Feb 24, Good Jeans

Today’s look is all about finding good jeans that fit right. I’m wearing a simple, casual outfit- that’s sort of a staple for me. It’s my uniform- when I can’t think of anything else to wear, I rely on skinny jeans and a sweater. Which alone can be kind of boring, but with a little attention to detail (belt, shoes, jewelry), and the right jeans, it can be a cute outfit.

For a little research project, I went to my local Value Village (which is sort of like a Goodwill) and tried on lots of different pairs of jeans so show how the right cut and right fit make all the difference in the world. All of these are a size 6 (28). Notice how differently each brand fits.

The Gloria Vanderbilt jeans are probably the LEAST flattering ones I tried on. Notice how they dart in at the hip- I’m not sure what this is all about, but it creates saddlebags. It also has way to high of a rise (length of zipper) and the waist is too high. Yes, I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that I like high rise jeans- but not this high! And the solid blue is not flattering at all. This is definitely a mom jean, just not this mom!

These are Loft brand. The waist height is better on these jeans, and the color is better. Notice the whiskering- which are the lines formed by natural creasing over time, giving them a well worn look. Nowadays whiskering is made in the factory- and it gives jeans a natural distressed look. The problem with these jeans is the cut of the legs. Notice how they bag and gape around my thigh/ knee area. There is just a little too much fabric there.

Not your Daughter’s Jeans- This is another pair where the rise is too long, the knees are baggy and the whiskering is bad- it makes my tummy look big and my legs look short. These are not flattering jeans.

This is a brand I’m not familiar with, called Silver. In my opinion, this much bling is dated and out of style. The shorter rise is more flattering to my tummy area and I like the rips at the knees, the white stitching, and the boot cut, but I wouldn’t wear them simply because of the bling!

These are Banana Republic. I like the dark wash, but they are a little plain- they look like leggings, there is nothing to trick the eye (which is what good fading and whiskering will do). They make me look extra curvy. Quick note on that- I know I am thin- but I am also curvy. All this means is that my hips are way wider than my waist- which gives me the curves. Some women are built straight up and down- and clothes look totally different on them. Other women are pear shaped- small on top and big on bottom. Some women are big on top and skinny on bottom. We are all different and we are all beautiful- and we should embrace our shape and work with it, not against it.

Calvin Klein- these are too short, and the high rise, giant pockets and tummy area is not flattering. These look like mom jeans to me.

Denizan jean joggers! You know I love my joggers, but not so sure about denim ones! I will admit these were incredibly comfortable, but they make me look pear shaped and there’s just something weird about denim joggers. I think it’s an oxymoron?!

These are Free People- and clearly they are way too long. They have a totally different style- with the buttons at the side instead of a center zipper. On a really skinny straight body, these would be really cute. To me- they just make me look even wider through the hips.

Joe’s Jeans- These Joe’s fit me the best, although I still don’t love the straight leg. However, if you absolutely refuse to wear skinny jeans- than try something with a very straight leg. To me, the boot cut is a little outdated.

These are the Gap jeans I am wearing in the photo at the top. Notice the whiskering and the stitching. Both of these details add interest and help minimize my tummy area.

These are my Paige jeans. I love the skinny cut and the high waist. These jeans hug my curves, but don’t make me look huge. The dark wash makes them great for dressy occasions.

These are my Joe’s jeans, which I mentioned earlier and I love them! So comfy! Great fit. The lighter wash makes these more casual.

Here are some of my favorite jeans that I own:

From left to right: Top Row- Joe’s, Paige and Gap jeans.

Second row- 7 for all Mankind, Joe’s and Good American

Below are all the jeans I tried on! As you can see, my body looks totally different in each pair. When jean shopping- try on as many pairs as you can and don’t get caught up in sizes! Ask the salesperson to help you- that’s what they are there for. I suggest jean shopping at Nordstroms- they have a great selection and very helpful salespeople!

What are your favorite jeans? Do you have a ‘go to’ brand that fits your body great? And if so, what body type are you? Since I am curvy, I really only know what works for me… as mentioned previously, all of us are shaped differently.

Feb 6, Little Changes

One of the things I love so much about this blog is that it forces me to really take a hard look at my outfit each day. I highly suggest taking photos of yourself when getting dressed. I know it sounds strange, but seeing myself in a photo is different than looking in the mirror. Once you think you have your outfit selected, make a few small changes and see what happens. Maybe I’m weird, but this is my idea of fun! 🙂

Take today’s outfit. I am loving this thermal shirt (these seem to be all the rage right now), and I paired it with jeans and tall brown boots. Looking at the photo on the left- it just doesn’t look right. It’s a little plain, and I don’t like how the jeans gather around the knees. I also think the tall boots cut my legs in half, making them look short.

So… I swapped out the jeans for these cute ripped ones, added a big belt and did the half tuck thing. I then threw on this gorgeous scarf, adding a bit of color to the otherwise neutral outfit. To finish off, I rolled the jeans up at the hem and put on my slip on tennis shoes.

And now for a little insider tip, I am wearing socks with these shoes. I wear Smart Wool  Seek and No Show socks- and they are my all time favorites! So much so, that I had a holiday party with my girlfriends where we did a ‘favorite things’ gift exchange and I gave these socks. My friend Missey, who received them, seemed a little disappointed, but then the next day texted me to tell me how much she loved them. They actually stay put- which is rare for this type of sock. You gotta trust me on this one!

If you were going to a Favorite Things Party, what would you bring? Please comment below!

Jeans- 7 for All Mankind, Nordstrom

Top- Nordstrom Rack

Scarf- gift

Shoes- Marshalls

Belt- so old I can’t remember!

Jan 28th, Comfy Flannel

Let me tell you about this flannel shirt!  I love it so much that I have to force myself to actually not wear it!  I got it at American Eagle when I was shopping for my daughter- but it caught my eye as something I could wear, so I bought it. It is so warm and soft. I love the colors and now it has become one of my weekend go to’s! But buttoned up and untucked it looks frumpy.

 

In my ‘after’ look I have layered the flannel over a black tank from the Gap, unbuttoned the shirt a few buttons, tucked the front in and added a belt.  Looking at the photos, I think I should add some necklaces as well.

On top of it all, I threw on my black down vest- which will help keep me warm in addition to adding interest and texture to my outfit. For my feet- I’m wearing my black Adidas- they just look a little more sporty and cuter than the old running shoes in the before pic.

One thing to note is this shirt is great because it hangs down really low in the back- covering my bum. (see photo below)

This is an easy, comfy but cute outfit perfect for running errands- or whatever you have planned today!

 

Jeans- Joes- Nordstrom Rack

Shirt- American Eagle

Tank- Gap

Vest- Nordstrom Rack

Shoes- Adidas Nordstrom Rack

 

May 25th, You Again?

 When I first started this blog I was so concerned with wearing something different every day. My goal was to not repeat any outfits for as long as I could… (I know, crazy, right?!)

However, in reality- that’s not very realistic. Most of us only have a limited number of items in our closets, so of course we repeat outfits!

The key is, to try make each outfit look original and different. This is done by choosing accessories and layering.

For example, the dress I’m wearing today I’ve worn several times- as seen here and here and here.

Today I’ve paired it with a bright orange cardigan, a colorful belt and off white wedges.

When I originally saw this dress I didn’t like the way it fit at all- it’s too loose and unstructured. But- it was on clearance, and you know I love my stripes- so I decided to see if I could find a way to make it work. By simply adding a belt- I have given this dress the shape it needs. This may seem really obvious, but until recently I would have never added a belt if there weren’t any belt loops! Don’t let a simple thing like that stop you from creating the look you desire!

For more cute fashion ideas, check out Fashion Friday!

I love the way this colorful belt ties in the blue and orange!

Dress: Land’s End Canvas, Cardigan: Gap, Belt: Target, Shoes: Nordstrom