Happy Friday, ladies! We made it through the week, finally. The weather in Athens has been wonderful—we hit 80 degrees yesterday! I spent the afternoon cleaning my patio and hosted happy hour with my son and daughter-in-law Kelly. Had to take advantage of the weather, because it looks like we’re in for a week of rain next week! My son was in such a good mood, he decided to order tickets to The Black Crowes in June. I’ve never really listened to them, but I haven’t seen live music since 2019. I’m looking forward to it. To get you into a good mood, I’ve got a colorful Spring sweater from LOFT that I know you’re going to love.
I’ve got a really easy recipe for you today that’s perfect if you’re inviting a small group over for appetizers and cocktails: grilled bread with ricotta & tomatoes.
A recipe from Bon Appétit that’s perfect for a light spring dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
1 garlic clove
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 pound assorted small tomatoes (such as cherry, Sun Gold, or green), halved, quartered if large
Freshly ground black pepper
8 slices 3/4”-thick country-style bread
1 cup (loosely packed) coarsely chopped mixed tender herbs (such as basil, parsley, small dill sprigs, and/or chives)
10 oz whole-milk ricotta
Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then mash with the side of knife to a fine paste. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in vinegar and 2 Tbsp. oil. Add tomatoes; season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Let sit, tossing occasionally, at least 15 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 4 Tbsp. oil and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 3
Just before serving, toss herbs with tomato mixture. Spread ricotta on toast and top with tomato mixture; cut toast in half.
Step 4
DO AHEAD: Tomato mixture (without herbs) can be made 12 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Nutrition
Serving Size:8 servings
Calories:240
Sugar:2 g
Sodium:210 mg
Fat:16 g
Saturated Fat:4.5 g
Carbohydrates:17 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:7 g
Cholesterol:20 mg
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Bichon Frise
A vodka-based cocktail is on the menu this week: a Bichon Frise. I love St. Elder liqueur, so it was hard to not pass along this recipe. Here’s to Friday, ladies! As my mother used to say, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world.
1ounce red grapefruit juice, plus strip of grapefruit peel for garnishing
1/2ounce elderflower liqueur
1/4ounce lemon juice
Instructions
Spread sugar on small plate. Moisten rim of glass by running grapefruit wedge around outer edge. Roll moistened rim in sugar to coat.
Add vodka, grapefruit juice, liqueur, and lemon juice to cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake until well chilled about 30 seconds. Double strain cocktail into prepared glass. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
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Fridays with Oscar
Well, that’s a wrap for us over here at SAACA. From Oscar, Ollie, and myself, enjoy your weekend. And try to spend it with someone you love!
One of our readers’ favorite retailers is Talbots. You probably noticed we snuck in a white button-down from them in addition to the Spring sweater from LOFT. In case you missed it, yesterday, we focused on the Talbots Spring Collection and featured a striped sweater that I just love. Make sure to check it out.
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
A statement on world events
The weather in Georgia has been flirting with springtime temps, so it’s time to think about my spring wardrobe. I can’t believe the first day of spring is two weeks away. While our moods may be bright with the infusion of sunshine and blue skies that spring brings, dark clouds are swirling in other parts of the world.
Style at a Certain Age has made it a practice to focus on aging with grace, strength, and beauty and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months. That’s the purpose of this platform, not religion nor politics—although I have my viewpoints with both.
But I am very much aware of world events that have transpired this past week and have watched the devastation unfold. Horrifyingly, wars have been breaking out for thousands of years, wreaking havoc on the daily lives of innocent men, women, and children. It’s heartbreaking to watch refugees pack their lives in small bags and flee for their lives, not knowing what will come to pass. In the twentieth century, alone, two World Wars were fought with the hope of ending future wars. But it didn’t come to pass.
My late husband’s family lost everything in the 70s when they fled Iran to start a new life in America.
I grew up with the nightly news reporting the casualties of the Vietnam War. The Gulf War broke out when I was a young mother, and the Iraq War followed on its heels. Then there was the Afghanistan War…
Please know that my heart aches for all the innocent men, women, and children caught in the crossfire of the latest conflict in Ukraine. My hope and my prayers are for peace.
~Beth
Talbots Spring collection
If it’s spring, then it’s time to lighten and brighten my wardrobe. What better way to do just that than with a nautical vibe from the Talbots Spring collection. Shades of navy and white look crisp and clean and perfect for a warm spring day. I couldn’t resist this pair of white wide-leg denim from Talbots (fit TTS—I’m wearing a size 8 for reference) and striped funnel neck top (I’m wearing a size medium for reference) that’s helping me feel a bit nauti.
But if you want to add a pop of color certain to brighten your day and daresay your mood, then pick a color of your liking. Me? I’m a firm believer every woman should own a pair of red shoes (old, similar here,here, and here), so I chose red as my accent color. In for a penny in for a pound, as my mother liked to say, so I added a red handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) into the mix.
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective
What’s on-trend for spring? Denim is always on-trend, but the silhouette changes from year to year. Anyone remember when skinny jeans burst on the scene? The slim-fitting jean was quite the departure from previous years—and there was more than one nay-sayer that thought they wouldn’t last. Ha! But given their long run, their popularity is waning, and other silhouettes are finding favor. One style I’m loving this Spring are the best straight leg jeans from Wit and Wisdom, available at my favorite retailer Nordstrom.
Best straight leg jeans
Wit & Wisdom carries a wide variety of denim from girlfriend jeans to bootcut jeans to crop jeans. It was hard to decide which direction to go but I decided on a straight leg frayed hem that gives your denim an of-the-moment look. Since the first blush of spring is right around the corner I chose a wrap tie white blouse that will serve me well until summer rolls into town. For a simple yet chic look that’s perfect for an evening out, I added a pair of suede pumps in a neutral color. A classic quilted handbag is a perfect accessory all year long and a cuff bracelet adds a signature statement while keeping this ootn on point for 2022.
curbside pick up (no muss, no fuss. Nordstrom brings your merchandise to you while you wait in your car)
the Nordy club earns 1 point per dollar, status based on spend, and enjoys perks to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and the first to shop select brands.
A big thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective for this sponsored post. And thank you lovely readers for supporting the brand that allows me to bring you fresh ideas.
Earlier this month, we ran our 2022 denim trends that you will love (and hate). Almost paradoxically, one of the most loved (and hated) styles was the wide-leg jean. They’re a denim style we’ve featured over the years, and the truth is wide-leg jeans this Spring are in. This pant silhouette is trending and will be for some time. So let’s kick of Monday by channeling some Spring vibes—-color, color, and more color. And let’s see if I can convince you to try one of this year’s hottest denim styles.
Wide-leg jeans this Spring
Today’s outfit is super simple, but a lot of fun. We’re featuring a white tee and blazer from Ann Taylor that’s already sold out. (Darn it.) But per usual, I’ve grabbed similars you can find here and here. I’m loving bright colors this Spring: reds, yellows, and oranges. (Last week, I featured a pair of red pants, very similar to my blazer color today.) The wide-leg pants are old, but I’ve rounded up some similars too: here, here, and here.
Gone are the days of skinny jeans. Wide-leg is the trending silhouette this Spring. And while some may think their body type prevents them from pulling these pants off, not true. Try pairing wide-leg pants with a pair of pointed-toe pumps for extra length; tuck in your shirt for a more tailored look; and whether you’re feeling color or not, going monochromatic is always a great way to create a tight, clean look that attracts the eye up and down the entire outfit.
As I saw all the time on the blog, denim trends come and go. But sometimes it’s good to break out of our fashion comfort zones and try something new. Wide-leg pants are a fun and easy way to do just that.
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Welcome to our first preview guide of the year: 2022 denim trends that you will love (and potentially hate). But don’t worry, that’s the great thing about fashion. If you love something, wear it; if not, don’t. Today, we’re gonna take a look at 5 denim styles that are in this year. They are:
low-rise;
patchwork (or embellished);
boyfriend & baggy;
flared & bootcut;
skirts.
For each style of jeans, I put together an outfit you can shop, similar to our new Daily Looks. In addition, I’ve gone through the archives and found different ways you can style each pair.
Definitive denim guide (excerpts)
Like any fashion trend: the 2022 ones will come and they may go. But what remains constant is how to shop denim. That doesn’t change. In case you missed it, we’ve put together a definitive denim guide over here on the blog. Below I pulled out, and am reprinting some useful tips that always apply when shopping jeans.
Fit & feel
Nothing is more important than the fit and feel of a pair of jeans. And you’re never going to know how something fits or feels without a) trying it on and b) having several points of reference. I can’t recommend enough carving out an afternoon, physically going to a store like Gap or Nordstrom, and working with one of their stylists to try on a full range of jeans. They’re there to help! They’ll walk you through the full spectrum of what’s available to give you that reference point.
When you’re trying on jeans, focus on how they fit on your waist. Always ask yourself the question, “Does the jean sit on the waist where it is supposed to sit?” Also, focus on the length of the jeans. Ask yourself the question, “Are these jeans going to drag given the shoes you currently have in your closet?” And remember this one crucial fact worth pointing out again and again: just because you’re a size 6 in brand X does not mean you’re a size 6 in brand Y.
All well and good. But what about those of us who are shopping exclusively online? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve linked to some of my favorite denim retailers, including their online denim guide.
Roughly speaking, the “wash” of a jean refers to the extent to which a pair of denim has undergone a washing and treatment process prior to sale. The washing and treatment process affects the color and softness of denim.
Below, I’ve put together a scale of various washes beginning with “raw denim” and ending with “bleach wash.” Raw denim is very stiff, dark and has not been washed to soften and remove dye, whereas bleach-washed denim is very soft and light, as most of the dye has been stripped away. Most of us are probably going to stick in the rinse-to-light wash region of the below scale, but some of us may deviate to either end of the spectrum.
Jeans don’t exist in isolation. You’re going to pair them with what you currently have in your wardrobe. It’s pointless to buy a pair of jeans that don’t work with a single top or single pair of shoes you currently own. Always have a game plan. When you are looking to buy a pair of denim, a good rule of thumb is this: have at least two tops and two pairs of shoes that the jeans you’re eyeing actually go with. That will give you the flexibility and versatility to successfully integrate a new pair of denim into your closet.
Proportionality based on use
If you have ten pairs of jeans, it usually doesn’t make sense for 8 of them to be white if you only wear white jeans one month out of the year. Are your go-to jeans boot cut, but of your five pairs of jeans, only 1 of them is actually boot cut? Seems obvious, but it’s worth pointing out: a) know what denim you love, b) know what denim you actually wear in practice, and c) base the proportionality of your denim on (a) and (b). a + b = c.
2022 denim trends
Low-rise
Just when you got used to high-rise jeans, low-rise jeans are back in a big way. I featured them heavily between 2016-17 and have begun reincorporating them into my wardrobe this winter. Low-rise jeans or “low-cut jeans” sit low on the hips and a few inches above the navel.
Patchwork jeans were definitely a DIY, 70s thing. Take a couple of pairs of denim (or any garment) and patchwork a new pair of jeans. I featured patchwork jeans heavily back in 2018—even on my 60th birthday!
OOTD. Today’s OOTD is comfy-casual. My jeans are old but you can find similar from Ralph Lauren. I love patchwork jeans because they give you so many highlights to pick up with your top. I went with a pink mock-neck sweater from Ann Taylor) and a pair of platform sneakers.
True-blue baggy—or barrel—jeans are in this year. (Not quite the same as sizing up Levis 501s to get that 90s Seattle look.) If you’re not into that look, you can certainly stick with boyfriend or girlfriend-style jeans. But I’ve been having a lot of fun styling my barrel-fit ones.
Flared and bootcut are back to the point where I’m regularly seeing bellbottoms on the streets of Athens. What I love about this particular style is that there is a spectrum of flare. Simple bootcut all the way to flower power, it’s easy to find and style a jean you’re comfortable with.
OOTD. Have you tried pairing your flared jeans with a pair of pumps? That’s what I did today, and I’m liking the results. I also layered a button-up and oversized cardigan from Theory. I’m really liking the contrast between top and bottom here.
Ahh, the denim skirt. It never really goes out of style, does it? It’s certainly one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve featured it heavily on the blog since its inception.
OOTD. Classic look here. I’ve paired an Everlane skirt (limited sizes similar here, here, and here) with a striped sweater and bomber jacket. (Gotta be honest with you, I love any excuse to pull out a bomber jacket.)
We continue to be excited about the launch of our new blog feature Daily Looks. Every day, I’m featuring a new, directly shoppable OOTD. So head on over and see today’s daily look.
Friday is finally here, and this weekend is Super Bowl weekend? Will you watch? Who are you rooting for? I’ll definitely put on the game, even though I don’t have a dog in this fight. (Except Oscar, of course.) That’s OK, though. Georgia had a great run in 2021: the World Series and National Championship ain’t bad. For those of you looking to make it through the weekend in one piece and (maybe) show up for work on Monday, we’ve got 2 things you need 2 survive the big game: an Aperol cocktail and a super simple take on nachos good for one or more! And, of course, it wouldn’t be Friday without that smart-casual style we’re known for around here.
Anyone who follows me regularly knows my love affair with Aperol cocktails. Today, I’ve got a real simple grapefruit Aperol cocktail that’s perfect to satisfy this weekend. If you’re looking for other Aperol cocktails, check out my introduction to Aperol. But also check out this winter Aperol cocktail. If you love Aperol, you’ll love this too.
A light and refreshing alternative to grapefruit margaritas with an edge.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
16ounces tequila
4ounces Aperol
12ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
8ounces triple sec
4ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
4ounces simple syrup
Fresh grapefruit and limes slices for garnish
salt for rims
Instructions
Fill a pitcher with ice and add tequila through simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
Place salt on a small plate. Run a grapefruit wedge around the edge of the glass and dip in salt on plate. Fill glasses with ice and pour cocktails into prepared glasses.
Garnish glasses with fresh grapefruit and lime slice.
If you’re not spending this weekend with a large crowd, but you still want to get in the Super Bowl spirit, then this recipe is for you. I put together these mini nachos: a super simple way to make delicious nachos for a few. I mean, you can’t go wrong with shredded chicken, but substitute for any protein (or not), and these things are just as delicious.
Preheat your broiler on low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On the baking sheet, build a small spiral of 15 chips, stacking them close together in a 3-inc circle. Repeat to make a total of 6 piles.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup chicken and 2 tablespoons black beans on top of each pile of chips. Top each with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until the cheese is totally melted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Top each pile with 2 tablespoons scallions, a few jalapeño slices, 2 tablespoons avocado, 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Serve immediately.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much fun sneakers can really be. They don’t get featured that often over here on the blog, but how cute are these snakeskin slip ons from Vince? (Similar here and here.) Animal print adds visual interest to any outfit. And when you already have something fun going, why not make it that much more fun-er? (Double comparative for emphasis only!)
Happy Friday, ladies! And enjoy the big game this weekend with friends and loved ones.
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Daily Looks
If you haven’t checked out our new addition to the blog, DAILY LOOKS, make sure to do just that. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. Today’s look is below.
TGIF! We made it through another week. This week the weather has bounced from rain to snow to sleet and back again. Today is dry, but gray skies swirl overhead. It’s a great day to stay inside, whip up a tasty meal and cocktail, and binge-watch TV. I think you’re gonna like today’s OOTD too, as I’m throwing in a few tips to look chic casual
What shows have you been watching? I stumbled upon Emily in Paris that has mixed reviews. Personally, I think it’s a cute show. Darren Star the creator of Sex in the City is at the helm of this series. There are definite similarities between the main characters Carrie and Emily respectively who tend to make dumb life decisions. But we wouldn’t have the conflict necessary to move the plot along if they didn’t. Any movie, book, or television show needs conflict and lots of it. The fashion inspiration alone is worth tuning in for and it’s lighthearted fluff so I’m hooked!
Tips to look chic casual
Oscar was definitely in a mood during our photoshoot. The mood of no more photos, please, it’s naptime. I think he just might want an early retirement… isn’t he a hoot! Ollie just might have to step in and steal your thunder buddy. Ha!
Today’s outfit is fitting for Friday: walking that line of chic casual, with a bit more on the casual side. What’s easier to throw together than a t-shirt (yep, it’s one of my wardrobe basics. Don’t miss part 2 of our Wardrobe Basics Seris Essential Tops) coatigan, and blue jeans? It’s an easy-style recipe that works! A coatigan adds chicness to the outfit, and paired with a neutral tee and a classic pair of denim—you’re all the way there. The tee is old from Vince (similar here and here), the coatigan is from Jenni Kayne, and the blue jeans are from Frame.
Anyone remember clogs? They’re back! And I’m loving it. All through high school, you would find me on any given day wearing a pair of brown or blue suede clogs. This pair was purchased from Ann Taylor last fall. If you’re looking for comfort try Dansko clogs that have a memory foam footbed. Tory Burch has a shearling clog and Steve Madden carries a faux fur-lined clog that looks adorable. The clogs push this outfit to the casual side of things, but swap them out for, say, wedges or ballet flats, and you’re headed back in the classic chic direction.
2tablespoonslemon juicesqueezed from about 1 lemon; or more to taste
1tspdried thyme
1tspdried rosemary
salt and black pepperto taste
2teaspoonscornstarchmixed with 1 tablespoon cold cream OR milk OR water
1tablespoonbutter
lemon slicesto serve (optional)
Instructions
Brown meat: Set instant pot to sauté. Add oil to pot and add thighs skin-side down. Cook, in batches if needed, until golden and crisp. Flip and cook until browned on the other side. Remove chicken from pot.
Start sauce: Add onion and garlic to pot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, herbs and seasoning. Stir, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
Pressure cook: Place chicken thighs back in the instant pot. Secure lid and set the pressure valve to “sealing”. Choose “pressure cook” (or “manual”) and “high” for 12 minutes (for large thighs, about 2 thighs per pound; cook for 8 minutes if chicken thighs are small, about 4 thighs per pound). Naturally release pressure after cooking time is up (just switch off the instant pot and leave it alone until pressure is gone).
Finish sauce: Carefully remove thighs. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Pour cornstarch slurry into pot, stir well and simmer until sauce has thickened. Stir in butter until melted, then serve sauce over chicken with lemon slices, if desired.
Combine the Aperol, prosecco, and cranberry in a glass with ice. Add in an orange wedge and a twist. Pop in a sprig of rosemary for festiveness. It’s so pretty and easy!
Uncommon Threads
If you’re looking for something besides TV Uncommon Threads is offering Style Your LIfe series that consists of three virtual workshops. The series costs $95 for all three workshops: charcuterie board making, wine experiencing, and herb garden growing. All proceeds from this series directly benefit Uncommon Threads a non-profit organization that helps low-income women see and feel their true potential.
If you’ve ever wondered where my clothes go after a closet cleanse it’s Uncommon Threads. You can even shop online and just might stumble upon an item or two of mine! You will be hearing more about Uncommon Threads in the future as I’m partnering with them to raise awareness and money.
If you missed the Anti-aging Skincare post please check it out. 100% of the proceeds raised from your purchase from Georgia Skin Cancer will go directly to Uncommon Threads. And your skin will look a-ma-zing after using their medical-grade skincare products from their Curated line. Use code BETHD until February 19th for 15% off your purchase.
Let’s go jean shopping. To get you prepared, I’m going to update and refresh the popular denim guide we released a few years ago. Is there anything more essential to the modern wardrobe but more difficult to buy than denim? From fit & feel to wash & cut, there are so many options, making it challenging to navigate the blue jean sea. But I’m here to help—at least in part. Today, I’ve put together what I’m calling the definitive women’s denim jean guide for you.
Definitive women’s denim jean guide
Over the years, I’ve showcased almost every cut of jeans imaginable, paired with a variety of different tops, shoes, and bags. This post aggregates a large sampling of cuts and washes. For each cut, I’ve pulled together a list of three jeans of that cut at various price points: low, medium, and high. I’ve also put together a collection of tips and tricks for purchasing denim and maintaining it once you’ve integrated a particular piece into your wardrobe.
Fit & feel
Nothing is more important than the fit and feel of a pair of jeans. And you’re never going to know how something fits or feels without a) trying it on and b) having several points of reference. I can’t recommend enough carving out an afternoon, physically going to a store like Gap or Nordstrom, and working with one of their stylists to try on a full range of jeans. They’re there to help! They’ll walk you through the full spectrum of what’s available to give you that reference point.
When you’re trying on jeans, focus on how they fit on your waist. Always ask yourself the question, “Does the jean sit on the waist where it’s supposed to sit?” Also, focus on the length of the jeans. Ask yourself the question, “Are these jeans going to drag given the shoes you currently have in your closet?” And remember this one crucial fact worth pointing out again and again: just because you’re a size 6 in brand X does not mean you’re a size 6 in brand Y.
All well and good. But what about those of us who are shopping exclusively online? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve linked to some of my favorite denim retailers, including their online denim guide.
Roughly speaking, the “wash” of a jean refers to the extent to which a pair of denim has undergone a washing and treatment process prior to sale. The washing and treatment process affects the color and softness of denim.
Below, I’ve put together a scale of various washes beginning with “raw denim” and ending with “bleach wash.” Raw denim is very stiff, dark and has not been washed to soften and remove dye, whereas bleach-washed denim is very soft and light, as most of the dye has been stripped away. Most of us are probably going to stick in the rinse-to-light wash region of the below scale, but some of us may deviate to either end of the spectrum.
Jeans don’t exist in isolation. You’re going to pair them with what you currently have in your wardrobe. It’s pointless to buy a pair of jeans that don’t work with a single top or single pair of shoes you currently own. Always have a game plan. When you are looking to buy a pair of denim, a good rule of thumb is this: have at least two tops and two pairs of shoes that the jeans you’re eyeing actually go with. That will give you the flexibility and versatility to successfully integrate a new pair of denim into your closet.
Proportionality based on use
If you have ten pairs of jeans, it usually doesn’t make sense for 8 of them to be white if you only wear white jeans one month out of the year. Are your go-to jeans boot cut, but of your five pairs of jeans, only 1 of them is actually boot cut? Seems obvious, but it’s worth pointing out: a) know what denim you love, b) know what denim you actually wear in practice, and c) base the proportionality of your denim on (a) and (b). a + b = c.
Brand loyalty
Brand loyalty is great. But not with denim, at least not in the following sense: you may love Talbots or Ann Taylor for everything but their jeans. That doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to buy their jeans. It may turn out that The Gap’s or Levi’s, or Madwell’s jeans fit best for you. And once you’ve found that perfect pair of jeans, don’t be afraid to buy 2 or 3 of the same wash and cut. Redundancy is good in any classic wardrobe. Remember, jeans don’t last forever, no matter how well you maintain them.
Skinny jeans
Skinny jeans are here to stay. Oh sure, Gen Z has declared them dead, but no other jean can tuck as beautifully inside a knee-high boot as a pair of skinny jeans. Outside of bootcut, they’re probably one of the more versatile cuts of denim out there. They go with virtually any top or shoe you have in your closet. And trust me, no matter what your body type is, if you find the right fit, you’ll be surprised that you, too, can pull off a pair of skinny jeans.
Wide-leg jeans are trendy this year, no doubt. You may or may not like trends. And you may or may not like wide-leg jeans. But one of the themes of my blog is open-mindedness, particularly when it comes to fashion.
My oldest son worked at The Gap in Chicago during his undergraduate years. And one of the things he always tells me—to this day—is how many women he encountered that made a decision—usually in their late 30s—to commit to a single cut and wash of denim.
There’s nothing wrong with favorites. Absolutely nothing wrong with go-to’s. But there’s also nothing wrong with breaking out of your fashion shell and trying something new.
Boyfriend/girlfriend jeans have made a real surge in popularity over the past 4-5 years. That’s because they’re just so darn comfortable and versatile. Wear them when you’re lounging around at home over a lazy weekend. Or roll them up and pair them with heels as I’ve done here. No matter how you wear them, you won’t regret adding a pair or two to your closet.
Much like skinny jeans, there are very few harder working pieces of denim than a good pair of bootcut jeans. They go with just about anything and everything. But it’s worth pointing out that not all bootcut jeans are cut the same. Flares vary dramatically in opening width. Some are extremely traditional and conservative, and some not.
There are as many different types of colored denim as there are colors in the rainbow. But your closet should include at least a pair of black and white jeans. They’re neutrals and serve as an excellent baseline for a myriad of possibilities. Outside of that, the sky is the limit.
Do you love red, yellow, or green? Are you as into animal print as I am? Colored denim provides an easy way to spice up your wardrobe. But remember to be sensible: no piece of colored denim will get the use that a classic pair of blue jeans will. Make sure that when you splurge on a pair of red jeans, you actually have a plan regarding what to pair them with.
Probably the most essential pair of jeans you can own, straight-leg jeans are a true classic. Timeless and not subject to trends, it’s the backbone of every woman’s denim collection.
Denim is not an investment piece like bags or coats are. They wear down. They go out of style. But you can make them last. Remember always to
wash inside out in cold water;
hang to dry;
and only wash every few wears (up to 10);
remove odors by placing them in a plastic bag and tossing them in the freezer overnight.
That’s a wrap, gang! Hopefully, you find the definitive women’s denim jean guide useful.
my regulars know that when summer roles around, i don’t necessarily wear jeans as much as i would the rest of the year. but that doesn’t mean i won’t wear denim this time of year. there are so many good options, some of which i talked about recently in my latest YouTube video. i wanted to deep dive a bit more on that topic, so today we’re talking how to wear denim this summer. i’ve got 4 denim items that every woman should have in their closet.
i’m keeping it casual with a denim shirtdress and suede booties. the dress came with a self-tie sash that i swapped for one of my favorites – a classic braided belt. these suede booties are seeing a lot of action lately. they’re a great transition item that’s helping to ease my wardrobe from summer to fall. the mid-heel height is perfectly comfortable, and the gold grommets add just enough detail to give them some oomph.
today it’s all about how to wear jean shorts. the weather bounced all over the place this past weekend. showers. no showers. cloud coverage. full sun. a pair of denim shorts is a no brainer on any given summer day. that goes for a straw hat too. but when the clouds cover the sun, it’s fun to add a lightweight linen sweater (sold out similar here) into the mix. what i particularly like about this sweater besides the fact its organic linen is the color. this v-neck sweater will transition nicely from summer to fall.
today’s ootd starts with a denim skirt that’s hung in my closet for years. snap shell buttons and flap pockets. the reviews suggest to size up with this shirt, but it’s meant to be a tailored fit, so i stuck to my regular size. my new leopard flats are back in action. since i’m doubling down on denim, then leopard shoes and belt will be twice as nice.
today’s ootd starts with cropped black jeans. if you’re not quite ready for long sleeves a short sleeve chambray shirt is an excellent substitute without changing the color scheme. leopard flats seemed like the perfect footwear choice. and leopard print is on-trend and seen everywhere this fall. if the first thought that leaps to mind is peggy bundy when it comes to this wild pattern leopard shoes or a belt are two ways to integrate this trend into your wardrobe without going over the top. sometimes, baby steps are all that’s needed. accessories are an easy way to board the trend train if you’re ever in doubt. options, ladies, there’s always lots of options when it comes to fashion.
