Looks by Larissa: Gray and Yellow

This Sunday, I woke up and decided that I wanted to feel cute and cozy, so I opted for this fun sweater from Sparkle and Fade. The spots of color are what makes this one of my favorite pieces; it is very individual and can be paired perfectly with some dark-wash skinny jeans. I am wearing my favorite Silence and Noise jeans, because they just look good with everything.

Lately, I have been very into ankle boots. These are from Aldo, which is having amazing sales, and I can’t seem to stop buying more boots! They have a slight heel and are extremely basic, but that is what makes them worthwhile. They are great for almost any season, and I can still wear them with a cute summer dresses as the weather gets warmer! This is the perfect ensemble for meeting friends while snuggling up with a cup of coffee.

Detail shot of the sweater after the break...

RAINN-y Days Are Ahead for Paige Denim

Rachel Bilson, Miranda Kerr, Kate Moss, and more celebrities have been spotted in the ultra-cool denim products by Paige Denim. Just in time for spring, Paige Denim has announced plans to produce a new wash called “RAINN Blue.” Designed to promote National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, proceeds from the “RAINN Blue” wash sales will benefit the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.

“This cause is very near and dear to my heart, and I am honored to sit on RAINN’s national leadership council,” Paige Denim creative director and co-founder Paige Adams-Geller said in a press release. "We created this jean to promote awareness and to provide help for victims who would not have otherwise been able to receive any.”

Launching in April, the four jean pieces available in “RAINN Blue” will range from $135 to $179, with 20 percent of proceeds donated to RAINN.

Text: Quamé A. Hamlin
Source: Los Angeles Times
Image Source: Paige Denim

Looks by Larissa: Black on Black

 

Today, I decided to wear an all-black ensemble. I wanted to show off my new H&M button-up crop top. I love this piece so much, because it is fabulous and very classic, plus it is flattering on me. The tie detail is,  by far, my favorite. I paired it with my favorite high-waisted vintage jeans. Next, I switched up the look by adding some strappy black wedges; the thick crisscrossing straps are super modern yet edgy. 

The final piece is a vintage jean jacket by Liz Claiborne. I like the look of the jacket, as it is very clean and it has shoulder padding, which gives it a retro look. It is definitely fun to match it with feminine clothing items, to create an interesting juxtaposition between them. The gray day set off the outfit perfectly, since we stopped by a farmland on our way back to Portland. 

Check out a detail shot after the break....

Looks by Larissa: Winter Day

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland, as my school’s campus was covered in snow. As the sun came out and glinted off of the white blanket of fresh snow, I decided to pick out a comfy, white knit sweater with a basic V-neck. Lately, I've found that I am drawn to knits with low or unusual neck lines, because they make even the most basic sweater interesting.

I picked this sweater up while vintage shopping. You can find some beautiful vintage sweaters if you are up for spending the time to look for them. I am rocking this H&M black circle scarf, because it was pretty chilly outside. I love finding different ways to experiment with this scarf. It is definitely a staple item in my closet. Again, I am rocking my awesome lace-up Dolce Vita boots. These shoes are easy to dress up or down, and they are surprisingly comfortable!

Shoe shot behind the jump...

Looks by Larissa: Black and Tan

The chilly afternoon sunlight filtered through the clouds as a friend and I took a walk outside by the wooded area around the house. This day reminded me of crips autumn days, so I opted for a soft brown suede vintage blazer, which is the perfect blend of classy and laid back. I’ve found that suede blazers are relatively easy to come by when you're vintage shopping, so keep an eye out for them!

My leather wedges are from Aldo and I adore them; they are so simple and basic. The heel gives me extra height, but they are not ridiculously tall, which makes them great for day wear because you can rock them with anything from pants to a little black dress. The basic gray and black-striped top is from H&M, which is my go-to for almost all of my basics. Lately, I've been into high-waisted, wide-leg jeans, so I found some old vintage Levi's and rolled them up. Ta-da, comfy, fabulous jeans!

Catch a detail shot behind the jump...

Jeans Gone Wild

Animal print jeans are more popular than ever, with several different styles to be found at J Brand, Current/Elliot, rag & bone, and the Gap. Animal patterns are here to stay for the season, so it may be wise to figure out how to rock this hot style now.

From a chill night in to a glamorous night out, there's a specific animal print for every occasion. When you're feeling a bit out of the norm and in the mood to stand out in a crowd, go with colored leopard print skinnies with a flowy top and ankle-strap stilettos, Fashionologie suggests. With a loud look like this, you'll be bound to please the masses with such exotic fearlessness.

For a more professional feel, try a black, white, and gray print with a boldly striped sweater, booties, and a bag that adds a splash of color to the mix. Fashionologie describes this specific style as one that will "tame the wild print."

More animal-printed pants after the jump...

Denim Trends Defining Fall

Trends may come and go, but denim seems to have a lasting effect on those who are fashion conscious. There is a vast range of the latest season’s trends in denim. With the fall season's focus on '70s fashion, the decade's key denim looks are back in circulation. The latest jean pool features a whole new spectrum of blue hues and silhouettes.

A fitted shirt and thin heel are essential to a pair with high waist, jean trousers. A comfortable and simple denim trend are the boyfriend jeans; a loose fit and "boy cut" on top, rolled up mid-calf. Chambray blouses are even making a comeback and can be styled with dark skinny jeans and espadrilles for a casual weekend look.

For a striking denim outfit that can be worn for a night on the town - heels and chandelier earrings can dress up a tailored denim blazer over a long romantic dress. Lastly, if it is an equestrian-chic look you seek, a classic pair of boot cut or skinny jeans are ideal to wear tucked into riding boots with a tailored oxford.

What's your ideal denim outfit?

Text Tiffany Frasier

NSF Launches New Denim Line

Fall into Autumn wearing the hottest jeans out there. Known for their eye-catching plaid patterns and shawl-collared sweaters with patch pockets, NSF clothing decided to jump on the band wagon and travel into the men’s denim market. NSF is now headed by their new creative director, Simon Miller who took an unexpected approach. The new line is offered in six different washes and one classic cut. The jeans are slim fitting and tapered but do appear to be loose to accommodate the different body types of men. Made from premium Japanese selvage denim and produced on American looms from the 1950’s, the jean washes take up to 20 steps. Due to the make of the jeans, the prices are much higher than the normally affordable NSF apparel. The jeans are priced between $200 and $400 dollars. To purchase a pair of NSF jeans, go to your nearest Barneys and Neiman Marcus Don’t miss out on this fashionable fall denim.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Esquire

True Religion Launches New Phantom Line

True Religion, the very popular denim company is about to launch their new Phantom Line for the fall. Perfect for your outdoor activities, the jeans are durable. The pockets are beautified. The wash is more restrained. These jeans are perfect to wear everyday in this upcoming Fall season. Whether you are wear the jeans for an afternoon hike or for a night out with friends, these jeans will make it through your everyday activities. High quality and well known in the denim world, these jeans are perfect for your Fall wardrobe. Keep your eyes peeled. This line will be sold in stores beginning next month. The pricing of the items will be around $300. Instead of the usual True Religion brand, the jeans in this line have a different brand. A true indicator that the jeans are from this particular line is the American flag that is embroidered on the jeans. The items are made in the U.S.A.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Truereligionbrandjeans.com

The Optimal Illusion

If you’re lucky enough to be below a size 4, the fashion world is your playground. You’re able to pull off practically any trend, whether it’s cropped t-shirts, silk shorts, or the newly coveted denim leggings. However, you are also the minority. While skinny jeans have become a wardrobe staple, they are definitely not universally flattering. This season, many designers have noticed the issue- and have actually done something about it. Hallelujah! Finally, there is a jean that has the potential to look good on any body type. No, I’m not talking about the mysterious pair of Levi’s from “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”. What I’m referring to is the new style being embraced by the biggest names in denim, the skinny bootcut. It is, essentially, what it sounds like. The jean hugs the thighs without suffocating them, and then flares slightly just below the knee. I kid you not when I say these jeans are miraculous. Not only do they have a great slimming effect, but (unlike previous bootcut styles) these can also easily be tucked in to your favorite pair of fall boots without the bulk of extra fabric around your calves. Skinny bootcut jeans also look great with heels, flats, and flip-flops. All in all, they are the perfect everyday jean. For a cute daytime look, try styling a pair in a medium to dark wash with a neutral sweater and platform clogs. If you’re more of a party animal, wear a pair of skinny bootcut jeans in a super dark wash with a flirty silk top and your absolute favorite pair of heels. Embrace this season’s trends by tucking these jeans into a pair of military inspired lace-up booties, dressing them up with a faux-fur jacket in a leopard print, or by picking a 70’s inspired pair with more of a flared leg. No matter how you choose to wear them, these jeans will look just as good as your standard skinny jeans, if not better.

By Ali Antonucci

A True Converse-ation Piece

Artist Sebastian Errazuriz is a man of many talents: he is a photographer, the creator of unique household furniture and decor, and has even been commissioned to design a house; however, it is Sebastian's fashion designing that really caught my eye.

His special edition design for Converse combines the classic Converse flat with a pair of wide leg jeans, literally fusing them together. Talk about innovation! The jeans look great on the male model (of course!), but I wonder about the functionality of these pants/shoes when it comes to people of different heights and sizes. This may just be fashion trend to admire from afar.

I hope to pass someone on the street one day very soon wearing these...shants?

-Erin O'Hara

Bringing Back Wide Legs

After a few years with the skinny jean, it seems fashion is restoring to the 1970's by bringing back the wide leg jean. It seems that this spring season more and more of us will turn to wide-leg jeans, not as a substitute for skinnies, but as an addition to our denim collection.

If worn probably and with the correct upper half pairings wide-leg jeans can be both figure flattering and fashionable. Wide-leg jeans can be very easy to wear you just need to remember a few tricks.

First in order to counteract the bottom-heavy pant legs try pairing them with a fitted, tucked in blouse. And second since most wide-leg jeans are made with a higher waist becareful of the style and fit you choose because the wrong fit can result in a long bum appearance, and lets face it who really wants that? To avoid the long bum syndrome untuck your top and belt it up.

Spring is shaping up to be a great season, keep checking back here for more Spring fashion must haves.

-Erin Jones

Cut and Rip those JEANS!

Just a little "quickie" here for you. I would just like to inform you that the metal days are coming back in full force. I'm not talking grunge here, we've been there done that. Come to think of it, actually that is of the current trends for those in the know. However, for those who like to be on the budding rise of "what is next" grab those jeans you were just about to throw out and a pair of scissors and go to town! You don't need to spend $350 on these jeans by some designer either. I will update tomorrow with a tutorial on how to get this same look (even better) from a pair of jeans in your closet.

Peace