March 2016 - Decadent Dissonance

LanaMarch 30, 2016

The Etsy Shops of My Fellow Creatives

I can spend forever and a day perusing Etsy and filling up my various favorite lists…denim is fun and it’s fascinating to me how much can be done with the simple concept of a pair of jeans, but I think I find the individual talents of independent creatives even more wildly interesting! I find it sad that there are so many amazing artists out there who are completely underrated and underexposed, being lost in the flood of online (and offline) entrepreneurs, both budding and successful alike. It’s gotten harder and harder to market yourself over the years and finally catch a break!

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LanaMarch 28, 2016

Old Navy Introduces Stain Repellent White Jeans

Images: Old Navy

I’ll be honest…I’ve always been terrified to wear anything white, especially denim. I’m pretty sure I’m preaching to the choir about that one. When I reviewed Marc Allison’s Gina Bootcut in White, I was excited to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and try something new, because white denim really can look pretty darn spiffy after all! This jean was constructed with the see-through fear in mind, made with thicker denim that lived up to its expectations. I thought, ‘awesome.’ However, I was still afraid to wear them out anywhere other than work and maybe a super clean fancy dinner (opting for white instead of red wine)! Later down the road, other brands began releasing more white jeans to attack those universal fears. Level 99 came out with their Forever White collection, and Joe’s released their Spotless line, urging wearers to ‘Play dirty, stay spotless.” As awesome as these were though, I realize that to many, spending a premium price on a pair of jeans might still be out of the question, much less a pair that still causes one to harbor the concerns that come along with wearing the lightest shade of all!

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LanaMarch 25, 2016

Turtleneck Tunic and Plaid Jeans

It was just a few months ago, I couldn’t help myself…Revolve had a sale. I was trying to ignore the barrage of deals flooding my inbox, but you know how it goes, right? I’d just take a peek…and BAM, those plaid Joe’s jeans did me in. I’m kind of a sucker for rocker or punky looks, or any piece that can make a fun juxtaposition with something with a totally opposite vibe. These awesome jeans are the Joe’s In Line Zip Skinny in Coated Red Plaid, and they have the cutest angled zippers below the front pockets! I decided to wear them yesterday with a new piece I grabbed from Aerie (now sold out, similar here), this charcoal sleeveless turtleneck. My Alternative cardigan goes with me almost everywhere (similar here), as a grab-and-go piece that’s lightweight enough for this silly California winter that can’t make up its mind. I’ve worn it for many of my outfit posts! You might also recognize my Steve Madden Troopa Boots from my Rag & Bone legging post last week too. They are just too comfy and convenient, much like the cardigan, and I love the earthy dark navy blue color! Just another day snapping some quick shots while at work…

The Joe’s In Line Zip Skinny in Coated Red Plaid is still available at 6pm here, but there are very limited size options! If you don’t see yours, you can do as I always do and hunt them down on Ebay…

Here’s a little collection of plaid jeans, sleeveless turtlenecks and lace up boots similar to those shown in my look above!

LanaMarch 23, 2016

Introducing the Seamless Skinny Jeans by Siwy

Image: Siwy.

Introducing the Seamless Skinny Jeans by Siwy

I think we all know by know how leggings have been giving the denim industry a run for its money over the years, and the fact that as a result, there have been tons of skinny jean-legging hybrids entering the market with some pretty impressive, luxuriously soft stretch technologies! Most slim fitting jeans already had a few legging-like qualities, like shallow pockets and embellishment-free back pockets, but one of my favorite brands, Siwy, has taken it one step further, with their new Seamless collection. These jeans were created with an innovative no-side seam construction. They feature faux front pockets to keep things even more streamlined (I have a few jeans like this already and I actually find it pretty convenient to not have to keep stuffing front pockets back down after bathroom trips!) and “impart the essence of a legging” in a super sleek, modern fit. Of course, the back pockets are clean, and come in varieties of a Modal, Cotton, Polyester and Elastane fabric blend which makes them soft and oh so sweet! Choose between the Mid Rise Felicity jean or High Waist Brooke!

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LanaMarch 21, 2016

Spring Designs from Nomad’s Hemp Wear

Aranea Tank and Exodus Leggings

Spring Designs from Nomad’s Hemp Wear

With my biggest passion driving my blog (besides denim of course) being sustainable apparel, I am always keeping my eyes out for independent designers I didn’t know about or already well-established brands doing their best to make the style world a little more ethical. I’m fascinated by all the designers that target music festival goers (see my post about my favorite ones here), but I usually get more excited about the ones that bridge the gap between party and everyday life, like ZhenNymph, and my top favorite, Nomad’s Hemp Wear. Everything they make is perfectly balanced for everyday life and personal expression, and every season I get so stoked to see what’s up next. I have several pieces from Nomad’s Hemp Wear already, including some leggings, undergarments, shorts, and two tops…one of which I wore for my Joe’s Jeans Eco Friendly Cigarette review (only fitting, right?) in January. The brand has released their much-anticipated Spring 2016 collection, which both introduces more drool-worthy styles as well as updates to popular and well-loved looks.

Nomad’s Hemp Wear was born in 2000 out of the back of a small VW van, in a true nomadic lifestyle. Through this, they grew to appreciate living sustainably, with the support of close friends and in harmony with nature. Hemp was kind of a new concept at the time, lacking global awareness, but was beginning to gain ground in the apparel industry although most pieces made out of hemp were thick, lifeless and a bit boring. The young Nomad’s Hemp Wear was inspired to take it to new levels, creating comfortable, quality, well fitting pieces to fit a tribal/urban aesthetic. Although they’ve grown in popularity around the world, they still retain a grassroots feel, keeping a valuable one-on-one presence through their customer service (which I will vouch for…they respond to emails in minutes, if not seconds!). Currently located in Canada, Nomad’s now employs not only hemp but also other sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, soy and the ultra soft and stretchy bamboo—for women, men and kids!

Every piece I own from this brand is of unquestionable quality, and these sustainable fabrics are so soft to the touch. I can tell they will last me for years and years to come; not only in durability, but also in style..they are all classic enough to be worn anytime, anywhere and with anything, but with just the right amount of uniqueness and character to take your outfit to the next level. Fan for life here, indeed! I think I see a pattern here with this urban nomad apparel thing…Remember my post about VALO last month? I just love brands like this!

Here are my favorites from the new Spring 2016 line, with more below in a slideshow.

“Nomads: Tribes of people who live in harmony with the seasons. The oldest method of human existence. People who travel to follow the generous gifts of the earth, rather than tailoring the earth to their needs.”

Thrive Tunic

Samsara Tunic and Spectrum Leggings

“Now in our tenth year, we offer two highly sought after collections of stylish and funky clothes per year in the most comfortable and tough natural fibers available to mankind. Green fibers are the way of the future. Using the natural products provided by Gaia there is no need for the earth to suffer for fashion. We are dedicated to the idea of not only sustainable clothing, but also a way of life, and will keep pushing the quality of our clothing and fabrics forward with innovative and modern designs that perfectly reflect our place and time on this wonderful planet.”

Aphrodite Dress

Mantra Tank and Exodus Leggings

“Along with a devotion for eco-textiles and an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, we also take pride in employing fair labor in the construction of all our garments. While we do manufacture in China, we spent the time and energy to source out the most environmentally friendly, fair-trade factory we could find, so that we were sure we were passing guilt-free, planet-friendly savings on to you.”

Men’s Militia Shirt

Kid’s Bonita Dress

: Aranea Tank and Exodus Leggings

: Artemis Dress

: Worship Dress

: Thrive Tunic

: Sunset Tee and Tao Skirt

: Shaman Tee and Indica Leggings

: Samsara Tunic and Spectrum Leggings

: Pandora Tunic and Blossom Leggings

: Nexus Tank and Rhythm Leggings

: Arcana Top and Spectrum Leggings

: Mojito Dress

: Aeon Tank and Minerva Skirt

: Mantra Tank and Exodus Leggings

: Men’s Militia Shirt

: Aphrodite Dress

: Hanalei Dress

: Faith Tunic and Minimal Leggings

: Decibel Tank and Absinth Skirt

: Bonita Dress

: Bodhi Tank and Edgy Booty

: Men’s Enki Shirt

: Men’s Genesis Shorts

: Men’s Synapse Shirt

: Shakti Booty

: Asana Bra and Underwear

: Tantra Bra and Underwear

: Kid’s Bonita Dress

Shop Nomad’s Hemp Wear here!

LanaMarch 19, 2016

The Fitcode Spring Photo Contest

I don’t usually post on weekends, but this definitely warrants a post! Fitcode is on FIRE! Just last month, the fast-growing online denim fitting service ran a contest to introduce new faces to their unique process by encouraging them find their own fit and enter to win a new pair of premium jeans. Now, until April 3, Fitcode is running a Spring photo contest with the same fantastic prize!

I’ll rewind a bit, for those of you reading this who may be hearing about Fitcode for the first time! This is a revolutionary new way to ease your online denim shopping woes, by assigning you a “Fitcode” number through a short quiz, which hits points like your body type how jeans normally fit you. This number then refers you to all sorts of jeans from a wide variety of premium brands that are best suited to fit your shape. Last June, I ran through the process myself and Fitcode was amazing enough to send me a pair from my results! I wrote about the entire process to present this totally rad business model to my readers. You can check that out here!

Fitcode is so excited about their success and seeing fans sending photos of their new favorite jeans found through their service that they are offering this second chance to win a pair (valued up to $200) through a photo contest! For your chance to win, get creative and submit your best photo of yourself doing what makes you think the most about Springtime, while wearing a pair of jeans of course! Winners will be judged on theme and creativity.

There are several ways to enter! Enter through the main contest form here. You can also visit the Fitcode Facebook page at www.facebook.com/myfitcode, and enter through the Photo Contest tab. If you’re a social media queen, you can also enter by posting your photo on Twitter or Instagram along with the hashtag #SpringFitcodeDenim. If you go this route, pictures framed in a square are preferred!

As mentioned, this contest ends on April 3rd, so get going, and good luck!

LanaMarch 18, 2016

Zobha with Rag & Bone Again

So I know it’s only been a week since I last featured my favorite new wish list acquisition, the Rag & Bone Legging in Burnt Orange, in a post, but they and this particular color coordination was too much fun. I also wrote about Zobha in January, a favorite new brand specializing in athletic wear that’s just seems too nice to sweat up at the gym! RueLaLa often carries Zobha in their daily drool-worthy sales, so I kept my eyes open and snagged this black and white striped Annette Tunic, which is so versatile and such an awesome addition to my closet! I just love the extra fabric around the neckline that can be set off one shoulder, off both, or set like a cowl neck down the front. I lately have been working on a wardrobe overhaul and this was perfect as a last piece to help me get to a happy stopping point for awhile. I usually don’t like dressing in festive color combinations…like red/white/blue, red/green, orange/black, etc…but these leggings have enough red in them that they are almost as neutral as a cobalt blue, in the sense that they seem to go with more items than I’d think! Here’s a little shoot I took on my second day wearing them, after the last one, right outside of work (hey, I’m a busy lady, sometime you gotta do what you gotta do).

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LanaMarch 16, 2016

Parker Smith Spring 2016 Lookbook

Ava Skinny in Brooklyn

Parker Smith Spring 2016 Lookbook

Perhaps the most fun with obsessing over denim is seeing what my favorite brands come out with every new season, and Parker Smith is one I like to keep my eyes on! While I’ve reviewed and written much about the brand (my favorite being the Ava in Skylight), I’ve developed some pretty decent brand loyalty with their eco-friendly efforts, ultra soft, luxurious fabrics, curvy fits that delicately hug without being tight, and awesome mix of both classic and fun washes and styles!

Spring is just about upon us, and the new Parker Smith lookbook has been released, which is full of some new beauties and fun variations of known and loved fits. The fadeproof Eternal White technology has been applied to the Bombshell Bell, and I am craving the High Rise Crop in Volcan, which features a trend I’ve loved since last year—dropped hems! The Ava Skinny in Baroot Red is a gorgeous distressed addition to the collection, as is the Bombshell Skinny in Farrah Blue. Of course, Parker Smith kept the skinny world balanced out with plenty classic and vintage-inspired varieties of their Girlfriend (a boyfriend jean), Trouser, bootcuts, flares, crops, a palazzo and a short. See below for my favorites, with the entire lookbook at the end of this post. Not all items are yet ready for purchase, so keep checking back if you see something you like that isn’t linked!

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LanaMarch 14, 2016

Transitional Activewear by Crane & Lion

Image: Crane & Lion

Transitional Activewear by Crane & Lion

First off, I apologize for the missed post on Monday. I was taking a much-needed break and decided to not fret about missing one day as I enjoyed my Sunday relaxation day! I’m actually mulling over the idea of posting whenever I see interesting things, instead of aiming for Monday, Wednesday and Friday (although it’s not always that difficult to stick to that). Maybe Tuesday and Thursday? Or no schedule at all? What are your thoughts?

Anyway, on to our current regular scheduled posting…

You’ve probably been seeing me posting more and more about activewear, despite my initial hatorade as it slowly replaced jeans as go-to bottoms last year (although I still would rather throw on my favorite pair of skinnies and save leggings for the gym or at home). I was never a big Lululemon fan, but now there are SO MANY new ones popping up that I’m kind of falling for (thank you Facebook ads! You’re not all that bad). The latest to catch my attention is Crate & Lion, with the Long Sleeve Tee in Zinfandel topping my favorites list when I first checked out their line. This brand blends the line between fitness and fashion, moving activewear to the “front of our closets” with hand-picked fabrics for optimal support, movement, comfort, versatility, quality and style. The brand name comes from two poses in Yoga: the Crane being one that requires a lot of stamina and strength, which “inspires us to take risks and find our edge.” The Lion pose helps relieve tension through breathing. Crane and Lion combined together “reflects how we live our lives: some days want to push the limit and other days, we need to recover.”

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LanaMarch 11, 2016

The Rag & Bone Twill Legging in Burnt Orange

Rag & Bone is one of those brands that never seemed to fit me as well as others do, so I concluded awhile ago that they just aren’t meant to fit athletic or curvy body shapes and almost swore them off. However, I absolutely LOVE their prints and colors! There’s something about them that makes it hard for me to turn away, and I’m always looking back on this brand. The limited edition Goetz print legging was one that I scored Ebay for hours on end for, and finally grabbed a pair for a fun outfit post. For these, I had to size up, but still need a belt with them most of the time even though they fit like a glove. I tried another dark blue rinse skinny…same thing, except they fit true to size. Then I went for a high rise in a pretty light blue wash called Clean Water Street (similar here), and although it did fit better, I ended up needing a belt. But I still love them!

There was still one Rag & Bone jean on my wish list…the Legging in Burnt Orange (well, apart from the magenta version of the Goetz), which was seen all over the place, including on LeAnn Rimes and Malin Akerman. I just loved the color (see this post I made in 2014 featuring it), and after hunting for other brands that used similar shades, I couldn’t take my eyes off this one! Well, now it’s in my hands (yes, also thanks to Ebay), and I’m in love. To make things even better, they FIT! I’m not dancing around all day trying to re-situate them over my hips. They are so fun to style, and I wore them two days in a row so far (I’ll make another post showing how I styled them the second time), but this is my first day in them. I’m wearing my sorta-new black Dr. Marten Triumph boots, Old Navy black sweater with an American Eagle Outfitters ribbed boy tank underneath, and a Gap puffer vest on a warm winter day in CA.

Aaaand of course, I’m wearing my favorite necklace at the moment, yet again…from Third Eye Pinecones!