I’ve been on the hunt for a little while – and granted, typically on the hunt for jeans after eating (like when I was in Chicago recently, digging around for some denim in a dire state after eating deep dish pizza. Really deep dish.)

Here are some of my top thoughts around finding the perfect pair:

Consider your Denim Family.
What else do you have in your wardrobe? How many other pairs are jumping out at you, and how many could you see yourself do away with because they have holes in them, have ratty bottoms, or just really aren’t your cup of tea anymore? Think of the others first – if you have something that can be replaced or complimented, then proceed.

Think about the Height.
How tall are you? What is your exact inseam? Consider these factors before picking up a new pair – last thing you want are dragging hems or ones that make you look like Urkel.

Stitching Matters.
Stitching is everywhere – make sure you’re paying close attention to where and what colour it is. Ever see those cherry or apple bottom jeans? Not pretty. Go for something classic, and if you’re daring then opt for a sharp colour that contrasts against your perfect blues.

Comfort.
Yes, it’s true. Comfort plays a role in everything you do. Can you walk around without the case of the chafs? Can you stretch your legs and do long strides? You don’t need to do lunges, but you should be able to walk around without a waddle. Stretch isn’t so bad to have (lots of denim now has spandex or Lycra). Women’s Jeans from Marisota are an example of comfort – built in comfort stretch waist bands, but with the front of any other jean.

The sit-down test.
You know exactly what I’m talking about. The sit down test is to ensure that you’re not sitting down (especially with a short shirt) and embarrassing yourself. Do it. Try it. And prevent it.

Outlets are Everything.
Premium denim goes on so much sale that it’s upsetting sometimes. Keep an eye out and be willing to dig – those perfect pairs could be half price off.

Wash out colour or colour that washes out?

Washing your denim is important. Turn those suckers inside out when washing if they are known to bleed. And of course, like wash please. No one wants accidental blue dress shirts. No one.

Styles for Miles.
Make sure you can wear all of your jeans out and about. Yes, it’s true that some are meant for casual wear (think flare legs for instance..harder to dress up). But jeans these days are so widespread that it’s a beautiful thing to be able to wear denim from morning until night without too much guilt.

Recycle, reduce, reuse
Sometimes things go out of style then right back in. Hold on to your jeans, and remember – cutoffs are always big in the summertime!

Personalize Them
While it might not be bedazzling that will be your personalized answer…you can add a custom touch to your jeans either through purchasing raw denim (it’s claim to fame is being able to be worn to customize your personal wearing style), perfectly tailoring them, or even bleaching the suckers. Jeans are your own – add a sprinkle of your own touch and keep calm, wear on.

Brilliant denim innovation – Hudson Denim and ISKO collaborate to bring you denim with a new fabric that provides perfect fit and lightness.

HUDSON launched 4 styles in October of 2011 in its four best selling fits:

1. The “Nico” – 5 pocket Midrise Super Skinny
2. The “Christa” – Signature Flap Back Pocket Midrise Flare
3. The “Collin” – Signature Flap Back Pocket Skinny
4. The “Mia” – 5 pocket flare

Preview them in the teaser. Happy denim hunting!

Last week, this downtown girl trekked it all the way up (dramatic, I know) to Yorkville’s TNT Man in Hazelton Lanes. The cause for celebration was the store’s newest addition, PRPS Goods & Co. The brand, which is Japanese denim at its best is spearheaded by Donwan Harrell- the man who brought you Akademiks. This line however is decidedly more sophisticated, sourcing the cotton from Africa and then shipped directly to Japan for it’s unique finishing.

Harrell, himself was incredibly sweet as I complemented him on his rugged and manly approach to design. Even more so, he was engaging when I started talking to him about working in the industry and whether or not I should move to NYC (his answer was a resounding YES!). Overall, I’m digging the brand’s vibe and if luxury denim is your thing, PRPS should most definitely meet your needs.

I’m a fan of folk-y, and when I was invited to the Harry Rosen Underground Sessions event with Cuff the Duke, I gave it a wholehearted YES. Heading there with a male in tow, I enjoyed some sweet sounding tunes up on stage in their basement floor (surrounded with contemporary casual), with a giant feat on Denham jeans. Excited to say that this premium jean maker is on the radar for another feature.

Crafty, crisp, and cultured. While at a less accessible price point, it’s still something to marvel about. Have a look at more at denhamthejeanmaker.com.

I always look to GAP for fashion basics aside from that Canadian grocery-store clothing line. (Let’s face it, the retailer comes out with a colourful array of cotton T-shirts and tanks that fit relatively true to size every year). You simply can’t go wrong with Gap if you’re looking for that bit of casualness without being viewed as a borderline soccer mom. This year, it is no exception. But what caught my eyes from their summer 2011 lookbook was the tinge of chic in some of the outfits that could carry me from sweets at a coffee shop to an epic dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Sign me up for the sheer loose-fitting shirts tucked gently into slim crop pants or tailored shorts. The neutral tones presented in my favourite outfits are completely opposite of the colour blocking trend of the season. That’s more than okay in my book. It can be very refreshing when there’s one less person dressing like they’re trying out for a haute couture photoshoot.

What’s my other favourite outfit? Denim on demin paired with the elastic strap espadrilles that look to have a little bit of denim as well. Triple denim? Oh, you bet! What’s more Canadian than that?