The denim on denim trend, which means wearing denim items both on the top and the bottom, has become a mainstream look that we now see each season. In this case, I’m talking about wearing a denim shirt with denim bottoms, as opposed to wearing a denim jacket with jeans. 

I like the combination of a denim shirt and denim bottoms, but have noticed that it’s quite the acquired taste, and not generally a pairing that my clients love at first sight. But over the years, I’ve managed to encourage more of my clients to wear denim shirts with denim bottoms by adding what I call flair to the outfit. By flair, I mean the ways you can break up the solid blue denim from head to toe. Here are five ways to do that:

1. Wear black, white or grey jeans.
2. Wear boyfriend jeans, cropped jeans or denim shorts to showcase more skin. More skin means less denim.
3. Add high contrast belts and footwear.
4. Wear a bib necklace.
5. Wear girly shoes.

All three tops here can be matched with all the bottoms, as well as all the footwear, and either of the belts and necklaces. So pick your favourite combination.

The components of the ensemble:

• Denim Shirt: I’ve provided three washes of denim shirt because a blue wash that is different to the wash of your jeans creates a contrast that breaks up the blue. But keeping the wash the same both on the top and bottom is also fine. You can break up the blue by adding a belt and/or necklace. Scrunch the sleeves of the shirt to showcase skin, which again breaks up the large surface area of denim. Tuck, semi tuck or untuck the top. 
• Denim Bottoms: Choose blue, grey, white or black denim. Non-blue neutral denim obviously provides a greater contrast to a blue denim top. Choose full length bottoms, cropped or short styles. More skin, less denim. I deliberately kept this formula neutral, and am not including coloured denim in the mix. But of course, that’s another option, and I vote pastel denim this season. 
• Bib Necklace: A large bright necklace worn inside an open shirt collar, or over a closed shirt collar is a super way of breaking up the denim. Think colours, white, black or piles of pearls. The necklace is an ideal option for when you leave your shirt untucked. 
• Belt: Belts are for Team Tuck or Semi Tuck. Patterned belts get my number one vote because they break up the denim in the most dramatic way. But so will a bright belt, either skinny or wide. For maximal effect, wear a belt and a bib necklace. For a more minimal look sport one or the other. 
• Footwear: I like feminine shoes best with this ensemble because they provide a nice contrast to the masculine integrity of a denim on denim look. So think pointy toe pumps, dainty ankle straps and sandals, cage heels, or slipper flats, in neutrals and colours. 
• Bag: Choose a style that tickles your fancy. I’ve chosen a satchel to give daytime clutches a break.

Add extra jewelry as desired. Throw on a jacket to break up the denim in a big way like I did in this outfit a three years ago. This denim on denim outfit on my pinterest board pairs two different denim washes with boyfriend jeans, massive white baubles and high heeled caged sandals. Great look.

Will you be wearing the denim on denim trend?

I’m in a travelling mood and wish I could hop on a plane to visit all the wonderful fashion exhibitions that are currently being organized all over the world.

My first stop would be Berlin to take in the “New Fashion Photography” images at the Contributed Studio for the Arts.

Toronto’s Textile Museum would be next for the “Marimekko, With Love” retrospective — detailing the Finnish “company’s origins and role in shaping a new aesthetics and approach to living through fashion and design”.

Finally, I’d need at least a few days in New York. To check out “Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced“, an homage to the colourful career of the disco era innovator. Visiting the twin exhibitions at the Museum of Chinese in America would conclude my short art trip. “Front Row: Chinese American Designers” celebrates the rise of Chinese American designers who decided to make their marks in New York. The second exhibit, “Shanghai Glamour“, explores how Shanghai women and their fashionable dress helped shape the city’s identity, internationally known as “the Paris of the East”.

Fab Links from Our Members

Hil wanted to share this Do It Yourself Divas’ DIY project on how to hem jeans easy and fast.

Kristin says that Audrey’s third instalment in her Wardrobe from Scratch series is a great reminder of how important correct fit is.

Look at these pictures of Audrey Hepburn sporting two überchic timeless coats. Angie points out that these would still fly more than 40 years later, proving once again that there is no substitute for impeccable design.

Roseandjoan came across this controversial piece of research that claims women don’t need bras.

JulieJohn urges us to head over to TSB for some manspiration and tips on how to incorporate camouflage into your wardrobe. The dash of orange in pictures 4-6 is unexpected and fun.

Brilliant tip for those of us who are struggling to put together their Spring/Summer wardrobes. This is priceless, Caro!

Velvetychocolate has been enjoying the Retail Insider blog, and their recent report on the new Nordstrom stores that are opening across Canada.

Amanda recommends this Fast Company article on how Jenna Lyons transformed J.Crew into a cult brand.

“Forty Is the New Forty” — Ingunn found herself in agreement with Highland Fashionista’s take on age appropriateness.

I touched on metal mixing in my recent summary post about accessories. The guidelines I mentioned are seven years old, and although most of them still hold true for my own style, fashion has moved to the extent that it’s perfectly stylish to mix up any metal in any way in any outfit. For example, you needn’t match the hardware of your shoes and bag with each other, or with your jewelry. Your jewelry pieces needn’t metal match either. Nor the zippers and studs of your jacket and belt with your earrings or necklace. Or your belt buckle belt with your arm candy. Or your metallic shoes with the rest of the metals in your outfit. 

Although sporting a “melting pot of metals” in one outfit is now considered 100% stylish, you are of course entitled to your own metal mixing preferences. I certainly have mine, and I’d love to hear yours. I’ll go first. 

I’ve come a long way with my metal mixing recipe and preferences. In the mid ’90s and up until five years ago, I refused to mix my metals AT ALL, and only wore silver or platinum. I wouldn’t purchase anything with gold hardware, let alone mix metals in an outfit. Then in my late thirties, I started wearing my late Mum’s gold wedding ring on my non-watch hand as my way back into the world of gold. As crazy as it sounds, when I turned 40, I switched to Team Gold overnight. It was as if I needed to come of age all over again. Three years down the line and I actually prefer gold to silver against my skin tone. 

Today, I wear both gold and silver wedding rings and watches. I happily sport gold and silver hardware on belts, footwear, bags and jackets. I wear both gold and silver shoes. I very, very occasionally wear necklaces but when I do I will sport both metals there too.

As for mixing metals in one outfit, I’m happy to mix it up but still have my boundaries. For example, my watch and wedding ring that I wear on the same hand MUST be the same metal. No compromises. If I wear fine jewelry, I like the metals to match each other and my watch and wedding ring. But I will sport a moto jacket with silver hardware and wear a gold watch and wedding ring. I’ll also wear a silver watch and wedding ring with a gold belt buckle. And I’ll wear silver shoes with a gold belt, throwing in any metal with the watch, ring and bag. 

Lastly, to this day, I have never owned an item made of mixed metals. Whenever I pop on a mixed metal piece, like a watch, ring, belt, bag or shoe, I take it off favouring the single metal version. It makes little sense since I mix metals in an outfit, but there you have it. We all have our style idiosyncrasies. 

Over to you. What is your metal mixing recipe, and has it changed over the years?

White footwear and bags are one way to make your outfits feel more Spring and Summer appropriate. And while emerald was voted the colour of the season by Pantone, I vote white all the way. Remember that white comes in several shades so choose your white. White shoes can be bookended in an outfit with white belts, blonde hair, white tops and toppers, or a white bag. 

Here’s a selection of white shoes and bags, many of which have happily transitioned my clients into Spring. 

1. Kate Spade Little Ribbon Samira Clutch: This item isn’t completely white, but quirky and sweet all the same.
2. Kate Spade Charlotte Street Small Sloan Satchel: A beautifully made modern classic satchel with a high longevity factor. Look after it, and it will look after you. 
3. Vince Camuto Bolts Tote: A super bag that carries a laptop. Fab for work and travel. 
4. Pour La Victoire Nouveau Clutch: Wear it as a chain handle bag or as a clutch. Pretty and architectural. 
5. Munro Kimi Loafer: This Gucci lookalike is more comfortable than the quintessential Italian version. Runs narrow so you might need to purchase a wide size. Stunning with white jeans and shorts. 
6. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi-Ness Sneaker: I have these and the brand needs little introduction. Pop in an insole for extra cushioning comfort. 
7. Tildon Lindy Wedge: If you can handle the heel height, go for it. Modern and fabulous on a foot that can fill out the sandal. 
8. Report Meliza Sandal: A great little caged baby wedge that’s quite versatile. 
9. Dolce Vita Orina Oxford: Fun ’80s flashback! These oxfords run quite wide and are pretty casual as well as comfy. Nice tiny heel height too.
10. Michael Kors Ava Sandal: A very trendy sandal that once again looks best on feet that can fill out the silhouette. Not good on low volume feet with long toes. 
11. Prada Tassel Loafer: Let’s just say I fainted when I saw this darling. So, so beautiful and runs big. 
12. Vince Camuto Minter Sandal: And a repeat style from last year. This sandal continues to be a winner amongst my clients because it looks as good with skirts and dresses, as it does with tapered trousers and jeans. It’s quite comfortable and refined on the foot. 

Banish all negative connotations of white footwear and at least try them on in stores if you have your doubts. Or take baby steps by sporting a white bag instead. Perhaps next season you’ll work your way to adding white footwear to your style.