Jeans 101: The Five Basic Styles of Jeans

Thank you Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss for inventing the jeans in 1873. They took some thread and a little bit of metal and BAM! Jeans are something you cannot live without. Unlike jeans in the late 1800s, they now come in many different cuts and styles. On one hand, it's great to have so much variety, but sometimes it can be little bit difficult to find the right pair for you. I will have many many future post on my break down of the jeans. But for now, I want to define the 5 basic cuts of jeans to help you in your next jeans mission. This one is for the girls!

Classic Cut Jeans
Originally meant to cover up bigger hips and waists, these "mom" jeans do the exact opposite. They are usually high rise at the waist and continue to taper down your leg. Does that sound like a recipe for success? Of course not. Classic jeans rarely look good on anyone. In fact, I will say they don't look good on anyone and should be banished. Forever. When you have wider hips, it's important to first go for a mid rise waisted pair of jeans. That way, it cuts your hips in half and it doesn't look like your hips start at your waist. If you go for these mom jeans, not only will it end up drawing much attention to your waist, you will look like you're wearing parachute pants. Just don't even try a classic fit on please.

Boot Cut Jeans
Unlike the classic cut, boot cut jeans looks good on everyone. It works with all shapes and sizes and the way it slightly flares out at the bottom is very figure flattering. The only thing to consider is the rise of the waist. If you're thinner, you can go for any rise, but make sure the cut at the waist doesn't give you a muffin top. If you're medium sized at the waist, go for a mid or low rise. And if you're thicker at the waist, go for a mid rise. Do not shoot yourself in the foot by giving yourself a muffin top -- anyone can get it, including the skinny people. So don't obsess over the numbers and go for what's comfortable and flattering.

Some bootcut recommendations:

Flare Jeans
With flare jeans, the flare at the bottom is a bigger than a boot cut, but not as big as bell bottoms. This look generally looks better on taller girls because of the wider flare at the bottom. I am very short and I have to hem all of my jeans. If I were to rock the flare, it would start at my knees and cut off my leg even more. So stay away from flares if you're short like me. For taller girls however, the flare gives your legs more dimension and depth so it doesn't look like one continuous long line. Very flattering! In you're in the market, Charlotte Russe has some flare jeans for 15%off.

Some flare recommendations:

Straight Cut Jeans
A straight cut is basically straight up and down. No tapering or flaring at the bottom. I love a straight cut when I want to tuck my jeans into my boots. It's less stuffing and more comfortable. This cut looks better with heels if your jeans are slightly longer. However, I think these jeans look best with boots (tucked in), walking shoes or flip flops. I recommend a straight cut for average height girls to shorter girls because it elongates your legs. As I mentioned, if you've got longer legs, a straight cut might end up looking like you have giraffe legs. No offense, I wish I had that problem.

Some straight cut recommendations:

Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are very fitting all the way through and tapers at the bottom. These look great on taller girls. However, you can still rock it if you're short, but I think they look better when the short girls wear heels with them. I know some girls wear sneakers or ballet flats with skinny jeans and the results are stunting. If you're short and you want comfortable footwear, go for straight or boot cut jeans. Leave the skinny jeans for a funkier/trendier occasion where you can break out those heels because that look is hot.

Some skinny jeans recommendations:

Well I hope this clears things up when you are staring at the wall of jeans at the Gap and wondering where you should start. There are so many other factors and tricks that you need to know about jeans and I will continue to write more about it later. Happy jean shopping!

Confessions of a Shopaholic is Out!

Calling all fashionistas! Bring your girlfriends or drag out your boyfriends today! Confessions of a Shopaholic is out and I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of fashion eye candy for us to indulge in. I plan on seeing it and will let you guys know if it's good. If you happen to see it before me, leave a comment and tell me your thoughts!

STARRING:
 
Isla Fisher
This girl is so super cute. I loved her in Wedding Crashers and Definitely, Maybe among many other films. Her baby daddy is the very funny Sasha Baron Cohen, otherwise known as Borat. I wonder if he'll break out the mankini swimsuit for her for Valentine's Day. These two are such a funny couple, I wonder if they still make each other laugh or is it annoying when you have to live with Borat? I wouldn't think so, I love funny men! Did I ever mention I have a thing for comedians and magicians? Yea, it's weird.

Hugh Dancy
This British actor is UK's most talented up and coming actor. He totally reminds me of a younger Colin Firth of Bridget Jones's Diary (You know, Mark Darcy) and a little bit of Orlando Bloom. Do you see it? Hugh Dancy has been in films such as Black Hawk Down, King Arthur and Basic Instinct 2. He is currently engaged to Claire Danes and his Star Popularity meter on IMDB is up 328% right now due to the movie. Interesting...I'm sure I will have a huge crush on him after I watch the movie. And if he pulled a rabbit out of his hat...it would be over.

Krysten Ritter
Now I'm not too familiar with Krysten Ritter. But she was on 27 Dresses and has done a lot of TV work including "Til Death" and "The Gilmore Girls". Krysten was discovered in a mall by Elite Model Managment (that's why it's good to go shopping alllll the time. You never know who you may run into). She traveled the globe to do her modeling, but quit to focus on her acting, writing and music. I'm sure we will see more of her as she is currently working on many other projects.

I'm so excited you guys! I can't wait to see all of the clothes! I bet the stylist on this set had a lot of fun and I am definitely going to let you guys know what I thought of the movie. Stay tuned!!

5 Stylish & Trendy Hats For Guys

Men have been sporting hats way before women. It was first used as protective headgear, then as a status symbol, and now more importantly as a fashion accessory. I love this because I don't think guys have enough accessories to choose from like women do. So I'm glad that a lot of guys are sporting the baseball hats regularly. But what if you want to venture into some cooler hats to top off your look? Well, lucky for you there are so many styles to choose from. Here are 5 of my favorites.

1. The Newsboy Cap
If a beret and a baseball hat had a baby, their love child would be a newsboy cap (also known as a Gatsby Cap.). This hat does not discriminate against age as it looks good on guys of all ages. Ashton Kutcher is looking very well put together here and I'm glad we're not seeing him with his usual trucker hats. His angular features offsets the roundness of the top of the hat and it compliments him perfectly. Go with a more dressed up look like Ashton did, or pair a newsboy cap with a casual t-shirt and jeans situation. It works with almost anything and everything.

 

2. The Flat Cap 
The flat cap is very similar to the newsboy cap, but it's cleaner and more structured. It's as if someone couldn't figure out how to wear the beret, so they added a stiff brim to hold it in place. I am one of those people who find that berets can be annoying to fiddle around with, so I'm glad they came out with the flat hat that has more rhyme and reason to it. I love this style because it trends up any outfit and it is flattering on most face shapes. Brad Pitt is no exception. He looks very stylish wearing this flat cap, paired with a simple black tee and jacket. But what doesn't look good on Brad?

 

3. The Cowboy Hat
Some girls really like the John Wayne cowboy look. For me, a cowboy hat only looks hot without the cowboy boots and tight jeans. I know I use David Beckham a lot as an example, but he's just really good at this stuff isn't he? Anyhoo, I love the simple white tank and baggy jeans. I'm even liking the sling pack or murse he's wearing. The result: a very relaxed and effortless look. So if you feel like going for a more casual look, consider cowboy hats like these to complete your ensemble.

 

4. The Fedora Hat
I love the fedora hat when worn with just a t-shirt and jeans. If you were to wear it with a dressier outfit, it might look too much like a costume. With a simple t-shirt, jeans and some appropriate necklaces or leather bracelets, give yourself a more rocker look, as Johnny Depp so successfully shows off here. You should definitely add a fedora hat like this to your collection if you want to have more rustic and edgy style. It's the perfect accessory!

 

5. The Beanie
T.I. is looking very tough sporting the beanie in this pic. It's funny how the beanie started off as a dorky hat, made with felt and a propeller on top. It's now worn as a street look and the results are hot. Now I have seen the beanie worn on the red carpet by rockers and musicians, but they are the exception. I think this look is better paired with everyday wear. Note: Do not pull the beanie too low over your eyes as a driving precaution. Plus it just looks stupid.

Links à la Mode Feb 12th: The Independent Fashion Blogger Roundup

• Breakfast at Saks - Must Have Shoes: Omelle
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - All the rage of resin jewelry.
• Dogmom’s Dish - Flash-tastic Golf Fashion From Across The Pond
• dramatis personae - On Member Only Shopping Sites
• fashion in my eyes - Miami love
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Pulse Daily: Check out our pick for a funny (yet fashionable) Valentine’s Day gift.
• Fasshonaburu Fashion - Winter to spring transition style tips
• féte a féte - Fascination with Fascinators!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Photos you can use on your blog without breaking the law
• produzentin - produzentin’s online shopping guide
• Retro Chick - Have you got that Lovin’ feeling? Stylish & Ethical Gifts for Valentines Day.
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info has lilac and lavender tops and dresses in mind for the spring color of the season.
• Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - Get the luxe look of an Alexis Mabille tie waist skirt for less
• Star Fashion Addict - Fun valentine gifts under .00
• Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Christopher Deane - Emerging Designers Who Embrace the Lace & Love the Chiffon!
• Style Symmetry - How To Host a Clothing Swap Party!
• The Art of Accessories - Show the man in your life some love this Vday!
• THE COVETED - Elixirs of Love
• The Subadult Years - Ethics versus service… what is more important?
• Thrift Eye - Shoe Typeface