Top drawer

Earning her stripes

• Who she is: Bailey Townley

• What she’s wearing: Black and white over-the-knee sock from Hot Topic, Converse hi-tops she’s had “forever,” and a black jersey skirt she customized.

• Why we love it: Black and white always works as a color scheme. It’s crisp, suave and refreshing to the eye. But wearing these neutrals and managing not to look like catering staff takes a little know-how. Bailey pulls it off with her “Dorrie the Little Witch” socks (well, okay, not quite since Dorrie’s socks never matched) and a jagged-edged skirt.

Skinny jeans: a cautionary tale

I love denim. Sure, like baseball and jazz, jeans are a uniquely American invention, but what makes them great (IMHO) is how they go with everything and always work, even on the days when I hate my entire wardrobe. But skinny jeans? I have to admit, I was skeptical. I figured the stretchy, figure-hugging fabric was meant for teenage boys with negative body fat indexes … that was, until I tried ’em.

So here’s my verdict: Skinny jeans aren’t for everyone, but (within a certain size range) they do have a slimming effect, they actually reign in the booty, and the narrow calves are great for wearing with boots. Not convinced? Try a narrow-cut jean instead — similar effect without the denim death grip on the thighs.

Loose Threads

Asheville Coffee Roasters (196 Patton Ave., 253-JAVA) — with the help of River District company Victoria Scarlett Designs — is recycling their jute coffee sacks into backpacks and tote-bags. The carry-alls are cute and well-traveled, bearing stamps from coffee nations around the globe, but they’re also tough enough to use as book totes and grocery sacks. Look for the bags at Greenlife and Earth Fare locally, or online at www.ashevillecoffeeroasters.com.

[For more Asheville fashion, visit www.topdrawerstreetstyle.blogspot.com. Send your fashion news to amarshall@mountainx.com or call 251-1333, ext. 124.]