Author: Jen

The Find – Denim Refinery

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  I absolutely love my denim jeans. I think I have at least 10 pair sitting in my closet that I never wear because my style has changed or I’m not crazy about the color anymore. But the fit is still great, so I don’t want to give them away. Now, thanks to Denim Refinery, I can breathe new life into my old blues. Instead of spending $100+ on a new pair of trendy denim, I can take my old pairs and give them a bit of a face lift and customize them to fit my style.   Denim Refinery offers a resourceful solution to upcycling denim into a wearable and one-of-a-kind piece you can’t find anywhere else. You can also shop their selection of vintage pieces that have been treated and refined to fit your current wardrobe.      Don’t ditch your denim, Refine it and give it new life!  

The Denim Issue

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I don’t think there is a more interesting fabric with a more colorful background than denim. Nearly 150 years ago, denim made its way to American soil and became the uniform for miners, cowboys and farmers. The thick fabric with it’s durable construction and comfortable hand made it ideal for manual workers. Eventually, denim made its way into American Pop Culture and became synonymous with rebellious teenagers and young adults. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that wearing blue jeans became more acceptable. And in the 1970s, denim was considered a fashion trend. Today, the personalities of denim range from casual torn jeans to dark denim trousers, colored to treated, jackets and shirts to shorts and pants. Denim is everywhere and continues to evolve, inspire and push boundaries. At Foundry87, we’re dedicating February to all things denim. We’re celebrating the industry’s sustainable and ethical practices that continue to revolutionize this versatile fabric. Welcome to the Denim Issue.  

10 {Practical} Ways to Recycle Denim

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With denim’s amazing durability, it’s easy to give new life to an old pair of jeans. The neutral tones of blues and white make it easy to repurpose denim for your everyday life. Here’s ten {practical} ideas I came up with. How will you recycle your old denim into something more desirable? Shorts / Pillow / Necklace / Rug / Clutch / iPad Cover  / Dog Toy / Earrings / Garland / Tote                      

Finishing Touch: ALEX AND ANI Cross Bangle

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For Christmas, I received this beautiful ALEX AND ANI cross bangle from one of my dearest friends. I may have seen the name Alex and Ani before, but not until I received this gift did I truly understand this brand and it’s awesome mission. The Alex and Ani ethos is mindful actions, positive energy and conscious living. Sustainability and new ways of thinking are at their core. All the products are crafted in America, which gets extra bonus points in my book. The simple, clean design of this cross bangle is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I can’t wait to add more to my collection! “The Cross Wrap represents the union of the concepts of divinity. The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols and is used by many religions to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ Symbolizing health, fertility, life, immortality, and the union of Heaven and Earth. Wear this symbol to honor your personal beliefs in the cross.” And so I will.

Get the Look

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I typically stick to neutral hues when choosing furniture and add color with accents. But lately, I’ve been inspired by monochromatic rooms that have one bright side chair, adding that unexpected surprise. Here’s a collection of bright, sustainable chairs that may inspire you to add that wow piece to spice up your home. 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

The Stylist – Extras

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 Orange hues have been on the horizon for some time now. Some may even argue that Pantone’s color of the year for 2015 will be of the orange variety (should we start taking bets now?!) It’s no surprise metallics have taken a similar turn. Sprinkle a few copper-toned pieces throughout your home to give your space that warm glow. 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10    

How to Shop Ethically on a Budget

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Shopping ethically for clothing is usually synonymous with high prices, but with several brands and designers jumping on the bandwagon, there’s so many more options. It does take a little more effort, but knowing your purchase makes a positive impact, it will be well worth it. 1. Do Your Research Education and research is key. With a little effort, you can find several designers and retailers that sell clothing and accessories that are made in America or Europe, fair trade certified, or are sustainably and ethically produced. A few of my favorite budget-friendly boutiques are: Everlane, Yooxygen, ASOS Green Room, and American Pretty Boutique. 2. Consider quality vs. quantity Build a wardrobe with classic staples that will take you from season to season effortlessly and sprinkle in a few trendier pieces. You may spend a little more on a pair of jeans made in the USA or a dress handmade by an artisan, but those pieces will last well beyond the $10 dress from Forever21. 3. Rent Your Wardrobe While I was in college, living in a sorority, I had …