denim Archives | Blueprint for Style

Style

jeans are out. joggers are in.

So says WaPo, most financial indicators, and ‘the streets’! Jean sales have been on the decline for the last five years but the pandemic added another nail to the coffin. Athleisure, conversely, is doing much better! True Religion, Lucky Brand and G-Star RAW have declared bankruptcy since April The parent company of Joe’s Jeans and Hudson Jeans filed for Chapter 11 protection in May In July, Levi’s posted a 62% [plummet] in second-quarter revenue and announced plans to cut 15%

2020/08/16

Features & Series

my may obsessions & purchases

May Purchases I had to get a garlic keeper because I was sick of having the bulbs just hanging out on the counter! My girlfriend, Steph, told me to grow up and get it so I did I sweat [not glisten] when I’m outside doing my socially-distant walk/jogs so I find my face needs more exfoliating. I scooped this Josh Rosebrook cleanser/exfoliator and I’m officially glowing!! I mentioned working out – – I need to do double-time after being away

2020/05/31

Style

my longstanding love affair with denim

I’m not sure when I came to admit it but I’ve had a longstanding love affair with denim for as long as I can remember! I thought it happened when I became an entrepreneur in the early 2000s and got to see how flexible it was but no. I thought maybe it happened when I purchased my first pair of $200+ jeans in Philadelphia with my friend Natalie back in the mid-90s but no. I wondered if it was when

2020/05/15

default

my february impulses & obsessions

My focus for February was work so just about everything I scooped will be used for the furtherance of the empire…lol!! My impulses… josette harlow jeans by imogene & willie hot pink a-line dress by cos stores teal tulip-sleeve dress by badgley mischka navy blue straight-leg jumpsuit by black halo undone lipstick by kosas superstar cream deodorant by routine [works like magic!] printed slingback pumps by paul andrew [fierceness for the stage!!] My obsessions… higonokami short knife by imogene & willie g-ro carry-on luggage by g-ro [I’ve been wanting it

2020/02/27

Bottoms

cargo pants for all!

Cargo pants are making a comeback and who doesn’t love lots of pockets! These ones I just scooped from Shopbop are by Robert Rodriguez and even if they’re not available, here are a few more options to consider…. They work nicely with heels for a dinner out or even on Saturday with some flats. Either way, it’s an elevated chic alternative to denim!

2019/04/29

Hats & Headwear

denim turban

I spent last week on a #roadtrip down the Pacific Coast Highway ~ I drove from San Fran to LA and stopped along the way at a few spots in Cambria and Santa Barbara. By the time I made it to LA and shopped on etsy, I found this GORG denim turban by Patricia Morales. My girlfriend convinced me to scoop it as it was perfect for my pool relaxation while in Santa Barbara (I stayed at the Kimpton Goodland).

2019/04/26

default

a lesson in high-waisted denim

I want to share my style lessons so you can make the proper adjustments or not fall into the same rut… In this instance, I am talking about the lesson of ‘high-waisted’ jeans. They are NOT made for everyone! I wanted to make these work because they were selvedge denim ~ they were straight leg styling ~ they were worn in and slightly distressed. Everything signaled “love” until I got them home and rocked them to the Marsha Ambrosius concert….bad.

2019/02/22

Bottoms

holiday denim

Don’t we all love denim?! And then when there’s already some sparkle added ~ is that even better? So when I thought of a fun, holiday outfit that when ‘light up the room‘ when I walked in, I pictured these pair of jeans + a sequin sweatshirt for the ultimate lazy festive look! Who’s in with me?! They almost remind me of something I’d see on an old 70s dance show – I’m ready!

2017/12/07

Footwear

Ready for the Weekend: In Fancy Flats

Everyone’s doing it! Those fancy lace-up flats are ubiquitous. While I may not love them (they are flats), they do a lot to add flair to even the most casual looks. The laces, when tied around the ankle, create a focal point and a touch of femininity. So score one for the ladies when you find them in denim…and under $50! Russian stylist Natasha Greenberg shows you how to take casual to a slightly higher level without any added drama.

2015/11/27

Denim

Trending: Denim

It’s back but actually, it never left – I’m talking about denim. Denim for jeans but also shirts, jackets, dresses, blazer, sport coats, ties, shoes and sneakers, handbags and more! You already have jeans and probably another denim item but if you’re debating taking your denim to work, consider the following three rules: dark denim only your denim should be free of whiskering, embellishments, etc only one piece of denim per look Given my love for denim, you can

2015/08/11

Denim

Denim Love: AG Denim

Have you ever even heard of AG Denim? I have but I suspect it’s because I love denim and jean material. Yul Ku started this brand 15 years ago with Diesel cofounder Adriano Goldschmied thinking eco-friendly from day one! They even utilize this ozone technology process that eliminates 56% of the company’s water and chemical usage Energy-efficient washing machines are used The aged look is created by hand using a grinder They donate scraps to make gloves and interior padding

2015/08/07

Bottoms

Spring Must Haves: White Jeans

In case you missed the memo, you could have been rocking your white denim months ago but, if you’re sticking to the straight-and-narrow then know that you MUST have a pair to function this spring and summer. My first recommendation is to own two pairs: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. The pair we’re shopping for now should be a lightweight material with some stretch and to make it as versatile as possible, keep embellishments like pockets, contrast stitching,

2015/05/06

Stores & Sites to See

Sale: Madewell

It’s the baby sister to J.crew but FIRE! Madewell is making awesome stuff that lasts, is contemporary and relevant, has a classic underpinning, and Kin Ying Lee is battig 100%! I don’t typically post sales but I found several pieces that I not only purchased but recommended to clients because we’re ALL ready for spring and what better way to shake off the winter blues than by shopping! There are lots of pieces worthwhile but I found four pieces that

2015/04/03

Denim

The Vastness of Denim

I am reminded of the versatility and vastness of denim – it’s everywhere! It’s an American bred “thing” that is everywhere, all the time, and goes across cultures, time zones, functions, and needs. I was thumbing through More, a magazine for women 40+, and I found a look that I loved! Denim can go anywhere – in this particular picture, it’s about layering…with the styling key to show ankle/skin so it doesn’t appear overly bottom heavy! This is a look

2015/03/10

Bottoms

Where Not To Wear Denim

I’m in love with that invention called denim just as much as the next girl (or guy) but we all need a quick reminder of when rocking denim can be inappropriate. Is there ever a time when denim doesn’t work? I found six occasions: At a job interview (unless it’s a The Gap) At a wedding At a funeral At any important work function Meeting the in-laws To workout Did I miss anything? If so, share! Don’t forget to

2014/10/03

Dresses & Outfits

Denim Do for Summer

Denim is an American wardrobe staple and something that is in most of our closets in multiples. However, when summer hits, it may get a a little less airtime especially if you live Ina city like DC where the humidity makes anything heavier than linen feel like a death sentence. [Enter stage left] Denim….in white. More specifically, a white denim dress – this one available at Topshop. It’s not quite appropriate for work but movie night, date night, girls night

2014/06/13

Bottoms

MANly Facts: Jeans

The average man owns three to five pairs of jeans. What about you?

2014/02/17

Stores & Sites to See

Denim Day! Imogene + Willie

Do you love denim? How many pairs of jeans do you own? You ever heard of Imogene + Willie? Maybe Matt & Carrie Eddmenson? Ok, what about RRL and Rogan? Here’s your denim education: +Matt and Carrie Eddmenson are a husband-and-wife team + Imogene + Willie is a family business that does denim +RRL and Rogan are denim brands +They’ve taken their skills in-house since 2008 and now do one-of-a-kind and made-to-order denim +I tried on a pair and my

2013/04/25

Bottoms

The 501 Is 140

It was 140 years ago that Levi Strauss introduced the 501 jean ~ with its patented riveted pockets. In large part, the jeans have seen very few updates….until now! Levi has updated its 501 formula to create a lighter-weight, shrink-to-fit denim that will be available in multiple neutrals like camel and olive. Will I purchase a pair? Of course, they were one of the first pair of denim I purchased as an adult! Read more about 501 here….

2013/04/18

How Should Your Jeans Fit?

We get the question of how jeans should fit from men all the time: what about relaxed or bootcut? low or medium rise? “I don’t want it too snug…” The answer: a midland rise (between low and medium), fitted in the seat but not overly baggy (they’ll give with time), and check out the fit on your calf, it should have room but not hug. Done!

2013/04/17

Men Are More Than Jeans, Dapper Dons Less Denim

I love jeans and even as a stylist, my most comfortable outfit includes a pair of jeans (ok….or a dress!) but for men, the options are more limited. Nonetheless, this is my petition for trying something different — a pair of grey trousers. Denim is awesome but even the internet’s dance phenom Lil Buck shows you how to rock it without being overly restricted. To get you started, here are our trouser recommendations: Closed Clifton slim chinos, $135 {with quarter pockets}

2013/02/08

Bottoms

I Absolutely Will Not Buy This

It’s ridiculous. It’s overpriced. It’s not “all that”. It’s so ordinary. But….. It’s the perfect color, style/shape, and fit. This Goldsign for J.Crew holly skirt in martel wash is $268!

2013/02/07

Bottoms

Better To Have Loved & Lost Than To Have Never Loved At All

That’s what I keep telling myself when I think of J Brand Jeans. I had a not-so-secret love affair with J Brand and have recently found out that they are positioning themselves in high-fashion and as such, will no longer be the official jean of Blueprint for Style. I will relish my many pairs and their fabulous fit (even after multiple washes and a few uh-ohs in the dryer)….. So long, farewell….. Better to have loved and lost than to

2012/10/30

Bottoms

Denim “Do”

When we find cool brands, we like to share! This month’s (well technically last month) find was a cool company called Made in Lieu. Eric and Zach are doing something environmentally friendly and stylish — making denim pullovers from “reclaimed” fabrics from bigger [wasteful] companies. And this month, one lucky guy and girl will get one of their reclaimed, denim, fall-ready, fashion-forward shirts! To be entered to win, simply click HERE and post one word {yes, any word that you

2012/10/01

Events & Happenings

I Hit The #NYFW Runway for Old Navy

OK so I had such a blast rocking the runway for #NYFW wearing my Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (colored skinny jeans) in kelly green and I’ve got pictures to prove it. It was not only fun but I may have found my new/latest calling!! It was exciting – the music, the behind-the-stage directions and guidance, the energy from the other bloggers walking and snapping quick photos, the crowd cheering as you hit the runway, doing your strut or sashay down

2012/09/18

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

jeans are out. joggers are in.

my may obsessions & purchases

my longstanding love affair with denim

my february impulses & obsessions

cargo pants for all!

denim turban

a lesson in high-waisted denim

holiday denim

Ready for the Weekend: In Fancy Flats

Trending: Denim

Denim Love: AG Denim

Spring Must Haves: White Jeans

Sale: Madewell

The Vastness of Denim

Where Not To Wear Denim

Denim Do for Summer

MANly Facts: Jeans

Denim Day! Imogene + Willie

The 501 Is 140

How Should Your Jeans Fit?

Men Are More Than Jeans, Dapper Dons Less Denim

I Absolutely Will Not Buy This

Better To Have Loved & Lost Than To Have Never Loved At All

Denim “Do”

Send us a message