Denim on Video: Shopping for Jeans Just Got Easier (And More Enjoyable)

by Shopbop Shoptalk at 2:46 PM PDT, June 8, 2009

One of the biggest challenges of online shopping is trying to figure out from a static photo how a piece of clothing is going to look on you—something that’s especially true with designer jeans. A big help? Being able to see how a garment moves. Enter video denim guides: the next best thing to seeing someone walk by in exactly the pair you’ve been wanting.

The True Religion jeans fit video highlights this brand’s most popular styles including the Joey, the Johnny, the Billy and the Bobby, covering how each of these favorites fits, what kind of back pocket it features, and how it sits on the waist—details this brand takes very seriously. This near-fanatical dedication to denim is in True Religion’s DNA: the brand was named for founder Jeffrey Lubell's belief that denim is his "true religion,” and, perhaps fittingly, each True Religion jean is named for one of his childhood friends. (Another fun fact: the brand’s signature stitching was inspired by Lubell’s love of the 1960s California casual-chic lifestyle and its creative, anything-goes attitude toward fashion.)

Speaking of “fittingly,” women have waxed rhapsodic about the incredibly flattering fit of 7 For All Mankind jeans for years. Though their wildly popular boot cut is still a bestseller, this brand has since branched out, offering an impressive (though somewhat daunting) selection of denim styles that run the gamut from de rigueur skinny jeans to dramatic wide leg jeans. Fortunately the Seven jeans video denim guide walks you through each and every one. What’s the difference between an A Pocket and a Dojo? Which of their skinnies will show off your assets to best effect? The video answers these and other burning questions with beautiful visuals to boot.

And if you’re on the lookout for the latest denim styles of the season, check out the spring denim trends video. Full of inspiring ways to wear the hot looks (from crisp white jeans to boyfriend jeans) everyone’s searching for, it’s like having a personal stylist show you exactly how to wear the jean du jour.

--Maureen

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Build a Better Handbag Wardrobe

by Shopbop Shoptalk at 12:48 PM PDT, June 11, 2009

More than any other piece of fashion, a handbag is an extension of the woman carrying it. It’s a daily part of her life that travels with her around the world and back on quixotic caravans, enlightening caucuses, and clandestine rendezvous. If you want to get to know a woman in 30 seconds, just empty out the contents of her purse.

Problem is, some women are searching for that one singular satchel when they really should be building a handbag wardrobe. You’re not one-dimensional, so your closet shouldn’t be either. Like any valuable collection it takes time to acquire, and with a bevy of designer handbags to choose from, the task of finding what you absolutely adore can feel a bit exasperating. Here’s a little help to get you started:

Sensational Color
You probably already own a practical black shoulder bag, but how much more would a little black dress pop with a patent cobalt blue Botkier on your arm? Exactly. Matching heels to purse is a thing of the past; instead use a contrast-colored bag to add interest and depth to your look.

Brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch are known for their clever hues (think grass green, marigold, cognac), and each designer is so influential in terms of fashion history that their creations rank high on any collector’s list. For the feel of European luxury, a Mulberry handbag is as much a British fashion icon as Kate Moss (who has been spotted carrying Mulberry bags). Their upcoming fall line is bursting with burnt orange and coral, while the current collection shines with crackled and croc-embossed metallics.

Must-have Mulberry bags brighten up Fall Fashion Week.

A Little Bit Girly, a Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll
If you’re like me, one day you’re Alexander Wang edgy and the next you’re feeling more Nanette Lepore romantic. No need to pick sides when there are plenty of great bags that go with both. Versatile Rebecca Minkoff handbags manage to be polished in their shape and iconic styling, and punk in their copious use of studs. Bonus points for offering the Nikki Hobo in seven different shades, and for Minkoff’s new ostrich-embossed pieces.

Size (and Shape) Matters
If silhouette is really perplexing you, a convertible style provides a chic solution. In some cases, the convertible handbag is foldable (Foley + Corinna City Tote); in others, a detachable shoulder strap takes it from daylight to date night; and some bags (LeSportsac Leigh Tote) play Transformers and morph into a totally new shape with a little creative maneuvering.

So next time an overzealous stamp collector condescendingly asks “What are your hobbies,” smile politely as you clutch that covetable Kooba.

--Suzanne
Shopbop Shoptalk

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