Wednesday, September 29, 2010

You Can Ring My Bell (Bottoms)

When I think of bell bottoms my mind immediately fills with images of Farrah Fawcett in a form fitting track jacket a little more than half-zipped up and slightly high-waisted bell bottom denim with cute sneakers peeking out from beneath.  Suddenly a new image pops up with her in a blousy peasant top tucked into the waist of her bell bottoms - I can't see her shoes because the bells cover them perfectly but I sense they are wedges.  Then I'm blinded by her amazing feathered hair and bright contagious smile and I'm back in Charlie's Angels land...sigh.

But back to this post.

I'm a huge fan of bell bottoms - they take me back to my wee days when my way older and very fashionable teenage cousins were prancing around with the extreme bells and patchwork suede bags, while posters of the Bay City Rollers took up every square inch of their bedroom walls.  *I was "allowed" in those sacred places if I didn't touch too much or tell my mom anything I overheard, and they would paint my finger nails and give me their leftover junk to take home which was well-worth the rules!*  For months I have had been waiting to find just the right pair for me.  J Brand's Lovestory bell bottoms called out, but upon closer examination I didn't love the wide hem at bottom.  One day before wallet restriction set in I strolled into my neighborhood Gap and stumbled upon their Vintage Flare Jeans.  My trip to the fitting room was filled with jumping up and down and maybe a shriek or two because they are made from a super soft denim with just the right amount of stretch, have a normal hem at bottom and fit perfectly - snug in the leg to the knee and then moving into a nice bell landing just over my shoes at bottom allowing for the perfect bit of swish when I walk on by!

Despite the fact that it was 108 degrees at noon this past Sunday, we opted to go ahead with these outfit pictures.  Hence no necklace or bangles because they may have melted right onto my skin.  It was insanity!

I had fully intended to wear the jeans with my own track jacket
and sneakers, but 100+ temps = no dice.
Instead I opted for this peasant inspired linen tank. The print on
the top coupled with it's billowy flow gave it just the
right amount of boho-chic.
My cousin's patchwork suede hand-me-down bag is long gone.
aka massive loss.  (moment of silence please *sniff*)
Instead let's focus on how the denim fits snugly to the knee 
before flaring over the shoe.
Here's a close-up.  When I walk the denim maintains the perfect length
showing just a hint of, in this case, my cloxfords (previously seen here).
This gives another example of the leg of the denim which easily
rests just over the tip of the shoe in ultimate bell bottom perfection.
These jeans are not high-waisted, but still maintain the overall 
effect.  That being said, it would be great to find
a vintage pair that could showcase a high waist and a crazy belt 
with a flowy top tucked in.  Le dream!

How about you ladies?  Are you a fan of the bell bottom or are some things better left in the past?

Outfit details:  Free People - Linen Tank/Blouse, Gap - Denim, Steve Madden - Cloxfords, Foley + Corinna - handbag, Target - Sunnies, Green Ring - Nordstrom

66 comments:

Barbara von Enger said...

Nice trousers and clogs. The bag and blouse are very pretty too. Still searching for the'Perfect' bell-bottom trousers. XX

Anonymous said...

That is true dedication... putting on jeans in 108 degree weather! The problem I have with flare, bell bottom, etc. is that they are always too long.. I'm 5'5 for crying out loud... who are they making these pants for Shaq? Anywho, I find that if I stick w/ skinny or straight they are better. You pull off this look amazingly though! xo

this free bird said...

Debby here's the miracle of these pants...no alterations necessary and I'm 5'3''. I always need to get pants hemmed and it ruins the bell, but this time - nope!! Perfection from the jump!

Diana Mieczan said...

I am a tall girl and I love bell bottom jeans...I got a pair about 10 years ago and I still wear them...They rock!! You look amazing in them!

Kisses,sweetie

Ps: I will be hosting a lovely GIVEAWAY in a little bit… so please join in !!!!

Collette Osuna said...

Bell bottom lover here:) Yours are gorgeous....I just told my daughter that we have to go to the Gap...havent been there in ages....

Enter my F21 Giftcard Giveaway!!
Statements in Fashion Blog

Unknown said...

LOVE them!!!!

You look fabulous - and I love those Cloxfords!!! Just followed your links and they are on sale...eeeepp!!

Love the way the jeans sit over your heels....FAB!!

J. said...

I still have my flares for whenever skinny jeans go back out of style! Although I'm not sure what I'm going to do with 2000000 pairs of skinny jeans when that day comes.

http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

Leia said...

I actually really like bell bottoms! You look great. And only 108º? Seems like it's dropped 200º since yesterday, you should be putting on your sweaters! HA. Sorryyyy <3

Leia

Anonymous said...

Loving them! Yours look amazing.

Lilacandgrey said...

I have a pair of True Religion ones, but I haven't worn them in years...I usually just grab and wear all my skinnys...

Chas said...

I love bell bottoms and flare jeans, I'm glad they're back in style this fall! Yours look great, especially with your clogs!

Closet Fashionista said...

Oooh yes! Those are great! And haha, I was right in the middle of all my cousins in age, so they let me hang with them. And I'm older than all my cousins on my Dad's side so they are the ones that can come in my room if they don't break stuff ;)
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Emilie Delance said...

I love bell bottoms pants! And you look very pretty in them :D Love the top too ^_^

Lisa Griffin said...

Ohh i would love to find some bell bottoms with a high waist. i've been a devotee to skinny jeans for a few seasons but maybe its time to mix it up. i have giraffe length legs though so the hunt is on!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Purses Pastries Etc... said...

I can't believe this is your post today... I just discovered an amazing pair of jeans in my own neighborhood Gap and am wearing them in my post today too!! What are the chances?? Mine are just a lighter wash than yours. I'm a first time visitor to your blog and, needless to say, I'm following you now; care to come visit and follow too? ;)

Lisa Griffin said...

DANG IT! i can't believe i missed the bun post yesterday when i specifically asked for it and could have DEFINITELY used it this morning, thanks soo much for answering my pleee and i will be calling if i fail! hahaha
www.indramaticfashion.com

justagirlLaura said...

You look wonderful in these! Bell Bottoms aren't really my aesthetic, but they sure do look good on you!

Anonymous said...

I am a fan. I love GAP. All my cousins we older boys so I was introduced to heavy metal, the strobe light and drinking beer upside down by them when I was 14. Such fun days!

OneCraftyFox said...

I love bell bottoms too and I very sadly said goodbye to a pair last week that had seen better days. The good news is, I get to go find a replacement, lol!

You look great in your bells, and that top is pretty too. I wake up with Farrah Fawcett hair every morning.

I am having an interactive "Style Me Pretty" blog giveaway... I would love it if you joined!

Unknown said...

bell bottoms perfectly compliment your style! they look fantastic on you. i haven't worn them in awhile but i'm starting to ease back into wide leg jeans....baby steps, Carrie!

xx anna jane

LyddieGal said...

I think bellbottoms still have their place in the fashion world, and I like your updated choice.

I hate it when I get rid of something only to regret it years later (and I wonder why I have so much clutter)
(and I'm STILL needing that closet purge)
But anyway, you rock the bellbottoms and they will be great this fall!

Daniela said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Daniela said...

After the skinny jean was created, I don't look at much else but them. Our relationship doesn't allow for it.

What I'm really loving though is that bag!!!! I want it!

Nikki said...

I am LOVING these.
For me, the most important part of bell bottoms is the length and these look like perfection. They show just the right amount of shoe. great find!




xx
Nikki

Dawn said...

YOU look amazing in those Bell Bottoms:)
Me...I seem a bit too short and just end up looking like a bell:(
One day I may find the magic pair.....

Brianna said...

I love bell bottoms and I'm glad they and other wider legged pants are becoming a little more popular again (love skinnies but I'm getting a tad sick of them). You look adorable! :)

Cafe Fashionista said...

Gah! Seriously Carrie why must you always look so amazing? Bell bottoms! I love! And that bag! And your shoes! And that blouse! You completely look like you could be headed to Woodstock in this ensemble - love it times infinity!! :)

PhotoPuddle said...

I rather like them too! And they looks fantastic on you.

Unknown said...

i AM a bell bottoms girl too! - love love love all of mine - u look great

i got the Foley bag too - but mine is the tie-dye one :o)

PS - pass on the GIVE-AWAY - $45 worth of goodness waiting for someone!

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Lila said...

completely a fan. I have not worn for quite awhile cuz I think you have to have a certain body for them, uh like yours!

My mom use to have a farrah wig. Great memories. Did I tell you I am half asian....you get the pictures! haha

Laura said...

SUPER CUTE!!! :) I love the belllls! too bad they are not "cool" here in sweden.. or europe for that matter.. tight and skinny.. oh well :) that's why i have home to come back to and sport them!! xoxoxo thanks for the bday wishes <3

Josie said...

Um, hello, adorable. First of all, Carrie, we are going to hang out and watch TV for like a week straight because our taste in shows (Felicity and Charlie's Angels) is clearly flawless. Anyway, these darling jeans are the perfect length to show off just a bit of shoe and naturally I'm obsessed with the bag!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Valerie said...

Carrie, these are absolute denim perfection. Amazing that you found them at Gap! I'm definitely going there to check them out this weekend. Wait, I temporarily forgot about wallet restriction. Ugh. Also, I got an e-mail about Friends and Family at Bloomingdales and I'm wondering if a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag would be an exception from my "no shopping" thing. I'll keep you posted. Your fabulous bag in these photos is only fueling my fire for a new bag.

xo
Valerie

bananas. said...

i'm a fan! this is exactly why i still have all my old flare jeans. my only thing...they can't be too flared. i'm a shorty and sometimes too much flare makes me look stumpy.

xoxoFashionLady said...

Love your bag!

Alicia Lund said...

I've always been a fan of bell bottoms! And I also want a high waisted pair to wear with a flowy top for a little hippy-esque vibe! :)

Sarah said...

I'm totally diggin the bell bottoms. Farrah would approve.

http://wearingitonmysleeves.blogspot.com

Laura said...

Ahh bell bottoms! I love them they look fantastic! And you make me want a pair!

L x
Half Dressed

Marie a la Mode said...

You are bell-bottom delicious! I love those pants and I am a HUGE fan of any sort of wide legged pant. I would wear them every day if I could! I love your boho-inspired top as well!

Nell said...

Uber cool. Seriously! xx

DolceDreams said...

Yes yes!! Much better than the skinny leg look, which only works if you are skinny and over 5'8"...
Nathalie

fashion clocked said...

Hey beauty arghhhh i love this post this is awesome and they fit you so so well! I cant tell you how desperate i am for a pair, and also those Charlie angel farah fawcett images never get tired! Just gutted how I gave an awesome pair I had from seven for all manking to charity..... why? I will never know! They were perfect... and the 26 waist made me feel good too- fingers crossed ill find some more. Until then I will drool over you styling yours!Katie. xx
would love you to call by fashion clocked

Natalie said...

Love that top!

20 YORK STREET said...

Not that I'm anti-skinny jeans.. they don't fit me! ha ha.. but love bell-bottoms!

Why? Just look at your photos! =)

besos,

ML
20 YORK STREET

PursuitOfLLT said...

love it! the free people top is the perfect compliment to the jeans!

Ms. Emmy N said...

Gap really has such great quality denim, and I have always loved bell bottoms, they remind me of penny lane in Almost famous, with her wavy hair and faux fur jackets, ahh... and the fit is quite flattering! Boho chic totally works for you my dear

Cool Gal said...

The look fabulous on you! Me, I don't think I could pull it off. Sure does bring back a flood of memories, though. Something I've been into a lot lately! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Victoria said...

You look gorgeous and those jeans are perfect on you, bell bottoms/flares don't really suit me because I'm too short :( but they look fab on you! :)

I'm holding a giveaway on my blog, make sure you check it out if you haven't already http://my-favourite-fashion.blogspot.com/

Have a great week! xxx

k said...

Hmmmm....I don't know about them - but you rock them! I can't believe how hot it is there, I'm majorally jealous and I know that sounds weird but I could use some beach days and I didn't get to wear my cool shorts enough :(

Liz said...

Loving your outfit today. I'm going to have to check out these bell bottoms. It's a nice break from the skinny jeans we've been seeing so much of.

Marcie said...

Hello skinny minnie!!

I am so glad BB are making a comeback. They are awesome.

How are you doing w/ the heat?
xo M

Rissy said...

love love love love... yep that is for every piece of the ensemble!

Ditchthetrend.com said...

luv the flared pants they are gorgeous on you :)

ditchthetrend.com

Taylor said...

Cute bell bottoms! So glad to see them again, especially you looking all cute! I love the shoes, too (saw them peeking out a bit!) Have a great day!

Claire Kiefer said...

I am so not a jeans person, but if I were, I'd definitely go for the bell bottoms. Not only are they so sweetly nostalgic, but I think they're flattering, too! That is probably irrelevant for skinny-thighed girls such as yourself, but for those of us with honkers up top (all the women in my family were CURSED with these . . . THIGHS! haha), it's very important!

A Crimson Kiss said...

I'm going to level with you-I was not sure how I felt about this as I started reading. But then I saw those AMAZING jeans! They're seriously perfect: sexy and retro without being kitchy. No wonder you shrieked!

Jess said...

Definitely a fan. I actually wore a pair today!!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I adore bell bottoms! I think they look better on me than the skinny jean. Your jeans, the top, the shoes, the bag...your hair...looks GREAT :)

Jodi said...

S A T U R D A Y NIGHT.. saturday night, saturday night...

oh man I remember our babysitter listening to the bay city rollers... tooo funny, they were so IN!!! hilarious.
AND great top by the way :)
j

the chirpy bird said...

Oh yes love!!! Fabulous bell bottoms lovely! And yes, this heat is stupid!
xo tash

Joyti said...

I think bell bottoms are lovely.
I have a pair of high-waisted, trouser-legged demin that's very similar, but just a bit more dressy...

original seed said...

killer flares

STYLE'N said...

hmm..I used to wear them a lot and I am seeing them again everywhere. If I found the right pair I would wear them. You look fab in them!!

Jessica said...

They look amazing on you! I bought a pair of trousers from loft but haven't made the plunge for full-on bell bottoms. I think it's time!

DT ~ RDH said...

I LOVE this outfit. Love love love!!
Farrah would be so very very proud. xo

Anonymous said...

i soooo love your bellbottoms! its so nice

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