Frayed and Raw hems gained popularity last year and as someone who doesn’t often jump on board with trends, this one was a huge favorite of mine. It seems to have started as a DIY idea, which made me wonder why nobody thought about doing this before on a pair of jeans, since the cutoff idea is nothing new in the world of denim skirts and shorts. Like most trends go, one or two brands went for it, and all of the rest picked it up and I’ve loved seeing how it’s interpreted across the market. Since it’s been awhile now, it was about time to reinvent the frayed hem, and premium brand MOTHER jumped to the plate with the uneven hem idea (which more brands are doing as well now) and released their Step Fray style. Uneven hems take the raw hem one step (no pun intended) further with a longer in the back, shorter in the front (your equivalent of a denim mullet? Or High Low?) concept, and MOTHER has a huge collection of awesome crops, skinnies, straight legs and even a skirt with this unique look.
Support the Homeless with Mitscoots Outfitters
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
Like many of you out there, I love charitable causes…but I also understand how difficult it can be sometimes to actively contribute to charities while we all try to keep our heads above water in this big old rat race as it is. It’s been so great to see big brands doing their part by contributing a portion of sales to various charities, and making it easy for shoppers to get involved. The concept of “buy one, give one” is one of my favorites, like the One for One® campaign by TOMS, which provides a product to someone in need for each one purchased. I’m excited to say I discovered another brand that does something similar, with one extra (and awesome) bit!
Mitscoots Outfitters is an outdoorsy brand that produces socks, beanies, scarves and gloves (as well as logo tees) for men and women, but there’s something honorably different that sets every product apart. The brand was founded in 2012 after its founders were volunteering along the streets of Austin in 2008 and noticed that after food and water, the biggest requests from the homeless population were quality gear and a clean pair of socks. This inspiration led to the creation of a brand that not only works through local and national charities to send an equal quality item for every item sold to someone less fortunate (on your behalf), but also employs the transitioning homeless, through shelters and placement agencies, to package up and send your orders to you! Providing employment opportunities helps with increasing confidence, skill development, motivation, and network building. How great is that?! In addition, everything is made right here in America. Mitscoots calls this noble mission “Get + Give + Employ”.
While Mitscoots has the image of an adventurous, outdoorsy brand, their products are perfect for the commuter, the professional, lazy days or nights in or just anyone who enjoys the luxury of feeling both stylish and cozy. The additional good feeling of giving back is an awesome icing on the cake…but really it’s the foundation which made this company possible in the first place!
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
“While volunteering along the streets of Austin, Texas circa 2008, we discovered that right after food and water, there was no greater request among the less fortunate than for a clean pair of socks and some quality gear.”
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
“Mitscoots Women’s Socks are meant to stand out and be bold. They represent the heart of a girl who does more than just wear something that looks good, but chooses to wear something that means good.”
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
“So, for every item purchased, we give an equal quality item to someone in need and take pride in employing the transitioning homeless to get each and every style packaged up and ready to go.”
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
“Mitscoots Men’s Socks are meant to stand out and be bold. It’s time for fellas to step up their socks game, help others in need and go to bed having done something awesome.”
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
“Mitscoots makes GEAR with a Mission: Get + Give + Employ”
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters
Mitscoots Outfitters is also running a Kickstarter campaign to launch a collection of men’s and women’s hats. “The Cause Cap” will work the same way the brand’s existing products do and are guaranteed for 5 years!
Image: Mitscoots Outfitters. Cause Cap (Kickstarter)
Read more about Mitscoots Outfitters and shop their huge collection of stylish, comfy products here.
View and support The Cause Cap campaign on Kickstarter here.
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Limited Edition Glitter Jeans at Topshop
Image: Topshop
With denim being an art form in its own, it’s only reasonable for the occasional limited edition piece to pop up now and then among our favorite brands. Sometimes it’s boldly announced through an expansive marketing campaign across the internet, and sometimes it’s kept a bit more quiet, to be discovered only by the brand’s most loyal fans. Whether you participate in purchasing these special pieces or not, it’s still always kind of exciting to me to see these shining examples of the creativity that truly exists in the denim industry being released every now and then. It’s not unusual for regular run product to feature paint, embellishments, glitter and other adornments, but it’s not often to see something that might actually be too nice to actually want to wear out!
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New Bomber Jackets for Fall at American Eagle Outfitters
Image: American Eagle Outfitters.
It’s finally jacket season (well almost, if we’re lucky…if you live in California like me), and one of the things I like shopping just as much as jeans or handbags are jackets. There are so many awesome ones out there! Too bad they take up so much space in my closet and only last a season or two here, or I’d have many more than I do now. Either way, it’s still cool to see (and covet) all the neat ones that come out every Fall. Right now, the bomber jacket seems to have taken center stage along with the classic leather moto. However, this year, I’ve never seen so many fun styles such as embroidery and sporty or flower accents!
One of my all time favorite retailers (which I just can’t seem to “grow out” of), American Eagle Outfitters, has released their own little bomber jacket collection. One of the reasons why AEO has stuck with me for so long is their great variety of modern, simple and classy styles that span just about all ages, and many of these bombers fit that bill. Bombers aren’t usually my style, but these are so cool while being grown up at the same time that they got me thinking! I have my eyes on the AEO Reversible Bomber Jacket shown above and on the last photo below! Floral isn’t usually my favorite print, but there’s something about this one that I find super cute. I hadn’t ever seen longer length bombers, like the AEO Longer Length Bomber Jacket which I find pretty great (I dig the burgundy color). Also on trend is customization, and American Eagle encourages all to “rip it, patch it, and make it your own.” That’s right up my alley! See all the available styles below.
Shop the bomber jacket collection at American Eagle Outfitters here!
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The So Black Denim Collection at Black Orchid
Image: Black Orchid
Of all the different shades of denim, your traditional blue wash seems to symbolize toughness…typically those who wear them don’t fear having to throw them in the wash, or accidentally spilling something on them while out on the town. At least, not quite as much as their rich black or white counterparts. With white denim it’s obvious. They are easy to get dirty and sometimes yellow over several washes (although, several brands have created stain-repellant white denim such as Old Navy, Joe’s and others). With black denim, the rich over-saturated black shade will often fade over several wash cycles and end up more of a dark grey. Now, if you’ve been reading my blog recently you know I do absolutely love the faded black look! However, if you shell out a good amount of cash for a pair of black denim, it makes sense for you to expect it to stay that way.
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Faded Black Denim for Fall
When shopping for black jeans in the past, I was always looking for the most jet black, dark and saturated (wash wise) pair I could find. I mean, it’s fair to say that’s a fundamental piece for anyone’s closet, and I do own a pair or two of those. However, I always end up saving those only for special occasions for fear of washing them and having them fade. Now, I know I have posted in the past about some pretty awesome fadeless black jeans from brands such as Level 99 and DSTLD in the past, but I haven’t owned any of those yet and still was afraid to wash the nice black pairs I have and love.
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She’s Folk Rock Collection at Topshop
Image: Topshop
I’ve always loved the hand-in-hand relationship between rock n’ roll and fashion, but it seems after visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland a couple of weeks ago, I’ve gained an even stronger attraction to it! Somehow now so much more of it is coming out of the woodwork (that is my inbox). I’m not the biggest folk rock fan, but I definitely appreciate how genuine, spunky and unique it is, including the fashion. Topshop and Nasty Gal are two of the shops that come to mind when I think of folk rock style, but Topshop is the subject at hand here! I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I saw them in the UK in 2006 (when I first heard about them), but they’ve actually been around since 1964, collaborating with high profile faces such as Kate Moss and Christopher Kane. They also partner with various charities and are always highly involved in London Fashion Week.
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The Beyond Yoga x Kate Spade New York Collection
Image: Kate Spade New York.
Kate Spade is one of those brands that I’ve had my eyes on for a long time now. I never owned anything from them until just recently, when I grabbed one of their Charlotte Street Alek crossbody bags at a special online secret sale! Although I’m not partial to girly items or a lot of pink, the brand has kept my attention with their sleek, clean and classy handbags. I’ve only glanced at Kate Spade apparel here and there, but this new collaboration with Beyond Yoga caught my eye. Beyond Yoga is a luxury athleisure brand designed to take wearers of all body types and sizes from studio to street. They also don’t photoshop their models to ensure you will find your new favorite, best-fitting piece. Another thing I like about the brand is that they take classic silhouettes and enhance them with their own unique details! I always have a fondness for taking items people normally see as simple (like jeans, for example), and making them extraordinary. Beyond Yoga’s philosophy of clean but bold makes them a perfect pair with Kate Spade to create a one of a kind athleisure collection!
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Velvet is the Fabric for Fall
Velvet is the Fabric for Fall
It happens every year…and somehow I still don’t own one velvet piece! I know many people might see it hard to pull off as a grown-up, like overalls, corduroy or culottes. However, there’s no mistaking that it’s an ultra luxe, beautiful, and soft fabric that emerges every year as temperatures drop. It also helps that it also always comes in several of the best jewel tones for fall! I absolutely love these colors, especially the dark blues and burgundys. Oh, and black never hurts either. It’s easy to rock a velvet blazer, but there are so many other great items made from this popular, timeless fabric!
I decided to go on a hunt for some of the most gorgeous velvet pieces I could find, after my interest was sparked by a newsletter from J Brand’s latest releases! I was not disappointed. No longer is a velvet pant just a velvet pant anymore—check out that amazing disco-ready BLANKNYC Flare in Burgundy Lush and the Rag & Bone/JEAN RBW23 Velvet Skinny Pants in Navy which features zipper details! I’m also crushing on the AG The Super Skinny Velvet Pants in Super Black and J Brand Mid Rise Super Skinny in Emerald. I was initially going to stick with jeans and bottoms but there were so many totally cute tops and shoes, and these DRESSES. Before I drool on myself (again), I’ll stop here and let the photos below do the talking.
Images: Revolve. J Brand Maria Flare in Twilight Purple, J Brand Mid Rise Super Skinny in Emerald and BLANKNYC Flare in Burgundy Lush
Images: Shopbop and Revolve. Rag & Bone/JEAN Skinny Velvet Jeans in Loden, Rag & Bone/JEAN Skinny Velour Jeans in Wine Velvet and BLANKNYC Flare in The New Black
Images: Shopbop. M.i.h Jeans Marrakesh Velvet Pants, Rag & Bone/JEAN RBW23 Velvet Skinny Pants in Navy and AG The Super Skinny Velvet Pants in Super Black
Images: Shopbop. Only Hearts Long Velvet Slip Dress, Free People Rumpled Velvet Jumpsuit and Mes Demoiselles Valentina Velvet Dress
Images: Shopbop. Free People Velvet Doran Washed Tee in Black and Tibi Stretch Velvet Turtleneck in Navy
Images: Shopbop and Revolve. Tibi Velvet Cami in Navy and BLANKNYC Blazer in The New Black
Images: Shopbop. Vince Blair 12 Sneakers in Black, Charlotte Olympia Dolly Platform Pumps and Steven Pavla Velvet Pumps in Burgundy
What do you think of this popular Fall fabric? Shop more pretty velvetey things below!
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New Artist Scarves by Sociale Revolution
Image: Sociale Revolution
New Artist Scarves by Sociale Revolution
There is so much insane talent out there in both the apparel and art worlds (even though fashion basically IS art), and I love watching the two fuse together in such a way to get more beautiful pieces out there in the hands of new fans. It definitely helps when artwork is wearable! Sociale Revolution is a brand that has been up front and center in being a catalyst for this movement to happen, and they are one of those companies that I’ve had such a pleasure to work with and watch grow. If you’re new to my blog, Sociale Revolution is a Californian collective aimed at making art more accessible by encouraging its use for social debate, while helping artists gain exposure and giving back to their cultural roots. They began as a Kickstarter back in 2014 and they continue to add amazing artists to their roster, helping them them expand their influence beyond the canvas and onto premium apparel that is crafted and designed with the utmost eye for detail and quality. What sets Sociale Revolution apart from other art-to-clothing companies, however, is that they aren’t just a vehicle for artists, but also their very own fashion label that forms unique bonds with the artists they bring on board.