J Brand lovestory jeans
James Perse sheer slub side panel shirt | $155 at James Perse in lots of colors
No6 Clogs
3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder satchel
You know how “they” say that hippy/pear shaped women should wear flared or bootcut jeans to balance out their hips? Well, the truth is that I don’t like the way these look on me as much as I like skinny/straight leg jeans, so I think “they” are wrong. But I just recently got these hemmed so I could wear them, and my husband prefers this style on me, so I’m giving them another try. I do like them on me, maybe just not as much as skinny/straight jeans. But I could also be crazy.
And I felt bad for dissing JP’s shoe choice in yesterday’s post, so I wanted to make it up to him by waxing poetic on how AMAZING and WONDERFUL this shirt is. I’ve had this top for at least 5 years and it doesn’t show it’s age at all. It’s quite flattering on all women, copied to death, and worn all over TV/movies – for a reason. I couldn’t possibly recommend ONLY ONE James Perse piece, but if you’re just starting out with the brand, perhaps this is the piece to start with? I do recommend sizing up one size, and be aware that it’s relatively sheer, but it’s the most versatile top I own. I wear it tucked, un-tucked (mostly), and open. If I wore color, I’d have one in every color 😉
Also, I made it a goal recently to find another place to take my outfit pictures, but the truth is that if I didn’t do them outside on my balcony, they’d never get done. I know it’s not fabulous photography, but I’ve been doing my outfit pictures myself, with a tripod and timer since I started, so I kind of consider it my “signature.” My husband can’t follow me around, pose me, and shoot my photo three days a week – and there’s really not anywhere else great (or flat) around my apartment to take photos. And a few of my neighbors freak me out. So for now, I’m going to have to keep taking my outfit photos on my balcony. And the truth is, I actually think it’s okay.
I hope you guys have a great weekend!! And in case you don’t read Grechen’s Codes regularly, head over there and check out the Friends & Family sales going on this weekend at Joie, Equipment & Tory Burch…
I think that you look great, either in flared or fitted jeans. I don’t have that JP shirt yet. Clearly, I need to buy it. It looks very versatile. The balcony is beautiful! We get to see the changing seasons, reflected in the trees’ transformation. I laughed about the freaky neighbors part. Unfortunately, I can relate. We try to avoid most of ours. My husband takes fashion photos of me sometimes, but he’d never “follow me around.” Unless, I had a big brownie in my hands;).
funny you mention the changing seasons – i think it’s kind of cool how you can really see the difference in the trees! i love looking back…
and yes, you need this shirt. it’s a JP must-have! lastcall.com usually has the non-slub version on sale and sometimes for around $50, but i really prefer the slubbed one.
The issue for me is that bootcut and wider looks dated.
true. i do feel very 70’s/90’s in these…
I appreciate the link, I’ll check it out. FYI: Although I’m a new reader, you helped me make two eBay purchases last night. I bought the JP cropped military jacket, from a few seasons ago. It still looks like a classic, and I’ll love it for layering. I also bought a Vkoo cashmere infinity scarf in olive green. I think it’ll go great with the jacket. It was NWT, and I got it for under $80 (the seller accepted my offer). I like your style suggestions a lot; and I’m glad that I discovered your site. Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks!
oh!! yay for the VKOO scarf, you will LOVE It. i can’t wait to wear mine again, although it’ll be january before it’s cold enough here 🙁
and i always loved that jp military jacket. what a great deal.
hope you have a good weekend too!
I adore infinity scarves because of their versatility. It’s already cold enough for cashmere in Maine, too. Can’t wait, to wrap that soft scarf around my neck!
See, I love bootcuts, and I do think they look good on you. Sexy in a tasteful way. But I think they need a less solid shoe, either strappy and platform, or a pointier toe if closed.
I think the boot-cut jeans look great and I agree with Lisa that a pointier toe would be better.
I love that JP top and have several similar ones. They look great on everybody and can be dressed up or down (like all JP things). And they last forever.
Laurel, I can see that this site will be a “bad influence” on my clothing budget;). I need to buy that JP shirt asap! (Maybe I should make a JP shopping shrine.)
I can vouch for the fact that the JP shirt is super-flattering! And RJS, you are going to LOVE this blog!!
P.S. I think Laurel and Lisa are right, a pointy toe shoe or boot would definitely elongate the leg line with the bootcuts. I kind of see them as classics, like a white button down, a trench, black riding boots, etc….Not that there’s anything wrong with skinnies. Those have become classics, too! But Leo is right: You look GOOD!
First of all, I love that outfit! It always amazes me how you take seemingly normal pieces and turn them into such a chic look. You are my idol 🙂
Second, I LOVE your pictures! I go to fashion blogs for inspiration and fashion ideas – not to see someone play model in an abandoned parking garage. In your pictures, I get to see what I want; your awesome outfit and lovely smile. What else do you need on a fashion blog? I’m not gonna get into my full rant, but I am so tired of the one upmanship of fashion bloggers. It’s fake and it’s stupid and it’s annoying. That’s why I only read like 5 fashion blogs these days……
I’m with Cathy. Your balcony pics are all we need. We want to see your clothes and your enthusiasm, not some dark alley. 🙂
I’m with Cathy and Laurel too — love your enthusiasm, love the balcony pix. I check out only one or two other fashion blogs (on a good week) and Grechen, yours is the only one I’ve ever commented on, mostly for reasons Cathy mentions. I love the bootcut jeans on you and agree that a pointier shoe/boot is better. I can wear bootcut even with a flat if the shoe has some “length” to it. Full disclosure: I’m a bit biased. Skinnies look great on you, Grechen, but I dislike them on me (5’3″ hourglass, short torso). I do wear skinnies and have worked up a couple outfits that I think are OK, but nothing works as well on me as dark-wash bootcut with a heel. I always get compliments on them (Paige Skyline), which might be a reflection of my confidence more than anything else.
guys!!! you know my shoe wardrobe doesn’t consist of ANY pointed shoes. oh, well, my theyskens’ theory flats pointed shoes, but i can’t wear those with these jeans…
but i was thinking that looking at these pictures: that the jeans would look better with a shoe that is less clunky. perhaps my rag & bone booties? i’ll try and experiment a bit…
I agree, MV. I already love this blog. I appreciate all of the style suggestions and sales information. As well, as Grechen’s efforts and hard work. I can see why she has so many loyal readers! Thanks for acknowledging my input, too. I was the first to say something about liking the balcony shots, but no one mentioned me in later comments. I might be the “new kid of the block,” but I’ve been obsessed with personal style for decades.
Sorry, RJS, I didn’t mean to ignore your balcony comments. Grechen packs so much in her posts, there’s lots of threads that emerge and I just lost track of that one.
Thanks, Laurel! I appreciate your acknowledgement. I also understand about losing track of a thread. When I enjoy a blog, I like to be a frequent commenter. Interacting with other regular readers is important to me:).
Actually, I should’ve written “new kid on the blog,” not “new kid of the block.” Guess my mind was on scoring that JP shirt, that everyone (but me) has;).
RJS: We always welcome the “new kid on the blog”!! (clever, very clever! 😉 )
I have the VKOO scarf, too, in a rosy shade and it is gorgeous and SOFT!!!
wait. we’re the same! although i wonder if i’m really an hourglass anymore. maybe more like a pear…
i do generally like bootcut/flare jeans, and i used to wear them quite a bit (earlier in the decade), but either with flats or “pointier” platforms. i just don’t like to wear heels much anymore, so i gravitate towards skinny jeans because they lend themselves well to flats. IMO anyway 😉
What, your husband doesn’t have hours a day to follow you around and take photos of you wearing great outfits in industrial settings or standing in the middle of the street? 🙂
And I love that shirt too! I have the black and recommend it to everyone.