Avoiding the Muffin Top  


Since low-rise jeans resurfaced some years ago, they have become the status quo for denim designers. It is almost impossible to pick up a pair of jeans that have a rise of 7+ inches. So, whether they have fuller tummies or not, many women end up looking like this:















Ok ok, so that was a little extreme, but here's an image that I'm sure you see everyday:












And then many others just denounce jeans altogether...but, you don't have to!!! Here are some tips for getting a good fit for your stomach:


* Buy a mid rise jean. They ARE out there! These are jeans where the rise (length
from waist to crotch) is about 8 inches. Don't be afraid that you'll look like
your mom. Often times, low-rise jeans fit poorly simply b/c they weren't made for
most body types. If there isn't enough material in the jean to pull up over your
booty and hips, stop trying! It isn't you! Besides, wearing a mid-rise jean will
give you a low-rise look...WITHOUT the ill fit.



* If you do have more tummy, buy a higher-rise jean and wear a longer A-line or
flowy top...something that stops around your upper to mid thigh. That way you can
buy the jean to fit your true waist w/o compromising the fit through the
thigh/leg. If you are on the road to trying to lose your stomach, later on you can
just tuck your shirt inside the jean and rock the high-rise trend with a cute
belt. Just be aware of your silhouette. You want a line that is lean so avoid a
skinnier leg and go for straight, bootcut, or wider leg styles. The larger your
midsection, the wider the leg opening should be or you'll just highlight that you
are wider around the middle. You've got to strike a balance. Just stay away from
the flare leg...not only is that not trendy right now, but it compliments very few
body types.








* If you don't have a larger stomach, this post still applies to you. As I said, its
not about you, its about the jean. And even though you may be the poster girl of
physical fitness, it is possible for you to have a muffin top too. Just look at
our girl Britney:

...See?

* Finally, if you have a pair of low-rise jeans that you just absolutely love and
must wear *sigh*, just follow the same rules and wear a top that doesn't display
your stomach peeking out of your jeans...and don't forget those low-rise panties!!!

$7 Savings???  



In tough economic times like these when its hard enough to buy food and gasoline, people are using more "discretion" in spending their discretionary income. As a result, retail sales have been in the dumps. In fact, for the recent NY Fashion Week, many designers decided to pass on a tent show in Bryant Park in lieu of a more intimate (cheaper) venue. In an effort to increase decreasing revenues, designers are trying to come up with solutions to turn the tables.

Joe's Jeans have lowered the prices of their Spring 2009 collection by $7...and personally, I'm not impressed. At an average cost of $165/pair AND living in Chicago where sales tax is 10.25%, that wouldn't make me any more likely to buy a pair of jeans that wasn't in my budget.

True Religion decided to bump the US market altogether and just expand internationally. Certainly this will improve their bottom line, but shouldn't they be more focused on appealing to the customer that has supported them thus far...ahem Americans?

Let me know your thoughts...is saving $7 enough for you to break the bank? Can designers offer you anything that will up your spending???

Justin Suarez (Mark Indelicato) To Release Denim Line  


Actor, Mark Indelicato (who plays the endearing character of Justin Suarez on ABC hit show Ugly Betty), is not too different from his fashionisto character of Justin. He was seen at several fashion shows during New York Fashion Week (Z Zenga and Badgley Mischka to name a couple) and announced his plans to launch a denim collection of his own next year.

Here is the catch: He is working with Disney (yes, Mickey Mouse Disney) on this line. However, they have yet to officially green-light the project.

Sooooo....I'm kinda confused... Who is the target market here? Disney is obviously associated with children, but the 18 year-old himself was wearing a prototype of the line (although they do look pretty snug). Would Disney back a contemporary (read: young adult) line? We'll just have to see what happens with this one.

Work Jeans...NOT Mom Jeans!  

Many companies employ a more casual dress code in which jeans are acceptable. However, this is one of many pieces of casual attire that have been pulled off of the forbidden-list (i.e. sneakers, flip-flops, leggings, etc).

I love the concept of course because I love denim jeans. My problem? I have seen the denim exception be abused time and time again. How??? MOM JEANS (and Dad jeans for that matter)! Ladies (and gentleman), the allowance of jeans to work does not mean that we are allowed to throw all professionalism out of the window...they are simply an alternative to a nice pair of slacks...let me reiterate - NICE pair of slacks! Unless all of your jeans are of a nice fit/style, people do NOT wear the pair that you "throw on" on the weekends to run your errands!












Here are some work denim tips:
* If you can't interchange them w/your slacks, don't do it. This means if you can't
pair them w/a nice blazer and/or blouse, they aren't for the workplace.

* Trouser jeans and dark denim always creates a more polished and professional look.
Unless you are a true fashionista, don't risk trying to do lighter washes at the
9-5.

* Unless you are of upper management in an extremely causal work environment of a
non-corporate company, please do not wear denim when meeting clients. Unless they
have initiated a sales call because they badly desire your business, what you are
wearing does matter.

Here are some looks that are certain to steer you in the right direction!




Tell us your thoughts!

Jean School  

Every denim designer uses their own fit model whose body proportions are used to produce their styles. Because all of us come in our own unique shape, buying jeans is really just a process of finding a brand whose fit model has the proportions closest to our own. So before you head off to find those best for you, make sure that you know what you should be looking for. The most important thing to look for when buying jeans is the right size!

* When it comes to jeans size doesn’t matter! Ignore the size and go for the fit.
Most of us have a three-size range anyway. You’ll see that we provide you will
your true size with the brand size equivalent.

* Denim fibers tend to stretch out, so if you’re between sizes, consider buying them
a little tighter.

* Softer weaves drape the body best, but don’t avoid jeans with a more rigid fit (1%
stretch) - it can eliminate a saggy fit in the rear.

* Buy jeans to fit your largest curves - a good tailor can take care of the rest.

* When selecting the best jeans for your body type, make the best jean choice for
your body and style, not just by following latest fashions.

How to measure yourself:

Waist: Using measuring tape, loosely wrap it around your waist. Now, add a couple of inches. Unless you are purchasing high rise jeans (), you won’t be wearing them on your actual waist. Brands use a lower waist measurement that is about 2 inches greater than your true waist.