Guys, 1970s Flared Jeans Are SO Coming Back!

AND I'M SCARED!And I know that Tory Burch is going all '70s, and so is Rebecca Taylor, and Etro and  Derek Lam -- especially Derek Lam. But I don't know if I can commit!

So, Topshop's got a handful of flared jeans for fall. Thoughts?

($125, Topshop)

I don't know dude. They're just SO Those '70s jeans. And SO '90s. I don't know if I'm ready to wear 1994 all over again.

($80, Topshop)

I'm more tolerant of these jeans as they're less elephant bell, more biz-cashe trouser.

But I am TOTALLY tolerant of these Rebecca Taylor high-waist zip-pocket flare jeans. Hearts!

Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011/ Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Derek Lam Spring 2011/Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

I ALMOST Bought These Serfontaine Jeans (And Still Might)

I stopped by the perfectly lovely Kaight boutique in the Lower East Side. It's an eco-friendly boutique, but I'd call it more eco-forward, since it's got really cute stuff that isn't all hemp-y/ Hare Krishna looking, you know? Like eco-friendly stuff -- Melissa troupe + Alexander Herchoivch Oxford wedges and the like -- that doesn't look like it was stitched together from corn husks found on the ground at a farmer's market. (Look, I get HIGH off of recycling and energy efficient light bulbs and reusing stuff. I have ABSOLUTELY nothing against preserving the planet. I just don't wanna dress like it.)

Anyway, the shop is sweet, as are the employees, and I fell in love with a great pair of Serfontaine jeans.

($152, Serfontaine, CoutureCandy.com)

They were. SO. EFFING. COMFORTABLE. It was like sitting in a perfectly worn catcher's mitt made of denim. In a good way. They felt absolutely custom-made for my ass and mine alone. And I LOVED the slightly dusty, semi-'70s medium rinse. And they were soft as a kitten's ear. I rolled them down since I'm 5'2" and certainly can't do the denim capri look without look like a dwarf (side note: I'm NOT into the denim capri look at all anyway). Remarkably, I left without buying them, only because I wasn't in love with the cut of the ankle, which was a little too wide.

Kaight had them on sale for $132. Looks like Kaight doesn't offer Serfontaine online, but if you're into Serfontaine jeans -- and you should be! -- CoutureCandy.com has a ton.

Albam in Angel

Albam set up shop on Upper Street.

On a bright Sunday afternoon, after the paper has been read and a few coffees drunk I like nothing more than a stroll down Upper Street, occasionally stopping off at Euphorium Bakery but more often than not aiming for the ever popular and always tasty Ottolenghi. In addition to filling my stomach the walk through Angel offers a number of enticing retail opportunities. Diverse and Sefton are ever tempting as both play host to the latest collections from exciting designers including globally renowned labels and fresh, new design talent. Now the temptation to partake in a spot of weekend consumerism has increased with the introduction of Albam's third store at 286 Upper Street (right next to Ottolenghi...oh temptation!). Founded in Nottingham in 2006 by James Shaw and Alastair Rae, initially as an online mail order company with just seven designs in the catalogue, over the last few years Albam have gone from strength to strength and deservedly so. In addition to the original Beak Street store the bloggers' favourite brand have recently spread their offering out east to the historic Spitalfields Market and now to my neck of the woods with the store in Angel. The trio of Albam stores offer a significant platform for the brand while still keeping it tight to ensure that they are discovery/best kept secret for their loyal customers. The guys had their opening party last Thursday and I wisely left the camera at home before one too many beers were consumed but I returned sober as a judge to take a few shots of the intimate yet impressive new space on Sunday. Grab my outstretched virtual hand and let me guide you through the two floors...

This rail and window display will ultimately pull me inside every time I'm in the area. The fruit of the Albam x Quoddy collaboration is particularly inviting.

The guys consistently create well made staples that can effortlessly slot in to and ultimately add something fresh to any wardrobe. These are a selection of items that provide solid foundations for any stylish wardrobe to built around.

With the ever present danger of a May downpour the outerwear is a good option. The Parka Rain Mac (front) is inspired by a famous shot of Steve McQueen. The raglan sleeve mac is looser fit, crafted in England from Teflon finished cotton canvas to help ensure you stay dry.

A grey elbow patch cardi sits in front of a carefully selected rail just in front of the initial rail.

The elbow patch cardi.A simple cardigan knit, crafted from the finest Giza cotton. Details include tan suede elbow patches and an internal melton patch pocket. It is a simple and versatile piece, ideal for layering.

These colourful shopper bags help cut down on plastic bag use in some style. Made in England from 100% cotton canvas.

Albam x Superga - The Italian classic vulcanised canvas pump is ideal for Summer.

The attractive view of the basement level. Denim, footwear, knitwear and shirting are all very tempting.

Albam's ever popular denim is woven in Japan but crafted in England. Supplied dry they develop a character all of their own as they are worn.

The first issue of Inventory looks at home sandwiched between chinos and denim.

The guys are working on a book and exhibition which will document the craft and craftsmen that help make up Albam. To whet our appetite two framed images sit hand on the downstairs wall.

I have my eye on this shopping bag to inject a bit of Summer cheer and I think it is about time I tried on a pair of jeans.

The third store is officially open.

As it grows, Albam continues to manufacture their products in Great Britain and where possible and, when it is not, they look as close to home as possible for alternatives. They now have good friends in Portugal, USA and Italy adding to the craftsmanship which is a fundamental facet of the label. We love how the duo aim to bring as much product back to Britain and how they have spent the last couple of years building a business which is enabling their British factories to grow and develop along with them. With the chaps opening this store on Upper Street there is a danger that my Sunday afternoons might become that bit dearer.

First Look at Natural Selection AW10

Natural Selection

The launch of Natural Selection has helped take premium denim to its next evolutionary step. Since its inception last year, it has delivered a fresh interpretation of denim, using the finest fabrics, authentic detailing and washes, coupled with innovative styling. Unsurprisingly, the label was inspired by Darwin’s theory of evolution and as such this is a key part of the brand’s identity, from the raw unlaundered denim to the authentically treated pair, which might be over 100 years old, the jeans. As the bearded British naturalist pointed out, the fight for survival ignites the spirit of competition within and from this comes the battle for authority and innovation. Last week I was invited to view their Aw10 collection and was both excited and surprised to see a capsule wardrobe of work wear inspired pieces. So, let me offer the first glimpse of their AW10 in full alongside a behind the scenes look at their look book shoot...

The range of denim

First up, lets take a look at their jeans. Their denim design details include 12oz, red selvedge, narrow‐width denim with newly developed, original hand washes that push the limits of techniques. Washes range from raw, through to bruised, broken and finally to buried, all are finished by hand.

The capsule collection

The notion that only the strongest will survive fits the brand’s keen desire to keep on evolving. In addition to extending its premium denim offering, Natural Selection has a few other treats in store. A range of luxurious, soft jersey t shirts which reference the Natural Selection handwriting were introduced for SS10 and they have extended this even further for AW10. The offering has now evolved to include a capsule wardrobe of covetable pieces. Darwin would have been proud...

The crumpled single breasted jacket particularly caught my attention

The offering is a selection of carefully considered pieces including an extended number of t shirt designs alongside button down shirts and relaxed, workwear influenced tailoring. For me, the crumpled tailoring is the real highlight. I just couldn't resist trying it on but now my wardrobe feels incomplete without it as I completely fell in love with the cloth. The pieces complement the denim range perfectly as like the denim, they use the finest fabrics and innovative detailing. The chaps are adding the finishing touches to their AW10 look book but to help you visualise the collection they have sent through a number of behind the scenes images of the shoot. The old mill location frames the collection far better than my excited showroom shots...

A behind the scenes look at Natural Selection's AW10 look book shoot.

A behind the scenes look at Natural Selection's AW10 look book shoot.

A behind the scenes look at Natural Selection's AW10 look book shoot.

The Denim Challenge...an excuse to shop

The image comes courtesy of the lovely Phil from Streetpeeper who spent the weekend on a blow up bed in our living room whilst capturing some great street style snaps of the folks of London.

EJ's recent picture postcard reminded me of my need to experiment with a certain fabric. For too long in my mind denim has only ever equated to jeans but as previously posted, the fabric has so much more to offer. Spring was always going to be the season when I played with denim and there has been plenty of inspiration in recent months, namely the Lanvin x Acne collaboration and I've considered accessories and much to Thom's disbelief...even denim blazers. Never one to shirk from a challenge, especially when one involves the opportunity to go shop, I ventured in to central and found exactly what I was looking for in bstore. Their ss09 collection had a quintessentially English quality with somewhat nostalgic straw boaters courtesy of Christine Bec for bStore, chambray denim smock tops, triple-pleat trousers which were neatly rolled up to the ankle and cotton shirts. When I saw the chambray denim smock tops hanging on the rails I just knew that I had to have it. I will certainly play with denim over the next few months because I've enjoyed dipping my toe in the chambray waters...I still don't think I can wear an all denim ensemble just yet though. here I teamed up my new purchase with rolled up Uniqlo wool trousers, suede Mario shoes by bstore and as the sun was shining I even dusted off my Linda Farrow for Topman sunglasses!

Alexander Wang Denim Hobo Bag: Yes, You Read That Correctly

Generally speaking, bastardizations of and permutations/ variations on denim make me nauseous. But for some unknown reason, I love this "leather denim" Alexander Wang hobo bag. What IS "leather denim"? I couldn't tell you and maybe I wouldn't even if I knew. I just know I cannot resist this Alexander Wang "Donna" hobo and all of its zippers and compartments.

($825, Alexander Wang, Satineboutique.com)

Oh yeah, that price tag makes it pretty easy to resist.

Daniblack Denim Studded Pump: Major Desire!

($175, Daniblack)

Accept no imitations, unless it's straight out of a 1984 time capsule. I ADORE Daniblack's studded denim "Queen" pump.

($119, Oh Deer, Piperlime)

Oh Deer!'s studded Sweetie pumps are visually intriguing, but I bought them, wore them for just a few hours, and was rendered almost incapable of walking -- 3 1/2 inch heels aren't usually a deal-breaker, but the construction on these make them fucking crippling. More like Oh Shit! I promptly sent them back. The Daniblacks look way more comfy.

+ Also, enter to win a pair of Daniblack Vellum or Mimosa satin rosette pump or flat! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!

Tragedy Strikes Paris Hilton!

I know, I know. Paris Hilton is about as relevant as scrunchies. But I couldn't resist this tragedy in the form of yards and yards and yards and yards of denim...

That's not hot. It's the definition of dirty denim. And it's in fact so bad that it almost makes me miss slutty, Stoli-drenched, heroin-chic Paris.