The Perfect Pair - A Guide to Buying Denim

Every once in awhile, I need new jeans. The search is daunting - no matter how many jeans I try on.. I can't seem to find one that fits me like a glove. But really it's relatively easy if you just think back to all the jeans that did fit you.

Express, Madewell, and Gap tend to be my best bet since I have a petite, curvy frame. So a few weeks ago, I tried on a pair of Gap jeans, "mid-weight perfect boot," and I immediately fell in love. It has Lycra so it hugs curves. Comes in a rich, dark wash called Adirondacks - how cute is the name (just like the upstate mountains)! And it's mid-rise - thank goodness! I can't stand low-rise jeans; how am I supposed to sit down without worrying about flashing other people. Luckily, I had a discount coupon so I didn't have to wait until the sale season and wonder if my size was going to be out of stock.

So next time you are trying to search for jeans, consider:
1. Previous brands that you have enjoyed
2. Style that fits you (Straight/skinny work best for slim frames, and boot/flare work best for average/curvy frames)
3. Fabric and color (stretch vs. non-stretch, dark/medium/light rinse)
4. Length (petite sizes are made for 5'4" length so if you are shorter like me, consider getting the jeans tailored or save some money and do it yourself!)
4. Look for special discounts!

Dress Up or Dress Down

As the weather is cooling down and summer is fleeting, I am thinking of my favorite season to dress up (or down) for! Fall, of course.

New Yorkers seem to effortlessly transition between seasons even with the crazy global warming going on. I really enjoyed wearing sleeveless blouses and light-weight skirts this summer. Now I am ready for autumn - scarves, boots, and peacoats (I think I am in love). Here are some of my picks:


Vintage tweed jacket from J. Crew. I just love cropped jackets - so classic and versatile.


Soft cotton sweater from J. Crew. Perfect for lounging around and reading a book.


Red leather satchel from J. Crew. Something about the color red captures my eye.


Cotton cardigan from Madewell. I bought a black waffle cardigan from Madewell years ago, and to this day it is still one of my favorite pieces in my closet.

What will you wear this fall?

Mad Men

I am currently watching the first season of Mad Men, which is so good! I love the subtle sense of humor and the drama. Plus, the 1960s fashion and style is unbelievable. A-line skirts, silk scarves, and loose blouses: elegant yet casual at the same time. It makes me want to dress-up.


During this time, the women played the subservient, domestic roles. It's good to see how times are changing.


"I'm from Bayridge; we have manners." Bayridge still hasn't changed.


It's also surprising how often the actors smoke cigarettes on screen. They lit a cigarette in the office, on the subway, and at home with all the children present. Isn't it crazy to think smoking was a nonchalant hobby? Now there are so many regulations and warnings, yet people still choose to smoke.

Edit:
I was walking by Grand Central the other day, and I stumbled upon Banana Republic's Mad Men collection. The style is just drop dead gorgeous. I have no money right now, but it doesn't hurt to look, right? Here are my favorites:


I love blouses with ties and textured cardigans. Love at first sight.


Finely tailored dresses with just the right amount of volume.


Modern coat with texture.

Banana Republic, you know me so well.

Photo credits: IMDB, Banana Republic