Despite the generally indulgent state we may exude, we value VALUE. We believe in ‘buy less, buy better’ and we want you to buy something and wear it 100 times. Price-per-wear is a big part of our wardrobe computation.
In general, I think twice about denim over $300. We bring it into the shop sparingly and it’s not for everyone. Having said that, here’s a little love letter to a pair of jeans that has become a favorite to the self-professed denim addicts on the team, and they happen to be on the high end of how we do denim.
(some Renee shenanigans from earlier this spring)
I am deeply committed to Apiece Apart’s Rene jeans. Before I get into the nuts and bolts of this pair of jeans, I just want to share the feedback from Dani, Emma and Tina. We’ve all been wearing these jeans since February. We just restocked them, because if you are capable of having a meaningful relationship with your denim like we do, we’d like to share the positive experience a little further. I asked them to be concise. Here we go!
Tina:
Perfect, flattering fit, rise is not too high/not too low. Like the rigidness because they keep their shape while still being soft and comfortable.
Emma:
Love the fit, the length. I feel it’s a great shape, love the length and width of the legs. And love the fabric.
Dani:
A great, straightforward, versatile pair of jeans with just enough flare, perfect for all seasons.
The Fabric:
100% cotton, this is rigid denim - but imagine you’ve been wearing them a few days a week for the last 18 months. They’re soft and smooth and they hold their shape. They’re whiskered and faded as if you’ve been in a committed, long term relationship - but you get this from day one. FYI, they don’t stretch much. I recently slipped on a brand-spanking-new-pair to compare to my own (that I’ve had since February, that I have NEVER washed) and there was very little difference.
About the rigid nature of these jeans - I appreciate this quality. I sometimes need reminding to mind my exercise and eating habits. A pair of jeans like this does just that! “Oops, they’re a bit tight! Walk Mango more often.” (Now my neighbors know why I’m walking my dog more this week.)
The Rise:
Tina said it perfectly - these are in the Goldilocks zone of denim rise - they're just right. Dani generally likes a high rise. Tina generally likes a mid-rise. Somehow the Rene hits in the right place to make both of these gals happy. (Also, please note that Tina is 5’9” and Dani is 5’3”.). For styling purposes, this pair of jeans works on days when I need a tuck and days when I don’t. The waistline keeps things in check but isn’t intrusive, sticking out too much when we’re wearing a shirt out and over the waistline.
The Leg Shape:
Apiece Apart made these to mimic the leg shape of their very-popular Rene Pull-On (another T&O favorite), hence the same name. We think they aren’t too similar, though. The flare is MUCH less noticeable on the jeans (compared to the pull-on pants), and to the naked eye they look like a straight leg jean. They are the nearly-perfect-straight-leg-jean - only because perfection is overrated. Between the ladies’ feedback, what I am hearing is that the shape of the leg makes it really versatile in styling for them. Whether you’re wearing it casually or with a beautiful blouse, they work. We’re often pairing it with an oversized blazer, and the proportions work beautifully. It’s a no brainer when it comes to styling, we reach for them easily and effortlessly.
Also of note, the length somehow works on all of us (diverse heights noted!) and we can wear it with a flat or some manner of heel or boot. Obviously someone super petite (or long-legged) may not find it easy, but it’s working on a range of heights.
All of this adds up to something we love. It’s the sort of jeans you can pack in your carry-on for your European vacation. You can wear them on the sidelines of a game or out for an evening in the East Village. We want you to love your clothes and wear them often. Between Tina, Dani, Emma and myself, this is happening big time with Apiece Apart’s Rene jean and we want to share the love.
