Lately I have been noticing a lot of people who are investing in a great pair of denim or talking about how they are looking to build their denim wardrobe with pieces that fit really well and are comfortable enough to wear all the time. After talking to several people about jeans, I have notice a similar response. Women want denim that is going to last in fit, quality and color. They are tired of spending money on poor fits that are basically disposable after a few washings. I understand that money is tight right now, but an investment piece, like a great fit, is long lasting. Here are a couple of my recent encounters with people who have purchased designer denim.
One of my friends recently came in with spring fever and was looking for something different that she could not find at a mall. She wanted to try on some new jeans, she was open to any style as long as it fit her body. We started with some Jbrands, True Religion, and William Rast. She ended up buying a pair of Jbrand for a dressier look and a pair of True Religion straight legs that she could wear cuffed in the summer and tucked into boots for the fall and winter. Both pairs fit her perfectly in length, rise, and made her butt look fabulous. Needing a change in her life, she was feeling quite positive after her new purchases and can’t wait to show them off!
Another denim situation came into play when I was talking with a lady in her 50s. She was wanting some new denim that fit her body and that were great for her age, but if you ask me I don’t think there is an age limit on denim. After listening to her, she wanted denim that was going to wear well and fit her without being tight or slouchy. She ended up finding three pairs of Paige denim that fit her so well. Now she has jeans for all occasions and her denim wardrobe is stocked up for all seasons! She was so excited and kept saying I love my new jeans with a big smile on her face.
With all the bad that is going on around us either personal or world, sometimes we just need something positive to make us see the brighter side. I know when I feel good about me, I have a more positive feeling on the whole day, no matter what is going on. Until you at least try a pair of denim that could change your life, you are going to be skeptical. Just go out on a limb and try something new and exciting for yourself. We work hard ladies and we deserve to treat ourselves and feel good about ourselves! Remember that.
Sara
Matching Lip Gloss
I have become obsessed with Philosophy brand lip-glosses. The texture is rich and creamy and it provides the type of shine that gives your smackers a pretty, plump pout. I like this product because I never wear lipstick. Instead I smother my lips with this tasty gloss that provides shine, color and the option of not staying in the lines. (As I apply mirror – less while working). One interesting occurrence last week sparked this idea for a blog. I was wearing Sugar Plum Fairy lip-gloss by Philosophy, enjoying the sweet raspberry taste, when a customer commented on how fabulous it was that my lip-gloss matched the exact shade of the love quotes scarf wrapped around my neck. Ironically the color of my scarf happened to be raspberry. I reveled at the idea of incorporating the color of my lips into the outfit equation. So my tip to you, ladies, try a delicious Philosophy lip gloss in the same shade as your favorite summer scarf and rock the matching scarf and lips trend! Have fun!

Shoes are a Girl’s Best Friend
Shoes this summer are strappy and full of detail. Finding a simple black pump this year will be a difficult task. Designers are showcasing “the cage” look – straps of leather casing the foot for an edgy, modern style. The gladiator sandal stays strong this summer; keeping with the more is better concept when it comes to straps and hardware. The “cage” look is also popular in platform style, allowing for the option of height when it comes to this trend. Color is in demand when it comes to feet this year. Orange, yellow and purple leathers are covering the feet of serious fashionistas everywhere. Details such as sparkling stones, floral prints and metallic are adorning many of the most popular styles. As I have always thought, shoes are an accessory all on their own. Why not go bright, bling-ing and bold? Happy shopping ladies!

What I’m Loving…
Scarf tying is an intricate a skill, up there will flawless eyeliner applications and necklace chain detanglment. I, for one, am always inventing new ways to wear my scarves. My favorite brand is Love Quotes. The rayon blend is fantastic for shaping and creating. I adore the fringe and always use it to the advantage of the wrap. The trick with
a fringe-bearing scarf is to begin by holding the scarf full length in front of you. Let go of the material in your right hand, holding onto the scarf with your left. Keeping this direction, loop the scarf around your neck so that the fringe hangs to a point on either side. Then begin looping and swirling until you create a favorite look. My latest idea is to wear TWO light-weight scarves wrapped together. Intertwine the two to create a BRAND NEW scarf! I like to mix prints and fabrics. You can begin by braiding the two scarves together BEFORE you put it on, or you can tie the first and weave the second through, making up the style as you go! Brilliant! If anyone has any scarf tricks of their own..I sure would love to hear them!
Love, Shauna

For all of you who did not get the chance to watch Justin Timberlake on Oprah Friday, I thought I should share what you missed. Justin was named as the most stylish man in America in the March 2009 issue of GQ. I guess it helps to have your own clothing line and a design team. William Rast clothing line illustrates Justin’s love for mixing tomboy with sexy for the womens division. He states, “Every women should have a good pair of jeans and a leather jacket in her wardrobe”. For guys, he likes the mix of clothing elements. For instance, one guy model was wearing a pair of “Ben” rugged cut jeans, a flannel buttonup and a nice blazer. An effortless style.
William Rast Jeans are not just designed, they are created. To get the exact crease line for the “Ben” Jeans, the head mens designer worn the same pair of denim for 18 months without washing them. This created a natural crease with geniune quality. To prove that the jeans look great on every body type, the show included real people off the streets. A great tactic to get people to buy your jeans! To be honest, William Rast Jeans are my favorite for the fit and design. I am a believer! Another interesting point about the jeans is the fact that they make woman’s behinds smaller. The design plays a factor in this one. Here is a piece from the interview that explains how this works:
“You say these jeans are guaranteed to make women’s butts look good,” Oprah says.
“I stand by that statement,” Justin says.
What’s the secret? Justin says it’s all about the jeans’ yoke—the material between the waistband and pockets. “More high-waisted jeans have more distance between the yoke and the waistband,” he says.
That is very interesting, and in fact I noticed that my butt did look amazing in these jeans, must be why I fell in love with this brand.
You can get the full story on oprah.com. Here is a link to the website where they take a tour of the design studio for William Rast. http://www.oprah.com/media/20090327-tows-william-rast
It is a very interesting interview that I recommend everyone checking out. After you have learned all about this awesome brand, come back to jbandme.com and find your perfect pair of William Rast Jeans. If you have questions on style or fit, please use our live chat feature!
Have a wonderful day!
Sara

Summer Denim
†
What I’m loving…
Denim this summer has taken a surprising new turn. Far from last year’s clean, dark appeal, summer denim is faded and distressed. The more worn in, the better! The look is across the board in straight leg styles, trousers and skirts. A new style, referred to as “The Boyfriend” features a loose, almost baggy fit, rolled up to just above the ankle. This is an instance for which we can all be grateful. When fashion spotlights a trend that is easy and comfortable to wear! I love stiletto heels, but my feet suffered through six entire seasons of Sex and the City. “The Boyfriend”, available in capri and short versions, is worth trying out. Like all good boyfriends, these jeans make you feel fabulous and only get better with age!
Love, Shauna

Accessories
What I’m Loving…
Layers of accessories is the hot look for Spring and Summer ‘09. Try layering chains of delicate silver and gold, varying lengths, to create a new and interesting spin on the necklace. Do the same thing with bracelets. Make sure that the pieces co-ordinate, they do not have to match (MIX METALS< LADIES!!), but they should blend. Scarves are still incredibly popular. This summer we are seeing more patterns and prints on scarves than ever before. Jewelry is definately statement making this season. It is appropriate to layer necklaces, bracelets and a scarf all in one ensemble. The effect should be care-free and luxurious all at once. Try it with a basic v-neck tee as your canvas! Have fun! Experiment

As if you needed another reason to fall in love with William Rast Jeans, Justin Timberlake will appear on the Oprah show today talking about the future of his William Rast clothing line. I personally can not wait to hear him talk about the development of these amazing jeans and what he has in store for his clothing line. In fact, I
am wearing my favorite WR Jeans right now, the Savoy in dark handsome.
William Rast Clothing line was developed by Justin Timberlake and his best friend Trace Ayala. They describe their line as being a little bit country with an edge and definitely chic! The name of the brand came from the two most influenced people in both of their lives, their grandfathers. William is Justin’s grandfathers first name and Rast is Trace’s grandfathers last name. How special is that?!
Everyone at jb and me absolutely loves this brand for jeans! We are currently obsessing over the Sadie straight leg as summer nears. The fit of these jeans is comfortable and does not stretch with all day wear. It is very important to me that I can wear a pair of jeans all day without them ending up at my knees (a bit extreme, I know). I highly recommend to all of you who have not tried these jeans to give them a chance. Beware, it is dangerous to look this good!
Remember to watch Oprah today to get the inside scoop!

Dresses
Dresses have become the shorts, capris and the skirts of summer. The wave of dress appeal started last year with the return of the maxi-length. Soon fashionable gals everywhere realized the brilliant efficiency of “the dress”. Full outfit = one piece. The allure of being incredibly cute and put together in the time that it takes to slip a jersey sundress over your head is far too wonderful to resist.
Dress options this spring and summer range from dressy to casual, floor-length to micro-mini and patterned to solid. I love the loose, cotton dresses by favorite t-shirt designers, Ella Moss and Velvet. The soft fabric feels like pajamas and makes looking fabulous as comfortable as snuggling in bed!
For dressier and more professional occassions, brands such as French Connection and Language Las Angelas feature feminine dresses in structured shapes and patterns. Paired with a complimentary sandal, these dresses exude class and elegance. The concept of the dress is entirely feminine, and the style just looks and feels lovely to me. Indulge in a fresh summer dress!

Lets go back to our younger years where our imagination ran our lives and we were so
carefree. At that age we could do anything, be anything we wanted when we grew up. We dreamed of being in one of our favorite fairytales, having our prince charming ride up on a white horse and save us, and fighting off all the bad things with our magic powers. Life was easy and simple. Lets face it girls, we still day dream of this life that we created when we were young. Since, I don’t see a white horse or a prince in my near future it is good to know I can still look the part of my favorite fairytale with this years spring trends. This spring season, we are seeing fashions that are ultra feminine and dream like. Full skirts and light floral prints are ruling our wardrobes. Bright white and soft blues and purples are the colors to watch for this season. I am really excited about this trend, because deep down I will always be that princess that I desired as a young girl. Check out these styles at jbandme.com. Look under French Connection for the latest fashions from our fairytale world. Enjoy being a dreamer! Take $10 off your order with the code fairytale. This code is good for Today and Tomorrow.
