Part of a fashion-conscious woman’s rite of passage is properly stocking her autumn wardrobe with the right jean essentials. The choices are endless, so we went to our top local denim hot spots for advice on what are the coolest denim styles this fall.
The Eye Care Associates Storm Squad agreed to help us showcase this fall’s must-have designs. Whether you like your denim dark, distressed, boot cut, flare or skinny, this season’s styles offer something for everyone to look posh in a great pair of jeans.
Name: Maggie
Age: 20
Hometown: Jamestown, N.C.
Hobbies: Soccer, church, N.C. State athletic events like football and volunteering
Favorite hockey player: Tim Gleason
What you look forward to the most about hockey season: Getting to see all the friends and fans I’ve met from the previous season at the games.
Most memorable fan moment: Being recognized at camp when I was a counselor by some of the children and Junior Storm Squadders!
What pumps you up: The start of the game when the players come out to “Rock you like a Hurricane” never ceases to pump me up.
Describe your fashion style: T-shirt and jeans really sum up my fashion.
Favorite item in your closet you can’t live without: My white jeans I’ve had for far too long
Confess red and black plaid shirt with ruffles
Levi’s skinny ultra low rise stretch denim
Available at Macy’s
Frederic T. Paris red leather handbag, $374
Android black dial watch
La Mollla geometric magnetic bracelets by designer Tiziana Redavid
Large black drop ball earrings by Italian designer Angela Caputi
Available at CT Weekends
Name: Lauren
Age: 26
Hometown: Durham
Hobbies: Law school, working out, cooking and watching/playing baseball
Favorite hockey player: Ron Francis
What you look forward to the most about hockey season: The fans and the loud RBC Center
Most memorable fan moment: After one of the preseason games last year, a fan sent me (and Shannon) a picture that we took with their children so we could have a copy.
What pumps you up: Music — especially my workout mix on my iPod
Describe your fashion style: Most of the time, very laid back. I love racer-back tank tops, destroyed jeans and a pair of tall wedges.
Favorite item in your closet you can’t live without: My strapless little black dress
Sugar Tart burgundy striped shirt with design
T five medium blue vintage denim with destroyed detail
Available at Macy’s
Android stainless steel adjustable band, bubble dial watch (available in yellow), $150
Large white drop ball earrings by Italian designer Angela Caputi
Available at CT Weekends
Name: Jennifer
Age: 31
Hometown: Cary
Hobbies: Running, cooking, boating, fishing, reading and spending time with my dog
Favorite hockey player: Tuomo Ruutu
What you look forward to the most about hockey season: Everything! The fans, the excitement of the games and of course being reunited with the girls and Mike
Most memorable fan moment: Being on the ice three years ago when a fan won a truck during an intermission. He was so excited and went crazy!
What pumps you up: Hearing “Rock You Like a Hurricane” before each game
Describe your fashion style:
Comfortable casual
Favorite item in your closet you can’t live without: My favorite pair of jeans
For Love & Liberty top embroidered with silver highlights with cami, $286
True Religion jeans $262
Apepazza parma leather heels $149
Available at Denim and Lace
Frederic T. Paris black leather bag, $154
Android white leather watch, $150 (available in black, blue or magenta)
Dominique Denaive earrings
Available at CT Weekends
Name: Courtney 
Age: 24
Hometown: Raleigh
Hobbies: Dancing, decorating
Favorite hockey player: Cam Ward
What you look forward to the most about hockey season: I look forward to the great atmosphere of the games. I can’t wait to interact with the crowd again and see how energized everyone is at the start of the season. I have such a great time talking to all of the fans before the games and seeing the excitement on their faces. We had such a great playoff run, and I’m ready to help our team get back to that point again.
Most memorable fan moment: I would say it had to be watching the game seven of the Boston series. Even though it was an away game, it was still so exciting to watch the game and cheer together in Raleigh.
What pumps you up: I get pumped up when all the lights go out in the RBC Center and the siren starts. Everyone feeds off of the energy, and I love seeing the team take the ice.
Describe your fashion style: I’m all over the place when it comes to fashion. Sometimes I love getting all dressed up and wearing the highest heels I can find. Then there are the days where I just enjoy my comfy jeans and a good pair of cowboy boots! It all depends on my mood and how I’m feeling that day.
Favorite item in your closet you can’t live without: My new purple suede pumps
Fidelity Scoop Skinny Jeans $188 and Paige Pacific Heights Boot Cut Jeans $189 Threads for Thought dove shirt, $40
Available at Martin and Mary’s
Frederic T. Paris black
leather bag, $340
Solange assorted shapes in Italian resin bracelet
Multiple geometric shape drop earrings by Italian designer Angela Caputi
Available at CT Weekends
Name: Catherine
Age: 22
Hometown: Cary
Hobbies: Crafts, scrapbooking, cooking, baking
Favorite hockey player: Cam Ward
What you look forward to the most about hockey season: The overall fun and exciting atmosphere hockey season brings to our Caniac nation.
Most memorable fan moment: The first home game of the playoffs against the N.J. Devils. As the lights went down, every fan stood to their feet, waving their rally towels and truly proved that we are the loudest house in the NHL! Our fans are so special, and to see the spirit, excitement and energy they gave off when the team first took the ice gave me goose bumps.
What pumps you up: Hearing others laugh and laughing myself puts me in a great mood.
Describe your fashion style: I try to stay up to date with the latest fashion and trends while also sticking to the basics. Most importantly, I wear what feels comfortable.
Favorite item in your closet you can’t live without: One favorite pair of jeans that I can dress up or dress down. Nothing beats a good pair of jeans.
Citizens of Humanity Kelly low-rise boot cut dark denim jeans $167,
7 For All Mankind A pocket flare leg light blue jeans with a contour waistband, $165
Available at Uniquities
Frederic T, Paris black cow and lamb leather handbag, $340
Leather band, silver dial (also available in blue, purple or white), $120
Available at CT Weekends
Where to Shop: Around Town
CT Weekends
Glenwood Village
2603-141 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
(919) 787-9073
www.ctweekendsforwomen.com
Denim and Lace
The Arboretum
119 Weston Parkway, Cary
(919) 677-2577
www.denimandlacenc.com
Macy’s
Crabtree Valley Mall
www.macys.com
Martin and Mary’s
www.martinandmarys.com
Uniquities
Cameron Village
450 Daniels St.
Raleigh
(919) 832-1234
www.uniquities.com
Look for the Storm Squad in the stands supporting the Carolina Hurricanes when their season starts in October. Visit www.carolinahurricanes.com for more details.
