Tag Archive: Denim

Oct 18 2013

Interview: Donna Ida Talks All Things Denim

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Last week I shared with you the behind-the-scenes snaps of my video interview with jeans Queen Donna Ida as she opened up her first pop-up boutique up North at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet – well finally the video has been edited and I’m so pleased with how it came out.

I chat with Donna about her denim must-haves, her denim icons, her favourite pieces from her own brand ‘Ida’, what trends to expect this autumn/winter, and her expert tips on how to find the perfect pair of jeans.

Donna’s pop-up at Cheshire Oaks is open until October 20, if you are in the Chester area make sure you check it out as the selection of jeans is incredible and there are some bargains to be had as well.

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[Pics/video: courtesy of McArthurGlen]

Tags: Art of Denim, Cheshire Oaks, Denim, Donna Ida, Fashion, Ida Donna Ida, Interview, McArthurGlen, Shopping, Video Interview

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Oct 08 2013

Behind-the-Scenes: McArthurGlen’s The Art Of Denim With Donna Ida

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This weekend I headed North to McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet just outside Chester for the launch of its global #ArtOfDenim campaign, which of course is all about my favourite wardrobe staple – jeans!!!

As well as shopping, well it would have been rude not to, I was there to document the behind-the-scenes action of the Cheshire Oaks denim hub, check out the amazing Donna Ida pop-up, her first up North, as well as interview the jean queen herself.

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It was an amazing weekend and I can’t wait for the video, yep I was a reporter for the day, but to give you a taste I got some pictures taken while I was interviewing Donna on everything from why Cheshire Oaks, why she loves denim so much, what her favourite pieces are from her Ida collection, and her advice on finding the perfect pair of jeans.

Donna was seriously lovely, I even got to hangout with her over lunch, and she really is the master at picking out incredible jeans – I bought three pairs while I was there and all were styles/washes that I would never have considered - I’m talking stripy and mint green!!! I promise all will feature in up-coming outfit posts.

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Donna Ida’s pop-up and the Art of Denim event is only running until October 20 so get to Cheshire Oaks if you can as Donna has some incredible bargains – I picked up a pair of Ida jeans for £25. Plus if you spend over a £100 on denim at Cheshire Oaks you can get your new jeans monogrammed for free. I tried it out and got two pairs of mine done with DWS above the left pocket.

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The Denim hub isn’t just at Cheshire Oaks – you can also find denim activities happening at all McArthurGlen outlets including York McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Swindon McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, and Bridgend Designer Outlet.

Tags: Cheshire Oaks, Denim, Donna Ida, Interview, Jeans, McArthurGlen, Shopping, The Art Of Denim

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Aug 06 2013

Summer Fun: Lee Cooper Garden Party

I have been to numerous catwalk and fashion presentations over the years in unusual venues from abandoned theatres to NCP car parks, but never have I been to one at a garden party where the models just seemed to appear from the other side of a meadow, and the audience watch on from their deck chairs.

Well a couple of weeks ago I did just that, as I was invited by Lee Cooper to join their licensees from around the world to see the spring/summer 2014 collection, in the grand setting of The Grove in Hertfordshire.

As you would expect from a denim brand the whole event was very relaxed, and I am not just talking about watching the show from a deck chair, everywhere you looked there was something fun to do – from testing your strength, to throwing coconuts to playing crazy golf, as the inspiration for the SS14 collection was all to do with the traditional English fête, and I have to be honest I think all fashion shows should serve Pimms and lemonade.

The presentation of course was the highlight, from the gorgeous meadow setting to the fantastic seven-piece folk-rock collective Flight Brigade who provided the soundtrack to the models who just seemed to be a group of friends at a festival. The collection itself was laid-back and fun, with skinny and coloured jeans, a lot of graphic tees, printed tops and dresses, as well as casual shoes.

I am just so grateful that the British weather was in a good mood – as this was an event that needed blue skies and sun!!!

To see more of the collection head on over to my Facebook page where I have tons more pictures of the event.

Tags: Denim, Event, Garden Party, Lee Cooper, SS14

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Apr 09 2013

Fit First Time: Finding The Perfect Pair Of Jeans With Jeanography

I often do style posts in jeans, they are my go-to piece of clothing in my wardrobe, I think I have a pair in ever style and colour from my favourite skinny blue jeans that I wear all the time to my shiny black jeans that are perfect for a night out, and my tiny flares that are just so comfortable. But even with all the choice in my wardrobe I am constantly searching for the next perfect pair, so when Jeanography approached me about trialling their new service ‘Fit First Time’ I jumped at the chance.

So basically the ‘Fit First Time’ does exactly what it says with a little help of course to find you your dream denim match and it is easy to do. First up, pick out a pair that fits your style, this in itself is hard as Jeanography have a great selection of designer denim styles from the likes of Hudson, MiH Jeans, and 7 For All Mankind, and then you can leave it to the Jeanography stylist to suggest an alternative or a size change, or if like me you aren’t sure which jeans best represent your style and want to try something new you can pick out three pairs to try out.

I didn’t know it until I reviewed my selections but I went for three pairs of Hudson Jeans. The first was a skinny pair with a twist, the Leeloo Regular Rise Super Skinny Crop, the twist being the black leather stripe down the leg, which I liked but sadly they were a little big. Then I tried out the Beth Regular Rise Baby Bootcut in Siouxsie, which gives you a whole lot of skinny with a little boot, again, I liked but I really felt they were more low rise than regular rise. My final pair, which were my wildcard pair, were the Bacara Regular Rise Crop Straight-Leg Cuffed in Vancouver, I chose because I am really having a boyfriend jeans moment and these beauties were a perfect fit, a great length and super soft, plus they also have some great detailing on the pockets - I really can’t wait to do a style post in these.

This is a great service, as well as getting expert advice, you also don’t have to pay a thing for 14 days, meaning you get time to try them on and then return the unwanted jeans using the free returns service. You only pay for the pair/s that you love. If you worry about buying jeans online this is a great way to test before you buy and I am sure with the help of the Jeanography stylists you will find your perfect pair.

Have you checked out the Jeanography site? Which three pairs of jeans would you like to try out?

Tags: Denim, Hudson Jeans, Jeanography, Jeans

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Dec 31 2011

Shop Her Style: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley In Paige

Who: British bombshell Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Where: Out and about in Los Angeles, California

Wearing: A pair of Paige High Rise Bell Canyon flared jeans in Breckenridge, with her go-to leopard print scarf, a dusky pink blazer, and a knitted jumper; teamed with a nude Mulberry Evelina leather satchel from the spring/summer 2012 collection, matching nude boots and finishing off her look are Burberry 3051 aviator sunglasses.

Verdict: I do love it when celebrities do dressing down so well and I am loving this shade of pink teamed with dark denim – it just looks so fresh. Add in the stylish leopard scarf and those hot sunnies and this is a great look from head-to-toe. Oh, and I can’t forget that gorgeous Mulberry satchel – love the colour, the shape and it works against the dark denim and pink.

Buy Her Style: Lets get back to the denim, which are gorgeous and are uber-flattering, not that she needs any help in that department. Paige jeans are one of my favourite denim brands and I have had my eye on these high-rise flared jeans for a while, mainly because they are made from light-weight slim fitting denim that is super comfortable, oh and I am a sucker for flares.

I could only find the Breckenridge shade on the Paige USA site for $199; but if you love the style but prefer a more casual distressed shade then you are in luck as Donna Ida has the Marine style in stock for £205.

[Pic: Paige Jeans]

Tags: Burberry, Buy Her Style, Denim, Donna Ida, Mulberry, Paige, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Shop Her Style

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Dec 26 2011

DKNY Jeans: Ashley Greene Unveils Billboard

Who: Ashley Greene

Where: Unveiling her new DKNY Jeans campaign on a double-decker bus through Times Square, New York

Wearing: As the face of the brand it would be silly to see her in anything other than head-to-toe DKNY, but with that showstopping red long-sleeved shearling jacket to choose from it is hardly a chore, she looks completely striking. Teamed with the colourful jacket, Ashley is working DKNY Jeans’ Soho fit, which I have been told are extremely comfortable and flattering.

Verdict: What caught my attention instantly, other than that striking ad campaign, shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, which looks fresh, had to be that stunning jacket. I have seen a lot of shaggy jackets this season, but none as gorgeous as this, the colour against her brunette locks is just perfection.

Buy Her Style: It is a little pricey this dyed lamb skin shearling jacket at $1,959.99, but hey it is in the sale down from $2,800, and just think this jacket is an investment, will keep you warm and you will look fantastic. Now how do I whip up $2k?? That is a lot of eBay selling!!!

If like me this jacket is a little out of your price range, why not just settle for these dark rinse DKNY Soho jeans, priced $48.

Coming in 2012: I am a big fan of Ashley, not only does she always look so stylish, but she was made for the part of Alice Cullen in the Twilight series, and coming in 2012 she will be making a guest appearance in new favourite TV show, Pan Am. Ashley will be playing Amanda, an old flame of Ted – I can’t wait to see her all styled up in her Sixities outfit.

[Pic: DKNY Facebook - StarTraksPhoto.com, Albert Michael/DKNY Jeans]

Tags: Ashley Greene, Denim, DKNY, DKNY Jeans

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Dec 06 2011

Video Loving: Victoria Beckham Denim For AnOther

I am a lover not a hater of Victoria Beckham, always have been, I appreciated her WAG status, was overjoyed when she turned to fashion, and I even love her trademark pout; and last week I was thrilled when she was named Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. I know most of the fashion industry is now behind her, I think the amount of celebrities who have flocked to wear her designs has helped, but I think it is to do with her attention for details, whether it is on the cut, the marketing, or even her self promotion of her wearing the key pieces from her collection – one thing is for certain Victoria seems to think of everything.

What I also adore about her is if it doesn’t work out the first time, leave it a while and re-work it bigger and better and that is what she has done with Victoria Beckham Denim. It is fair to say the first few seasons of VB jeans didn’t do quite so well, I am not sure why, perhaps it was before her WAG status diminished, but the current autumn/winter 2011 and the up-coming spring/summer 2012 the collection is HOT!!

To push her denim to the cool kids VB has teamed up with AnOther magazine for a very quirky and playful film by Quentin Jones and AnOther fashion editor Agata Belcen. Inspired by Anna Karina dancing in Jean-Luc Godard’s Bande à part, the film is a kaleidoscopic mash-up of unfurling illustrations, interwoven with jiving hands in bowties and a chorus line of multi-coloured denim-clad legs, all set to a finger clicking score by Pete Duffy. I love the backdrop of film posters of La Nouvelle Vague.