Dan's Papers - August 8, 2008

In 1873 Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss invented the famous all-American blue jean. Since that time, jeans have become more than your average overalls (priced at $1.25 brand-new back then) or riveted pocket work jeans. Denim has transcended with fashion forward styles that can be worn day or night.

In 1980, Calvin Klein became a topic of controversy with his commercials featuring a then 15-year-old Brooke Shields. Remember when she said "Nothing comes between me and my Calvins?" Following that was "ohh-la-la Sassoon," and "You've got the look I want to know better, you've got the look that's altogether" by Jordache (who Heidi Klum has recently combined forces with.) We became obsessed with owning a pair of designer jeans. I remember pleading with my mom every week until I got my first pair of Jordache. Hmm, to be a teenager again...

Today, jeans have evolved to the next level once again with popular brands that include 7 for all Mankind, Chip and Pepper, Antik Denim, Frankie B., Hudson, Christopher Blue, Gold Sun, Lucky Brand, William Rast, Paige, True Religion, Rock & Republic and Red Engine, just to name a few. Prices have jumped from $50 to $150 and up for a pair of jeans.

Finding the right pair of jeans for your body type can be frustrating. There are various cuts, styles and lengths to choose from. We obviously all have different shapes; curvy, petite, tall, plus-size and skinny.

The following are a few tips and considerations that will make your search more successful. Remember to select several styles to try on: 1. Medium-rise cuts are flattering and work well on most body types, 2. Darker washes are more slimming, while lighter washes emphasize your legs, 3. Stay away from skinny jeans if you don't want to call attention to your bottom half, 4. Boot cuts and flare leg styles elongate the leg and give slimming lines, 5. Large pockets bring attention to your booty.

When shopping locally there are many options. Nancy & Co. with locations in East Hampton and Manhattan carries an eclectic variety of over 2,000 pair of jeans including Oprah's favorite, "Cambios," Dead Sexy, Fabrizio Gianni, Christopher Blue and Vitamina, just to call out a few. During the month of August, Nancy & Co. in East Hampton is hosting a special jeans event (with special proceeds being donated to Ellen's Run, Women's Health). This event will offer clients the opportunity to find the perfect pair of jeans for their shape. Owner Nancy Schneider suggests that everyone own "1. One perfectly fitted 'dress' jean 2. White jeans, 3. Black jeans, 4. Soft pastel in cords or velvet, 5. Casual everyday jeans."

Jeans are something most of us own at least several pair of and it's important to invest in a pair that will not only look good, but wear well. Make certain you have a budget in mind, but if the sky's the limit, check out some of the couture collections by Escada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Valentino. For those sentimental shoppers who prefer to be loyal to Levi Strauss Company (the original jean company), check out Levi's vintage lines and snatch up a pair of Levis 1901 XX 501 Jeans for $295, vintage 1937 501 Haciendas for $501 or vintage 1966 646 jeans for $154. Levis Strauss Company bid $46,532 to buy back a pair of historical jeans from the 1880s on eBay. Now that's impressive!

For those of you who have a budget to consider, Banana Republic, The Gap, J. Crew and T.J. Maxx are great alternatives. Scoop, East Hampton & Manhattan, Henry Lehr, East Hampton & Manhattan, and LF, East Hampton & Southampton are also options.