Posts tagged as Mother Denim

Now that spring is here, we find ourselves with a real case of the denim blues (but in a good way, of course!). It's no secret, nothing gets us quite as excited as new denim in our stores – and there's been a lot of it lately. Whether it's light, medium, or dark, we've handpicked some new favorites that are sure to grab your eye.

Light Wash 

The wonderful thing about pale, light wash denim is that they have a certain love-worn appeal – as if you've owned them forever. An instant fave from MOTHER is their new skinny ankle with a side zip in light kitty; it's perfect for springtime. Or if you prefer a more '70s-inspired silhouette, MiH's Marrakesh High Rise Flare in sugarblue is just the ticket. Wear them with a tucked-in blouse & TOMS wedges for a covet-worthy look. Whichever you choose, both these styles promise to lend your look a casually cool vibe that's spot-on for spring.

Medium Wash

If you love your tried-and-true medium wash jeans, we've got a few recommendations for your collection. J Brand's Mid Rise Rail jean in bayside is perfect for everyday; it's slim straight cut will have you hooked. Or try AG's Aubrey straight leg jean in 10 years-rio for an effortless vintage look. Lastly, put on a pair of Joe's skinnies in ceece for movie dates and afternoon barbecues. Denim has never been so easy.

Dark Wash

Dark jeans are a go-to for many due to their versatility; they can easily be dressed down for the weekend or dressed up for a night out. Step out in Citizens of Humanity's Riley Boy Boot in venus for a relaxed, low-maintenance look. Or try 7 for All Mankind's Mid Rise Skinny in dark rich blue. Their second skin Slim Illusion has 100% elasticity and is made to hold you in while having an ultra soft feel. Either one will leave you feeling polished and ready for whatever the day (or night) brings!

<3 Keriann

(Image courtesy of MiH Jeans)

It’s safe to say we have spring fever. Yes it’s rainy & dreary out, but the temps are up (it’s close to 50 degrees today)! And with the beginning of our spring shipments arriving daily, things are starting to feel down-right cheery around here.

Spring. A time for cleaning out, refocus and fashion. We can’t think of a better season to refresh your closet... especially since we’ve spent the last few weeks reviewing & writing orders for our warm-weather seasons at Bliss. The sunny months ahead will be full of light-wash denim, playful sundresses, and white linen staples - along with many other springlike pieces that will be popping up in our stores over the next couple of months. Keep reading as we dish the 411 on springtime style:

Vintage Perfection

The perfect pair of jeans has always been at the top of every girl’s shopping list. Get inspired this spring with vintage washes, refined fits & ultra-soft fabrics. We’ll be bringing in some really great cuts & washes from each denim line, but our standout collection is from Joe’s Jeans. Their Vintage Reserve Collection first launched this fall - and was a big hit! So naturally, the distressed denim & light washes will carry into spring (& make an even bigger impact on the denim industry!). Get ahead of the game & shop the collection now - we just put out some incredible washes (I literally want every pair!).

This spring, skinnies will maintain their style status - roll the cuffs, slip on some Frye ballet flats & add a casual blazer for a darling springtime look. Or throw on a pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans for a stylish weekend outfit. Expect to see a lot of denim this spring!

Sheer Details

Details make all the difference - especially this spring. Sheer detailing on tops & dresses will be a transparent theme. One of our favorite pieces? A floor-length maxi dress from Ella Moss. This stunning dress in poppy red features a sheer skirt, a front slit & a shorter dress underneath. Whether it’s for a wedding or date night, this flowy frock is sure to turn heads. (We can hardly wait to put it in our stores’ windows!)

The gifts have all been unwrapped... and now it's time to get what you really want (and let's be honest, what you really need). Thanks to our end of the year denim clearance, your denim wish list is totally within reach!

Starting tomorrow morning at 10AM in both store locations, shop over 375 pairs of jeans all priced from $25 to $100! Sound too good to be true? Here's the breakdown: 125 pairs of jeans will be priced at $25, 75 pairs at $50, 125 pairs at $75 and 50 pairs at $100. Come early for the best selection, these will go fast! (We sold out last year!)

Stock up for the new year with a wide range of cuts from all your favorite brands - AG, J Brand, Joe's Jeans, Paige Denim, Citizens of Humanity and MOTHER. It's our biggest denim sale of the year! Oh, & if you have a Bliss gift card, there's never been a better time to use yours!

Hope to see you tomorrow! 

<3 Keriann

{Sale in both store locations on Saturday & Sunday only. Our Portland store has over 250 pairs of jeans for the sale. Our Portsmouth store has over 100 pairs of jeans for the sale. All sale items are final sale. Sale cannot be combined with any other special promotion.}

We have a WINNER!  As many of you know, we did a week of MOTHER Denim on our blog a couple weeks ago where we highlighted one of our favorite denim lines & were even giving away a FREE pair of jeans!  Denise DeMarco is the lucky reader to score the pair of MOTHER jeans - in the style of her choice!  Congratulations, Denise!

Thank you to everyone who commented on our blog, Facebook & Twitter pages during our blog series.  We're thrilled with all the positive interaction & can't thank you enough for your continued support.  I truly hope you enjoyed learning about MOTHER Denim - give them a try next time you're looking for a new pair of go-to jeans (you'll be hooked)!  Oh, and stay tuned for more giveaways in the near future!

<3 Keriann

We’re wrapping up our week of MOTHER Denim with a Bliss favorite - denim skirts!  We’ve got a bunch to choose from in our stores (all different lengths), but in my opinion it's MOTHER’s denim skirts that have stolen the show.  If you like curve-hugging mini skirts, these are a must.  And the best part - they’ll work with anything in your closet & look great against your sun-kissed skin! 

The S.N.S. Skirt - it’s your everyday, classic denim skirt.  Sitting low on the hips, this mini is perfect for those hot days of summer... and you’ll fall in love with it’s vintage-looking wash.  It’s definitely a summer essential.

The High Waist Mini - this dark denim skirt is the ultimate piece for summer; it’s sexy while still being practical.  With MOTHER’s signature “M” stitched on the back pockets, a slim fit & a higher rise, you’ll have a hard time leaving the store without it.  And just think - it will make the transition from day to night practically effortless.

{Tell me: Do you love these denim minis as much as we do?  What's your favorite style from MOTHER?}  It’s the LAST DAY to comment for your chance to win FREE jeans (or a skirt - it’s your pick!) from MOTHER. We'll be drawing for a winner next week!  

I hope you've enjoyed reading about our newest denim line.  Give them a try next time you're in the market for new jeans - trust me, you won't be disappointed!  

<3 Keriann

“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.

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!  

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!