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Double Denim – Double Don’t!

April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Double denim (all denim) looks have been creeping back into fashion pages for a few years now and lately I’ve been seeing print ads in magazines touting the look.  Is in “style” or the latest “trend”?  Is it a go or is it a “no-no”? It takes me back, way back and gives my memory a jog to the “leisure suit” days, but I know that’s not the decade.  Days when it was cool to go against the established conservative look to produce a more casual, relaxed lifestyle. The difference is that we are already IN a casual, relaxed lifestyle at work and beyond.  Bringing back a denim suit doesn’t change a thing. The economy is sluggish to say the least and dressing up for business is becoming vogue again.  Does dressing in a denim suit really work in business?  Perhaps in the fashion or music industry but honestly, not anywhere else.  At least not now! If you are tempted to wear dd (double denim) here are a few of my thoughts:

  • It’s hard to look serious in head to toe denim
  • Few people can carry off  all denim style look
  • If you are wearing denim, wear a top or bottom piece of denim but not both
  • Put on a denim jacket with a floral dress or skirt for a fun hip look
  • Mix up your denim colors (dark and light) if you must wear double denim
  • If you are wearing DD, throw on a fun scarf to give interest

By the way, jeggings (denim leggings) are not work appropriate. Remember, just because you see it in a magazine doesn’t mean it is the latest trend….It could just be a fashion moment. Do you really want to  be remembered in that photo op for your fashion faux pas? One more thought on jean shorts (jorts) guys...According to Authors Anne Coyle and Ellen Rakieten in their book called Undateable, 311 Things Guys Do to Guarantee they Won’t be Dating the number 1 reason for NOT being dateable are jean shorts!  Think “Daisy Dukes” are you visualizing it??? Do you really want to go out with this guy? Until next time:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

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Mom Jeans on Dads???

November 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Did you know there was such a thing as dads wearing “mom” jeans? Well, first let me tell you what that is..A “mom jean” is high waist-ed, baggy at the thighs and totally unflattering jean that men wear-Circa 1980′s ladies!  Most men who wear them don’t really care about what their jeans look like, they are going for comfort.

I’m glad that the guys are now getting some heat from wearing “bad” jeans.  Might take some of the pressure off us women (not!)  Seriously though, everyone could use a little education on how to find a good looking pair of jeans.  Even our President has been caught wearing them.

Honestly, though the great thing about guys is that when they know they are doing something that isn’t quite right, they want to know how to fix it and how much it costs.  There’s no drama around it.  In defense of women though, men do not have the bodies that women have and to fit a women is a bit more challenging.

I found this great blog called DigitalDads!  They actually are dads who have some suggestions for men wearing “mom jeans”.

So rather than steel the thunder from DigitalDads

Check out their blog on “Mom Jeans” .  From my perspective, they’ve done a pretty good job at getting the job done guys!

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What’s an “Original” Hem?

November 12, 2009 By 2 Comments

Original HemLast week after buying a pair of jeans I decided that puddling on the floor just wouldn’t cut it.  I took the jeans to the dry cleaners to get a hem put in.  The gentleman asked me if I wanted the “original hem” put back in.  Of course I said “yes”.

An original hem is the same look that is on the denim as when you purchased it.  Of course I wanted “original hem”.  I picked them up 4 days later happy to wear my now hemmed jeans just skimming the floor.

While wearing them the next day, I crossed my legs only to find out their definition of “original hem” did NOT mean taking the old thread out but taking a “tuck” in the hem.  I paid $15 dollars for someone to put a “tuck” in my jeans???  I don’t think so.

Needless to say, I went back to the dry cleaners to ask for my money back.

He began to argue with me that this is what the “industry” calls an original hem.  Let me tell you, that may be what the dry cleaning industry calls an original hem, but true alterations experts DO NOT consider a fold and a tuck original hem.

Lesson learned, even hemming (which you would think would be a simple request) needs to be done by a qualified alterations person.

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing IT!”

Filed Under: Alterations, How To, Jeans Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Petite Focus-Skinny Jeans

August 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

My latest question is from a petite client, she asks the following:

Petite Skinny JeanThis question “can petite people wear skinny jeans?” has me puzzled.  Can someone short and curvy like me pull off the skinny jean/pant look this fall? I’m seeing this style pant loads of places but recall you saying that a boot cut would be better to “balance my hipper curves.” Am I correct?

The quick answer is “yes”, a boot cut does balance curvier body line. But let’s take it from there.  Here are some quick tips to have you wearing those “skinnys” and still looking great.

  1. Wear a longer top or layer the look (See photo)
  2. Do not wear your top tucked in.  This will make you look more petite.
  3. Wear some new stilettos or a shoe with a higher heel or event boots with pant tucked in .
  4. Don’t forget to add some accessories at your neck to draw the eye upward.

The key to “breaking the rules” is to know how to work the rules.  As a petite person you are always trying to elongate your body and draw the eyes upward.  When you are doing something that may make you appear visually more petite you will need to focus on other techniques to balance that out and create more length.  In this case you are balancing your curvy hips with a longer top and elongating your legs with a higher heel, drawing the eye upward with something at your neckline.  Keep it simple and keep it balanced.

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
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Get the “Skinny” on Jeans

July 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Last week I received a question about the new “skinny” jeans.  The question was if everyone could wear them.  In short, I say “yes” everyone can wear them, but perhaps not everyone should.  Today jeans are distressed, boyfriend, skinny, acid washed and trouser.  What’s a woman to do?

Jeans are on the short list of things women have a love-hate relationship with.  They love them because once found they are their new BFF, but finding them is a difficult thing to accomplish.  Do you really have to spend $100′s on the right pair of jeans for yourself?  Maybe so…maybe not….manufacturers realize and understand that jeans are here to stay and there are jeans at every price point.

Let me just say that I encourage you to approach your denim as an investment in you.  Have you ever worn out a pair of jeans in a year?  Think about how much you are willing to spend on a bathing suit, a pair of shoes, a coat and consider how often you wear these items.  Changing your focus on what is important for you to look great in one of the biggest core pieces you will ever own is critical to the success of your wardrobe.  So, to get the best jean for you, you just might have to spend a few more dollars.  I encourage you to research before you buy.

Here you’ll find the latest trends in denim and how to wear them to look good and create your style.  Don’t forget to take it all the way or you will run the risk of looking “OL”  (old lady), dated or a trend gone bad and remember balance and proportion to make it work.

“Skinny” simply refers to the leg opening rather than the jean itself.  I am not a big fan of the skinny jean for myself.  Those of you who have thicker calves will also find them less comfortable.  The key to having a good looking “skinny” jean is to make sure that they fit snug (not tight) around the waist and have the right amount of stretch.  The stretch is what will give you the comfort in getting them on and not too confined. You don’t want more than a 3-4% stretch or you will find they “bag out” after a few hours. (Photos from Levi.com)

How to wear: Always  balance the ‘skinny’ on the bottom with something larger on top.  A tunic, sweater or peasant blouse for example and lots of chains, boots, heels or wedges.

“Boyfriend” refers to a looser baggier style through the hips and thighs.  It is called “boyfriend” because it may appear that you are wearing your boyfriend’s jeans.  I like this trend because it is a fun casual look.  Often seen as ripped, torn, and distressed you need to wear this look with attitude or you will look as if you just came in from the fields.  This is an easy look to pull off because it is not as confining as the skinny jean.  Try this one out but make sure you take the look all the way. (Photos from Levi.com)

How to wear: If you are over the age of 25 and not “hanging out with the stars” be careful about adopting the ripped, torn, distressed look.  It is hard to carry off for anyone with their youth in the rear view mirror.  If you like the boyfriend look, go for the less distressed look.  Wearing them to a ball game or a casual get together might be fine.  Dress it up and don’t get too full on top.  This look is fuller on the bottom, so you’ll need to show some shaping on top.  Wear them rolled up, with a belt, a “boyfriend” (longer) sweater-belted or fitted, flats or pumps, a scarf around your neck and a cool watch.

“Trouser” is across the board a more dressy and body forgiving style.  It tends toward darker washes (also a more dressy look).  In addition it is also fuller through the seat and thigh area.  If you have curves, go ahead and try trouser jeans.  Donna Karan developed a trouser pant that is cut on the bias and truly moves with the body.  (It moves the wallet too!)  With the resurgence of the “bohemian” look of the 70′s Levi has reintroduced their 1970′s and 1974 flares. (Photos from Levi.com)


How to wear: Wear the out on a date, casually with flats, wedges or pumps, a t-shirt or a crisp white blouse.  Just note that it is no longer “cool” for your trouser jeans to drag and fray.  So if you love them, get them in two lengths-one to wear with heels/wedges and one to wear with flats and you are good to go.

These are the Donna Karan “Sculpted-Bias” Jean.  They are really beautiful and at a beautiful price of $595.

Have fun with the new trends and remember:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: How To, Jeans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

How to Find Jeans that Fit Your Body

January 1, 2008 By 3 Comments

To find a jean that looks good on your body, you should study your body’s design pattern.  Most women should wear a lower rise jean style rather than the high waist-above the belly button style. A lower rise doesn’t necessarily mean real low! It just means a bit below the belly button! Jeans that rise too high on the waist tend to make a belly and boot look even larger. You lose the proportion of the rest of your body. Let’s take a look at ways to balance your body’s characteristics with the right cut.

Try to find a jean that has some stretch (spandex) in it. It will give you the ease and memory that will work with your body and provide structure. The best jeans should have at least 1-3% of spandex in it.  In all cases, it goes without saying that any jean that exposes your crack is TOO LOW!

If you are Tall:
You can wear more straight-legged or boot cut jeans. Length should hit the floor or slightly above. Avoid too much stretch (less than 4% is good)

If you have Bigger Hips or Thighs:
Look for wider leg openings-slight flare or boot cut. This will give you balance. Do not go for baggy jeans. Choose pocket that lie flat and material that doesn’t cling or hug. 

If you are Petite:
Avoid cuffs and Capri lengths-they just make you look shorter. When hemming, make sure that the hemline covers most of your heel. This creates a streamlined look-but don’t allow pant to drag on the floor.

If you have a Large Bottom:
To slim the large bottom, make sure that you create some distraction there! Choose jeans with pockets that are medium in size and don’t sit too low or too high. Stay away from embellishments-for example a worn vintage wash on the backside. Also, select pants that are not low rise.

Small Bottom:
Select jeans that have pockets that sit high, are smaller and have some detail. This will give the illusion of a fuller bottom. You can wear jeans with not back pocket or a low rise.

Boy Shape:
If you have slim hips and few curves, select a straight-leg, classic style. Whatever you do, stay away from baggy jeans as they will make you look like a boy!

FINAL TIP:  Always wash your jeans inside out. Even though you jean may be ‘vintage’ that doesn’t mean that it won’t continue to bleed on other fabrics. Darker jeans are prone to extra shrinkage so if you do not want them to shrink, be sure to dry them partially in the dryer.

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