are essential for everyone’s wardrobe. With an item you are going to wear frequently, quality is a must. We have found the following jeans to be the most stylish, flattering, and comfortable.

Top 5 Denim Picks

1.  Rock & Republic Kurt Jeans.  We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again.  These are our FAVORITE pair of jeans.  They give a flat booty a little lift due to the back flap pockets and the flare is just right.

2.  Joe’s Rocker Jeans in Miles Wash.  LOVE these.  The perfect amount of distressing and we find Joe’s Jeans to be very underrated.  We adore their washes, clean cuts and the way they perfectly flatter our curves!

Continue reading ‘Our Top 5 Denim Picks!’

Pay safely with paypal by funding with your CC

Published by Dave November 23rd, 2007 in denim101, guides and paypal. 4 Comments

picture-13.pngIf you use your credit card as the funding method when you send money by paypal you will be able to do a chargeback if the goods never come or are damaged.


high res version1. First, go to paypal.com and login2. If you’ve already registered a credit card with your paypal account, then skip to step number 3. If you haven’t registered a CC with your paypal, I’ll show you how. (This is also how you edit CC information, should you ever need to do so.)

Continue reading ‘Pay safely with paypal by funding with your CC’

Denim 101: More about your favorite brands & fits!

Published by Liane, Editor November 21st, 2007 in denim101. 0 Comments

denim 101

We found this handy guide on TrendsForMoms.Blogspot.com and thought it would be a great guide for our designer denim newbies looking for a great fitting pair of jeans!

Best bets: 

  • Seven For All Mankind:  Seven for all Mankind Jeans are very popular. With perfect fitting this jeans lends complete comfort to every individual.  If you believe in simplicity and have a desire to wear something sober and elegant-go for this brand.  Each pair of Seven Jeans is unique.  Most of their styles fit well and have good finishes, fabrics, and attention for details.  Spotted on celebrities all over the world, Seven Jeans are the top stylish jeans for people of all ages.  There is a huge selection of styles and fits for Seven Jeans that you can choose from and unlike some other designer jeans, Seven Jeans are available at quite affordable prices. 

 

  • Citizens of Humanity:  Creators of Seven For All Mankind Jeans - Jerome Dahan and Michael Glasser formed a new line called “Citizens of Humanity”. This line offers a clean approach to denim, fit well and have a great feel and good quality. The line offers a wonderful variety of colors and styles. 

  

  • AG Adriano Goldschmied:  AG brand pay’s great attention to detail and quality.  AG jeans fit as though they were made for your body, they definitely flatter and lengthen the legs. They have a limited variety of styles, but each one I tried, was very flattering.   

 

  • People’s Liberation:  Launched in 2004 by apparel guru Daniel Guez.  People’s Liberation jeans were made to complement your body, and with impeccable attention to detail.  Most of their back pockets come with a star shape on them, and it is the most butt flattering design you can imagine.  If you’re looking for ridiculously cool jeans that will make everyone else jealous, look no further than this Brand.  

 

  • Paige Premium Denim:  Paige Denim is a designer denim created by Paige Adams-Geller who has been the fit girl for many high-end denim line.  This denim contours to your body for a comfortable and sexy fit.  The Paige line has a variety of styles from wide-leg to skinny, and every rise possible.  

 

  • Habitual Jeans:  Habitual is best known for its impeccable fit, intricate wash processes, and innovative design. Each pair is triple washed, hand-sanded, and each pocket is sewn on by hand to best complement the body. I love the cross on the back pockets. These denim jeans have clean silhouettes, a great fit and feel and come in a variety of colors and styles.  

 

  • Chip and Pepper:  According to their website, Chip and Pepper is the creation of the identical twins Chip and Pepper Foster.  The vintage life-style is re-created by using the finest made in the USA quality workmanship.  These jeans make you look tall and lean.  Chip and Pepper bring you the kind of vintage style that you’ll want to wear everyday. 

How to wash your designer jeans

Published by Liane, Editor November 8th, 2007 in denim101. 2 Comments

how to wash your designer jeans

We found this article on TrueJeans.com and thought we’d share it. Afterall, if we are paying big bucks for our designer denim, we want it to last, right? Check out these instructions on how to wash & care for your designer denim! Oh, and the photo above is a joke, people!

“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. “

We personally hate our jeans to feel stiff after airdrying, so we throw them in the dryer, inside out on low for a few minutes just to soften them up. So far so good! Read more tips from HF members on how to wash designer denim!

Fit Tips - Denim 101

Published by Liane, Editor October 24th, 2007 in denim101. 0 Comments

Can’t find a pair of jeans that fits you just right? Read on for some fabulous fit tips for shopping for your next pair of designer denim!

Trying on jeans

Shopping for jeans can be very frustrating. For the average female it takes 10 style attempts to find 1 you love. We want to help alleviate some of the pain with these tips.

Tip #1 ~ What brand should I try? All bodies are not created equal nor are all brands. The KEY is to NOT decide you can’t wear a brand by trying on only one style. Denim gurus have studied body types and will more than likely have a style within their line that fits your body type. Your closet could have lots of different brands.

If you try a brand, say for example a pair of Joe’s Jeans. If the style does not fit you, then attempt different fits of Joe’s. This extensive line has a fit for almost everyone so take advantage of it by experiencing the Socialite, the Rocker, and the Honey.

Tip #2 ~ What size am I? Contemporary denim tends to run smaller in mindset but actually it is designed to fit you better. The introduction of low percentages of stretch within denim allows the jeans to form more to your body and actually “feel” more comfortable. Bigger jeans are not better. The myth that big jeans make you look smaller is not true. Jeans that are to tight look like you are “trying to hard”. Too tight is when your undergarments show through, lack of breath or inability to sit. But in all seriousness, your jeans should be comfortable. Wear jeans that fit! Your jeans should pull on snuggly but not require lying back on a bed to zip them.

SIZE CONVERSION

24/25

0

26

2

27

4

28

6

29

8

30

10

31-32

12

Tip #3 ~ What style is best for my body type? Again all bodies are not created equal so trying on all types of jeans is the best answer. We do have a few suggestions.

  • No Booty? Jeans with flap pockets look great. They give a fuller look. Suggestion: True Religion Joey and 575 Cargo

  • Too much Booty? Pick a style that does not have an exaggerated pocket. The styles with medium size pockets positioned inward will compliment this body type. Suggestion: Joe’s Socialite or Honey and True Religion Bobby

Tip #4 ~ How low should you go? This is a personal trend decision. Low rise jeans can be more comfortable and very sexy but do require a bending over practice. The acts of showing more than people want to see is not a trend. The jean expert recommends the longer top styles that do cover this area during exposed moments. We do not recommend rises lower than 7.5” for body types with a fuller mid-drift. These styles will accentuate verses flatter. Pick a little higher rise just below or at the belly button area for a more sexy look.

Tip #5 ~ Why are jeans always to long on me? Contemporary denim typically comes in one length between 33” & 35” inseams. This length requires the majority of us to take a trip to the alterations place. When altering your jeans you want to save a novel hem. First, see if the alteration location has the ability to copy the hem if cut off. Another great option is to cut the jean and raise the original hem. This gives a second hem line which is also a trend.

Tips courtesy of ShopSheke.com

How to hem your jeans with the original hem!

Published by Liane, Editor October 22nd, 2007 in denim101. 2 Comments

Instructions & photos courtesy of DaciaRay.com - what a great guide to how to sew all sorts of things!

This method keeps the original hem in tact and is especially helpful now that all jeans are made to be 34 inches long for mammoth supermodels. Plus, it took less than 30 minutes.

A couple notes: It’s best to do one leg at a time, so as not to have too much undoing to do in case something goes awry. Also, it’s good to know the length that you want each leg to be. Sometimes, one leg will be a bit shorter or longer than the other before you hem.

Step 1: Decide how much length you would like to take off. Divide that number in half. (Hems should fall just below the bottom of your ankle. Also, if you generally wear high heels, or a certain height of heel, you might want your hem a bit longer - it should fall an inch to a half inch above the floor at your heel.)

Step 2: Cuff the jeans. I wanted to take two inches off my hem, so I measured one inch out from the original hem line and pinned. (Do not include the distance from the hem to the end of the jean in your calculations.)

Step 3: Pin around the rest of the cuff, taking care to measure each time you pin.

Mind the seams while you’re pinning. Make sure that the stitching lines up at each seam.

Step 4: It’s time to stitch. You want to place your needle and continue sewing right next to the original hem. Stitch on the right side of the hem, or the side farthest from the bottom of the jean. Sew all the way around the cuff. Be sure you don’t sew through both front and back sides of the jeans (making it so that the foot hole is sewn shut)!

You can either cut the excess off, leaving about a half inch for fraying, or iron the extra material in.

Turn the leg right side out and press the new seam flat, revealing the old hem.

Voila! No more slouchy, unflattering leg.

Side notes:

  • Yes, this trick works just as well with jean skirts!
  • If you have already cut your hem off and still have it, no worries. You can still follow these directions. After you have decided on a length, do not divide in half as Step 1 suggests. Move on to Step 2. You will essentially be reattaching the original hem in this step. Pin the stiched line at your desired length (for instance, if you want your jeans to be 30 inches long, measure 30 inches from the inseam and pin the disconnected hem to that length on the jean leg, right sides together) and follow the steps from here. If you have already thrown away the hem you’ll have to try and recreate the look from scratch.
  • If the jeans leg is flared, cut off the hem about an inch above the stitched hemline. Measure the circumference of the hem. Then, measure the circumference of the jean and the desired length you’re hemming it. Open the side seam of the jean several inches above where you want the jean to be hemmed. Take in the jean to the same circumference as the hem. You’ll want to make this look gradual. Reattach the hem portion following the directions in No. 2 above. I wouldn’t recommend using this method if the jean leg is more than an 1 1/2″ larger than the circumference of the hem.
  • This method can easily be done without a sewing machine. Follow the directions, just use your hands, needle, and thread.
  • If you are having trouble sewing over the seam with your machine, try a thicker needle. If this fails, you can always sew up to each side the seam (be sure to backstitch) and sew over the seam by hand. It works just as well.

Back Pocket Humor

Published by Liane, Editor October 11th, 2007 in denim101, diesel jeans, rock & republic jeans, seven for all mankind jeans and true religion jeans. 4 Comments

From San Diego State University’s Daily Aztec newsletter, we found this humorous article about the back pockets of designer denim.

“Seven Jeans, True Religion / I say no, but they keep giving. Designer jeans are to the 21st century what powdered wigs were to the 18th century. The back pocket stitch dictates everything from what girls should be wearing today to Bush’s next fiscal policy adjustment. You’re standing on campus in a crowd of girls. Another female walks past and immediately every woman you’re standing with is checking out her butt. They want to see what jeans she’s wearing, as if her inner secrets are detailed on her back pocket. Something catty usually follows. “Really!? Sevens? Those are so last year, she must not pay attention,” or “Wow! Citizens are what my mom wears.” For those of you who feel like I’m speaking a foreign language, here’s a guide to the “colored terror threat levels” that make up the world of couture denim.

true religion back pocketTrue Religion Back pocket logo: Horseshoe. Habitat: Standing near Parking Structure 6 making sure no one parks within four spots of new Mercedes. This girl is loaded. Her dad owns three (maybe four) nightclubs and a yacht. If he doesn’t, these aren’t “True” Religions. She probably thinks she’s better than everybody else, but then again, she probably is. It’s that personality that takes her straight to the top of whatever she might be doing - daddy’s black American express helps too. How to find out what else she wears: Know what you want. If you’re still figuring out who you are, or don’t own a small country, don’t even think about it.

 

rock and republic back pocketRock & Republic Back Pocket Logo: Stylized/bejeweled R. Habitat: Drunkenly dancing with her sorority sisters on the jumbotron at the football game. Money? Check. Preppy-rich girl attitude? Checked at the door. Not only is she super hot, she’s also probably the first girl on the dance floor when “Soulja Boy” hits the stereo. She’s not afraid to let her personality hang out - she wears it on her legs. She’s busy, productive and knows how to get stuff done. Down to earth, but likes to look good. How to find out what else she wears: She got tired of the guys at her elite prep school in eighth grade. She wants the guy who’ll steal the golf-carts at the country club. Play the rock-star, not the republican.

 

diesel jeans women back pocketDiesel Jeans Back Pocket Logo: Long V. Habitat: International student center, setting up game of polo with three ultra-stuck up European exchange students.The big V means one thing. Culture. This girl has probably seen the Eiffel tower, the Sistine Chapel, the Tower of London and walked the streets of Milan. Her prom-date actually flew in from Monaco. She has a case full of sunglasses to wear at the French Riviera and her Louis Vuitton covered suitcases are stuffed with clothes worth almost as much as one of her private jets. How to find out what else she wears: Lie. Photoshop an album of several exotic locations. You’ve hunting with Saudi princes, dined with forks made of real pearl, and donated money to remodel the Taj Majal. No real man can top what she’s done, so make up a life.

seven for all mankind jeans pocketSeven for all Mankind Back-Pocket Logo: Squiggly-line. This is a girl that knows what she likes. She has her little group of friends and isn’t afraid to let people know how she feels. Some might think she’s sporting jeans that were the trend a few years back, but I’d be surprised if she cared. How to get her: Remind her of dad. Be nice, pay for dinner, study. She’s turned on by 4.0s.
- Faryar Borhani is a journalism sophomore who’s checking out the pocket on your jeans as you read this. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.”

Is this assessment right on or way off? What does it mean if we own all of these brands - and we aren’t rich or snobby?! Just addicted to finding deals HF & Ebay!

Images courtesy of Nordstrom

Denim 101 - Rock & Republic

Published by Liane, Editor October 6th, 2007 in denim101 and rock & republic jeans. 1 Comment

Rock & Republic Kurt Jeans

From time to time we love to blog for designer denim newbies about what to look for in your first few pairs of designer jeans! For today we are featuring Rock & Republic denim. These are some of our favorites due to the beautiful washes and variation of back pocket designs.

Some of the most popular washes/cuts/styles include:

* The old Victoria Beckham crowns (before her split from R&R), in London cut (watch out for fakes on Ebay - there are a ton - check the  Rock and Republic forum on how to find a real pair!)
* Kurts (we love, love, love these because flap pockets make our butt look perkier) and Rays (low-rise and ultra low-rise)
* Berlins (low rise skinny jean)
* Vetters (super short mini skirt)
* Anything in Quaalude wash - dark denim with whiskering, and pink detailing (stitching and buttons)
* Most wanted rare pairs: Stevie Pink Crystal Chromas, Victoria Beckham Crowns in Foam (both highly faked - so beware!)

What we’d recomend to someone trying R&R for the first time:
* A classic pair of Kiedis’ (now known as Kassandra’s) with regular ‘R’ stitching on the back, or the signature logo (Kiedis = low rise bootcut)
* Scorpion’s and Kiss’ are very flattering to girls lacking behinds (low rise utility pocket flare, and bootcut, respectively) - great in a dark wash like Quaalude, Steel, Amethyst, or Uranium

Personal favorites/unique styles we haven’t mentioned yet:
* Vargas - low rise flare with curved pockets (in Lead or Oxygen wash)
* Wingers - low rise flare with flashy stitching (”wings”) along the back waist (in Quaalude, Opium, or Oxygen wash).

Thanks to AC421, the moderator of the Rock & Republic section of HF for her suggestions on this blog!

Photo above courtesy Nordstrom.com

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