Cosmopolitan.com

DIY: White Bleached Jeans

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00 +0200

I have been totally obsessed with the bleached out white jeans by Dries van Noten since I laid my eyes on a photograph of Emily Weiss, Into The Gloss beauty blogger, who wore them to Paris Fashion Week. They’re so simple, totally white out, but with a tiny bit of blue denim still showing on top. They also make one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects ever.

What you’ll need:
A pair of jeans in a colour that you aren’t particularly fond of. (The Dries van Noten jeans are wide legged jeans, but you could totally do this with skinny jeans.)
2 bottles of bleach
A bucket
2 pegs
A pair of rubber gloves

To get the jeans to actually turn white you need a lot of bleach. I landed up using two full bottles, and then two bottles refilled with water.

Peg your jeans to the top of the bucket and poke the jeans into the bleach/water mixture using a stick. The white line does not have to be perfect, but you still want that little hint of blue denim sticking out on top.

For faster results leave the bucket in direct sunlight. I left mine for a day and a half get them to turn white. If you don’t have a 1.5 days to wait – use more bleach and less water.

Once the bottom of the jeans have turned white, you need to rinse them out. Wear gloves! Then throw them in the washing machine and you’ll have amazing Dries van Noten knock-offs in no time.

About the Author

Talya Goldberg is founder of the TGETHER blog network and Shades Of Gold blogger. Shades Of Gold is a Cape Town-based lifestyle and fashion blog. It features all her favourite things: an extensive and growing sunglasses collection, serious flat-white addiction, penchant for red nails and love of good design. The blog will keep you in the loop with local events, fashion, healthy recipes, and where to get your next caffeine fix.

DIY: Boyfriend Jeans

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00 +0200

Boyfriend jeans are the ultimate in comfortable winter jeans. Super on trend they are really easy to dress up – throw on a blazer and some heels – or dress them down with a sweater and ballet pumps.

Although they’re called boyfriend jeans we wouldn’t recommend actually stealing your boyfriend’s jeans to do this DIY – they’ll never fit right. You actually just want jeans one or two sizes bigger than usual. This will give the perfect baggy fit.

What you’ll need:
Old baggy jeans that you love
Needle and navy thread

Start by turning your jeans in – do both the left and right leg. Turn them in again.Making sure that both the left and right leg cuffs are the same size, pin them and try them on to make sure the cuff sits showing off your ankles. If not, roll them up one more time.

Secure the cuffs along the seams with a navy thread as neatly as possible. When you’re done, cut the excess thread and they’re ready to wear!

About the Author

Talya Goldberg is founder of the TGETHER blog network and Shades Of Gold blogger. Shades Of Gold is a Cape Town-based lifestyle and fashion blog. It features all her favourite things: an extensive and growing sunglasses collection, serious flat-white addiction, penchant for red nails and love of good design. The blog will keep you in the loop with local events, fashion, healthy recipes, and where to get your next caffeine fix.

DIY: Denim Shorts

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00 +0200

Denim hot shorts may not seem like the most obvious D.I.Y seeing as we’re about to go into winter, but if you’re doing your spring cleaning a few seasons early, rather than throwing or giving away your old jeans, they’re a super easy and fun do-it-yourself-project.

What you’ll need:
An old pair of jeans
Your favourite pair of denim shorts
2 pegs
Scissors

There are many ways to figure out what size to cut your jeans into shorts, from putting them on and chalking the marks, trying them on again, recutting – however the easiest and most effective way to ensure you get the best length is to simply peg your favourite shorts to your jeans, so you can cut them the exact same length.

Using your scissors (it’s much easier with scissors from the sewing shop) simply cut along the line of your favourite shorts, which should be placed on top of the jeans you’re cutting, making sure not to cut your favourite shorts!

Voila! Try your shorts on ala Mary-Kate and Ashley, check to see that you’re happy with the length. A rule of thumb: if you’re making high waisted shorts, they should be cut in a V shape, where as shorts that will sit on your hips are more of a straight line. Generally the back should also be a little longer than the fronts.

To get the worn-in, frayed look, pull along the bottom of the freshly cut jeans. The more you pull the better. Then throw them in the washing machine. It really helps the fraying along.

About the Author

Talya Goldberg is founder of the TGETHER blog network and Shades Of Gold blogger. Shades Of Gold is a Cape Town-based lifestyle and fashion blog. It features all her favourite things: an extensive and growing sunglasses collection, serious flat-white addiction, penchant for red nails and love of good design. The blog will keep you in the loop with local events, fashion, healthy recipes, and where to get your next caffeine fix.

ADVERTORIAL: Introducing the Canon EOS M

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00 +0200

Canon’s first ever compact system camera (CSC), the EOS M is designed for those who use photography to share their everyday passions – from food, to fashion and culture, music and art. Offering DSLR-quality imaging, creative features and Full HD movie creation in a compact and easy-to-use model, the EOS M is the perfect, take-anywhere partner for a new breed of enthusiasts who chronicle their lives through images, without necessarily considering themselves to be ‘photographers’.

The EOS M is available in sleek black, glossy white, stylish silver or bold red colours, and condenses Canon’s renowned EOS imaging heritage into a stylish, compact design. The model comes with two new lenses, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom, as well as a new compact EX Speedlite – the Speedlite 90EX – providing everything you need to capture stunning images every day. For those who want to push their images even further, the EOS M can also utilise Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses with the new Mount Adapter EF-EOS M, for even more creative freedom.

The quality of a Canon DSLR
Print your favourite moments in poster-size or crop your image for maximum impact thanks to the EOS M’s high-resolution, 18 megapixel APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor. The large sensor also allows you to artistically blur the background for beautiful portraits, or for close-ups with impact.
With the inclusion of Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor, colours ‘pop’ and skin tones are beautifully natural, whilst a super-fast shutter allows you to capture split-second action. The atmosphere of evening shoots and challenging night-time scenes are also easily recorded in stunning detail thanks to the EOS M’s sensitive native ISO range of 100-12,800 (extendable to 25,600).

For pin-sharp shots and professional-looking footage, this new design features a Hybrid AF System that supports super-fast, accurate AF when shooting stills and movies – allowing you to record any moment with confidence.

Shoot what you see and easily express your creative vision
Every aspect of the EOS M has been designed to make it simple to capture beautiful, creative, high-quality images. From the very first swipe across the bright, high-resolution, 7.7cm (3.0”), Clear View LCD II Touch screen, the EOS M gives you as much or as little control over your photos as desired.
With one of Canon’s Speedlite flash units, you can also explore creative lighting techniques to add an extra level of interest to your shots.

Turn film-maker with EOS Movie and Video Snapshot
When a moment calls for more than a still image, the EOS M lets you switch easily to Full HD video with stereo sound for superb results. Video Snapshot mode also helps family and friends avoid long home movie viewing sessions, guiding you to create exciting movies in-camera, with a professionally edited feel.

EOS M – key features
• The quality of a digital SLR in a compact body
• Scene Intelligent Auto
• Be versatile with interchangeable lenses
• Create out-of-focus backgrounds for high impact
• Easy-to-use touch-screen
• Atmospheric photos in low light
• Full-HD video with Video Snapshot Mode

COSMO JEANS Fashion Show 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00 +0200

As winter settled in Cape Town, COSMOPOLITAN heated up the Mother City with the latest denim trends. The fashion show and party were held at QV54, which was transformed into a Wild West wonderland for the evening. Models strutted down a desert-sand runway in between top-class entertainment provided by Tombstone Pete, Natasha Meister and Yoav.

Brands showcasing their must-haves for the months ahead were Edgars, Donna-Claire, Foschini, Bronx, Ackermans, Calvin Klein and adidas. Other brands involved were Brutal Fruit and Revlon.

The evening unfolded in true COSMOPOLITAN style, starting with welcome drinks and snacks, and finishing with guests dancing the night away as DJ Sox played the hottest hits. But in the end, denim was the star of the show.

Click on the reel below to check out our photo gallery.

Funky Denim

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200

Unlike last era's quintessential stone-washed straight leg which you could pair with just about anything, the new jeans on the block range from snakeskin prints, jewel tones to blingy metallics, and wearing them requires a little more thought. Here are some tips on how to get it right.

How to wear:

Looking fresh and dressier than blue denim, these versatile jeans, which can be worn with just about anything, have made a massive fashion comeback. Busy belts (think: zebra stripes or metallic detail) look awesome against white denim as they really stand out. Take the look into autumn by mixing a skinny leg with slouch boots and a loose shirt or sweater in a bright jewel tone. Nautical stripes also work very well with white jeans, and they're the perfect base for an animal-print top or shoe.

Jean Genie

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200

Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to drag out those much-loved denims again. But, before you leave the house in your favorite pair of jeans, stop and take a long, hard look in the mirror: Is your bum sagging like you're wearing an old nappy? Are your jeans so acid-washed they belong in an eighties music video? According to fashion experts 9 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong jeans for their body type. So, yes, that probably means you… Here are a few dos and don’ts that you need to follow.

The first rule of buying jeans is to try them on. You'll never find the right pair if you buy them straight off the rack. When you’re in the changing room you should squat in them, sit down in them, as well as walk around the room. This will give the jeans enough time to start to shape and mould to your body. It also helps to try on a top that you would wear with them to get the total effect which, in turn, will help you decide if the jeans are really the style you are looking for.

Dos

Dont's

Buy jeans that fit - Stiff denim is a thing of the past. With new stretch fabric innovations, there is a pair of jeans that will fit even the curviest of figures. You may have to try a couple of different sizes in different labels, but don’t let this put you off. Once you have found a brand you like, stock up!
Consider the cut of the jeans - the skinny leg is still a big fashion trend, but a boot leg cut is more flattering for most body types. If you do have larger thighs, a trouser-style may be a better option.
Cuff your jeans - more so when you’re wearing flats and sandals, less when you’re wearing heels and platforms.
Balance your silhouette - tight jeans look great with blousy tops, while slouchy jeans look best with something fitted.
Dress up your denim - jeans are one of the most versatile basics you can have in your wardrobe. You'll need a lighter, more casual pair for the weekend, and a darker, dressier pair for the office. Add a pair of party heels, a fashionable bag and a pretty, feminine top, and you have a perfectly chic outfit.

TLC For Jeans

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:00 +0200

Once upon a time, denim was worn by labourers, miners and cowboys because it was strong, hard-wearing and didn't tear easily. While Levis and old Calvin Kleins are still made with the same durable industrial denim, the new, designer varieties (think: DKNY, 7 For all Mankind) use a more delicate denim to achieve their perfect, bum-hugging fit.

And while we love how clever designers have become at creating the perfect pair of jeans, the truth is they are no longer as forgiving as their hardy predecessors: thus, the need to handle them with a little more care. Here are some tips for extending the life of your jeans.

Let Them Get Dirty	Stop throwing them in the laundry basket after every wear: nothing ages your jeans more than over-washing them. By contrast, the longer you wear your jeans between washes, the longer they will last and the better they will conform to your body shape. We're not talking months here, but you can easily get away with five wears before they need freshening up. Unless, of course, they're stretch denim in which case they need warm water to tighten up and regain their shape. Stretch jeans are about 3% spandex, so it only takes a couple of hours before they lose their form. Washing them after every wear is essential to keeping them clingy.
Turn Them Inside Out
No Tumble-Drying
Don't Fold
Repair Rips

Denim Etiquette

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:00 +0200

Times have changed, but there are still rules for donning or ditching the denim. Here's your essential Q &A guide.

Can I wear jeans to an upmarket restaurant or bar?
Jeans have become such an expensive commodity that they are accepted pretty much anywhere and considered an acceptable staple of a semi-dressy night out. There are still some fancy restaurants and hotel bars in Europe (think: the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz in Paris) that bar jeans for men, but if you showed up in a hot pair of dark skinnies with heels and a pretty blouse or tailored jacket, no doorman in his right mind would deny you entrance. To avoid an embarrassing situation, be on the safe side by calling beforehand and asking.

Is it okay to wear a dressy pair of jeans to a 21st birthday party or a wedding?
Yes to party, no to wedding. But the 'yes' has conditions: as a sign of respect to your hosts, don't show up in anything ripped, bleached or faded. Opt for navy or black, and make sure they're newly washed and ironed. Then, dress them up with heels, accessories and a nice top. While times have changed, weddings are still a big deal and showing up in jeans is bound to create annoyance. Black tailored pants are fine, but generally a pretty dress (not in black or white) is the way to go.

Can I pair blue jeans with a denim jacket?
The fact that this look has been dubbed the Tennessee Tuxedo should give you your answer. Unless you're a Country and Western singer, this constitutes denim overkill and is never a good look. Instead, pair your denim jacket with cargo pants or wear it over a dress to edgey-up your outfit.

Is acid-wash-a-la-eighties really back in fashion?
Yes – but you won't get away with dredging your 10-year-old jeans out of the attic because the high-waisted look is (happily) not part of this fashion re-run. Yes, there was a half-hearted resurgence a few years ago, but the unforgettable image of Jessica Simpson wearing a pair of uber high-waisted 'mommy jeans' on stage ended the trend – fast. If you're doing acid-wash, you need a low waist and a skinny leg. And because this jean is 'busy', team it with neutral, solid colours like white, black or navy so it doesn't become too much.

Boot-leg or skinny?
Depends. Your aim is always to balance out your body and keep your proportions pleasing. If you're wearing an oversized tee or sweater, skinny jeans are the way to go, but if your top is fitted, a boot-leg balances your silhouette. If your legs are not long and slim, the boot-leg cut adds length, especially when teamed with a heel.

The big brands are so expensive – can I buy cheapies and still look good?
Unfortunately not. When you buy cheap jeans you compromise on fabric quality and cut. Considering how much you're going to be wearing them, it's really worthwhile spending more and buying a pair that fit well and flatter your body type.

I have a flat bum. Do 'bum lifters' help?
Actually, yes. For those of us who are not J-Lo, these jeans add a bit of booty to the bereft. If you suffer from 'table bum', don't wear jeans that have low back-pockets – they make your bum appear even flatter.

What's the deal with super-stretchy denim and/or elasticated waists?
You're on tricky terrain here. For the most part, unless you're Giselle, leave them to pre-schoolers because they are not flattering. Skinnies with a bit of stretch are fine, especially when worn like leggings, but very tight, super-elasticated jeans in a thin fabric can lead to sausage-casing-legs, while an elasticated waist will create a beer-boep out of the tightest tummy. Make sure your jeans have a zip (it flattens the stomach), and while they should be huggy, make sure they're not too tight.

The Good Jeans

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:00 +0200

What makes him tick? Apparently his denim will tell you. Here we unzip three styles…

Distressed	This image-conscious dude craves instant gratification - imagine coughing up for jeans that look old? '[This type] thrives on new experiences,' says Van Dyk Lewis, a US professor of fashion design and anthropology. Though he likes the trappings of love (romantic dinners, flowers), he can get antsy once the novelty of a new relationship starts to fade.
Straight Leg
Baggy

Jeanealogy

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00 +0200

So you've had a look at the latest and hottest styles in this year's Jeans supplement, but do you know what's your perfect fit?

All you need to do is click on the different cuts and they'll take you to the relevant pages which will tell you the body shape it best suits, what to pair them with, how to dress them up or down, and where you'll find them.

Your Denim Style

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00 +0200

Does the way you wear denim say more about you than your star sign? Try these four ways to wear our favourite wardrobe staple.

RELAXED DENIM GIRL
You live in faded denim in slouchy shapes – the perfect match for one of this season’s must-have items: a T-shirt dress.
What Your Denim Says About You
You love your weekends. The perfect Sunday for you is curling up in front of the TV, with the papers and your man, or going to the local restaurant for a Sunday roast. Denim is about comfort with style; you don‘t like your fit too tight, but still sexy and low on the hip.

STYLE STATEMENT DENIMISTA
Quirky accessories with funky denim details make denim a fashionable (but not fashion victim) look.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re not afraid to experiment and you love having fun with fashion. Denim is the perfect way to express your individuality – you can add a personal touch with interesting accessories and make bold statements with separates.

NINE-TO-FIVE DENIMATRIX
Who said you can’t wear denim to the office? Smart, clean-cut tailoring is all you need.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re ambitious, determined and a perfectionist at heart. You want to be taken seriously, so your denim is rarely faded and you prefer to wear it with I-mean-business heels.

GLAM DENIM DIVA
For sexy, sassy, big-night-out jeans, just add sparkle and glitzy heels.
What Your Denim Says About You
You’re fun, flirtatious and love your Friday nights out with the girls. You like to hit the dance floor, and jeans are the perfect way to look sexy without flashing too much leg.