Just like blue denim, a white pair of jeans is a definitely a wardrobe staple….especially in the hotter months of the year.  While it can be a challenge to keep white denim looking crisp and clean, there’s no need to worry about the risk of staining them.  Here are some tips to put your white jean woes at rest:

1) Hang dry: To maintain the crispness and shape of your jeans, avoid excessive drying time and the high temperature setting on machine dryers.  Instead dry your denim naturally.

Paige Skyline in Optic White

2) Lie Flat: If hang-drying your jeans is not an option, lie them flat on a table with a clean towel placed underneath to prevent dirtying them.

AG Jeans Stilt Crop in White

3) Iron: Although hang drying can leave your jeans quite stiff, a quick pressing with an iron will restore its soft feel.  Just be sure to monitor your iron’s temperature.

J Brand 811 "Mid Rise Skinny" in Creamy White

4) Treat stains immediately: Don’t wait till you get home or for when you have time.  Immediately apply an on-the-go product like Clorox’s Bleach Pen Gel or Johnson Baby Wipes.  Both products will help shrink the stain’s size, making it much easier to remove the stain  in your wash cycle later.

Goldsign Misfit in Seduce

5)  Use warm temperature: Warm water will help remove germs & dirt, but again monitor the water’s temperature.

True Religion Men Billy "Slim Boot" Giant Big T

6) Use bleach sparingly: While bleach can brighten white denim, its harsh chemicals can actually break down fibers and leave your jeans with a yellow stain

J Brand Lovestory in Aspen

7) Wash separately: As easy as it is to wash all your clothes together, be sure not to!  White-only loads will prevent your jeans form picking up color from other fabrics

J Brand 935 "Low Rise Capri" in White

8) Add baking soda: Rather than conventional fabric softener, add ½ cup of baking soda to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.  In addition to softening your jeans, baking soda will also whiten them to.

J Brand Zoey "Skinny Leg Zipper Jean" in White

9) Wash inside out: Turn your jeans inside out before washing to help protect the outside seams as well as to prevent wear and tear.

AG Jeans "The Protege"

10) Say bye-bye:  There comes a time where the best option is to toss out your jeans.  After many repeated wearing and washing, your white denims may begin to discolor & take on a grey/yellow tint.  Take it as as a sign to invest in a new pair!

Ever worn a pair of jeans and had to count down the number of minutes till you could unbutton them?  You know what I’m referring to: that muffin top that laps over your jeans and gets increasingly uncomfortable!  As awful as it may feel, the good news that it is possible to banish the belly bulge…and for your jeans to fit as comfortably as your Juicy bottoms. 

Forget doing endless crunches, abs are made in the kitchen.  For starters, here are simple swaps which can help you beat the bloat:

• When flavoring your meals, replace salt/salt-based seasonings with fresh herbs. 

Why? When you take in excessive amounts of salt, you’ll temporarily retain more water which will contribute to that sluggish feeling, a puffy appearance, and extra water weight.

• Put down the carbonated beverage and down a glass of H20 instead! 

Why? Those tingly bubbles sure are fun but guess where they end up? In your belly, causing it to puff out more! If plain water is boring, add a few slices of lemon or orange for an extra zing!

• Replace part of your carbohydrate consumption with protein & healthy fats!

Why? Your muscles store excess carbs as backup energy.  This is called glycogen and every gram of glycogen is stored with about 3g of water.  Unless you are exercising vigorously, you don’t need all this extra fuel.  By opting for one slice of wholegrain bread during lunchtime and packing in extra protein like turkey slices/low-fat cheese and swapping your afternoon slice of cake for nuts or seeds, you’ll drain off excess stored fluids.

• Opt for cooked vegetables instead of raw.

Why? A half-cup serving of cooked carrots delivers the same nutrition as one cup raw, but it takes up less room in your GI tract.  Cooked vegetables are also more easily digestible and therefore less likely to leave you feeling bloated.

• If you’re feeling nibbly, choose something crunchy other than gum.

Why? When you chew gum, you swallow air.  All that air gets trapped in your GI tract and causes pressure, bloating and belly expansion- none of which help flatten your mid-drift!

• Swap your veggies in favor of those which don’t produce gas

Why? Gas-producing veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, legumes,  peppers and onions simply create gas in your GI tract.  Instead, fill your plate with cooked green beans, mushrooms and squash.

Although colored denims seem to have created quite a storm with the ladies this season, we can’t help to notice that the colored denim trend wasn’t only biased to women.  Numerous top denim designers have extended the color trend to their lines for men.  While we can imagine that most men would shy away bright washes, and instead opt for simple, classic blue denim, why not  challenge yourself to try something new this season!

J Brand Kane Straight Leg Jean in Crafted Buoy

While not all colors will work for every man, remember that options exist.  Depending on his personality, each man can opt for softer, darker colors or brighter tones. That being said, here are some tips for our male readers who wish to incorporate the colored denim trend ito the wardrobe:

• If you just don’t see yourself wearing super bright colors, keep the look neutral with toned own colors like mustard, olive green, charcoal and dark blue.

AG Jeans Protege Straight Leg in Sulfur Evergreen Twill

• Incorporate them as you would regular blue denim but pair them with more basic pieces instead of patterns or prints

•  If you want to keep this trend wearable for several seasons, consider grey.  There are several tones but the mid-tone to dark greys are the most universally flattering. 

• Grey and black jeans also give you the most liberty to mix an match with clothes and shoes you already own.

Citizens of Humanity Sid "Straight Leg" in Black

• For the more daring man, show your sartorial bravado with hues like fire orange, canary yellow, electric blue and dirty-wash red.  Sport these washes with neutrals like grey, white and black to create a sharp contrast.

Citizens of Humanity Core Slim Leg in Fire Orange

Kanye West & Justin Bieber have both embraced the trend!

• As far as style goes, choose a slim fit or straight leg, nothing to baggy.

Happy shopping!

Ever feel overwhelmed with the number of jeans to choose from?  Well it’s no surprise that Hollywood stars pay thousands of dollars to stylists who know their stuff! Who’s to say you can’t benefit too…at no extra charge !  Here’s a sneak peek at what is currently being worn around Hollywood.  If it’s stylish enough for the stars, chances are it’s stylish enough for you too:

Beyonce in J Brand Leather Leggings

Scarlett Johansson in J brand 910 "Low Rise Skinny Leg Jean" in Shadow

Actress Katerine McPhee Paige Verdugo Jegging in Paige Blue

Catherine Zeta Jones in J Brand Bette Jeans

Kim Kardashian in DL1961 Emma in Onyx

Ciara in Citizens of Humanity "Chloe" high-waist cutoff denim shorts

Rihanna in J Brand 912 "Low Rise Pencil Leg Jean" in Ink

Eva Longoria in Paige Denim

Jessica Alba in The Stilt "Cigarette Leg Jean" in Highlighter Blue

Katie Holmes in Current/Elliot Floral Printed "Stiletto" Jeans in Red Rose

We’ve expressed our love for DL1961 in the past!   They have created the perfect-fitting jeans for everyone, and which flatter all body types.  Thanks to  their patented use of XFIT Stretch Denim, DL1961 Jeans boast both comfort and fit!

It seems that we’re not the only ones who are a fan!   Both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Fergie have gotten their hands on a pair…and apparently on the SAME pair: The Emma Legging Jean!

So Denim Diary Readers….

Who Wore it Best: Sarah Michelle Gellar or Fergie??

Pssst: For our Denim Diary readers in India, you’ll be pleased to know that Denim Story will be launching DL1961 in India very soon!

Although I’ve never been pregnant before, I hear dealing with the extra pounds and changes to the body can be hard to deal with.  Unattractiveness and awkwardness are common feelings which plague pregnant women. However it’s important to remember that pregnancy should be a beautiful and wonderful time in a woman’s life.  Fortunately with the advances in fashion for maternity wear, it’s possible to be a “yummy mummy” even before birth!  Pregnant ladies no longer have to feel awkward or frumpy as she progresses from one trimester to the next.

Pregnant or not, the feel-good power of a great pair of jeans cannot be overestimated! Of course the idea of buttoning up your pre-pregnancy jeans is now unthinkable, but there’s no reason that you can’t still wear a stylish pair of jeans.  Fortunately premium designers have taken note and have introduced maternity styles to their lines:

DL1961 Angel Ankle Maternity Jeans in Mariner

Beyonce in J Brand's Mama J Maternity Jeans

Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny in Divine

Paige Laurel Canyon Maternity Jeans

We hear that Christina Applegate found her maternity jeans so comfortable that she continued wearing them 14 months after giving birth to her daughter in January 2011!

In light of all the printed & colored jeans which are on shop floors this season, it’s easy for blue denim to suddenly seem sort of passé.  As J Brand has shown, such is not the case.

J Brand 8110 Beatnik Jean in Revival (Front)

J Brand 8110 Beatnik Jean in Revival (Back)

As tie dye & floral jeans have resurrected trends from the 1960s, the upsurge of patchwork denim is also paying homage to that decade.  J Brand’s new “Beatnik” jean is a twist of their classic 811 style.  By adding modern patchwork and detailing  to the jean, J Brand have taken their classic mid-rise skinny up  a notch.  The key is to look chic in an experimental way, which is why we suggest pairing them with a crisp white shirt/tank top as Cameron Diaz has:

Consider patchwork jeans to be your ticket to making a fashion statement in the most comfortable manner yet!

The concept of quality trumping quantity holds true in so many aspects, including denim.  While to most people, it may seem ridiculous to drop $200 on designer denim in comparison to a $20 pair from Forever 21, here are 6 reasons to consider.  These may help justify such expenditures.

1) Who made your jeans?  Ethical, design, creation and raw products all require more money for various reasons, including marked up costs.  However, the biggest reason comes down to labor costs.  Ultimately you pay more for premium jeans which are made in the US versus those made in China/Vietnam because it costs more legally (and ethically) to maintain a knowledgeable, well-staffed team.

Citizens of Humanity Kelly "Bootcut" in True

2) Cheap jeans just don’t have the same appeal: As a consumer, the key is knowing what you’re paying for.  Great denim costs more but so do embellished pockets, heavier detailing and of course the hidden cost of…drum-roll…marketing!

True Religion Women's Julie "Skinny Leg" in Lonestar

3) Longer lifespan: Along with price, consider how long your pair of jeans will last you.  While you’re Forever 21 jeans may last you 4 months at $20, that’s ultimately $60 per year.  Conversely, you’re heavily worn J Brand jeans have been going strong for 3 years and cost you around $160.  Even if they “die” tomorrow, you’ve only spent $53 per year on them…you do the math .

J Brand 814 "Mid Rise Straight Leg" Moxie

4) Premium denim fits better and makes you look slimmer…for real:  Expensive denim tends to also be of a higher quality which expands with movement and comes together after.  As a result, the wearer is left with a fit tailored to his/her body. More than that, the washes and details are often superior to less expensive jeans, and can produce the illusion of longer & leaner legs.

5) You get better denim: From fabric to finishing, there is no comparison.  Great denim designers have years of experience and expertise under their belt, and know how to make a great pair of jeans.

Paige Skyline "Skinny" in Ravine

6) You are buying talent, experience, and originality…instead of knock-offs: More and more, original ideas which people pay big bucks for are being ripped off, both in the form of cheap and counterfeit jeans.  If you won’t carry a fake Prada bag, and you won’t use cheap, throwaway makeup, then how can you justify buying a pair of fake True Religion jeans?  For the sake of ethics, value the work, time, passion and money which premium denim designers put into their jeans.

J Brand 811 "Mid Rise Skinny" in Revival

How much do you spend on jeans?

A crisp clean blouse is a wardrobe essential.  We at Denim Diary are especially loving the new Equipment blouses.  They come in amazing colors, are super stylish and can be incorporated into a number of outfits.  Allow us to show you how to get the most wear out of the same shirt…and if you style it right, chances are no one will even notice:

• Sleeveless Signature in Super Lemon

• Delphine Tuxedo Shirt in Bright White

• Signature in Rose Pink

How do you style your Equipment shirt?

Since Yves Saint Laurent gave birth to Le Smoking Tuxedo Suit in the 1960s, the tuxedo ensemble has been growing in popularity amongst women.  Blurring the gender divide, the tuxedo look has become a classic, wardrobe staple.  This trend last blew its trumpet in 2008, but has made a comeback in 2012.   To recreate this look while still maintaining a degree of seduction and femininity, here are some tips:

• Investing in a tuxedo shirt is a great way to create the ‘tuxedo’ effect even when worn sans a jacket

Equipment Delphine Silk Tuxedo Shirt

• For uniformity, swear by one color from neck down and it doesn’t have to be strictly black or white
• To stay on the masculine side of the fence, accessorize the look with a bow tie, chiffon neck tie or suspenders

Rihanna in Dolce & Gabbana

• Get your hands on a pair of pants that sport a contrast stripe or a trim down each leg.  Denim Diary favorites include:

J Brand "Kinsey" Tuxedo Stripe Skinny Jeans in Nightfall

Hudson Jeans "The Loulou" Tuxedo Crop Super Skinny Jeans

• To add some sexiness to your overall outfit, invest in embellished, women’s tuxedo jackets or pants that scream 70s glam rock

AG Adriano Goldschmied Sequined Legging Jeans

• Pair a women’s tuxedo jacket with well-fitted shorts or body-hugging skirt to avow a sophisticated summer look.

Gwyneth Paltrow sexily sports the tuxedo look

Pair your tuxedo jacket with these sexy shorts from J Brand: Lola Short in Stealth

• Give attention to the options of an underneath shirt: a sleeveless sheet chiffon top or a lacy silk blouse

Equipment Sleeveless Silk Blouse.

• Keep your hair simple in an up-do with a center part: try a chignon or topknot.

Alicia Keys keeps her hair up for a neat, yet chic, look

How are you wearing the tuxedo look this season?

Wishing all our Denim Diary readers a very Happy Easter!  Of all the symbols associated with Easter, the words “Easter” and “eggs” seem to go hand-in-hand together.  Even before Chocolate Eater Eggs were created in the 19^th century, the Easter Egg tradition has long been a tradition.

Eggs have been associated with the Christian festival of Easter which celebrates the death and resurrection of Christ, since the early days of the church.  In various religious scriptures, the egg symbolizes ‘fertility’, ‘rebirth’ and the ‘beginning’. For this reason several customs and traditions which involve the use of eggs on Easter have been developed over the centuries.

Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring and were used in the Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts.  In the earlier days, eggs were also exchanged by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as valentines.  Other more common practices involve an “Easter Egg Hunt”, decorative pieces such as baskets filled with colored eggs and straw to resemble a bird’s nest, and egg-shaped chocolates.  In addition to all of those customs, it’s common to actually eat eggs on Easter.  If you’re bored of your usual omelet or batch of scrambled eggs, why not try something different this Easter such as Mediterranean Avocado Boats?

Mediterranean Avocado Boats (serves 2)

Ingredients

• 1 Avocado
• 2 eggs
• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200*C
2. Cut the avocado in half & remove the pit.
3. Scoop out just a bit of the avocado in each half, enough to hold an egg.
4. Place each avocado half on an oven tray
5. Crack an egg into each avocado half
6. Bake for 12 minutes or until each egg has set.
7. Sprinkle with salt & pepper and dig in!

If you’re like the majority of the population, chances are you are “spring cleaning” your wardrobe…or in other words, getting rid of clothes you never wear in order to make room for new items !  If you’re faced with the difficult decision whether or not to throw out some pairs of jeans which just don’t make the cut anymore, why not recycle them? Or in other words, find a new use for your denims?

Never throw out your jeans completely…ever.  Denim is far too robust, alivea and universal to be doomed for the dustbins.  Recycling old jeans not only breathes life into an outdated pair that was destined for the dumpster, but also helps prevent our landfills from being overpopulated with trash.  In other wordsa consider this gesture a service to both yourself and the environment.  Here are simple ways to recycle your old pair of jeans:

1) Donate

Goodwill and Salvation Army are both more than grateful to accept old jeans.  By passing on your old jeans, you are providing someone less fortunate with adequate clothing.

2) Denim Wine Bags

Use the legs from blue jeans to make two wine bags: sew the bottom closed, and hem the top leaving an opening one side, or both sides, to thread through a golden cord drawstring or denim holder made from the unused part of the jean. Leave plain or embellish with lace, buttons, ribbon or small silk flowers.  Your wine bag will undoubtedly be the chicest in the pile!

3) Quilt

As denim fabric is very durable, they make excellent for strong, sturdy quilts.  Depending on your preference, you can either make a patchwork quilt entirely out of old jeans or a quilt which only consists of the back pockets of the jeans.  For a dramatic effect from patch to patch, use different colors of denim in the quilt.  Or if you want your quilt to give off some “attitude”, leave on all the details like pockets, buttons, belt loops, etc.

4) Pet Toys

Cat or dog owner? Rather than spend money on toys which are inevitably going to be chewed up, save yourself the moolah!  Simply cut off a leg portion of your old jean, stuff it with cotton (or alternative stuffing) and sew the ends shut to provide a nice chew toy or scratching up toy.

What do you do with your old jeans?

Tell me I’m not the only one who is guilty of wearing my jeans for weeks on end before washing them?  The fear of my jean losing its shape always makes me think “I’ll wear it once more and then wash them”.  Well now with the temperature warming up and sweat levels rising, continuing this pattern is just downright grimy.  To ensure your clean jeans retain their original fit & appearance, here are some tips to follow when washing your pair of jeans.

• Always read the label first!

• To keep your red jeans bright & bold, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and avoid using fabric softener.  For other colors and prints, I would suggest hand-washing or using one of the tips below.

• Turn your denim inside out before washing.  This will prevent fading and exterior seams during wash.

• Always wash in cold water on “delicates” cycle or hand-wash

• Invest in a tool known as The Wonder Wash.  It’s a portable washing machine you have to hand-crank, but it’s a sure way to get your jeans really clean, whereas hand-washing can make that difficult.

• Try a denim-specific detergent, either at home or at the local laundromat like The Laundress Classic Denim Wash 

• When washing your selvedge or super-dark jeans at home, follow these tips.  You can wash them in the tub or the sink and hang dry – no dry cleaning necessary.

• If drying your jeans in the dryer is absolutely necessary, do so on the lowest heat setting.