My Go-To Pieces: Part 2 - Citizens of Humanity Jeans

What
Citizens of Humanity (CoH) Avedon and Arielle skinny blue jeans.


Where From
In New Zealand, you can buy CoH from Fabric. Online, there are many options but for free shipping Shopbop and Revolve Clothing are best.


Price
Expect to pay around NZ$290.00 full price for Avedon and around $315.00 for Arielle.


History
The Avedon low-rise skinny was my introduction to CoH jeans, about two years ago. I took a real leap of faith. Finally getting my weight under control, I wanted a pair of designer jeans so after a bit of research, chose the Avedon. I like my skinnies to sit on the ankle and these are the perfect length. I own two pairs in slightly different mid-blue washes ('Cannes' and 'Cruz'). I later added a pair of Arielle mid-rise skinnies to my collection (in 'Weekender' wash).


Why they Work
Of the two styles, the Avedon has thinner, softer fabric and a much lower rise than the Arielle. They are so incredibly comfy for jeans and they have held their shape very well despite my wearing them a great deal. The wash goes with everything, and the cut of the rear is amazingly flattering. The most versatile and hard-working jeans I own and so worth the money.

The Arielle cut is mid-rise which at first took a bit of getting used to. Not high-rise like mom jeans but definitely not low-rise. The fabric is slightly thicker than the Avedon but still soft and comfortable. Shorter in the leg than the Avedon. Again, like the Avedon, just a cool and versatile jean. Cut well on the butt and legs and CoH has (in my opinion) the best range of mid-blue washes that work with everything.


Buying Tips
I wear a size 32 which is a perfect NZ 14. I have a tummy and no butt but both the Avedon and Arielle work well for my shape. Go for your normal size. If you are super tall (I'm 5' 10" with long legs) and want a full-leg length, these are not the jeans for you.

My Go-To Pieces: Part 1 - Saint James Minquiers 10 Breton Top

Over the past 18 months, I have thought hard about what I truly love to wear and what works well for me.

De-cluttering is a big topic right now. There are books a-plenty teaching you how to escape 'stuffocation'. One of the concepts I really like is from Marie Kondo who says "discard anything that doesn't spark joy". This is probably a good place to start when embarking on paring down your wardrobe because, if it doesn't fit, flatter and make you feel great it won't get worn.

I am a minimalist in life, but it's actually taken me a long time to apply this trait to my closet. At the tender age of soon-to-be-44, I think I have finally cracked it. It's about quality over quantity, and learning to identify what it is about a piece of clothing that makes you reach for it again and again.

This is the first part of a series where I explain why key pieces of my wardrobe work so well for me.

What
Saint James Minquiers 10 Long-Sleeve Breton Top in White/Navy (Neige/Marine)


Where From
In New Zealand, a small range of Saint James tops is stocked in Karen Walker boutiques. Online you can order direct from Saint James in France.


Price
Around NZ$110.00.


Why it Works
The combination of perfect shades of off-white and navy, a neck somewhere between crew and boat, and a boxy over-sized cut make this the perfect breton top. The cotton is super-soft making it a great lounging item, but it also looks fabulous as a casual Friday piece with skinny jeans and heels. I have worn mine half-tucked into a pencil skirt and with jeans and white sandshoes or ballet flats on the weekend.

I get about a year out of one top but I wear mine a lot. It washes like a rag in the machine, but slowly shrinks over time. I find that the sleeves and body get shorter and shorter as time goes by. I always cuff my sleeves so it's less of an issue. The upside is that these tops make excellent shoe-polishing rags at the end of their wearable life!


Buying Tips
This unisex top is meant to be oversized, not fitted. I am a standard NZ 14/36C and I wear a size L in this top. I find the M too short in the arms and body.

Side note: Saint James also makes a short-sleeve version of this top which I also love. Perfect for layering under a blazer (see bottom photo).