Sexiest Top I Own

This month I've been fortunate in having many opportunities to dress up and go out to holiday parties and small gatherings.  I love the opportunities to wear nicer clothes any chance I can get, but last week I think we had three nights of going out.  It was a bit much and caused me to be extra tired, but it was all fun.  I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I wore this outfit twice within the last couple of weeks.  I wore it once out on a double-date, and once to my son's playgroup's annual holiday moms' dinner.  That made sense, right?!?  This is my extra-special, very precious, oh-so-very-feminine and I'd say the sexiest top I own. I cannot begin to tell you how feminine I feel in this top.  It is my favorite piece right now, and I hope to get the chance to wear it again soon.

Unfortunately, the flash was a bit too bright here.  The top does have a nude color lining, but in person the top is darker.  The skirt and tights are darker black.  This photo makes them look gray.  I really should redo these photos.

 

This top has hidden button closures and little dainty satin tie ribbons.  It's kind of like a corset look. 

 With my trench.  

I usually don't wear so much black, but I asked for advice from my favorite salesperson at Nordstrom about what to wear with this top.  She said with all the lace and ribbon details, I need to let the top be the star of the outfit.  She suggested a black pencil skirt would look best.   She also suggested I wear earrings in a champagne color to compliment the nude lining, but I found these really nice coppery ones which I thought would work just as well as champagne.  Plus, I couldn't really find any champagne colored earrings at that given moment in which I needed them. 

Sexiest Top I Own

Nanette Lepore 'Rich Bouquet' lace top, black - shopbop.com

Nanette Lepore 'Annina' pencil skirt, black - ruelala.com

Kenneth Cole REACTION sateen trench, Cardinal Red - ebay.com

Givenchy 'Salt' Glass Pearl Linear earrings, Espresso Pearl/ Smoky Quartz - Nordstrom

Kenneth Cole NY 'High Polish' clutch, black patent - Nordstrom

Cole Haan opaque tights, black - colehaan.com

Cole Haan 'Air Talia' Pump, black suede - zappos.com

Couples' Night Out

Last night I wore this knit dress to my MOMS Club annual couples' night out.  I am so in love with this designer, Nanette Lepore.  I find her designs a bit fashion forward and girly, but not too over-the-top.  I scored big time with this dress at 70% off.  Not kidding.  70% off.  It took some work asking for price matching, but it was worth it.  I was practically hyperventilating when I realized I was getting 70% off on a beautiful Nanette Lepore piece.

I like how my red earring is showing up extra sparkly here.

MOMs Club Annual Couples' Night Outfit

Nanette Lepore 'Moonlit' knit dress, black/grey combo - bloomingdales.com
Cole Haan 'Air Talia' pump, black suede - zappos.com
Cole Haan opaque tights, black - colehaan.com
Kenneth Cole NY 'High Polish' clutch, black patent - Nordstrom

To keep warm while outside in our cold 36ºF night weather I wore my usual red trench, but I didn't want to take the time to get photographed with it on.  

Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles, silver - Nordstrom Trend Accessories Dept.

Sorrelli 'Rare Jewels' black/red/hematite stones earrings - Nordstrom Rack

Here are the earrings close up.  It's not the best photo, but you get the idea of what they look like.  These were a Nordstrom Exclusive two years ago and were never on their website.

Instead of an LBD, I'll take a LND

This dress I recently wore to a friend's 40th birthday party.  I also wore this same dress in Chicago on one of our nights out without the kids, but I forgot to get photographed.  I can't find an LBD right now in my new size that I like, so I'm happy with my navy dress instead.  I think I like navy on me better than black anyway!

Friend's 40th Birthday Party Outfit- LND instead of LBD

Anrthropologie 'Whirligig' Dress, Navy - Anthropologie
Cole Haan opaque tights, black - colehaan.com
Cole Haan 'Markesa' boots, black - colehaan.com
Calvin Klein framed sequin clutch, coral - zappos.com 
Nordstrom 'Neo Geometric' Triple Drop Link Earrings, Shiny Rose Gold - nordstrom.com
Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles, silver - Nordstrom Trend Accessories Dept.

"Blue Man Group" Outfit

The following outfit I wore to see the "Blue Man Group" with my family a few  weeks ago.

Blue Man Group Outfit

Nanette Lepore 'Shining' skirt, grey - bloomingdales.com
Halogen cardigan, Navy Peacoat- nordstrom.com
Hinge cami, black - nordstrom.com
DKNY opaque tights, black - nordstrom.com
Cole Haan 'Justine Air' boots, Woodbury - colehaan.com
Perlina croc handbag, teal - Nordstrom
Lauren Jeans Co. Jacket 'Tamara Classic Fit Denim' - Nolita Wash, macys.com
Lauren by Ralph Lauren woven leather belt, brown - Macy's
Nordstrom 'Neo Geometric' Triple Drop Link Earrings, Shiny Rose Gold - nordstrom.com


Notes on the above outfit:  I'm sad that this fabulously dark and classic denim jacket is too big on me.  I need one size down.  I can't seem to find it or anything like it.  I bought it two years ago, and all the denim jackets I'm seeing today have that awful bleached and torn look.  I'm also sad about the woven belt.  It's really too big for me now, and I don't think I'll wear it again.

Book Club November (I'm a tad behind)

I've had several outfits photographed just no time to post lately!  I've been playing 'family stylist' for my mom and sister the last few weeks for an upcoming family event in January.  It's been crazy busy with the shopping and returning.  One of the online orders was lost due to the fault of UPS delivering to the WRONG house, and it's been totally crazy dealing with this.  Luckily the package has been found.  THANKFULLY my sister's neighbor brought it to her two days after the scheduled delivery. 

This outfit I wore to Book Club for November, which sadly I did not even finish The Great Gatsby, but I don't like to miss Book Club.  I love the opportunity to get dressed for a party!  I'll need to finish that book eventually.  Big thanks to KM for using your iPhone to take this photo.

November Book Club Outfit

Caslon long-sleeve crewneck tee, Yellow Raisin - nordstrom.com
Nanette Lepore 'Shining' skirt, grey - bloomingdales.com (click link to see pretty pleating detail up close)
Nordstrom opaque tights, charcoal - nordstrom.com
Cole Haan 'Air Violet', Dark Grey - nordstrom.com
kate spade 'Keswick Caning' necklace - black, cream, gold - kate spade

My First Official 5K Race

Thanksgiving Day I ran my first official 5K race, the Turkey Trot in Dana Point.  I'm so excited I beat my goal time.  It was a gray, cloudy day, but thankfully it did not rain.  It was supposed to rain that day.  I've been training for this race since May when I began eating healthier.  (Thanks to Oprah & Bob Greene for the inspiration!)  The free training program I used is Couch to 5K, and it has changed my life.   

What makes this training program so doable for non-experienced runners is that it alternates walking and running for the first six weeks.  The first week you walk 90 seconds and alternate running for 60 seconds for 20 minutes with the first and last 5 minutes are walking.  This will ease you into running without feeling too exhausted.  The second week the running is increased by 30 seconds.  It is so doable.  I'm serious, anyone can do this.  I used to hate running, but now I love it and can't wait to do it.  There is even an iPhone app for C25K, which makes it even easier since the voice tells you when to walk and when to run.  It also lets you play music at the same time.  It is AWESOME!  Thanks Big Sis for telling me about C25K! 

Approaching the finish line.  I'm number 5911.

With my Turkey Trot medal. 

Turkey Trot 5K Race Outfit

Nike v-neck stretch tee, white - Big 5 Sporting Goods

Nike nylon capri, black - Big 5 Sporting Goods (capris look awful on me because I'm short, but I get too hot in long running pants.  Don't yell at me, Clinton!)

Nike 'Pegasus+ 28', Grey Anthracite/ Orange - Nordstrom (of course I have a POP of color when I run!  Clinton, are you proud of me?)

Zella 'Fitness' tab socks, white - nordstrom.com

sunhat, cream - Sheraton hotel gift shop Big Island, HI

Last Week

I wore this to my dad's birthday lunch last weekend at my new favorite restaurant in South Coast Plaza, Seasons 52.  We finally got an SLR camera and it focuses really well.  Yay!  Oh, and I got my hair chopped a few of weeks ago.  At first I wasn't so sure how I liked it, but now I realize how much easier it is to deal with at this shorter length.  I am liking it very much.  I definitely needed a change.  The colors in this photo are really bright compared to the second one.  My husband was playing around with the brightness and made my sweater really pop.

My husband really likes this photo because the wind suddenly started blowing like crazy.  I don't like that my belt got messed up in the photo, but I think I like the wind-blown hair look, too. 

Dad's B-day Lunch With New Haircut

Charter Club V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, Jewel Blue - macys.com

7 For All Mankind Bootcut Mid-Rise jeans, Rinse Wash - amazon.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors reversible metallic belt, silver- nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Markesa' knee high boot, black - colehaan.com

kate spade 'Bixby' framed handbag, black - katespade.com

Nordstrom Crystal Collection Bezel Chandelier earrings, clear silver - Nordstrom

Moms' Night Out

Last Thursday night I attended my mommy group's moms' night out to K'ya Restaurant at La Casa Del Camino Hotel in Laguna Beach. 

Moms' Night Out Outfit:

BCBGMaxazria 'Colorblock Ponte Knit Sheath' dress, Pewter Combo - nordstrom.com

Kenneth Cole Reaction sateen trench, Cardinal Red - Ebay.com

DKNY opaque tights, black - nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Markesa Air Boot 85', black - colehaan.com

Tasha Multi-Chain long necklace, Antique Silver - nordstrom.com

kate spade 'Bixby' framed handbag, black - katespade.com

Halloween 2011

I'm a little late here discussing Halloween costumes but better late than never, right?  My husband and I dressed as a plug and socket for two Halloween parties this year. One of the parties we won for "Funniest":

Another party I dressed as "Coach Sue Sylvester" from "Glee":

Firebrand Media Fashion Show

Last Friday night I had the incredible opportunity to attend a fashion show hosted by Firebrand Media which is the company that runs Laguna Beach Magazine and Newport Beach Magazine.  The proceeds from the silent auction went to SchoolPower, a non-profit education foundation to benefit Laguna Beach public schools.  The runway show featured fashions from La Perla, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Mikimoto retailers of South Coast Plaza.  The runway show was absolutely amazing!!

Style Underdog picked out this navy sequins dress for me for our Blogger Meetup in Las Vegas last March.  I love this dress so much, I absolutely fell in love with the navy color.  I wish this dress were about two inches longer though, then I could do without the leggings.  I really, really wish I did not have to wear them, but I am uncomfortable with how short it is.

Fashion Show Outfit

I•N•C International Concepts 'Vintage Glamour' sequin crewneck dress, navy - Macy's

Nordstrom leggings, black - nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Air Carma' OT pump, black patent - Nordstrom

Calvin Klein frame clutch, coral - zappos.com

Natasha 'Barrie' bangles, silver - Nordstrom Trend Accessories Dept

Natasha drop hoop earrings, silver - Nordstrom Trend Accessories Dept

My dear friend A and I in the lobby after the show.   Her husband picked out this beautiful top.  Isn't it amazing?  I love this top on A.

A's Fashion Show Outfit:

Mark + James (Badgley Mischka) sequin asymmetrical tunic blouse, silver/gray - Nieman Marcus

Hue leggings, black - Marshall's

Jessica Simpson 'Milana' peep-toe pumps, black patent – Nordstrom

Nordstrom Crystal Collection earrings, silver - Nordstrom

Nadri bangle bracelet, silver – Nordstrom

 

Chicago Trip

School started for the boys and things have been so busy.  Much too busy to even think about trying to get photographed.... sheesh!  It's been way too long since I've last posted.  I've been wanting to share my photos of what I wore on our trip to Chicago at the end of August.  We decided to visit Chicago to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.  I couldn't get us a non-stop flight out of Orange County using miles for the week of our official anniversary, so I made the sacrifice of not being there on our actual anniversary and booked for the following week.  It actually worked out very well.  We celebrated on our real anniversary the previous week by staying at a hotel for a night locally, and then we had the following week to look forward for our eight day trip to Chicago.  Here are some of the outfits I wore.

Hotel Lobby Outfit:

ECI 'Paper Lace' blouse, Lavender - Nordstrom

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'City Shorts', White - Nordstrom Rack

Lauren Jeans Co. 'Tamara Classic' denim jacket, Nolita Wash - Macys.com

Tory Burch 'Reva' flat, Metallic Silver - Nordstrom

Alfani two-toned cuff bracelet, hematite & silver - Macy's

Enjoying a "Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No fries, Chips! No Pepsi, Coke!" at the Billy Goat Tavern.  The classic SNL sketch was based on this restaurant.

 I wish I would have remembered to get a better shot of me in this navy draped dress I wore on the first of our two nights out without the kids.  We went to dinner at a very old school Chicago steakhouse with my husband's clients who live in Chicago during the summers.  Below is the stock photo of the dress.  I wore it with clear & silver chandelier earrings and copper croc pumps.  A lot of booze here at this table!  I was the wimpy one here and wanted the Baileys.

 Anrthropologie 'Whirligig' Dress, Navy - Anthropologie

Me and my boys in front of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Hyde Park.

Robie House Outfit:

True Grit contrast panel button-down shirt, Mint Green - Nordstrom

Not Your Daughter's Jeans denim bermuda, Resin Wash - nordstrom.com

Söfft 'Montera' Sandal, Patent Brown - nordstrom.com 

Argento Vivo 'Teardrop Dome Lace' Earrings, Silver - nordstrom.com

Probably my favorite outfit of the trip.  Hotel bathrobes for the entire family!  SO nice and cozy.

Frank Lloyd Wright House & Studio in Oak Park Outfit:

INC crinkle skirt, Gray - Macy's

Shimera horizontal striped tank, Gray & White - nordstrom.com

Lauren Jeans Co. denim jacket, Nolita Wash - macys.com

Cole Haan 'Air Olivia', Golden Yellow Snake Print - ruelala.com

Nordstrom crinkle leather handbag, khaki - nordstrom.com

Second date night out, again I didn't get properly photographed.  I wore this dress the previous week for our official tenth anniversary night out.

Shockingly, my husband agreed to go with me to Harpo just so I could stand in front of the studio and have myself photographed in front of the building. 


No Oprah Winfrey Show for me.  I was three months too late.  The last show taped in May, I showed up in August.

No Oprah Winfrey Show Outfit, Our Last Day in Chicago:

Filtre tee w/ navy & gray twist embroidery, Lavender - Nordstrom

Shimera tank, White - nordstrom.com

7 For All Mankind Mid Rise Bootcut jeans, Rinse Wash - Macy's

Land's End rain jacket, yellow - Land's End @Sears

Bo'em 'Adelle' sandal, Silver - nordstrom.com

10th Wedding Anniversary

On August 18 we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary by staying in a hotel in Newport.  We got a pretty good deal on the room through priceline.com.  I emailed the hotel telling them it was our tenth anniversary, and they kindly upgraded our room to a jr. suite.  The room was quite spacious and it had a very nice balcony.  This is what I wore for our dinner out at Bistango in Irvine.  The food at this place is soooooooo goooooooood.

The hem of this dress falls below the knee, and Clinton Kelly has advised against this length.  He has said before if the hem falls below the knee it can make you look matronly.  But this style the tiers seem to make it flowy and nice.  I think this length just works fine with this dress.  I'm going to have to go against Clinton's advice with this one.  You can't see the tiers very well because of the shadows.  Here is a link to the dress online.  I also wore my denim jacket to keep warm, but I do not have a photo with the jacket. 

My husband and I after we stuffed our faces with dessert.  Unfortunately, the server did not focus very well, and this is the only photo we have of us together on our tenth anniversary.   This is the same restaurant we went to for dinner just after our engagement back in 2000. 

10th Anniversary Outfit

RACHEL Rachel Roy 'Devi' strapless belted tiered dress, black - macys.com

Söfft 'Monterra' Sandal, brown - nordstrom.com

Nadri 'Hammered Pavé' Circle Pendant Necklace, rose gold - nordstrom.com

kate spade 'keswick caning' bracelet, black/gold/cream - kate spade (gift)

The next day we went to Sherman Library & Gardens in Newport for a lovely stroll and a drink.  This colorblock tank dress was a bit summery for our non-summery weather that day.  Covering up was a must.  The arm holes of the tank drop really low which requires a tank to be worn underneath.  I think the denim jacket makes the look more age appropriate for me.  I really love the colorblocking, so I had to make this dress work.  Here's the link to the dress so you can see what it looks like without a tank underneath.  I'm not sure how long this link will be available, it's at the Nordstrom Rack price and almost sold out.

Day After 10th Anniversary Outfit

Stem Colorblock Tank Dress w/ tie waist, Frost/Berry Nectar/Berry - nordstrom.com

Shimera tank, white - nordstrom.com

Lauren Jeans Co. Denim Jacket, Nolita Wash - macys.com

Söfft 'Monterra' Sandal, brown - nordstrom.com

Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Lake Tahoe' double drop two-tone earrings, silver & gold - nordstrom.com 

Me & The World Trade Center - 1989

New York City is a very special place to me.  When I was little I used to dream about visiting there someday.  My mom is from Brooklyn, so I have a connection to New York.  This post is to remember the terrible tragedy of September 11, 2001 by sharing with you my photos of the building and the views from the observation deck back in June 1989 during my first visit to New York City.

My favorite part of the trip was visiting the World Trade Center.  These were my favorite buildings ever and I couldn't wait to go see them in person and enjoy the amazing views.

The following photos were taken on a very hazy, unclear, hot, humid day in July of 1989.  I was 20 years old.

Here I am with my mom.  I'm dressed in my favorite peach romper and matching peach hair scrunchy (it was definitely okay to wear scrunchies in 1989!) with the World Trade Center in the hazy background.

One of the towers, standing as close as I could get to include as much as I could of the tower.

View looking out from the observation deck.

If my memory serves me correctly, this shot looking north was taken while standing on the roof.  Yes, I stood on the roof.  This is one of the reasons why the World Trade Center means so much to me.  I stood on the roof of a building that has been destroyed. 

Unfortunately I didn't have my photo taken while standing on the roof of the World Trade Center.  I do have the following photo of me on that same day, so now I know what I was wearing while standing on the roof.  This fuchsia collared top with big buttons and matching bermuda shorts.  I probably wore my matching fuchsia scrunchie.  I bought this outfit at a store called Clothestime.  Today the same type of store is Forever 21.  We went to a beach but I can't remember if it was in Brooklyn or Queens.  I think it might have been Rockaway Beach in Queens.  This was just after our visit to the World Trade Center. 

Some thoughts.

It was unusual for me, someone from the west coast and under 25 years old, to have visited New York City three times.  I have been in the World Trade Center all three of those times.  The buildings were modern and cool, and just simply spectacular.  I even loved the first floor plaza.  I just loved being there.  Those buildings were damn special to me.

On each of my visits to the World Trade Center, I wanted desperately to eat in the nice restaurant that was on the top floor of the north tower, Windows On The World.  Unfortunately, the prices were high and the people whom I was with did not want to eat there because of it.  I wish I would have gone in there anyway by myself to enjoy the restaurant even if only for a drink and make my friends wait.  It's now too late.  I did at least stop on the floor of the restaurant and take a peak, but that was it. 

I was teaching fourth grade on 9/11/01.  It was the probably the fourth day of school.  I cried every night for weeks.  All I could think about was the building and how special it was to me, and all of those people who died in the building.

Here is an archived link to the original Windows On The World restaurant website.  You can see what was on the menus and everything.  I remember looking at this site on the night of 9/11 and many times after remembering, wishing, crying.

Modern House Background, Favorite Grey w/ Yellow Floral Blouse

This post will be all about the background.  My husband was involved in working on the design of this house back before we were married.  At the time he was working for another architect (he has his own firm now since '06).  This house was finally built in 2001.  We are friends with these former clients now, and their wish is to sell this very house and have my husband design a new one for them.  I hope their wish comes true. 

This blouse is one of my favorites.  This was the first piece I ever bought that has yellow in it.  When I first wore this blouse last year, I paired it with my yellow elbow-sleeve cardigan and brown sandals.  This time I was itching to wear my gold pumps, and I knew that gold pumps with a yellow cardi AND with the yellow print in the blouse it would be too much yellow.  I think the cream cardi worked out great.

I wish I had more pics of this house.  It is stunning. 

Modern House Outfit

Blue Velvet  Bow blouse, Modern Stroke Print Grey/Yellow/Cream - nordstrom.com

Halogen 3/4 sleeve cardigan, Taylor Ivory - nordstrom.com

7 For All Mankind mid-rise bootcut jean, Rinse Wash - Macy's

Juicy Couture 'Imagine' peep-toe pump, Old Gold Metallic Lizard - nordstrom.com

Another Line patent skinny belt, Grey - nordstrom.com

Nordstrom 'Plissé' crinkle leather handbag, Khaki - nordstrom.com

Natasha 'Barrie' bangles, Silver - Nordstrom Trend Accessories Dept. (I seem to wear these all the time.  I looooove these bangles so much, you can wear all of them at once or just a few.)

Book Club Outfit

Last night I hosted Book Club for my moms' group.  Somehow I got them to agree to read a book of my favorite genre, a celebrity tell-all book.  We read Stories I Only Tell My Friends:  An Autobiography by Rob Lowe.  We all agreed the front cover picture of him is just really, really, really gorgeous.

It looks like my cardigans are getting big on me.  I really don't want to buy new sizes. 

After a year of looking I am so happy I finally found denim bermuda shorts that
1. are a dark rinse and has NO bleaching or whiskering (most important)
2. the hem does not fall below the knee
3. the hem does not fall too high above the knee
4. are mid-rise
These bermudas meet all of my requirements except that they are slightly higher than mid-rise.  A true mid-rise is about 9.5 inches.  This rise is 10.5 inches.  Okay by me.  I found these by Not Your Daughter's Jeans with a big bonus of them being 50% off.  Oh dear, I must be getting older if I'm wearing this brand.  Oh well, they are a beautiful dark rinse with no ugly bleaching on the hips or thighs so they work!  I must remember I am no longer 20 years old.  I can wear these brands now.  LOL!

Book Club Outfit

Halogen elbow-sleeve cardigan, Heather Fair Grey - nordstrom.com

Shimera horizontal stripe tank, Grey/White - nordstrom.com

Not Your Daughter's Jeans 'Hayden' denim bermuda, Resin Wash - nordstrom.com

Another Line skinny patent belt, Grey - nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Air Olivia' stud ballet flat, Golden Yellow Snake Print - ruelala.com

Stella & Dot Turquoise Sea Drop Earrings - stelladot.com

Alfani two-tone bracelet, silver/hematite - Macy's

Shoe detail:

 Earrings detail:

All Neutral Outfit

I am wearing this TODAY and it's actually posted!  This gold petal tee is one of my favorite purchases this year.  I've worn it with a cream cardigan, denim jacket, black blazer or just by itself.  I can wear it with jeans, bermudas or a pencil skirt.

Sandal detail pic:

All Neutral Outfit

INC petal detail tee, Gold Shimmer - macys.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'City' bermuda shorts, White - Nordstrom Rack

Söfft 'Montera' cork wedge patent sandal, Brown with gold hardware - nordstrom.com

Nordstrom 'Plissé' crinkle leather handbag, Khaki - nordstrom.com

Alfani wood bangle bracelet - Macy's

My Favorite Mid-Rise Dark Rinse Jeans on Sale + Promo Code

I must share with you all this incredibly awesome deal on my favorite jeans.  Remember how happy I was to finally find jean with a true mid-rise, dark rinse, dark and simple detailing on the back pockets with absolutely NO BLEACHING or WHISKERING?  Clinton & Stacy recommended them!  They are just about impossible to find on sale, but I have found them on sale 40% off at amazon.com plus a 20% promo code is available, so you will get a total of 60% off these amazingly perfect jeans.

Originally the jeans are $165 and they are marked down to $97.45.  With the 20% discount they will be $77.95.  I have seen premium jeans between $79 and $150 or so at stores like Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's, Marshall's, TJ Max but I have yet to find at these stores a true dark rinse with no bleaching.

1.  Sign up here to receive e-mails from amazon.com's clothing store.  Immediately they will send you the code for 20% off.

2.  Go here and find these beautiful, basic dark rinse boot cut jeans by 7 For All Mankind.  They say "high waist", but they are a true mid-rise which falls about one inch below your belly button. These are the jeans shown on the What Not To Wear 'Full of Glee' episode where the participant wore a sparkly tank and black blazer with these jeans.  These are the best jeans ever because it is so difficult to find a true dark rinse without bleaching and whiskering which adds emphasis to your hips/thighs. 

Here is a photo which shows the back pocket better than the amazon.com link.