Net-a-Porter’s denim heaven

I’ve already waxed lyrical about my love for Net-a-Porter (and their cheaper sister site, the Outnet), but i’m afraid this post might elevate me to website-stalker status (for which I apologise in advance). I was invited to attend the launch of Net-a-Porter’s Denim Boutique last night. And while I love a good fashion soiree, I’d fully expected – given the hosts – this one to be cracking. But more than being a fabulous party, it got me really excited about denim  – words I never thought i’d utter.

While I rely on my skinny jeans as much as the next girl, I absolutely despise buying denim ordinarily and find the whole process rather traumatic. It’s partly the fact that I know exactly what I want but can’t find it*, but also that jeans must be bought so tight (to allow for the inevitable stretch) that one must be cruelly subjected to hoisting on too-tight jeans under the glare of fluorescent changing room lights. Needless to say, I wear mine to death and it is only when they are literally falling apart that I will force myself to go on the Denim Hunt.

But, once again, the minds behind Net-a-Porter have come to our rescue. Prior to the launch of the Denim Boutique, every woman in their office (and that is a lot of women, of varying shapes, sizes and tastes) tried on every single pair of jeans, lived in them for weeks, decided what was flattering and what was not, what sagged at the knees after a day and what kept it’s shape. What’s left is a concise edit of the best that is out there – on trend, the highest quality, and actually flattering.

I am particularly enamoured with the option to shop by your body shape** – but also by style, brand or wash – the highly detailed measurement and care instructions, and the pictures that show how they will look on from each angle (including the all important derriere shot).

And according to the experts? Skinny styles are not going anywhere, but they are now also coming through in cropped, slouchy or super-stretchy styles. Boyfriend jeans are the new staple (and contrary to my previous preconceptions, actually look good on curvy or petite girls – just add heels). Don’t spend any serious funds on double-denim or serious distressing, but do experiment with waxed, tight cargo detail or khaki chinos styles. I’m loving Current/Elliot for beautifully worn-in slouchy styles, and J Brand for skinnies that stretch to perfectly hug your curves (in all the right ways). And i’ve also changed my mind on treating jeans as an investment (they were one of the things I would happily buy cheap before): if you spend a little more, they’ll not only look nicer but will hold their shape and last you season-after-season. In short, you get what you pay for.

I’m not normally dictatorial about websites you should visit, but do check this out.

Do you rely on jeans? Am I alone in my (previous) hatred of jeans shopping?

Love, Miss B xx

P.S. With the exception of The White House, the Net-a-Porter headquarters might possibly be the most beautiful offices i’ve ever seen. Plonked right on top of the luxury designer stores of Westfield, behind those glossy black doors was a vast cavern of monochromatic chic – all chandeliers, white leather , staff who look like they belong in Vogue editorials, and panoramic views of London. Oh my!

* Or, when I do find something vaguely resembling my fantasies, i’m shocked to discover that in real life I do not have the legs of Kate Moss and therefore studded acid wash unable-to-breathe-because-they’re-so-damn-tight jeans are not in fact flattering.

** This takes the guesswork out of wondering whether something which looks amazing on the model will actually translate to your real-life figure. This is particularly helpful when wanting to break your denim rut but not knowing which styles would suit