Beija-Blogs

Check out some recent coverage of Beija-Flor in the Blogs
http://www.ilovethesejeans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71

Cost-Per-Wear

I was recently meeting with some Fashion Editors in New York, and many of them told me that they are trying to feature inexpensive items in their upcoming issues due to the economy. Understandable. But, in one of my meetings I realized that personally I have cut back on certain items, but that there are some items I would rather not buy at all then buy something cheap that won't last.

This brings me to my point and explains why Beija-Flor sales are actually up in these challenging economic times - Cost-Per-Wear. Like a lot of core products in our lives,designer jeans are basically worth every penny because of how much use you get out of a good, quality, fashionable pair of jeans.

I have to thank my friend Lynsey for first pointing out to me that my 15 dollar t-shirts and 20 dollar shoes from TJ Maxx that lasted me about two uses before falling apart were a bad investment. She always said buy less items, and invest in a few classic quality items, and now it seems I'm finally seeing her point. As I write this I'm noticing that my black knit top from "unnamed discounter" is starting to pill, while I have a Bordado Pima Cotton top from Peru in my closet that I've had for over 15 years that looks brand new! (Granted the style is a little outdated, but you see my point.)

I guess what I'm trying to get across to these Fashion Editors is when they are choosing products for their issues to keep in mind the Beija-Flor (aka Lynsey) "Cost-Per-Wear" argument. Their readers will appreciate their research in finding fashionable quality products that will be well worth the investment in any economy. Not to mention cheap clothing products are usually cheap for a reason - so remember to think eco and socially conscious when shopping for your "investments"

How to Wear a Skinny Jean

Mom and I recently realized that the Beija-Flor Skinny jean is our new favorite jean style - mostly because of its versatility in your wardrobe. We sent out a release to fashion editors across the country and got an amazing response.
Here's a great blog post from the Skirt Magazine editor in Savannah.
The story got picked up in about 5 publications so far!

Here's some highlights:
If you've been shopping in the past year, chances are you've seen the Skinny Jean.

What was initially viewed as a trend denim, is seemingly here for the long haul. Skinny jeans have proved to not be a one-season-wonder, so here's what you need to know…how to wear the Skinny Jean.

1. Skinny jeans ARE NOT just for skinny people! Sure, when you see toothpick size celebrities wearing their skinny jeans so tight they look like leggings, you may wonder if your "normal" frame can pull off the look. Do not be frightened! But there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a skinny jean…

First, pick a darker wash- like a deep indigo or black. This will create a more slimming illusion than a lighter wash which often makes thighs and hips appear larger.

2. Balance the fact that your bottom is slim with a looser, flowy top or tunic.

"A simple tshirt gives you a rock star look, while pairing your skinny jeans with a tunic sets you up for a night on the town. Have a knit dress that you don't get enough use out of? Wear it over your skinny jeans," offers Emilie Whitaker, denim expert and co-founder of Beija-Flor jeans.

3. Shoes are a huge factor when wearing skinny jeans, and you have a few options.

A stiletto heel is going to be great for a hippier woman, or woman with shorter legs, because it will instantly elongate the leg. Even if you already have long legs, a stiletto heel will make you look incredibly long and lean.

A flat shoe is a great day time option for a more casual look, but can draw attention to your hips and rear.

Tuck your jeans into boots. This is one of the most flattering ways to wear skinny jeans, especially for curvier girls (and also a great way to hide larger calves). It will create a visual balancing effect as the boots will offset your hips and rear.

4. Invest in Skinny Jeans: If you find the right pair, you will wind up LIVING in your skinny jeans. This will reduce your CPW- Cost Per Wear.

In today's society jeans can be worn everywhere- from the office, to a nightclub, from the grocery store to an afternoon luncheon. Assume you wear jeans 3 times a week on average; that is 156 times a year. So at $150 basically, you are paying $1.00 every time you wear your jeans. A steal!

"Jeans are a wardrobe staple you want to invest in no matter what the style," says Whitaker, "The quality of premium denim is not something you can fake with a $20 pair of jeans."

The key to Beija-Flor's skinny jean is fit- a quality jean is going to fit the same way a great fitting pant will- in the hips, butt, thighs and waist. The jeans are designed to work with a woman's natural curves, using a lightweight Brazilian stretch denim that does not stretch out- no matter how many times you wear them. The jeans also feature a vertical illusion wash with darker shades on the outsides and lighter towards the mid-thigh for a slimming effect.

Blogging from Brazil

After a very productive trip to Dallas where I introduced the Beija-Flor collection in the Mider Group showroom, I had the awesome opportunity to go to a Brazilian fashion trade show in Gramado, an amazing city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south of Brazil.

I've only been here for 2 days, and it has already been worth the trip! I've seem some amazing fashions, and met a lot of great people.

And it's summer here, so the weather has been wonderful! Gramado is a neat tourist town in the mountains, and has a very European feel to it. Tomorrow morning we're going to tour the city.

The Brazilian women are still sporting the skinny jean, and definitely loving the lighter washes since we are in the summer season.

My Portuguese is getting me by, and I'm even using some of my very limited Spanish to speak with the other international buyers.

Ate logo from Gramado!

Bloggers Loving the Beija-Flor Jeans

In the past few weeks we've had an incredible response to our "test drive" campaign from fashion bloggers. Friday we got an amazing write-up on AOL Stylelist. Cat Lincoln captured the frustration many women face looking for that perfect jean, and found solace in our fit, straightforward sizing, and comfort factor of the Beija-Flors. We appreciate the kudos!

The UK has now been exposed to the magic of Beija-Flor thanks to a great blog, Denimology. Denimology makes a good point that our styles aim to be wardrobe classics that will be with you for the long haul.

Beija-Flor Highlighted in Eye4Style

Check out this awesome post by Dina Fierro, editor of Eye4style. Fierro also contributes regularly to several online and print publications including AM New York, Social Life, The New York Sun, Sprig.com and luxury e-zine juli b.

I wear jeans everyday...except for today

I got new boots on my most recent NY trip, and I love them. The only problem is the only jeans they look good with are skinny jeans, and guess what? We sold out of the Jennifer Skinny in my size. So long, but important story, short I decided I'd sacrifice not wearing Beija-Flors today and wear a skirt so I could wear my new boots. And I've realized that was really a pointless move. I had forgotten how truly uncomfortable tights are. Maybe we should come up with Beija-Flor "comfort tights" for next season. Or maybe I should just stick to wearing the most comfortable thing in my wardobe - my jeans. Running and dieting wouldn't hurt either, I guess.