TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Jeans

The denim market has been flooded in the last 10 years. While Levi's still holds its role as mascot of the denim industry and luxury designers continue to produce overpriced denim offerings, "Premium jean" (jeans priced at above $100) startups, such as 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Ernest Sewn to name a few, have infiltrated the market with niche styles and high fashion connections, and emerged with huge profits and expansion in the way of additional categories beyond denim that have allowed them to become powerful lifestyle brands.

7 For All Mankind is a great example. Started in 2002 in Los Angeles, their sales quickly climbed to $13 million dollars in their first year through both celebrity and media endorsements. Over the years, they have seen their offerings expand to product categories including women's, men's, and kid's sportswear, handbags, and footwear. A trip to Bloomingdales' No. 59 Metro is sure to convince you of both their denim domination as well as their growing sportswear and accessory presence.

For more aspirational brands like Gucci, Prada, and Armani, jeans have become an introductory item that serve to allow the consumer to feel a part of a larger luxury world while giving the brand the opportunity to splash their label and logo all over the behinds of their customers, effectively making them walking advertisements.

There has also been a demand for better quality, design, and materials in denim, prompting an increase in prices. While there are those denim devotees out there that are willing to spend upwards of $800 on a pair of jeans (coughBALMAINcough), I believe that it is entirely possible to find a great pair with an excellent fit and superior dye for anywhere from $40.

Below, I have assembled a collection of my four favorite pairs (dark and slim, just how I like em'). Personally, I would never spend more than $250 on denim, so you won't see any of those "hand ripped" or "limited edition dye" pairs here. That said, I am fully aware that $250 is a large sum to spend on a garment that has its roots in durable workwear, so I have a range. In addition, I follow a strict "no branding" policy (the less labels and logos the better), so all pairs depicted have little to none of it.

Of course, if you guys have an horror stories, suggestions, comments, or questions, let me know. I own a pair of each of these, so I would be happy to address any concerns.

Vince Slim Leg Jeans - $195 (on sale for $117!)

Pro: Super comfortable, excellent fit, and no branding whatsoever

Con: Doesn't take wear too well (rips and holes will ensure with a few weeks of wear), and the price...

7 For All Mankind "Slimmy" Jean - $159

Pro: Comfort and durability

Con: Branding and minimal fading

J. Crew 484 Slim Jean - $98

Pro: Cheap, great fit, and no branding

Con: A little uncomfortable, but I'm sure they will break in with time

Levi's 510 Super Skinny Jean - $54

Pro: SUPER cheap and great fit

Con: Comfort is an issue and there is the classic Levi's swoosh and red tab on the back pockets

BRAND PROFILE - Acne

A new (and exciting!) category is making its debut on Natty NYC: Brand Profiles. From now on, I'll be picking my favorite brands and profiling them for you guys, as well as choosing a few of my favorite items and sharing them with you. In honor of their new store opening in London, I decided to dedicate the first post to one of my favorite brands: Acne. I know the joke has been made about the unfortunate name, but don't let that turn you off, because if you do, each season you'll be missing out on an amazing collection of garments that offer incredibly designed and constructed basics, as well as more avant-garde pieces.

If you are unfamiliar with the brand, start with a quick peruse of their online store. It's one of my favorite, not just because of all of the fashion porn on display, but because they truly upload every single piece that is produced. Doesn't it bother you when you see something in an ad or a magazine, and the brand doesn't have it listed on their e-commerce site, even though they clearly sell it? Well it bothers me, and this is just another reason why I love Acne: you see it, they got it. Online. Every time.

Next, lets talk about the clothes. Oh the clothes! They really speak for themselves. Classic pieces reworked with clever details, features, and fabrics, all incredibly comfortable with a modern fit. Examples: A perfecto leather jacket lined with thick shearling, a grey cardigan with fingerless clove inserts, and high-top moccasins with leather panels meant to look like metal plating. Apart from these, there are simple chinos, sweatshirts, turtlenecks, blazers, and tees that would be great additions to any man's wardrobe.

And then there are the jeans. Originally, Acne got its name for their denim, and looking at their selection, it's certainly not hard to see why. There are a variety of interesting washes in addition to the everyday blue, black, white, and grey offerings, as well as a collection of fits.

I know the price point may seem a little "exclusive," but I really believe that the design and construction of these garments makes them worth every penny. So head down to their location on Greene St. in New York and check out the new collection. Below, find a couple of my favorite looks for fall/winter and some shots of their new store, curtesy of Susie Bubble.







Sources: Style Bubble, Acne Studios

SAVE - Cheap Monday Jeans - $65

Obviously a save; "cheap" is in their name! These Cheap Monday jeans are the perfect wash for summer, and their roughed up, dirt covered look gives them edge. Save.

Find the here.