We need to have a conversation about monochrome holidays. You know, the officially recognized holidays (like St. Patrick’s Day) or unofficial days of celebration (Marathon Monday, Bostonians?) that dictate your outfit’s color scheme. I have to be honest: I am not a fan – if only because it’s so easy to go overboard.

So this Sunday, I’m aiming to achieve the elusive fashion-and-function balance when it comes to my ensemble. After all, green beer has a pesky habit of spilling. Everywhere.

Put down the tacky graphic tees. Please. I’m actually begging you here. Step away from the “Kiss Me, I’m Irish!” tops. Don’t wear something that five hundred other people will be sporting within the same one-mile radius. Opt for a classic, appropriately hued scoop neck and stand out instead.

Switch up your skinnies. You better believe I am pulling out the least unsightly shade of green I have hanging in my closet. My go-to? Denim in dark hunter or mint.

Accentuate. If you’re not a green person, try rocking some trendy polish on your nails, or an emerald-toned necklace or clutch to infuse some of the requisite color into your outfit.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

How will you be wearing green this St. Patrick’s Day? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Cue freeze cleaning. When I first heard about the freeze-cleaning method, I’ll admit it took a while for me to warm up to the idea. But I’ll try anything to avoid doing my laundry (conventionally), and the benefits are completely worth it. The process helps protect dark washes by avoiding the wear and tear a normal spin cycle has on the fabric. By skipping the washer, you will also inadvertently conserve water (and save on the bill that comes with it).

But how exactly does it work? The frosty temp inside the icebox kills any bacteria living in your denim. This process won’t rid the jeans of cosmetic stains, but spot treating prior to freezing should do the trick.

Try it for yourself:

1. Fold your jeans twice lengthwise and smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric.

2. Slip the folded denim into a ziplock freezer bag and press out any excess air prior to sealing. I suggest using a bag with a one-gallon capacity or larger.

3. Place the bag in the freezer. For best results, freeze for a minimum of 24 hours.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer 

Have you tried freeze cleaning before? Tell us how it went in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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From their edgy ads to their oh-so-flattering fits, HUDSON Jeans are pretty much denim royalty. Check out our breakdown below of just what makes these baby blues so iconic.

Our HUDSON Boutique opens Friday, November 30, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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And don’t forget to enter our “Run the Streets” Sweepstakes. (See rules below.)

Run the Streets Sweepstakes

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

Please read these rules before entering the Sweepstakes. By entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements set forth below.

Sweepstakes may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry.  This Sweepstakes is governed exclusively by the laws of the United States.  You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

1. Eligibility. Participation in the Run the Streets Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States & DC who are aged 18 or older. Sweepstakes is void elsewhere and where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Employees, officers and directors of Retail Convergence.com, LP (“Sponsor”) and Hudson Clothing LLC, and each of their respective parent and related companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, partners, advertising and promotion agencies, and any manufacturers or distributors of Sweepstakes materials (collectively, all of the foregoing, the “Released Parties”), and their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors are not eligible to enter. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

2. How to Enter.  To enter the Sweepstakes, you must log into the Rue La La website at www.ruelala.com using your account information, read and agree to the Official Rules, and click the “Enter Now” button.

All entrants must have a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address during the Sweepstakes Period. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted.  All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic.  Only fully completed entries are eligible.  Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

3. Start/End Dates. Sweepstakes begins at 11:00:01 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on November 30, 2012 and ends at 10:59:59 am ET on December 3, 2012 (“Sweepstakes Period”).

4. Random Drawing/Odds. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received on or about December 4, 2012.  Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received for the drawing. All random drawings will be conducted by Sponsor. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

5. Prizes:  The winner will receive a $1,000 Hudson promo code (the “Promo Code”). Promo Code is valid for one-time use for purchase of merchandise at hudsonjeans.com.  Promo Code is not valid for purchase of gift cards.  Promo Code cannot be redeemed at any physical store or authorized retailer offering Hudson branded merchandise for sale. Hudson Jeans and Rue La La are not responsible for lost or stolen Promo Cards. May not be combined with any other promotions or offers, or applied to previous purchases or balances. May not be redeemed for cash, unless required by law. Promo Code expires December 31, 2013, unless prohibited by law

ARV of the prize: $1,000.00 USD.    Prizes are non-transferable.  No substitutions or cash redemptions. If in the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.  All taxes and unspecified expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner(s).

Winner(s) acknowledge that the Sponsor, the Released Parties and all other businesses affiliated with this Sweepstakes and their agents do not make, nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representations, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the quality, conditions, fitness or merchantability of any aspect of the prize(s) being offered.

AN ENTRANT is not a winner of any prize, even if the sweepstakes SHOULD so indicate, unless and until entrant’s eligibility, and sweepstakes winner have been verified and entrant has been notified that verification is complete.  Sponsor will not accept screen shots or other evidence of winning in lieu of its validation process.

6. Notification. Winner(s) will be notified by email and may be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within seven (7) days of prize notification.  If winner(s) cannot be contacted within five (5) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner(s) will be selected, time permitting. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given.  Limit one prize per person or household.

7. License/Usage. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. By entering, entrants agree to the use of their names, addresses (city and state), photograph, picture, portrait, voice, likenesses, biographical information, and/or statements for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion in any media (now known or hereafter known) throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate Sponsor to make use of any of the rights granted herein and winner(s) waives any right to inspect or approve any such use of any and every nature and kind. If any winner is deemed a minor, then such prize will be awarded to winner’s parent or legal guardian.

8. Release. By participating, entrants and winner(s) and any travel guests agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and the Released Parties from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery. Neither Sponsor nor any Released Parties are responsible for any damages, taxes, or expenses that winner(s) might incur as a result of this Sweepstakes or receipt of prize.  Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, may be disqualified.

9. Additional Terms. In case of dispute as to identity of entrant, Entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed; robotic or similar means of entry are permitted. Neither Sponsor or Released Parties are responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one’s ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes.  Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In case of termination, Sponsor will select the winner(s) from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site.  Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. There is no purchase or sales presentation required to participate.  A purchase does not increase odds of winning.  Sponsor is not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if any prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather or acts of terrorism. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

10.  Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer of Warranties.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE SERVICE AND/OR THE SWEEPSTAKES, DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM ANY WEBSITES ASSOCIATES WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED $100. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THIS SWEEPSTAKES AND ALL PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”  WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

11. Disputes; Governing Law.  The parties waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Sweepstakes. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston.

THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS TERMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS RULES. For any matters which are not subject to arbitration as set forth in these Official Rules and/or in connection with the entering of any judgment on an arbitration award in connection with these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes, the parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in or closest to the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parties agree not to raise the defense of forum non conveniens.

12.  Use of Data.  Sponsor will be collecting personal data about entrants online, in accordance with its privacy policy.  Please review the Sponsor’s privacy policy at http://www.ruelala.com/common/privacy.  By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s privacy policy.

13. List of Winners. To obtain a list of winner(s), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2013 to: Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210, Attn: Marketing Department: Winner Confirmation Request – Run the Streets Sweepstakes.

14. Sponsor. Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210

Denim trends occur in pendulum-like cycles, but with the right fit, you can successfully pull off any style – you just have to be willing to stretch out of your ever-indigo or always-slouchy comfort zone.

Guys, skinny jeans are no longer reserved for angsty bands and hipsters, and color is not just for chicks. It’s time to rock some statement socks and show us what you’ve got. And ladies, welcome the bootcut back into your wardrobe. With a killer pair of heels (or even flats – just remember to roll the cuffs), that pair you save for manual labor (i.e. Swiffering the floors) is ready for a night out.

Find these denim fits and more at our James Jeans Boutique, opening Friday, November 23, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Tips:

• A general rule of thumb: stick with a straight or slim cut in a dark wash, since they are easiest to dress up and down.
• Athletic Build: Try jeans with a lower rise that will lengthen out your proportions. But steer clear from cuts that are too low – no one wants to be a victim on the list of plumber’s casualties.
• Long and Lean Build: Experiment a bit with hues. Opt for a lighter wash (but avoid acid wash, for obvious reasons) or colored denim to add some dimension to your look. Lucky for you, your build makes colored pants look edgy and classic, all at once.
• Shorter Build: Do yourself a favor and keep it straight, simple, and fitted. Stay away from looser cuts – you don’t want to add heft to a shorter frame with baggy jeans.
• Avoid super-slim, tapered, or bootcut styles, as these can cause odd proportions and fit. This applies to all body types.
• Regardless of what cut you decide to rock, make sure the hems graze the tops of your shoes, but still cover your socks. This is crucial. Too-short pants are not a good look.
• Cuff as needed: A tidy rolled cuff is very acceptable these days and allows you to adjust your hem based on your footwear.

By Christine Mitchell, Staff Writer 

What are your menswear tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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This just in – bottles can be made into jeans. (Yep. Keep reading.)

Always a trailblazer in the world of denim, Levi’s® has announced that it’ll be rolling out a new line of jean products – Waste<Less™ – that will include at least 20% of recycled products, post-consumer use (translation: each item will contain approximately eight 12- to 20-ounce bottles in its material).

No Bill Nye myself, picturing this textile feat wasn’t easy. Turns out though, products made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) materials – like brown beer bottles, green soda bottles, clear water bottles and black food trays – can be crushed down into miniscule flakes and then made into polyester fiber. The polyester fiber is blended with cotton fiber, and the blend is then woven with traditional cotton to create the actual denim.

The first iteration of Waste<Less™ products is set to launch in Spring 2013, and – get this – it will be utilizing approximately 3.5 million recycled bottles.

Sounds like permission to go on a jean-shopping binge, if you ask me.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

For more on stylish acts of charity, check our In Good Fashion column, every Thursday.

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We believe that you can never have too much denim. And we’re beyond excited about our Rock & Republic Boutique, overflowing with rock star-worthy styles in every shade and shape. We checked in with our resident stylist, Maureen Dahill - who styled the Boutique, for her favorite looks of the day.

Our Rock & Republic Boutique opens Thursday, January 13.

There’s nothing quite like a late summer concert. The days are still long, the air still warm, and the amplifiers still cranked to 11. Whether you’re hitting up a free show on the Brooklyn waterfront or taking in a set at The Fillmore, we believe in looking backstage fresh. Who knows, you might be called on stage for a guest appearance.

Luckily, the solution to the concert fashion quandary is a quick fix. We’re loving the rocker appeal of William Rast, the clothing company founded by Justin Timberlake and Tracy Ayala. This is the look of the world-tour, lifestyle-premium denim (that looks better unwashed, after several consecutive days of wear), tailored leather jackets (preferably in the iconic black of the Ramones), and essential graphic Ts. Of all pieces, the graphic T is most emblematic of the anti-hero vibe that comes from being under the bright lights and elusively answering questions from interviewers. It has sass and attitude, and is not afraid of being in your face. It is the definition of swagger.

If an indie rock concert is in the plans, try black jeans and a form-fitting T for admiring looks from the Williamsburg set. Complement the dark denim with a simple canvas sneaker or a mid-height boot. The fit of the denim for guys should be a bit looser than skinny jeans, but not overly baggy – you want to be noticed, but not in the “look at that guy in the wide-leg jeans circa 1996” kind of way. Boyfriend jeans on women send a “not trying to impress” vibe.

At a hip-hop or electronica show jeggings look right on women, and the stretch factor makes it easier to move. On guys, a lighter shade of denim in distressed cuts is a sure shot – we prefer a slightly roomier fit (for easy dancing). Pair them with plain white Ts or a subdued graphic shirt that is more urban swagger than rocker moodiness. Sneakers, preferably high-tops, amp up the funkiness.

Regardless of genre or cultural scene, William Rast lends itself to the musically inclined. Either from the front row, the lawn seats, or up in the box (for the arena shows), experience summer tunes in style. Channel your inner rocker, rapper, or DJ. Kick out the jams.

RUE LA LA STYLE EDITOR RACHEL SOLOMON DISHES ON DENIM

It’s high fashion, totally American, absolutely ageless, perennially in style. It’s the answer to so many fashion questions - how to look like you’re not trying too hard, what works for the summer-to-fall transition, the perfect date night uniform. It’s denim, and we love it. With the ELLE Editor’s Selections: Fall Denim Preview Boutique open now, our Style Editor shares some insider tips.

As an avid traveler, I’m constantly packing and re-packing. Denim is one of my favorite suitcase essentials because not only is it durable and great for travel, but it goes with just about everything. Denim is appropriate for most occasions, and should be a vital part of everyone’s wardrobe in some shape or form. Today, denim is available in everything from shirts to sandals, so the jean pool is much more diverse than you may think. Below I’ve outlined my denim must-haves for any trip:

“Jeggings” 
The newest must-have in denim, jean leggings are the sexy necessity of the season. They’re ideal travel gear because they’re cute and comfy, and work well on the plane. Plus, it’s a great alternative to saggy sweats.

Jean Jacket
I still wear the same one I bought in Italy nearly a decade ago. Find one that you love and wear it with anything and everything. Put it over a dress or pair it with your favorite skinny jeans (as long as they’re not the exact same shade).

Distressed Cut-Offs
For years, celebs have been sporting this look, some better than others. Splurge on a pair of chic designer denim duds that are fabulously frayed, or take an old pair of your favorite jeans and cut them yourself. But be careful not to cut them too short (à la Britney Spears) - the Bermuda length is definitely in for spring.

Dark Denim
The ultimate in sophistication. It’s universally flattering and is great for dressy or casual occasions. Find a pair that fits you like a glove and pair with a classic white tee, a blazer, and a pair of high heels. Guys, dark denim with a blazer works for you too (trust us).

Denim Accessories
Yes, they’re back. Accessorize with a pair of denim shoes or a handbag, and there are even wallets out there for the guys. And during the summer, denim bikinis will also be an option. It’s a fabric that can go with virtually anything.

So pack light (or dark). Either way, the result will always be stylish.