How To Wear Denim Shorts With Heels

Zulu & Zephyr Shallow Top, Ksubi Denim Shorts, Mimco Sporto Scarf, Zu Heels

How To Wear Denim Shorts With Heels (and not look skanky) 

One of my favourite Fashion houses by far, would be Balmain. Year after year the collections tear down the runway with stunning models completely blowing me away with utterly cool rock and roll style. I can never get enough, the images torn out of magazines featuring the looks have stayed with me long after the trend has been copied (usually poorly), are always influencing my style. French, glamorous and edgy, but usually adaptable off runway, with military references, embellishments and texture, there is a lot to covet. In the Spring Summer collections of 2010, Balmain sent tiny denim shorts down the runway, and we have seen them ever since. I am definitely guilty of having ridiculed denim shorts- and even vowed not to wear them. I big time 'knocked it before I tried it'. Then I started working long hours installing design work over the 30-40+ degree heat in summer, painting, lifting and carrying things, bending down etc. Skirts didn't get the job done, pants were too hot and cotton shorts were generally not sturdy enough to hold the vast number of items I would shove into my pockets. Realizing how useful and in fact comfortable they could be, my attitude toward the denim short shifted. Each time I pull them on I admit I still think of the 'never nude' shower scenes from tv show Arrested Development, and can not help but think of the gazillion teenagers out there wearing them (body shape flattering or not- cause they gotta be in with the crowd). It still feels a little too casual at certain times, and I have certainly ordered a pair online only to find the rear coverage is a fraction less than I would like (WARNING: examine them carefully before adding to cart!), but I honestly do like wearing them. I am going to spell that out one more time, I honestly DO like wearing them.

The Guidelines

Of course, there are some rules which I stick to and can recommend as guidelines if you should choose to try out this tricky wardrobe staple ( if it is regularly over 38+ degrees, they are a staple). 

- Make sure that they suit your shape, and buy a size or two up from your 'normal' fit. They look better with some room in the thigh area, and you can wear a nice leather belt to bring them in should you need to at the waist. If they don't suit your shape- something else does, find out what that is and stick to it! 

- Cover up your behind and keep your modesty, no matter your age, keep it out of sight. It only takes a few added centimeters to the hemline to avoid this faux pas

- Stick to a light or dark blue vintage wash, or a simple black, grey or white denim short. 

- On the Balmain runway, the short denim shorts were not seen without a tee and leather motorbike jacket. The thing to take away from this is, if you show off all of that leg, do not show off all of your arms/ chest/ midriff as well. You pick one, and stick to it. 

- Still too hot to wear a long sleeved jacket, knit or cardigan? Opt for a loose long sleeved tee or shirt. 

- Pair with a plain white, grey, black, khaki or beige top, t-shirt, cardigan, knit, jacket or blazer

- I don't see much point in buying into something overly embellished as for me, I grow sick of that really fast. 

- I am not so keen on the pocket linings sticking out past the hem line, it asks for ridicule (and seems like a classic case of design wank to me). 

- As this look can be easily cheapened, go with quality, simple accessories. Add a light scarf or wide brimmed hat for a point of difference. Avoid cheap costume jewelry. 

- Keep makeup simple, clean, natural and minimal (in these photos I'd forgotten mascara, and look extra sleepy, oops!)

- Keep your legs neat, moisturized and natural- no orange streaky fake tans (or, don't fake tan at all, it works for me)

Footwear

- You can wear them with a heel (I chose to emphasize this by even styling them for this shoot with a LEOPARD heel. Surely short shorts and leopard are equal to skank, right? Sometimes, yes. It is a very fine line. These leopard faux pony pumps are the right hue, have the right sized print and aren't platform, so it works. Right now there are a lot of this faux pony leopard on offer, in various shoe forms. Below I will add some suggestions that I have been eyeing off). 

- Stick to a simple heel shape, aka a pointed pump or strappy heel in a neutral colour (or a bright red or cobalt for some splash of colour) or a boot. 

- Stay away from anything too busy, platformed or 'cheap' looking. Leave the gimmicks alone. 

Get the look
Denim Shorts:
Under $100: (Vintage Wash) One Teaspoon, (White) One Teaspoon
Under $50: (Vintage Wash) Asos, Just Jeans, Wrangler (Black) Billabong, (White) Rip Curl

Faux Pony Hair Leopard Shoes:
Heels: Seed Heritage, Tony Bianco
Flats: (Skate shoes) Seed Heritage, Windsor Smith, (Flats) Steve Madden, Tony Bianco

xx Jenelle

Shots by Mario Recchia

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Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes

Something I have learned in the past few years is how important it is to build yourself a capsule wardrobe. By this I mean, a wardrobe of clothes with which you can create a multitude of outfits to suit various occasions, moods and seasons. Predominantly constructed of good quality basics, these items are mostly neutral, to which you can add a personal touch of print, colour and cut as you go. These may come across as a little on the simple, or even more 'boring' side, but I am thinking of versatility, value for money, quality, comfort and style. 

I made up a few boards which has helped me to shape my capsule wardrobe, and found that sticking within these limits helped me to avoid spending money on random items which, when I looked back on months later I had either grown sick of seeing too much on others or just didn't like. Within the capsule wardrobe I prioritise pieces which avoid 'trend' and retain 'staple'.

I had so many Audrey Hepburn books growing up, and the classic pieces I saw her wear, have informed my love of elegant style. I think I bear her in mind more often than I realise. 

The boards pictured make up my 'Must Have Shoes For Any Woman'

 I think there are essential shoes which should make up your wardrobe, to carry you through any outfit. I made up a couple of boards with the shoes I own, or as similar to mine as I could find at the time. 

I tend to stick within black, white, cream, tan, nude and khaki. If I go with a print, it tends to be an animal print, but in natural colours, or some kind of black and white combination. I have also owned bright shoes in orange, red, blue, silver or gold, but these I consider a part of the add-on, occasional shoe. At the end of the day, any of the items in these boards can be styled with an occasional piece, which adds a little extra something to the look. I also think you can have multiple variations of these shoes, but as a general rule, if you have the list below, you can get through any 'what shoes do I wear?' debacle with happy feet. 

Broken down the list looks like this: 

- 1x Black leather pointed pump heels, (can be patent, suede or a mix)

- 1 x Nude / tan leather pointed pump heels (the nude will make your legs look longer, which is nice)

- 1x White leather heels, I prefer these to be either a pointed pump or thick strapped heeled sandals

- 1x Hidden wedge sneaker in chalk, or in black (Isabel Marant though, all the way!)

- 1x Black studded, buckled ankle boots (these Chloe ones get worn every week)

- 1x Black heeled ankle boots (cool with dresses, skirts, or skinny jeans)

- 1x Black strappy open toed heels (nude is also okay)

- 1x Animal print pointed pumps (make sure they are leather, but can have a faux pony hair finish)

- 1x Converse sneakers in white, black or khaki (or Keds, Vans etc)

- 1x Black patent oxfords (they have more arch support than ballet flats, sorry Audrey)

- 1x Black, white, tan, silver or gold thick strapped sandals (I DO NOT ENDORSE THONGS/ FLIP FLOPS) 

I will be bringing you more of this sort of post in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and please share any comments or ask any questions below. 

Happy Capsule creating! 

xx Jenelle

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Hella positive for real

"What you been doing Nell?" I hear you!

Loving/ living it up in Perth! Seeing my lovely friends is the best thing ever. 

I have busily been catching up with people I love, seeing shows, going on little adventures. 

I checked out WAAPA's production of The Crucible, which was incredible. It was so nice to spend an evening in the company of the wonderful Michael Jenn, who is THE nicest man ever. Big congrats to Stephanie Hains for her design, and to the crew for putting it all together, the impeding deciduous forest was both haunting and beautiful.

Last night I went to No Lights No Lycra, which is essentially dancing in the dark, with friends. 

I love crazy dancing, and the grin on my face although unseen, was plastered there the entire time. 

Big snaps to Bjazz for her amazing DJ set! Soooo much fun! 

I have also been busily ticking things off of my list, moving states meant I needed a few bits and pieces, and getting a little sports gear/ workout outfits ready, before I start with my personal trainer. I was literally that person asking for the blackest sneakers possible. Thank goodness for Stella McCartney for Adidas!

Pictured: 

My shoes! Mostly by Gorman who make the best shoes. I love them. 

Also Ellery sandals, L.A.M.B pumps and Tristain Blair boots. 

Got my tickets sorted for Remedy, now who else is coming? 

Tickets are available at Pigeonhole and All of The Above Creative

Catching my girl Emma for breakfast. Super comfy in a T by Alexander Wang tee, Camilla and Marc Jeans and Cons. 

From the beloved Perth label Flannel a skater dress I can not wait to rock this spring and a Lover dress I want to wear, all the time! And finally this weeks October issues to sift through.