Today’s letter gets its title from a reader request. I’ll start by saying that one person’s Everyday jean could be another person’s Weekend – jeans, we know, are personal and specific to each of us – but the idea of finding one we can wear with everything all the time is too enticing not to try for. So, here I go…
Quickly, first, I’m having a SALE at The Only Jane. All full-price jackets and jumpsuits are 30% off, including Jump One in Midnight (below). For those who may be new here: I designed this jumpsuit right after I had my daughter because I wanted something easy, flattering, and cool to wear. I also wanted to see if I could do it – nail the jumpsuit. (I think I did, I’ve been selling Jump One for years now, and they’re all still made in L.A.) Rarely do I put certain colors (Midnight, Forest, and French Blue) on sale because they’re the perennial foundation of my company and I don’t believe they’ll go out of style anytime soon. As a subscriber to this letter, you get access to the sale first. Use code THANKS23 at checkout.
I hope you’ll shop and get something you love. Jump One is made of Japanese cotton twill, over-dyed in colors I created. Denim jackets, which are unisex, are also on sale and available in most sizes. If you have any questions about fit, you can leave a comment or email info@theonlyjane.com. I’m here to help.
Today, in Ask Me Anything About Jeans, a reader from New York City is on the hunt for a mid-indigo pair to wear everyday (or three times a week, at least)…
I realized a few months ago I didn’t have an “everyday” jean. I used to wear a pair of Rag and Bone cigarette jeans (they’re called the Jack) but they’re worn through at this point and far too skinny. Last year I wore black jeans or sweats, exclusively and now I need to find a pair of blue jeans that I can grab and go in. I’m struggling. And I’m willing to spend given this will be an item I’ll wear 3 days a week (at least).
I dislike stretch, love a higher waist and love the looser boyfriend styles. I don’t want a crop but I’m also not looking for a graze-the-floor length (I’m 5’8"; 29.5" inseam). I prefer medium indigo blue vs a lighter wash. The last jeans I tried that I thought could be my dream jean was the Paloma from Citizens of Humanity BUT it’s too stretchy. Would love some guidance here thank you!!!! – FrancescaI love Francesca’s specificity. The first jean that came to mind when I read this request was Reformation’s Val 90s mid-rise straight, which has been featured here before. It checks the baggy box, and comes in so many washes, I reasoned one of them would be the “medium indigo blue” that she has in mind (the spectrum is broad). Though the inseam on a size 27 is 32” (long), I rarely let length get between me and a jean (this alteration is generally simple; always ask the tailor for an original or ‘Hollywood’ hem).
To me, what qualifies a jean for Everyday status is its ability to act as a base. It should go with the tops and shoes we wear daily, without pushing a trend. Notice, it’s not devoid of trend – this reader’s request for a “looser boyfriend” tells me she’s up on what’s in right now – but it shouldn’t try too hard or take a strong turn in any one direction. She requested a non-stretch option, so my recommendations are all 100% cotton, but a stretch denim is perfectly acceptable (and for many, preferable for Everyday).
B Sides’ Elissa style was one of three jeans I featured in my very first letter. Now it comes in a wash called Coco that’s practically the archetype of a true blue-jean blue. The Joan from Nili Lotan is loved by many, but its slouchier sister The Mitchell, which hangs a little lower on the waist, would be my personal pick (in the Simon wash). Madewell’s Baggy Straight has a very square top block and slightly tapered leg – it’s currently 40% off. All of these jeans, and the Val, play nicely with sneakers, loafers, slides, ballet slippers, and the internet’s favorite mary jane.
Jean of the Week: Heather Taylor
This time of year, when setting festive tables is happening all the time, my attention turns to Heather Taylor Home. Plaid linens, for which Heather is beloved, have to be the most effective and elegant way to make a dinner feel warm and relaxed – am I wrong?
It was while pulling out my own HTH tablecloth for Thursday’s gathering that I thought about asking Heather – an L.A. jean girl after my own heart – what she’s been wearing these days. Her pick is another great non-stretch Everyday style made by a local designer. Pro tip: When buying Heather’s jeans, currently available in a dark wash that’s great for winter, size down; they run big. Now, I’ll let her tell us the rest…
What are your jeans and what do you love about them?
My favorite jeans are the Diana cut by Doen. They are high-waisted but not too high. The denim is soft and cozy but they also feel tailored.
Best memory wearing them?
Sitting cross legged on the floor playing with my daughters.
What are you always looking for in a pair of jeans?
Something that feels like a second skin. Comfortable but also pulled together.
Denim for Thanksgiving Dinner? Yes or No?
Definitely. I love a cozy hostess vibe. Denim with a beautiful cashmere sweater is my ideal Thanksgiving dinner look.
How do jeans work with your life and all the things your life demands of you?
It's truly the perfect article of clothing. I wear jeans to work almost daily with a Chanel slingback1 and something a bit more tailored on top. A medium denim and something navy is a go-to uniform for me.
Heather Taylor is the founder and designer of Heather Taylor Home. Her latest project, a fully decorated cabin in Idyllwild, California, can be booked through Airbnb. Heather lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two daughters.
This week, I am thankful for my health, my family, and the fact that I get to spend Thanksgiving at home with people I love. I wish you a peaceful and fulfilling holiday. Wear jeans and be happy. As always, thank you for reading.
Jane
Footnote. Inspired by Heather, I went searching for Chanel Interlocking CC logo slingbacks and found a few on The RealReal, though sadly none in my size. Here is a 7.5 (they run a half-size small) in good condition. For smaller feet, here is a pair (size 6) in even better shape. I love the tan/black version Heather wears – and how it looks with a slim, semi-cropped jean – because it supports all shades of blue, from washed-out to raw. If a shiny-new pair is what you want, Farfetch has some that are “previously owned but remain unworn” in almost every size (including mine, gulp). Santa Claus is coming…
These are great… thank you!
Could you also share about the sneakers you are wearing with your jumpsuit?😇
These! They’re 100% non stretch cotton. Go up 2-3 sizes from your normal women’s size but they fit exactly like Agolde 90s loose and are only $31 so if you need to nip the waist (since they’re men’s) they’d maybe cost $50 total - https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=455585002#pdp-page-content