003: For The Love Of Denim
The Ultimate Staple + Denim Love + Lu's List (June Edition)
Happy June and thanks for stopping by.
Welcome to the third edition of Love & Style—my monthly newsletter where I share looks I love, style insights I’ve picked up along the way, and curated shopping/wish lists (same-same, really) for your consideration.
My taste? Think feminine meets utilitarian, with a dash of fancy and just a touch of Zara—so please feel free to use these lists as inspiration to find pieces and outfits that align with your own style.
I spend a lot of time shopping with and styling others, and I truly believe that sharing is caring. I’m leaving this here in hopes it’s helpful. As always, take what you need and leave the rest—my only intention is to uplift and inspire.
Love & Style,
amyluxox
For The Love of Denim
Some (including me) might argue that jeans are the most important item in your wardrobe. It doesn’t really matter how great your top, jacket, or hair is—if your jeans don’t look and feel good on you, everything else kind of crumbles. They are a staple, a building block with which to build an entire wardrobe around. The lucky thing for us these days is that we are spoiled with choice; it’s pretty easy to find a pair with all the design and fit elements you want at a price point that suits your budget—you just have to be willing to do some research.
In its early years, denim was all about utility. Think of Levi Strauss, who introduced durable denim jeans to California’s gold miners in the 1850s. This practical and sturdy material became synonymous with resilience. However, denim’s true cultural shift didn’t happen until the 1950s, when icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando made it a symbol of rebellion. Jeans started to tell a new story—one of freedom and nonconformity. Denim was no longer just about durability; it was a statement of identity.
As denim grew in popularity, designers saw its potential to be much more than workwear and began experimenting with it. The 1980s brought about the idea of denim as high fashion, with brands like Guess and Calvin Klein. Denim was no longer just casual—it was for the runway and nights out.
The thing with finding denim that fits (and actually finding anything good that fits) is that you have to try a bunch on—there’s no shortcut. Sometimes, you can find a brand that works well for your body type and order online with confidence, but I am a try-on advocate; it’s the best and most cost-effective way to find what looks and feels best on you. It does take time and effort, but I believe it saves time and money in the long run. Brands make their samples based on a fit model, and if that fit model is proportionally different from you, then you might be out of luck. So, order a few pairs and keep the ones you love, or if you can manage it, go shopping and try a bunch on—it’s the best and most direct way to find your own version of good style. For context, when I work with clients, they usually try on 10 or more looks for each look they select. Ultimately, they get better at navigating which brands work for them and which silhouettes feel good and flatter, but it’s a process.
Here are a couple of denim looks I’ve worn this month, as well as my adventures in finding new black chunky sandals. As I said, you’ve got to try a bunch on.
On Ventura Boulevard: tank top (Alice and Olivia), lace cami (Anine Bing), jeans (The Great), blazer (ba&sh), heels (Gucci)
Laurel Canyon with Coco: top (Self-Portrait), jeans (Sandro), purse (Burberry)
Sandal Fit (left to right): Birkenstock (for the win), Chanel (looked orthopedic on my feet—so no), Tory Burch (too much logo action), L’Agence (love, but don’t need kitten heels—need everyday walkable sandals), Birkenstock again (liked the white too, but buying two pairs seems silly; I’d wear the black more—so probably the black)
Good Fits: Denim For Days
Good jeans are imperative to having a wardrobe that works. Finding tops—blouses, t-shirts, sweaters—to pair with them is easy once you have the bottoms figured out. Basics to build on. I also love denim jackets; they feel like an homage to my Canadian style roots. Here are some denim details I photographed.
Clockwise from left to right: Shahana (@shahanajaff) in a distressed denim jacket, Melanie’s Bottom (@melaniesidler) in Veronica Beard, Levi's, and Retrofête, Jazzy (@jaazzzss) in an oversized jacket from Zara, and (bottom center) an '80s-inspired denim vest from ba&sh.
Denim: Shop Shop Shop
Try These Ones On. Clockwise from top left: Alaïa Barrel-Leg Jeans, $1,450, maison-alaia.com; Stella McCartney Falabella Bootcut Jeans, $890, stellamccartney.com; Acne Studios Denim Bonded Trousers, $1,550, acnestudios.com; Mother Denim Hustler Roller Heel Cuff Fray, $278, motherdenim.com; Citizens of Humanity Lyra Wide-Leg Crop, $238, citizensofhumanity.com; Levi’s Wedgie Bootcut, $98, levi.com; Moussy Hawthorne Skinny, $360, moussy-global.com; L’Agence Margot High-Rise Skinny Jeans, $265, lagence.com; Khaite Abigail Stretch Jean, $520, khaite.com; Gap Mid-Rise Ultra Soft Baggy Jeans, $89.95, gap.com.
Jean Dreams Are Made of These
Here are a few of my favorite iconic denim moments. Clockwise from top left: Brigitte Bardot, © Muzeo; Kate Moss, © Alamy; Audrey Hepburn, © Mark Shaw; Jane Birkin, © Rex; Marilyn Monroe, © 20th Century Fox Film Corp; Cher, © Norman Seeff; Brooke Shields, © Richard Avedon; Pamela Anderson, © Getty.
Lu’s List : The June Edition
Here is my idea of a perfect denim-inspired look: an elevated Canadian tuxedo with a pop of red for good measure. Mix and match for a timelessly chic, denim-forward look with just the right touch of boldness.
Lu’s List (The June Edition)
Saint Laurent '80s Denim Jacket in Japan Vintage Blue, $1,600.00, ysl.com
The perfect vintage-inspired wash and structured fit to anchor the look.Simon Miller Loch Poplin Button-Up, $255.00, simonmillerusa.com
A crisp white button-up to contrast against denim's ruggedness.Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipstick in Ruby Rush, $62.00, sephora.com
A bold red lip for that perfect pop of color.Alaïa Le Coeur Crossbody in Laque, $1,400.00, maison-alaia.com
Heart-shaped elegance in a glossy red finish—pure romance.Khaite Danielle Stretch Jeans, $520.00, khaite.com
High-waisted and perfectly tailored to create a streamlined silhouette.L'Agence Lolita V Sandals in Blue Denim, $295.00, lagence.com
Denim on denim, elevated with a sleek silhouette and perfect heel height.
love and style,
amyluxox
Photo: Amy Lu , Model: @melaniesidler