Posts tagged denim
What We’re Loving: Boyfriend Jeans
May 29th
Boyfriend jeans are my go-to (more often than not). They are perfect for a casual day at the office when paired with a blazer and a great pair of loafers. Transitioning from day-to-night when wearing boyfriend jeans is a a piece of cake too. Throw on a sparkly blouse and over the top heels and you have yourself a look to take to cocktails after the 9-5 grind. Don’t even get me started on how amazing boyfriend jeans are on the weekends. Forget about your basic, black leggings! It’s as if these jeans were made for [presentable] lazy days. Pair them with a cute sweatshirt and converse sneakers. That’s what you’ll see me in come Saturday and Sunday.
There are a lot of ways your can style boyfriend jeans too. I prefer cuffing/rolling the bottom to show my ankles and (most importantly) my shoes. I usually wear a great pair of booties or sandals to really let them shine. Have a great belt? Tuck part of your shirt (loosely) into the front of your jeans. I love this trick. It makes the look feel effortless and carefree. With that being said, a looser fitting T is usually what I look for to pair with a jean like this. Last but not least… Taking your boyfriend jeans for a night on the town? Dress them way up with a multi-tier necklace, leather jacket, and a top knot! Believe me, styled or not, boyfriend jeans will amp up your cool girl style.
How do you style your boyfriend jeans? Sound off in the comments below!
~Taylor, fashioniSTA intern
Photo Credit: Song of Style
Three Styles, One Fashionable Thanksgiving
Nov 26th
Thanksgiving, the one holiday that is actually about food. If you’re anything like me, I don’t necessarily feel my most beautiful and put-together self when I’m stuffing my face for 24 hours. It’s hard to resist those comfy and stretchy yoga pants, but don’t give in! Here are three fabulous outfit inspirations to keep you looking fabulous (as usual) this Thanksgiving.
1. Cozy and Versatile
This outfit is great for all of the active ladies. Whether lounging with the family or running around with the kids, this outfit is comfortable but ready to go! Citizen jeans are the epitome of classic casual, and the Theory knit sweater is a subtle touch of cozy and confident. Tory Burch boots add a little glam, and the Burberry scarf ties the whole thing together for an unstoppable ensemble.
And wouldn’t you know, this Burberry quilted jacket from STA 324 Newbury St. goes perfectly when it’s time for the family football game.
2. Elegant and Feminine
Sometimes we celebrate Thanksgiving with a loved-one’s family instead of our own. But don’t let that frighten your holiday fashion sense! A feminine, chic outfit is appropriate for any Thanksgiving atmosphere. We love this blouse from Ralph Lauren, which you can dress down with Calvin Klein black skinny jeans. Then add your personality in the accessories! We added some sparkle with Rebecca Minkoff loafers and a Marc Jacobs bracelet.
These Prada silver jeweled flats from STA Armitage are a fabulous way to add some glam to your sophisticated ensembles. And If you’re a guest, the Chanel cross body from STA Haddonfield can carry all of your little necessities while you’re out!
3. Stylish, Yet Forgiving
Maybe you’re like me and love to spend Thanksgiving with a glass of wine in the kitchen with the women of the family. All I know is I don’t want to wear anything too restricting, especially as I’m nibbling all day! A dress is a great way to stay comfortable and fashionable. This Marc by Marc Jacobs short dress allows you to move freely around the house. Paired with black tights and Chanel boots, it screams bold and down to business. And we can never resist a good accessory, like this Michael Kors collar necklace.
And don’t forget a Michael Kors boyfriend watch from STA 176 Newbury St. is a mandatory accessory on Thanksgiving to keep track of all the madness!
Happy Thanksgiving fashioniSTAs!
How To: Halloween-ize your Work Attire
Oct 29th
In a professional environment such as work or school, you want to maintain a sophisticated look but you can’t let your Halloween spirit down! Here are the top ways to spruce up your outfit, get in the holiday groove, yet still look like you belong in an office environment.
Halloween Nail Art:
Changing your nail design is one of the best ways to show changes in season, mood, and even holidays. You can go big and paint on ghosts or pumpkins, or you can be subtler with black nail polish with orange glitter on top. For amazing DIY Halloween manicures, visit http://holymanicures.blogspot.com.
Headband:
A nice Halloween designed headband is a discreet way to pull off some Halloween spirit. It also guarantees you a professional/preppy look. One like this is simple, so easily prepared, and even able to be made in the luxury of your own home.
Halloween Tights:
This fall season patterned tights are more popular than ever. Just slip a pair of candy corn or ghost patterned tights under a simple dress and you’re guaranteed to look festive.
Anything Orange:
A professional looking orange blazer or a pair of light orange denim jeans could easily do the trick and make you look extra spirited in a somewhat professional manner. An orange cashmere scarf or orange shoe apparel is a more subtle way to look the part.
~Jenna, fashioniSTA
Columbus Day Weekend Means an STA Sale!
Oct 6th
This weekend is a big one at Second Time Around! We’ve paired Columbus Day with Lee National Denim Day for a great weekend filled with discounts, donations and drawings!
From October 7th-10th, everything in our stores will be at least 30% off! For this weekend we will also be donating 10% of our denim sales to Lee’s breast cancer organizations.
To kick off our weekend, on October 7th you can satisfy your denim craving, earn charity karma and win prizes! With any denim purchase you can enter to win a $50 STA gift card and goody bag, and one lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card and a deluxe goody bag!
Should you not be in a denim mood, each store is also carrying pink breast cancer wristbands, with 100% of the proceeds going to Lee National Denim Day.
Summer Your Style With These Easy Tips!
Jul 14th
The warm weather has finally arrived, ok, more like almost arrived, but we’ll take what we can! And we really can’t think of a better way to spend these warmer days then out shopping for a new spring wardrobe. But where to start?
Flower Power
The 70s are back ladies. It looks like it’s time to start digging through your mom’s old clothes, not to mention the racks at STA. High wasted flares, over-sized sunglasses (when were they ever out?), cropped tops, wedges, flowery tops, the choices are endless and can be a little overwhelming for us stuck in skinny jean limbo. To gradually incorporate the look in your wardrobe start with a nice pair of high wasted flared jeans paired with a simple tucked in white t-shirt or lightweight sweater, add a layered necklace and some wedges, and you instantly have a causally chic, put-together look.
Orange You Glad It’s Summer?
Every window display we’ve been passing seems to be trying to us one thing – get your orange on! And, lucky for us any shad will do - peach, coral, light pink - take your pick. To avoid looking like a pumpkin, pair a light, peachier shade with skinny black jeans and a pair of hot black pumps. For more of a nautical look, try a coral top tucked into high wasted white flared pants (top, Topshop; jeans, Seven for all Mankind). Or for a preppy look, match a top in a lighter, pinkish shade of orange with a brown cardigan, cropped jeans and a cute pair of flats.
Buh Bye Blue Jeans
Blue jeans are great, but it’s spring so try a colored pair of pants to spruce up your look. If you’re feeling bold grab a bright color like teal or red but if you’re feeling more subdued go for pastel with lavender or beige. Most of the colored jeans out there come in cropped and ankle cut styles which make even the brightest of brights seem a little less overpowering and more wearable. Pair with a simple top and some wedges and you’re ready for a night out or with a loose button-down and some slip on sneaks for a day of eating and shopping.
~Kristen, Second Time Around
The Long and Shorts of It
Jul 9th
With the warmer weather finally upon us, it’s only a matter of time before summer comes full-swing and pants no longer become a viable option. While skirts and dresses are clear favorites for the summer months, a new contender has blown into town: shorts. This casual summer staple has taken on new superpowers, making it work-appropriate as well as red-carpet-worthy.
Working It Out
Wink Shorts - You'd Never Know They Weren't a Skirt!
No longer just for lazy weekends, shorts are popping up in the most unexpected places. What was strictly a “no-wear zone” has taken a dramatic turn to office-friendly. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing this trend if you work in strict office environment, if you happen to work in a fashion-friendly zone, wearing shorts to work will make your summer approximately a billion times easier. To keep them work-appropriate, stick with variations on the classic short. Go for a pair of knee-length, straight-leg shorts in a dark neutral with a tucked in blousy tank to slim a pear shape, or try out a pair of blousy harem shorts to create curves. Quick tip: harem shorts are a great way to indulge in your Sex and the City 2 movie fashion fantasy without committing to the overly-indulgent harem pants that the stars sported in the movie. However, the shorts version is not for the fashion faint of heart, but if you are a risk-taker, they are a great way to complement a basic tank. Wear with metallic gladiator flats for a true statement outfit.
Another way to rock this trend in the workplace is to go with shorts that almost look like a skirt. These definitely work best in a creative field, but with designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore paving the way with this trend, consider yourself in good hands. While you can go down the skort route with this option from Marc Jacobs, if you prefer to not revisit the ‘90s just yet, going with a patterned or textured pair is the perfect alternative. Try out the floral pair from Nanette Lepore, or the tiered, ruffled version from Wink. Going with a pattern or a texture will minimize the shorts element and maximize the element of style.
Eveningwear
Tired of your usual jeans and tank combo when you hit the town? Try a pair of short, tailored shorts in a neutral color - like black, white or metallic - to spice up your night out. Opt for a sleek pair from Winter Kate, Alice + Olivia or Theory, paired with one of your usual embellished, loose tanks or a fitted, black button-down. This is the only time that stiletto heels with shorts is permissible, so try out your highest pumps with the first option, or your strappy sandals with the latter. You can also add a cropped, lightweight blazer for cooler nights.
A dark denim short is also a great alternative. This cuffed pair from Joe’s Jeans can easily be paired with metallic flat sandals and a tank for a more casual night out.
Should you be feeling a little Lindsay Lohan crazy, you can try out sequin shorts from Gryphon or Diane von Furstenberg in place of the sequin leggings you wore during the colder months. Clearly not for the faint of heart, you can pair it with a matching sequin top to create the look of a romper, or go for a flowy, black top in a lightweight material that still fits close to your torso. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing sequined board shorts about to hang ten.
Lauren Conrad's Weekend Shorts Look
Weekend Chic
When the work week ends, anything goes on your days off. This is a great time to explore what I think is the greatest trend known to (wo)man: nautical. Play off this trend with a pair of cuffed, denim shorts from Joe’s Jeans or Citizens of Humanity, pairing them with a conductor-striped top and chunky, gold link bracelets or a necklace. Or go with a blue seersucker pattern with a red tank and metallic sandals.
You can also channel your inner Daisy Duke with denim shorts, either cutoffs or cuffed. Pair with a floral top for a hippy vibe, or try out gingham on top for a retro feel to your look.
For extra comfort, try a pair of paper bag-waist shorts. Go for a pair in an earthy neutral to create a safari look. Complete your ensemble with a tank in a complementary neutral and pair with gold accessories and oversized, tortoise shell sunglasses.
No matter where you go, remember that shorts with more spandex than your tights are reserved for biking or in-house lounging only!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
A Denim Review: Part IV
May 13th
Habitual
Here are my picks for personal favorites amongst the lesser-known denim brands as well as my picks for denim brands to watch…you never know when you might find your new favorite jeans!
Personal Picks:
Habitual – My sister and I love these jeans. I am not sure how universal their fit is, but they are like a second skin on us. And the Maltese Cross – their bum adornment - is not only one of the coolest signature symbols around, but it also pads the tush, enhancing its…um…”ass-ets.” He-he.
Vince – Usually I am wary of any denim made by a brand that was originally a clothing line. However, in my eyes, Vince can do no wrong, so I am more than excited about trying out their new denim collection.
Vince
Cheap Monday – Who doesn’t love getting something for less? After all, that is our mantra here at Second Time Around! In a world of $200+ jeans, I’ll take a pair of $60-$80 jeans with the same fashion sense as their more expensive counterparts any day.
Madewell – J Crew’s grungy little sister boasts a wide selection of cuts, washes and styles. I don’t own any myself, but I have heard that they are gaining converts left and right!
Brands to Watch:
Current Elliot – Already established as the official “boyfriend jean” brand, I have a feeling that this brand is going to take over the denim world in due time. They have mastered both fit and deconstruction – two of the most difficult denim tricks – so the road before them is clear of obstacles.
Rag & Bone – Now a lifestyle brand offering
clothing, shoes and accessories for both men and women, Rag & Bone started as a denim brand. They are known for their quality of construction, classic British tailoring and clothing that is both easy to wear and undeniably cool. Their denim is no different and their basic, no-frills styles are sure to catch on like wildfire.
PRPS – PRPS will fill the fashion void that Rag + Bone can not. Rather than perfecting the basics, they are pushing the envelope when it comes to denim silhouettes and construction, honing in on the details and creating one-of-a-kind jeans eachand every time.
A.P.C. – Similar to Rag & Bone, A.P.C. is all about getting back to basics. (Do I see a trend on the horizon??) They make a classic jean of raw denim and – gasp! – expect their customers to break them in on their own.
Hope that this Denim Review was helpful! If you are still not sure which brand is right for you, swing by your local STA where you will find loads of designer denim. Try on the different brands that I have written about here and see for yourself! (And, hopefully snag yourself a pair at 1/3-1/4 of the original retail value!) Happy shopping!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
APC
A Denim Review: Part III
May 11th
Joe's Jeans
7. Joe’s Jeans
Joe’s Jeans are – in my humble opinion – the designer jeans that cater to the widest variety of body types with the greatest success rate. There is a cut for almost every silhouette – complete with cheeky name – and their website makes it easy to select the cut and the wash that is best suited for your anatomy. Their greatest contribution to society?: the “Honey” or “booty fit” jeans. Every single client of mine with fuller thighs and a voluptuous rear who have tried on the “Honey” jeans have fallen in love with them and taken a pair (or two!) home with them.
8. Adriano Goldschmied
Adriano Goldschmied, generally referred to as “AG,” is one of those denim labels with a cult following. I don’t think that they are necessarily flattering on everyone – or even a majority of the population – but if they do flatter you, chances are you are devoted to them…and to anything else they make for the lower half of the body, i.e. pants, skirts, shorts, etc. Their styles are on-trend, but never trendy, and they make a smattering of great accompanying basics in the form of corduroy and twill pants, tees and light-weight outerwear.
9. Diesel
Italian in both style and construction, Diesel always pushes the fashion envelope and thinks outside of the box. One of the original designer denim labels,
Diesel
Diesel has maintained a steadfast following throughout all of the highs and lows of the fashion industry. They are always exploring new silhouettes and washes and have created a successful lifestyle brand to complement their denim foundation. Look to them for a distinctly European take on denim.
Still to come: The best of the “lesser-known” denim brands as well as the denim brands to keep an eye on! Check back soon!
Adriano Goldschmied (AG)
Denim Review: Part II
May 6th
Paige
4. Paige Premium Denim
Former denim fit-model, Paige Adams-Geller, decided to put her knowledge and expertise to work and created Paige Premium Denim which debuted in February 2005. Due to the brand’s background, Paige has a devoted following by many fans who claim that Paige jeans give them the best-looking bum and the slimmest thighs, hands down. The styles are on-trend, but not over-the-top and the denim tends to be very easy to wear – neither too stiff nor too flimsy.
5. True Religion
True Religion – best known for their low rise, swing seam and stand-out stitching – has a definite cult following. While their brand has a true Americana, “urban-cowboy” feel to it, they somehow have also managed to pump out some of the most detailed and trendy jeans on the denim map. Unfortunately, the down-side to this characteristic is that some of their styles can look dated rather quickly. For example, if they distress their jeans; the rips are bigger, longer and deeper than those of their competitors and if they bedazzle their jeans; each rivet and button is sure to be replaced by a “gemstone” and crystals are sure to line each seam. You are sure to look very of-the-moment in their jeans, but be prepared to replace them when the trend is over.
6. Hudson
Hudson jeans are the epitome of California casual. Their jeans are best worn with a simple tee or tank, accompanied by flip-flops or a fashion sneaker. They do everything that a great pair of jeans should do – slim and lengthen the leg and hug and lift the tush – and they do it
while looking like they aren’t trying at all. As an added bonus, they have great details like additional stitching on the seams and unique flaps on their patch-pocket styles.
Stay-tuned…3 more brand reviews are on their way as well as my picks of the “lesser-known” denim labels and the denim brands to watch!
True Religion
Hudson
A Denim Review: Part I
May 5th
Seven for All Mankind
During my time at Second Time Around, I have exploited my employee discount to the max. As a result, I have owned almost every single brand of premium denim and numerous styles within certain, favored brands. Some pairs have come straight back to the store after one wear due to an ill fit of either my body or my style, some have earned a temporary place in my closet while I experimented with a particular trend and some have earned a permanent place in both my closet and my heart as a denim match-made-in-heaven.
Due to this extensive fit-testing and the additional research that I have done as a stylist for my clients (help with jean shopping is the number one request that I receive…) I feel confident that I can give both an impartial and informative review of the major premium denim brands. So, here goes…
1. Seven for all Mankind
Arguably one of the first - if not THE first – premium denim label to rise to prominence, Seven for all Mankind, affectionately referred to simply as “Seven” by its fans, has been a consistent contributing member of the designer denim phenomena. I view them as the old stand-by – that reliable brand that you can always return to. They follow the trends, but are never too trendy, allowing their customers a chance to look stylish and hip without being fashion road-kill. Perhaps the only complaint that someone could have is that their fit is a bit on the narrow side, prohibiting curvier women from enjoying what they have to offer.
2. Citizens of Humanity
Created by Jerome Dahan, the same designer who launched Seven for all Mankind, I consider this brand a more casual version of the “Seven” brand. They are the perfect weekend jean to throw on with a t-shirt and sneakers and they offer a better fit for those ladies with a curvier figure.
Citizens of Humanity
3. J Brand
A favorite of both models and celebrities, J Brand wrote the book on skinny jeans. Whether you are looking for a stove-pipe leg, a pencil leg or a “jegging,” the brand you want is J Brand. As an added bonus, I think that their jeans have the most authentic and pleasing raw denim color and they have teamed up with the makers of Lycra to inject their denim with the comfort of stretch without the annoyance of a saggy bottom.
Check back soon to read more denim reviews and to find out my favorite lesser-known denim labels as well as my suggestions for denim brands to watch…
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
J Brand