Trend Watch: Jeggings

 

Jeans + Legging = Jegging

I must admit that I’ve paid no real attention to this trend until my friends and colleagues, Kristie Hand and Lisa Smigiel, requested my thoughts.  I had tried them on before, but it was one of those days that a woman shouldn’t be trying on clothes, especially jeans – and especially not THOSE jeans!  So, I didn’t really give them a chance.  This week, I went back out again to conduct research for this post.

First off, I must point out that I think this hybrid name of “jegging” is ridiculous.  I’m not sure why we need to come up with a cutesy name, rather than just referring to them as what they are – jean leggings.  There are a million different styles of jeans and they don’t have silly names…we just say, bootcut, boyfriend or skinny when referring to their style.  So, from here on out in this blog, the word jegging is banned. 

Jean leggings are going to be fall’s skinniest, sexiest and comfiest jean.  They are different than the skinny jean as they are made with a new type of nylon material that makes them more comfortable.  Although they look tight (ok, really tight), they don’t feel tight and are actually stretchy, soft and flattering.   

While they aren’t the easiest things in the world to get on, they are versatile and comfy.  Worn correctly, they’re a fun trend that looks modern, classy and cool.  Worn incorrectly, they are a fashion disaster revealing every curve and bump that you’d rather keep hidden.  

How do you wear them?  Well, that’s what is so great about these things - You can wear them to the grocery with a t-shirt or you can dress them up with heels.  You can wear them anywhere really, but as with anything, they should be worn according to your personal style, body type and personality - and not according to trend. 

The key is pairing them with the right top.  They look perfect with long tops, short dresses and long cardigans.  For casual wear during the day less is more.  Flats, sandals or sneakers are a good choice of footwear during the day.  For a great fall look, pair jean leggings w/a long sweater cinched at the waist with a cute belt.  Or wear them with a relaxed tank, a long cardigan and a scarf. 

You can find jean leggings everywhere from American Eagle & Urban Outfitters to Macy’s and Neiman Marcus.  Online shops like Shop Bop and TopShop have a great selection too.  When looking for the best fit for you, similar rules apply as with regular jeans – stick with the brand you typically wear.  Of the jean leggings I tried during my research, I prefer Hudson, Citizens of Humanity and William Rast.  Joe’s Jeans are popular in this style, but not for this girl.  Couldn’t get them on past my knees.   

I learned a lot about this hot trend this week, but I didn’t buy a pair.  Truth be told, they just aren’t me.  I’m fortunate to be fairly long and lean, so they don’t look awful on me, but I don’t feel great in them.  The key to wearing anything WELL is confidence.  Without that, wearing a daring trend like this can spell disaster.  I appreciate them and think they have a great place this season, just not on me.  I’d encourage anyone to give them a chance though – like you tell your kids when you want them to eat broccoli, “Try it, you might like it.”

Btw…I don’t like broccoli either. 

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Fall is Coming = Summer Steals

  

Like it or not, fall is on its way!

September issues are hitting the stands full of beautiful new clothes for us to dream about.  Fall is my favorite time of year and I always enjoy making my annual “birthday wish-list,” which is timed perfectly at the beginning of the season (thanks mom).  Still though, it’s hard to fully embrace fall in August - arguably the hottest, muggiest time of year. 

What’s a girl to do? 

Run to your favorite shopping destinations and stock up on all the summer things you’ve had your eye on, but haven’t purchased yet.  Now is the time you’d really want to wear them and now they’re on sale! 

We all know that Anthropologie is my home away from home, so that’s where my sneakers are headed.  I tried this cute top on (left) a few weeks ago…it’s on sale now, so I hope they still have my size. 

 

This pretty ruffled blouse is a great staple.  Seems like I have a few like it, but you can never have enough pretty white blouses.  They make great underpinnings or look sweet all on their own.  This one (right) is on sale for $39.95, so I better act fast.  I’d love this skirt too, but I haven’t been able to find it.  The search is on.

This purple floral top is cute too – only $49.95!

 

The Gap has a million summery frocks that you can get for a steal right now.  Little dresses like this one (left) are about as effortlessly pretty as you can get.  I also adore this delicate, feminine dress from Ruche (right).

Time to stock up on all the pretty summer items before they’re gone.  Hmmm….I think I’ll get off this couch and go shopping today!

Ode to the Bicycle

 What a beautiful day for a

bike ride!

Searching Etsy this morning for a gift, I came across this sweet bicycle pendant by morikaty.  I just love it’s vintage charm and think it would look great layered with a few other delicate pieces.  

I thought I’d see what other bicycle themed pieces were out there and couldn’t believe how many cute things I found.

This delicate little charm “A boardwalk bike ride” is from Ruche, and at only $16.99 makes a perfect gift.

 

These two pretties caught my eye, not only because the necklaces are cute, but the presentation is lovely.  The nostalgic necklace by ChinaCherie on the left shows great detail – enhanced by antiquing the silver plating.  The petite pendant on the right by dandyapple, features a fun vintage bicycle  advertisement showcased under an acrylic bauble, and is mounted in a scalloped antiqued brass setting.  This is one of my favorites – it reminds me of my scrapbooking style.

These Victorian style drop earrings from Jezebel Charms are so unique.

An homage to the first machine to ever to be called a bicycle. 

Note: Literary lovers will adore this designers work…must see jewelry and accessories. 

 

You all know I love crochet – so I fell in love with these adorable crocheted earrings with tiny bicycle charms by Sara Hoo.  I love their subtly and delicate femininity. 

They would make such a thoughtful gift for the bike lovers in your life. 
So what about the fellas?  We have several friends that love their bikes, and my husband has even discovered a new found interest in his.

These cufflinks by Cosmic Firefly are snazzy and have a nice pop of color.

 

For the quirky cycling enthusiast, these ties by Toy Breaker are pretty neat.  They are original hand-drawn illustrations.  The ties are made of a soft microfiber, having almost the same hand as real silk and are printed with high-quality, non-toxic, water based ink.

I love the rustic look of this belt buckle from Flight Path Designs.  It would look great with a pair of jeans and a navy/blue button down shirt – making the belt a little surprise twist.   

 

Finally – I am so tempted to buy this  bow-tie for my 17- month-old nephew, Owen.  All ties come ready to wear, so no worries if you don’t have knot tying skills.  

Well, with all this talk of bicycles, I think I’ll go take mine for a spin!  

Trend Watch: Oxfords

 

 It’s time I start taking the Oxford trend seriously!

They’ve been around for a while now, but I haven’t been sold on them.  I’m an old soul that loves vintage style and also think menswear on women is stunning when done well.  Still for some reason, I wasn’t adapting to these funny little shoes.

Until now.

Who can deny how cute these guys are?  Jessica Biel rocks Oxfords all the time.  Here she’s wearing Stuart Weitzman’s cutout version – an interesting take on the shoe that highlights one of the biggest trends in footwear for 2010.  The nude color mixed with the open air makes this a great summer shoe.

Taylor Swift delighted me by showing off her young and chic style, pairing her brown Oxfords with blue herringbone tights and a casual striped dress.  She looks fantastic.  I’m not sure whose shoe she’s wearing, but I found a few alternatives online.  I really like this flat pair from Ruche and the saucy heeled version by Miss Sixty.   

 

Sienna Miller gives the Oxford a perfect “city cool” look here.  I really love the white/off white color and am thinking that if…I mean WHEN I get a pair, it will be something like this.  So cute.  This pair from Etsy is a winner too. 

 What I think I’m responding to most about this trend is its ability to put an edgy, feminine twist on a masculine silhouette.  This sassy lace-up is the perfect example of the masculine/feminine marriage.  This look works best with knee-length dresses, suits and jeans.  

The shoe will give a hip pop and old-school charm to a business casual wardrobe. 

 

Oxfords have certainly become a staple for Hollywood celebs like Sienna Miller, Jessica Biel, Rihanna, Hillary Duff and Whitney Port.  

   

So, what is it about these shoes?  They’re comfortable, they’re a great alternative to sandals or ballet flats, and they can go with just about anything (even a wedding dress??)! 

They look great with or without socks, with skinny jeans or cropped pants, with dresses and skirts, shorts and capris.  They evoke a relaxed, effortless look, and to me, they are the shoe of the season.

I’ll end with photos of a few other unique Oxford styles – metallic and delicate cut-out.  How to choose??