For years, it was my career dream to work for Lee Jeans. I was fresh out of the fashion design program at school and I couldn’t wait to start interviewing for jobs and Lee was at the top of my list. Fast forward to 2017, my career has taken a different path but my dream finally came true when my friends at Lee asked me to partner with them on their BRAND NEW collection: the Vintage Modern Collection. I am so excited to finally get to work with Lee, introduce you to their new collection and help them celebrate their 100 year anniversary! If you happened to pick up the latest Herlife Magazine, you would see that I shared a snip-it of my fave pieces from Lee’s new collection. But…. there are SO MANY more to show you!
Fave Piece 1: Middle of the Map Jean Jacket
My favorite piece in the new line is one of the top wardrobe staples I recommend to clients constantly. A classic denim jacket is truly one of the best third pieces available – timeless and appropriate for all four seasons. Whether styled over a dress in the spring or summer months or layered with a sweater in the fall and winter, a denim jacket adds classic styling to any look. I am always on the lookout for new options, and the Middle of the Map jacket from Lee’s new collection is perfect. I love the wash – not too light, but dark enough for good contrast. The delicate embroidery details (a huge trend that isn’t going anywhere by the way) gave this jacket personality and a storyline. And most importantly, the fit was perfect and runs true to size. It ‘s not too short, not too boxy and has just the slightest bit of stretch to make it one of the most comfortable jackets I have ever owned. Paired with some jeans in a similar (but not matching) wash, this denim on denim look was a win for me! With Holiday gifting on the horizon, a denim jacket is a timeless great choice for guys or gals in your life.
Fave piece 2: Vintage Modern Mom Jean
I was absolutely skeptical about these jeans. I am short, have some hips and was pretty sure the mom jean trend just wasn’t for me….but then I tried Lee’s Mom Jean and I fell in love. In my line of work, I wear jeans A LOT and sometimes I want to wear something besides skinny jeans. This mom jean style is real cotton denim, just like the old vintage jeans…But because of it’s wash, it is some of the softest denim ever. Beware, just like all of the other mom jean styles, this rise is high meaning you can most likely size down. The step hem is an updated detail and shows off just a little bit of your ankle to make this style more slimming. I often get the question of “what do I wear on top with high rise jeans?” and the answer is something shorter, boxier or possibly even cropped. I know…I know…high waisted and cropped?? But, a cropped style will balance out the high waisted style and will hit you at the smallest part of your waist…showing off that slim figure! Knowing I would wear these jeans as a more casual look, I decided to pair them with my favorite mule slides. Trendy? Yes. Cute and comfortable….definitely.
The next two pieces are close runner ups to my new embroidered jacket and mom jeans. First up….the Keep on Truckin Trucker Jacket is the perfect piece for that trendy girl that likes things a little oversized and a little bit destroyed. It’s a statement piece and the perfect topper for that rough easy look. Take this jacket farther into the season by layering with a sweater and scarf. This piece runs big so size down.
Next up is the Jenny Jenny Skinny Jean in Black because I love black denim. If you don’t have a pair of basic black denim….get one now. They are super slimming and have an sophisticated flare. The Jenny Jenny has the cutest lace up detail at the ankle for those of you that want to update your basic black denim. Wear with a black bootie to make it appear you have legs for days….even if you are a shortie like me.
A couple of my other favorite pieces are the Lee Logo tee and the Vintage Plaid Shirt!
So while you are shopping for your new denim jacket, your new mom jeans and your new updated pair of black skinny jeans…make sure to add the Vintage plaid shirt and the Lee logo tee to your cart! These two tops are simple and basic and are a great way to support a local and long lasting Kansas City brand. Congrats on 100 years Lee!!
*Photography by Taylor Kelley Photography
@taylorkelleyphotography