A couple of months ago, Gap had dressed their window mannequins in TRIPLE denim; jacket, shirt and jeans. I kept meaning to take some photos of them but by the time I actually had time to stop outside a store, darn it, if they hadn’t gone and changed their displays! I mean, how inconsiderate of them!
Anyway, I do remember at the time thinking it all somewhat strayed into ‘you can’t see the denim for the denim‘ territory. You could say the triple effect was somewhat lost on me.
However, I do like the DOUBLE denim trend. Taking advantage of a purchase from a couple of months ago, I’m doing double denim but with a difference. I’ve seen lots of variations of double denim, such as the ubiquitous denim jacket and jeans combo but I’ve not seen many – well, I don’t recall seeing any! – of a trench style, denim coat paired with a denim skirt.
I’m also channeling a boho vibe, with a brief nod in passing to the 70s in this outfit. If truth be told I’m not a great lover of boho on me. It’s not a look I naturally gravitate to. I love it on other people when done well, but on me it feels a little
wishy-washy-airy-fairy-let’s-dance-in-the-woods-in-bare-feet.
I tried to think of an appropriate word here but no, this phrase
wishy-washy-airy-fairy-let’s-dance-in-the-woods-in-bare-feet, really says it all so I’m sticking with it!
Plus I look dreadful in floppy hats. I’ve yet to find a floppy hat that doesn’t make me look like this
Does my head look small in this??????
However, that doesn’t stop me from taking elements I do like of boho and doing it Petite Vix style! That’s the benefit of style over fashion. Taking what you like about a certain fashion look but then making it your own.
Whenever I think of boho I imagine unusual prints, interesting jewellery and touchy-feely textures like suede, denim, velvet. Yes, it can also be flowing maxi dresses and aztec print shorts with crochet tops but let’s be real for a moment here …
this is London, in April, it ain’t warm here … YET!
Instead, I’m being savvy and making it City and Season appropriate …
I’ve wearing an abstract print shirt recently worn in my Patterned Shirt & Snakeskin Boots post with turn over cuffs to visually break up the denim a little.
I’m accessorizing with some ethnic-inspired jewellery.
Instead of denim flares – a boho staple – my denim is a loose fitting, fluid, wrap and tie style, trench coat and an A-line denim skirt. It’s a funky twist on a suit; who knew separates could be so double delicious in denim?
And of course, it wouldn’t be boho without some fringing somewhere! We’ve another double with my suede, fringe boots and bag.
Less wishy-washy-airy-fairy-let’s-dance-in-the-woods-in-bare-feet and more
Modern Boho Chic.
Last Autumn I tried on a number of button through denim skirts but I kept going back to this plain A-line skirt from Warehouse, as it felt much more comfortable to wear. I so made the right choice, as the skirt is the perfect ‘companion piece’ to the coat in colour and style.
Marks & Spencer really came up trumps with this petite coat. For once it’s yay for being petite! I’m so glad I didn’t um and ah about buying it, but snapped it up when it was new in at 20% off, as it’s now sold out! You don’t get much simpler in design than a wrap and tie coat but the beauty here is that M&S haven’t forgotten the details. I adore the two pockets on the front, the shoulder epaulettes, the stitching, PLUS it’s fully lined, giving a little more structure!
I particularly love all season pieces – the ones that can take you through from Spring to Autumn. I could even wear this coat on milder Winter days; just swap the ankle boots and shirt for knee high ones and a roll neck jumper, and add a blanket scarf over the coat for an extra layer. And the detailing of the coat means it’s smart enough over dresses yet casually chic with cropped trousers at the weekend.
Marks&Spencer Petite Trench Style Denim Coat – although it’s sold out in petite they do it in Plus Size.
Their Regular size Denim Belted Trench or this is gorgeous one in an indigo denim: ASOS Reclaimed Vintage Trench Coat
Not denim but still a great looking Spring/Summer coat is this Petite Open Front Waterfall Overcoat
Warehouse A-line Denim Skirt A/W 15 Petite Mid Wash Denim Skirt or Regular A-line Denim Skirt
Boden Classic Geometric Shirt available in petite and regular
Fat Face Spiral Wrap Bracelet (old). Here’s a lovely coloured Spiral Wrap Bracelet
Moonstone Ring & Amber Ring bought on holiday in France (old)
New Look Necklace
Joy the Store Fringe Bag ASOS Western Style Cross Body Bag
Camieu Fringe Ankle Boots H&M Fringe Ankle Boots
Boho & Double Denim Footnote
If dousing yourself head to toe in a waterfall of fringe makes you feel like an extra from a documentary on Woodstock, then lightly sprinkle your boho. It will feel more organic and less like a costume.
And to show how you can use the boho element of fringing in another way, here’s a previous post where Boho met Gothic in my Fringe Benefits post.
And a denim duster or trench is a stylish, alternative take on the double denim trend and there are quite a few denim coats still available this Spring.
Are you doubling your denim this season?
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Ah, I almost bought that coat! And I love what you've done with it. And boho, I agree with you on that, less is more. Especially for us curly haired girls: with a little bit humidity, the hair makes us look wishy-washy woodstock extra in no time, so there's always plenty of boho to add to any outfit.
We could've been denim twins, Tiina!
I reined the boho in – t'was difficult as it can run amok so easily as you know, especially with our wild locks, so I'm chuffed you like the result.
I always think of our curly hair as an accessory – so we need fewer other ones! Love your denim look, and thanks for linking, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
A lovely way to think of our curly hair, Patti! It's a beautiful accessory in its own right.
Well there you go again Jacqueline, being just like me!! Well, at least in the boho department. I've never gravitated that way before, but lately I'm trying to push myself into all those areas I used to snub!! So I got a fringed purse (mine's more apricoty) and I feel very hippish when I carry it (in a good way)!
I've not really tried the denim on denim yet—unless you count different colors (white jeans with chambray shirt)! I like what you put together and would definitely wear it myself!
And I had a thought as you were talking about your skirt—you could always add metal buttons down the front and make it look like a buttoned skirt!! Then later, remove them!!
Oh yeah—the "floppy hat" picture cracked me up!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
It's just too scary, Jodie. Were we separated at birth???
It's good to explore isn't it? I'd love to see you, Nancy and your Mum doing the denim on denim. That would be fun. Please add it to your list of outfits!!!
Ha, ha, I had to include that 'floppy hat' photo. It was taken a few years ago on holiday on the Isle of Wight when we visited Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was held before his trial. They had lots of Roundheads and Cavaliers historical costumes to try on, so me being me…….!
Having grown up in the Seventies, fringe will always appeal to me. Nice hat!
I'm sure that hat would fit you far better than it does my head, Ally!
I am SO much in love with your trench, Jacqueline, you had me at epaulettes. I'm a complete sap for those shoulder details 🙂 and Greetje (No Fear Of Fashion) set me thinking the other day when she said she personally found the denim on denim trend boring. I've been one to resist a thrown gauntlet so let's just say I'll be revisiting this trend again 🙂
In the meantime though, I repeat, I love your trench. Truth be told, I love the entire outfit xoxo
Ha, ha, the epaulettes are mighty fine, aren't they? Nothing sappy about being a sap for shoulder details. You're in good company. It's those details that make the pieces. Oh yes, I know Greetje and yes, I know what she means. It can be boring if it's just shirt and jeans or jacket and jeans but that's the same with everything, isn't it?
Pick up that gauntlet, Sheela. C'mon, you know you want too!!! 😉 You'd never be boring in denim on denim even if it was shirt and jeans but I know your creative flair would go beyond that and so I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Thank you so much for your kind compliments.
Oh, I had no doubts that you would style denim-on-denim look in your own interesting way! This trench is such a great piece, stylish and comfortable, and how good it looks paired with the denim skirt!
They are a match made in denim heaven. Yes, I always like to put my own stamp on it – hee, hee she says with a twinkle in my eye and I really felt comfortable in the outfit. It's going to be fun pairing the coat with out things in my wardrobe. Thanks Olga.
You doubled your denim so well with that amazing coat. I need it in my life!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I feel that coat and I are going to have some mighty fun times together, Amy!
I need that hat! LOL
I feel hard for denim trenches early last year when I spotted loads of them while thrifting. I actually bought three! but one doubles as a dress and the other I've already taken to the consignment store and sold.
Your denim trench look marvellous. It fits you perfectly!
signed…
wishy washy airy fairy dancing in the woods barefoot…
Suzanne
Ha, ha, I couldn't resist trying on the hat knowing it'd be mahoosive on me!
Well, at least you have one trench left!
You are the Queen of Boho, Suzanne. There's nowt wishy-washy-airy-fairy-let's-dance-in-the-woods-in-bare-feet about you when you wear it! You absolutely nail it and do it beautifully so you keep on doing it please and I'll admire from afar.
That hat is hilaaaaaaaaarious!!!! You look really good in this double denim combo- really good- I love the trench coat and also how you made that Boden blouse look so different here!!x
I'm glad it's making so many of you smile! Thanks Kezzie, the shirt is really proving it's versatility. Really getting my money's worth from it!
You have totally updated the boho chic double-denim look and made it your own without being–how did you put it? "Wishy-washy-airy-fairy-let's-dance-in-the-woods-in-bare-feet"! Ha ha! What a picture you paint!
The thought that comes to my mind is that you look stylish and put-together with brushes of iconic fashion, but you don't look cutesy or like you're playing dress-up in a costume. That coat wouldn't look so perfect on you if you were playing dress-up.
The other thought I had when I saw the photo of the coat wrapped and cinched was that I bet you look great in wrap dresses!
Hooray for great petite finds!
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
That's exactly it Sherry – so well put – 'brushes of iconic fashion'.
And you're right, I do like wrap dresses!
Thank you for your lovely compliments.
I like your subtle nod to bohemian. And it's good you know what does and doesn't feel right on you. I think in order to pull off bohemian without a hitch, there is an innate, beatnik vibe to the person. A way of life rather than simply, a form of dress.
Agreed Glenda, it goes way beyond the clothes. I'm a very kinesthetic person so how something feels on me is hugely important. When it feels right I'll be confident. And subtle touches often say way more than drowning yourself in a style.
I love how that mannequin inspired your layering of denim and you pulled it off well. What a great look, I need that trench!
Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
Inspiration is the key isn't it? Anyone can take the whole outfit off a mannequin but it's something entirely different to style an outfit in a way that works for you and suit s you. The trench is fabulous isn't it?
OMG … I need a denim trench! Fabulous!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
I feel you'll be going on a shopping trip, Dawn!!!
I can only echo all the other comments – another unique Petite Vix look – beautifully done. I don't think I've ever seen a denim trench before, a fantastic and unusual coat – this one is a perfect fit on you. M&S Petites are pretty good on the sizing front even for someone as titchy as me. I have just (very boringly) bought the M&S petite standard denim jacket!! Now I will have to double denim it with something a bit more daring – a denim tutu perhaps! lol
Thank you Astrid, lovely of you to say so.
M&S have really upped their game in the past few seasons. I seem to be buying more from them and they're not ridiculously expensive either. The cut and quality is worth it compared with some of the other cheaper petite ranges.
A denim jacket is NOT boring! And I would love to see you in a denim tutu! 😉
Oh you rock the double denim. That dark denim trench-coat is awesome and you wear it so well. I used to have one like it from Gap but I have no idea what happened to it. Wish I still owned it. =)
Welcome by my blog. Also, I run a linkup on Thursdays. This week’s current, brand-new linkup is live (a day early). I would love for you to join it. Thank you.
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/04/thursday-moda-6-and-floral-pixie-pants.html
Have a great weekend!! Ada =)
This is the first denim trench I've seen Jacqueline, but there again it's not something I've been looking for. Your nod to Boho in the shape of fringing and denim works really wheel on you. Am heading off to the shops tomorrow to hunt down my very own fringed bag, so wish me luck!
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Thanks for Linking up to Top of the World Style. Great coat
The denim trench is so fab!! I love the double denim look on you.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com