More Spring Shopping — White Jeans!

Wednesday morning, I saw that instead of the feared rain (don’t worry, It showed up Thursday!), we were getting another day of spring warmth.

Time to grab the opportunity to wear my new white jeans, another purchase at Gap’s 40% off sale. (see that sunlight streaming through the windows, those sunny patches on the floor behind me. . .)

I love them with my new Vince pointed-toe flats (the Nina, an impulse buy from several weeks ago about which I have not one whit of regret) and a J Crew sweatshirt-ish top in a brilliant merino fabric. Amazingly comfortable, beautiful drape, the tenderest heathery grey.

But I yielded to reality. The Vinces nude-toned flats will be great in the city but riding a bike on muddy roads? Not so smart.

Switched to my Fluevog loafers in a distressed metallic finish. And while I was at it, decided to add a scarf — it might be April sunny, but it’s still a bit nippy in the morning.

Adding the scarf reminded me of a photo I saw here, where Kim dishes on  how chic Parisians make their white jeans work in early spring.

I followed her advice and Voilà! Suddenly I was writing in French and looking chic, n’est-ce pas?

You’re right — I did decide to switch the scarf. Very observant of you.

And even with the blazer and cashmere scarf, I’m going to be chilly on the bike to the boat. Time for one last layer. I’m not really in Paris, after all, and one must bow to the realities of West Coast little island living (Field jacket by Aritzia, bought last spring).

So what say you? Anyone got the white jeans thing going on yet? I know Sue showed us a splendid version in early January, looking sophisticated in an allover Winter White. Are others being tempted as Spring tiptoes in? At Gap prices, this was an easy look to try out, and I really like the way these fit and feel. We’ll see how long I can keep them looking fresh. . . .

23 Comments

  1. Patricia
    4 April 2014 / 3:33 pm

    That's a wonderful lesson in layering. I love every single piece here, very Ines!

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:24 pm

      Thanks! What a complijment!

  2. LPC
    4 April 2014 / 4:25 pm

    Not yet, but I have plans:). And that outfit looks great on you.

  3. LPC
    4 April 2014 / 4:25 pm

    Also I like the little triptychs:).

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:25 pm

      I bet you have plans! and thanks — the little triptychs are PicMonkey fun . . .

  4. hostess of the humble bungalow
    4 April 2014 / 4:39 pm

    Have the white jeans hanging in the closet….looking forward to some warm weather which I have heard is coming next week!
    Great jeans and fabulous shoes!
    Love all the ways that you have worn the jeans.

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:34 pm

      I see that we have sunshine and warmth forecast for the upcoming week — can't wait!

  5. Mardel
    4 April 2014 / 5:35 pm

    I love the way you've presented this post, with the layering and the jeans are fabulous. I used to wear white jeans in the summer, and never had problem maintaining them for a season, once even two. I'd like a pair this year perhaps…. when I'm up.

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:36 pm

      Thanks! I just realized that my progression through the layers and changes might make a slightly different narrative — we all do it, right? I haven't often worn white jeans, but I did have some great wide-legged white linen pants, and like you, didn't find them too hard to maintain — as long as I stayed away from soya sauce while wearing them!

  6. Lorrie
    4 April 2014 / 6:39 pm

    Love the pointy toed flats AND the Fleuvog loafers. And the layers. Love it all on this, another sunny day on the west coast!

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:36 pm

      Thanks! Doesn't the sun make such a difference — such a beautiful season on the coast!

  7. Madame Là-bas
    4 April 2014 / 9:00 pm

    C'est très chic. The sweat-shirts top is very popular this year in Paris. There's a lot of heathery muted pastels as well. You look very Parisienne.

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:37 pm

      Merci!

  8. Susan B
    4 April 2014 / 10:51 pm

    The top look is so beachy and fresh! And then the transition to…Parisian chic! Merveilleuse!! I'm inspired to find more ways to wear my white jeans.

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:37 pm

      Well, you were my inspiration! so thank you!

  9. Tiffany
    4 April 2014 / 11:49 pm

    Love love love your layering! I just got some new white jeans (Paige, my favourite brand because they fit me!) and I've been wearing them lots and also planning winter outfits for them (if we even get a winter this year, it's still 24-26 degrees every day) … I think I will wear them today 🙂

    • materfamilias
      5 April 2014 / 3:38 pm

      I've never worn Paige, but one of my daughters swears by them. I'm trying to imagine 24-26 degrees every day . . . . 😉

  10. Eleonore
    6 April 2014 / 12:57 pm

    Yes, white jeans, especially when worn with some ballerinas or loafers, mean that winter is really over, don't they? Your fotos radiate spring feeling, every one of them!
    I got some white jeans in my wardrobe, a hand-down from a friend (and very good quality, too) which only need shortening the legs a bit. There are some more summer trousers tucked away somewhere which were waiting for me to lose some weight. As I lost about 4 kg over the winter, it will be a nice surprise to see how many of them I can reclaim by now. Luckily, spring break just started, so there is time for sewing, wardrobe searching and, in case I really need something more, wandering around the barrio and browsing in second hand shops… Also for finishing some colourful cotton knitting projects (inspired by Kaffe Fassett, as usual.)

    • materfamilias
      6 April 2014 / 6:01 pm

      That is a nice surprise, being at least a size smaller as you come into a new season and can wear clothes you couldn't a year ago.
      I so admire Kaffe Fassett's colourwork, in whatever medium — I went to a talk he gave many years ago — fabulous to see where he got his inspirations!

  11. Duchesse
    7 April 2014 / 12:24 am

    WIth white jeans, you always have something to wear that is fresh and cool-looking. And good idea to have backup pair. Yes, this is encouragement to stockpile.

  12. materfamilias
    8 April 2014 / 4:32 am

    I think you might have a good idea there — I'll keep an eye out for the next sale.

  13. ilona
    9 April 2014 / 4:03 am

    The idea of White Jeans has been insinuating itself along the edges of my better judgment for some time now. I recently picked up a white linen skirt – thinking it would quiet the whispers…
    You've presented such a charming lesson on wearing them in the real world I may have to try on a few pair.

    • materfamilias
      9 April 2014 / 5:39 pm

      I'd love a white linen skirt! I need to replace my all-purpose olive-grey midi-length linen skirt that no longer fits — such a staple of a summer wardrobe for me. As for the white jeans, I think you might find them surprisingly wearable also.

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