Jeans 101: Viva La Color!

Rihanna shopping with dog Oliver in New York City on May 13th, 2008.

Jada courtside at the LA Lakers Vs. Celtics game 4 finals on July 13, 2008.

Fergie spotted in Los Angeles on August 20th, 2008.

Kelly Rowland officially launches St Aubyn's Holistic Centre London, England - 03.05.08.

Hands up those of you who last wore colored denim when you were five years old? You are not alone! I've been in two-minds about the colored jeans trend since it hit the streets last year, but Jada Pinkett and Rihanna (a stonch believer in colored denim) have convinced me to a least try on a pair. My main concern is that those of us with curves are going to end up looking like a giant crayola crayon... not very attractive. If you decide to venture into this trend, tread carefully. Start off with flared jeans or a denim jacket and see how you fare. Baby steps ladies. Baby steps...

My Picks!

Left to right: Stretch Skinny Jean, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Erika Super Skinny Jean, $29.80, www.forever21.com; Denim of Virtue Women's Patience Red Wash Skinny, $170. www.shopkitson.com; Colored Denim Jean, $21.99, www.drjays.com

Left to right: Stretch Skinny Jean, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Ankle Grazer Colour Jean in Purple, $80, www.topshop.com; Neon Skinny Jean, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Dittos the Classic in Grass, $110.60, www.pinkmascara.com

Skinny, colored jeans seem to be what's hot in the virtual streets of online shopping. I did find one flared pair from PinkMascara.com. I'd caution againgst high-waisted colored denim - it makes you look a little too much liks a fashion victim. Only those who live in LA can get away with such a style bold statement. See below for some ideas on what to pair colored jeans with.

Wear You Colored Jeans With...

Yellow Jacket: Cropped Jacket by Bi La Li, $675, www.net-a-porter.com; Top: Metallic Filigree Flutter, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Bracelet: Satin Wrapped Bangles Set of 3, $14.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Graphic Tee: Metallic Filigree Flutter, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Clutch: Danni Pomegranate Clutch, $36, www.amiciaccessories.com; Belt: Priscilla Patent Belt, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Earrings: Graffiti Earrings, $10, www.oohboutique.com; Pumps: Orizaba, $79.98, www.aldoshoes.com

Jeans 101: Dare to Bare

Kelly Rowland visits MTV's "TRL" in New York City, March 26, 2007.

Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” at the Mark photo shoot for Avon, October 26, 2007 in Malibu, California.

Ashanti attends the Giuseppe Zanotti NY store re-opening party at the Giuseppe Zanotti Design Boutique in New York City on September 7, 2007.

If you’re anything like me you’ve already been working out in anticipation for spring. I’m particularly motivated by the prospect of wearing a denim skirt for the first time in almost five years! This season denim skirts are smaller than ever (see Kelly above) but don’t be a slave to fashion, wear what makes you comfortable. If you like to bare a little leg but don’t want to worry about flashing every time you make a move, opt for a length like Lauren’s. Pick a dark denim, knee length skirt for night time glamour. Just add a floaty top for understated elegance like Ashanti.

My Picks!

Left to right: Recycled Denim Skirt, $34, www.azjeans.com; Lurex Denim Mini Skirt, $22.99, www.azjeans.com; Grey Mini Skirt, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Miranda, $59.50, www.abercrombie.com

Left to right: Porkchop Pencil Skirt, $27.50, www.westseal.com; High Waist Denim Mini, $27.80, www.forever21.com; Indigo Denim Mini , $88, www.jcrew.com; Star Denim Skirt by Alexander McQueen, $223, www.shopbop.com

Denim obviously comes in many colors but I’ve always been drawn to darker and “dirtier” hues of denim like the mini from Abercrombie above. That said, a nice baby blue denim skirt is a classic and provides the perfect contrast to the bright, block colored tops that are everywhere this season. Make sure you get a skirt that isn’t too tight. Though it may look good in the store once you start walking it’ll continually ride up. Go for a slightly bigger size that will shrink in the wash to the perfect size.

Jeans 101: The High-Waist

Jennifer Lopez arriving at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 27, 2007.

Ciara hosts MTV's "TRL" at the MTV Studios in New York City on March 5, 2007.

Jessica Alba backstage at Power 106's breakfast with Big Boy and the cast of "Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer" on June 4, 2007. – Get the exact pair Jessica is wearing from www.shopintuition.com (see below).

Eve spotted in New York City last month.

This trend has me somewhat perplexed. At first I was a complete non-believer, but then I saw Jlo work her style magic outside the TRL studios, I quickly changed my opinion to “neutral.” Oh but soon thereafter Eve surfaced with these ultra high-waisted pair sending me right back into denim-induced anxiety. Now, having watched the jeans evolve and merge with other trends such as the wide-legged pant (see Jessica Alba and Ciara), I’m safely back in style bliss and even considering buying a pair of these controversial jeans. Watch this space.

My Picks!

Left to right: High waisted with double welt pockets in Mid Stone, $80, www.topshop.com; Janiesse Foxy Jean, $215, www.shopintuition.com; Dittos The Classic, $165, www.pinkmascara.com; High Waisted Highway Jean by Grey Ant, $286, www.shopbop.com

Left to right: Cheap Monday Eiffel Tower, $28.57, www.caliroots.com; High Waisted Skinny Jeans By Karen Walker, $279, www.mycatwalk.com; Lux High Waisted Skinny Jean, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com; 70s High Waist Skinny, $80, www.topshop.com

Those of you considering these jeans must make sure you pick the right style. I’d advise fuller figured ladies (i.e. anyone over a size 8!) to start with the wider pants. The braver amongst us can dive straight into the skinny, although you may have to buy a pair up from your usual size.

Note: Try these cute “Piper High Waist Jeans” from www.alloy.com at just $39.50.

Jeans 101: Le Petite Pois!

Kelly Rowland at the NBA All-Star Weekend Basketball Game in Houston on February 18th, 2006. Mya posing at Heatherette's official launch of its young contemporary line at Macy's Herald Square in August of last year in NYC. Sherri Saum attending the Glam Slam 06' party presented by Tennis Channel, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP at Crobar last August in New York City. Eva Pigford arriving at the VMA Style Villa at the Bryant Park Hotel last August in New York City.

I’ve been chastised quite a lot (via email and other means of communication) for not including petite fashion enough on this site. I try my people, I try. However, note that it is much more time consuming to find great fashion and photographs of celebrities for petite and plus size posts – I’m working on it though. Here I’m continuing our ‘Jeans 101’ series and focusing on ladies who have a hard time finding jeans that are the right length or size, i.e. sizes 0, 2 or 4. See below for ideas and as usual leave comments and tips for fellow readers.

My Picks!

Left to right: Flare Curvy, $39.99, www.gap.com; Cherie Jean, $168, www.guess.com; Boot Cut 515 Jeans (Petite), $44, www.levisstore.com; Petite Midnight Rinse Low Rise Skinny Jean, $78, www.bananarepublic.com
Left to right: Paige Premium Denim ‘Laurel Canyon’ Petite Jeans, $179, www.bloomingdales.com; Worn Jeans 'Nikki Lo Lo' Skinny Bootcut Stretch Jeans, $89, www.nordstorm.com; Provocatuer in Maude, $158, www.couturecandy.com; Jag Jeans Foster Stretch Twill Jeans (Petite), $79, www.nordstorm.com

Banana Republic, Gap and Alloy.com have great petite jeans at reasonable prices but if you can afford to go a little higher try the brand Kasil. Denim doesn’t just come in the color blue, so think about wearing neutral colors like brown, camel and beige.

Zafu.com

If my 'Jeans 101' posts haven’t taken you further on your quest for the perfect jeans you must head to Zafu.com. Take their quick and easy questionnaire to locate you perfect pair out of the 80+ brands they stock. They ask you everything from how tight you usually like your jeans to fit, right through to how much you like the back to gape (erm, no gaping for me thanks!). After you answer other more conventional questions about your size, height and shape, the site creates a list from their inventory that supposedly ‘fits you best.’ While you’re there look over their ‘fit tips’ for some sizing advice.

Credit: Thanks Allie Nicole for the site (even if you couldn't remember it!! ;)

Jeans 101: Sista Big Boned

Queen Latifah arriving at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in March of this year.
Raven Symone promoting her new film “The Cheetah Girls 2” in Detroit in August of this year.Missy Elliott arriving at Ciara's Birthday Party at Marquee last month in New York City.

I’m not trying to leave out my bigger sistas, so below are a couple of great sites with extensive denim collections. I did my best to find jeans that flatter the thighs as well as the booty. I wonder where Queen Latifah buys her jeans, or even her whole wardrobe, she always looks so fly!

My Picks!

Left to Right: Blue Perfection Jean, $52.00, www.alight.com; Denim Lite Bootcut Jean, $44.50, www.avenue.com; Roc Flame Jean, $78.00, Rocawear; Signature Jeans, $88.00. www.kiyonna.com
Left to Right: Torrid Low Rise Flare Leg Denim Jean, $48.00, www.torrid.com; Academy Blue Wash Deconstructed Denim Jean by Z. Cavaricci, $48.00, www.torrid.com; Renee, $150.00, www.svobodastyle.com; Gold Wash Signature Jean, $64.00, Baby Phat

While researching I noticed that www.alight.com and www.torrid.com have a large selection of jeans all for less than $100. But I’ll be honest, this was new territory for me so I’m sure I missed a lot of great brands and sites. Please leave comments for fellow readers on where you’ve bought your perfect pair of jeans. :)

Jeans 101: Boyfriend Jeans

Naomi Campbell on the runway during Dolce & Gabbana’s ready-to-wear fall collection.
Kate Moss candid taken during London Fashion Week wearing jeans by Chloe.
Jada Pinkett-Smith candid.

Jeans don’t have to fit so tight that you’re forced to unbutton them after every meal! I bought my first pair of ‘boyfriend-fit’ jeans last year and I love how comfortable they are. Some of you may be weary, but I’ve found that the best way to wear them is to fold the hem about an inch and a half, team with white sneakers and wear with a cute belt and tight top.

My Picks!

Left to Right: Wide Straight Leg Jean, $79.00, www.shopjlo.com; M Jean, $80.00, www.topshop.com; Women's Special Edition Distressed Jeans, $30.00 (On Sale), Old Navy; Item No.: JA8R S 479 O8 by Miss Sixty
Left to Right: Remsen Low Rise Slim Straight Dark Contrast, $69.50, Abercrombie & Fitch; BDG 5 Pocket Boyfriend Jean, $59.00, Urban Outfitters; Danny Pant, $69.99 (On Sale), Guess; Straight boyfriend, $58.00, Gap

I personally prefer these jeans low on the waist, they look much sexier especially when teamed with white tank top. You could probably wear these jeans with heals and glam it up. The top row of jeans are much more ‘feminine’ (see Naomi) whereas the bottom row are very masculine (a la Jada). Alternatively you could just steal your man’s pair and call it quits, I’m sure he can spare one!

Jeans 101: Long ‘n’ Lean

Kimora Lee Simmons at the premiere photography exhibit of portraits by Brett Ratner, held at Altair Lofts, NY in May of this year.
Rihanna Promoting Clinique Laboratories New Perfume "Clinique Happy"last month in Tokyo, Japan.
Joy Bryant arriving at the Christian Dior "D'Trick" Launch Party at Fenix in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldana at Coach's Legacy Collection Launch Party in NYC.

This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Standing tall at 5’9”, I often find it difficult to locate pants/trousers of any kind, long enough to meet my ankles. As a general rule, no matter how tall you are, pants should reach at least half-way down the heels of the shoes you are wearing. This of course doesn’t apply to pants intended to be short i.e. capris, skinny jeans etc. My friends and I used to refer to short pants as swingers, meaning they swing at your ankles and never quite get to your feet! Avoid joining the swingers club and scroll down for some great jeans…

My Picks!

Left to Right: Long Legs Bootcut in New York Dark by Seven Jeans, $132.00, www.revolveclothing.com; Flare curvy, $58.00, Gap; Street Denim Gray Skinny Jean, $43.60 (On Sale!), www.alloy.com; J Jean, $80.00, www.topshop.com
Left to Right: Item No. J85R/S 805 6Y by Miss Sixty; Fall-Winter by Fornarina, $79.00, www.yook.com; Faye Wide Leg Jean by Citizens of Humanity, 180.00, www.shopbop.com; 5 Pocket Stretch Jean, $29.00, www.tallwomensclothes.com

There are a lot of places that are now catering to those with long legs and by long I mean an inseam of at least 34 inches! Gap has a great and affordable ‘Tall’ section which isn’t exclusive to jeans, www.shopbop.com sell many brands with an inseam of 34” and www.alloy.com go up to a staggering 37” inseam! I love wearing my jeans long, because as I said before, jeans shouldn’t swing at your ankles! Let us know of any other brands that cater to us girls all the way up there!

Jeans 101: The Skinny

Keshia Knight Pulliam attending Nick Cannon's Birthday celebration and opening of the PNB Nation store earlier this month in Los Angeles.
Rosario Dawson poses backstage after an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV Studios in July of this year.
Eve walking back to her hotel in NYC in June of this year.
Halle Berry shopping in Los Angeles last week.

I don’t wear skinny jeans, but for those brave enough here’s a good selection of pics to inspire you. I like skinny jeans which scrunch up at the ankles like Keisha’s – too cute! There is some debate as to whether skinny jeans are going out of fashion. Many of the shops have pulled them from their Fall lines, but I don’t believe in strictly following style ‘rules’ so scroll down for ‘My Picks.’

My Picks!

Left to Right: Daredevil Skinny Jean, $118.00, Guess; Earnest Sewn Harlan Wilt, $198.00, www.bluebee.com; 12 Inch Pencil Leg by J Brand, $159.00, www.girlshop.com; Siwy Tina Slim Stretch Flute, $188.00, www.freepeople.com
Left to Right: Ranahan Skinnier Baxter Dark Wash Jean Stretch, $182.00, www.shopintuition.com; Distressed skinny jeans, $34.80, Forever 21; Premium Denim Skinny Jeans by Mossimo Black, $27.99, Target; Skinny fit, $58.00, Gap

Team with a classic black blazer and pumps for a night bar hopping or dinner. I think skinny jeans also look great with round-toe flats and turtlenecks! Share your thoughts on these jeans.

Jeans 101: Booty-Proof

Serena Williams arriving at the Rock and Republic Spring 2006 show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Sony Studios last year in California.
Beyonce arriving at her hotel in New York City last year.
Melyssa Ford arriving at the Sprite Street Couture Showcase in May of this year in New York City.

Since I’m always getting emails asking me about where to buy jeans I’ve decided to do a few “Jeans 101” posts. Each post will help a different body type/shape. First up are the big booty gals! Some of these brands I’m sure you are all familiar with, but I also tried to find some lesser known brands. Keep in mind that I haven’t personally worn all the brands mentioned, my recommendations are based on a form of research called “googling” and suggestions from friends. Feel free to leave your own feedback and experiences with certain jeans… :)