posted by: Amy D on January 6, 2009 at 5:16 pm
filed under:Trend Alert
TAGS: skinny jeans, low rise jeans, tapered jeans, bootcut jeans

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I’m a pretty green girl.  No, not behind the ears.  Okay, maybe a little behind the ears, but what I actually meant by that is, you know, energy conscious.  As a result, I’m often found on two wheels, or tracks, or at the very back of a big honking zero emissions bus.  In any case, these modes of transportation in urban environments like the Bay Area really give you a feel for the city in ways that the car just doesn’t accommodate and in my line of work that often means slamming on the breaks when I see a style that I like.  However, you learn pretty early on that AC transit and the compulsion to stare at people’s behinds do not generally mix that well.

That said, I must share about the day that this theory was completely disproved!

Bay Area Rapid Transit or BART for short, is our metro, our tube, our L and, in many ways, the reason why it’s impossible to hail a cab in any of the following zip codes: 94117, 94501, 94601…  You get the picture.  Anyway, today I got caught staring at the pockets of this guy in really great jeans thinking “indi should be releasing our new denim pockets designs soon and wow, there’s a cute pocket design for men right there, and I should really do a blog post about pockets…”  There I am, innocently staring off into the space that happens to be occupied by this individual’s very cute butt and WHAMMO! Sudden eye contact leads to a swift head turn and the excruciatingly long pure, stupid, awkward silence that ensues as I try to find the least perverted thing on which to cast my gaze anew.  But get this.  Instead of apologizing and going into a long-winded explanation of why I so freely - and indiscriminately I might add! - take the liberty of staring at this particular vicinity of people’s posteriors and, of course, adding the best copout excuse of all time: the “believe-me-this-is-what-I-do-for-a-living” line…  I stop and realize that this one is actually checking ME OUT BACK NOW!  My thought process comes to a screeching halt and, well, I have a date this Friday night and it’s all thanks to indi.

posted by: Amy D on December 23, 2008 at 3:44 pm
filed under:Misc Musings
TAGS: back pockets, mens jeans

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What are the hottest denim trends rocking the season’s night scenes that are not going to be in next seasons out box?
Our fashion forecast reads that the slim silhouettes that fortified our wardrobes for Fall will definitely NOT be flying South for the winter.  You can look forward to stretching a spring and even maybe a summer out of the skinny, slim and straight leg jeans in your drawers. 
This fall, we saw jeans tucked into boots and it was the hottest thing to hit the jeans scene since the skinny itself busted out last year. Now, with lots of semi-formal festivities staring us all in the face, we’re seeing this style kept on personal playlists for winter wardrobes with the added feature of keeping our stomachs on tight holiday budgets.  Bonus! 
If you’re still wondering how to make hot denim buys this year that will grow in popularity and versatility for next year, consider venturing into the winter wonderland of dark denim.
Dark or black denim with matching or minimal pocket detailing is the easiest to dress up with holiday flare.  Try introducing a satin slit sleeve top and stilettos. As your shopping for that perfect fit, also keep in mind that you’ll need enough stretch to comfortably sway to the hottest new songs come spring.

posted by: Amy D on November 21, 2008 at 9:58 am
filed under:Trend Alert
TAGS: skinny jeans, sexy jeans, womens jeans

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Know Your Seat Shape

The female backside comes in all different sizes in shapes, but we’ve broken it down into four basic types: flat, average, prominent, and full.  For each seat shape you can customize your jeans to use visual tricks to your advantage, whether your goal is to minimize the booty or play up a luscious look.

Type 1- Flat Seat

For a flat seat, create the illusion of curves with prominent backside styles.  Pocket flaps are in high demand right now, and you’ve got the ideal shape to rock this fashion.  We recommend indi’s standard pocket with flaps for day-to-day classic style.  If you want achieve a sexier look, the curved pocket with flaps can round out a flat rear in a way you never imagined possible.

Type 2- Average Seat

If you have an average seat, the world of premium denim is yours to play in and the sky is the limit.  Whether your preference is for simple pockets or cutting edge embroidery, you can pull off any look.  For the no-frills chick, we recommend indi’s take on modern vintage with sanded and distressed pockets.  If you’re looking for some fabulous flair, check out the emblem embroidered pocket in your choice of four different colors.

Type 3- Prominent Seat

Be proud of your curves, and don’t be afraid to show them off!  But remember, no elaborate pocket styles are needed to draw attention to your derriere.  A standard pocket shape works best with your figure, and subtle embroidery can go far to accentuate a round seat.  Two of our favorite styles for this body type are the orchid embroidery in a two-colored scheme and the scroll embroidery in navy for those feeling flashy.

Type 4- Full Seat

Like the women who fall into the “prominent” category above, you can definitely use denim to show off a shapely feminine figure.  Still, if you’re looking to visually minimize your backside, there are a few simple rules to follow.  Remember to steer clear of pocket flaps, and always avoid curved pocket shapes.  When customizing for your body type we recommend a standard pocket shape, either plain or with subtle decoration like indi’s loop embroidery in your choice of three different color schemes.

No matter what your shape and size, the design is in your hands with indi’s customized denim.  Visit www.indidenim.com to view our entire range of style options and build the perfect jeans for your unique body type.

posted by: Emily H on September 30, 2008 at 3:06 pm
filed under:Fit Jeanious
TAGS: custom jeans, design your own jeans, back pockets, womens jeans

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Making the Cut

Choose the denim cuts and style elements that are designed to work with your figure, not against it.  In the era of a skinny jean trend, it may be tempting to jump on the bandwagon, but remember that the surest way to stay stylish is to know your own body.  Be conscious of what works for you.  We suggest considering the classic bootcut—its slight flare toward the hem draws attention away from a round belly by balancing out your lower half.  Pair the style with heels to elongate your legs, and you’ve got a thoroughly modern look that can outshine any passing fad.

There are plenty more tricks of the trade to minimize and disguise the belly.  For instance, try a zipper instead of a button-fly to reduce bulk near the waist. And for the average woman, a mid-rise trumps a low-rise because of the coverage it offers and the way it visually divides the torso and lower body.  Fabric and color play a role, too.

Material Girl

Selecting the right fabric can make all the difference.  If you’re left frustrated by stiff denim material that doesn’t forgive even the smallest of flaws, stretch denim may offer the comfort you’ve been missing.

Stretch denim, a blend of primarily cotton and just a touch of spandex lycra, gives you a more accommodating fit and ease of movement.  One word of caution on stretch: don’t go a size smaller and assume the fabric will make up for it.  Clothes that pinch too tight never look sharp, and the wearer may become the unfortunate recipient of dreaded “muffin top” gossip.  Nobody deserves that!

Dark Wash Is the New Black

Darker shades are slimming, so take advantage of the illusion and avoid lighter washes!  We recommend selecting a wash like indi’s own Midnight or Out of the Blue. A dark jean will keep looking chic and new, long after other styles fades.

Jeans That Fit Your Genes

indiDenim is proud to offer the customization options that will help you find your perfect personalized fit for every body type.  If you’re stuck choosing between styles or just looking for some friendly advice, send us your questions .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

posted by: Emily H on
filed under:Fit Jeanious
TAGS: custom jeans, design your own jeans, jeans that fit

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In the early 1850s, German-born Levi Strauss began manufacturing rugged work pants that would withstand the lifestyle of Northern California’s gold miners.  Levi’s original design was a far cry from the blue jeans we know and love today, most notably because they were made of brown (yes, brown!) canvas intended for tents, tarps, and sails.  The style was loose-fitting with no belt loops, instead held up by suspenders and a waist-cinching buckle in the back.  Over the following decades a number of changes were made, including the addition of reinforcing rivets, more pockets, and top-stitching details.  Most importantly, the signature blue jean fabric came into use.  Called serge de Nimes for the town in France where it was first loomed, we now refer to the fabric as just denim.

Continuing through the early 1900s, jean overalls were the garment of choice for blue collar workers countrywide.  Though it was by no means considered stylish, denim was the prevailing style seen on American streets both during and after the Depression.  Beginning in the 1940s, however, all this changed.  The status associated with denim began to shift, and what was once a purely utilitarian garment evolved into a range of compelling fashion statements.  First through the popularity of the western cowboy films, and then because of rebellious rock and roll idols, denim came to represent youth, sexual freedom, and progressive culture.  Europeans took note, and began to import the American-made fashion in the 1950s.

In the 1960s and 1970s consumers began exploring denim personalization, adding panels at the hems to make bell bottoms, or painting statements and images directly onto the garments.  Manufacturers too played with the idea of customization, experimenting with bright colors, embroidery, lace, rhinestones, and other lavish details.  The 1980s were dedicated to developing denim treatment processes; the more extreme styles applied acid washes and skin-revealing tears to the fabric.  Out of these fads came the “grunge” anti-fashion of the early 1990s alternative scene, which matured into more refined vintage and distressed looks in the later part of the decade.  Finally, since the turn of the new millennium, the market concept has been premium denim.  Great body-shaping cuts and designer detailing are paramount, as retail prices reach new highs for jeans.

Now that you are familiar with the history of jeans, what do you predict for the future of denim?  At indi, we believe the future lies in custom jeans as unique as you.  You choose the fabric, you create the style, and you enjoy the fit that is tailor-made for your genes.  Only indi allows you to select your own wash, rise, fly, cut, hem, pockets, embroidery, and distressing effects.  When you design your own jeans, the future of denim is in your hands.

posted by: Emily H on
filed under:Denim 101
TAGS: custom jeans, design your own jeans, history of jeans

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