I love my faded blue Love Story bellbottom jeans, and Greg does too. They were a wild card at the time I bought them, filling a “fancy jeans” wardrobe hole. The degree to which I enjoy wearing them was unexpected, because I’m an ‘80s tapered hems gal at heart. Also, sporting flares has its challenges, like soggy hems in our rainy Seattle weather, and wearing two inch heels because I prefer the silhouette with height. Yet I adore their elegant ‘70s appeal and the way they swoosh when I stride. And I can manage a comfortable two inch heel if it’s not a regular thing. So I added a pair of white flares to my shopping list for Spring and Summer. Dressy, crisp, and with a modern Retro integrity. 

I started the search at Nordstrom and Shopbop, where I usually purchase jeans. There were many suitable options, but I whittled them down to six candidates. Most of the options are premium, because that’s where I ended up in the past with my beloved Love Story jeans. I selected low and mid rises because that’s my comfort zone, but threw in a few high rises to keep an open mind. 

After more consideration I chose three of the original six and ordered them online. My preference for low rise jeans is strong, which made Hudson’s Signature Flap Pocket Bootcut Stretch Jeans and Paige’s Denim Fiona Flare Jeans an obvious choice. I was going to leave it at that, but at the last minute ordered KUT from the Kloth’s Chrissy Flare Leg Jeans because I’ve had great luck with white boyfriend jeans by the same brand. I ordered one size in both premium styles and two sizes in the KUT jeans.  

The items arrived, and after trying them on there was no contest. The non-premium KUT from the Kloth jeans were hands down best. The denim is thick, which offsets the sheerness of white denim and makes the flare drape better (another benefit of more substantial denim: the pockets don’t grin). I preferred the way they fit at the crotch point. The width of the flare is dramatic yet manageable. And although they have quite a high rise, which is not normally my preference, they are comfortable. I opted for the larger size because they were looser on the thigh. They will need half an inch taken off the hem so that they almost skim the surface of the ground, and a slight waistband alteration to create a perfect fit. 

The Hudson Signature Flap Pocket Bootcut Stretch Jeans were disappointing because the denim was quite transparent. Greg thought that my skin grinning through the jeans was quite funny. I didn’t like the permanent branded red grommet on the front of the jeans at the money pocket because it takes away from the “white look” I am after. And the flare was too narrow. They did fit well, but their sheerness was a deal breaker. They do have rave reviews, so this might not be important to everyone.

The Paige Denim Fiona Flare Jeans weren’t as transparent as the Hudsons, but were still a little sheer. The width of the flare was great, but the fit was a little tight. Sizing up would probably have done the trick, but I didn’t bother because I much preferred the KUTS at less than half the price. 

It was a stroke of luck that I ordered the KUTs. I didn’t expect to go non-premium for this item. This just reinforces my opinion that while premium denim can be worth the price, they are not always a slam dunk when it comes to quality and fit. Price is not a good gauge of quality these days and often the the less expensive option is best.

Catherine Malandrino receives a prestigious award, the making of a Met Ball documentary, a new Nike collaboration, and more style news from around the world this week.

• Carine Roitfeld and Uniqlo are teaming up for a 40-piece womenswear collection that will be available this Fall.
• T.J.Maxx is launching a plus-size collection online.
• Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang are included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list for 2015.
• According to a Magazine Media Industry report, within the fashion set Vogue has the highest number of followers on every major social media platform.
• For its collaboration with Nike, Liberty is unearthing the Merlin print, “a dazzling configuration of retro geometric shapes and panels that was originally designed for a silk scarf back in 1972.”
• Catherine Malandrino has received the prestigious Chevalier of the French Order of Arts and Letters award for her lifetime achievements as a designer.
• There’s a Met Ball documentary in the works that will chronicle the making of this year’s Costume Institute exhibition and gala.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that at the time when Dior’s New Look was all about nipped-in waists and prominent hips, Cristóbal Balenciaga revolutionised womenswear silhouettes in 1957 with his waist-surrendering baby doll and sack dresses that were copied by many ready-to-wear manufacturers at every price point.

This outfit combination was inspired by three looks from Nordstrom. They combine a T-shirt with a pair of casual bottoms, denim vest and casual shoes. Relaxed, trendy, comfortable and a little tomboy. Good for Mums and gals on the go in very casual settings. 

I’ve kept the outfits neutral with black, white, grey and denim, but by all means add some colour. I also added the option of a cognac bag and footwear to warm up “cool neutrals” if that tickles your fancy. 

Here are the components of the ensemble:

Bottoms: Think black, grey or white jeans (any style) or city chinos (roll the chinos at the hem). Black and white Ponte pants, shorts or culottes will also work. I threw in some harem pants just for fun. Sporty track pants or joggers are another way to go in either a pattern or solid grey jersey, or a casual black fabrication. 

Tops: Think linen and cotton-rich T-shirts in white, grey or black. Wear them fluid or oversized in basic cuts or high-low silhouettes. Partially tuck the front for structure, or leave the tees untucked (the vest will add structure when layered over the top). If tees are not your thing, think casual knitwear, soft cotton blouses, or a lightweight sweatshirt.

Create a column of colour, or create contrast between the top and bottom. Wear a pattern or slogan if solids look too plain. Adding a belt to the partially tucked top is optional.  

Vest: Think classic denim vest in blue denim in a fairly structured fit. Leave the front unbuttoned. You can choose an oversized version because those are still on trend. Or choose a longer silhouette with drawstring waist definition. 

Footwear: Choose any style of casual footwear that works with the outfit, like slides, slipper flats, Birkenstocks, ankle strap flats, cut-out booties, pointy toe flats, slip-on sneakers, wedge sneakers, wedge sandals, sandal booties, mules or gladiators. Black, white and metallic are a slam dunk, but cognac adds an unexpected touch. Animal print or floral flats will work too. 

Accessories: A casual scarf is optional. Choose a casual tote, hobo, bucket bag or backpack in black, grey, metallic, white, cognac or tan. Or throw in a patterned or non-neutral bag. Finish off the look with headgear, eyewear, watch and jewellery as desired. 

You can turn the formula on its head by wearing black jeans with a grey tee and white denim vest. Or a black top with blue jeans and a white vest. Or substitute the denim vest for a white one in the first rendition on the left (patterned track pants).

The Business of Fashion is currently running an interesting series on why the fashion industry is ignoring the plus-size market. Have a look at: Plus-Size Is a Huge Growth Opportunity, Reaping Plus-Size Rewards Online, Serving Women of All Sizes Has Business Benefits.

The Guardian interviews Tess Munster, the largest plus-size model signed with a mainstream agency.

Fab Links from Our Members

Summer is almost here, and Deb found this review of all-mineral sunscreens very helpful.

Diane G loved this little peek into some of the work that goes into making a Dior dress.

Laura (rhubarbgirl) thought “Inside Gap’s Plan to Get Back Into Your Drawers” an interesting read.

This tool for colour blindness has helped Dixie, whose first language is not English, to learn new names for colours. She also came across an article explaining why no one could see the colour blue until modern times.

Angie directs us to this animated short interview with 93-year old fashion icon Iris Apfel.

Marlene feels inspired by Bridgette Raes’ approach to creating a wardrobe capsule.

Vicki would love to go see this exhibition at the Tate Modern in London which celebrates the work of Sonia Delaunay.

The Atlantic’s review of Jo Paoletti’s book Sex and Unisex: Fashion, Feminism, and the Sexual Revolution explains how gender-neutral clothing has mirrored broader social changes throughout the 20th century. Having lived through a couple of those changes herself, Laurinda found the article especially interesting.