Find Perfect jean Tips

There are so many things I could say about finding the perfect jeans.  Every "rule" and "tip" has an exception, and general tips don't always work for everyone.  Ugh.

BUT, I came up with an idea how to share some thoughts on jean back pockets and embellishments that will be helpful to you.  I partnered with my friend Heather from Vault Denim Bloomington to show you what kind of pockets to look for, what all that stitching means, and how to know if it is OK to wear whisking and distressing.

Check it out...

Yeah, Butt...

( from the February edition of SASSY Magazine)

Yeah, Butt...

What is it with our obsession with finding the perfect jean?

JEANS!  They are the source of our frustration, the backbone to our wardrobes, and the thing we can’t seem to live without.  They are also the one thing in our closets that can be absolutely perfect…or not so much.

I’m sure we’ve all been with our girlfriends and the topic has come up.  One of your friends will say “oh my gosh you HAVE to try XYZ jeans!  They are amazing!”  So you run out to the boutique and try on the magic XYZ jeans. Your conclusion?  You must me immune to the magic.

What is important in a pair of jeans? Here are some basics…

1.  FABRIC – Lycra or Spandex needs to be a part of the fabric content. These fabric “fillers” hold you in and smooth things out.

2.  WAISTBAND - The waistband should fit just below the belly button, you should not see muffin-top (spillage, fluff – whatever you want to call it) over the top of the waistband.  If you do, try the next size up (and refer to #4 below).  The waistband should be contoured.  In other words, the back should be higher than the front.

3. STYLE – The truth is most body types can get away with wearing just about any cut of jean…if worn correctly. The 2 cuts of jeans that are constantly no-fail are the boot cut and the straight leg.  The boot cut would be a jean whose ankle opening is (at least) 1” larger than the width of the knee.  The straight cut jean has an ankle opening that is the same width as the knee.

If you carry your weight in your hips and thighs, then you will want to be sure the jeans (and other pieces you wear with your jeans) distract from your problem area.

Make sure any distressing is in an area that you want people to look at.  Do the 6ft mirror test: Try the jeans on, step back at least 6 feet from a mirror and take a picture of yourself (in the mirror).  You will see where the distressing is and where people are looking when they see you.

4. IT IS OK TO ALTER! -   We are all friends here, right?  I will let you in on a little secret…I have NEVER purchased a pair of jeans I haven’t had altered!  Seriously!  If there is one secret to a perfectly fitting jean, this is it in one word: ALTERATIONS!

POCKETS…yea, butt

Now let’s talk pockets.  What do you do when you try on jeans?  I bet you instantly turn, look over your shoulder and check out your back-side.  Right? OF COURSE YOU DO!  The back pockets make or break the jeans.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried on a great fitting pair of jeans, then turned to check out the back and said “yea…BUTT!”  Here are some things to commit to memory:

The placement of the pockets is CRITICAL! European fashioned brands have long pockets that extend down past your, well, butt. These low pockets will make your rump look flat.  This is OK if you have more than enough junk in your trunk – but is a slippery slope. 

Make sure the bottom of the pocket aligns with the top of your thigh. Back pockets need to be centerd at the fullest part of your booty.

The pockets should be set at a slight inward angle. The angle can create an optical illusion that offers a great little round rump.  The angle should be from the top down (or the pockets should be closest at the top near the waistband).

Size DOES matter.  The higher the pockets sit on your booty, the bigger your booty will appear (remember Lee jeans from the 70’s?) .  Likewise, the larger the pockets, the larger your backside will also look (ala Mom jeans); but this isn’t to say that back pockets should be small either – it’s all about balance and proportion.

To Bling or not to Bling.  If by birth you have a flat back-side, you will need to wear a back pocket with a ‘lil somethin’ goin’ on.  Flap pockets or over-the-top bling will give the illusions of a fuller booty.

If you have some junk in your trunk, you will need a jean without any bling or embroidery on the back pockets.  Simple is best for you. 

Bottom line truth is you need to take several styles, cuts and yes SIZES into the dressing room with you.  First determining what you want to enhance (and what you want to camouflage) will make that time in the dressing room much easier!

Bathing Suit Etiquette - And Other Tips to Swim/Live By

(from the July edition of the Family Magazine)


I’ve been spending a lot of time at the pool, the lake and on a boat this summer, and something is bugging me. Doesn’t anyone understand bathing suit etiquette?

I posed this question to a friend who works at a boat club, and she replied, “Bathing suit what?” So, I guess that answers my question.
There are appropriate bathing suits for given summer activities. Think of this just like you would about the right dress for the occasion, or the right shoe for the activity.

The first rule when it comes to bathing suit etiquette 101 is to find the right bathing suit that fits. I ask you this: do you want to see a poorly fitting, skimpy bathing suit on anyone? The truth is we simply don’t want to see that much of each other, so cover it up, especially when it comes to the bathing suit top. Make sure your top is appropriately covering…well, your top!

In an effort to make our area pools and beaches friendlier, more polite and fashionable places, I offer the following tips:

Cover-ups

Carry a cover up with you wherever you go, and make sure that the cover up is one that dries quickly. In my opinion, there are few things more unsightly than a wet pair of shorts over a bathing suit.

Tops

We all have those “company appropriate” bathing suits as well as other suits we would only wear in the private confines of our backyard. Be honest with yourself as to which occasions your bathing suits are for.

Beach Attire off The Beach

Yes, we’ve all had a great time on the boat or at the beach. And I agree it would make for a perfect end to the day to stop for an ice cream or cocktail at that cute little bistro. However, it isn’t okay to go bikini clad into a non-beach establishment. Out of respect to others, put on that adorable cover up.

Getting a Good Fit

Now that we’ve all been schooled on the Miss Manner’s way of wearing things around the beach and pool, let’s dive in to finding the perfect swimsuit for the season! Getting a great suit is all about dealing with your situations, or as some of my friends call it, fluff – those fluffy situations that seem to sit right at our midsections and on our hips.

Conceal Midsection

• The first thing to look for is a bathing suit with a lot of Lycra or spandex.
• Consider finding a tankini-style with ruching and a patterned top. The pattern will act like camouflage.
• A deep ‘V’ in the neckline will also distract away from your problem area.

Heavy Arms

• If you fall into this category, shifting attention away from the neckline and shoulder area will be key for you.
• Look for a suit with detail at the center.
• Cover ups should match your bathing suits. Going monochromatic here is a good choice.

Small Bust

• Look for suits that have a lot of detail or embellishment on the top. Things like ruffles, and maybe metal rings on the straps.
• Contrasting colors (like pink and orange) will also make the top “pop.” Stay away from darker colors on the top, or a top that is simple.
• Of course, always look for a little padding!

Large Bust

• Make sure you choose a top with an underwire support. Many manufacturers offer bathing suits in bra-sizing. This makes it simple to get a very good supportive fit.
• Darker prints without a lot of contrast will help to minimize the chest area.
• Make sure that the coverage (in the neckline and around the underarm area) does just that…cover.

Disguise Hips

• Skirted suits have made a comeback and are cuter than ever! Look for a skirt that is longer than the widest part of your hip.
• Plain (without pattern) on the bottom with an interesting contrast on top will help to balance your hips and draw attention away from your hips and bring it to your face.
• Don’t love the skirted idea? Then the opposite is best for you. A high cut leg will elongate your leg and help to minimize your hip.
• No halter tops; choose bra-style straps. This will help to balance your hips.

Plus Size Bathing Beauties

• Looking for suits with extra Lycra will serve you well (about 15-20% of the fabric content). Try the brand Miraclesuit. It really is a miracle!
• Ruching and support will be important for you.
• Try a bold print.

Other Quick Tips

No Curves? Halter tops are best!
Diamond or ‘O’ Body Shape? Find structure in the fabric and straps that will hold ‘things’ in place.
Feeling Bottom Heavy? Choose wide shoulder straps to balance your hips. Halter isn’t the best for you.