I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that you’re no stranger to the thigh gap craziness that has taken over the minds of young women lately. As a small-thighed gal, I was actually made fun of for having toothpick legs all my life, so I don’t really understand the appeal. And neither do the makers of Nevada-based Barbell Apparel who have recently launched their “anti-thigh gap” jeans for athletes—both male and female.
“The Barbell Apparel team spends a minimum of 20 hours a week in the gym, and when we get off work, we’re snowboarding, mountain biking, motorcycling, and doing just about any adrenaline fueled movement you can think of,” the owners explain on their Kickstarter page. “We were tired of struggling with jeans that didn’t fit, weren’t comfortable, and completely restricted our ability to move. So we decided to fix it.”
According to the Barbell Apparel video, this idea was born during a set of squats. And while you may not equate wearing jeans to working out, the reality is that we parents are squatting, bending, running, lunging, and occasionally contorting to keep up with our kids—and you just can’t do that in restrictive pieces.
Not surprisingly, people are into it—with more than $350,000 pledged on the Kickstarter page (that’s over twenty times their goal). Plus, they look good.
“These are the anti-thigh gap jeans," Hunter Molzen, co-owner of Barbell Apparel, told ABC News of the company's products. "Athletes work hard for their strong, meaty thighs and they should be proud of them. It’s how human beings were built to function.”
I’m all for jeans that make it easier to keep up with Mr. Finn, and especially for clothing that’s made for all body types, shapes, and sizes. Hallelujah! But what do you think?
Oh, hi! Thanks for reading. Speaking of jeans, did you know that both Ali and I luuuuurve this denim brand? And make sure you check out these beautiful dresses that *almost* make me wish I was going to prom again.
The Duck Dynasty crew is making the world a more fashionable place to live, as sixteen-year-old Sadie Robertson (daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson) launches her line of Daddy-approved prom dresses. Cue the jealousy of teenage girls everywhere. Plus, she walked her own runway.
Following the footsteps of her aunt, Missy Robertson, Sadie’s line, Live Original by Sherri Hill, is equal parts modest and stylish. The dresses have a sense of the country charm seen in Missy Robertson for Southern Fashion House, with a wide range of styles from tea-length to princess-y ball gowns, meaning there’s a style for every teenager. See all of the styles here.
Funny enough, I was recently browsing the prom-dress selection with my friend, and we were both quite shocked at how, ahem, mature the dresses seemed. The dresses were slinky—many with deep v-necks, thigh slits, and open backs—or they were so short they’d barely cover your ass. When I graduated, we had to make allowances in our “grand march” for how poofy the dresses were! I'm talking layers and layers and layers of tulle. SO MUCH TULLE.
I think it’s fantastic that the two Robertson gals are promoting modest clothing! Even more fantastic? Sadie Robertson teamed up with her dress designer, Sherri Hill, to donate more than 400 prom dresses to teens in military families.
But, what do you think? Would you want to see your teenage girl go to prom in one of the Live Original styles? Tell me in the comments below!
Want more on teens? Check out this (very accurate) infographic from Jeni Marinucci.
Want more style? Learn why I’ll never trust anyone with my hair again and see what colour makes me blush.
Contrary to what many people think and even expect, I actually dislike shopping for clothing and there are a few items in particular that I cannot stand the search for. They are, in no particular order, bathing suits, bras, and jeans. I’ve managed to find a few ways around this, such as going for a bra fitting and knowing precisely what size I need. This helps me avoid trying them on. With bathing suits, I try to go in flats and a dress so I don’t have sock and waist-band lines in the dressing room (not cute).
But I have hit the jackpot with my jeans purchases.
About eighteen months ago I discovered Gap Premium Denim. Prior to this pivotal moment, I was an American Eagle jeans-wearer. After losing more than 30 pounds, I was really struggling with finding clothes that fit me properly. My AE jeans had never fit really well, but they definitely weren’t doing the trick anymore. Since I had recently picked up a pair of Gap slim-fit black Premium Pants, I decided to give their jeans a try. I left with two pairs of Always Skinny 1969 jeans, and a love affair was born.
Did You Know THIS Is How You're Supposed To Clean Your Jeans?
Since those first two pairs of jeans, I’ve racked up a collection of Gap jeans from their Curvy Boot to their Legging Jeans. For me, personally, there’s something magical about the fit. Because I’m petite, I often find it hard to find pants that fit me well.My only complaint is that I don’t get to wear them often enough because of the dress code at work. And Gap Jeans come in everything from 00 to 18.
After buying those first two pairs of Gap jeans, I have only purchased Gap Denim. And their khakis, too, but that’s another story. Because I know my size and I know their fit, I can avoid dressing rooms at Gap and I’m always confident ordering online. Plus, my eighteen month-old jeans (those Always Skinny jeans below) still look brand spankin' new — and that’s something worth celebrating!
The prices at Gap are easy to swallow, too. With a range of sizes, washes and fits there’s sure to be a pair of Gap denim that you fall in love with.
Here's how I wear mine:
Always Skinny Jean: These are my go-to for date night to grabbing groceries! I wear them with everything from Chuck Taylors to my favourite heels. Here I've paired them with patent pumps and a silky blouse. (These are the original pair!)
Curvy Boot Jean: Another pair of go-to jeans, I always wear my Curvy Boots with wedges to lengthen my leg and everything from tees to button downs, and casual blouse-y tops. Here I'm wearing a half-button front blouse and Toms wedges!
Legging Jean: The ultimate boot-wearing-jean, legging jeans fit like a legging. I like to double roll them with flats for spring, and wear loose and/or boxy blouses to balance the tight leg.
Sexy Boyfriend Jean: The sexy boyfriend jean is made to be effortlessly chic. I pair mine with wedges or heels and the casualest of tops — like this sweatshirt and wedge combo. This pair is one size too big, but they're so comfy I can't give 'em up. Warning: these can look like bad mom pants if the fit is wrong.
I'm not the only one who loves Gap jeans—our editor Ali loves them too!
Spill it: Do you have a go-to denim brand, or do you bounce from brand/store?
Thanks for stopping by! To keep your jeans looking new, try this super-cool cleaning trick! Want more style ideas? Check out my tips for transitioning your winter wardrobe to spring!
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