Denim Dilemma's
They are one of the hardest working items in a wardrobe, but can also be so frustrating to shop! Ahhh jeans. There are so many styles, fits, colours,brands… BUT I’m here to help!AND I have an amazing guest, FiFi Milne - also known as @shopwithfifi. I met her at an event back in April 2023 and we’ve been chatting fashion ever since!FIFI’S FAB TIPSShe is a world of knowledge! She is a must-follow on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter. I love the tips she shared during our chat:* FiFi’s numero uno shopping tip: always try on outfits with shoes - “You’re not going out with barefeet”! So always try items with shoes to get the complete look.* FiFi’s thoughts on skinny jeans: get rid of the old pairs you used to wear, but be aware they are slowly coming back but with a different look #watchthisspace* FiFi’s tips for new jeans: the barrel leg! It’s the modern jean shape that has been ‘lurking’ for a while… and now filtering down into high street brands and everyday style. See links below to shop the look!Cerese Life $129.99 | Rolla’s $139.95 | Witchery $179.00MY TIPS TO SHOP JEANS* ALLOCATE TIME: and just shop jeans!! Allocate at least an hour, 2-3 key shops for your ideal size and budget, and don’t be distracted by other items, sale racks, etc. JUST shop jeans and you will try on more styles & sizes - and a better chance of finding the best fit!* COMPLETE THE LOOK: Wear items you would regularly outfit with jeans, eg if you love a tshirt and sneakers, wear that, or if you love heels take them with you! Style the whole outfit so you know how the jeans will look & feel.* WEAR A DASH OF MAKEUP: It lifts your mood and motivation to try on jeans - in those tiny change rooms and terrible lighting. A dash of blush and mascara makes you feel less washed out and more ‘styled’ for the day.* GET TWO SIZES: In the one style when your going to the change room OR shopping online! Your less likely to give up quickly if one style one size doesn’t fit, or there is no shop assistant to help, * HALF SIZES: You may find you are in between two sizes, so consider brands that do half sizes. I love Levi’s and find the store staff so helpful - they specialise in denim, have SO many fits & lengths, and the staff know the product so well.* SHOPPING ONLINE: Have a measuring tape handy! Often brands will share the 3 key measurements that will help you work out the best fit/length - the inside leg, front rise, and leg opnening. See my video above to watch my tips!* ELASTANE: This adds stretch. So if jeans are 100% cotton they be a more rigid fit and feel, but if they have 1-2% elastane, and even a dash of nylon, they have more stretch. MY TIP = I highly recommend 1% elastane, it’s the perfect amount!! eg. Levi’s wedgie.BRANDS TO SHOPJEANS Brands: Citizen of Humanity » Paige » Mother denim » Levi’s » Rolla’s » Lee » Abrand » Neuw »High End fashion brands: Anine Bing » Camilla and Marc » Viktoria & Woods » Bassike » SIR » Henne » Mid Range fashion brands: Dissh » Country Road » Witchery » Trenery » Assembly Label » Ceres Life » Seed Heritage » Unison »Fab Finds: Cotton On » Uniqlo » Atmos & Here » Dazie »For Curvy: Commonry » City Chic » Levi’s Curve » Atmos & Here »For Petite: Saba » Seed Heritage » Unison » Cotton On » Uniqlo »STYLES TO SHOPScroll down for my top picks for jeans. There is a style for everyone! Invest in a designer item, or snap up a fab find…MY THREE FAVS: (1) A straight leg, mid-rise, in a mid colour blue - I love my Levi’s! (2) A wide leg, high rise, in dark denim full length - love my Rolla’s! (3) And a relaxed fit, relaxed leg, full length in a light shade - I have these Camilla & Marc jeans in my shopping cart!Levi’s Wedgie (cropped) $149.95 | Rolla's Sailor (long) $169.95 | Camilla & Marc Argento $380 JEANS THAT FEEL LIKE TRACKIES?? Yes please!! A trend that I’m loving hitting denim is elastic waists!! From designer brands like AJE to fab finds like AERE, these are soooo comfy and yet oh-so-chic! AERE $130 | COS $159 | Country Road $179 | Aje $199TRENDING IN JEANS:Contrast panels of denim popped up last year in designer brands and street style, and is slowly filtering into high street brands this year. Have I bought a pair - yes! It’s such a fun way to update your look switching out classic jeans for something ‘edgy’….Bassike $495 | Viktoria & Woods $390 | Citizens of Humanity $358 | Mother Denim $483PREVIOUS PODCASTSElevated Everyday Style - Tap to listen »Ins & Outs for 2025 - Tap to listen »I hope you enjoyed my chat with Fifi as well as lots of tips and shopping links! Have a question on jeans?? Pop it in the comments below, I’m here to help.And I can’t wait to share my next podcast - I’ll be chatting accessories with a fabulous guest who has one of the coolest Australian jewellery brands!Happy Styling,Penelope x This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.penelopestyling.com.au
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