Performance Wear for City Life by Diesel X

Performance Wear for City Life by Diesel X

Image: Diesel

I think I’ve finally, officially, fallen for the athleisure trend. I’m a very active person as it is, so I have my decent little collection of gym clothing, but I really wasn’t ever into activewear as every day wear, per se. Over the years, as “athleisure” has taken a front seat in the style world, I’ve discovered several brands (like Zobha), that have made me drool. I like darker, edgier, more creative street-style elements, and there has been plenty of that on the market sold as activewear lately. I prefer outerwear rather than leggings and tops when it comes to everyday wear (as I still prefer saving those for the gym) but there have been a lot of awesome pieces out that are starting to pull me in that direction. Now, I just found the popular and trend-breaking denim brand Diesel has solidified their stake in the athleisure industry with Diesel X, and these pieces are hitting all of my tastes.

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Diesel goes Balls To The Walls with their SS17 Campaign

Diesel goes Balls To The Walls with their SS17 Campaign - Tank

Image: Diesel

Loving and learning to understand each other and our differences is not political. This is a basic human need (and want) that we all undeniably crave despite whatever heated political environment we may currently be living in. It’s not uncommon of course for figureheads, brands, or any public figure with the power to reach large masses to use their platforms to promote their political views, but don’t worry. I’m not going there. However, denim goes way back when we’re talking about both fashion and activism, with the Summer of Love days being the first era that comes to mind. Denim stands for creativity, and a sense of individual freedom and expression. Spin it however you’d like, but I am always so warmed to see denim brands sticking to their roots and promoting this kind of powerful positivity whenever they can.

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New Summer Releases from Diesel

New Summer Releases from Diesel

New Summer Releases from Diesel

Diesel is always known for their unique, eye catching designs for the seriously stylish folks out there, but I’m always impressed with their ability to offer a lot of classic and clean selections as well. Memorial Day is right around the corner already, and the brand has released several new items just in time for festival season or just some general, good old summer fun. The denim dress and overalls continue to rule, as well as distressed and broken in, loose fitting jeans for that perfect laid back look. I’m usually perusing the brand’s website for some new edgy denim looks, but I’m really liking a lot of these new dresses too.

Diesel‘s more adventurous and swanky line, Diesel Black Gold, also got the Summer treatment but in the usual dark and sexy way that the brand is known for. Special hardware, prints, cuts, fabrics, textures and other beautiful details adorn this new collection, and to me, everything on their website looks so beautiful together right now! I am a huge fan of black, and I’m digging the studded and heavily detailed leather jacket and dresses shown below.

Even though I’ve always enjoyed admiring and feeling inspired by what Diesel offers, it seems it’s all been taken up a notch and I could see myself wearing more from both brands than I remember from before! Here are some of my favorite Summer items from the Diesel and Diesel Black Gold collections.

“The new season’s denim wash trend has a touch of 90’s fade nostalgia with a smidgen of distressed rebellion. Our range of cool blue favorites allow the denim-lovers among us to rock the triple denim look this spring.”

Diesel Black Gold

New Summer Releases from Diesel - Black Gold Models

Images: Diesel Black Gold. Drammen Leather Dress, Wabush Jacket and Dimilla Dress

New Summer Releases from Diesel - Black Gold Jacket

Image: Diesel Black Gold. Lealy Leather Jacket

“The best materials in the perfect fits. This is the pinnacle of denim mastery.”

New Summer Releases from Diesel - Black Gold Shorts

Image: Diesel Black Gold. Solenik Shorts

New Summer Releases from Diesel - Black Gold - Jeans

Images: Diesel Black Gold. Type-1690 Jeans and Type-153CE Jeans

Shop Diesel and Diesel Black Gold here!

Red Jeans for Valentine’s Day and Every Day

Red Jeans for Valentine's Day and Every Day - Front View 3

Tank: American Eagle Outfitters (sold out), Jeans: Diesel (similar below image set), Shoes: Converse, Sweater: Old Navy (sold out, similar here), Bag: Coach Zoe Large (sold out, found on eBay), Necklace: Third Eye Pinecones

Red Jeans for Valentine’s Day and Every Day

I’m not really a bright color type of person, nor am I really a fan of red. I never really thought it fit very well with me, but there is something about red denim that is a whole lot of fun. I don’t wear it often, but every now and then I get the itch to pull out this red pair of Diesels I bought from eBay years ago. They’re the only red pair I have, other than a plaid pair from Joe’s, a burgundy leopard print pair from Current/Elliott, and a solid burgundy pair from BLANKNYC. I definitely prefer burgundy over this bright red, but today I had a change of heart (not sure if it had anything to do with Valentine’s Day on Sunday since I’m not really into the idea anyway). Either way, I figured I’d work this into the holiday anyway and have another quick iPhone shoot done while at work since I haven’t in awhile. My large Coach Zoe bag here is my absolute favorite everyday bag next to my cobalt blue Foley & Corinna Mid City Tote (which I prefer to pull out in the spring and summer). I’ve kind of been on a Converse fangirl stint again lately too, and these are my long-time-coming pair of classic black lows. The tank is from American Eagle Outfitters (also purchased awhile ago). I’m once again wearing my necklace from Third Eye Pinecones…I cannot get enough of this thing!

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Diesel Releases Actyvista for Active Lifestyles

Diesel Releases Actyvista for Active Lifestyles

Images: Diesel

Diesel Releases Actyvista for Active Lifestyles

The rapid rise of the athleisure trend had a high impact on the denim industry last year, as activewear companies began catering to those craving comfort in their everyday casual lives by creating fashion forward styles that reached beyond the gym. Denim took a bit of a hit, and many companies went back to the drawing boards to come up with something different. Never before have I seen so much innovation in the denim industry, with seemingly endless variations in stretchy, more comfortable, shape-retention fabrics hit the market to give the athleisure trend a run for its money. It was so fascinating to see just how comfortable a pair of jeans really could get! Denim joggers were also among the new, softer styles, and Diesel was one of the brands last year to come out with their own, the Jogg Jean, which combined jersey with denim and fabric technology from their Skinzee shaping denim line, with 3% spandex, super stretch fabric that never bags out and provides a flattering lift (source). Now, the brand has taken this style to another level, branching out another version for the women’s F/W 2015/16 season. The Actyvista jean retains the original science behind the Jogg Jean, with the addition of a special fabric weave with finer yarns, much like that of activewear itself, for a true “hybrid” jean.

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Denim Sale Roundup

Denim Sale Roundup - 3x1

Image: 3×1

As my denim obsession and side job in denim blogging advances and my denim nerd level grows, more and more people are always asking me what the average price of a reliable pair of jeans is, and where they can find the great deals. My immediate answer is to direct them to popular sample sale sites Rue La La, Hautelook and Ideel, which are my go-tos when I am in a shopping mood, but I get so many great sales in my inbox every week that I’d feel silly if I didn’t share them too. It seems there are more great deals floating around for current and would-be denim fiends nowadays than I’ve ever seen that it’s gotten to the point where you rarely ever need to pay retail anymore! So here are a few of my favorite brands on sale right now. Whether you are looking for edgy, chic, comfortable, or just a classic pair of jeans, you’re in the right place! Above is a brand that I still have yet to get my hands on, 3×1, which prides itself in being one of the best sources of selvedge denim around. You can bet on quality with this brand for sure! New items have just been added to their sale, so give it a look.

7 For All Mankind

Does this one really need an intro? It’s always exciting when 7 For All Mankind goes on sale. I’m always eyeing new styles in the Kimmie, which is a perfect fit for curvier bodies like mine. Check out the Contour fit for a contoured waistband or the slimming effect of the Second Skin Slim Illusion version. It’s usually a good idea to size down in the Kimmie style so keep that in mind if you are going for a pair! The brand also has a $99 denim section right now for more great styles.

AG Jeans

Denim Sale Roundup - AG

Image: AG

Another huge favorite…I’m a big fan of the AG Stilt jean! I always size down in this brand too, and it’s an amazing one for curvy shapes. I suggest the Angel for a great slim flare look if you aren’t into the skinnier styles. These fit so well without needing to be pulled up throughout the day and are so flattering! The stretchy fabric is super soft, too.

Level 99

Denim Sale Roundup - Level 99

Image: Level 99

Level 99 is one of my top ABSOLUTE favorite brands…they are relatively new to the industry and have made such an impressive impact on the denim market with their eco-friendly fabrics, wash processes and impeccable fits. Their price points are slightly lower than most premium brands, so when this brand goes on sale, it’s worth checking out. Check out the Tanya high rise for a great curvy fit (I reviewed this style here) or the Janice for a perfect figure-hugging super skinny fit. Level 99 also uses tencel fibers in their fabrics which makes for an ULTRA soft and stretchy feel. These jeans are so awesome!

Blank NYC

Denim Sale Roundup - Blank NYC

Image: Blank NYC

Blank NYC is killin’ it in the summer style department and has been seen all over the booties of festival-going bloggers everywhere. They are an amazing brand for quality at a lower price point, especially if you are looking for a little bit of edge or some chic distressed looks. Their sale section is always rocking, but there have been a few more styles added lately! If you are looking for something to add to your closet this summer without breaking the bank, this is a great one to check out. I’ve never had much of a problem in terms of fit with this brand, but I do size up one size as they tend to run small!

Diesel

Denim Sale Roundup - Diesel

Image: Diesel

I don’t often see Diesel go on sale so this is a rare opportunity! What can I say about them other than the fact that they pretty much rule the out-there, totally unique and super edgy rockstar look. Diesel does offer a few classic styles, but if you are really looking to stand out with something that will turn heads, check this sale out! Diesel will bring out your inner punk rocker and you won’t look back. For sizing, I usually take my true size. Every now and then though, I size down. Every look and fit is different so I would read closely and check out online reviews before you buy.

DL1961

Denim Sale Roundup - DL1961

Image: DL1961

I absolutely love this brand! I haven’t checked out many of their latest styles, but I did two reviews for them earlier this year: The Grace in Moscow and the Florence Instasculpt in Warner. DL1961 came out a few years ago as a revolutionary brand that finally answered the need for jeans that stick to your shape without stretching out. These are SO soft and definitely keep their form while holding you in! Take your usual size in these.

True Religion

Like Diesel, those that know True Religion know that they don’t often go on sale either. This iconic brand is offering 50% off select styles, so if you’ve ever been tempted by the idea of your own pair of horseshoes on your bum then this might just be the time to check them out! This style runs through July 8th so hurry now for the best selection.

Joe’s

Denim Sale Roundup - Joe's

Image: Joe’s

Joe’s has already grabbed the market’s attention as a great curvy fit jean that will last you for years and years to come! A ton of new items have been added to their current sale at up to 30-50% off, including denim, tops and jackets for women and men. Shop a wide range of collections including Music Festival Style, Sooo Soft, Spotless, Off Duty, 70s Inspired, Collector’s Edition, and so many more. There is a MASSIVE selection of both classic and edgy looks to fit whatever style, fit, texture, color, etc that you may be looking for so head over now…even if you aren’t inclined to shop at the moment, it’s worth a fun look!

Happy shopping, happy weekend, and happy Father’s Day!

Denim vs the Activewear Industry Editorial on Denimology

Denim vs the Activewear Industry Editorial on Denimology

Denim vs the Activewear Industry Editorial on Denimology

I’ve been doing product reviews on Denimology for a little over a year now, but technically I am a “contributor” meaning I can provide just about any other kind of post as well! I didn’t write as many editorials as I could have, because I was also managing this blog on a day to day basis. Now that I’m posting three times a week here, and am a Brand Relationship Manager at Denimology, I’m trying to contribute to both as equally as I can. However, it’s tough to spend a lot of time on a post there, and not want to share it here! As mentioned in many of my previous posts, there’s been a growing trend in leggings, sweatpants, and other active/loungewear being worn in place of jeans due to the perceived lack of comfort that jeans provide. I don’t get this at all…so I decided to write up a post about it explaining why I find this silly! Here we go…

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Denim Eyewear from Diesel

Diesel Denimize

Photo: Diesel

Denim Eyewear from Diesel

Diesel is one of those brands from which we can always expect to expect the wild, the different, and the innovative. And yet, somehow I am still surprised with what they come up with from time to time. The eyewear and denim markets are always major ones in the fashion world, but unlike denim, I rarely see a lot of innovation with eyewear. Leave it to Diesel to take care of that…the brand just released their Denimize collection, which is basically denim eyewear. The brand states:

The Denimize Collection takes our 35 years of denim expertise and experience to create a distinctive selection of sunglasses and optical eyewear. Featuring real denim from the richest, most tactile section of fabric, which ensues every pair is subtly different and unique, just as each pair of jeans is never the same shade or tone.

The line includes both sunglasses and optical options which you can find or order through your local optometrist, for both women and men, of course. At first I thought these were going to be full-on denim sunglasses (again, I always expect the extreme from Diesel), but these are actually pretty classy. I love how balanced they are, with just the right of denim accents to make these catch the attention of others as you strut down the street. Like many, I am picky with the shape of sunglasses since different styles look differently on various shapes and sizes of faces, but if I see these in my local eyewear shops, I’ll be stopping to try them on.

Check out a few styles below:

Women's Claudia

Women’s Claudia

Denim Eyewear from Diesel - DL0071

DL0071

Denim Eyewear from Diesel  - DL5066

DL5066

Shop the collection here.

Dressing Up Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day

Dressing Up Memorial Day

I vehemently avoid themed colors for most of the year…red and green, black and orange, red and blue (especially not with white as a third color), but when the holiday calls for it, why not? Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th are all fun days to rock patriotic colors with confidence while saluting those who are responsible for these important holidays. Here I am wearing cherry red Diesel Liv jeans I found on eBay awhile ago (while in pursuit for the red Matic jeans), a Lucca Couture top from Hautelook that I absolutely love wearing when it’s super uber hot out, some surprisingly comfortable (and decently sturdy) festive blue heels from Forever 21 bestowed upon me by a friend, and a shell-cut butterfly necklace I nabbed from American Eagle Outfitters many years ago.

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