Today is Denim Day 2015

Today is Denim Day 2015 - Campaign Poster

Today is Denim Day 2015

The year was 1992, someplace in Italy. A 45 year old driving instructor was convicted with the rape of his 18 year old student, and sentenced. However, in 1998, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction. Why? The victim happened to be wearing tight jeans…so tight, that she most have aided her attacker in removing them in order for this assault to take place, thus making it consensual. In protest, the women of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work the next day. For 15 years, Peace over Violence has run a campaign in response to this incident every April (for Sexual Violence Awareness Month) on a Wednesday, titled Denim Day, asking participants around the U.S.A. to wear jeans in support against destructive and wrong attitudes towards sexual assault. This year, this important day is TODAY, April 29th. I’m a big fan of jeans obviously, and tight ones at that, so you could say every day is Denim Day for me. You can bet I’ve got mine on today! Rock those babies proudly, gals, and guys too! You can also donate and register your participation at the Denim Day website.

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Androgynous Denim by Dapper Boi

Androgynous Denim by Dapper Boi

Androgynous Denim by Dapper Boi

San Diego, CA — (April 21st, 2015) Local company is taking their dreams to Kickstarter, with their launch on April 21st – to help raise enough funds to manufacture their first production of an androgynous line of jeans.

A clothing line aimed to fit the androgynous woman, Dapper Boi launched their Kickstarter today! The company is hoping to raise $18,000 to manufacture their first production line of custom jeans.

After countless months of research and design, the founders truly believe they have produced the perfect pair of jeans. Their slim-straight jeans feature the details and the look from men’s jeans, while also providing a superior fit and comfort to fit a woman’s body – meaning the right amount of stretch. They believe the jeans will be a perfect fit for any closet and have even tested them out on some men who have curves and they loved them too.

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American Eagle Outfitters for Affordable Housing

American Eagle Outfitters for Affordable Housing

Image: American Eagle (Facebook)

American Eagle Outfitters for Affordable Housing

The Earth Month campaigns seem never ending as new ones pop up in my inbox every day, and it’s awesome to see one of my favorite all-time brands participating! American Eagle Outfitters is the one brand I always refer to people when they don’t want to pay premium prices but just want quality. They never disappoint, and they were my go-to brand for a long, long time before I fell into the denim industry (but I still proudly wear their denim, and review from time to time!). Now, for Earth Month, American Eagle Outfitters is partnering with Brad Pitt’s organization Make It Right to convert unwanted denim into affordable housing. Now there’s a new one, right?

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Cult of Individuality Alter Ego Boyfriend on Denimology

Cult of Individuality Alter Ego Boyfriend on Denimology - Size 25 Front View

Cult of Individuality Alter Ego Boyfriend on Denimology

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a Denimology review (mainly because we’ve had some changes in the works) but I’m back up and at ’em with something fresh and new! As you might have been able to tell by now, I love me a nice sleek (and usually dark) skinny jean, but this Spring season we’ve seen a re-emergence of looser fitting styles such as boyfriends, flares, and bootcuts. The boyfriend jean has been around for a long time but it has its ups and downs in the industry…but right now, this style is being seen everywhere in a wide variety of distressed looks on celebrities and trendsetter everywhere! I get so addicted to my skinny jeans sometimes that I never think I can go looser, but once I do, I’m reminded how comfortable boyfriend jeans really are and how stylish they really can be if done right. For this review I am excited to revisit a really neat edgy brand that I worked with last year for Denimology to illustrate how underestimated the boyfriend jean really is, so here’s a Cult of Individuality Alter Ego Boyfriend in Yukon review!

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Modavanti on the California Drought and Denim

Modavanti on the California Drought and Denim - Beija Flor

Image: Beija Flor

Modavanti on the California Drought and Denim

In the spirit of Earth Month, I wanted to write a culmination of all of the articles that have been out about California’s water crisis and the impact on the denim industry (or vice versa), and I had also been eyeing the awesome Women’s Seed Box campaign (which is a box available to purchase, full of natural home essentials such as candles and beauty products) that the sustainable fashion retailer Modavanti has been running, and I was planning to make a post about it as well! Modavanti is the “destination for socially conscious consumers to find clothing, beauty and lifestyle products that fit their values without compromising on style” with over 150 brands that are serious about being eco-friendly or ethically-sourced. They also carry several denim brands for men and women that are made from organic denim and recycled plastic water bottles! Before I even got to writing either post, I was contacted by Modavanti‘s founder, David Dietz, about a great editorial he wrote up about the California water crisis and its impact on the denim industry and how a few denim brands are doing their part to help conserve Earth’s most precious resource. In fact, Modavanti itself donates 2% of proceeds to two water charities: Nest and Charity:Water. As you may know, the finishing process of traditional denim manufacturing takes up quite a bit of water. I couldn’t have written it all up better in such a concise way, so, without much more ado, here goes for my first guest editorial piece! Thank you David!

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Stay Cool This Summer with Joe’s Jeans Cool Off

Stay Cool This Summer with Joe's Jeans Cool Off

Image: Joe’s

Stay Cool This Summer with Joe’s Jeans Cool Off

Funny, I was just mentioning this past winter’s Joe’s Jeans Fahrenheit collection in a post and then in came a newsletter from the brand announcing their summer alternative, Cool Off. It only makes sense, right? Joe’s has continued to do what they do best and stayed ahead of the game with the perfect summer jean for those increasinly-hot days. Well, at least in California, but we can’t deny we’ve been experiencing some record temperatures just about everywhere, right? I could have used these back in January even! Crazy. Anyway, while many brands continue to battle against the domineering activewear industry by innovating more and more ways to make a jean as comfortable as a pair of yoga pants (believe me, I believe the denim industry is already there), Joe’s takes it a step further and incorporates a commonly used technology in activewear – COOLMAX® fabric woven into the denim, which whicks away moisture, “keeping your skin dry and clothes comfortable so you can look hot and stay cool.” The pieces in this collection incorporate a 70% Cotton, 28% Coolmax, 2% Lycra, 9.5 oz. Stretch fabric blend and are available in a range of grey or light and dark blue washes and cuts. Choose from the Kensie in a slim straight crop or mid rise skinny ankle; the Lyndi in a bermuda short, petite skinny, mid rise skinny ankle, mid rise skinny or rolled skinny crop; the Samantha in a clean cuff crop, mid rise skinny, high rise flare or curvy skinny. I don’t see any bootcut styles yet, but flares are supposedly in this season and the skinny jean? Yeah. Never gonna die. I haven’t seen a bermuda short in quite some time though!

Stay Cool This Summer with Joe's Jeans Cool Off

Image: Joe’s

Innovative activewear technology incorporated into premium denim creates a lightweight jean that will keep you feeling fresh as the weather heats up.”

Stay Cool This Summer with Joe's Jeans Cool Off

Image: Joe’s

Stay Cool This Summer with Joe's Jeans Cool Off

Image: Joe’s

Shop the Joe’s Jeans Cool Off collection here, and get ready for a stylish, dry and cool summer!

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans

Image: Blaak

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans

I can’t stress this enough: The denim industry never ceases to amaze me. I mean, I’ve come to a point where I can see where jeans that warm you, jeans that don’t stain, jeans that protect your identity, and maybe even scented jeans might be useful (if not just fun), but what’s next? OK, I’ll admit I’m kind of fascinated by the idea of crystal healing…even if it’s a farce (which I won’t claim or try to disclaim), I’ve always been drawn to them ever since I was a child. They aren’t only pretty, but some I feel some strange sort of vibrational connection with. Call me new-age, crazy, a hippy, whatever, I don’t care…but I absolutely LOVE them and I do find them to be an aid in meditation, whatever the truth about them might be. So, combine that with my love of denim, and what do you get? I have to say, I’m still kind of dumbfounded about this. Ready? Crystal-infused denim. Yeah, you heard me right. British brand Blaak now has a men’s line (please please pretty please release a women’s line soon, guys?) of jeans with the beautiful Lapis Lazuli sewn into the waistband to help wearers feel more centered and aid in healing them with good energy.

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans - Logo

Blaak goes way back to 1988, according to WWD, presenting ready to wear lines through several Fashion Weeks through London and Paris from 2008 to 2011. Now, Aaron Sharif states “Over the last two years we have been researching the amazing world of crystal healing, and have developed a way to apply the power of specific natural semi precious crystals to our jeans. Without shouting on the outside our 5 pocket denim is simple in silhouette, minimal in hard wear, and with discreet stitching. The secret lies in the mind blowing science which is happening inside, leaving only the wearer in the know, Lapis lazuli makes you feel more grounded.” (WWD). The brand’s website is to be lauched at the end of May, and I can only hope that there will soon be a women’s line. I am in love with this idea, pseudoscience, science, speculation, WHATEVER you’d like to call it, I’m all ears!

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans - Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli. Image: cartim @ DeviantArt

We started with lapis lazuli because it opens up your communication and it allows for you to find your true purpose in life. It’s a confidence builder.” -Aaron Sharif (Source: Style.com)

I am fascinated by the fact that this concept took two years to figure out, according to an article on Style.com. I could only imagine! They will initially be available in three washes: indigo, black, and over-dyed black. Apparently, these crystals are safe from the jarring motions of the washing machine and will last you years of wear.

British Label Blaak Releases Crystal Infused Jeans - Blog

Image: Blaak Blog

Visit Blaak’s website, to be launched at the end of May, here!

i-D and G-Star Raw Present The Plastic Age Documentary

i-D and G-Star Raw Present The Plastic Age Documentary

i-D and G-Star Raw Present The Plastic Age Documentary

Last September I wrote about G-Star RAW’s RAW For The Oceans, a collaboration with Pharrell Williams to create an exclusive line of apparel made from plastic gathered from our world’s oceans. Now, G-Star is now working with the London-based “original fashion and style bible” i-D and fashion/entertainment/design filmmaker Jake Sumner to create a full-length documentary illustrating the real impact of plastic consumption on our oceans. Considering this is Earth Month, I figured this would be a perfect post to compliment my last one! Titled “The Plastic Age,” this documentary sheds light on possible ground-breaking solutions and spreads awareness of this growing problem. The preview is available now, and the full length trailer is to be released April 15th. My love for denim and concern for the human impact on this planet leads to a deep respect for G-Star RAW and everything they’ve been doing to contribute to the solution to this global issue. View the trailer below!

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Flirty Sophistication by THML

Flirty Sophistication by THML

Flirty Sophistication by THML

With festival season upon us, many event-goers are probably flooding the well-known, super companies such as Forever21 or Urban Outfitters for that quick fix before they hit the road. However, I always avoid such things because of the possibility of showing up looking like everyone else, and what about the smaller boutiques who pour their heart and soul into their work? They deserve some love too. I usually hit up Etsy for some truly unique finds, but I was recently contacted by this cute contemporary brand, and I just had to share! THML, first known as “Theme,” was born in Los Angeles in 2007 and has expanded to boutiques everywhere. They state that they go by two seasonal concepts: “flirty sophistication” for Spring, and “edgy-chic” for Fall,” and that “a touch of vintage always inspires the tops and dresses that have become the focus of THML‘s apparel.” I’d have to say that’s the best way to describe the THML line. I immediately was attracted to the numerous bohemian-themed maxi dresses at Swell and Dillards, but the brand also has several items that would be perfect for a lunch date or a night on the town. The brand is marketed to the young fashionistas out there, but I think many of these looks could work with just about any age! Take a look at some of the looks available to boutique buyers below!

Flirty Sophistication by THML

Flirty Sophistication by THML

Flirty Sophistication by THML

THML is currently having an Instagram contest for festival goers! Details below:

Flirty Sophistication by THML - Giveaway

These items above are shown on the brand’s website for boutique buyers only, but here are some available items below that you can shop!

As mentioned, you can also shop THML at Swell and Dillards.

Visit THML’s website here.

Eco Friendly Denim for Earth Month

Eco Friendly Denim for Earth Month

I’ll have to admit, I had no idea that April was Earth Month! I’m not sure what rock I’ve been living under, but whatever. Thanks Level99 for bringing this to my attention! I’m sure we can all admit that things are changing around our planet…the importance of being eco-conscious has been stronger than ever with various charities, grassroots movements, organizations, companies and individuals all standing up to make their mark in all industries. The denim industry is definitely one of them. In a Level99 newsletter, which is responsible for realizing the importance of this month, is celebrating with their expansive efforts to stay Earth-friendly. I have a few of their jeans, and I LOVE how super soft they are thanks to Tencel and modal fibers, which are manmade from sustainably harvested trees in a “closed loop” process that uses close to no chemicals or water (denim processing and finishing takes up a LOT of water). The brand also creates the classic fading and whiskering on their jeans using low compression lasers and ozone chambers instead of water. Read more about the brand’s initiatives here! Other bigtime brands have stepped in as well. DL1961 uses DLPRO fabrics in many of their jeans. “The extremely absorbent ProModal™ fibers cut the dying, washing and treating process in half, conserving water, dyes, energy and time.” Parker Smith uses eco-friendly cotton/tencel denim as well. AG is another that uses ozone technology instead of water and chemicals to finish their jeans and remove excess indigo (read more here). DSTLD, the premium denim brand that offers quality at a lower price by eliminating the middleman, uses eco-friendly fabrics and natural dyes and softening techniques. Another huge one to name is the Levi’s® Water<Less™ collection, which uses up to 96% less water than traditional denim manufacturing. Levis has saved 172 million liters with Water<Less™ finishing! Read more about this amazing initiative here. Read on to learn about more eco friendly denim for Earth Month!

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