Well, maybe slightly more than a dime. Joe Fresh clothing has long been a staple of grocery store runs, for people who can’t imagine driving to a different place to get eggs and swimsuits. Joe is named for its designer, Mr. Mimran, of Club Monaco fame, and the spouse of Pink Tartan’s designer, Kimberley Newport-Mimran, which makes him one half of a power couple in Canadian fashion. Joe is always doing wearable versions of trends (and basics), cut for people with hips and thighs… and more modest salaries.
Here is my hit list of Summer/Spring items that (for less than $200 total) can work seamlessly into my current wardrobe to amp it up (with comfort as a key criteria).
Paint splattered Boyfriend jeans, for a girl with no boyfriend. Usually, this cut is difficult if you have ample booty and a small waist. You risk having a gap at the back big enough to hid a grapefruit. Not so, here. Plus, they have a bit of stretch. For $39… yes.
Next up, Culottes; the long suffering butt of jokes about skirt-pants. This outmoded item is back and here’s why: it’s SO comfortable, has the cut of a trouser in the hips, pockets!, none of the thigh-rubbing of skirts and can be worn high with a crop top or something tucked in… or low and casual. I got these (now sold out) $29 babies in navy and moss green. The fact that it’s sold OUT means I’m not alone in embracing this trend.
I wouldn’t style them like this. But, with a breezy printed top, Breton stripes, a nautical tank, tied sleeveless button-up, these could be a wear 6 days in a row summer suitcase MUST that is lighter than jeans and more interesting than yoga pants. Yup. Extra cute with wedges, or heels, or flip flops… or sneakers.
This lace tee is the closest I could find to the daisy print, white tee with sheer and opaque patterning that I picked up (partly because I succumbed to the $16 price tag, and partly because it would be so cute layered over a black mini dress with a baseball cap, or in an all-white ensemble as a layer. Sold Out already – a clear marker of fast fashion.
Cutest retro bikini.
Lemon and orange print, bra top and high waisted bottom. This one is a winner.
It’s hard not to indulge when all these items (plus some sleep shorts) can be scooped up for less than what some (some meaning ‘not me’) people pay for a pair of jeans.
I took a break from Joe Fresh following the tragic (seriously) events involving the collapse of their overseas factory, which killed and injured workers; the company has really put time and effort into renewing their commitment to ensuring that their facilities worldwide adhere to Canada’s standards for standards for workers (health and safety), as well as human rights, and that keeps me feeling peaceful about supporting their company with my shopping dollar.
They seem to be back on the up and up. So, next time you need some ice cream, pick up a pair of jeans, and some culottes, too.
StyleSaVie 