Friday, December 24, 2010

Last Glimpse of Sunshine




On a recent trip to New York one interesting thing I noticed was that of all the shots that I got, only a few of our stars were actually New Yorkers.  Nevertheless, this couple is layered and ready to take on the Big Apple.  The sun was slowly setting on this one, but the yellow duffel coat quickly drew my attention.  In weather like this the chunky scarf adds both warmth but a nice contrast of light colors.  The vintage look of the bag and shoes mix well with her sunny and cheerful attitude.


It's really good to see the different ways people incorporate denim into their outfits.  First, a casual pair of slimmy black jeans with a perfect fit.  Then he takes it over the top with this BLEUDENIM jacket with details that cannot be overlooked; the throat latch and hoody for added warmth.  The mixture of black and blue denim is never easy to pull off, but this combination of colors doesn't need any defending.


Dessert boots usually tend to get overshadowed by baggy pants or ill-fitting trousers.  These well-worn boots are given a second chance with proper length jeans and an extra tuck to show some tongue.  The couples we've shown lately always seem to have something in common, making them his and hers.  The worn-in feel of both pairs of boots draws this one together perfectly.


-Nick

 

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Kissing Cousins




As I said, I really like the couples I've been posting lately. I mentioned this to these champs and it turns out... they're cousins. Oups!


Cousins maybe, but I'd call them kissing cousins.


More and more people are catching on to Paul Smith's motto: a more subtle pop of color can add a lot of character to an outfit, and works infinitely better in most situations than aggressive color spread throughout the ensemble. I like this one especially because it's got a black base, which fits with the city setting (Well... and there's the fact I was wearing a black outfit with pink socks at the time, but I'm sure that had nothing to do with it.) I think we can all agree that these champs are rockin' sick kicks.


It seems that in stead of choosing color as a subtle detail, the woman has chosen to show her style with her jewelry. That two-finger ring is chunky and goes well with that bag. Notice the nail polish too- immaculate.


This jacket is everything a guy should look for when shopping around for a leather jacket. Bomber style, fitted, epaulets, and it doesn't have a hood. A jacket like that you could wear with just about anything from a business casual outfit to a tee and jeans. I bought a one-button shawl collar pullover exactly like this a couple months ago, and drew inspiration from the way our friend chose to wear his scarf under his own. Notice it poking out from the bottom, perfectly folded like the end of a sash?

Good hustle out there team. Bonnes fêtes!

-Jordan


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Friday, December 17, 2010

A Second Chance




Everyone on this planet, no matter who you are or where you're from, can use their wardrobe to express themselves. Get ready for our chunkiest post yet.


Harry Jefferson, FR3EDIM, inc, hard at work

That was the point of the recent "2nd Chance at Life" charity fashion photoshoot event at Babson.

The event was the precursor to the the upcoming 2nd Chance Fashion Show on February 20th, 2011 at Bond Boston. Designed to raise awareness about paralysis and society's attitudes about it, it was recently written up in the Babson Freep: http://www.babsonfreep.com/2010/12/second-chance-fashion-show/ 

The photoshoot spanned two evenings and photos were taken of models showing dresses by Jeury Rosario and jewelry and other pieces by Isabella Louis. They brought along everything from a wheelchair (in the spirit of the event) to a crazy big set of rings. See more of the shenanigans below.


Harry Jefferson, FR3EDIM, inc, with Charlotte Bouygues (left) and Jessica Carter (right).

Below you'll find a link to a flickr set of more photos from the red carpet and the shoot from photographer Sarah Yim:


Bryan Jackson (left) clothing designer with Asha Isabella and Michael Louis, creative director and accessories designer of Isabella Louis (right)

And, for the first time on BLEUDENIM, much, much more after the jump*...

*As this is the first time we are doing this, let us be clear. If something is "after the jump," it means that unless you see something below that other than comments, you're not seeing the whole post. Click the title of the post or "Read more" to see the whole thing. Thanks for reading!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

His and Hers




 I have to say, I really like the couples I've been posting recently.


Couples' dynamics shine through any photograph, and this one's shines brightly. Thus, not much has to be said about the photo. The things I feel compelled to mention are the his and hers scarves and the way each pairs his or her color with his sweater and her coat. The use of color is always appreciated, and its something that works even better in numbers.


The very image of classical elegance with the mere scent of affluence. No modern touch or alterations necessary, thank you very much.



-Jordan

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Jake and Bake





I have found that in many facets of my life, from cooking to dressing, I enjoy mixing things that don't usually go together but that are great on their own, and mixing A LOT of these things. It's a masterpieces-are-never-finished kind of thing. I always go for the best in each category of piece I am looking for, which sounds like it would perpetuate a more "clothes make the man" line of thinking than the more favorable "man makes the clothes" perspective. But if you're doing it right, no one is able to argue the results. That's what this champ has done. 


The chunky coat (note those authentic toggles and brand's signature print peeking out) creates a faux-prep feel that is followed up by the two-tone chukka/topsider hybrids- now THAT'S how you wear "boat shoes," kids. The backpack is a nice added touch to this theme.


The pièce de résistance of this outfit is the turquoise and silver ring the guy is wearing. Perfect pairing with the duffel coat somehow and it's masculine jewelry done right on a guy that I think we can all agree isn't exactly the stereotype of a guy's guy. It's inspiring.


Perhaps my favorite part of this look, though, is that the guy is wearing reputable brands that are not showy, and includes only one haute-couture designer and one personal piece to display a level of balance, modesty, and honesty that few can. This is reflected throughout the things I've mentioned and a few things I left to make an impression without my mention, and it's one of the reasons why this is my new favorite post.


P.S. For bonus points, play hide and seek with the guy's tattoo. I promise there's one visible in the photos.

-Jordan

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Made in America





Everything about this outfit displays timeless elegance and style, similar to that of an age old clothier which has provided clothing essentials since 1818.  This look is simple, but he brings together some great fabrics and patterns to display the preppy look perfectly.  The tartan vest offers a great addition of color to an otherwise brown and blue ensemble.


I love both the cut and fit on these jeans because they fall perfectly over a pair of brown oxfords.  The look is really clean and his attention to detail may seem basic but it pays off.  The herringbone blazer seems to pull together this outfit perfectly, especially with details like the double pocket and padded elbows which unfortunately aren't seen here.


All in all, this look is great and really reminds us just how easy it is to mix and match different patterns and fabrics to pull together an awesome outfit.  Granted, this guy has been at it for a while and has some years of experience to help him create looks like this.  This by far has been my favorite post because of my preppy attitude as well as affiliation with the Golden Fleece.

-Nick

    

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Certain...Je Ne Sais Quoi




We recently had the good fortune of being introduced to the founder of Paris's hottest new online boutique, Je Ne Sais Quoi, known affectionately by its exponentially increasing customer base as "JNSQ." Even given the different nature of our projects, as we chatted, we saw many similarities and knew immediately that we had to share the JNSQ vision with the world.



JNSQ has been featured in Grazia, Glamour Germany, Elle France and Lucky Magazines, in addition to far too many well-known online publications to listJNSQ's content speaks for itself, so we won't begin to list the great deals and hard to find brands and styles available at the site, but trust us when we say that everyone should have a peek. There are mens and womens selections, items in all price ranges, and a global trend of classic style throughout, which we love.


It seems that the founder, Mireille Nagourney, spends her days much in the same way we like to. You can watch some of it below:

A Day in the Life of Je Ne Sais Quoi from SHOPJNSQ on Vimeo.

Expect to hear more about Je Ne Sais Quoi in the future, and look out for a special giveaway on BLEUDENIM from their collections next month! (JNSQ follows the French winter/summer sale seasons, so even those who don't win the contest are in for a treat!)

-Jordan and Nick

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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Rockin' the Suburbs





There's always that one pair of boots that have visibly aged but still have the comfort and support to tackle this weather.  I know I'm not the only one who hates cold toes.  Down below is just a menagerie of animals, literally.


The fur coupled with such a chunky scarf makes wearing such a light-weight blouse tolerable, and check out the patterns on this shirt.  The mix between white and black in this outfit is complimented perfectly with a touch of brown and gold, while the blue ring (flute) adds just the right touch of youthful humor.


-Nick and Jordan

 

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Double, Double Breasted





Patterns among buttons, and fabrics among fur, this duo is decked out in just about everything.  On the left is a perfectly fitting plaid button down.  The fur around the collar seemed like a really good call in this frigid weather we've been having lately.  Good judgement is shown all the way down to the shoes, with some pretty aggressive tongues.


This portion of the shot seems to incorporate one of the best looks I think I have ever seen.  Double breasted shawl collar, layered by a well tailored double breasted blue overcoat.  The lapels are just the right size to make way for the abundance of buttons.  There's not much to say about what kind of a statement these green tartan pants make.


I've been noticing lately that when one guy brings his best for kicks, the other one does as well.  A good tie on the sneakers to make them stay snug and a comfortable pair of saddle loafers.  These two exemplify a dynamic duo.

-Nick

 

Le Cold Café Marly




This past week when we took a pause from BLEUDENIM, I went to Paris on Thanksgiving (Merci Donnant) break. This is what I came back with. There was so much to photograph in Paris, but I had camera troubles. You will be seeing more of this quality soon when I go back in a couple weeks for Christmas.


Couples are a great thing to photograph because not only do you see the outfits' individual characters but how they play off each other as well. This couple seems pretty compatible, no? Rockin' complementary colored styled tops (check the epaulets on her coat and the collar on his sweater) and sick shoes to boot (pun intended, judge me).


The leather detailing, fitted form, and thin curved over lapel on the man's blazer pack a punch, and the woman carries the only VB bag I have ever been able to deal with.


The maître d’hôtel wanted his 5 minutes of fame and provided this cute shot.


I didn't know it at the time, but it was going to snow in about 20 minutes at the time of this photo. This couple's outfits may not have been good for that, but I have a feeling they would have kept each other warm despite the beautiful but unfortunate precipitation.

-Jordan

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Opposite Effect





Blue jeans with khaki "boat shoes" or blue shoes with Whatchamacallit jeans.  Which look do you prefer?

-Slick and Clarence


 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

All Occasions: Colorful Socks




Somethings are just meant to be alittlebitweird

   

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Belted Blueberries





Of course the added texture on the bag was what immediately caught my attention, but this outfit offers a lot more than just some extra fur.  The leather shoulder strap and matching cinch strap on this messenger bag add some great style.  It's not always easy to find such a perfect fitting oxford, where leaving the shirt hanging out isn't even a question.  The over-sized shades are a perfect compliment up top and the wrap-around white lacing on these blueberry chukkas really stands out.  Most importantly, we see a perfect display of denim in this outfit, a well fitting pair of slim-straight blue jeans that bunches up just right above the shoes.


Any of our viewers want to take a guess as to what this awesome bag is made of?

-Nick

  

Monday, November 29, 2010

Big Apple Tweed





Not much needs to be said about how well this guy pulls off the combination of corduroy and tweed.  This outfit is a perfect match of greens, yellows, and blues.  After riding a bike all summer long in Paris, I have much appreciation for someone willing to brave it out there on two wheels in the cold.  That's where the need for so many layers comes in here.  Pay a little more attention to the shirt, and you'll notice colors that compliment the coat.  A basic striped tie looks great under the green quilted hunting vest.  The jacket, oh the jacket...this is a great display of how easy it is to bring together an outfit using multi-colored tweed.


Big Apple Tweed is an effort to bring back the beauty of tweed, using bicycling for fun.  These bike rides bring together bicyclists who enjoy vintage British cycling attire.  So get out there with some vintage tweed and your bike and don't forget to layer up during this cold weather.  For more on this bike concept, check out Big Apple Tweed here.

-Nick

  

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Style Transcends Time




We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that all of our content is clickable for viewing/zooming purposes only.

Yet again the style of certain of our schoolmates is solidified in our eyes as the model has more than once been photographed by a member of our team. Yet again she is wearing a silk scarf. Yet again she refuses to wear something boring. From her head to her toe, every article is a style statement on its own, from the leather tights to the fur coat. Not only that, but each is part of what we might call a timeless look, but would perhaps not normally mix (i.e. Saint-James sailor stripe, styled riding boots, fur coat). Once again, our friend proves Style Transcends Time.

-Jordan

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Friends With Benefits






There is always that one friend who you know is going to bring just as much style as you.  These two guys are no different.  Each knew that today was a sick shoe day.  These purple sneaks don't need much detail because the color alone creates that stand-out effect.  The high tops look comfortable and offer just the right amount of color with the orange swoosh.  So find your friend with benefits, and Just Do It.

-Nick

  

Monday, November 15, 2010

Neutral Ground




There's not much that needs to be said here, and you all seem to like pictures more than commentary anyway. Let it just be noted, then, that the minimalist mixing of just a few neutral colors can allow for a couple of really neat tricks...


...up your sleeve or...

















...underfoot or...



...right in front of you.


With the big pashmina scarf, high waisted button pants, and coat details, this chunky outfit ended up being a perfect mix of modern European style and classical American elegance. The colors of the clothes may be neutral, but this girl radiated positivity wearing them.

-Jordan



Sunday, November 14, 2010

tHree of a kind




Photo courtesy of  Ron Dumont

There are so many great things about this entire look, I really don't know where to start.  Pocket squares, always the stylistic definition of a gentleman.  What's even better is that the label matches the belt, always good to coordinate.  I'm not sure if I appreciate the bow tie or the custom-made red belt more, but both are great choices.  As for the guy on the left, his blazer has a great trim and the rolled sleeve look is displayed flawlessly.  I'll be honest in saying that this belt has never been one of my favorites (I hate flashy)...but you can't look at this and not respect their fearlessness.  Each of them pulls off skinny jeans, and all of these denim shades are what BLEUDENIM is all about.

-Nick

  

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Zero Waste




Style and creativity can exist anywhere, even in the trash.  "Zero Waste" was a recent event where looks were crafted from any and all resources available.  It was great to see what kind of pieces were made from left overs and scraps, proving that you don't necessarily need to spend hundreds on each outfit.  These pieces might not be the most "haute couture" or fashionable pieces this season, but they definitely break boundaries and prove how a little eco-friendliness can go a long way.

 No longer is Twister your basic test of flexibility, check out this v-neck mini dress.

 Magazine Ads are never done after reading, look how a dress was weaved using old clippings

Newspaper Tie, an easy way to bring along some light reading

-Nick