Review: James Jeans High Class Skinny in Swat Dye

Happy Spring! 

I had actually planned to post this review before the weather warmed up and I was obsessing over new spring items to add to my wardrobe, but sometimes timing is what it is. Ironically, it has been freezing cold in NC lately, much more so than normal for this time of year. The warm days we've had have been sprinkled in amongst 30-degree highs, and wintry mixes. Thus, I have been living in these jeans I'm about to show you...

As you know, I am a total convert to James Jeans. One of the many pairs I have collected in the last months is James Jeans High Class Skinny in Swat Dye. What is "Swat Dye" you ask? Well I wasn't sure either. But essentially it is a super-cool wash that makes for an eye-catching pair of printed skinny jeans. Add in the high waist and it is not only chic and comfortable, but also very figure flattering! Read on below for the details:

 

 Jeans: James Jeans; Boots: Nine West Vintage America; Tank: H&M

 Jeans: James Jeans; Wedge Sneakers: Xhilaration; Faux-leather jacket: H&M Men's; Hoodie: My own (Go Hurricanes!)

 

Jeans: James Jeans; Heels: Bandolino; Button-Down: H&M; Military Jacket: JCP

As you can see, these are definitely not your run-of-the-mill skinny jeans. The wash is similar to a tie-dye effect, but actually comes out closer to smoke swirls. The base color is a dark mocha bordering on black (I think it can be worn as either, it's completely neutral). The "Swat" part is the name for the color of the "swirls". It's kind of a toffee/burnt bronze color, which is hard to describe. Here is a pair of James in Swat for reference. At first, I wasn't sure how I planned on styling this wash, but after seeing the jeans in person, I was able to pull a surprising number of looks together. If you view the pants as simply a neutral print, like you would with stripes, plaid, etc, it opens up a world of possiblity. 

The fit on these is some of the best I have seen. These are high-waisted jeans, with a rise of approximately 9.75". The inseam is about 30", varying slightly by size of course. These fit a little on the smaller side as compared to my other James, but I believe that is by design - they hold you in completely! As I have mentioned before, I am often in between sizes. I went with the larger size since the waist is so high. The fabric is Cotton/Lycra (97/3) so it is super stretchy - but that said, they feel almost like Spanx. While I might have gotten away with one size down, they would not have been comfortable, at least at first. These pants move with you, but they do not lose their shape or stretch out very much with wear. I wore mine for several hours, and when I took them off, they looked exactly as they did when I first put them on. This is a good thing, to me, as the butt never sags during the day! They really hold everything into place, slim the legs and waist, but still allow plenty of movement. The high rise is very on-trend right now, but is also great to keep from worrying about your "crack" with shorter tops. I don't usually like to post "selfie mirror shots" on my blog if I can help it, but I wanted to show the first photo to give an idea of how the rise actually hits on the jeans. It's definitely the highest rise I own - but they still don't look like "Mom jeans".

I am such a fan of these jeans - and to be honest, I like them more every time I wear them! I have worn them everywhere from a Canes game to my office. I really appreciate how unique the wash and dye is on this pair, and the quality of the fabric is so luxe and substantial, they really are a statement piece you'll have for a long time.

These jeans are selling out fast pretty much everywhere! If you are interested in a pair for yourself, try James Jeans or Shop Tank Top.

 

February 8, 2014

Good afternoon all!

Today we finally have some much-needed sunshine. It has been so cold, rainy, and snowy lately...I can hardly wait for spring! This OOTD was centered around one of my new favorite pairs of jeans, James Jeans Neo Beau in Wimbledon. I purchased these jeans right after Christmas, and they are honestly one of the most comfortable pairs I have ever owned (probably THE most comfortable). The reason I love the Neo Beau style is because it takes all the best elements of the boyfriend jean - the relaxed fit in the leg, slightly distressed details, and comfortable fabric - and makes it into something that is still stylish and flattering on  woman's body. James Jeans, as a brand, does this better than any other denim brand I have worn. Trust me, I used to have over 50 pairs of jeans at any given time, I have worn a lot of denim! Take a look below at how I styled my jeans today, and read my detailed review about the fit! Enjoy!

Sweater, H&M; Jeans, James Jeans; Shoes, Jessica Simpson; Scarf, JCPenney; Lipstick, MAC in Ravishing

As you can see, these jeans are a slouchy, comfortable fit! They are roomy in the waist and hip area, but still drape the curves nicely and taper in the leg. I am petite - just under 5'3"- but these do not swallow me or make me look short! The inseam is 30" uncuffed, so for shorter ladies, these definitely look better with cuffs rolled twice to hit above the ankle bone. On taller ladies, these would be a little shorter, as they are modeled on the James site. The rise is 8", typical of most pairs of James Jeans. The brand is famous for rises that flatter and cover your backside while never looking drab or frumpy.

The wash (Wimbledon) is what I would describe as an iconic blue wash with distressed details. The nice thing about this pair is that since the rips and holes are very tasteful, they can be dressed up or down, and don't look sloppy.

The fabric content of this wash is 98% cotton, 2% Spandex. While these certainly have the sturdy feel of denim, they are lightweight enough for summer, and will stretch out a bit with multiple wears (in a good way, in my opinion). I would advise to buy your true size in James Jeans, or maybe 1 size up if you teeter in between sizes like myself. I bought the larger of the 2 sizes to ensure an oversized fit, but I am sure I would have been quite comfortable in 1 size down as well. 

Since it is a little warmer today, I chose to style my jeans with a plain black sweater (my go-to in the winter!) and some heels with a pop of color. I love this deep, berry-colored pair by Jessica Simpson. It is hard to tell from the photos, but they are actually suede! The leopard scarf is  fun pop of pattern for an otherwise basic outfit. As for accessories, I am a minimalist - just the scarf and my ever day jewelry and I am good to go! 

If you would like to purchase James Jeans Neo Beau, please visit the James Jeans site. This style is available in a variety of washes - I plan to purchase another wash soon! 

Happy Weekend! :) 

-Lana 

The Best Thing That Happened to My Denim Collection

Hello All!

 It has been too long since I have written! A lot of things have changed, and without boring everyone with the details, let's just say I started working in a more corporate environment a little over a year ago,  and I have not made time to post on here as I should. To my pull myself out of this blogging slump, it wold take something extraordinary, something I had to share with my fellow fashion lovers, if any of you are reading. But mostly, I want to share it for me, because I love to talk about clothes...more specifically, denim. So please read on to find out more about my latest and greatest denim discovery!

                         

The James Jeans Moto Combo Legging in Baroque & Ponte

The Back Story:

One day, I was casually surfing my favorite fashion sites, when I spotted a shot from the James Jeans blog. I saw a photo of this incredible pair of jeans, and I knew I had to have them! I had never seen moto jeans done to perfection like this before! I recently became a fan (make that whole-hearted convert) of James Jeans when I tried on my fist pair at a local boutique, Uniquities . I tried on the Randi Pencil Leg jeans in Baroque (yep, same wash as these Moto jeans). The fabric, fit, and craftsmanship were amazing, and you could tell they were worth the price. I liked them even better than J Brand! So this led me to start looking at James Jeans' other styles. Hence the blog trolling. Seriously, check out their blog here.

I have become a huge fan of online shopping in the last year, and since I knew these jeans were not in any stores near me, I took to the internet to search for reviews of these amazing Motos. What I discovered is that not only are they difficult to find for purchase, there were only a few reviews published on this exact pair. I also discovered that James makes other moto styles, and they have a HUGE devoted following, for the Moto trend alone! They really are perfect. And to be honest, I had to have them. So after waiting for an aptly-timed Black Friday sale and some Christmas money, I purchased a pair of my very own. I wanted to make sure that I posted a review so others can learn about this brand, and score a pair of these jeans for yourself! Stay tuned for many more posts about James Jeans. I have started a collection in just 3 short months, and I'm in love with every pair!

The REVIEW: 

The Moto Legging in Barque/Ponte is made of a cotton/tencel/elastin blend that is both incredibly soft and incredibly stretchy. The wash is so dark it is nearly black, but has plenty of carefully crafted abrasions to give them a worn-in, vintage feel. The black ponte panels are soft and stretchy, making this style extremely comfortable despite the amount of detail work on the legs. After my experience with the various James I now own, I would say these fit true to size. I actually purchased 1 size up from my standard James size, thinking that maybe the legging fit would be tighter. When I got them out of the bag, they looked so small I was afraid they wouldn't fit me! But boy was I wrong! They are actually loose on me, after just a few wears. So if you are looking to purchase a pair of your own, I would buy your true size. If you are *technically* in between sizes, like myself, I would go with the smaller size. I do not own the other Moto styles, but for this particular fabric blend, they do stretch out and conform to your body with each wear. As others have mentioned, these jeans truly are the most comfortable pair I own. I would wear them every single day if I could. I am so scared I am going to wear them out I want to buy a back-up pair, though at the moment, I can't shell out that much! But I stalk every fashion website known to man to see if I catch these or another pair at a discount :)

My new favorite jeans on a rainy day.

If you are interested in picking up a pair for yourself, please click the link above the first photo to go to the James Jeans website. Or click the links below:

James Jeans 

Couture Candy

Happy Shopping! 

Review: The Rachel Zoe Collection

Yes, I know I am late to the game on this one. Rachel Zoe's new collection launched weeks ago, and I've perused it many times since then. Honestly, I love Rachel Zoe. I think her style is iconic and she isn't afraid to buck trends. She makes trends. She wears wide leg jeans and she's as short as I am. So here's my 2 cents on her new collection. Not that Rachel Zoe would care at all what I think, but...Rachel, if you ever see this, I love your work. :)

All images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue website. Check them out to view The Rachel Zoe Collection and purchase online!

Favorite Shoe: Audrey Stretch Suede Platform Ankle Boots

$395, Saks Fifth Avenue

These shoes are edgy and simple at the same time. There's actually a picture of them paired with the Julie Skinny Jean if you scroll down. The suede material is so fall-appropriate and versatile. The platform is a heck-of-a-lot better than a stiletto and works with both skinny and flare jeans, which is important for this year. Flares and skinnies are competing for the spotlight this season for the first time in what seems like forever. They would look amazing with literally all of the pieces in Rachel's Collection, and make the invisible foot look possible (I'll explain...).

Favorite Look #1: The Charlie Houndstooth Jacket and Pants

Jacket, $375; Pants, $275; Natalie Blouse, $295 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots) Saks Fifth Avenue

Menswear. Flared silhouette. Sex Appeal. This look is great to me because it captures so much of Zoe's style and yet lends itself to pretty much any occasion. This would be so chic for work or a night out. The houndstooth patten is an echo of British and equestrian, but it gets a modern facelift with the added height of the platforms and the tie-neck blouse. I especially like the way they chose to style this model with minimal accessories and very clean hair and makeup. The suit speaks for itself, and although it is borrowed from the boys it is still very feminine and sexy to me. This is why I love Rachel Zoe.

Favorite Look #2: Marie One-Sleeve Caftan Top with Julie Skinny Jeans

Marie Top, $250; Julie Skinny Jeans, $175 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots)

I think that one of the great things about Zoe is her ability to mix proportions in such a flattering way. The rule is always "skinny on top, loose on bottom" or vice versa. I don't think I've ever seen Rachel Zoe wear anything skin-tight or overly clingy, and this shows up in her collection, of course. She knows how to drape and flatter a woman's body without letting her appear big. Some say wearing loose clothing adds pounds, but when Zoe styles it, the looks are slimming. This Caftan top is a perfect example. Paired with sleek, dark skinny jeans it doesn't swallow the model or hide her form. It drapes so nicely and the one-shoulder cut is sexy without being too revealing. I love this look for going to a nice dinner, a party, or even shopping. I think it embodies one of the mot classic and flattering looks that you can make with a flattering skinny jean.

Favorite Look #3: Frankie Peasant Blouse and Anjelica Wool Crepe Pants

Frankie Blouse, $295; Anjelica Pants, $375 (shown with Audrey Ankle Boots)

I have always wanted a pair of camel colored, high-waisted trousers like these. I have somehow never felt that they'd be flattering on someone like myself, but after seeing this look, I have hope. Zoe has styled a more casual, peasant-style blouse with some Hepburn-esque wool trousers and it looks stunning. It also showcases her traditional "invisible foot" look, which I find to be incredibly flattering. Zoe is often seen wearing long-line flares and wide-leg pants that skim the ground while she wears high, platform shoes. This gives the illusion of long, thin legs and it works on everyone! I've recently purchased a few pairs of pants like this and let me tell you, it will do wonders for your shape. Zoe has clearly found a silhouette that works and I highly recommend it. I am also loving the peasant style. That was popular a few years ago and I'm glad it's back :) It's flattering, comfortable, and very chic.

These are just a few of the looks available in the Rachel Zoe Collection. I'm really excited that she finally released her own stuff! I hope you check out the rest of the collection and find inspiration there.

Deals-Of-The-Month!

Oh bargain shopping, how I both loathe and love you for emptying my bank account one tiny purchase at a time and still putting a smile on my face. August was a month filled with scores for me, and I couldn't help but share my top bargains for the month with you here.

1. The $16 Joe's Jeans

Yes, it's true. I picked these up on final clearance at work. The employee discount helped out a little bit, but even so, these were a STEAL. This is a pair of Joe's "The Jegging" which usually retail from $158 and up. At TJ Maxx they were originally $59.99, and then got marked down and down and down until...voila, $16! I love these jeggings because not only are they super comfy and stretchy, they have five functional pockets so they look like skinnies. They have a 29" inseam so although they would be crops for the average gal, they are skinnies or cuffed crops on me. The wash is fabulous - vintage dark with great details. These pants were a tiny investment and I am literally wearing them all the time. Can't wait to tuck them into boots this fall!

2. The $10 Coach Heels

You have my permission to pick yourself back up off the floor and keep reading. This pair of Coach "Kyla" wedge heels were sitting at Goodwill with a special price of $10 (you know, so much more $$$ than the usual shoes there). I almost fainted when I saw they were my size. My hands shook as I put them on and realized they fit. Deal. Of. The. Century. Not only are these heels worth a TON more than $10, they are almost brand new. They have never been broken in or worn outside. So score one for me, thrift stores, and bargain hunters everywhere.

What is the best bargain you've scored recently?

Fall 2011 Wardrobe Updates

It's August, which means it's still generally hot around here (minus a few cooler days lately which have been glorious!). But September is just around the corner and that means I've started scoping out the pieces I want to add to my wardrobe this fall. September issues have been flying off of magazine stands (or into your mailbox) giving advice on the pieces you need this season, and I have definitely been intrigued. There are some trends I'm not really ever going to be into (like...argyle). But others I am certainly willing to branch out of my comfort zone and try, particularly if I can score them at steep discounts. So today I took a trip to Goodwill with a $20 limit to see what I could dig out of the racks to update my wardrobe for fall. Here are 3 key pieces that will serve as the foundation for 3 major trends that are going on this fall. Observe.

1. Menswear

This lightweight striped button-down by Gap is a perfect essential for a fall wardrobe. We've all heard the buzz about menswear taking over fashion (blazer, suiting, oxfords, boyfriend jeans, ties, etc.) and this button down is certainly borrowed from the boys but with a feminine flair. The lightness of the fabric moves with you and skims your curves without bulkifying your frame. In this neutral palette, it would go easily with some cool military cargos, dark wash skinnies, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt. It would look great over a tank top while it's still a tad warm, or layered under a sweater, trench coat, or leather jacket when the temperature drops. Besides, it's really soft and comfy so what other reason do you need for going out and finding one?

2. Nautical Inspired

The nautical inspired trends have been on off and around the runways for several seasons now. I feel like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren throw a bit into their collections nearly every year - and for good reason: the chic striped shirt has never gone out of style. Every girl should be in possession of one of those Audrey Hepburn-esque, big, striped tee shirts to throw on with a pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats. This fall, nautical can make a comeback in your closet when restyled in a modern way. I never get tired of that iconic stripes & skinnies look, but why not try mixing it up by adding some chunky wedge heels or boots, a pair of high-waisted flares, a trench coat and some gold bangles? Why not dress up your striped tee by pairing it with a classic pencil skirt in a coordinating color, accenting with sparkly jewelry, a peacoat, tights and peep-toes? I challenge you to go buy one striped tee shirt and see how you can style it this fall.

Striped tee shirt by Old Navy, via Goodill

3. Trouser Jeans

So maybe trouser jeans are not a trend in and of themselves. But this fall I've noticed the silhouettes are a mix of skinny and every variation of flares. Yes, those flares you tossed out of your closet several seasons ago when you were told that they, along with bootcut jeans, were a thing of your chic-less past and that with the advent of the skinny jeans, their services were no longer needed. Yet here we are watching flares walk down runways and into department stores all over again. "Everything is retro", my Dad always said. He was right. So I used to detest flares and all their hybrids. But I saw this pair of denim trouser-flare-thingies at Goodwill and decided that for $3.39 I could probably afford to go for it and see what happened.

Denim trouser-flares by Merona, via Goodwill

Ironically, despite my lack of height, these jeans are the perfect length to wear with short heels! I was so excited! I've always shied away from these kinds of flares due to my petite frame, but these jeans were surprisingly cute and comfortable. In fact, they looked excellent with my striped tee and some wedges! This fall I plan on wearing my leather riding jacket and ankle booties with these. Or a long, chunky sweater with ballet flats. They're a little high-waisted which means I have a chance at another fall trend that still scares me a little.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that the above three pieces cost me pennies over $10. And that, my dears, is why you should never fear thrifting.

Especially after you see the COACH shoes I picked up in my next blog...cheers!

A Light n' Easy Summer Makeup Look!

Warning: photo-heavy blog ahead! Sorry, but it seemed necessary (or at least fun?). Anyways, I've been thinking about this blog for a while now simply because I use this makeup routine almost every day and I am loving it! I'm a fan of natural-looking makeup most all of the time, but particularly during the summer when you want to look happy and sun-kissed, not caked in foundation. So my latest summer beauty trick? Watering down my foundation and applying it with a sponge. Observe.

Step 1: Moisturize!

I love this Aveeno moisturizer because it smells like plants and it really makes my skin feel fresh! Perfect for summer. Plus it's available on the cheap in any drugstore.

Step 2a: Choose foundation

I like this one by Covergirl for sensitive skin because it's available in so many colors (like extra pale for me!) and it goes on smoothly - no caking.

Step 2b: Apply water to your foundation sponge (with fingers or faucet)

Diluting the foundation with water not only feels GREAT on your skin, but it helps it go on smoothly and evenly, giving it a very light texture, almost like a tinted moisturizer!

Step 3: Apply cover-up if needed

Step 4: Apply pressed or loose powder to face

I like this cheap one from Kmart by Jordana (made in USA). It goes on smooth and has great coverage. Here's a photo of the face after the first 4 steps:

Step 5: Bronze and Go!

I love a light bronzer for summer. I used Urban Decay Baked Blushing Powder/Bronzer. It goes on very shimmery and light - even works on the chest for definition! Best of all it'll work on all skin shades from milky white to a rich cocoa color. It has a nearly sheer color that blends to the skin. Love it!

So that's my easy, sun-kissed summer beauty look! It takes about 5 minutes or less and works for every day. It's my personal favorite. The cooling power of water really does wonders for the skin!

What do you think? Do you like light makeup looks in summer or do you keep your makeup routine pretty much the same year-round? Have you ever diluted foundation with water or something else?