How to Care for Your Denim so it Looks New Longer

Fashion

Confession, I have am a jeans addict. They are my uniform. This has been well documented around here over the years. I can count on one hand the number of days per month I wear something other than denim (and those are the days I typically stay in yoga pants!). And at 18-months old, my little guy is also already living in jeans, because let’s be honest, baby denim is the cutest thing ever.

But jeans are a finicky clothing item. Finding a favorite pair is the ultimate fashion treasure hunt. And let me tell you, post-baby with an ever changing body, jeans shopping is even more difficult. And it’s all made more frustrating by the fact that a good pair is not cheap these days. I don’t like to think about the small nation I could probably finance with the denim collection I’ve amassed over the years.

That’s why I’ve slowed way down on adding to my denim wardrobe and am instead intentionally making a point of properly caring for the ones already in my closet.

A sneak peek of my denim collection. Whenever I try to edit down I just can’t seem to let them go. There might be a pair I bought in college still lurking in that stack. But I digress.

Making your jeans last – especially your prized pair that just make you feel sooooo good when you wear them – is very important. Because there’s nothing worse then when they fade, stretch or the worst of the worst, shrink so they’re no longer that perfect length to snugness ratio. But we do have to wash our jeans, particularly the pairs with a bit of stretch because they can get the dreaded sag at the waist, butt or knee. You know the one I’m talking about. Washing your denim can help it get its shape back. And even raw denim, especially lighter washes start to show dirt after awhile and will benefit from a good cleaning.

Thankfully, if you take just a little time and a little extra care, you can keep your jeans looking like new for a long long time. Below are the five steps I take to keep my denim in tip top shape.

1. Wash on cold. Always always wash your jeans on cold and turned inside out. That’ll help keep the color lasting longer.

2. Use a color safe detergent. There are even some great denim washes out there.

3. Color Boost. Jeans do fade, which is particularly sad when you’ve got a black or indigo pair that you really love. That’s why something like Clorox 2 Darks & Denim Color Protector and Stain Remover is genius. You add it directly to your washing machine along with your favorite detergent to protect and brighten your colors 2x more than using detergent alone. It will literally add years to your denim.

4. Pretreat. If you do have stains, pour the Clorox 2 Darks & Denim directly onto your jeans. Let them sit (but not dry) for 5-10 minutes before you put them in the wash with your regular detergent and more Clorox 2 Darks & Denim.

5. Hang Dry. Yes your jeans will be stiff the first wear, even the ones with a ton of stretch, but a little discomfort is worth it in the long run! Never ever dry your jeans in the dryer. They will shrink. They will fade. It will degrade the fabric leading to holes and worn spots faster.

I’ve been using this denim care regime for the past year and I’ve actually only purchased one (well maybe two) new pairs of jeans since then. Now I satisfy my shopping habit by buying cute denim for my kid! I’m making sure to keep his jeans looking good with the same care technique.

Any more laundry care tips out there?? I’m also trying to add to my domestic-goddess abilities.

For more of my favorite denim looks CLICK HERE.

This post is in partnership with Clorox. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

The Power of Perfect Denim

Fashion

It’s a well documented fact that I’m a jeans addict. I occasionally stray and buy a skirt or dress, but they tend to languish in my closet. I always reach for jeans first. But no matter how many pairs I’ve already crammed into my closet, I can always find room for a new favorite. You know what I’m taking about. That pair you reach for day after day after day, hoping no one notices you’ve worn the same pants for a week!

That’s the case with my latest pair of Hudson Jeans from Zappos. I may have worn them to work Friday, {dressed up with this blazer, this top and these pumps} and then not taken them off all weekend long! A good pair of ripped jeans is really a closet staple these days – proof that they look just as good during a playdate at the park as they do dressed up for a date night.

A pair of jeans that makes me feel just as good when I’m rolling around on the ground as they do when I’m dressing up is exactly what I need right now. With little time to do extensive outfit planning, I need to be able to reach into the closet, grab and go! These might even show up at the Thanksgiving table. I won’t lie, my time is now spent dressing Carter. It it kills me to be able to dress him up in his first {of many!} pairs of jeans too. I’m totally getting into the mama+baby fashion thing. It is futile to resist the cuteness.

Be sure to check out the rest of my mama-style posts HERE! Interested in seeing more? I’m always on the fence about whether or not I should continue outfit posts. Let me know in the comments!

what i’m wearing: hudson jeans from zappos | tibi perforated sweater {similar} | nike high tops | swing coat {similar} | sunnies

what carter is wearing: hoodie, jeans & high tops from zara

original photography for apartment 34 by suzanna scott

This post is in partnership with Zappos and Hudson Jeans. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

Share Your Flare this Weekend

Fashion

I’ve often been accused of being overly sentimental. I can have a hard time throwing things out. I kept a shoe box of notes passed in freshman algebra, books that I haven’t read in years but love, and clothes. My tendency to hold onto things has caused overstuffed drawers and overflowing closets. I’ve tried to get on the purge bandwagon – capsule wardrobes being the rage at the moment – but with fashion’s pendulum swing, I know it’s only a matter of time before styles from the past come back around.

Case in point, flared denim. I rocked this look hard circa… 2000 I’d say. Then the jeans had an had overly dramatic bell bottom – and a lot of sparkly butt pocket detailing. I was in college. It kinda worked. Ok, ok, probably not my best choice. But low and behold, after a decade of nothing but skinnies (with the occasional boyfriend jean) here comes flared denim again and I’m loving the modern update.

I snagged a new pair of Hudson Jeans from Zappos recently. I know a lot of people hesitate to buy jeans online but I haven’t been in a single store since Carter was born! Plus who ever has fun trying on jeans in a dressing room?? With free shipping and free returns (for a year – holla) you can order and try on to your heart’s content. It’s like Christmas everyday.

But back to these flares. I gotta say I’m into the look. Dark classic denim, understated detail, high waist and a bit of stretch – perfect for the upcoming holiday season. {As is my attempt at a fashion face in the pic below. Did I pull it off??}

If I was going to caution you about anything when it comes to this look, it helps to be taller than about 5’6″ or 5’7.” It can be hard to get the taper right if you’re petite. But if you can find the right fit, you’ll suddenly look six feet tall!

You know the adage. What once was old will become new again. As I round the corner heading further from 30 and closer to 40 this weekend – yes, I just typed four zero. gulp. – it feels a little odd to think about styles I wore in junior high being back in vogue (choker necklaces anyone?!). Thankfully, I think this flare look will stick around for quite some time. There will be no need to purge at the end of the season.

And that gives me ammunition when the husband asks why I need that walk-in closet in our new house.

what i’m wearing: hudson jeans | jcrew blazer | madewell scarf | celine bag | emerson fry pumps | sunnies | tw steel watch {similar}

original photography for apartment 34 by emily scott

Fresh Denim Trend to Try

Fashion

Have you heard the news? Bell bottoms are baaaack! That’s right, this season the hippie-loving denim trend is back in all of its bell-shaped glory. A bit slimmer through the knees than your standard trouser jean and all that statement-making width at the bottom, the reintroduction of the flare has us predicting this summer is going to be full of fun, care-free fashion moments. The key to pulling it off? Not taking the trend to a full-on 70’s psychedelic level. We’ve rounded up the most seriously chic fashionistas to help lead the way!

Dragging on the floor {very important detail – these babies have gotta be long long long}, from light wash to black, your flares won’t need much more to pack a fashion punch. Think equally pumped up silhouettes like balloon tops, tunics and shirt dresses paired with the highest pumps you can find and you are in business! The only question left is: do you dare to flare?

GET THE LOOK

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image 1 via // 2 & 6 via Fashion Eaters // 3 via Maja Wyh // 4 via Collage Vintage // 5 via Brooke Testoni //

3 Ways to Rock Maternity Jeans in Style!

Fashion

As I enter the final few weeks of pregnancy – yup, it’s gone that fast! – I’ve officially hit the “how the heck to do I style this thing” phase. I relied on my standard oversized tops and skinnies to camouflage the bump for a very very long time, but there’s just no avoiding full-on maternity clothes at nearly 9-months along.

Thankfully, maternity jeans are coming to my rescue. I pretty much wear jeans everyday so the thought of having to give them up was definitely leaving me with the “I’ve got nothing to wear” blues. But I don’t mean it in the way girls usually say it. At 34+ weeks pregnant, it’s for real! Looking at my closet is becoming a bit torturous. It’s like that saying: “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink!” {I’ve since moved out everything that no longer fits – highly recommend. My plan is to be rather ruthless about what makes it back in!}. That’s where DL1961 Maternity Jeans stepped in. From classic blue skinnies to great ankle crops, I suddenly have my wardrobe back and I haven’t felt like I have to give up “me.”

what i’m wearing: zara poncho, asos white sleeveless button down, clare v. clutch, chloe sandals {similar}

I’m kinda obsessed with the white Angel Maternity Jean. I’m a big fan of wearing white all year long and these jeans still feel so good. They have the hidden stretch panels at the pockets instead of the over the belly fabric, which I have to say hasn’t been my jam. I’ve found that the over-the-belly pairs don’t hold their shape and they definitely don’t stay up well! And constantly tugging at your jeans is not a good look, no matter what size you are. I love how the DL1961s are super comfortable, super flattering and feel like I’m wearing normal jeans. Feeling as normal as possible is a big perk when you have an alien invading your body.

what i’m wearing: stella mccartney blazer {similar}, alexander wang top {similar} , tibi boots, philip lim mini pashli bag

The classic blue Amanda jean is that pair that everyone woman should have in their closet. Yes, I already had multiple pairs of skinny blues, but when you get to the point where there’s no chance they’ll zip up, this is the perfect alternative. I simply ordred my regular jean size and they fit great. No pinching, no pulling, plenty of stretch but they still have a nice shape.

what i’m wearing: everlane sweatshirt, mina + olya overcoat {similar} , vince sneakers, the common knowledge bone bag, illesteva sunnies

Nothing makes me feel more chic than wearing black. Apparently, I should have been a New Yorker. And if you’re like me, and admittedly, not a huge bump enthusiast, black is your style BFF! It does a great job camouflaging. I don’t know why I’m not into my belly being so out there – even though it certainly is out there now. This is why I love my black DL1961 ankle jeans. From business meetings to my last few brunches sans kid, I strongly suspect I’m going to be living in these babies.

I’m just thrilled to know I still have good style options at the ready even as my belly grows by the day. I promise I’ll share a few more looks with you before it’s all done!

PS: for all you mamas-to-be out there, you can save 20% on DL1961 today with the code DL20!

original photography for apartment 34 by emily scott // styling by erin hiemstra

This post is in partnership with DL1961. All thoughts and opinons expressed are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and help keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

The American Jean: {It’s in Our Genes}

Fashion

Before we fully embrace fall in all its glory, we wanted to bring you one more post tinged with summer sunshine. It’s a well established fact that we all love our denim. It’s truly become one of life’s staples. Our Editorial Intern Victor, who has style for days, had a bit of a denim epiphany this summer. I’m excited to share his story – and gorgeous styling – with you today! — Erin

Before the summer I easily had only two pairs of jeans. They were in constant rotation — being lived in, gathering dirt, cycling through the washing machine {no anti-washing-denim-enthusiast here!}, and getting folded back into my closet. They weren’t anything special — just basics I needed to support my daily outfits. But this summer changed everything. And though I can’t quite pinpoint where or when the pivotal moment happened, as summer came to an end, I noticed that my closet was RAIDED by denim.

shop these items: J.Crew Denim Jacket // Anthropologie Envelope Journal // A Denim Story

They came slowly, one by one, without any obvious warning. I should have realized I had a “problem” when I found myself buying the same pair of jeans in two different sizes {in case I wanted a slouchier fit come Friday}. But no. Where did this obsession come from? At such an unlikely time of year at that — when men are ditching jeans for khaki shorts and girls are skirting around in flirty little dresses. And then it hit me, no matter how high the temperatures reached this summer, I always felt cooler in my denim {in more ways than one!}. And now the only thing I think of when a pair of Levi’s crosses my path are the different shades of the ocean. If you stare long enough, even the rips and tears on that distressed pair of jeans begin to look like waves crashing on the shore.

There is no doubt that denim jeans are the most iconic piece in American fashion. Evolving over the years from the reliant work pant of California’s Gold Rush and the perfect place to rest a gun holster in the wild west, denim has successfully maintained its relevancy. It’s become the symbol of so many prevalent subcultures — the unforgettable bellbottom, the rockstar ripped and teared and hip-hop brought the urban baggy jean — they’re all moments in fashion that we’ll never forget, even if we wanted to!

shop these items: Gap Indigo Henley // Madewell Hepcat Shades // EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint // L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream // Make Up For Ever Eye Cleanser // Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny

America’s love of denim doesn’t stop with the jean. The denim shirt is the new can’t-live-without piece for any closet. Whether it’s layered or worn on its own, chambray is easily going to give your favorite pair of jeans a run for their money. Like any piece of denim, really, the chambray shirt went from being a day off classic to an all day, e’ryday day office staple. You can even leave the blazer at home and layer a denim jacket {like this one!} over a crisp button up and it gets more than the job done!

That’s the thing about jeans, or denim in general, it’s practical and adaptable to virtually every occasion or lifestyle. Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, recently spoke highly of denim in this when asked what’s been the most significant innovation in fashion. “Jeans are an American invention but a global uniform, worn every day by young and old, rich and poor, man and woman, cool and … not. Unlike most fashion, they suit everyone and get better with age.”

Whether you opt for the neo-classic skinny, a soft chambray, or the boyfriend jean this fall {this Nasty Gal pair was my summer love affair!}, you’ll never look more iconic than you do rocking denim. Here are some pieces and brands we couldn’t live without:

Get Your Shop On:

> Current Elliott Stiletto
> J. Crew Denim Jacket
> Nasty Gal All Torn Up Boyfriend Jeans
> Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt

What are your favorite pair of jeans? Could you ever see yourself living without denim? We wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves! — Victor

art direction + styling by Victor Verdugo // original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

MWW: It’s All About Good Jeans

Fashion

I’ve noticed women tend to pick up a variety of fairly nasty habits. Feeling guilt about what we eat, comparing ourselves to others and too often berating ourselves for any variety of perceived sins are just a few off the top of my head. I’m the first to admit I often fall prey to these mental traps too.

Another frequent lament I hear is about what we wear. Too often I hear a friend say “oh I could never wear that” or “I just can’t figure out how to wear this” and make themselves feel badly about it! I’ve fallen victim to this problem too, regularly calling my own style unadventurous because I wear jeans pretty much every.single.day. But I say no more! Instead of beating ourselves up for our natural likes, dislikes or style comfort-zones, why not simply embrace! I look good in jeans dammit. They make me feel comfortable, confident and you by no means have to look “boring” while wearing them!what I’m wearing: White House Black Market Essential Slim Jean // Maison Martin Margiela for H&M blazer (similar) // Celine heels (similar) // Zara Shopper (similar) // BR sunnies

The secret to good jeans is how you make them your own! I for one am going to officially start championing a return to the clean denim look. Yes, I rocked my ripped boyfriends all summer long, but enough is enough! When I step into an elevator I don’t really want to be wearing the same pair of jeans as everyone else packed in around me!

Crisp classic denim like the WHBM Essential Slim Fits let you walk into an important business meeting feeling put together, but also modern. You make them your own by how you accessorize them!

When it comes to rocking denim as work wear, I tend to steal ideas from the boys while adding a feminine twist. In this case, a menswear-inspired button-down and blazer give a nod to a traditional suit, without looking at all stuffy! Putting a dramatic cuff on the jeans and adding a statement-making heel is the perfect way to add some additional personality.

So, instead of feeling badly about our wardrobe comfort zones and knocking ourselves down for not feeling confident in the latest “It” trend, why don’t we try standing tall, being confident and feeling proud about rocking something we know makes us look, but most importantly, makes us feel good.

I’m going to give a go. How about you??

original photography for Apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // wardrobe styling by Erin Hiemstra

This post is in partnership with White House | Black Market. All opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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