I have my own personal interest in the matter. Sir Mix A lot raps that some girls have an L.A face, but an Oakland bootie. This is my fate. It’s called having an hour-glass figure – narrow, high waist and a full hip, thigh and, well, you know. The junk in the trunk. No matter how much weight I lose, I cannot lose my caboose.

I have no problem shelling out over $100 for a pair of jeans that fit properly. I have special ordered from online sites to get the correct length and rise. I have scoured through thrift stores to get a bargain. And here Marie Claire said that not only were the Old Navy Sweetheart skinny jeans the best on nearly every body type, but that they were also reasonably priced at $29.50, came in three colors and also three lengths?! Did I mention they also came in an equally affordable and great fitting bootcut as well?  At first I dismissed this. I remember buying Old Navy jeans when I was in high school. They weren’t that great. The fit was odd, you nearly always had to go up a size, and if the butt didn’t get stretched out and sag, then the back pockets literally began to rip away from the rest of the pant.

Eventually I broke down as one of my favorite pairs of jeans finally had its last hoorah. I went into the remodeled Old Navy in the mall, and checking to make sure no one saw me, headed to the fitting room with a gigantic stack of denim in my hands. I ended up buying four pairs – dark rinse, a medium rinse and a gray in the skinny leg and a pair of dark rinse bootcut. At 5 ft 10 inches, I needed the long length, which is not that common for me, but the size I generally take fit automatically. I didn’t need to try on more than one size in each rinse. The other fits – the rockstar and diva – did not have the same uniformity of fit or length. Sometimes I couldn’t get the pant leg past my thigh, sometimes the pant leg on a regular length fit more like a crop pant.

What I liked about the sweetheart skinny (and bootcut), was that the waist came to the natural waist. There was no muffin top; the tummy stays put. The skinny leg is slim on the thigh, but not so tight legs look like denim covered sausages. The washes are also flattering to figures large and small, any whiskering is done tastefully. The best part is that they look, feel and fit like a more expensive pant. After almost two months of wash and wear, they have kept their color and their fit.

So, ultimately it comes down to the bottom line. While not the best jean ever created, I would give the Old Navy sweetheart skinny jeans a solid endorsement. Old Navy often misses the mark when it comes to fashion, quality or fit, but when they do something right, it is often also highly affordable. Out of the entire denim line, these were the most consistent and the best fit. And I love them. They fit where they must with no gapping in the back and look great paired with blouses, sweaters or tees. So what if they aren’t designer! Fit is everything.

It was fate that morning. I went into Joseph A Banks, a premier suiting store for men, and I saw you while shopping for my father and my boyfriend. They would not care for you at all. Your wooden buttons and itchy merino wool are not their thing. After all, they wouldn’t be caught dead in the sort of cardigan my great-uncle would wear while he smoked unfiltered cigarettes outside on my grandmother’s porch. Not even the very young and very stylish men I work with in the mall would have you.

But my dear, we have always had a secret love affair. I remember being a young girl, taller and heavier then many others. And your kind were always there for me. When a woman’s sweater would not, despite the most ardent pulling and pushing, fall past my waistband, there you were. And later, when I wanted to belt a sweater over a pair of leggings on the snowiest of winter mornings, there you were. And even when I lost the weight, a man’s sweater always seemed warmer, thicker… somehow more… loving. Because you were comfy. Because you were longer. It wasn’t because you belonged somehow to a man in my life; I’ve been single and still in love with your brothers.

I will not mention that when I found you, you were on sale. That would only cheapen our romance. Yes, there was a buy two get two free sale, and I was able to steal you away for free. And yes, I had wanted you to be gray, not navy. But like all great romances, you unexpectedly stole my heart away. We’ve had great times – like the time I wore you over my burgundy pencil skirt with that fun mustard belt and brown boots. Or when I left you open over a floral blouse and my cuffed boyfriend jeans. You never fight with my fleece lined sperries, crucial if we are to make it past Christmas. I was teased when I came home with you, but you have valiantly proved your detractors wrong. A woman can wear you and remain feminine.

And most importantly, warm. You provide me the comfort and warmth of any of my boyfriend’s sweaters, without me having to take his clothes. By simply being there, you keep us from fighting over  who gets to wear the warmest clothes on the coldest days. It might be said that you keep the peace.

I love you, oh dearest sweater of mine.

Sincerely,
Ellie

Below you’ll scout the latest of Gilt’s flash sale treasures, starting with a Rosegold Nicky Booty in black (these pretty much look like my Colonial Madness boots from two or three seasons ago except with different bells and whistles; I can’t help it, I like what I like).

I also snagged a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs Super Stretch Denim Leggings, which might turn out to be a fashion faux pas, if I don’t start doing my Bar Method workout DVDs more regularly.
And, last but not least, an angelic Line & Dot fur vest with a hood – super steal! Still working on the right outfit that pins these three together. One thing’s for sure, unless I run away to the  circus strip club to turn my lifelong dream into go-go dancer reality, I’m going to need a top to finish the outfit. Let the shopping begin!

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Step One: What Do You Own?

Before you pick up your purse, or log into your online Bloomingdale’s account, stop and check out what you already own. Chances are you could go all in with the trend already. Look through your closets for slick silhouettes in vibrant colors. Check out your pencil skirts, boyfriend cardigans and tees and tanks. Lay them out and see what colors you already own. Do you gravitate towards jewel tones? Are you someone who wears a lot of bright colors?

Step Two: Go Tonal

I love blazers, especially for the fall, because they add a warm layering piece that looks put together and professional. Blazers work well in the office, or over a sweater at the farmer’s market. I own too many to count, but most people own a navy blazer. I paired mine with a silk blouse I found at a thrift store many years ago. It’s a soft shade of blue, and reminds me of the sky on a clear day. When going tonal in color blocking, you want to pick shades of the same color – light, medium and dark. I like the blue pencil skirt from NY and Company. It costs $42.95, which is pricey (but couponing wisely and taking advantage of a BOGO, you can get it for less). You can get much cheaper at Forever 21. They normally have a variety of colors in similar styles under $10.

Step Three: Go Contrasting!

When color blocking with contrasting colors, it’s important to follow the rules you learned in grade school about the color wheel. Contrasting colors are the ones opposite each other on the color wheel. Taking advantage of that BOGO, I paired the burgundy skirt with a mint v-neck tee and a rose colored cardigan I already had. I tend towards jewel tones because they are flattering on nearly everyone. The mint tee is great because it adds contrast without seeming like going to a Christmas party.

To further push the envelope, you can add mint accessories, or even the occasional piece of turquoise.The most important thing is to keep it modern and classic, and to avoid looking like you are a guest on In Living Color.

Step Four: Play with Primary Colors

Stripes are still very much in style, and to avoid going nautical, a splash of yellow to navy and red can take a look a long way. Primary colors, red, yellow and blue, can add an unexpected twist. The past seasons have been full of fun nautical striping, so chances are you’ve already invested in this fun summer trend.

Step Five: Know When to Splurge

As any savvy shopper knows, you nearly always get what you pay for. Cheap jeans may not fit stellar. Knits on inexpensive skirts might be thin and wear easily. Jeans in colored denim is a great way to stay warm in the winter but just because they are a trendy piece doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality and fit. The Express Zelda jean legging comes in a variety of colors; fits well, and at under $100 will not break the bank. Express has consistently had a reputation of great fitting pants. Express also makes their studio stretch editor pant in red. It might be too much for the office, but paired with a fuchsia silk blouse, it might make a great date night outfit.

Step Six: It’s Okay to be Lazy

Last but not least, many designers will simply do it for you. Many stores offer dresses that incorporate great fit and the color blocking trend. Throw some fun accessories, and you are good to go and enjoy the fall in style. I like this dress from Zara. It’s a cozy sweater – perfect for cooler nights – in a classic fit and a great length. All you need is tights or boots and you are ready for anything.

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Clockwise from top left: Sunflower Jacket – Eva Franco Sun Up to Sun Down Dress – Marni Knitted Tank – Topshop Pleated Frill Dress – Nagelvard Matte Nail Polish – Crumpet Cashmere Cardigan – Asos Leather Clutch – Poetic License Women’s Backlash Bootie – Topshop Bangles.

Rather than going full-on yellow, adding splashes throughout your outfit can make a muted ensemble more fall-friendly. A yellow cardigan layered over dark jeans and a neutral shirt, an unexpected pop of mustard in a structured clutch, in bangles, or on your nails, a tank layered under a printed cardigan or jacket, a mustard scarf thrown on top of any outfit; these are all great and subtle bursts of mustard yellow.

Going bolder is easy for the brave (or less pale): a mustard jacket paired with muted colors is a perfect fall outfit, a really bright yellow shoe adds punch to any outfit, and a mustard dress can be much less in-your-face if it has feminine details, like lace, frills, or a floaty hemline.

However it’s worn, mustard is an amazing fall color that can add character to any outfit, but always remember to style it your way and have fun with it! (And any other color!)

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It’s not often that I include a picture of a designer on my blog alongside their collection, but Kym Ellery is an exception. The Australian born designer launched her debut collection in 2007 after working at RUSSH magazine (previously featured on odetoawe here and here) for a number of years as part of their creative team. Ellery’s Fall 2011 collection is both avante garde and wearable, a mixture of architectural details and soft fabrics. I also love the contrast of her own dark aesthetic mixed with light fabrics below; she makes white and lilac look almost gothic. In addition to clothing, the label produces shoes and accessories in the same vein; chunky black boots and cat eyed sunglasses. If not for the hefty price tag (not compared to other designers in the same price point though) I wouldn’t just be looking at these pieces as art, but unfortunately, until I inadvertently win the lotto, I am. Nonetheless, check out Ellery’s beautiful club-kid/goth/avante garde vibe below.

Check out Kym Ellery’s label here.

I can’t exactly tell what is going on with this faux fur coat. Is the dog attached? Is the dog an accessory? Will the dog come with said coat if I purchase it? Whatever the case, I’m kind of digging Poppy Lissiman’s utilitarian and feminine mixed style. The Australian born designer founded her label in 2009 after being unable to find pieces she wanted to wear in the market. Her fun and feminine clothing has a military and masculine edge and consists of both basic pieces and florals, faux fur, lace and vibrant, gemstone colours. I’m so into her floral patterns mixed with utilitarian army green button down shirts.  For a complete interview with the designer, check out  Fashionary.org  here.

Check out her complete collections here.

From Top: Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Top Shop, Marc Jacobs, Top Shop

From Top: Opi in Russian Navy, Rodarte, 80%20, River Island, River Island

From Top: Ray-Ban, Colette Voila Lighter, Rebecca Minkoff, Pin Up Girl Clothing, Nars Dragon Girl
(All photo’s (except vectors) taken from Polyvore)

How will you spend Independence Day?

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Lanvin Cat and Logo Print Washed Silk Dress

Cream Cat Print Oversize Shirt

Deyrolle Pour Opening Ceremony Long Sleeve Cat Tee

Bonus: Cat Ring

Deadly Ponies Precious Cat Ring

For your viewing pleasure, check out the video above.

The collections are made up of well-made basics (think chambray shirts, plaid, jeans, etc). The store sort of reminds me of like a Hollister or Abercrombie, except, everything is cooler in Amsterdam. Where as Hollister and Abercrombie market to a certain type of customer with campaigns and editorials focusing on California surfer cool, Scotch and Soda has more of a hipster-eque aesthetic, marketing to the festival going, leather jacket and flower print dress wearing chick. The cutest stuff on the site?  The kids clothing. Any five year old boy wearing a blue blazer emblazoned with gold buttons is too cute and should probably get on a boat asap (and get me on a boat too, it’s hot as hell in nyc today).

Check out Scotch and Soda here