Man Day: The Hottest Men on the Planet Wear Levi's Denim

I am often amazed at how much effort some of my bloke friends put into finding exactly the right denim apparel. So I thought I would make a short list of famous chaps that I thought were the most respected, delicious and challenging in what they do. And find out what denim brands they chose to wear. I thought it would be something expensive and edgy. Probably something complicated. But what did I find? Well, thanks for asking, I found out that they wear good old classic Levi's. Seriously. Take a look.

Obviously no list of hot men is complete without The Clooney. Obvs. There he is, with photos taken on Tuesday, in his classic 501s. And the very awesome Sean Penn? Well he has gone for the double dose of denim delightfulness in a Levi's shirt and black jeans. 

Hot of the moment actor/director and boyfriend of Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux (and cousin of the amazing Louis Theroux), was spotted last month chatting to revolting but incredibly popular photographer Terry Richardson. Both in their Levi's jeans. And True Blood star (and recently single after splitting with Kate Bosworth) Alexander Skarsgard was also seen in his Levi's about a month or so ago. Could you have a better list of incredible man people? 

What do you mean I am missing someone? I know the youngsters love them some Justin Bieber. I know he is about the most famous man (well, boy) on the planet. And I also know he wears Levi's - as seen in that waistcoat. And so our list is complete. Whether you are a Bieber or Skarsgard or Clooney fan, you are in excellent company if you just stick to the classics. And that concludes the denim lesson for today.

Fashion Surprise: Florence Welch in Levi's Shorts

Known for her hippy, vintage style, singer Florence Welch has become something of a fashion trendsetter. Mulberry styled an entire show around her signature flaming locks. And Gucci have designed a range of stage looks especially for her that draw on her personal style.
So imagine my surprise when I saw this image of Florence Welch (always both names - you know how some people are just so cool or so good looking, they should always be referred to by their full name?) Anyway, I think she looks amazing. She retains her femininity and style, whilst giving in to the heat and the situation. It's a perfect dress up - dress down combination.
So how many of you are going to cut down your Levi's for the summer? If it's good enough for Florence Welch....

When Barak Obama Dresses Down, What Does He Wear?

We talk a great deal about what Michelle Obama wears and her style. But generally we forget about the US President, her husband Barack Obama, until he wears something other than his standard dark suit and tie. And then we take some notice. Like this past weekend when Mr O was spotted out and about with his daughters before they left to come here to South Africa. Wearing a pair of very well pressed casual jeans, a short sleeve shirt and a pair of mandals, Mr Obama looked relaxed and at ease.

He has been known to favour good classic Levi 501 jeans for all his dress down needs. They have been in turn derided and praised, but the President is unrepentant and is firm on these as his go-to look for weekend wear, saying, "I hate to shop. These jeans are comfortable, and for those of you who want your President to look great in tight jeans, I'm sorry - I'm not the guy. It just doesn't fit me."
I think a middle-aged man in classic denim is a perfect look. I certainly wouldn't want to see my President in skinny or washed jeans. Can you imagine? Embarrassing! No, these are just great, thank you very much. Long love classic jeans.

Drew Barrymore Chooses Vintage Levi's For Her Market Run

I have always said that one of the best items to get hold of in vintage form, is denim. And the great thing about it is that you can create your own vintage denim by getting lots and lots of wear out of your current jeans. On our public holiday yesterday I was tidying up and examining a pair of jeans that I have been wearing non-stop for the past six months. They are definitely now tatty and have some holes in them. Do I throw them out or do I rework them for weekends at the market in the countryside?
And so I searched up on the Google-a-tron and look what I found - Drew Barrymore living my life. Well, kinda. There she was in her worn out Levi's, walking to the market, just as I had contemplated doing.
Aside from being slightly freaked out, it really did make my mind up for me and I will be shipping the old jeans down to the weekend cottage for wearing till they fall apart. I guess it is time to go and buy a new pair to replace them then. Sigh. The problem with country cottages is that you don't have any money anymore for new jeans...

Sharon Stone: Looking Good in Levi's Denim Shirt and Scarf

I know I give dear old Sharon Stone a pretty hard time on this blog. She has never appeared on it, but her name has been taken in vain to represent the act of dressing rather too young and revealing for one's age. But then I came across this image from a week or so ago. And realised that a silk scarf and a classic Levi's denim shirt can redeem her in my eyes. Not forever, you understand, but this look is pretty darn fantastic. And proves that the cray cray can work when it dips into the classics.
I mean, who would have thought to put this lot together like this? But it works. Well played Sharon Stone. You may disembark your own Express train and come for some tea at book club next week.

Marilyn Monroe in her Levi's

I was scanning one of my many news feeds yesterday when I came across a piece on iconic jeans wearers. You know like Brooke Shields and her Calvins. But as someone who is not well versed in the history of denim wearers, those that didn't make national consciousness like Brooke, were new to me. And I was particularly surprised at how long wearing denim has been a classic look for women. Marilyn Monroe was certainly part of establishing denim as a trend, all the way back in the late 50s and early 60s.

These gorgeous images were taken on the set of the movie The Misfits in 1961 in which she famously wore her favourite Levi's. An interesting related anecdote is that recently Tommy Hilfiger bought three pairs of Marilyn's jeans in auction for about $42,500 and then gifted one of the pairs to none other than Britney Spears. Which is even more interesting when you realise that they were a very high waisted style and Britney was largely to blame for spawning years of the unflattering super-low waist hipster style. so interesting. Fashion geek moment.

Celebrities in Their Levi's: Girls and Boys May Edition

In the past couple of weeks I have noticed something growing in the off-duty celebutard land. It is the increasing appearance of that little red flag on the denim garments they are donning for running errands and getting about town. There was a time not so long ago when you couldn't hope to find a Levi's garment on a young starlet. Now you can't take a step without tripping over stars of all ages decked out in the famous brand. These pieces are timeless and are worn over and over again. So let's just take a gander at the pieces worn just this month.
We start with shorts. These Levi's that Vanessa Hudgens is wearing are a firm favourite with her and have travelled to Coachella and Cannes in the past month. I don't love the way she has styled them with the over-the-knee socks and boots and the pockets hanging out. But I love that vest and shirt/parka. I think it looks fantastic. Nicole Richie often takes the kids out dressed in her jeans. These Levi boot legs are flattering and look adorable paired with the orange summer blouse. And super-fit Cameron Diaz is frequently papped in that wonderfully faded denim jacket of hers. I don't know how many times I must tell you how desperately I want that jacket.

And let's not forget the boys. The scrumptious bad boy from Glee, Puck (or Mark Salling as we are supposed to call him), has done his version of casual double denim as he keeps warm. While the equally delicious Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford cools down with his Levi's this week. Nothing like a bit of man denim on a Friday...

Alternative Denim Inspiration

Like many new converts, I have come to denim late and now quite passionately. These days I am obsessed with denim in my wardrobe, but I still want to make personal style statements and avoid looking like everyone else. This is tricky. But this week I came across two great ideas for incorporating denim into my daily diet, without becoming a clone.

First of all Christene Barberich, editor-in-chief of shopping network, Refinery29, was photographed and interviewed about her look and included this vintage Levi’s waistcoat in her favourite things. It got me thinking. With a brands like Levi’s built on the strength of their heritage, surely there are plenty of items, both new in-store and old in the second hand stores that would look fantastic in my wardrobe in a vintage kind of way. Denim is one of the best items to buy second hand as it looks even better as it ages. Brilliant.

Secondly, I came across a quote from one of my all-time favourite fashionistas, Iris Apfel. She said, “…honestly, jeans are jeans. I live in them most of the time, but I had a helluva time getting a pair of jeans around 1940, when I was at the University of Wisconsin. I thought I’d wear jeans, a turban, and some old earrings. So I went to an Army-Navy store, but … the salesman told me, ‘Young ladies don’t wear jeans.’ He wouldn’t sell me any or have them cut down. So I kept going back to the store, and they kept throwing me out, so to get rid of me, they finally ordered me some boys’ jeans. I love men’s jeans; they fit me better.” What? Now that’s an idea. Double the selection when I make my next visit to my favourite Levi’s store down at the Waterfront!

PS: this image of Iris Apfel is from O magazine in the US. I love it!

Double Denim: How to Get it Right This Season

Probably the most common question I get asked is how to wear denim on denim aka the Texas Tuxedo. Everyone knows it is in fashion this season, but it has been such a fashion taboo for so long, everyone is just a little afraid that they may get it wrong.

Here at the O magazine offices, double denim has become one of the most frequently worn outfits. I took this photo just this morning and it is not the first time there have been two or three staffers in matching denim looks. They feel quite confident as they know the only rule you need to follow - wear different shades of denim. For women, this is generally correctly done by wearing lighter denim on top and darker on the bottom as this is more flattering to the female form.
If you need some validation, take a gander at onse Charlize. And Reece Witherspoon and Ashley Greene get it right too.
Habitual double (or even triple) denim wearers Alexa Chung and Kanye West are coincidentally also two of my favourite style rule-breakers, so if you are feeling a bit edgy, take some notes from their book.

 But never has the double denim basic rule been more validated than when our friends over at Levi's whipped up a winter jumpsuit in this exact configuration. So for the very brave, try the Levi's onsie in double denim. You'll never be afraid again. Boom.

Ladies Love Levi's Trucker Jackets Too: Joy Bryant

I posted a couple of weeks ago on a little bit of history of the Levi's Trucker jacket (or classic denim jacket to you and me). Then earlier this week I spotted the actress Joy Bryant (from one of my absolute favourite TV shows of the moment - Parenthood) looking divine. I thought to myself, "self, this is probably the cutest outfit of the week." And then I reaslied that the reason that I was loving it so much was that darn jacket. This time worn by a lady-person. With an amazing sunshine dress.
I am still searching for a replacement for the denim jacket I owned back in the '90s. And this little Levi's one is just the ticket, no? Perfect for throwing over the ditsy floral dresses that will be around all winter and well into next summer. Ideal for throwing on when wearing chinos and a button down shirt (with buttons secured all the way to the top this season). And exactly what I need for my dress-down weekend look in the country. So what am I waiting for? Time for yet another trip to the store before I head out for the long weekend. Sigh.
PS: No, I am not suggesting we all start wearing cowboy boots. But these look great on Joy. Same colour as her skin is the ticket.

New Black Skinny Demi Curve Levi's

Last week my one-year-old black skinny jeans died. I told you all before how I had avoided jeans almost entirely except for some really cheap ones from Woolies. Well that was they. May they RIP. (well they did actually rip, but you know what I mean)
So this weekend I went back to see if I could replace them but couldn't so made a turn past my new friends at Levi's at the Waterfront. I asked, quite politely, "may I please have some black skinny jeans in a demi curve?" "Yes, of course," they replied, "Why don't you try both of these on." So I did.
I tried on the ones that weren't my exact fit. They worked, but felt like jeans. Then I tried on the ones that are my 'prescription' and they looked like jeans but felt like trackkie pants. Sears guys. So happy.
So I have them on today. Going to the Cosmo jeans party tonight so I thought they would be a good option. That's me in the middle up there in the pictures. So comfy. Do yourselves a favour and go and get yours, peeps.

Leonie von Hase: From Levi's Summer 08 to London Summer 11

Back in the spring of 2008, I posted the campaign images for the summer Levi's campaign starring Leonie Charlotte von Hase - you can see the post here. Since then, this post has got some of the most consistent traffic and is up there in my all-time 'most clicked on' list. Much has changed since this campaign so I thought I would catch up with Leonie and find out what's going on with her these days.

* How has my life changed since Levi's? I think in general terms I have grown up a bit since then. I've finished studying, fallen in and out and back in with modeling and now moved to London, 
* My favourite all time item of denim? It would probably be the denim jacket that my boyfriend borrowed from his mom once to wear to a dress up. In other words, my favourite item of denim currently resides in someone else's cupboard, but I am working on changing that! Other than that, a denim style men's shirt. It's very casual chic and doesn't make doubling up on denim too much.
* This winter's definitive looks in London would definitely be 70s-style wide legged pants in a dark or really light washed denim. Also, denim skirts with buttons down the front are really cute, and boyfriend jeans with vellies!
* The weather in London has been amazing, so I'm not missing CT's sunshine, though I do miss the beach and the waves! Obviously I miss my friends and my man very much, but I am settling in fast, am inspired beyond and definitely finding the challenge of making a new life exhilarating. If anything, I wake up with the challenge of looking fab every morning - London folk are so well dressed!
* What you don't know about me? I trained as an opera singer for close to ten years, though I never wanted to pursue a career in Opera. From nine to 18 I trained almost daily, but when I left school I decided to follow my love for theatre instead. I am finding my way back to the music though, and have been playing with my Garage Band since living in London. Watch this space :)
* You can follow me on Twitter (@leonievonrabbit) or follow my blog here www.dashasenohr.blogspot.com. I am also in the process of possibly writing a weekly column for a SA men's magazine's online platform, if that happens I will let you know for more contacts!
Leonie is with Boss Models, Cape Town.

Celebrities in Their Levi's Curve ID Jeans: Have You Been Fitted Yet?

Having been fitted at Levi's a few weeks ago, as you all know, for my new jeans for the Cosmo Twitter Queens shoot, I was interested to see who else had embraced this new way of buying jeans. First of all, I found out that I was a demi curve fit. Seriously? Me? Such a white girl. Much like Blake Lively and Alyson Hannigan, however. Ok, I can defs get with that.

Other demi-curves include Halle Berry so really no complaints here. Although I also found out that the wonderful Miss Janet Jackson is a bold curve and Zoe Saldana is a slight curve. I realised that it really doesn't matter which fit you are, as there is something to suit everyone - we can all look awesome. Perfect. More possible peeps for the fantasy book club? Who is with me?

Man Day: History of the Trucker Jacket

I know I am not a bloke, but the quest for the perfect denim jacket (aka the Trucker Jacket) this winter is a top my mind as I am sure it is for you guys everywhere. I mean a classic wardrobe is not complete without one. And this year, when wearing denim on denim is not only acceptable, but encouraged, it is so much more essential. So I asked my mates at Levi's about denim jackets and found out that the classic jacket has actually had several iterations over the years.
Can you believe that the first denim Trucker Jacket was made in 1905? That's over a century ago, chaps. And yet it still looks so fresh and modern. What I found equally interesting was that the last revision on the classic shape (after Iconic Type I in 1936, Type II in 1953 and Type III in 1967) was the addition of the side pockets in 1984. It was this version that I bought myself on my first visit to London and wore throughout the Bros years and well into the early Maroon Five decade. How I wish that I had hung onto that jacket now as this season really begs to have it back.
And I don't think that there is a leading man in Hollywood or Nashville or London who doesn't own one. Just starting with the delicious Jake Gyllenhaal and hipster actor Ryan Gosling. Obviously I have not missed an opportunity to celebrate Kelly Slater again in his. Or popped a cheeky pic of Becks in here too. Fun. Click on the pic to make it bigger for a closer look.

Did You Know: Some History of Women's Jeans

I am a total sucker for trivia. Especially fashion trivia, it must be said. And I just found out that the first denim that was made for women, specifically, was back in 1935 and was a jumpsuit! Seriously. A Levi's denim jumpsuit. Super cutting edge today, let alone in 1935.
Up until 1935, the women of the day had been wearing their man's 501s and so it was decided that there had better be some jeans for the girls who rode horses and that kind of rough stuff. So they then made the first of what we now know as the 'boyfriend' jean, which was called the 701. Cool hey!
And this season, there is a new version of the boyfriend jean coming in. It happens to be my absolutely favourite style so you can imagine where I will be going for my next pair of denims. Well, you know that anyway since my religious experience of a couple of weeks ago. Hallelujah for women's denim! I am a true convert.
PS: Please note that as much as I admire the women of yesteryear in their newfangled denim, I will not be wearing them belted quite so high in the waist. Let's keep the modern styling of loose and low this season.

Hi. My Name is StyleGuideCT and I am a Levi's CurveID Jeans Convert.

As you are aware, last week I had to get fitted for a pair of Levi's CurveID jeans to wear to the Cosmo Twitter Queens shoot. I have a sketchy history with jeans, I'll tell ya. Not only did I make some dodgy style - and colour - decisions in my early years, but it soon became apparent that jeans weren't really meant for my bod. Not being 'boyish' in build, the standard five-pocket, button-fly design so ubiquitous during the 90s and early 00s really did nothing for me and I swore off jeans for many years - sticking to frocks.
I came back to jeans last year. I'm not really sure why, but I just fancied it and they were cheap and available at Woolies. But, let's be honest, it still wasn't a match made in heaven and I really couldn't imagine why women would spend thousands of their hard earned SA Rands on a designer pair.

And then last week happened. As I sit here in my jeans - as comfortable as a pair of trakkie pants - I am pretty sure I will be getting some more. I am a new convert to the jeans and you can expect to hear a lot more about them. All thanks to Levi's CurveID.
Khadilah and Remo at the V&A Waterfront store were my pastors. They measured me up, discussed leg styles and colour washes and despatched me to the changing rooms to try them on. I can honestly say from the moment I pulled up the first pair, I realised what it was all about. It was a bit like that first time I put on a designer dress and understood instantly why they cost so much more. It was a meeting of true fashion soul mates. There is literally nothing I can say other than I turned up at that store quite grumpy, and I left feeling like I had a religious experience.
And the best bit? The skinny jeans in my size were too big. I got to hear those immortal words, "oh dear, you are going to have to go down a size in those." Seriously? Could it be any better?
They retail for around R700 a pair, just so that you know. Not cheap. But not designer price either. Defs worth it. Go and get yours soon.