denim | My Pollyanna

Casual Perfection with The Cuff

StandardMay 8, 2014by Laura2 Comments

About 10 years ago I remember not wearing a pair of jeans unless I was sporting a huge turn-up. Can’t necessarily remember this being a trend at the time but I certainly thought I looked good!

Whilst it is inherent to the boyfriend style to add a couple of rolls, I really like it on a slimmer fit jean too. Scouring Pinterest and giving it a go myself I thought I’d share a few of my favourite styles to wear the cuff for an everyday look.

Queen of casual, Jennifer Aniston in classic navy and white.

A slouchy style with a smaller cuff on Rosie.

Sarah Jessica Parker

I would choose a fabric that is stiff and with less stretch otherwise the cuff can cling. These Jbrand jeans from Donna Ida are perfectly dark and would look great with a large cuff.

Couldn’t resist throwing these cuffed shorts from Hush into the mix too!

MiH Jeans do the perfect slim fit boyfriend, The Tomboy that have a little slouch but not too baggy.

I’ve ordered these Tomboy jeans and just waiting for them to arrive but in the meantime I’m wearing my trusty 7 for all Mankind skinnies with a long cuff.

How would you style the cuff?

Pebble Beach: The Jeans

StandardMarch 17, 2014by Laura2 Comments

You know when you have nothing in the social calendar for months, then everything happens at the same time? Well, yeah that’s been happening to me lately. A four year old’s birthday and the obligatory party, a night away sans the children, trip to London and girlie spa time with cocktails. But I’m not complaining, it’s all fun and I’m making the most of it now as the rest of the calendar is looking pretty sparse.

It has also meant that I’ve got to peruse the lesser explored corners of my wardrobe and dig out some of my “going out” clothes. After a little trying on session for last weekend’s cocktails with the girls I settle on this.

For me the jeans are the highlight of this outfit. They’re the gorgeous Mabel jeans in Pebble Beach by I am the Ida Girl, courtesy of Donna Ida Denim. (I am totally obsessed with all things Ida so to have these jeans is up there with one of the highlights of my blogging journey so far).

What do you think?

Jeans, Mabel in Pebble Beach by I am the Ida Girl at Donna Ida / Drape top, Helmut Lang (old, similar here) / Metallic heels, J.Crew (similar here) / Necklace, H&M / Wristlet, Michael Kors

How busy is your social calendar looking?!

Styling Victoria Beckham Red Trousers

StandardOctober 22, 2013by Laura6 Comments

Red trousers are a great way to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe. Warm, rich reds are a classic that are great for this time of year and can easily be dressed up or down (and I do love a bit of versatility!). The Victoria Beckham Denim, Burnt Sienna Slim Chino Trouser from the my-wardrobe.com mid-season sale are a fantastic tailored cut with great shape. They are now £180 reduced from £240. I have these in Navy and the quality is faultless. They’re smart and formal but look great with a chunky knit and flats.

A denim shirt is an easy tool to dress down any outfit, it contrasts the formality of these trousers perfectly. I would also keep it neutral with a soft scarf and navy flats.

For drinks with friends or a special evening out, I would team them with a classic black pussy-bow blouse and leopard heels. It’s not often I accessorise, but I love the Anton Heunis collection and these earrings are perfect for edgy elegance. The gold clutch (from Accessorize) adds a touch of sparkle.Chunky knitwear or a classic cashmere turtle neck exudes effortless style and gives a soft, cosy look. Worn with simple flats and an oversize tote to complete the outfit.

How would you wear your red trousers?

The most versatile wardrobe item…

StandardOctober 8, 2013by Laura0 Comments

I am all about investment and getting the most from your wardrobe. Recently, I’ve been trying (fairly successfully so far) to combine different areas of my wardrobe to try and increase it’s ‘breadth’. I’ve looked at items in isolation and tried to see how I could I dress them up for the evening or down for the day. There is one combination though that I keep coming back to time and time again. The white shirt under jumper combo. The versatility of this seems to just go on and on. Shirt from Topshop, jumper from Zara.

Here is how I wear mine.

The Joseph cigarette trouser and leopard heels for smart occasions.

For effortless school run style Paige denim ripped jeans with chunky brogues are easy casual.

For cooler days long boots and skinnies are safe and stylish.

What’s your most versatile item?

Is there such a thing as the ‘Perfect Jeans’?

StandardSeptember 19, 2013by Laura7 Comments

An Investment…

I have to admit, I live in jeans. Since giving up my career to have my children and live a life of domestic bliss (*coughs*), jeans have been my most reliable wardrobe friend. Never has an item been so important. They see my through the school run, walks in the woods, dinner out and most formal occasions too. (Featured in the Perfect ‘Going Out’ top post). But is there such a thing as the perfect pair?

I believe they deserve investment and a lot of love and care once you have them. Since discovering luxury American denim I have never gone back. You can usually get them one size smaller because they are so soft with that perfect amount of stretch, giving a really flattering fit. Jennifer Aniston pulls off a great pair of jeans, always in my opinion, managing to make them look smart.

If they really are an important part of your wardrobe I would invest as much as you can afford into a really great pair of jeans. There are lots of other things to think about too, such as pocket size and position and washes and waist height but that’s for another day.

My favourite brands are jbrand, 7 for all Mankind, Paige and Goldsign. Of all the styles, jeggings are at the core of my collection (which is not that vast – quality not quantity!). They’re the perfect jean for this season to wear with boots. They are also super, super comfortable…am I allowed to say that?!

My Collection…

One ‘everyday’ pair – casual & comfortable.
One ‘distressed’ pair – contrast with floaty silk tops or cashmere. Great for evenings.
One ‘cropped’ pair – elegant, timeless and perfect with pumps for smart/casual.
One ‘coloured’ pair – mix it up, why not?!

Taking a trip to a denim boutique will take the stress out of endless hours of trying on. The staff are dedicated to denim so will be able to find you your perfect pair. My favourite boutiques are Mimi Noor, Trilogy and Donna Ida.

Have you found the perfect pair?