I love the look of ragged cut-offs with delicate silk, or thin cotton blouses, something boyish and grungy paired with delicate femininity is one of my favorite combinations. You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on cut-offs either. I made two pairs of my own from old skinny jeans I had and wasn’t really wearing anymore. In fact, I like them more because they were skinny. They fit tight up top with no saggy bottom to fret over.

A good and fun tip: go to your local thrift shop, Goodwill, or second hand store and find a pair of old Levi’s or denim label of your choice, make sure they fit properly and chop em’ up! The more you wash and dry them, the better, because what’s a pair of DIY cut-offs without all the fringy hangovers?

Image Source: elle.com

Gap White Ankle Jeans: $59.50

They are nice and skinny, with just a touch of stretch and the cropped hemline allows you to show off your shoes appropriately.

Brewed Bean Shell: $58

Next, add a floaty top like the one above from Anthropologie.  This appropriately colored red flounced top adds a little party flare while keeping you cool and giving some coverage.  So far we have red and white checked off the list.

Next: accessories.  Luckily, with the gladiator sandals popular for a second summer in a row, maybe you have a little strappy sandal already lurking in your closet.  Now how about a star necklace in honor of the occasion?

This beautiful necklace, found on MadisonLosAngeles.com, incorporates a vintage charm and is on a long chain that will float beautifully against your flounced top.  As an alternative, might you consider some gold or silver chandelier earrings to reflect nicely off the fireworks?

Now you are dressed to stay cool, not dig holes in your neighbor’s lawn and look reasonably festive. Party on Wayne.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more white jeans and red women’s tops.

Save the Green

Well recessionistas, not too many of us are looking to spend like its 1989 these days.  So how do you cut a corner or two without loosing your fashion tiara?  Just put your money where you will get the most bang for the buck.  A brilliant pair of fresh Prada platforms or always chic Tod’s mocs?  Either will raise the level of those basic, dark wash jeans, especially the $40 ones you scored at Marshalls.  Pick your favorite piece and spotlight it, that’s the trick.

Find the Fun

Putting together an outfit is a chance to be creative on a day to day basis.  It’s more than covering up, it’s showing the world who you are in shorthand.  A mix and match takes more time, but is more satisfying than a one note look.  In fact, I don’t think the fashion bibles have spent a single issue highlighting a top to toe look since conspicuous consumption went belly up along with the stock market.  Look for a similarity in weight of material, or color family, or feeling.  Other than that, mix it up!

Down to You

The beauty of mixing the high/low is that it can help you stay away from the “I’m a Dolce ad” look you get when you put the dress, with the shoes, with the bag, with the glasses from the same source.  Not all trends will work for you and mixing designers, retailers and even seasons will help you stay focused on what looks great on you, not on what the D&G boys have out right this second.

Take a look at these pics. I picked skinny jeans from Gap.com, a 60’s vintage halter from Rustyzipper.com, a bag from Jcrew.com and Costume National flats from Saks.com.  The jeans and halter are quite inexpensive and are made even more fabulous by the sharp but not over the top “Editor” bag from J. Crew and finished with the crazy fun flats.  With a mix like this you will look cute, chic and most importantly, like you.  And isn’t that what fashion is for?

Editor Tote: $395.00

Slightly Faded Straight Leg Jeans: $69.50

 1960’s Women’s Halter Shirt: $29.50

Costume National Slingbak Flats: $560

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more slingback flats and women’s halter tops.

Discounts on women’s straight leg jeans and handbags.

Denim Sandals?  Who would’ve thought those would be a trend for this spring. They are a total retro throwback, but I dig it…hopefully you will too.  Look for ones that have chunkier heels, and maybe some sort of ankle strap. Paint your toenails bright red, and rock it out.

Denim Chunky Heels: $39.99

I can appreciate paisley patterns, but they can be difficult to find on clothing unless you are scouring the racks at a thrift or vintage shop, this is because it’s an old fashioned pattern and look.  Something your mother may cringe at hearing if you were to ask her.  The scarf I found isn’t quite paisley, but its pretty darn close and I actually like it a bit more.  I’m predicting florals on scarves are going to come back as well which makes me happy since they will be a fresh change from the keffiyahs which have been trendy for like two years now.

Hersey Shibori Scarf: $34

Since I’ve had such a wonderful last few weeks with my Levi’s denim jacket find, I thought I’d see If I could dig up one for ya’ll.  Levi’s has some great stuff and the jackets are no exception.  I wasn’t too keen on the darker denim ones they have right now but this white re-issued Trucker Jacket looks like it would fit quite well.  Made of 99% cotton and 1% lycra, the Trucker Jacket is cropped at the waist and slimmed down to fit curves.  It never hurts to keep looking for an actual blue denim jacket, but this white one is fresh for spring and should get you through the season.  Perfect for throwing on over dresses and tanks.

Levi’s re-issued Trucker Jacket $98

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more khaki trench coats and denim jackets.
Discounts on paisley scarves.

Levi’s is calling these their reissue of an “archived” 1970’s version with a hi-rise cut and signature ‘arcuate’ stitching on the back pockets, they also have a little bit of stretch in them which makes for a perfect fit.

Levi’s re-issued 1970 flare jeans in Rachel $78, levi.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s Levi’s.

First up are these straight leg jeans. Each can serve as a standard pair that combines well with any top. From colorful tees to leather jackets, straight legs marked under $30 are a must have for any closet.

                Agatha Straight Leg Jean (dark): $22.80              Renee Straight Leg Jean (grey): $29.80

Here’s a low rise skinny that can have any girl jumping for joy. Priced at a mere $12.50, you don’t have to shed your entire stash for this find. This pair comes in dark denim, black or indigo.

                                                            Lindsey Skinny Jean (dark): $12.50

For those willing and daring to try a pair of trousers wide enough to push the skinnys aside, well, here’s a belted one for ya. This look is perfect with a fitted top, flat shoes and priced at $32.80.

                                                             Belted Denim Trouser: $32.80

Once again, Forever21.com offers free shipping for all orders $75 or more.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jeans.

“Our idea is still to offer the customer fashion at an extremely good price. We want to put Cheap Monday alongside more expensive brands, in stores where we would want to shop ourselves.”

Today, Cheap Monday can be found in twenty eight countries and in over a thousand stores all over the world! These jeans are made to be very fitted, colorful, and skinny and can be found anywhere from Urban Outfitters to a Bloomingdales near you. It’s going to be really hot this summer with Cheap Monday’s around. Go get yourself a pair and make a statement.  I already did!

For more information, go to CheapMonday.com.

 Find Cheap Monday at Smarter.com:  Women’s Jeans

No, the look isn’t for everyone but when done right, the look is terribly chic. Dittos made a resurgence a few years ago and are probably my favorites, but a lot of denim company’s are doing they’re own version of the high-waisted, wide leg trouser, and Grey Ant was a new one I came across this week. My favorite thing about these is the wash…I would wear them with a red cami tucked in and a skinny brown belt. Voila! Blue Bayou here I come!

Grey Ant High-Waist Carpenter Jeans: $264

Image Source: mog.com & djconnors.com

Shop for more women’s jeans here.

These high waist Joe’s Jeans are heavily faded on the thighs for those of us who have been called “chicken legs” all our lives. They create the illusion that you have a bit more in that area. The flare leg masks the fact that you have no calves. High rise, flare leg & stretchy…could these jeans be any more comfortable?

Joe’s Jeans ‘Darted Muse’ High Waist Stretch Jeans: $121.90 (Was: $183)

I love low back pockets because it creates the illusion that I have a bigger booty than I really do. :) These dark denim True Religion jeans are great because they are extra low rise & stretchy for those horribly bloated times of the month. 

True Religion Dark Stone Stretch ‘Bobby’ Bootcut Jeans: $112 (Was: $172)