AYR jeans | What Jenn Wore

Let’s face it, a great fitting pair of jeans can be transformative. Truly. Whether they’re a day-to-day staple or reserved for weekend wear only, an excellent pair of jeans is a wardrobe workhorse. I may sound like a broken record here, but that’s because I live my life in denim. Therefore, I believe myself to be an expert. Is there such a thing? Well, everybody has got to have something!

I get a lot of questions about denim trends. Remember when ‘the skinny’ jean first came around? Well, wasn’t that intimidating at first (and second and third)?! But eventually mainstream fashion got on board…like all on board. It’s now hard to imagine our lives without the magic of the lycra-blended into cotton denim; a requirement for the painted-on jean look. How did we even wear tall boots before skinny jeans? Do you remember pegging your pants (am I dating myself)? Or how, previous to skinnies, your bootcut jeans would drag on the ground? Getting soggy in the Seattle rain?

Well, a couple of years ago now, the fashion pendulum swung away from skinnies. Don’t panic, they’re not dead. No need to trash your collection. The slim silhouette of the skinny is here to stay. Phew.

However, a nostalgic Americana brand has returned to the forefront of denim culture (ahem, Levi’s), and premium denim brands have taken note. 100% cotton, “vintage” denim fit and styling as returned to popularity. And, are we all so happy that it’s back that it seems refreshing rather than annoying to have to squat, plié, and tug our way into our favorite jeans? (The lay on the bed to button situation is no joke). The other day I had a sales person tell me that they only allowed their 100% cotton jeans to dry to about 95% (hanging of course, you know better than to dry!) and then they put them on still damp so that they can form to her body. She felt like this was an earth shattering revelation…I was reminded of my teenage years. I like to consider myself an early adopter…or shall we say, re-adopter? Therefore, I was all in and began my quest in ernest last fall. Now, I’ve been loving the cropped flare and bootcut for awhile (are any of my jeans full length these days?!). But I began to look for the perfectly 90’s, lighter wash and straight cut I was lusting after. As you can imagine, this was an effort. Some jeans were too tight or square, meaning that the legs were too fitted or tight in the thigh yet big in the waist. Doesn’t this sound familiar? This is how we all used to shop for denim 20 years ago!

I searched flea markets and vintage shops for Levi’s, had try-on sessions at retailers such as Nordstrom and Aritzia (both stores being my go-to for denim). I discovered a pair of Levi’s “Wedgie” fit at Aritzia that were just what I was looking for (I found them in a Canadian store, no less!). But then I found that all Levi’s Wedgies were not created equal when I tried to replicate or refer people. Finding a perfect pair of true Levi’s is a commitment to the search! And I’m not even talking about a vintage pair!

Then I stumbled upon these AYR jeans that I’m wearing in these photos. I’ve been a fan of this brand for awhile (see my previous post) and was eager to try their denim, especially since their social media boasts the perfect fit to flatter customer’s derrières. Again, I believe that I know my way around a pair of jeans, yet even I had to be talked through the break-in of these jeans. When I first received them they were tiiiiiiiight. I could get them on (a button-front of course!), but stairs were a challenge and sitting was out of the question! I was convinced that I needed to go up a size. After trading messages with the AYR team via Instagram (what did we do before Insta?), I was coached through the break-in phase. I was told to “hang tight” (oh, the irony!), and that if I could get them on, they were the correct size. I wore them for 48 hours straight; admittedly cringing every time I was required to bend over. And now, here they are…one of my favorite pairs of jeans. I’ve only washed them once (I know, sounds weird but it’s actually a thing…you shouldn’t wash your denim too often), and I went through the break-in process again. Now I gingerly avoid my kids’ “jam hands” and pass on questionable seating because they are just riiiiight.
{outfit details} denim: AYR (c/o) | blouse: Sea (similar with less pattern) | slides: Zara (oldies but goodies) | sunnies: Chloé

What denim brands are you loving? Are you excited about the return of 100% cotton, vintage styling in jeans? Be sure to leave a comment.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

photos by Sarah Wolfe

I found the perfect winter coat last year and it has been in constant rotation for two seasons now. A standout red color, the contrasting brown pattern and cocoon shape seemingly go with everything in my wardrobe all while elevating every outfit. I was unfamiliar with the brand – AYR. Was it A-Y-R or “air”…I didn’t know, but I loved my coat.

Then this winter, I stumbled upon the quintessential striped sweater. Navy and white (of course), with stripes across the chest, complete with ribbing details at the shoulder and a cropped length perfect for pairing with all of my high-waisted denim. Yet again, AYR.

Now I knew that I must learn more about my new-found fave brand. As I began my research, which I must admit started with Instagram stalking, I was so pleased to learn the meaning of AYR (indeed pronounced “air”): All Year Round. A brand name symbolic of the quest for perfectly simple, yet beautifully made pieces that should reside in your wardrobe (you guessed it), the entire year.

Better yet? Aside from lovely staples such as classic, button-down blouses and beautiful dresses (all in a neutral pallet including navy, white and black), they made jeans! As you know, denim is the key to my heart. And these jeans…well, they’re awesome. With a style for everyone, there is sculpting skinnies, bootcuts with interesting detailing on the cuffs and, my favorite, vintage-inspired, 100% cotton denim like the ones I’m wearing in this post. What could be better than this classic, back-to-basics style? A perfectly-distressed light wash (which I’m V picky about – not too yellow or too much whiskering), an undone cuff in a cropped length, annnnnd a missing back pocket. Done.

outfit details:
jeans: AYR (c/o)
tee: Topshop (similar, love this one)
denim jacket: Vintage Levi’s (new)
booties: Louise et Cie (major sale!)
bag: Nordstrom Halogen
sunnies: Zara (last year)
earrings: Baleen (found at Queen Anne Frame)

Before you press “purchase” (which, no doubt, you will want to do!), a word to the wise on sizing. Get your normal size. In the description it even says that these jeans will be tight…and they are not kidding! Breaking these bad boys in was a full-time job. For two days, I wore these around the house all the meanwhile trading texts with a patient AYR gal with me asking if they should be this tight?? But wouldn’t you know it? She was right. After a couple days of some serious squats, they fit oh-so-right. And don’t you remember getting to the perfect fit as being part of the charm of old-school, 100% denim? Heaven forbid that once they’re finally there, just-so, there’s no washing?! Although, I plan to enroll the old put them on while damp technique – remember that one?? However, you will not regret the commitment breaking these jeans in require. I receive numerous compliments every time I wear them. Stopped-on-the-street-by-strangers kind of compliments. You’re welcome – I’m happy to introduce you to AYR.

Thanks for reading! Happy Friday. ~Jenn

Good Ol’ Americana Denim

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