The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to form some new habits, like organizing your closet. Personally, my idea of an organized closet is one that looks “neat”, but is not really organized. As long as I can find some of my things, half folded clothes and mismatched hangers seem to work just fine. But this year I wanted to change that; my goal was to create a closet where I can see everything clearly so I know exactly where to find things when I need them. Besides, we all know that any space that’s not properly organized can feel smaller than it actually is. With that in mind, here are some things I learned when creating an organized closet.
photo credit upper right: lucky magazine First, you need to set aside time to do a complete overhaul and purge all unnecessary objects from the closet.
Second, try to utilize every nook and cranny, fold everything neatly.
Third, if you can, use uniform hangers for neatness; i like to hang my frequently (and seasonally) used clothes starting at the left side of my closet for easy access. If you like folding your jeans instead of hanging, here’s a tip—mark your shelves with tape according to style—skinny, bootcut,flare, etc—that way you can pick out what you exactly want without sorting through the pairs you’ve got.
Lastly, pick a system for storing shoes. I like using plastic and see-through boxes to put your shoes in and store them in the bottom of my closet.
Of course, here at indi, sizing is something that we study all the time. Over the years, we’ve become quickly aware that not every one has the same shape and shopping for clothes that you have to fit yourself into isn’t exactly the best or most ideal way to dress.
Just to give you an overview of this article:
The current state of standard sizing looks like this: various designers and retailers put different numbers on their clothes that are supposed to signify the same size (which is of course, under their own standards). Over the years, many brands have succumbed to “Vanity Sizing.” This is a practice that puts a lower number on clothes that doesn’t actually represent the actual size. At first, it makes you feel better about yourself, that is until you walk into a store expecting to wear a size 2 and the only thing that fits is an size 8!
To solve this issue, a company called MyBestFit came up with idea to help confused consumers shop smarter—they set up kiosks in malls to offer a free 20-second full-body scan where you could get a print out of 50 different retailers that tells you how their sizing will fit your body. Basically, a low-power wand, one that emits radio waves, records about 200,000 body measurements, figuring out things like thigh circumference. The system then matches the customer’s measurements to clothes in its database and hands you a print out guide, which looks something like this:
The print out seems informative and extensive, but its also a little overwhelming. Just like the program director of fashion merchandising at Philadelphia University, Marie-Eve Faust says, “It would be nice just to take the pant, look at the label and say, “That should fit me.”
Thats one way to do it, another way is to take fashion industry’s top down approach and turn it around. Instead of having designer’s on top, calling all the standard sizing shots, we’ll have consumers do it. We accomplish this bottom down approach through our technology—we ask our consumers specific questions about their bodies just like this diagram below:
Which one are you?
And from this, we’ll pair your questions with fit algorithms that we developed using information from the US National Size survey that studied nearly 10,000 bodies. Using these data, we are able to predict and create a pattern that’s strictly made for that specific individual.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Denim Transformation: Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is well-known today as one of the designers behind the denim-heavy label William Rast. But a decade ago JT was the lead singer of *NSYNC, and as one of the most popular boy bands of the late 1990’s they were front and center in the denim fashions of the era. Whether wearing a pair with a bleached racing stripe for a promotional shot, or the infamous denim-on-denim fiasco with then girlfriend Britney Spears, Timberlake gravitated toward baggier style jeans. At the end of his time in *NSYNC Justin was already beginning to wear a more fitted silhouette, headed toward the fashion forward style he is known for today. Justin Timberlake has been a denim icon since he first became famous, though thankfully he’s ditched the bleached jeans!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Blogger Guest Post: Color Me Blue
Denim From Day to Night
Finding the perfect pair of flared jeans is not an easy feat. They need to be the right wash, have a tight fit around the thigh, and just the right amount of flare. When I found this pair below, they quickly became a staple in my closet. They’re polished enough for work, yet sexy enough for a night out (plus they’re super stretchy and comfortable, which always makes me happy!). With my 9-to-5 work days and nighttime adventures out in San Francisco, I’m always thinking of new ways to wear my jeans. So below I’ll show you how to wear this classic trend for different occasions in your everyday life.
Day Look:
Tucking in a chic blouse is a classic way to achieve a polished, work appropriate look. Add a sleek belt, your favorite trench, and some lace up wedges to complete the look. This outfit is polished, professional, and perfect for a day at the office.
Night Look:
To transform your jeans from day to night, start by adding a fun, sexy top like a gold sequin tank. Throw in a pop of color to brighten up the look even more, and of course, finish it off with a pair of your favorite pumps.
After 6 months of NFL football the winner is about to be decided this Sunday, February 5 in Indianapolis. The final game is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Both teams have blue and red color schemes, so here at INDi we’ve been thinking about ways to NOT get mistaken for a fan of the other team. And, of course, we’ve also been thinking about what to eat! Any good football-watching party includes something to snack on, so we tried out this recipe for black bean dip. Everyone can agree this dip’s a winner, regardless of which team comes out victorious on Sunday.
Follow these easy steps to whip up your own black bean dip, serve with tortilla chips and snack happy!
If you’re a Giants fan you know that bright red is the key to this outfit. Add in some blue wash jeans and you’re ready for the big game.
Patriots fans know you have to wear navy and red – paired with New England worthy grey jeans this outfit is comfy and cute.
So go on with these tips! We here at INDi hope you enjoy the Super Bowl (whether you love football or not)!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Denim Destination: Paris
Paris is known as the City of Light and for it’s fabulous fashion. What better place to look for outfit inspiration? Parisians know that denim is chic especially when worn paired with well-planned accessories. Denim worn fitted through the leg for both men and women is a popular and stylish way to contrast bulky scarves and flowing tops. Of course the super trendy flare leg jean also makes an appearance in a city this fashionable. The overall denim trend in Paris is to keep it fitted and dark; but don’t shy away from the occasional pop of color for a change of pace.
Did you know skinny pants are over 200 years old? In face the word pants originally referred to a skinny trouser. The first recorded fashionable skinny leg trouser was in men’s fashion of the 1790’s; they were worn high on the waist and then tied at the ankle so they stayed neatly tucked into boots. The style didn’t resurface until the 1950’s when popular celebrities of the era, like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, started wearing tapered jeans that became very slim at the ankle. The trend continued with the bad-boy rock stars of the 1960’s while Audrey Hepburn made them classy and fashionable for women. A reaction against the bell-bottom jeans worn by hippies in the 1970’s kept the skinny jean popular, though they were referred to as drainpipe jeans at the time. The punk movement even popularized the skinny plaid jean, a precursor to all the bright options we have today. In the 1980’s into the early 90’s the skin-tight jeans of choice often came with stone or acid-washed finishes. With the rise of hip-hop and grunge in popular culture, however, the skinny jean briefly went out of fashion. In the 2000’s skinny jeans once again became popular for all genders, coming in a variety of retro finishes, like acid-wash, and bright colors. Though the skinny jean’s origin is over 2 centuries ago, they remain a popular and comfortable choice no matter what your style. Check out skinny jeans through the ages below:
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Style File: Our Current Fave Bloggers in Flares
Here at INDi we love scanning all our favorite style blogs for inspiration (especially the denim kind). With the continued cold weather, we’ve noticed that a lot of our fave fashionistas were wearing flared jeans. We love this retro look, and the leg shape is flattering on all sorts of body types. Whether you opt for a clean, dark rinse flare like Britt of Britt+Whit or a distressed looser wide leg like Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black, these jeans are the perfect (and comfy) way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring. This silhouette has been showing up for several seasons on the runway so, thankfully, for now it’s here to stay.
Hey guys, we’ve talked a lot on the blog about how to style INDi women’s jeans but we haven’t given you much help. Today we’re going to change that—we’ve talked about what raw denim is and how to care for it before—but we’ve never really discussed how to actually wear it. At INDi we make it easy, in addition to our regular blue raw denim we also now carry raw denim in a black wash. Both of these fabrics will wear to your lifestyle and become even more unique to you. We decided to make this simple by taking some real street style inspiration. Whether you choose to pair your raw denim with a blazer and nice shoes for a more formal look or layer with a utility jacket and a beanie, raw denim is an easy statement maker for any outfit.
So these were our thoughts on raw denim, how would you choose to style them?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Denim Ideas for Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep
New Year’s day has come and gone and, by this time, you’re probably already tiring of your resolutions. To keep you on target we thought we’d have some fun with denim plus common resolutions. Whether you promised yourself you’d dress up for work, volunteer, spend more time outside, or finally get the hot body you’ve always dreamed of here’s some style ideas to keep you on track well into 2012.
Dressing Up for Work
Dressing up for work doesn’t have to be hard, just keep a couple classic staples on hand. For work we like a fitted blazer, round-toe pumps and trouser jeans (here in our Kezar black wash) to add a little polish to our day.
Volunteering
When you volunteer you want comfort and to not worry about making a mess. That’s why distressed skinny jeans are the easiest and most practical route to take. Pair them with a dark t-shirt and sensible flats and you’ll be all set to help out.
Outdoor Exercise
So you want to spend more time outdoors. Modern jeans are made with so much stretch, and have such an ability to maintain their shape, that they make a comfortable option for a cold day. Wear them hiking with some sturdy (but cute) boots and a warm top for a fashionable boost to your resolution.
Look Your Best Ever
And (probably) the most common resolution? To finally get the body you’ve always wanted. Since wearing clothes that are too small or too big can make you look up to 10 lbs heavier, INDi custom jeans can help you cheat with this one. By wearing jeans that fit your unique shape you ensure that you’re showing off only your best attributes.
So remember to have fun with whatever resolutions you’ve promised to keep this year, it’ll make them easier!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
INDi’s 2011 Denim Round Up
It’s back to the grind for most of us and already, we’re getting nostalgic about 2011’s denim trends that featured a whole new spectrum of hues and silhouettes. Last year was particularly fun for denim enthusiasts; previous trends were back in circulation and inventive one-of-a kind washes became hits. Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites trends from 2011 that we see carrying on into 2012.
Colored Jeans—Are you sick wearing the same old blue jeans? Colored jeans that came in every shade were a huge hit last year. We suggest pairing yours with true basics to highlight the bold look of your jeans.
Photo Credit Lookbook Grey Jeans—Last year, we introduced our custom grey jeans and celebrities from Kate Moss to Hallie Berry have also been seen rocking the hue. Great with black and white in the winter, these jeans will easily transition into spring with some pastel colored tops.
Photo Credit Denim Blog Flare Jeans—These 70s styles bottoms continued to make a huge comeback! The high-waist is flattering so tuck in your top and wear some heels to highlight the leg lengthening effect of these jeans.
So what was your favorite trend of 2011? Weigh in and post a comment below!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ringing in 2012 With Style
New Year’s Eve is upon us! With the excitement of a fresh start and the anticipation of a perfect celebration, we can’t help but a create a mood board of the things we look forward to when the official countdown begins. Looking back at INDi, we were most excited about unveiling our brand new website . Consequently, we decided to up our ante on the denim blog (if you haven’t noticed) to expand our lifestyle content. We wanted to give our readers ideas and posts beyond the average denim talk. For instance, if you need a little inspiration this New Year’s Eve, then check out DIY Champagne Glitter Glasses, New Year’s Resolution Coasters, creative jello shots, or glitter manicures. Check out the rest below and lets not forget, have a Happy New Year—from all of us here at INDi
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Happy New Year 2012
INDi caught up with San Francisco bartender, Jessica Smyth, to find out what she’ll be mixing up behind the bar at SoMa bar Zaré at Flytrap this New Year’s Eve. Her drink of choice? The ‘Eureka’, based loosely on the classic ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail, is a stiff drink that contains tequila, elderflower liqueur, green chartreuse and, the appropriately festive, splash of champagne. This pairing makes for a delicious smoky, floral drink, not too sweet but with enough kick to get you into the celebratory mood. And the perfect final touch? Rim the glass with edible gold glitter to make the drink gold rush (and New Year’s Eve) worthy. Jessica generously shared her recipe with us – so get out your champagne flutes—here’s a cocktail perfect for celebrating the start of 2012!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
INDi’s How To: DIY Unique Holiday Wrapping Paper
We’re hoping that at this point in the holiday season, you’ve checked off most (if not all) the people on your gift list. Now that you’ve got the gifts all good to go, the next step is to wrap them. We were a little inspired by our DIY post last week so we decided to make our own DIY holiday wrapping paper that’s worthy enough to be wrapped around your handpicked presents. Follow the steps below; see how quick and easy it is to make a truly unique gift inside and out.
Gather wrapping materials—the wrapping paper, box for your gift, scissors, rubber block stamps, ink pad, tape, and set them in a clear a large, flat surface.
First, measure out how much paper to cut by rolling out your paper and placing the box in the center of it. Bring the paper up one side and over the top of the box, all the way to the opposite edge. Estimating how much additional paper you’ll need to cover the side of the box that’s not yet covered, cut the paper.
Second, center the box on the paper. Bring one side of the paper up the side and halfway across the top; fasten it in place with tape. Repeat the same for the second side of paper, making sure that its up and over the first.
Third, apply a light layer of ink to the face of your stamp and stamp the surface of the wrapping paper, continue until you have the entire box covered
Finish up wrapping by folding down the top flap onto the side of the box, creating two little wings at each side. Fold down the wings and fasten it in place with tape. Set your box on end, with the side you just worked on facing down, and repeat on the opposite end. Decorate and add a festive ribbon!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
What the INDi Team Would Love…
Recently there has been a lot of discussion in our office about what we would love to receive this holiday season. For the most part there were a lot of shoes and clothes on the list (we do work for a fashion brand!), but some of us were slightly more practical, choosing kitchen appliances, cookbooks, and sunscreen. And of course, since this is a wish list, we had to add in the pony that none of us ever received as a child. So here’s a little peek at what we’re hoping to unwrap, but what are you looking forward too?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Customizing Custom Jeans
When INDi added white denim to our product offering just in time for summer, I immediately picked out a style. I ordered a pair of white flares and they were perfect for the versatile climate we have here in the Bay Area. But then, the inevitable happened, I accidentally washed them with some darker clothes and they got dye stains on them. At first I figured all was lost but then it occurred to me – colored jeans are in – why not dye them since they fit so well? After reading the various dye packages at the local craft store I became convinced that even I was crafty enough for this project. And it couldn’t have been easier! This method was so simple in fact that I’m already thinking of more things to dye!
Step 1
Follow the specific directions on the dye you choose but the general method involves adding the dye to very hot water in your bath tub or sink. I chose my sink since I figured the stainless steel and dark counters would be easier to clean up if I made a mess.
Step 2
Add the wet jeans to dye bath and stir them around to make sure the dye penetrates evenly. Make sure to wear gloves so your hands don’t end up matching your pants. Stir continuously. WARNING: The water is hot – I used an old wooden spoon so I wouldn’t burn myself!
Step 3
Leave the jeans in the dye bath for at least 30-50 minutes. Again consult your specific dye for more accurate timing, but a general rule of thumb is the longer the jeans sit in the dye the darker the color will be.
Step 4
Drain the sink and rinse jeans in warm water until the water runs clear. Then machine-wash them by themselves on regular cycle to remove the rest of excess. Dry normally and get ready to wear your brand new colored jeans out on the town!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thank You to Our Great Ambassadors!
When we launched the new INDi site last month we began a new Ambassador Program partnership with some great fashion-related blogs. A big thank you to all of them for joining us and make sure to check out all their great blogs by clicking on the links below! If you have a blog and want to join check out the program here or send us an email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
This time of year it can be hard to stay inspired with your outfits among all the craziness. So we decided to ask local gal Carly Kilpatrick, merchandiser for Marin boutique Citrus, to pick her favorite pair of INDi jeans and style them up. She chose our high rise Soma Flare in a rinse wash. Carly is a beach girl on both coasts and has a laid back but classic style. Her inspiration for the outfit came from the current 70’s trend in fashion as well as the flattering high waist cut that makes any jean feel more dressed up. This easy, comfortable outfit is perfect for running errands around town and then heading out to dinner to meet a few friends.
It’s getting colder many places and we wanted to check out what is going on in the denim world. Women’s jeans are worn in a wide range of washes, but tend to stick to the leaner, skinny jean look. A pair we love is our Duboce Skinny 5 Pocket Jean – the distressed grey wash adds an interesting twist to any outfit and works with any color palette. This cut is easier to tuck into boots or pair with booties. No matter your personal style, wintertime is the perfect time to experiment with layering using texture and proportion. Cropped sweaters over a long button up or a suede vest paired with a long-sleeve knit tee are all ways to have fun and stay comfortable.
For the men it’s all about dark wash jeans with a statement piece on top. Our Potrero Classic Straight 5 Pocket Jean fits the bill with a classic dark wash and a tailored, clean fit. Whether they chose a bold color, print, or pattern these stylish guys prove that warm dressing doesn’t have to be boring. Denim makes a great base fabric with which to build a unique outfit, so the only limit is your imagination!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Rock Out! Listen to the INDi Winter Mix
Flying home for the holidays can be crazy, so we decided to make the ultimate INDi(e) Winter Playlist to help get you through your trip. Even if you’re staying close to home this season these songs are the perfect cure for the holiday music overload blaring at every store. If you have Spotify you can go listen to the playlist for free here. So go ahead, check out some new music!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
INDi’s Guide to Dress for the Holidays
Tis the season to impress! With the holidays fast approaching, we know finding the perfect thing to wear for every soiree can be a challenge. For gals, of course, you don’t want anything over-the-top yet you certainly don’t want to look underdressed either. A festive cocktail dress is always a safe choice but did you ever consider throwing jeans into the mix? Unlike the wear-once party dress, jeans can be worn many different ways. Pairing them with a few festive elements—lush velvets, rich jewel tones, crisp winter whites or sequined sparkles can give you that sophisticated pop, ideal for the holidays. Don’t worry we’re not forgetting the guys! To look hip in denim this season, choose a classic, un-distressed pair of black denim and pair with a preppy but modern button up. Accessorize with a great watch and some snazzy loafers for a fun twist on holiday dressing. See for yourself what exactly we’re talking about, check out our ideas below:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Denim Destination: Tahoe
When it comes to wintertime many people’s first thought is snow. Here in San Francisco that can only mean one thing, a trip to Lake Tahoe! To discover the key to staying chic and warm we searched out our favorite style bloggers who live in cold places. Despite their different outfit styles, The Girl With the Messy Hair, Atlantic-Pacific, Cheetah is the New Black, and the girls on Altamira, all share certain elements: jeans, boots, and a great jacket. Denim is perfect for this use – not only is it comfortable under ski pants but it holds it’s shape and looks cute back at the cabin or out shopping the many boutiques in the town of South Lake Tahoe (or any ski resort) itself. So don’t settle for bulky jackets and sneakers for your ski trip – these girls prove it’s easy to be stylish in the snow.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Blogger Matchbox Kitchen Helps INDi Out in the Kitchen
Food blogger Sara Tso believes in “combining style and sustainability in everyday life, from the food you eat to the clothes you wear. ” Over on her blog, Matchbox Kitchen, she treats her readers to great food and the occasional outfit post. With her delicious recipes (and gorgeous food photography) we knew we had to ask for some tips to celebrate the holidays:
1. What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? How do you plan to celebrate the holiday?
My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is pumpkin pie! It’s my favorite kind of pie but I save it for this occasion to make it even more special. My boyfriend and I recently moved out and we will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. Along with our family members, we spend all day eating, drinking, and cooking!
2. What will you be cooking? Any particular food you’re looking forward to?
I will be making bread from Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a day and Martha Stewarts pumpkin cream pie. I always look forward to all the traditional foods like turkey and cranberry sauce, but my favorite thing about Thanksgiving is having leftovers! Turkey sandwiches with all the fixings (gravy, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts, caramelized onions and whatever else I might want to add) are my specialty.
3. What’s your best piece of advice or time-saving tip for a home cook this holiday season?
Make sure to break up the dinner into smaller tasks so everyone else can help out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The most fun occasions are when everyone is buzzing around the kitchen. I like to prepare items in advance such as making the bread dough ahead of time, setting the table the night before, and washing and cutting the vegetables.
4. Comfort is key when you’re digging into a big Thanksgiving meal, how would you style jeans for the occasion?
I would wear a loose fitting blouse to be comfortable but put together, then dress it up a little with simple, elegant jewelry from elephantine. Then I’ll slip on a pair of moccasins and put on a chunky knit cardigan to cozy up with a cup of tea after dinner.
So don’t forget – check out Sara’s blog Matchbox Kitchen and enjoy all the wonderful things she’s cooking up!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Perfect Pair of Trouser Jeans for the Holidays
This holiday season most of us will spend some time traveling. Packing for the holidays can be a challenge, but we think our newly redesigned trouser jeans in black denim will help you skip right to the ‘fun and festivities’ part of your trip! The beauty of trouser jeans is that they can be worn for numerous types of occasions (formal or informal), and have you always feeling dressed perfectly for every event. These versatile pants combine the comfort of denim (for those long plane rides) and sleek tailoring perfect for running around town and for the big dinner itself. Don¹t believe us? Check out our ideas on how to take one pair of trouser jeans from the terminal to the table.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The New INDi is Here!
We are really proud today to reveal the new INDi brand and website, as well as to announce some great new styles and unveil many new product enhancements! We hope with this complete re-design, we have made it that much easier for every INDIvidual to get top quality, premium custom jeans. Of course, while it should be super easy for our consumers, changes this big take a lot of hard work… we’ve been working for months to bring you what you see today, and now we want to share with you a little glimpse into that process.
Back in September we had a photo shoot in and around San Francisco with a great crew of models. As you’ll see on the site, we want are aiming to celebrate the diversity of our customers, across both body types and styles, and capturing this was a big part of our focus with the shoot. Now that the re-launch secret is out, we can finally show you some of our favorite behind-the-scenes shots of the process. Take a peek at what goes into creating a whole new shopping experience and check out our brand new website, http://www.indicustom.com!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Four Jean Outfits to Try with Fall Boots
It’s finally starting to feel like Fall since November’s cold front is in full force. This only means that we get to bundle up and wear more jackets, sweaters, scarfs and blazers paired with our jeans. One of our favorite pairings here at INDi is wearing our skinny jeans with a fall essential= boots! We live in them, day-in and day-out, and we’re always on the lookout for the latest styles and greatest ways to wear them. And since there are so many different styles of boots, we felt the need to break it down for you piece by piece. Here, we’ve rounded up some street-style winners to give you inspirational outfits and help you decide what boots to rock your skinnies with this fall.
Lace-up boots can give that rock and roll feel, wear them with a good pair of slim-dark wash jeans to get that tough-girl look, add lots of layers and a pop of unexpected color
Slouchy- Make sure to wear your best fitting skinnys with these boots. With these boots, comfort is key. Try wearing them with jeans and a structured bomber jacket.
Ankle Wedges- always modern and edgy, this boot is favored by many fashion-forward women because they give emphasis on your legs. It creates a slimming effect when you pair them with your skinny jeans. Pair yours with some true basics, making the focus of your outfit on the shoe.
Riding —pretty much any equestrian boots will never go out of style—so if you’re looking for a more classic look, then this is for you. They make your legs longer and leaner, pair yours with a warm sweater and a scarf.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Denim Transformation: Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has come a long way since his days modeling for levis. We love a guy who dresses just right and Brad seems to be the perfect example of this. Over the years, Brad has mastered an easy-going style often pairing his jeans with true classics (think tailored dress shirts, leather jackets, blazers). He never appears to be trying too hard yet he still seems pretty rugged and masculine in his outfits. That’s why today, at INDI we are taking a look at how Brad Pitt’s denim style evolved.
Brad starts out with a very playful style during the 80s and 90s, never taking himself too seriously. In the turn of the millennium (and when his career and personal life becomes highly profiled), Brad sticks to wearing everyday basics, pictured pairing his white button up shirt with dark jeans. He never looks contrive or stuffy either. Case in point: he leaves the top button of his shirts undone, he keeps patterns understated and he rarely wears a tie. When it comes to fashion, the only thing that Brad isn’t afraid to experiment in is his hair…just like in the premiere of his film Mr. and Mrs. Smith where he dyed his hair platinum. Although with a leather jacket and some great fitting jeans, Brad still manages to pull the rugged look . He maybe labeled as one of the world’s biggest movie stars but Brad often chooses refreshingly down-to-earth ensembles instead of over the top outfits and his style just keeps getting better and better each year.
Jessie of The Concrete Catwalk is the go to girl for fashion and styling advice. She takes a mix of vintage and new pieces and creates a signature look all her own. Fortunately for the rest of us, she also runs her own styling company Style & Pepper, so she can share her unique fashion viewpoint. Recently, Jesse designed a high waisted pair of INDI tapered jeans and we jumped at the chance to ask her about denim and personal style. 1. How would you describe your style?
I’ve been thinking so much about this lately, and it’s honestly a tough thing to do! I like to dress for my mood, and always try to inject a bit of humor and visual interest into my look. I’m definitely drawn to more “eclectic” styles, and love wearing things that elicit an eyebrow raise or two. (;
2. Custom denim is a big investment. Any tips for how to wear jeans multiple ways?
I think pairing jeans with pieces that are really unexpected is the best way to get the most bang for your buck… I can honestly say that I hardly EVER wear jeans with something as simple as a t-shirt, but instead have been snazzing them up lately with focal pieces like crazy layered jewelry, neon knit sweaters or multiple animal print accessories.
3. How do the places you’ve lived (AZ, CA, and KC) effect your style?
I love being influenced by the cities I’ve lived… the part of AZ that I grew up in has a more resort-y classic vibe, San Diego added an edgier laid-back touch, and Kansas City has really inspired me to embrace the vintage style that I feel makes up the majority of my wardrobe today! We’re moving to the NYC-area next month, and I’ll be interested to see how that affects my day-to-day outfits, as well.
4. What blogs do you use for style inspiration?
Oh man… I love reading blogs for inspiration, and there are SO many that I could name here that it would be ridiculous. I definitely have my faves, but I would say the ones that inspire me the most are the outfit bloggers who aren’t afraid to take risks, and who find the majority of their pieces from vintage/resale/thrift shops instead of buying every single trend they see from the bigbox fast fashion stores. I love having things that are unique to me (which is why I LOVE my INDI jeans!), and I think the bloggers that creatively show how have a big impact in the most unique way are my absolute faves. (:
A few weeks ago we started brainstorming (with the help of our Twitter and Facebook friends!) how we could incorporate denim into our Halloween costumes. We got some great ideas and, with Halloween right around the corner, wanted to share them with you! Each of the costumes starts off with one of our basic INDi jeans and dresses them up with clothing items you probably already have laying around or can easily obtain. After all Halloween is about being silly, not stressing about the little details. First up, our take on the iconic Rosie the Riveter. We began with our trouser jeans and paired them with a denim shirt, boots and a bandana to tie over your hair, just flex your muscles and you’re in character!
The next (and probably most obvious) costume is that of a cowgirl/cowboy. Take some distressed skinny jeans and add a plaid button-up, flashy belt buckle and boots and voila! You’re ready to ride.
Another idea for trouser jeans, or any wide leg jean for that matter is the classic sailor look. Just pair a striped top with a scarf tied in a triangle around the neck and pick up a sailor hat from the nearest costume store and you’ve got an instantly recognizable outfit.
Last, and our favorite, is using straight leg jeans to dress up as Waldo. The key here is the rounded black glasses, and with a striped sweater and beanie you’ll also be ready for a cold Halloween!
So these are our ideas for a denim Halloween. What ideas did we miss?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Deborah Santana
Deborah Santana could never find jeans that fit, all the styles she could find off the rack were too long or sat too high on her waist. Now with her order from INDI she finally has a pair that fits! At five feet tall she was at a “loss to wear any of the great new styles.” This avid hiker and chef calls Colorado Springs home and considers Penelope Cruz her fashion icon because of her “hot, sophisticated timeless style.” And if she had her way (and if it was her favorite season, fall, year round) she’d wear “soft feminine sweaters and sophisticated dark washed jeans and great zip up leather boots everyday!” The best thing she told us? “Since I found INDI I haven’t gotten up one day and said, “My legs are too short! My body is too curvy! Why cant I just look like the models in those ads!?!” Great to hear Deborah!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Denim Styles and Tips for your 20s
So we’ve recently covered denim styles in your 30’s and now, we’re going to give you the rundown on how to create simple yet head turning looks in your twenties. For women in their 20s, there are no set rules or standards. These are the years were you come to your own style-wise, and you don’t necessarily think about whether something is age appropriate or not. When it comes to dressing jeans, we always like to keep things fresh and simple. And since the months of September through October are sometimes hard to gauge weather wise, we are here to offer some 20s slash transitional temperature outfits to pair your jeans with. Check them out below:
Dont be afraid to give your outfit a little splash! Sometimes, all you need is a vibrant top and some skinny jeans, a few indie cool accessories and some awesome boots to prove that your style stripes this fall. We also like the denim on denim look after all, an old standby (like jeans) even if its custom made or not, needs an outfit refresher (like pairing it with a chambray shirt) from time to time.
We hope that you get a little inspired with dressing your jeans from these looks—just make sure to have a little fun with your wardrobe! (and thats even if you’re past your 20’s).
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Denim Destination: Chicago
Today we are traveling to the Midwest to check what they pair their jeans with. Chicago is known as the windy city. Unlike other states where you could still wear sandals when its in the 60’s outside and opt for hoodies instead of actual coats, this simply isn’t going to fly in Chicago’s Fall season. When it comes to what you pair your jeans with, structured coats and boots are the way to go. The trick to dressing for fall temperatures is to not over bundle after all its not winter quite yet.
We’ve put together some Chicago bloggers ( The Style Tribe, See Jane, The Midwestyle, Blonde Bedhead ) to remind us that when it comes to wearing jeans, simple is chic—and yes, it’s possible to keep comfort at the forefront without looking like a bundle of mess. A fun plaid and some dark wash jeans might be all you need to pull one awesome outfit so you could stroll down Millennium Park or check out boutiques and bars at Wicker Park and Bucktown for a day.
Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead is the type of blogger you’d want to be friends with in real life. She’s someone who isn’t afraid to show her style; this gal likes to wear upgraded versions of basics (think maxis, tunics, shirt dresses and coats) in vivid hues and fun prints with a vibrant shoe collection to match. Recently, she designed a pair of INDI skinny jeans with embroidered back pockets in our camel/chesnut combo. “Since I live in jeans,” Andrea mentions, “it only made sense to design a versatile everyday pair, naturally a dark wash skinny jean made snug the butt area, but more forgiving in the waist, where I typically have the most problems.” We think she looks great and we couldn’t agree more. Here, we ask her some questions about her personal style, current inspirations and anything denim related.
1. How would you describe your style?
I’d describe my style as understated, but edgy. I love wearing neutrals, cotton, leather and a crazy heel.
2. Custom denim is a big investment. Any tips for how to wear jeans multiple ways?
I live in jeans and have learned ways to incorporate them into almost any outfit, from work to a nice dinner date. It’s about knowing what kind of jean you feel most comfortable in and investing that one, because then you’ll get more wears out of it. For me, it’s a basic dark wash skinny jean. They can be worn as a part of a comfortable, Sunday outfit with an oversized sweater and boots to a night out with the girls with a platform heel and a lot of jewelry!
3. Chicago is a city of temperature extremes, what items do you think are must-haves to live there?
Because the weather is so extreme, it’s important to have clothing that’s easy to layer. A lot of my clothes can transition into multiple seasons based on how I pair them together. For example, a basic black maxi dress with an open back can be transformed into a fall outfit with a pair of lace up boots and chunky camel sweater thrown over with a felt hat. I buy a lot of my clothing with the question in mind, “how can I wear this during other seasons?” If that question is too difficult to answer, I typically pass on the item.
4. What blogs do you use for style inspiration? Caroline’s Mode is one of my favorite blogs. I find her minimalist, edgy look very inspirational and she has a great eye for photography. I also love On the Racks. She has such a graceful, feminine look with a bit of edge. She’s always photographed so beautifully in San Francisco.
Jeans and sweater weather is arriving! Need a little inspiration to help you get over the end of summer? We browsed lookbook.nu to find some serious denim styling from all over the world:
Click the image for more info
Whether on the streets of Paris or Milan, men favor a more fitted jeans paired with slightly retro feeling clothes. Women’s street style is even more versatile – skinny to wide leg all can be worn this fall. But the one thing all these stylish denim wearers have in common? Their own unique take on how to wear jeans. Obviously, anyone who doesn’t think street style influences major designers should think again!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Denim Transformation: Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker has been around for quite some time. We’ve seen this lovely lady wear denim in many different ways from her days dancing in the classic musical, Footloose to the iconic role that made her one of most influential dressers in Hollywood; most of you know this role as the sassy single writer, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City. While we’re not well versed in describing Sarah Jessica Parker’s personal style, we know that playing Carrie for six straight years has definitely improved Sarah’s own outfit choices overtime. Today at INDI, we are going to look at SPJ’s denim style transformation and how she (like plenty of ladies out there) got to inject a little Carrie Bradshaw in her own wardrobe.
In the early 80’s, we first saw Sarah in jeans when she played a nerdy girl in the comedy series called Square Pegs. Next, the future Carrie Bradshaw was then photographed wearing an oversized blazer paired with her rolled cuffed jeans—the outfit doesnt look exactly quite right but she was trying! Come 2007 and three years have passed since Sex and the City, Sarah has come to her own style-wise, and is pictured during the launch of her very own clothing line. In 2009, the four favorite fashionable girls reunite for the Sex and the City movie; here, Sarah is with Cynthia Nixon aka Miranda Hobbes wearing super light blue denim while filming a scene from the movie. In 2010 and present, SPJ has finally solidified her style—even mixing funky accessories (the fedora hat and the bright pink bag) with true classic denim pieces.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Black Jeans are back for Fall!!
We’re excited to offer black denim as an option for custom jeans this fall. Our new Panther fabric is a cotton blend containing a little bit of polyester and spandex to ensure great shape retention and comfortable fit. So our next thought, of course, was what are some fresh ways to wear black jeans?
For a more formal look, take black jeans and pair with a demurely patterned neutral top and then, capitalizing on the contrast with the black denim, go for a bright pop of color in the form of a blazer. Black jeans are great because, like most black clothes, they streamline your silhouette, so pairing them with a black pump will make your legs look like they go on for miles. Add a brown tote to avoid being too matchy-matchy and some gold earrings, and you’re ready for anything.
Black jeans also look great for running errands. Pair your black jeans with a denim button up (denim on denim, another continuing trend) and playful charm necklace to lighten the mood. Top off with a bold colored bag and a neutral wedge heel for comfortable walking and off you go.
So these were our ideas about how to style our new black jeans. If you buy a pair of black jeans what are your styling thoughts?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Getting Ready for Fall Jeans
Fall is fast approaching so here at INDI we’ve started thinking about how our wardrobes will change. Taking a cue from last fall we wanted to continue wearing light wash, distressed jeans (check out a pair of custom jeans in our vintage with distressing finish?). Inject an element of fun into a pair of straight leg jeans by taking a cue from recent menswear trends, loosely roll the cuff of your jeans above a moccasin or oxford and show off your socks. Paired with a plaid button up or cute tank top and cardigan, this style plays on several recent trends, Americana and menswear, but is most of all it’s comfortable! Another look we’re loving for fall is the 70’s high wasted flare or wide lef jean. Go full on retro chic with a suede jacket and tucked in button up or head towards a softer, more hippie, styling with a loose boho top. Take a look below for some more denim ideas this fall:
Now that you have some ideas, why not try out a pair of custom jeans?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
NYFW Spring/Summer 2012 Denim Trends!
There was a lot of denim on the runway this past week, here in no particular order, are some of our favorite denim trends:
From left to right - DKNY, Theysken’s Theory, Jenni Kayne
From left to right - Alice + Olivia, Steven Alan, United Bamboo
From left to right - Thakoon, Charlotte Ronson, Vivienne Tam
From left to right - Rebecca Minkoff, Theysken’s Theory, ADAM
And one more random trend we noticed?? Black and white stripe pants popping up all over the place…
From left to right - Tommy Hilfiger, 10 Crosby Derek Lam, Charlotte Ronson
So are any of these trends ones you’ll try?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Denim Transformation: Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes has certainly come a long way—in her career, personal life and most importantly, style. From her days as the innocent and lovable Joey Potter in Dawson’s Creek (yes admit it, we know you’ve all seen the show) to the ever-poised, effortlessly stylish, Mrs. Cruise, Katie’s been a regular fixture on our screens for years. And the same goes when she’s out and about wearing denim. We’ve seen this girl rock all of the different denim style—bootcuts, flare jeans, skinnys, probably even jeans from Tom’s closet—you name it, she’s been photographed wearing it. She’s even been dubbed by fashionistas as the one who started the boyfriend jean trend.
To sum it up, we at INDI are taking a look at how Katie’s denim style evolved, piece by piece and year by year. In mid-1990’s Katie played it safe—wearing your classic dark jeans with plain t-shirts but by the turn of the millenium, she started experimenting more by dressing her daily denim up with various pieces like pointed shoes and laced up long sleeves. In 2003, Katie debuted an edgy denim look in the movie Pieces of April .
I guess its safe to say by 2008, Katie’s signature style becomes permanent (and popular). At one point, she’s been spotted wearing different versions of the boyfriend jeans—for three days in a row. She was also seen rocking some wide leg jeans —which is also a trend that’s made a huge comeback in the fall. Fast forward to today, this lady has come full circle by recently stepping out with skinny jeans (we think its her best look yet). We cant wait to see what denim style she’ll bring back next!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Erin Carson
Today’s customer spotlight is Erin Carson, a self-described “east coast transplant” who is currently finishing her PhD in computer science at UC Berkeley and is passionate about promoting women in science and engineering. INDI jeans have allowed her to save time by skipping the dressing room, and getting jeans that fit and don’t stretch out over the course of the day. Erin defines INDIviduality as “Creating my own style and wearing it with confidence - whether it’s customized jeans, recycled vintage tops, or jewelry I made myself to accent certain pieces.”
Here Erin is wearing her INDI rinse skinny jeans . Want to steal her laidback style? Just add a brightly colored top to give a punch of color. But, Erin’s real secret to having great style? “Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.”
Thursday, September 1, 2011
From Denim Runway to Denim Everyday
The fall season is fast approaching. Sooner or later, you’ll have to take those jackets and sweaters out again. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to pair your jeans with, well you could always find some inspiration straight out of the runway. While you probably don’t have the budget to buy the exact clothes featured, you could still copy the look for a lot less. We think that the best place to start when it comes to recreating a runway look is to find one that you would wear in real life (think functional pieces rather than flashy ones).
For example, for men, we picked this basic, understated look thats paired with dark jeans from the Trussardi Spring 2011 Menswear Collection. Guys, we are sure that you have a handful of plain white shirts on hand so why not dress one up a little bit with a structured jacket and subtle colored sneakers.
Also for the ladies, don’t put those light-washed jeans away just yet, pair them with a bold print top like checkers or plaid to give your outfit a nod to the Americana trend that is continuing for fall. For instance, we picked this look from the Chanel Resort 2011 Collection featuring light jeans with a subtle yet adorable black and white checkered top along with some great gold cuffs and a classic tan belt.
So remember, if you’re running out of places to find inspiration, look to the runway and translate them into your daily life.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Denim Styles and Tips for your 30’s
So you’re ready to invest in custom jeans made exactly to your measurements. Good choice! Don’t worry you’ll get plenty of mileage out of them - contrary to what you may think, jeans aren’t just for the weekend. There are plenty of ways to wear your jeans while still looking polished, professional, and age-appropriate.
For women in their 30’s, fit is the most important starting point. If you’re worried about camouflaging wide hips or thighs, go for wide leg jeans that will create a clean line going down from the widest point of your thigh and balance out your proportions. Self-conscious about your tummy? A simple fix is a mid-rise jean, which will give you plenty of coverage and comfort.
But we realize jeans that fit are just the beginning of your whole outfit. The secret to getting a polished look is in the details. Accessories are key! Choose a luxe bag, a printed scarf, or a structured blazer to take your jeans out of weekend mode and make them work for the office or a weeknight dinner date. Add a nice sandal or heel to finish off the look. Here are some of our styling suggestions that we put together using our trouser and bootcut jean:
For Work:
For Play
We want to hear your thoughts! So would you consider wearing denim to work or for a less casual weekend occasion?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
INDI and Kathleen of Inspirafashion Get Ready for Fall
The end of summer is here; whether you’re headed back to school or not, there’s something about fall that feels like a new beginning. This feeling of new starts inspired INDI’s recent photo shoot with Berkeley style blogger and psychology major Kathleen Murillo from Inspirafashion. Along with our favorite photographer Lydia Hudgens and a pair of INDI dark indigo bootcut jeans, we went back to school with Kathleen.
Jeans are the most versatile piece in your closet and can easily be incorporated into anyone’s style. For Kathleen, inspiration is found many places, including vintage and DIY. As you can tell from the photos, we had a lot of fun exploring campus with Kathleen and Lydia. So, what do you want to pair with your jeans this fall?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Helen Mirren Loves Her INDI Jeans in InStyle Magazine
On August 1st, Dame Helen Mirren won the LA Fitness Best Body Poll, beating out Elle MacPherson, J-Lo and others. Thats why we were thrilled to see her mention INDI and the great fit our jeans give her in the September issue of InStyle. In the interview Mirren claims her shape is ‘anti-jean’, and then raves about how her INDI jeans ‘fit bloody great’. This woman, with not only an amazing body but also undisputed class and style, is a great example of the uniqueness that we at INDI endeavor to celebrate. Clearly off the rack sizes and styles are not for everyone, and we love to help individuals everywhere find the best possible fit!
Monday, August 22, 2011
How to Keep Your White Jeans White
Labor Day is next week, the traditional “end” of all things white. Whether you follow this style mandate or not, we thought it would be helpful to pass along our tips on how to keep you white jeans looking bright:
1. Check the manufacturer’s label and see what they recommend. For INDI white denim, our label reads “Machine wash cold. Gentle cycle with like colors. Only non-chlorine bleach, when needed. Tumble-dry low. Remove promptly.”
2. If you are going to use bleach follow the directions on the bottle for soaking and then immediately put the white jeans in a full wash cycle with regular detergent.
3. If the detergent you are using already contains bleach make sure to again follow the directions on the bottle and also allow the detergent to mix into the water before adding the white jeans. If possible (I know if you live in an apartment with shared washer/dryer this probably won’t work) let them sit for a few hours before running them through a normal wash cycle.
4. Alkali in detergents, high dryer heat settings, and fabric softeners can all cause your white jeans to yellow. To prevent that from occurring simply make sure all detergent is rinsed out, keep the dyer temperature on low, and avoid using fabric softener.
We think fashion rules are made to be broken, so go ahead, follow these four simple steps to keep your white jeans looking bright and wear them well into Fall!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Charlotte and Caroline
Best friends Charlotte and Caroline stopped by our office to show off their INDI jeans. Charlotte wore her rinse bootcut jeans perfectly paired with wedges while Caroline tucked her dark indigo with subtle sanding skinnys into a pair of booties. While both girls have their own unique takes on personal style, one thing they can agree on is the importance of fit. Custom jeans have enabled them to escape common problems like waist gape and inseam length and just own a perfectly fitting pair of jeans!
Charlotte is wearing her SOMA bootcut and Caroline is wearing her SOMA skinny
When asked about running the show at INDI both girls wanted to be designers, Caroline designing new pairs of jeans and looks and Charlotte adding brightly colored denim to our lineup. Charlotte’s take on style is all about individuality, in her words, “Don’t try and imitate anyone else. Wear the colors, textures, styles and pieces that you love, regardless of what’s current.” We had a lot of fun hanging out with both these stylish ladies, don’t they look great in their custom jeans?
Also, be sure to check out Charlotte’s healthy beauty blog Freckles to Toes!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Whole Wide World of Denim - Style Inspiration from Around the Globe
Denim jeans originated in our hometown of San Francisco, but now they’re worn (stylishly!) all over the globe. It’s getting towards late summer, so we wanted to round up some of our favorite international looks for denim inspiration this fall. Whether they hail from the UK, Paris, or Manila these fashionable guys and gals share one thing, a love for denim. Here are few of our favorites:
All photos are from lookbook.nu. Click the photos for more information.
In a dark or light wash, with or without holes, skinny or wide leg, the diversity of these looks proves that when it comes to denim style, you can wear it all! So this fall, what style jeans will you be wearing?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
No time! Get your jeans ready to go out in moments
You know those nights you thought you were staying home only to get a phone call/text message telling you to be ready to go out in a matter of minutes? Here are some suggestions for quick fixes to the last minute how-do-I-make-my-jeans-and-t-shirt-dressy dilemma:
Add a scarf. Nothing adds color and finishes a look better; worn over a plain shirt with some simple jeans this will make an outfit pop.
Ditch the flip flops. Pull on a pair of riding boots for cooler temps or a pair of wedges when the weather is warm. If you can’t decide just opt for a pair of booties! A nice pair of shoes goes a long way to adding to an outfit.
Accessorize! Just like a scarf, some nice statement jewelry makes your simple basics look like a backdrop instead of boring.
So what are your thoughts, do you have any go-to secrets to take your jeans from plain to stylish?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Denim Destination: Seattle
This time of year it’s hot outside, not exactly ideal jeans weather (unless they’ve become cut off shorts!) But since the cities in the Pacific Northwest tend to stay a little cooler, if you’re traveling to Seattle, jeans are a must!
Seattle has a lot of stylish guys and girls showing us how to layer just right for the variable weather, here’s a few of our favorite denim looks: Images from It’s My Darlin, lookbook.nu, and Chictopia
Whether trekking to the top of the Space Needle to enjoy the view, or watching the orcas in Puget Sound denim style in Seattle is all about casual comfort and layers. One go to style is a looser, light wash jean cuffed over some boots or great sneakers, the perfect combination of casual fashion sense. We also love the loose knit tops and big scarves layered for warmth for the evening and the crisp white shirts paired with jeans for the day. Here’s how we would style our INDI jeans, inspired by our fashionable neighbors up north in Seattle:
To start, we would cuff our vintage wash straight leg INDI jeans with fun socks and lace up moccasin booties. On top we chose a loose button up with a big scarf and, of course, a fitted jacket to keep us warm once the sun sets. Suffice to say, it may be too hot in the summertime some places, but if you’re headed to the Pacific Northwest make sure to pack some jeans!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
An Open Letter To The Worst Dressed Men of Silicon Valley
We’ll let the oversized blazers and cowboy shirts slide (we’re talking to you Sacca!), but please PLEASE stop wearing Dad jeans. We know you can afford better, but we’re willing to give them to you for free anyways. If you made this list, you’re officially eligible for one pair or INDI custom jeans. Just promise to stay off worst dressed lists, ok?
Sincerely,
The Concerned Denim Aficionados at INDI
Email becca[at]indicustom[dot]com to redeem this offer and your style credibility
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Kimber Gollaher
When it comes to shopping for jeans, Kimber Gollaher has a problem many people relate to. She calls this problem a love-hate relationship.“I love wearing a pair of jeans everyday but I hated shopping for them because it was always so time consuming and depressing only to end up with nothing or just something.” Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as the thrill of the hunt when it comes to shopping for jeans. Lucky for Kimber, she discovered INDI. While other denim brands are catching on and introducing sizes exclusively for tall and petite, there are still some things that you just can’t solve when nailing the right jean fit. For instance, Kimber explains, “did I mention I’m tall? (she’s 5’10) and yes you can find some jeans for tall people but they often aren’t cut with a woman’s curves in mind.” We couldn’t agree more—here at INDI, our system is designed to make your jeans according to your overall body measurement, not just certain factors such as height. Furthermore, we try to make the process of building your own pair accessible. Kimber notes that before she discovered INDI, she “owned the same couple pairs of jeans for years until out of desperation, the hunt would begin again. Now I can just hop online and access my design, pick a color, style and get exactly what will look great on me.”
Kimber is seen wearing her SOMA straight leg INDI jeans in both pictures
When it comes to style icons, Kimber favors the petite actress, Rachel Bilson; “she always looks great no matter if the paparazzi catch her on a run for coffee or just hanging around in NY. She pairs classic items in unexpected ways that work and I am in awe of her talent!” Kimber clearly understands the value of a great fit, when we asked her what is the best style advice she’s ever received, she replied simply “if it doesn’t fit right, get it tailored!” But we say, if they’re jeans, than you can just come to INDI and get a custom fit.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Inspirafashion loves INDI
Style blogger Kathleen of Inpirafashion is one of those girls that effortlessly mixes clothes and comes up with a style all her own. Whether going to class or just hanging out in Berkeley, she’s got a quirky , bohemian style that we love here at INDI. Kathleen was nice enough to answer our questions about some of her inspirations:
1. How would you describe your style?
Bohemian romantic flare tossed with minimalism and a whole lotta love for boots. I wear what I feel comfortable and most importantly confident in.
2. Custom denim is a big investment. Any tips for how to wear jeans multiple ways?
Accessorize! Wearing unique and fun accessories like bright bracelets or chunky heels can really make jeans stand out. Also, you can either wear jeans to work on Casual Fridays by tucking in a classy blouse or downplay them for weekends by pairing them with loose crop tops and ankle boots.
3. San Francisco Bay Area weather is notoriously unpredictable, what items do you think are must-haves to live here?
Cardigans will be your best friend here in the Bay Area. They’re great for layering which you can pack on or peel off easily. Any type of boot is a definite must-have. They help with comfort if you trek up steep SF hills and also act as a bonus if it starts to rain.
4. What blogs do you use for style inspiration?
I currently love Sincerely Jules, heart + bleecker, Gary Pepper Vintage, and DonatilaRose. I love how they wear standout pieces which are gorgeous alone, but are still able to create beautiful outfits with them all together.
INDI and Jennie from Going West go on a San Francisco road trip
Summer is the perfect time of year for a road trip! Even if you just slip away for a weekend, there’s nothing like cruising down the highway with your best friends blasting music. This carefree feeling was the inspiration behind out summer photo shoot with San Francisco fashion blogger and all around cool girl, Jennie Lodge from Going West. So with photographer Lydia Hudgens, a friend’s vintage car and some great pairs of INDI jeans (Jennie is wearing our bootcut in rinse wash) we headed out to Crissy Field. Crissy Field is in the Presido neighborhood of San Francisco and is one of the great parks located on the bay in our hometown. From the park you can see the city, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge so it’s the perfect destination for taking it easy on the weekend.
Since jeans are the most versatile things in your closet, they’re perfect for whatever your road trip brings. Jennie has a knack for combining prints and textures, so it makes sense that she styled her INDI jeans with a denim-on-denim look, wearing a chambray shirt layered over a floral top. We had a lot of fun with Jennie and Lydia on our mini-road trip, where will you go this weekend?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Far out! A Modern Take on the Classic Wide Leg Jean
It seems like we can’t go anywhere without seeing 70’s style denim looks! Not that we’re complaining. In fact, almost every girl in our office has been eyeing a pair of high-waisted wide leg jeans. Best of all, this trend is universally flattering. High rises are great for camouflaging your tummy and a wide leg will balance out a full booty or athletic thighs. Not sure if this trend is for you? We pulled all sorts of style inspiration from Chictopia to get you into the 70’s groove. As with any trend from a bygone era, the key is to mix in something modern and make it your own. We love how these chic ladies interpreted the trend:
Ready to rock wide leg 70’s style jeans? If you’re looking to get in on the trend with custom fit wide leg jeans, you can shop our Soma fit here.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Brian Brookshire
Denim lovers meet New Yorker Brian Brookshire. We first spotted Brian wearing his INDI jeans when he was featured in the Japanese fashion magazine Gainer (middle image). Brian’s style is perfectly crisp and well pressed. There’s something about living in a major fashion capital that makes you well-versed in style; Brian knows what works great with jeans and we couldn’t agree more. His favorite jean/clothing combo is a basic pair of jeans with a blazer, vest, and loafers. He says that the best style advice he ever received was quality over quantity, “If you have fewer items that are all great, then you will always look great. If you own a lot of items that are all mediocre, then you will always look mediocre.” And when it comes to jeans, everyone can agree that quality trumps quantity. Brian’s found a great classic fit straight leg that’s tailor-made for his body. Brian’s thoughts on the best part about having custom jeans? “No more trying on pair after pair that do not fit!” So that’s why if Brian ran INDI for a day he would introduce “INDIChinos! It’s just as hard to find chinos that both fit well and are styled well as it is to find jeans.”
Check out what Brian Brookshire is up to at his blog Adventures in Creating a Life of Freedom and Choice, where he writes about personal development, location independence, and reprogramming your thinking for success.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Enjoy Your Weekend in Jeans
Summertime is perfect for weekend plans, a quick trip out of town with perfect weather is the ideal way to recharge for the work week. Since we always have denim on the brain at INDI here are some suggestions on how to wear jeans for some of our favorite weekend trips.
Beach
What’s more perfect than a sunset stroll on the beach? Pair a loose, colorful tank with rolled white jeans and simple sandals or bare feet. You’ll be able to pull off laid back and stylish. All images courtesy of Polyvore
Mountains
Some distressed jeans tucked into a pair of good hiking boots go perfectly with a t-shirt and light cardigan. Keep accessories light, and don’t forget water! All images courtesy of Polyvore
State Fair
Light, vintage wash jeans paired with a skinny belt and woven flats are perfect for the fair. Top it all off with a light lacy blouse and you’re ready for a Ferris wheel ride. All images courtesy of Polyvore
Museums
Use the weekend to finally see that exhibit you’ve been thinking about for months. Head indoors in a classic pair of rinse bootcut jeans and a structured sleeveless blouse and get your art fix. All images courtesy of Polyvore
Those were some of our ideas for adventures in Northern California, but what are some of your weekend plans?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Pretty Shiny Sparkly Loves INDI
Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly is a blogger who has a special knack for creating feminine styles and making trends her own. She tried out a pair of INDI trouser jeans, and you can see how her ability to mix and match pieces is a continuous inspiration to us here at INDI. We were excited to ask her a few questions about her personal style and current inspirations.
1. How would you describe your style?
I would definitely describe my style as a blend between comfortable, casual, and feminine. With a dash of sparkle!
2. Custom denim is a big investment. Any tips for how to wear jeans multiple ways?
If you are going to invest in any one fashion item, let it be a pair of great fitting, well-made jeans. They are definitely the most versatile of items. You can dress them up or down. I will wear mine with a pair of sparkly heels and a glitzy flowing black top for nights out on the town (or happy hour!), and can just as easily pair them with a fitted white tee and some Converse sneakers for running errands. Whenever you’re wearing something that fits you perfectly, you can guarantee you’ll look good. And then you feel good, which is always a plus.
3. You’re a med student, so you’re very busy. Do you have any suggestions for maintaining personal style on a time crunch?
I have some go-to items that I know will work in a bind. Jeans, of course, even though I’m one of those rare animals that wears jeans year-round in a place as hot and humid as Houston, Texas. But accessories can really bring an outfit up from the trenches when you’re in a bind—an “arm party” of bracelets add texture, and a big statement bag can make any outfit look polished and high on style.
4. What blogs do you use for style inspiration? Atlantic-Pacific, The Glamourai, Karla’s Closet, and WhoWhatWear are my current favorite blogs that are sources of amazing style inspiration. But I have many more on my blogroll, as well!
For Susie Hill, it’s the little things that she appreciates the most; things like spending time with her daughter, working as a camp counselor and finding a great pair of jeans. “Do what makes you happy,” that’s Susie’s advice on life and we here at indi, are happy to make her list. We know how challenging it is to find a pair of jeans that fit just right. Susie designed herself a pair of wide leg jeans along with our blood:water mission logo embroidery in her back pocket. Not only does Susie look great in jeans, she’s also supporting a good cause—all the more reasons to spread her joy about finding her perfect fitting jean.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Denim Destination: San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its finicky weather. Case in point: yesterday was about 20 degrees cooler than last year’s temperature and we are approaching the end of June! If you are planning to travel to San Francisco, don’t let our summer wind and fog get you down. Just remember to pack a great pair of denim jeans and lots of layers for the multitude of climate changes.
In preparation for your trip, we’ve gathered pictures of stylish San Franciscans and their whimsical personal style, to serve you readers as inspiration on how to dress.
Whether you plan on checking out the music scene on Filmore, shopping on Union Square or walking around Golden Gate Park, when deciding on what to pair your jeans with, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Pick a handful of bold and bright pieces to work into your wardrobe and choose to pack a pair of dark rinse jeans since you can get more use out of them. It’s possible to get by with only one pair when traveling but if you’re staying longer than a week and if you really like wearing jeans, you might want to pack more—in different leg styles. Here’s our suggestion, some pieces to include along with your jeans:
We love the look of a plaid buttoned shirt paired with flare jeans like the girl on the far right spotted on Filmore. Another thing you could try is pair your jeans with a lacey top to add dimension. Summer is also the perfect time to break out your nautical inspired pieces, you can complete your sailor-esque look with a fedora hat and skinny jeans like this girl on Union Square in the middle. Remember San Francisco is a foggy city so pairing your jeans with layers is key. If you need more advice on the best jeans for travel click here
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Anatomy of an INDI jean: Part 2
Last week we defined some components that make up your favorite clothing item, jeans. Now we’re back with to continue the denim education!
Yoke
The v-shaped section at the back of jeans below the waistband is called the yoke or riser. This fabric adds curve to the seat, so the deeper the v-shape the greater the curve. This will vary on INDI jeans depending on your individual measurements.
Belt loops
To wear or not to wear a belt? That is the stylish question.
Back rise
The distance from the crotch to the top of the back waistband is the back rise. This measurement is longer than the front rise because it has a little more to go over, if you know what I mean.
Embroidery
Back pocket embroidery can be used to advertise the jeans brand, as many now have iconic designs. However, use embroidery wisely, a little goes a LONG WAY to making a statement.
Seat Area
This area is the back of the jean including the back pockets; think of it as the “part of the jean you sit on”. Since INDI jeans are custom, this area will vary depending on your personal booty.
Leg Opening
This is the width of the jeans at the hem. At INDI you can choose a leg opening, so whether the skinny leg alarms you or the bootcut is too boring, there’s a leg style for everyone.
Hope this helps simplify everyone’s favorite clothing item. Now that you can define the parts of the jean, design your own!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Beth Marcelino
Beth Marcelino is a busy mom. She spends her day taking care of her three small boys in Omaha, Nebraska which leaves Beth with little time to shop. The thought of spending hours at a store, carrying armfuls of the same jean in different sizes into the dressing room not only seems challenging but also a waste of her time. Beth is also tall; she’s 5’10, which means she also has a hard time finding jeans with long enough inseams. This is where indi serves Beth in more ways than one—we combine the convenience of shopping online and eliminate the guesswork of trying to figure out your jean size. Beth mentions, “I love that you have all my measurements on file, new jeans are literally a few clicks away vs. having to spend the time trying on a pair after pair at the mall or taking a chance online/having to mess with returns”. Now with jeans that perfectly fit, Beth is more confident than ever, she loves pairing her indi jeans with a simple understated shirt and a great pair of peep toed pumps.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Anatomy of an INDI jean: Part 1
Welcome to today’s edition of Denim 101. So what, exactly, makes a pair of INDI jeans?
Waistband
The waistband is the part of your jeans that holds them up. Imagine how awkward life would be without a waistband! Our INDI women’s jeans all have contoured (curved to your body) waistbands, while our men’s jeans do not. The contoured waistband gives a tighter fit.
Coin pocket
The coin pocket completes the traditional five-pocket jean design; it sits inside the right front pocket. These days they function as a pocket that nothing actually fits in, but somehow a classic pair of jeans doesn’t feel complete without one.
Rivets
Historically these little metal studs were used to reinforce the parts of the jean that received the most stress (remember the original wearers were miners and cowboys). While still placed in high stress areas (like the edges of pockets), today these also function as decoration and a way to differentiate between brands.
Front rise
The front rise is defined as the distance from the crotch to the top of the front waistband. INDI offers rises from super low to high. Lower rises help prevent gaping (the space that appears between your waist and the jean) while higher ones help conceal a curvy tummy.
Whiskering
Whiskering is a hand-detailed treatment in which faded lines are applied to the denim to mimic the subtle creases in the area surrounding the crotch, thighs, and knees in order create a slimming effect on the hips and thighs by drawing the eye downward. You can choose several options for whiskering when designing your INDI jeans, or opt for a completely clean, undistressed, jean.
Sanding
In order to create visual interest by changing the color and texture of jeans, sand paper is carefully applied to them by hand to create wear patterns. Yes, the jeans are literally sanded! INDI offers several sanding choices, from subtle dark indigo to bold vintage distressing.
Inseam
The long seam that runs down the inner leg from the crotch to the hem is called the inseam. This measurement varies depending on the height of the wearer. Since INDI makes jeans custom to you, we can offer any inseam you need, so no more high waters or excessive hemming!
Stay tuned next week as we give you run down on more parts that make up a pair of jeans.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Simple Denim Styles for the Dad in Your Life
This Father’s Day, give dad the chance to (painlessly) shop for men’s jeans. When you buy him an indi gift card, there are no crowded stores, or waiting in line. With a few simple clicks of the mouse dad can build himself the perfect fitting pair of men’s jeans in whatever wash he likes (though, depending on your particular dad’s style, you might want to keep an eye on what he comes up with). Here are a few suggestions on how to style his new indi jeans:
Weekend:
Have dad looking stylish wearing our Dark Vintage with Whiskers wash paired with a simple striped t-shirt, for a chic and casual running errands vibe.
Weekday:
Dad’s ready for work (or casual Friday) in indi’s Rinse with Subtle Sanding wash and clean cut button up shirt.
Going Out:
With indi’s Rinse wash jeans and a fitted blazer, dad is ready for a night out (now hopefully the babysitter will be on time!) All shirt images courtesy of Polyvore.
So for Father’s Day 2011, give dad the gift of custom jeans, shop indi gift cards here.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
White Jeans: a summer essential
Who says you can only wear white jeans after Memorial Day and before Labor Day? Those rules are old and outdated. Jeans have been stonewashed, sanded, bleached, distressed… you name it, its probably already done. Jeans also come in every shade of blue but nothing screams spring or summer wear quite like a pristine pair of white jeans.
White jeans are the perfect thing to wear for a housewarming party or a BBQ on the deck. And just like a pair of blue jeans, finding the perfect pair of white jeans can be challenging. I am constantly on the hunt for nice bright white jeans without any contrast stitching that are slim but not overly skinny. To show you how to wear your white jeans, we’ve checked out these four bloggers who give us the perfect summer outfit inspiration.
White jeans or white clothing in general, imparts a kind of natural luminosity that’s opposite to the dark and gloomy grunge look. Carolina Herrera once said “a woman always looks well in white,” and we couldn’t agree more—just look at these bloggers. White jeans are the ideal base for vibrant tops, jackets, shoes and accessories. There are so many ways to incorporate these vibrant shades into your look, whether it’s by a simple bright red bag or by layering pieces. The nautical inspired look (anything with stripes) is an obvious pairing for white jeans. The look is perfect for a day of errands or weekend beach trips. We’ve created a Polyvore set just to show you the kind of pairings that would go well with white jeans. Just make sure that when you are deciding on a pair of white jeans, pick one that has stretch. White jeans with stretch will make your legs look leaner and longer. Also, avoid busy features like elaborate embroidery, contrast stitching or pocket flaps; the beauty of white jeans lies in its simplicity and crisp color.
So why exactly are we telling you this? Well after months of development, we will be launching our premium white denim just in time for summer!
So be on the lookout for our brand new white jeans launching on Saturday. If you want to be kept in the loop on happenings at indi you can subscribe to our email list.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Style Inspiration: Cuffed Jeans
If you couldn’t tell from our tweets and our recent email campaign, we’re in love with cuffed jeans for summer. Looking for some mid-week style inspiration on how to cuff your jeans? These 6 lovely ladies show us that cuffed jeans are a versatile way to wear denim all summer long. Whether you like them cuffed high or low and the fit loose or baggy, here’s some inspiration on how to wear cuffed jeans for any style:
All street style images are courtesy of Chictopia. Speaking of Chictopia, check out our brand new profile page to learn how to get an exclusive Chictopia reward!
Still need some more styling inspiration for cuffed jeans? Check out our look below, with stripes, wedges and a whimsical straw hat - you can’t get much more summery than this:
If you’re looking to rock some custom cuffed jeans, you can shop skinny or straight styles with indi. So, which style did you like best? And how will you cuff your jeans this summer?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Julia Dimoff
Happy Monday fellow denim fans. Meet Julia Dimoff, our newest customer spotlight! Being petite, Julia always had a hard time finding jeans that fit her 5’1” frame. She finally found the perfect jeans (and stopped spending money on hemming) when she got her first pair of INDI skinny jeans. She loves to pair her skinny jeans with a flattering tunic and flats for a casual, put-together look.
In fact, Julia told us that she likes her new jeans so much, that if she were in charge of INDI, she’d pick out one of everything. To Julia, INDIviduality means “having an opinion and expressing it.” We at INDI couldn’t agree more - follow your own unique style!
Julia, you look great in your skinny jeans. It just goes to show that custom jeans are the best way to shop!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Need A Denim Intervention? Win the Perfect Fitting Jeans from indi!
Do you know someone in desperate need of a denim makeover? Maybe their jeans are too short, too tight, or saggy in the butt. Worse yet, maybe they’re wearing mom jeans! If they’re clueless or confused when it comes to style and current trends, we want to help! We’re looking for candidates for a denim intervention.
We want to put you in the best fitting jeans you’ve ever worn! Since our jeans are made exactly to your measurements, they’re going to fit perfectly, no matter what size or shape you are.
Our indi Fashion Experts (you might call them “Jeaniuses”) are on the prowl for a fashion victim to makeover. If you or someone you know is wearing terrible jeans, contact us for a chance to win the perfect pair of custom jeans from indi. Better yet, if you’re in the Bay Area we’ll throw in a whole makeover (hair, makeup, and great jeans - now that’s an offer you can’t refuse!).
Here’s how to enter:
Send us an email at becca [at] indicustom [dot] com with “indiDenim Makeover” as the subject line and include the following information for the makeover candidate:
- Name
- Email Address (so we can reach you)
- Denim Disaster Story
- Before photo
We’re on a mission to make the world a better place by getting rid of ill-fitting jeans.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Diane Dietsch
Denim Lovers meet Diane Dietsch. Diane reached out to us by sharing her experience with indi. When it comes to style, Diane loves turning up the volume on an otherwise casual look by incorporating an unexpected element. She is pictured here with an outfit that makes a bold and festive statement—a white puffed-sleeved shirt paired her indi straight leg jeans.
Style inspiration from Indi’s customer by eunice@indi
It’s safe to say that Diane likes channeling the bohemian spirit when it comes to fashion. Her favorite outfit would be a “great blouse with jeans and boots, accessorized with American Indian jewelry.” While her favorite piece of clothing is a leather fringe jacket, one that she purchased in Santa Fe.
Diane is always on the hunt for a great fitting pair of jeans to go with her favorite items in her closet and we are happy that she found one through indi.
If you’d like to shop Diane’s jeans, click on our design vault here
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Princess in Waiting loves her jeans
The Royal Wedding is officially upon us…it’s next Friday, to be exact. So today, we are taking a moment to focus our attention and discuss our royal style icon, Kate Middleton.
While the rest of the fashion world speculates on what dress she’ll be wearing walking down the aisle, we like to take notice of her daytime outfits instead, especially when she wears jeans! Kate is known for her understated, elegant and simple style—this girl loves to wear denim. Her wardrobe consists of tailor-made blazers, silk tops, classic sweaters over skirts and boots—lots of them. Once and a while, she’ll wear something unexpected like a brightly colored top for a night out of town but mostly, her look is simplicity at it’s finest.
Although her style has been picked apart and discussed across the social media realm numerous times, we still have an obligation to evaluate her jean style. Kate loves rocking her skinnys and we’ve taken notice of this.
Below, we have our top three picks for her denim look:
Did we also mention that Kate favors wearing up-and-coming designers instead of the big names in fashion?
This is great news for us! Maybe someday, she’ll consider wearing custom jeans (we only hope).
Thursday, March 31, 2011
eCommerce and the Individual Fashionista
According to Forbes, eCommerce is projected to be a $300-billion business by 2015. Many brands now exist solely online and this has led to some new trends in how we shop. A particularly large trend, the empowerment of the consumer, is a trend that we have long supported at INDI. No longer do we have to settle for what buyers have decided are in fashion or wear certain things because of the season. In this day and age, thanks to the accessibility of the Internet, the purchaser now has the power to choose. It’s what the custom apparel movement is all about.
Another recent trend in eCommerce is private community-based shopping. Sites such as Gilt Groupe and ideeli strive to offer select pieces only to their members and at significantly reduced prices. At INDI we believe in exclusivity in a different way: in our product. Our jeans are made exclusively to fit you, not a random size 28. No one pattern is alike. Community or product, exclusivity in eCommerce is a trend that will define the future of face of shopping for years to come.
Both of these trends link back to a universal trend all consumer markets can relate to: identity. Which online communities will I join, and what does that say about me? How can the products I buy reflect my individuality? This idea isn’t new, of course, but it is more powerful than ever as social media continues to evolve. In an age where almost any online consumer is Googleable, many brands have been putting a larger emphasis on identity marketing - how the increasing amount of consumer information affects which ads/brands they see.
Sounds like a dream right? Not necessarily. Take for instance, online privacy. Online privacy is a new concept, and therefore not fully regulated. Do a quick search for online privacy and a startling array of news stories come up, tales of personal information being posted to the web. Apart from obvious targets like Facebook and Google, sites like indie e-tailer Etsy have changed their privacy policy without notice, making customer’s full-names and purchases available for all to see. Thanks to the thorough nature of Google’s software these results have even begun popping up when a name is searched.
Moral of the story? Take advantage of the great offerings eCommerce will bring in the coming years, but always keep in mind exactly what it is you’re sharing.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Black Denim: Three Ways
Black Denim: It doesn’t get any more basic than this. We say basic because it’s a key piece that’s worn and styled to fit countless occasions. While we normally associate jeans with the color blue, today we’re switching our focus on black. Black denim may seem easy enough to pull off; the color black after all, is the easiest color to wear. Not only does it go with almost everything in your wardrobe, they’re also destined to be multi-season keepers. And while almost everyone knows that black is slimming, it can also be considered boring. That’s why we are here to show you how to wear black denim in three different ways.
First up, the night look, pair your black denim with a sharp feminine top that breaks up the solid black color of your jeans. Choose a fun necklace that livens up your ensemble that will take you straight to the evening. I personally like pairing my black skinny jeans with edgy shoes that are high but still sensible so I can actually wear them.
For a weekend day of lunch and errands, pair your black denim with a casual and preppy striped top. Gold is black’s natural pairing and for a weekend, add a pop of color by choosing gold sandals to wear with your straight-leg black denim. Just make sure the rest of your ensemble is low-maintenance. For this look especially, it’s important to be both comfortable and stylish.
For the office, the key to make black jeans acceptable for this setting is to pair your black denim with tailored pieces and dressier fabrics. Choose a chic work week basic like a black blazer to go over your top. Stick to wearing neutral colored heels, keeping everything structured and easy on the eye.
Rachel Bilson wearing black denim
So whether you’re grabbing some drinks on a night out, enjoying an afternoon lunch with friends, or putting hours at work, you can dress up your black denim.. Put them on one leg at a time and you’re good to go—for any situation.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Customer Spotlight: Lindee Russell
What started as a long distance romance is now a celebrated engagement for Lindee and Phil. Love has come a long way for this bride to be and her patience has finally paid off in other ways too. Being nearly 6” feet tall, Lindee has the typical problem of a long legged girl—she couldn’t find jeans with a long enough inseam. Petite women have the luxury to hem their jeans, but the tall ones don’t have it so easy. In addition, Lindee also has a problem finding jeans that are lean through the hips and thighs and then sit perfectly on her waist.
After years of searching, she discovered INDI jeans. “I have struggled my entire life to find jeans that fit my waist and my 37” inseam. I literally hated jean shopping before finding INDI. Now, I love it!” says Lindee. She is hardly alone; on average women try on 13 pairs of jeans before finding a single pair that fits.
After sharing her excitement (both about her jeans and her engagement) on our Facebook page, we wanted to share her story. It makes us happy when our customers contact us to share their personal stories. And as for Lindee, she’s not keeping the news to herself. Aside from posting her engagement pictures wearing her INDI jeans, she’s also recommended us to her twin sister!
So from all of us here at indi, Congratulations to Lindee and Phil!
If you’d like to shop Lindee’s jeans, click on our design vault here.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
INDI and Blood:Water Mission Ask for Your Help!
We’re excited to announce that INDI has partnered with a wonderful cause to create a one-of-a-kind jean! INDI will donate 10% of your purchase to Blood:Water Mission, when you choose to add their logo embroidery to the back pocket of your jean.
Since 2005 Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars from people seeking to make a difference. They have provided life-saving water and health needs to over 800 communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their projects include a variety of clean water solutions like sanitation and hygiene training. In addition, Blood:Water Mission funds health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, who help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS. Beginning in 2009 Blood:Water Mission has incorporated HIV/AIDS-specific programming alongside ongoing water programming.
To help Blood:Water Mission continue their efforts just go to Personalization, which is found under the Features tab on our jean builder and select the Blood:Water Mission logo.
This is the first of many cause-related embroideries that we will debut in the coming months. What other embroideries would you choose for a back pocket, “cause” or otherwise?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Custom vs. Mass Market: The Story of Jeans Production
While browsing various denim-related topics I came across this Discovery Channel video on how jeans are made. If you have 4 minutes of spare time I highly recommend checking out this video, it clearly shows the automated processes that go into creating mass production jeans. It really is amazing how many specialized machines there are simply for producing jeans.
However, what struck me the most about the process were the differences between their method and ours at indi. Since our jeans are custom patterns created from the fit measurements entered by each individual customer our jeans are cut one at a time. By contrast, at the company profiled in the video a whopping 350 jeans are cut at once. Another example of the custom process versus mass production is in the back pocket, whereas this company cuts 20 pockets at a time, with our various options on back pocket style and embroidery we obviously cut these individually.
That’s not to say at indi we don’t try to be efficient when possible. Orders with the same wash, (for example vintage tint) we batch together when it comes time for laundry so this step can be completed as quickly as possible for our customers. Also, similar to the denim company in the video, many of our steps are automated. On the other hand, since our jeans are custom and therefore have different measurements and stitches required, each one is hand sewn.
This video is a fascinating look at how modern factories operate and also goes a long way to explaining how off the rack jeans are truly one size fits all body types. Here at indi we know that your body is unique and sometimes mass production, while efficient, doesn’t always cut it.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Scarlet Starlets: How Red Ruled the Carpet and Couture at the Oscars
Last night the 83rd annual Academy Awards ceremony took place to celebrate 2010’s finest films. As is customary at one of the hottest events of the year, the Academy Awards also celebrated the world’s most venerated designers and latest fashion trends. So what heated up the red carpet this year? Easy answer: RED.
From deeper lush purples to bright scarlets, celebrities were overtaken by red this year when selecting their award ensembles. Take a look at some of the best and worst, from darkest to lightest in the red spectrum:
First up: Best Actress Winner (and perhaps best dresser, too) Natalie Portman.
image courtesy of Style.com
Mirroring her transformation in Black Swan, Natalie’s body has transitioned off-screen from a fragile ballerina to a pregnant mother-to-be. This didn’t stop Natalie from looking absolutely stunning: choosing a flattering, draping purple Rodarte gown that she accessorized with a red clutch and earrings, Natalie looked effortlessly chic and radiant. The deep hues of her make-up and gown brightened her pale complexion and gave her a classic feminine elegance. Fitted at the top but forgiving below her bust, Natalie’s gown was the perfect choice for her body and complexion.
Moving up a few hues, Scarlett Johansson wore a deep red lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Tastefully revealing with intricate and on-trend lace texturing, Scarlett’s dress definitely drew a lot of attention this year. Definitely an interesting look.
image courtesy of Style.com
Speaking of texture, Penelope Cruz wore a fiery red gown with dazzling sequin waves flowing our from the gown’s center. We love the detailing of this gown and the way it conforms beautifully to Penelope’s curves. Penelope was also smart to keep her accessories and make-up simple, letting the flare of her gown speak for itself.
image courtesy of Style.com
And now for some bright reds: Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, and Hollywood newcomer Jennifer Lawrence. Anne per usual took the classic beauty approach, dressing (and accompanying) Valentino in a strapless red gown with an elegant train. She wore her usual red lipstick, which might be a little much red, but was still breathtaking per usual. Sandra Bullock sported a similar look in Vera Wang, with clean lines and a wonderful fit throughout the dress.
images courtesy of Style.com
As for Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection, we don’t love this look at all. The signature simplicity of Calvin Klein does nothing for Jennifer’s body, only making her look younger than she already is. Jennifer is a beautiful girl, but neither red nor her dress shape are doing anything for her.
image courtesy of Style.com
Would you run the risk of red at the Oscars?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Fall 2011 Recap: 5 Trends for Real People
While fall trends like leather skirts and extravagant fur might not be for everyone, some trends that emerged for Fall 2011 during New York Fashion Week were very wearable. So here are our top 5 REALISTIC wardrobe trends for Fall 2011:
Duster Coats
L to R, 3.1 Phillip Lim, L.A.M.B., Rodarte, Chris Benz. Photos courtesy of style.com
Keeping with the current theme of longer hemlines, many designers showed variations of the classic duster coat. Expect to see these popping up at all different price points this fall.
Graphic Patterns
L to R, Chris Benz, Alice + Olivia, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese. Photos courtesy of style.com
Several designers featured a graphic take on traditional preppy sportswear. With oversize stripes, chevron and striking plaids, anyone can wear this look when it is translated into one statement piece.
70’s re-dux
L to R, Nanette Lepore, Chris Benz, Suno, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Photos courtesy of style.com
Continuing with the 70’s feel from the spring, many collections featured wider leg trousers as well as mustard, burnt orange and rust hued garments recalling the color palette of the “Me Decade.”
Colored Pants
L to R, Alice + Olivia, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Photos courtesy of style.com
Another trend evolving from spring shows is color blocking. For fall several designers interpreted this through powerfully colored trousers. If you want to slim your lower half choose a dark blue or green to inject some fun into your wardrobe.
Luxurious Accents
L to R, ADAM, Prabal Gurung, Alice + Olivia, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Photos courtesy of style.com
Lace and velvet were prominent fabrics in many collections. Pairing with crisp tailoring and more serious fabrics helps keep this trend appropriate for daywear.
There were many more whimsical trends that appeared across many shows, but these are the trends that can be adapted to flatter most body types. So electric blue pants or red chevron skirt for fall? Or a more subtle accent like a duster coat or wide leg trousers? What trends do you like?
Monday, February 14, 2011
All You Need is Love (and a Great Pair of Jeans)!
Valentine’s Day. Depending on your mood it is either the best, worst or most irrelevant holiday of the year. Trust me I’ve thought all 3 at various points in my life. Now I choose to think of Valentine’s Day as a great excuse to dress-up and surprise the people in your life who think you live in cardigans and flats. But honestly, the one thing in my wardrobe that I pretty much do live in are my jeans. So how do you dress up your jeans for that Valentine’s night out? Firstly, a little red or lace to be festive isn’t a bad way to start. Just keep it subtle or run the risk of looking like the doily Valentine’s you made in elementary school. Floral is another nice, feminine detail that works great for this holiday but should be kept understated.
So now that there are some ideas on what to wear to be festive, how do you put this together into a coherent look? If you’re not going to a super fancy wear-a-cocktail-dress-or-else dinner than a dark wash jean is a great place to start building your outfit. For a more formal meal I chose a rinse trouser jean because the looser leg style is a classic silhouette for an evening out. Instantly dress up your trouser jeans with a beaded vintage-look top and a pair of delicate sparkled heels. Grab a red purse and favorite special occasion earrings and you’re ready for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner out, without a single heart in sight.
If you’re headed out to more low-key dinner but still want to dress up (I mean it is a holiday) I would again suggest starting off with a dark wash jean. Since the setting is less reserved I opted for a skinny black jean to start my look. Pair a floral silk top with a hint of red as a nod to the holiday. With a bright statement belt and a chunky chain necklace you won’t need any more accessories. The finishing touch is a pair of funky suede platforms in a reddish tone to echo the blouse and complete your Valentine’s Day outfit.
I know I’ll be wearing my indi jeans this Valentine’s Day but what do you think? Are jeans appropriate for dinner out? Or is this holiday denim free?
Friday, February 4, 2011
Spring Denim: 70s-Style Chic
It’s still February. While winter is still in its full force (in case you didn’t know, a snow storm is pummeling certain areas of the country), we here at indi couldn’t help but think about spring. We are always looking ahead denim-wise and according to the latest fashion forecast, we found that the wide leg jean will be a big trend this coming spring.
Wide leg jeans are great when paired with silky blouses if you want a polished and elegant look that’s perfect for business. While brightly colored tops offer a chic and retro way to wear these vintage inspired jeans. For example, an indi wide leg trouser jean we paired with a few colorful pieces:
In the Spring Runway, designers like Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch showcased 70’s inspired clothing with loads of bright colors while Derek Lam used a lot of clean lines and silhouettes to pair with basics such as the wide leg trouser jeans.
Our advice is opt for a dark wash with little or no distressing or whiskering as you want to keep the focus on the leg style itself. We all recognize light wash wide leg jeans from back in the glory days of the wide leg, so modernize your wide leg with a nice, dark wash. A dark wash wide leg is an excellent jean for shapely women, too, balancing out your curves and giving plenty of room in through the hip and thigh for comfort. Make sure to include a little pop of color in your outfit whether it be a jacket, scarf or broach. Sooner or later spring will arrive to suit you wardrobe so better start early, ladies.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Something old, something new: the idea behind sanding jeans
Making a new item look old appeals to many. “Antique” furniture, for example, often is made to look old with fading, distressing, and coloring techniques to give the otherwise brand-new furniture character. The same goes for jeans with sanding - they look like you’ve loved them for years.
Some different sanded jeans from indi
It is estimated that 3.2 billion jeans are manufactured worldwide annually and of that amount, 1.2 billion jeans are sanded to replicate a worn in look. People love sanded jeans not only because of the visual appeal, but the sanding process also causes the fabric to soften, thus adding to the comfort of the jeans.
Sanding process can be done with a sand blaster or by hand with sandpaper or with power tools. The difference between the two processes depends on how much sanding denim manufacturers would like the jean to have. A sandblast is great for controlling big sections of the jeans they want sanded. A sandblaster could also be used to produce many different patterns. The sandblasting process starts by blasting a very abrasive substance through a nozzle at the denim at high speed and pressure. Hand sanding on the other hand, allows denim manufacturers to be very precise on what gets sanded. It is done with a fine grain sand paper, a sanding block or a palm sander similar to the ones used by carpenters.
Some of our new denim fabrics here at indi contain anywhere from subtle sand blasting over the entire jean or some heavy blasting in selected areas of the jean in order to give you that worn in custom look. Keep in mind that sanded jeans do emphasize curves, so if you don’t want to showcase you legs, we recommend you opt for light to no sanding. But whatever you decide, your sanded jeans will have a truly authentic and well-loved feel.
Monday, January 24, 2011
VIDEO: How To Design A Jean For An Hourglass Shape
For all you ladies with an hourglass shape, we created a video to help you better understand which styles look best on your bodies. This video will take you through the process of designing the best looking jeans that will accentuate your hourglass shape. Enjoy!
Transcript:
HOW TO: Design a jean for an HOURGLASS Shape.
Hi everyone! My name is Alena and, today, I’m going to show you how to design a jean for an hourglass shape. An hourglass shape has symmetrical shoulders and hips, a full bust, defined waist, and shapely legs. To start, go to indiCustom.com and select Design Your Own from the drop down menu under the women’s tab.
Now we’ll choose the fit of your jeans. For an hourglass shape we recommend either our SoMa, our most popular fit, or our Presidio trouser jean. Trouser jeans have a classic look that flatter hourglass figures by offering plenty of room in the thigh and elongating your figure. Our SoMa fit is great for hourglass figures as well because it has a flattering fit through the hips and thighs and has a contoured waistband for comfort. I’ll go ahead and choose the SoMa.
Next, we’ll choose the fabric. We recommend a stretch fabric to accentuate your legs it’ll be more comfortable and flattering on an hourglass shape especially around the hip area. I’m going to choose our Pacifica light weight stretch denim which has 2% stretch. Our next choice is the denim wash. By hovering over each swatch, you can see a more detailed view of the fabric you have chosen and the wash it comes in. Also our visualization tool to the right will display the jeans in their selected fabric. Click “zoom in” for a closer look. Darker washes are the most slimming and they will also serve to balance your hips with your smaller waist. If you don’t want to go quite as extreme as our rinse wash, the dark choice is still deep enough blue to be flattering on hourglass shapes.
Next choose the rise for your jeans. We recommend a low to average rise as this will sit on your hips and help avoid gaping. As an hourglass figure I’m sure you’ve experienced gaping before. It’s that undesirable gap between your lower back and the back waist of your jeans. You can also wear a high rise as you have a smaller waist but make sure to accurately measure your natural waist to ensure no gaping. Stay away from that super low rise, ladies, to prevent that muffin top.
Now, chose either zipper or button fly closure. This is a matter of taste not shape. Time to choose your leg opening style. For an hourglass shape a bootcut is always safe. However, if you want to try something more adventurous we would recommend the wide leg, which gives plenty of room in the thigh and will emphasize your small waist. Stay away from extreme skinnies as these can make you appear top heavy. Choose whichever hem style and coin pocket fit your personal style.
When choosing the back pocket style, avoid the flap. As an hourglass, you already have the curves you don’t need to fake them. But choose any embroidery or embellishment you’d like.
Finally choose your finishing treatment. The best ones for hourglasses are the light sanding or none at all on dark denim. For lighter wash denims more distressing can be used since the contrast will not be as evident. In any case you want to stay away from extreme whiskering, as this will cause your hips to appear wider than they actually are. From here hit continue and enter your personal measurements to customize your perfect jean. For more style tips, go to indiCustom.com or email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Beating the Winter Fashion Blues
As we get into January it’s easy to give up on style. The holiday parties are over, the days are cold and gray, being comfortable and warm become the only priorities. But believe it or not, if you keep a few key accessories around, spicing up your wardrobe can be done in the amount of time it takes for your car to warm up. Here are some sets we made with indi jeans on Polyvore to illustrate just how easy it is to stay fashionable without sacrificing comfort through all these cold days. Starting with the basic after the holidays jeans and do-I-look-thin-in-this-black-shirt here are some ideas to help you get through till spring.
Rather than settle for your classic black or navy (or charcoal gray etc.) peacoat, opt for something with a little more flair. There are so many options out there in every price range, it’s easy to add some fun to your errand runs with a statement coat to chase away the winter blues.
But once you get to your (hopefully warm) destination, wearing a bold piece layered over your black shirt will keep you looking put together. Choose an accessory you are comfortable wearing that also makes a strong statement. Whether it is a printed wrap or a waist defining belt with fun detailing, accessories can instantly up your style factor.
Don’t limit your creativity to the ideas listed here. These are just a few examples to get you back into your style groove. Mix things up with some jeweled or feathered headbands, or a boldly detailed handbag. So don’t surrender to winter, experiment with layers and have fun with eye-catching and colorful pieces!
How do you keep your style going in the winter months?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Raw Denim 101
Raw denim is defined as a denim fabric that has not been washed at the end of production. This means that raw denim is stiff and has no distressing. Over time the dye will wear naturally in the raw denim and you will get a unique pair of jeans reflecting your lifestyle and daily activities. The most common places raw denim fades is the upper thigh, where “whiskers” form, and behind the knees. Raw denim is considered by denim enthusiasts to be a more unique look than pre-worn, factory denim.
Another key to raw denim is not washing them for at least the first six months (some committed denim heads go even longer!). The reasoning behind not washing your raw denim is that you want to keep the unwashed starchiness of the jeans for as long as possible, so your creases and distressing continue to set. Once you wash your raw denim, it will take longer for the creasing and abrasion to become permanent.
Left: indi Pure Raw Denim that hasn’t been washed or worn. Right:Raw Denim that’s faded over time
Also, washing will cause the raw denim to be more uniform in color, as opposed to having very distinct distressing. In addition, raw denim shrinks drastically if not washed and dried properly (up to two sizes!), so keep this in mind when cleaning your raw denim. Since raw denim is not washed very often, some tricks to keeping them fresh include putting them in the freezer over night or hanging them up in the bathroom when you shower, to steam the raw denim without affecting the color.This may sound a little extreme for one pair of jeans but raw denim wearers will tell you that it’s worth it.
And once you think you’ve accumulated enough time (lots of it) and achieved fading in all the right places (or you can no longer bear the smell that comes from not washing your raw denim) then by all means, wash with caution. Soaking your raw denim inside out with a tub full of lukewarm water and a splash of laundry detergent then letting them air dry will do just fine.
Raw denim jeans will fit you perfectly and reflect your daily life; they will be uniquely yours. At indi, we are excited to now offer raw denim as a fabric option for men. Get a perfect fitting pair of raw denim at indi, then watch them become even more uniquely yours with each wear.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Denim Recap 2010
With the beginning of 2011, we should all take a moment and reflect back on 2010 denim trends—both good and bad. To give you a quick recap, we’ve compiled a list of denim worthy moments…some we think are inspiring, some we think are intriguing and some will keep us coming back for more.
Expanding our Denim Horizons
The best trend by far this year would be the look that flatters your body the best. In the 2010 denim world, anything goes as long as it works for your body—skinny jeans, flare jeans, boot-cut jeans, trouser, etc. This notion prompted many denim brands to introduce various jean options after realizing that every body is different and not every style is intended to fit everyone. An influx of petite and tall options for women also have popped up at larger retailers like Gap and Banana Republic.
Of course, this isn’t anything groundbreaking. In fact, some of us have known this for quite some time. As you know, we’ve made it our philosophy to create jeans that are made to work for your body. And it’s nice to know that some brands are catching on to this philosophy by finally creating more sizes and more styles for everyone.
Another big trend this year was printed denim, which certainly expanded everyone’s denim horizons to include animal prints, flower prints, you name it. Not flattering for most, but certainly a trend worth mentioning.
The Big Comebacks
Everyone loves a comeback story. Some denim trends that were left behind in the past have made their big comebacks in 2010. Denim trends in the past are not always bad—some just need to be updated in order to look fresh and modern. Case in point: the denim on denim look. By wearing distinctly different denim top and denim bottom, you can create a classic American style that looks put together without trying too hard. Cargo jeans are also another big comeback this year. This time around however, the cargos are skinny, not baggy and wide, with smaller pockets on each side for a more feminine silhouette.
Which is not to say, of course, that wide leg jeans didn’t make their very own come back. Wide-leg jeans, from low to high rises, was a huge 2010 denim trend as well.
Odd Denim Sightings
During the winter Olympics past February, the US snowboarding team was spotted crossing the finish line wearing denim jeans! This is definitely an odd place to wear jeans but its presence in sports, especially snowboarding, has only cranked up the denim’s cool factor.
And finally, in the era of the snuggie where comfort rules, someone invented jeans that are supposedly made for comfort…in this case, maybe a little too much comfort. The “pajama jeans” are made out of cotton and spandex, but was designed to look like jeans and of course, feel like sweat pants. Everyone loves clothes that are comfortable but when your jeans start resembling sweat pants, we doubt that you’re actually making a conscious effort to look nice so we should draw the line here people and leave this trend behind.
Whatever caught your attention in 2010, we know that this New Year will bring more note-worthy moments in the denim realm and we’ll be here, waiting to write about it. With that said, Happy 2011 Denim Lovers!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
SNEAK PEEK: Our New Washes Are Almost Live!
We mentioned them a while back…but now they are becoming a reality! The NEW WASHES are here in the office! All of us here at indi are now busy taking photos and getting ready to revamp our jean builder to reflect all the cool new options. After many months of development, we’re proud to give you a sneak peak of our final washes below:
In addition to new washes, we’ve simplified the denim design process for you. The first step, choosing the fabric, will now include several different washes and distressing options combined with your fabric choice. You’ll also be able to see an entire jean in your fabric and wash selection, giving you a better idea of how your finished jeans will look throughout the design process. And, based partially on popular demand, we’ve now added the choice between gold or charcoal as your thread color to give you more customization options.
And listen up men: we’re really excited to add raw denim to the fabric options list for men. Raw denim means the fabric was not washed after production. This leaves the fabric very rigid and dark. Since there is no pre-wear on raw jeans, over time the denim will wear and become personal to you and your lifestyle. Many of our male customers have been requesting a raw option, and we think you’ll love our new raw denim.
So take a peek at the new washes and make sure to check back soon to design your own pair of indiCustom jeans in our brand new washes!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
7 Reasons to Shop Online This Holiday Season
Shopping online has become an increasingly popular way to buy presents, especially during the holidays (personally I love the mall this time of year, but I know most people would think I’m crazy!) According to IBM Coremetrics, online sales for 2010 were up 15% over Black Friday 2009 and 19% over Cyber Monday 2009. Bottom line: shoppers are choosing spend their dollars, even on traditional in-store retail days, online.
So what are the benefits of buying online?
1. Convenience. One of the obvious benefits of online shopping is convenience. No lines, no driving, no waiting. Also, what about lugging all of those heavy packages for friends and family? Rather than pay the extra baggage fees on the airline, shop online (especially at retailers like us that include Free US shipping…) and get gifts mailed to your holiday destination. They’ll be there waiting, ready to gift wrap
2. A wider variety. Who wants to hear that the perfect gift they found in-store is “out of stock”? Online shopping gives you access to a wider variety of gifts all within the comfort of your own home. And, at custom retailers like indi, ““out of stock” doesn’t exist: we make every order from scratch.
3. No sales tax. Guess what? If you live outside of the state in which an online store is based, you get to skip sales tax altogether. Hooray!
4. Comparison Shopping. Lugging between stores to look for the best price is a drag. It’s hard enough to do shopping in-stores in the first place. Online you can compare prices of a single product across multiple sites. Remember to shop around!
5. Deals, Deals, Deals. One of the biggest reasons for an increase in online spending this holiday season are online deals, especially amidst the group buying sites like Groupon and Gilt offering as much as 70% off designer goods (much better than any store deal).
At indi, we’re offering a FREE fit kit with every gift card this holiday season (see below), which includes a personalized gift card in any amount, a measuring tape, and a variety of swatches of our different denims or shirt fabrics all packaged in an adorable holiday case, perfect for gift giving or stashing under the tree.
6. Returns/Exchanges. Many brick and mortar stores have rigid holiday return policies, and even the ones with good policies are a hassle. After the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, who wants to take all of their gifts back to stores? At indi, which is pretty rare for custom retailers, we adhere to a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing customers to exchange their purchase for any reason and re-order online.
7. Shop alone. Avoid the pushy store clerks, relentless mall vendors, and friends and family that can distract you from the task at hand. In the comfort of your own home, the most aggressive attacks you’ll have to avoid are pop-up ads (just click X. You’ll be ok).
So remember to get the best out of your holiday shopping this season, and look online first. Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Light Wash Jean Returns and Other Fashion Trends for the Winter
In cities all over the world, the Americana trend is taking off. Americana is defined as a collection of “books, papers, maps, etc., relating to America, esp. to its history, culture, and geography.” (Random House Dictionary 2010). More and more current trends are reflecting this nostalgic feel, a “Depression-era” aesthetic with workwear and military influences. Also the fashion pendulum is swinging back, after several years of dark washes, fashionistas are returning to the medium to light wash. While dark denim, with its body flattering properties, will never be out of style, lighter denim in a modern cut is one simple way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. We made some sets on Polyvore to illustrate some ideas on how to wear both trends, without looking like you stepped out of history!
Pair these light wash jeans with a plaid shirt and lace up boots and you’ve got an all-American look for winter that’s simple and, while on trend this year, will remain a classic look.
For cold days a Fair-Isle sweater, one with a colorful geometric design named for one of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, is a piece that will be right at home with the vintage country trends for this winter. This design was first popularized back in the 1920s when it was worn by the Duke of Windsor. Since you probably aren’t going for the great-grandfather look the key is to keep the vintage silhouette slim. Make sure that either the jeans or your top (or both!) are body-conscious to keep the look modern.
Elbow patches on sweaters, jackets or shirts are also a workwear trend that is resurfacing. These patches were originally worn to extend the life of clothing after the elbows wore out (or preemptively sewed on to prevent this occurrence). Adding this small detail is a fun way to try out the trend without taking it too far.
So what do you think of the workwear trend? Is it something you’ll try to incorporate into your wardrobe, or is it too behind the times?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
How to Spot Real Jeans
So what exactly constitutes real jeans? Real jeans are made up of a strong cotton twill fabric called denim that is put through a series of indigo dye baths for a saturated and deep blue color. Real denim jeans can either be categorized as stretch or non stretch. Stretch denim, as you know, has a hint of spandex so they fit in a way that flatters one’s physique. But when jean makers started combing a whole lot of spandex into different fibers, they created a new fabric that mimicked denim. This is how jeggings or denim leggings were invented. When this little fad came out last season, most of them appreared a little odd since it only had an elastic waistband with no zippers, pockets or buttons. Typically, real jeans include five pockets, twelve rivets, contrast stitching, five to seven belt loops and a zip or button fly. Today, designers are finally incorporating these elements to make jeggings (and some leggings) look more like real jeans inside and out (and less odd looking). Although I still favor the real thing—classic jeans that are made with heavyweight indigo denim, I do occasionally wear jeggings… just as long as they still resemble real jeans.
Can you spot the real jeans?
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Selena Gomez is wearing the real deal on the right.
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FYI: not real jeans.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Top 5 Denim Trends Not To Adopt
Here at indi, we love all things denim. Well, we love denim jeans, and denim/chambray shirts, denim skirts and the well-styled denim vest or jacket. But even we draw the line sometimes - not all things were meant to be given the denim treatment. So we present a list of the 5 denim trends not to adopt, in no particular order.
1. Denim Boots. Yes, denim is a comfortable, versatile material, but that doesn’t always translate to stylish, especially when you turn it into footwear.
2. Denim Gown. Denim can be dressed up, a dark wash paired with a feminine blouse and blazer and some killer heels will always be in style. Even a flirty little denim dress paired with the right accessories can look great. But a denim ball gown? This might be the perfect example of a good idea taken too far.
3. Denim Romper. I know I know! There’s plenty of fashionable gals out there who look great in denim rompers. But maybe not denim rompers with cutouts, strange buttons and flaps as well as an oddly light, distressed wash. Erin Wasson we love you. But this design? Not so much.
4. Winkers. Maybe you’ve seen these posted else where…they’re the jeans that “make your butt wink when you walk.” Is there really anything else to say?
5. Knee-less jeans. And last but not least, these monstrosities. Yes, distressed denim is in, but the complete removal of a crucial part of the pants leaving only the inseam and outseam to hold them together seems like overkill.
For those who knew the above information, I hope you were amused. For those of you that are cleaning out your closet, I hope you feel better informed. Try your hand at designing a pair of custom jeans that won’t scare anyone (including yourself!) at indi next time, ok?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
INDI has merged - shop custom jeans and shirts at indiCustom.com!
We’ve got some really exciting news for you: now you can shop custom shirts and custom jeans all at the same site!
You’ve probably noticed that the URL above has changed to indiCustom.com, which is our new home. You may also know that we sold shirts at indiTailored.com. Now indiDenim and indiTailored have merged into indiCustom, allowing you to shop custom jeans and shirts under the same domain.
So why did we make this change? As a premium retailer of custom products, we are expanding our offerings (ladies, get excited). While indi’s core products, our men’s shirts and custom jeans, still remain the same (your past orders, the shopping experience, etc.), soon we will offer a wider variety of products to choose from. You’ll be able to build upon your custom patterns and experience with us to shop more custom products that fit your body perfectly.
Welcome to the new indi!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
VIDEO: Stretch or Non-Stretch? How To Choose Your Denim Fabric
When shopping for jeans, what kind of fabric should you look for? Learn how to choose your denim fabric when designing your own custom jeans at indi or shopping for jeans anywhere. Watch our video below:
Transcript:
Eunice: Today we’re going to talk about the difference between stretch and non-stretch denim.
Bonnie: Stretch denim is any sort of denim that contains a synthetic such as lycra or spandex. Stretch denim gets kind of a bad name but actually a lot of premium denim retailers do use it because of its benefits such as it’s more comfortable, it contours to the body a little better, and it’s a lot more forgiving, so it’s good for styles like jeggings or skinny jeans.
This is our pacifica dark denim and as you can see it has quite a bit of stretch so it gives a lot.
Eunice: This is out non-stretch denim. It’s made from 100% cotton and is called the Montara fabric. Non-stretch denim is actually great for relaxed styles like the wide-legged jean and the boyfriend jean. It’s a lot more rigid and a lot less forgiving than stretch fabric. If you like a heavier denim then non-stretch denim is probably for you. For more style tips go to indiDenim.com or email us at service “at” indicustom.com.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
How to Get Creative with Denim
How many times do you think we have to repeat saying that denim is the universal clothing of all? Once is never enough in our opinion. After all, a simple pair of denim jeans doesn’t just represent clothing for all, it also represents so many popular ideals…cowboys in the 1930s, rebellion in the 1950s, hippie subculture the 1960s, controversial ad campaigns in the 1980s (think Brooke Shields and her Calvins) and the list continues to grow until today.
But just when you think you’ve seen it all in the denim world… think again!
I recently stumbled on a “ecouterre’s recycled denim challenge” where the most inspired recycled denim inventions are featured. These finalists/designers created items that were truly distinctive, memorable and just downright interesting. They are judged for their innovation, creativity and aesthetic quality.
Here are some of my favorites:
And if their take on denim served as inspiration for yours (but you don’t want to go too crazy), you could always get creative and showcase the denim design you envision on our very own community vault Thursday, November 4, 2010
Warm Days, Cool Nights - How to Style Jeans for Extremes
Here in San Francisco, along with an awesome World Series win (Go Giants!), we are enjoying some lovely 75 degree November days; which then drop to 50 degrees at night. This makes jeans the perfect item to wear at any time of day. I know many other places experience this weather as well, so how do you style jeans to go from one extreme to the other?
Jeans are a current staple in most women’s wardrobes. But, most importantly, it’s about as easy to style jeans as it is a plain white t-shirt. First, choose what style jeans you like best, from there you have a blank canvas on which to create plenty of outfits. I created a few sets on Polyvore to demonstrate how to style jeans several different ways. I chose skinny jeans because I consider them my most basic style jeans, but any pair you prefer will do.
Pair whatever style jeans you choose with a blouse with fun detailing, like these horizontal stripes, and then add heels for height and a neutral jacket for a put together, grown up look. On you way to work you can wear the short sleeve blouse and (since I do a lot of walking) the skinny style jeans are perfect for a little cuff to make them more warm-weather friendly. By the time I head home, the temperature is rapidly cooling, so the jacket and the jeans uncuffed are perfect.
Another way to style jeans to take you from warm days to cool evenings is an oversized sweater over a loose printed tank top. This is one of my favorite ways to be weather appropriate because it is so comfortable. Again you can choose whatever style jeans you prefer, but because of the bulky proportion on top, a leaner look on bottom would be a nice contrast. During the day wear the tank top (long and loose so you don’t look like you’re in high school) with some nice statement jewelry and some polished flats, a nice dark wash-style jeans will also keep this look from being too young. When the weather cools down, pull on the over-sized sweater (I prefer a slightly shorter, cropped sweater to showcase the tank top) and a loose knit cap, and you’ll be ready to go.
Any way you choose to style jeans to be weather appropriate, keep in mind that layers are the easiest and most flattering way to be ready for any temperature. Try designing your perfect style jeans for this time of year at indiDenim.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tall Jeans: Celebrate Your Height!
Tall jeans can be hard to find. Any woman with an inseam outside of the regular range (32”-34”) has hunted for a pair of tall jeans, for a pair that won’t make them look like they’re preparing for a flood. But in addition to worrying about the inseam, tall jeans need to be fashionable too.
In general, tall women can get a way with more looks than petite women. Petites tend to focus on wearing jeans that make them look taller, tall jeans wearers have a little more leeway, since they’ve already got the height. Basically, tall jeans should emphasize the long legs of the wearer, and the hem should fall all the way to the heel.
Tall jeans also need to be bought with the torso in mind. If your torso is short, go with mid to low rise tall jeans in order to lengthen your torso. A long torso, on the other hand, should stay a way from lower rises, they will make your torso look longer.
Tall jeans that are bootcut or straight leg show off the legs. Dark wash tall jeans will also highlight long legs. Tall jeans should not be loose fitting because they will make you appear wider than you are. Pair tall jeans with a heel and your legs will look like they go on for miles. If you don’t necessarily want to accent how tall you are, cuffed or boyfriend jeans make the leg look shorter. Distressed and light wash tall jeans will also take the emphasis off your legs.
Tall jeans can be hard to find, let alone design yourself! We hope that with these tips you’ll feel well-equipped to shop for tall jeans or start designing your tall jeans with confidence.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
VIDEO: How to Measure Your Natural Waist
Knowing the measurement for your natural waist is important when it comes to shopping for all sorts of bottoms. At indiDenim we use your natural waist measurement to create your own pair of custom jeans, so getting this number correct is very important! Enjoy!
Transcript:
Bonnie: Hello, today we’re going to be talking about the natural waist. This is a measurement you hear a lot when you’re shopping for bottoms like pants or skirts. The natural waist is the smallest part of your body and it can be found by looking in the mirror and leaning; where your body creases that is your natural waist.
To measure it all you need is a soft tape measure. You start with zero at the center of your body, and wrap around. Where the tape measure overlaps will be your natural waist. At indiDenim we make this measurement easier by just measuring from your bellybutton and around. And that will be the measurement that you put in on our jean builder online.
For more style tips go to indiDenim.com or email us at service @ indicustom.com.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hat’s off! How to pair Jeans and Sports
Here’s a fact: it’s not very often that Bay Area sports teams make it all the way to the playoffs each year. We are not spoiled like the rest of the cities out there so when something big happens, you better believe that we show our full support. This season, the San Francisco Giants secured a spot in the playoffs.You can rest assured (if it weren’t for the sky rocket ticket prices) that there isn’t any other place I’d rather be than watch them play at AT&T park.
This notion however got me thinking…if I were to go see the Giants play in person, what would I wear? Of course, jeans would be my personal go to ticket item. Nothing could be better than wearing some comfortable jeans for those moments you have to stand up and sit down repeatedly to see Cody Ross hit that home run or Tim Lincecum strike others out. Besides, it would be a little ridiculous to wear a dress or a skirt to a baseball game anyway. However, it’s just as important (at least for me anyway) to still balance my blaring orange attire and baseball cap with a cute combination of accessories and good taste. To give you a better idea, I made my own outfit Polyvore set that you can check out to inspire you to be sporty chic too here :
Sporting an overwhelming amount of orange and black (for the Giants and Halloween of course), the accent piece here is my asymmetrical leather jacket. Casual enough for a game with some fashionista flare, the jacket balances the casual nature of my comfortable black bootcut jeans and converses. The key here is to wear what you would normally wear to a game, but keep your apparel well-fitted (no frumpy jeans, ladies) and pick one classier accent piece to set the outfit off.
So to all you Bay Area sports fans out there, just like us at indiDenim, we’d like to say Goooo Giants! And good fashion choices…
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Petite Jeans: Dress for Your Height
For years petites have had to take their ready-to-wear clothes to the tailor. Problems with petite jeans usually consist of too long an inseam or too much gaping at the waist. Since many mainstream designers didn’t focus on their petite jeans, the stress of finding appropriate jeans for petites was extreme. There are now many more options in the market and petite jeans are thankfully not as rare as they once were.
Petites should keep a few basic fit concepts in mind to keep them from looking stumpy or childlike. Petite jean styles should not be too baggy (avoid extreme flares or wide leg jeans), which can make you look like you’re swimming in fabric. Instead choose trouser, straight-leg or even skinny petite jeans with the correct inseam (most petites have around a 29” inseam, unlike the standard 33-35” inseams found in most stores in similar sizes). All of these styles look great with heels, another way to elongate the figure and look taller.
Petite jean styles should not include anything that is cuffed, cropped or flood (a high-rise ankle look) because it makes the leg appear shorter and ill-proportioned. Capri petite jeans also have this affect on the petite’s legs. On the other hand, petite jeans should not bunch around the ankles either, which makes the legs look too short. The perfect length for petite jeans are when they just touch the top of your shoes, making you look taller and well-proportioned.
Now, with all the different styles and washes, it’s easier than ever to find a flattering petite jean in a style you like. There may still be some tailoring or customizing to get the perfect fit, but by remembering what works best, petite jean shopping should become less of a dilemma.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
VIDEO: How To Design Jeans For A Pear Shape
Calling all pear-shaped women: designing your own custom jeans just got easier. We know how difficult it is for all women to find the perfect jeans for you body type, so we decided to make videos filled with style tips for designing custom jeans based on body type.
Even if you’re just looking for tips on how to flatter your figure, our body shape videos will help you accentuate your best features while balancing out your problem areas. First video: How to design jeans for a Pear Shape, including the fabric, rise, finishing treatments and more that are perfect for your body type. Enjoy!
Not a Pear shape? No worries! We’ve got plenty more videos coming your way. If you have a video in mind, email us at service @ indicustom.com.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Mysterious Origin of Denim
In fashion circles there has long been a fierce debate over the origin of jeans. After all, since jeans are popular almost everywhere in the world, who wouldn’t want to claim them?!?! However, the dispute over the two commonly accepted homeland possibilities for jeans - Nimes, France, “de-Nime” became denim, or Genoa, Italy from the French name “genes” - is heating up. Currently, husband and wife fashion designers, Francois and Marithe Girbaud, are partnering with the Parisian-based Canesso gallery to try and answer this age old denim question. On display at the Canesso gallery is a recently discovered painter from Northern Italy, one who depicts the everyday lives of 17th century peasants as they go about their chores, but dressed in denim! This new painter has been dubbed the ‘Master of Blue Jeans’.
Take a look at the woman’s skirt on the left and the boy’s jacket on the right, according to researchers these are denim
Courtesy of France24
This is the earliest visual record of a jeans-like fabric. Up until then written accounts, like those of a 17th century English tailor, were the only evidence of the existence of a denim-like fabric from Genoa. But the discovery of these paintings seems to prove, once and for all, that the Italian fabric predated the French. While there will continue to be arguments among scholars over the true source of denim, us jeans-wearers can just be content that this comfy, durable material came into existence at all!
We know the beginning of the week can be a drag, but here’s a little good news to perk up your day: indiDenim is developing brand new washes available this Fall!
While we offer a wide variety of finishing treatments, we’ve really upped our game this season, developing several signature washes in a range of tones that we know you’ll love. After months and months of development (and a little more to go) we’re proud to introduce our new premium washes that will perfectly compliment your Fall wardrobe. And with more distressing and fading then ever before, you’ll also be sure to be at the front of the style line in our new washes.
A key difference that you’ll see is that we’ve married our fabrics with the finishing treatment themselves, bringing out the integrity of our fabrics with select washing techniques. We’re still choosing the cream of the crop for you, so get excited. Trust us, you’re going to love them. Now it’s your turn to take a look. Enjoy!
A late prototype of a new medium wash.
A close-up of that sassy whiskering.
A view from the inside of this fabulous jean.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ring Spun Denim: A Delineation
It’s safe to say that photo courtesy of Cone Denim
Ring spinning is the traditional way to produce yarns for weaving. But by the 1960’s, new spinning methods were developed to manufacture yarns more quickly and cheaply. Denim experts typically turn their noses up at these new “open end” spun yarns which have neither the quality nor aesthetic properties they crave.
Specifically, ring spun yarns are both softer and stronger than open end spun yarns. Yes, just like fancy cheese, denim can be both soft and strong. Additionally, ring spun yarns have a much desired uneven thickness. When woven into denim, this uneven thickness produces fabrics with delectable variations in texture recalling vintage denims.
Unlike its higher quality counterpart, open end spun yarn is rough, resulting in a denim with a fuzzy/hairy look. So, next time you’re starving for a new pair of jeans, may we recommend a tasteful ring spun denim?
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