New arrivals at The Denim Shop!

This winter has been one of the dreariest weather-wise that I can remember. Whether you've been rained out or snowed in, day after day of cloudy skies and cold temperatures really takes its toll on your spirit. However, it is the winter blahs that makes the arrival of spring such a celebrated event!

Spring not only brings a renewal to the earth, but also a renewing of mind, spirit and, let us not forget, wardrobe! That's right- it is time start thinking past the dark colors, chunky sweaters and big boots, and to start thinking about brighter hues and lighter layers.

At The Denim Shop, our first new spring arrivals include updates to some of your favorite denim brands like the new Angel Wing Jean from Miss Me. It is a fresh version of one of our most popular recent styles. The unique angel wing design starts with a angel wing burnout on the yoke which is covered in tiny black rhinestones. We also have a new fleur de lis pocket style which is nearly sold out, a new cross pocket and two new western style Miss Me jeans.

Other new early spring arrivals include the Maddie Jean from Big Star, the new Hottie in Lumber from !iT Jeans, and new Yellow Box shoes! We'll soon be adding new Ed Hardy, Corky's and new Vintage Havana as well.

This Holiday Season is All About the Bling!

This holiday season is all about the bling with studs, rhinestones, glitter and more! I chalk a lot of it up to the need to bring some dazzle into our lives after a difficult and uncertain year. We all want to feel incredible at the holiday office parties, family gatherings and all of those other little occasions that come up during the holiday season, so here are a few of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to your existing wardrobe:

• Embellished Denim- In my opinion, embellished denim will give you the biggest bang for your buck. You can get away with wearing the same pair of jeans to 2 different parties, but you sure wouldn't wear the same top. Jeans like the Mia Jean shown here from Big Star have just a touch of sparkle on the pockets. Other brands with rhinestone embellishments include Miss Me, Rock Revival, & 7 for All Mankind.
• Bold Jewelry- The best thing about jewelry is that you can spend as much or as little as you want to achieve your desired look. Layer up several necklaces in a variety of lengths or throw on a couple of rhinestone bangles and a cocktail ring. You may even be able to reinvent some jewelry that you already own.
  
• Sparkly Tops- a great way to add shine, especially when you have a really important party. You may not have room in your budget for several new tops, but you can definitely indulge for your most special occasion. One of my favorites is the necklace trimmed tops by Vintage Havana and Unyx.
  

You can mix and match all of the ideas to create a look that really shines. So instead of buying more tinsel and Christmas lights this season, spend some of your holiday budget decorating yourself. Not only will you look amazing, you'll feel fantastic too!

New Angel Wing Jeans from Miss Me!

This season is all about that edgy 80's rock and roll vibe with funky plaids, vests, damaged denim, bomber jackets and lots of layers so you'll definitely want a jean that will totally rock this look. In our opinion, one of the jeans that best embodies this look is Miss Me's new Angel Wing Jean. The dark wash denim has a unique angel wing design on the back yoke made in black and silver and highlighted with large clear rhinestones. Additional rhinestones line the top of the flap pockets to give this look just the right amount of bling.

Pair this jean with a plaid Dollhouse top, an 80's rock band tee from Junkfood or a funky Vintage Havana shirt. BCBGirl's Silk Western Boot in Black is the perfect finish for your blinged out 80's look.

Other jeans that we'd recommend for this look include anything by Sang Real or Rock Revival and Miss Me's Flap Pocket Bootcut Jean With Black Lace.

Jeans to Make Your Behind Look Bigger!

One of the reasons why jeans are so popular is because of their ability to alter to the look of your body with many types of visual camouflage and magic. By changing details like color, pocket size, pocket height and rise you can visually alter your height, weight and yes, even the size of your butt!
While magazines and style blogs are full of ways to make your behind look smaller, many women have the opposite problem. Athletic body types, tomboy figures, small frames or bodies where weight is carried mostly in the stomach might benefit from learning a few simple tricks to give you the illusion of larger butt and more evenly proportioned body. Try out some of the suggestions below to see what ideas work best for you.

1. Jeans with higher pockets will keep your jeans from sagging. They'll draw the eye up to the rounder part of your behind. We like the pockets on the See Thru Soul Jean to the left.
2. Flap pockets can add volume, but keep them fairly small- like the ones on Rock Revival's Jeans or Miss Me Jeans. Over sized pockets will end up making you look flatter.
3. AVOID baggy jeans and jeans that sag at the behind. A saggy behind will just give you a lovely deflated balloon look and draw negative attention to an area where it is least desired. Jeans with stretch will hug your behind instead of just hanging on it and make sure it has a snug fit. Try 7 for All Mankind for the perfect cotton to stretch ratio.
   
4. Lighter washes, especially with fading/sanding on the butt, will also make you appear larger. We like the collection of lighter wash jeans from Big Star. They often have flap pockets to further in enhance your curves.
   
5. A straight or skinny leg will give you a rounder behind. By making you narrower at the ankle, you will appear fuller at the butt. The Oaxaca Skinny Jean by MEK Denim or the Audrey Skinny by Silver Jeans will give you the perfect proportion.
   

These are just of few of the suggestions that we've compiled to help you take advantage of some of the tricks of the trade. We welcome any solutions that you've come up with for this problem as well!