let's talk skinny

of course skinny pants and jeans are the talk of all worthy fashionistas, myself included. although i do not happen to fit the term "skinny" with my size 8 waist on a good day, i still don my skinny jeans quite frequently (i know, a fashion don't, as some of you would term it).

celebrities like kate moss, nicole richie, mischa barton and other fashionable starlets are often credited with starting the skinny trend (pant sillohuettes and waistlines included).

kate moss, nicole richie, mischa barton, lindsay lohan, michelle williams, sienna miller

skinnies became a real hit in the fashion world last spring through spreads in teen vogue and spring 06 rtw collections

balenciage, luella, imitation of christ

teen vogue june/july 2006

skinnies used to be for the fashion-daring. now, go into any mainstream chain store and you'll find skinny and bootcut jeans side-by-side.

take american eagle, for instance. before the skinny became the new black, they only sold the classic bootcut and flared jeans. the skinny 77 stretch jean is a pretty good mimic of this season's biggest (or skinniest, should i say) trend. and at a mere $50, your average high schooler can be just as chic as the starlets.

my favorite thing about skinny jeans is the way they make me feel. it's like throwing on jeans and a t-shirt suddenly became cool and chic. you can wear ANYTHING with them and you'll still look amazing without trying too hard. let's try some combinations, shall we? using those ae skinnies:

PREPPY/CLASSIC


jcrew striped melanie blouse $75, baja flats $118




BOJO/HIPPIE


lux pieced contrast print voile $48 minnetonka lace up bootie $48


BRIGHT/ECLECTIC

ella moss waldo banded bottom tank $62 kimichi & blue babydoll cardigan $68 bermuda island scarf $20 ankle strap skimmer $48


EDGY/ROCKER

diesel tholon tee $60 uo cropped zip moto jacket $98 boombox necklace $10

keds champion canvas distressed slip on $40


SPORTIE

truly madly deeply rainbow hoodie $54 boston celtics shamrock tee $32 reebok fire fly hi top $100

hopefully that gave you some idea of how to wear your skinnies. a big trend is voluminous tunics and tops. and it's okay to wear your dresses over your second-skin jeans! if you're really daring, you might even try a mini skirt. you really can wear any shoes with skinnies. flip flops tend to look a big awkward so opt for a more structured flat sandal. i love wearing flats, vans and old school sneakers with mine. or, if you're going out, pair dark wash skinny jeans with platform pumps. the stars prefer christian louboutin but to get that amazing look and same red sole, try oh! deer. or tuck your jeans into boots!

the newest trend in skinny jeans (yes, there is a trend within a trend) is hues straight from the crayone box! this is my FAVORITE trend for spring! and, luckily, urban outfitters and delias are stocking a ton of them!

skinnies are what you make them, no matter what people tell you. anyone can wear them. the trick with skinnies now is not to look like a middle school clone. whatever you wear, work it.

jay mccarrol is amazing