Wednesday's Look For Less: Tie Dye Jeans

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today might feel like a bit of a mind bender for some of you out there but bear with me. It's going to be fun and exciting.

You're probably well aware by now that printed pants aren't going anywhere. Fun patterns and bold colors on your lower limbs have become all the rage. One fun and different take on the look is the tie dyed jean. I know- I know- tie dye invokes visions of Woodstock or that weird 70s phase you went through. But let's take a look at some fresh and fun examples of how the uber chic style their tie dye today first.

Olivia Palermo via Pinterest

Drew Barrymore via Denim Blog

 Fashion Blogger Devon Rachel via Pinterest

 via Pinterest

via Vogue UK

When you wear tie dye jeans with sophisticated shoes and a tailored jacket, the look suddenly becomes effortlessly polished rather than festival ready. A structured bag and clean hair and make-up only add to the overall effect. Of course a chunky Stella McCartney sweater, like the last photo shows, makes a great pairing to tie dye jeans for the weekend. So when it comes to your trendy take on tie dye jeans, to you spend or save?

The two pairs of pants above have almost the exact same shape and style. The only difference is the slight variation in pattern. Can you tell which ones will set you back and which ones will get you out the door? The pair on the right are Armani Exchange and ring up at $98. The pair on the left can be purchased at Tory Burch for $100 extra- $195 to be exact. I'm not sure which pair I would choose because I find that every spring and summer I gravitate toward tie dye. For me, investing in a great print would keep me in business year after year...as long as they fit. But if this experience will be your first in the modern era of tie dye, then ease in with a cheaper pair and see how you feel. 

What do you think? Will you take the plunge into today's tie dye this year? 

To Dye For

via Proenza Schouler Twitter

Are you obsessed with tie dyed tee shirts? No, not those dancing bears on a psychedelic trip tee shirts. I'm talking high-fashion, super stylish, fresh for the summer tie dyed tees.

Usually most of us would regard a pattern like this as yet another passing trend. However, tie dye has definitely had a hold on me for a solid year now.

It all started with this:

via Search. Style. Snap.

The Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2010 fashion show. The moment when the hippie dippy dye from a bygone era returned with an element of style and sophistication. Tie dye wasn't for Birkenstocks and druggies anymore. It was for sassy new outfits in bright colors unlike anything anyone else had.

My hunt began. I talked myself out of every single Helmut Lang, Tory Burch and P-S top I saw, convincing myself that the money spent would feel like a waste come 2011.

Fast forward to today. This is what I am wearing to WORK:

personal photo

BANANA REPUBLIC tie dye tee with a black Adam blazer and Red Engine jeans.

Now, granted, I work in a casual office, but the point is that mainstream stores and tons of designers have taken the hint and now mass produced all types of pieces in tie dye- scarves, tops, skirts- you name it! Luckily for our wallets, tie dye isn't just available from Proenza Schouler anymore.

L.A.M.B. tank via Shopbop

Gryphon skirt via Shopbop

If you're brave enough to DIY, go for it! But we can all take comfort in knowing that our favorite tie dye pieces are as close as our nearest chic boutique or shopping mall.