from The Arizona Republic

Wise to white jeans


Stretch Trouser Jeans from David Kahn Jeans, $168 at nordstrom.com

Thanks to Diddy and his famous annual White Party in the Hamptons, Mercedes Bender received at least four invitations a month last summer to similar parties, and expects even more this year.

“With so many people stressed out about the economy, (people) are just finally glad that summer is here and are trying to do it really big and have a good time,” she said.

For a summertime last-minute date or a ladies’ night out, Bender’s go-to outfit is white jeans with a bold tank, dressy heels or sandals, and bold jewelry.

“It never disappoints!” Bender said.

Yet she observes on her denim site, jeanotype.com (LINK), that many women don’t fully appreciate the power of white jeans, which make up only about 15 percent of purchases.

She doubted them at first, too.

“It took me a while, but I found both flattery and practicality in my low-rise skinny Siwy’s,” Bender said. “They are one of the few ankle lengths that a petite woman such as myself can wear without chopping off height. I always wear them with heels, but I can easily transition to the flats that I keep in my car when my heel expiration time occurs. Plus, I don’t have to worry about stepping on the back of the pant legs and ruining them. The low rise is flattering for me – I have a shorter torso – and Siwy’s rounded back pocket makes my rear look great!”

[ click to read more about Bender’s rear at AZcentral.com ]