Posts tagged as Denim

“We want people to come back to the store, saying I love my MOTHER so much.”
- Tim Kaeding, co-founder of MOTHER

We couldn’t agree more with Tim Kaeding’s statement.  At Bliss, we believe in every jean that we sell in our stores and customer satisfaction is always our main focus - each and every day.  The truth be told... MOTHER makes our job easy.

If you walked into our stores and were looking for a new go-to jean for summertime, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend our wide-leg jeans from MOTHER.  Available in bleached out summery-washes, their fuller legs allow some breathing room during an unexpected heat wave.  (Nothing is worse than wearing slim-fitting jeans in 90 degree weather!)  Mix them in with your rotation of sundresses and cut-offs, and consider your summer wardrobe complete.

The Wilder - actress Rachel Bilson has been spotted numerous times wearing this trouser jean from MOTHER, both in real life and on the set of her hit TV series, Hart of Dixie.  If you’re a fan of her style, you’ll love these jeans!  With a 22 inch leg opening, this ultra-soft jean works for all occasions - casual Fridays at the office, summer picnics, or late-night drinks at Sonny’s.

Some may say that variety is the spice of life.  Personally, I have to agree - especially when it comes to one’s wardrobe.  If you live in your skinnies, switch it up with bootcut or flare jeans - I think you’ll be surprised at how refreshing a new look can be.  Plus, some of MOTHER’s key players are part of the bootcut and flare world. 

The Slacker - this jean demands attention with it’s clean lines and medium blue “honkytonk cinderella” wash.  It’s 8 inch rise and slim bootcut gives this jean a slightly provocative feel; pair them with some killer heels and you’ve got a winning look (just ask the cute boy who’s starring at you from across the room!).

The Outsider - MOTHER’s signature bootcut jean has been getting a lot of play in our stores lately.  Maybe it’s the sleek cut.  Maybe it’s the two incredible washes & fine details (“peppermint kisses” is my absolute favorite wash with light pink stitching and golden rose buttons).  Or maybe it truly is a denim essential.  I’ll let you decide! 

For today’s post, I’ll be shining some light on The Rascal - MOTHER's straight-leg jean.  Not quite a skinny or a bootcut, I feel as if straight-leg jeans are often overlooked... when, in my opinion, they are the most versatile jeans out there!  Having some doubts?  Just try finding something they don’t go with.

With a 7.5 inch rise, 31.5 inch inseam and a 14 inch leg opening, these jeans work for a wide range of body types.  Most of the straight-leg jeans that we carry have a longer inseam (32-33 inches), so many of our customers are thrilled to find a jean that doesn’t require a trip to the tailor’s.  In fact, most customers love the fit, feel and length so much that they end up asking to wear them home (and I can’t say I blame them!).  Available in a dark wash called “aka goddess,” don’t be surprised when these jeans make you feel just as the name implies!  You owe it to yourself to give this style a try.

{Tell me: Do you own a pair of straight-leg jeans already?  Which style of MOTHER jeans do you like best so far?}  I look forward to hearing from you - especially since a comment qualifies you to win a FREE pair of jeans!  Not a bad trade-off if you ask me!

<3 Keriann
 

Here in Maine & New Hampshire, we rely on this specific denim style to transition us from spring to summer.  It’s true, we never really know what to expect from the weather forecast and that’s why this particular cut has proven time & time again to be our saving grace.  As you may have already guessed - it’s the cropped jean!

The various fits of MOTHER jeans are all extremely wearable, but none are more so than their cropped styles.  The proof is in the 4 different cuts we have in stores now:

The Teaser - available in the adorable “queen of dixie” wash, this relaxed-fit skinny jean has a 28 inch inseam & is a no-brainer for this time of year!  With a rolled cuff hem, they’ll look darling with a pair of wedge espadrilles.

The Looker Crop - this jean is sure to win hearts!  Available in two summery washes, this skinny crop guarantees to make getting dressed in the morning a no-fuss ordeal.  With the same rise as The Looker full-length jean (7.5 inch), a slim-fitting silhouette, and a 26 inch inseam, they’ll look just as good on as they make you feel (if not better!).

It’s our week of MOTHER Denim - and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited about it!  Throughout the week, my goal is to give you an insider look (and fit session!) for all MOTHER has to offer.  I think you’ll see right away that they strive for nothing short of perfect fit, feel and finish.  And their cashmere-like fabrics will change your whole outlook on jeans (trust me!). 

Enter: The Looker Skinny.  This low-rise skinny jean by MOTHER has quickly become a best-seller and has gained a loyal fan-base in just a few short seasons in our stores.  With a 7.5 inch rise and 10.5 inch leg opening, this style embodies MOTHER’s play on opposites.  It’s sleek without being too serious.  It’s sophisticated while still being playful.  It’s a jean that will become like second-skin in not time at all.

Whether you’re looking for a faded black, a crisp medium blue or a super-light wash, I’m confident you’ll find it in the 12 distinct washes we have available in stores now.  That’s right, we’re giving you 12 options!  And did I mention that their washes all have cute, and sometimes humorous, names?  (“Tickle fights & BBQ” and “bright eyes” are two of my favorites at the moment!)  Their creative names create more than just fun conversation; they’re just another way that MOTHER is setting itself apart from other denim lines.

Mother - it’s a word that means something to everyone.  It’s iconic, nurturing, and holds strong emotional value.  And in honor of Mother’s Day (& all you stylish moms out there!), we thought it would be perfect timing to highlight one of our favorite (and newest) denim lines - MOTHER Denim.  Trust me when I say, these jeans are not your typical “mom jeans.”  In fact - and I think you’ll quickly see - MOTHER is a play on opposites.  They’re soft, yet still sexy.  They’re comfortable, yet they still turn heads.  To us, MOTHER is the best of both worlds.

Here’s their story:

Experts Lela Tillem (former head of sales and marketing at Citizen’s of Humanity) and Tim Kaeding (former creative director at 7 for All Mankind and The Gap) joined forces in 2010 and created MOTHER Denim.  Kaeding had the idea to use soft, luxurious fabrics that feel like cashmere and pair this texture with the sleek look and unmatchable fit of authentic West Coast jeans.  Each pair of MOTHER jeans is sewn on-site at their production locations in Los Angeles, where they are also treated with elaborate used-look techniques, decorative seams and stone-washing.  No detail is overlooked - from the choice of buttons, seams and pocket sizes, down to proportions and positioning.  With such a keen eye for the fine details, it’s no surprise that MOTHER’s first collection in Spring 2011, was proclaimed by fashion magazines and bloggers to be the new “must-have” label.  Now in their third major season, the young brand holds it’s own as an innovative leader in the denim market.

I absolutely love MOTHER's inspirational story, but let’s be honest - we buy jeans based on how they look and feel.  Maybe you want a casual wide-leg jean for summer - MOTHER has you covered.  Or you’re in the market for the perfect cropped jean - MOTHER is the answer again.  And here’s the good news:  All week I will be covering the different cuts that MOTHER has to offer - "7 Days of MOTHER Denim!"  By the end of the week, you’ll be fully-educated... and finding your new favorite jean will be that much easier!

You’ll also want to stay tuned because...

We’re giving away a FREE pair of MOTHER jeans!  All you have to do is comment on this blog (or any of the posts throughout the week) to be entered!  (I’ll be posting it on our Facebook & Twitter pages as well - so any comments or re-tweets will get you entered too!)  Oh, & all MOTHER Denim will be 10% OFF in our stores - all. week. long.

{Tell me: Who’s excited about the giveaway?  Do you own some MOTHER jeans already?}

Happy MOTHER’s Day!

<3 Keriann 

Just like you, we have a summer wish-list that just keeps growing & growing (especially with new treasures arriving daily)!  And with warmer temperatures on the horizon, we’re keeping our eye on the prize.  We’ve mapped out our favorite things for summer - whether it’s an essential (and super cute!) denim dress or the perfect pop-of-color accessory.  Take it from us, these items will add just the right amount of newness to your closet.

The Looker Crop by Mother
“Mother denim is a must-have for spring/summer!  My favorite right now?  The Looker Crop!"”
- Angie, owner of Bliss

Round Tortoise TOMS Sunglasses
“I don’t normally splurge on sunglasses, but I can’t help myself with these!  They’re cute, they come with a nice case AND they support a great cause.”
- Michelle, Portland store manager/buyer

Steven Alan Classic Shirt Dress
"It’s a summer staple - I’ll wear it with a skinny belt, floppy hat & big sunglasses!"
- Erin, Portsmouth store manager

AG Racerback Tank with Ruffle
“I would wear this tank with high-waisted denim shorts & a strappy sandal!”
- Althea, Portland assistant manager

Prairie Underground Draper Jean Dress
“This fitted denim dress & Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market - sounds like a winning combination to me!”
- Kim, sales associate

If you were to take a peek in my closet, you would find a quickly growing stack (or two!) of jeans!  Seriously though, can one ever have too many jeans?  I’ll admit that on more than one occasion I’ve even thought about how cool it would be to have bookshelf-like storage for all my jeans - much like the floor to ceiling shelves of denim we have in both of our stores!  (Can’t a girl dream?)  I know, I may be denim-obsessed.

With that said, most of the jeans that make up my daily wardrobe are skinny jeans.  They’re easy - especially since most of my shoes are either boots with a small heel or ballet flats.  But as I wrote about earlier in my denim resolutions for the year, I’m determined to branch out my denim selection... and what better way than with a great pair of flare jeans for spring/summer!  Join me, won’t you?

Below are my picks for three of the best flares of the season:

If you’re looking for an extreme flare, look no further than Citizen’s Charlie Super Flare jean.  Special insets at the ankle give this flattering, mid-rise jean an extra 70s-inspired kick, a look that is making a huge comeback this spring.  Pair them with a white peasant top and a pair of Spendid’s wedge sandals for a covet-worthy look.

Enter day 4 - our final day in NYC and the last day of Coterie.  It’s been a wonderful show up to this point, and we finished strong with our last & only appointment of the day.  J Brand - it’s their contoured fits, sophisticated washes and timeless look that reels us in every time we see their new collections. 

J Brand’s dark wash skinny jean is their claim to fame - and for good reason.  Combine their mid-rise skinny with a pair of Frye boots for a winning look this fall.  Expect to see plenty of skinny jeans, along with some classic bootcut styles and plush corduroys too.  It’s okay, let out that sigh of relief - J Brand makes fall dressing easy!

After our appointment at J Brand, we used our time to write up some orders for fall while they were fresh in our minds.  We finished our (large!) order for Spiewak before meeting up with Rachel, a past Bliss employee, for lunch.  Having worked at Bliss for 8 years, we were thrilled to catch up with Rachel!  Unfortunately our little lunch reunion ended all too soon.

With a long drive ahead of us, we exited the Javits Center and concluded another successful buying trip!  So long NYC.  So long Coterie.  Once again, you’ve been good to us... and we’ll be back soon.

{I hope you’ve enjoyed the daily recaps of our fall buying trip.  Even though we’re all eager for the warmer weather, hopefully this series of posts has given you a little glimpse into one of our best shopping seasons here in New England.  Until then, we look forward to seeing you in our stores - shopping for linen sundresses and summery tops, of course!}

<3 Keriann

Day 3 was our much anticipated “denim day” at Coterie!  The majority of our day was booked full of denim appointments at all of our favorite lines.  We knew it would be a lot to take in, but couldn’t wait to see what the denim industry has in store for fall.

Joe’s Jeans

Our appointment at Joe’s Jeans started with their ready-to-wear collection, which consisted of covetable tops, darling dresses and novelty jackets.  They capitalized on the mini-dot trend with adorable flannel button-ups - something you’ll be seeing in our stores come September!  Their denim was a sure thing as well; we ordered plenty of our customer’s favorite denim staples... and threw in a red skinny jean too! 

AG

AG’s booth is always very recognizable at the show.  Their walls are made of huge wood panels, they have doll-size displays on their walls of all their denim styles (so cute!), and they even have an AG bar at the front of their booth.  It’s slightly over the top, but if anyone can get away with it, it’s AG! 

The mini-dot trend was seen here as well - both in a sheer top and on their jeans!  I can’t get enough of this trend; it’s cute, wearable and women of all ages can get away with wearing it.  In addition to the dots, AG had some note-worthy denim washes and a large selection of colored corduroys for fall - a wardrobe staple here in New England!  

Just in this week: the most adorable jean jackets from J Brand.  In two great washes - white and a super light denim - these jackets are a sure way to change up your look.  Throw one on over your favorite LBD to create a more relaxed look or play with texture & layer it over a flannel button up paired with your favorite weekend jeans.  Both options work - that's the beauty of this jacket.  You can pair it with just about anything!

Maybe you're kicking yourself for giving your jean jacket away years ago... or maybe you just need to unpack it from the attic.  Regardless, the denim jacket is back and may even replace the leather bomber in the coming years!  This jacket by JBrand is classic, but still has the brand's exclusive touches that we all know & love.  It's fine details, cotton comfort and slim fit will make this a denim staple in your closet in no time at all.    

Trust us... if you love J Brand's denim, you'll love their take on the jean jacket! 

It's always exciting when new shipments come in - and lately we've been getting something almost every day!  Since not everyone is willing to brave the arctic temperatures to shop, I'll give you a little preview of the awesome boots, clothes & accessories that are new to our sales floors.  They're fun, fresh and even bright - a sure way to beat those winter (and post-holiday) blues!

Harness Boot

In a cracked, distressed leather, the Wyatt Harness is our newest arrival from Frye.  Picture them paired with black skinnines and a chunky wool sweater... or a feminine frock for a hard/soft combo.  Whether you're looking for a shorter ankle boot or a mid-calf style, we have both options for you to incorporate into your winter wardrobe.  The best part - these will transition easily into spring too!

Mother May I?

Rules are often broken in the popular children's game Mother May I.  "Yes, you may take 3 giant steps forward"  usually means run forward as fast as you can.  Similarly Mother denim breaks a lot of rules (but in all the right ways!) that has put them leaps and bounds ahead in the denim scene.  With impressive washes & creative names like "Honkeytonk Cinderella" and "Maiden & the Unicorn," Mother denim makes you want to be a kid again.  3 new washes & cuts came in this week - one crop, one skinny and one slim boot.  With this many choices, it's hard to pick just one.

Leather Love

Recently, our stores seem to be over-flowing with belts - and that's definitely not a bad thing!  We just received a huge shipment from Motif 56 full of skinny braided belts and wide leather belts.  Wrap them around an oversized sweater to show off your waist or wear one to give your look a subtle update.  Either way, you can't go wrong with a Motif 56 belt.

The First Sign of Spring

CP Shades is a brand we all know and love.  Their American-made clothing is easy-to-wear, and though we sell the brand year-round, their early spring arrivals always have a way of brightening up our stores.  Crisp, white linen blouses, striped tunics, airy dresses and gorgeous mid-length pleated skirts are here... and we couldn't be more happy about it.  Wear them now or wear them later - these iconic CP Shades pieces make getting dressed every morning fun (and easy!).  

Hues from the Heart

Bright blues and vibrant reds were the theme in our recent Only Hearts shipment.  Six new styles of dresses are on our racks - a striped bateau dress (love the long-sleeves!), a tank dress with a cut-out back detail, a simple short-sleeve dress (great for the office!) and even a few printed dresses.  If you're looking to add a little cheer to your closet, these dresses are a great place to start.  After all, when it comes to Only Hearts, it's okay to wear your heart on your sleeve. 

I hope you've enjoyed this quick glimpse of what's new on our shelves.  And trust us, this is just the beginning.  If you ask me, it's a pretty fabulous start to a much-anticipated spring!  

<3 Keriann

Now that we're officially back into the swing of things after a busy, yet wonderful, holiday season, I find myself thinking about new year's resolutions.  Admit it, there's something about this time of year that is inspiring - maybe you're inspired to shed those extra holiday pounds or redecorate your guest room (something you've been putting off for years!)... or maybe you're like me and want 2012 to be the year that you dress better & invest in premium denims.

Let me start by giving you a quick glimpse into my denim background:  9 months ago, when I started working at Bliss, I bought my first pair of designer denim - a pair of AG Charlotte straight-leg jeans.  Up until that point, I had no idea how crucial a great pair of jeans was in pulling my entire look together.  Now I can proudly say that in addition to AG, I own a bunch of J Brand's and a few pairs of Paige and Joe's Jeans too.  I love them ALL.  My denim wardrobe underwent a total transformation and this is something I'm eager to carry over into the new year with renewed vigor and focus.

Here are my denim resolutions for 2012 that you should try too:

Play with patterns:  No doubt about it, Spring is going to be full of color and print - and denim is no exception!  I have always loved my wardrobe classics - i.e. dark wash skinny jeans - but after falling in love with a pair of leopard-print Joe's Jeans at the Trade Shows in NYC this past September, I knew I had to branch out.  The jeans came in a few weeks ago & I've already worn them twice!  I know you must be thinking that I can check this one off my list, but I want to push my limits even more and try other prints too - including these Citizen's of Humanity Floral Jeans that were featured in Vogue recently.

Try a new cut:  For a while now, my go-to jeans have been my J Brand's Maria high-rise skinnies in a dark, stretchy wash.  They are easy, classic and look great tucked into my Frye boots.  But lately, its been a flare or wide-leg jean that stands out to me.  It's a completely different proportion than I'm used to and changes the game as far as shoes go... but I'm up for the challenge.  Not quite convinced?  These AG Lula flare jeans with the adorable braided detail are sure to change your mind!  

From our Bliss family to yours,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thank you for making 2011 our best yet!  We want to take this special season to let you know that we appreciate your business and support.  We can't wait to see all the great things the coming year brings!  
P.S.  It's the last day of our Denim Clearance - we still have a large selection of jeans for $25, $50 & $75! 

We hope to see you this afternoon... and if not, we'll see you in 2012!

If you've ever been in our stores, one of the first things you may notice is our floor to ceiling selection of designer denim.  Though it may seem a little intimidating at first, our Bliss girls are more than happy to help you find the perfect pair... And there's never been a better time than today - all AG jeans are 20% OFF!  Their distinguished washes and signature AG stitching on the back pockets have really given them an edge in the premium denim world.  Stop by today and see for yourself - after all, you can never have too many jeans (or at least that's our motto)! 

We all love this time of year for different reasons - maybe it’s decorating the tree, sipping eggnog by the fire, watching your favorite Christmas movie... or maybe it’s all those holiday sweets (yum!). 

This year, Bliss is giving you one - well, actually 12 - more reasons to adore the holidays.  Starting tomorrow and ending on Christmas Eve, we’ll be featuring a new item each day for 20% OFF!  We’ve picked out some of our best-selling brands for you; keep your eyes peeled for Prairie Underground, AG denim and Frye boots - along with other customer favorites. 

Stay updated by following us on Facebook, Twitter and our new blog (which just launched TODAY!).  Spolier Alert:  We will be revealing our first day tonight at 8PM (and following this pattern throughout the next week and a half!).  We’re excited... and hope you are too.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Michelle’s Picks:

For my cousin, Liz - Prairie Underground Cloak Hoodie in Nightshade
“The cloak hoodie is something she looks at every time she comes into the store - so it will be the perfect Christmas present for her this year!”
For my mom - Epice Scarf... “because she always steals mine when she babysits!”
For my sister-in-law, Dominique - Nashelle Maine-State Charm Necklace
“She lives in Queens, New York but her heart has always been in Maine.”

Althea’s Picks:

For my sister, Colleen - Butter by Nadia Signature Jersey Wrap Dress in Black
“Colleen is a social butterfly - she lives in NYC - so I can see her wearing this dress all the time.  It’s the best-ever LBD.”
For my rockstar friend, Kate - Frye Carson Oxfords in Fawn
“She works three jobs & is on her feet all day, but still loves a little heel!”
For my mom - Butter by Nadia Wool Blanket Coat in Gravel
“This wool coat is timeless - she will love it!”

Tonia’s Picks:

For my son, Sean - Pendleton Harding Blanket
“It’s the perfect blanket for his couch - and the southwestern print really reminded me of him.”
For my grandson, Travis (who is the lead singer in the local band, Butcher Boys)- Pendleton Ceremonial Blanket in Smoke and Mustard
“The neutral colors will work great in his apartment!”
For my grand-daughter, Hannah - New Scotland Orange Fisherman Pompom Hat... “fits her bouncy curls & bubbly personality to a tee!”

Alessandra Ambrosio, one of the well-known faces of Victoria’s Secret, has been spotted several times sporting Mother Denim.  Clearly she could add denim model to her repertoire - don’t you agree?  But what I love most about each time Alessandra is photographed wearing Mother Denim is how casual and relaxed she looks - it’s almost as if she is walking down Exchange Street in the Old Port rather than walking through the crowded and noisy LAX Airport.  Her laid back style, and these faded, vintage-black skinnies give her a look that is definitely Portland-worthy.

Image Courtesy of WENN.com

I think every one of us on the Bliss team has (and wears frequently!) a pair of Paige’s Verdugo Jeggings.  While at the trade shows this past September in New York City, we were shown a new wash for this jegging... and without a doubt, we knew our Bliss customers would love it!  It’s a dusty moss grey - the perfect neutral for the upcoming winter months and a wash that is guarenteed to go with all your favorite boots.  Stop by today to try on a pair... trust us, you won’t be sorry you did.