jeans Archives | Blueprint for Style

Features & Series

fall/winter 2021 wardrobe refresh

Do you want to try incorporating a few of this year’s hottest trends into your wardrobe? Regardless of your wardrobe concerns, fall is the time to give your wardrobe a makeover. The top essential pieces you need in your clothing line-up to refresh and update your look this fall and winter include… Light Jacket Perhaps the most important item you’ll need throughout the chilly autumn season is a light jacket that is stylish and functional. With the weather being unpredictable

2021/10/27

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

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

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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

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

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

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

A Dapper Don & His Denim

I saw this picture in GQ (it was from Backyard Bill; focused on New York Fashion Week, September 2011) and instantly fell in love. Not with the model, Armando Cabral, but with his casual command of denim. There are a few other pictures in the photo journal and here’s what I got out of them: you never see denim ironed (a BIG no-no!) you don’t see denim dragging the ground you don’t find too much craziness on top you do

2012/07/25

Outfits/Complete Looks

An Easy Chic Look

A question everyone seems to ask me as a stylist is, “How can I do casual better?” The answer lies in nailing three things: fit ~ nothing slouchy or oversized material ~ All-American denim (but it’s dark) and leather pop of color ~ {in another pic} she adds a touch of color I happened upon this picture of Emmanuelle Alt, French Vogue‘s Editor-in-Chief and it was a great glimpse at easy, effortless chic. Everything she’s wearing fits, she opts for dark

2012/03/04

Bottoms

A “Denim Do Now” Thing

I made up that title but it’s catchy, huh?! It’s a nice way to say ‘if you need some denim, consider {read: buy} these ones‘. They’re from Rag & Bone which means they’ll last you for the foreseeable future and if you’re a man with ample junk-in-your-trunk these are a good bet! Available at Matches, $115 (regularly $230) …….. {don’t say I never did anything for you}

2012/01/24

My Official Jeans for 2012: J Brand Jeans

I am an African-American woman who has a butt and hips but, more importantly, thighs! The shapely/curvaceous curse of the midsection is not lost on me or many ladies around me. I have however, uncovered a jean that promises to envelope my curves (not smooch them), and provide ample coverage (without showing my arse or giving me the ‘granny panty’ feeling) – J Brand Jeans. J Brand Jeans haven’t been around very long (even though they’ve hit the radar of major

2012/01/04

Diamonds & Denim for DC Divas

We wish everyone could have the perfect pair of jeans, but for now it’s just the DC divas and dapper dons. With the help of denim fit specialists, you’ll be able to find your ideal fit just in time for fall! In the process, we’ll be giving away a Coach bag (valued at $800), some denim-inspired Essie nail polish, a ShoeDazzle membership, and Stephanie Johnson bags (valued at $40) to anyone who secured a VIP ticket. We can’t wait to

2011/09/26

Yummie Tummie Jeans!

Yes, they exist! Ok I am super behind, but I had the chance earlier this summer to chat it up with Heather Thomson, the CEO of Yummie Tummie, and besides being a disciple of her shapewear (which is breathable and flexible), I just gushed over how cool and humble she was. We’ll feature the interview we did with her later this week, but today I’m all about the denim I sported during New York’s Fashion Week (it’s that time of year and

2011/09/13

Casual Wear: Jeans

We received a question from a gent who wanted to know the deal with denim — When is it time to stop wearing it? Do I wear light or dark? Can I do bootcut or just straight leg? There’s so much out there that it’s easy to be consued, but here’s the best advice we can give you: Leave bootcut to the ladies…keep your silhouette clean and lean! The darker the denim, the further into nightfall you can do —

2011/09/01

The Burke Trouser

I love denim and, as much as the 70’s glam trend doesn’t love me, I love it! Enter: the Burke Trouser by Genetic Denim. A slight play off the 70’s silhouette with its wide leg and hip pockets, I received them in gusto and instantly feel in love with the lightweight denim (idela for spring and early fall). Because of the 70’s feel, the legs run long (35″ inseam) while the waist and hip are more snug especially for a

2011/07/28

6 Things We Want to Share This Week

Every fashionista loves discovering what the latest in fashion is, where, and how to get it! Real-life shopping is not the only method – you are on the web looking at this after all! Take a look at FashionStake.com and Left of Trend. Both sites give you a unique social shopping experience you definitely want to be a part of! Nobody will judge you if you splurge on those wedges you’ve been eying for months now… but if you suddenly

2011/04/17

6 Things We Want to Share This Week

Wrap yourselves up in lightweight scarves this spring! These lightweight versions will give your outfit a put-together look, without the heaviness and bulk of your wool winter versions. Recently named GQ’s ‘Best New Menswear Designer in America’, Alexander Wang designs a menswear collection featuring tracksuit pants and leather shorts! Can’t wait to see it in the fall! Live in denial with us over the unfortunate cool weather and browse Glamour’s Shop-A-Matic, which features 120 pretty spring dresses to get you

2011/04/02

Denim Guide

Yoox Denim Guide

2010/10/07

Jean-ious Insight

I wanted to share Tory Burch’s thoughts on denim…she has some great insight!

2010/08/10

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

fall/winter 2021 wardrobe refresh

jeans are out. joggers are in.

my longstanding love affair with denim

a lesson in high-waisted denim

Trending: Denim

Denim Love: AG Denim

The Vastness of Denim

Where Not To Wear Denim

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

A Dapper Don & His Denim

An Easy Chic Look

A “Denim Do Now” Thing

My Official Jeans for 2012: J Brand Jeans

Diamonds & Denim for DC Divas

Yummie Tummie Jeans!

Casual Wear: Jeans

The Burke Trouser

6 Things We Want to Share This Week

6 Things We Want to Share This Week

Denim Guide

Jean-ious Insight

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