The Wax Factor: Jeans

The recent proliferation of waxed jeans has made it chic to be seen wearing shiny pants. Wax-coated jeans rose in popularity during 2007 but five years later they are even more trendy than they were before. During St. Louis Fashion Week, in October, I was thrilled to see that both mass merchandise boutiques such as, The Limited and Express, and high-end denim boutiques such as Lucky Brand have embraced this trend. Wearing bronze, silver or gold-coated denim is definitely not for the faint of heart but I, for one, love the wow factor.

Wax-coated denim pairs well with a variety of tops: basic t-shirts, blazers and sweaters. The key is to tone down the rest of the pieces you wear. Waxed denim has such a "look at me" presence that it is almost an insult to overdo the rest of your outfit. Doing so can make your outfit appear as "over the top." Below are tips on what works best with waxed jeans along with recommendations on what not to pair with them:

Do's:

• A white or black burn-out t-shirt paired with waxed jeans is a casual-classic ensemble.
• The combination of a tuxedo blazer and either a simple camisole or a white oxford shirt paired with waxed jeans equal a chic evening outfit.
• An over-sized cowl-neck sweater and a pair of skinny waxed jeans is an elegant pairing for a girls' night out.
• You can't go wrong with red. Red is glorious with wax-coated gold, silver, bronze or black denim.
• Invest in a pair of black-waxed jeans. A well made pair of black-waxed jeans can look similar to leather.

Don'ts:

• Pair waxed jeans with metallic tops in the same or similar tones. A gold-top with gold-coated jeans is a fashion foul-out. The same is true for silver, bronze and so on. 
• Wear over-embellished tops and blazers with waxed jeans i.e. Just say no to the pairing of a brocade print blazer with waxed denim.

My rule: Don't let the outfit over-stage you.


Below are wax-coated jeans I loved at first sight:


Lucky Brand's Rose Gold Coated Jeans


www.LuckyBrand.com; $129; Hurry to take 25% off!



The Limited's Black Glazed Jeans

www.TheLimited.com; On Sale for $47.94

Express' Stella Silver Coated Jeans



www.express.com; On sale for $49.90



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St. Louis Fashion Week Review: Indulge

The Indulge fashion event presented  by Brown Shoe Company and produced by Alive Magazine on 10/12/12 was truly spectacular. The collection of apparel on display on the runway by Ann Taylor and Eileen Fisher could be the basis of a workshop about the best approach to layering.

Anny Taylor did not tinker with their formula of their success; however, they paired their proven formula of preppy, classic and chic garments with bold-colors, such as orange and yellow, which will surely prove to be a winner for this retailer. A particular stunner was a charcoal metallic cape worn with the must-have slim-fitting trousers of the season. This stunner would work well with jeans, the ubiquitous slim-fitting trousers I referenced and with pencil skirts. The retailer also charmingly used scarves to drape the neckline of knit dresses and crewneck sweaters.

Eileen Fisher also truly impressed with knit dresses that could readily be layered with other garments. A sleeveless knit dress in a burgundy/maroon tone, which is a popular color this season, has such an elegance about it that it can be dressed up or down dependent upon your destination. This dress can be worn over a blouse for a classic look or worn similar to the runway look which was with a wide-belt.

I would be remiss if I did not reference the stunning garments on display by a favorite designer BCBG Max Azria. The luxurious gold-dress presented by this designer was stellar and a true representation of a statement dress. The simple streamline-shape was the perfect silhouette for this sleeveless column-dress that seemed as if it was made of spun gold. Another superb garment was the black and white animal print skirt that contained a solid black front-panel and animal print side panels. This skirt was beguiling.

Juicy Couture's collection was well represented by gem-toned faux-fur jackets, capes and coats that were simply stunning.

Lucky Brand Jean's whirlwind display of denim in scene-stealing prints, patterns and metallics was fabulous to behold. I fell in love with a mixed-print pair of jeans that I can only describe as a an animal print-jungle print hybrid.

The evening was all that I anticipated and more.

Pictures of the runway shows can be accessed on Alive Magazine's blog (www.AliveMag.com/blog).

St. Louis Fashion Week: Fall in Fashion Review

The amazing collections displayed by the designers and retailers the night of the Fall in Fashion event on 10/11/12 presented by Brown Shoe Company and produced by Alive Magazine at the St. Louis Galleria, are indicative of the combination of sporty-glam that has become so pervasive in fashion. Cropped slim-fitting pants worn by the models on the runway were accented with a panel in a contrasting color down the side of the pants leg. The color-blocked slim-fitting pants had a sporty vibe reminiscent of jodhpurs or ski pants. The designers glamourized the cropped pants by pairing them with tie-neck colored-blouses, metallic and jewel-toned ponchos and faux-fur vests which made for a  compelling look. The Limited's slim-fit pants although not color-blocked were amongst my favorite. The black pants with black faux-leather side panels are elegant yet sexy enough to transition from the office to the club.

I was also enthralled by the sheer blouses and high-waisted pencil skirts displayed by the models on the runway. This look is so charming and chic. My favorite pairing was the sheer black blouse and golden-yellow nautical skirt by Apricot Lane. The pairing of a blouse and pencil skirt is so classic in women's wear; however, the dichotomy of a sheer blouse and the traditional pencil skirt made this outfit a stand -out. The entire outfit had a romantic yet contemporary vibe due to the high-waist of the skirt, the double rows of buttons on the skirt and the decision to select a sheer fabric for the blouse.

Brooks Brothers and Ann Taylor's collections were also superb. Both continue to offer classic garb in traditional fabrics that both women and men can depend on for that certain refined appearance so many of us depend on when we want to look effortlessly elegant. Tweed blazers, sweater vests and straight-legged trousers  by Brooks Brothers were supremely on exhibit on the runway.

I enjoyed the beige trench coat, the jewel-colored blouses and pencil skirts on display by Ann Taylor. While the garments are so representative of what Ann Taylor offers every autumn season there is no reason to change a formula that works! That is the reason this designer continues to be a favorite of women. This designer specializes in basic staples that are necessary pieces for every woman's wardrobe.

For runway photos please access Alive Magazine Blog.