My Denim Journey….

Amanda Start-The Online Stylist.

Through meeting Donna Ida and after signing up for the Jeans for Genes 5k run in September (more of which later), I’ve recently gotten to know Sam from I Love Jeans.com when she asked me to guest post over at her blog about my own denim journey, I couldn’t wait to put something together. Whilst investing in great denim is always something that I’ve extolled the virtues of on my own blog, it’s a mantra that I didn’t follow until I took a trip to NYC three years ago and had my first experience of how shopping for jeans should be whilst loitering in Bloomingdales.

I find it’s an ever evolving process because back then I wasn’t aware of the hidden benefits of the mid and high rise jean. Sadly, in my over excitement at buying my first two quality pairs, 7 For All Mankind if you’re wondering, I overlooked the fact that they were low rise. I think had I let the sales assistant into the changing room with me and shown her how they looked UNDER the sweater I was wearing, she may have educated me right there and then! For an apple/pear cross shape such as myself, I deem mid or high rise to be essential – once you’ve experienced the almost magical streamlining abilities you’ll never go low again.

So my ongoing mission is to build a denim wardrobe of the best quality I can afford in the shapes that are right for me. Progress to date includes MiH Boyfriends in a pale wash, J Brand 814 Cigarette leg jeans in dark blue, James Jeans Hunter straight leg in black and my most recent acquisition from the Net-A-Porter sale, a pair of Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Jean Leggings for winter. The aforementioned  7 For All Mankind boot flares and mid wash straight legs will both need to be replaced with mid or high rise at some point.

I feel that all these were worth investing in straight off the bat. For some of the more trend led styles I tend to look towards the high street as I can’t afford to invest in every style that I want to wear. This way I get to enjoy the cropped brights and flares that are everywhere this summer without upsetting my bank manager too much. It’s worth taking a look at what suits your own shape in amongst the seasonal trends as the flares really work for me so for my next denim investment I would definitely consider a pair. I’m currently living in these Washed Skinny Flares, £15 from Dorothy Perkins.

For quality denim with excellent service and fitting advice to match I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Donna Ida. If you’re a first time denim investor, an appointment at her Denim Clinic is an absolute must. The Net-A-Porter Denim Boutique is also a great resource to tap with advisers at the end of the phone to assuage any lingering doubts on style and cut. For high street steals Dorothy Perkins offer excellent ranges as do Topshop and New Look.

If you’re still unsure about finding the right jeans for you, I highly recommend browsing I Love Jeans – they have an excellent section on Shopping For Your Shape. They also offer a Denim Stylist Service that trawls London to find the perfect jean… so you don’t have to.

Armed with new found knowledge I challenge you to go forth, find your perfect jeans and report back!

Amanda Start is the Founder & Editor of The Online Stylist, a style and fashion blog.  As well as running the Style Advice Service, she write’s for Upper Street.com, a place where you can design your own bespoke shoes.