denim

Zara's May 2013 lookbook goes a little something like this: statement denim, fresh hues (both bright and light), and pops of fun prints. Starting with denim, we're smitten with two circle skirts that are perfectly retro. And when it comes to colour palette, shades of cobalt, orange, crisp white, and baby pink should cover all the style-setter bases. Floral prints and stripes can be found on suits, skirts, and trousers, while another batch of sleek oversize clutches maintain their status as the perfect day-to-night accessory. For all this — plus a closer look at the Zara's signature cool-girl styling in action — click on for the complete lookbook now.

One Teaspoon has a habit of pumping out some pretty cool campaigns; be it Erin Wasson getting crazy on Venice Beach or letting it all hang out to the tune of "I'm On a Boat," this local label certainly knows how to capture that adventurous, rock 'n' roll spirit. This season is no exception, with designer Jamie Blakey's inner-rebel acting as model and muse for the 'Fallen Angel' Winter 2013 collection. Aztec, zebra and metallic touches punk-up their iconic denim range and scene-stealing leather pieces in white and silver epitomize OT's I'm-with-the-band aesthetic. Embellishment takes things up a notch with tough-girl studs and beading making off-duty staples just that little bit more cool. Think Almost Famous' Penny Lane but with an '80s vibe. Priced from $59 — $399, this collection is sure to be a chart topper. Luckily, it's just dropped in-stores and online, so if you feel the call of the wild you can make the whole shebang yours. . .  now. 

Take two blonde Australian models-turned-fashion-bloggers. Remove them both from the SLR cameras that are usually superglued to their sides. Slip them into some seriously sexy denim. Pop them on Sydney's heritage listed, industrial-wonderland Cockatoo Island and let snapper Darren McDonald do his worst. Et voila! You have the ingredients for one dangerously sexy campaign shoot. Neuw Denim did just that.

The boys behind the brand, Rich and Par, were inspired by the historical appeal of the original denim and canvas work trousers worn by goldminers in the 1800s. The 'Goldmine' A/W collection showcases Neuw's deft hand with treatment denim and recut vintage styles. Double-dying, hand-distressed details, authentic wear patterns and metallic coatings make these jeans anything but ordinary. Zanita Morgan from Zanita, and Alexandra Spencer from 4th and Bleeker really do bring their gritty best to the shoot. Step inside to get your first exclusive look at the girls getting down and dirty for Neuw. 

Lara Bingle is back on deck for Cotton On's Autumn/Winter collection launch — this time swapping her social media reporter title for leading lady in front of the camera. She joins co-horts Bambi Northwood Blythe, Didier Cohen and Tyler Atkins on location around Sydney for the street-style inspired "Follow Me 24/7" campaign shoot, which was lensed by local photographer Will Davidson. She said of the call up, "It has been such a great experience hanging out with the Cotton On team again. The new campaign involves Bambi, Tyler and Didier, so it's just like catching up with old friends when we shoot." And the theads? Think super-wearable, off-duty basics with an edge. Get a sneak peek at the shoot shenanigans before this new drop lands in-store and online in July. 

The sass & bide girls got famous off the back (or should we say the butt) of their denim — remember their infamous two-inch zip hipster jeans? Yup. Circa 2002 we owned at least three *cough, five* pairs. So who better to teach us in the mystic arts of finding the perfect pair of jeans than Sarah-Jane Clarke herself? SJC is one half of the S&B brand, and certainly knows her stuff. We quizzed her on everything from denim care tips, to this season's must-have pair. . .  styling ideas to her personal faves. Keen to learn from the master? Denim 101 awaits. . .  

Much like their more common counterparts (jeans), denim shirts are the kind of versatile wardrobe essential you'll love so much, you'll wonder how you operated without them. Like your favourite denim pieces in pants form, these shirts are flattering, versatile, easy to wear, and so comfortable they feel like a second skin. And happily for us, the more popular they get, the more options we have to pick between. But when the prices are this low — we've selected five ace ones, all for under $60 — why not stock up? We guarantee you won't look back. Want more denim? We've got you covered.

Do you relegate denim to the jeans-only department of your wardrobe? Yes? Well, it might be time to think (and shop) outside the square. This season denim is the fabrication du jour, giving a versatility boost to your favourite off-duty staples. Button-downs are toughened up, dresses get a utilitarian twist and pencil skirts are freed of the office-only vibe. The upside of this denim domination is that coordination becomes a cinch: any colour goes with this hard-working fabric! This season's best newbie denim buys are a mere click of the mouse away. Walk this way. . . 

In honour of this week's focus on all things denim, we're looking to some of our most all-timing inspiring denim icons. Along with the LBD, a pair of well-fitting jeans is a wardrobe essential. Transeasonal, super-versatile, durable and eternally chic (when you pick the right cut), there's a reason why denim's become part of our modern uniform.  Take a gander at these iconic denim looks for some classic inspiration. Think Claudia Schiffer in her bootcuts, Cher giving hers a bohemian spin, Alexa in her double denim, Farrah in her flares and Brooke Shields and her world-famous Calvins.

This week's denim special woudn't be complete without a keen edit of this season's strongest denim trends, now would it? If you're after a new pair of jeans that have a point of difference, consider the following your essential online shopping guide. From the new super-distressed baggies, to sexy high-shine finishes, to the only colour you should be investing in for Autumn/Winter '13 — it's all here in one easy to click place. Put your feet up and let your fingers do the walking... or clicking. Your new denim wardrobe starts here.