Few denim brands are as iconic as Levi’s, and few denim styles are as iconic as the classic 501®, with the first 501® for women released in 1981. I’ve written a lot about the Levi’s 501® jeans over the years, whether showcasing the original model on myself with Denimology back in 2014 (I can’t believe it’s been so long), new revamped styles in 2015 and of course, the highly anticipated Skinny 501® in 2018. All of these posts have continued to retain hit status on my blog as some of the most visited posts, so as part of my efforts to somewhat revive this blog (slow and steady here as I can with this crazy life), I went digging to see what’s been new with the Levi’s 501® after all these years. I’m happy to say it’s still going strong (I guess that’s no real surprise), but with a lot of new designs and variations!
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New Eco Friendly Jeans from Liverpool
Originally published February 13, 2019
Edited November 28, 2024 with updated styles from the now-expanded Liverpool Eco Friendly collection!
As you may already know, my main focus on this blog has slowly but surely fine-tuned itself into a focus of eco friendly and sustainable style over the years. This is partly due to the fact that denim brands (which I was initially focusing on the most and still love) gradually realized how dirty the wash process is, as did the apparel industry in general, and as awareness grew they finally did their part to make necessary changes. It’s definitely a passion so I’ve decided to keep sustainable style a prominent focus here! It’s easy for me to find sustainable non-denim items to write about, but it’s still tougher to create consistent posts in the world of sustainable denim, which is why I am super happy to present to you a new discovery: these new eco friendly jeans from Liverpool!
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Ethical Premium Denim by Porter Blue Apparel – Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Cream Review
Hi all, me again! I realize I start just about every new post with a statement about how long ago it’s been since I posted last, but what can I say? It’s been an interesting few years for all of us, and life tends to take its turns. I’ve definitely been getting my feet back on the ground with work and all kinds of new ventures, but my interest in blogging and supporting ethical premium denim, or ethical and sustainable apparel in general, hasn’t waned one bit, despite my long break from the writing element. I’m back again now with something new, from a brand I’ve been working with for quite some time now. Most of my denim reviews have to do with, well…denim, but this time I have had a chance to finally check out the corduroy side of the industry. I’m excited to share another piece from Porter Blue Apparel, in the form of a Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Cream review.
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Sustainable Premium Denim by Porter Blue Apparel – Wanderer Flare Jeans in Gracie Review
Porter Blue Apparel Wanderer Flare in Gracie Wash. Earrings: Coco Loco Jewelry, Tank: First Earth
Hi all, I’m still here! I know it’s been awhile, but sometimes life obligations take over. My passion for blogging and helping promote ethical, sustainable and small brands will never die, however, and I plan to keep going for the forseeable future! Despite the disruptions in our economy due to Covid, it has been incredible seeing so many new and current brands still forging forward as best they can. The last time I was posting on a more regular basis, my most recent brand connection was Porter Blue Apparel, a fast-growing, new sustainable premium denim brand based out of San Francisco, California. This awesome name is still working hard and making strides, and I’ve been so excited to also be helping them with marketing and building up their new website! In addition, I’m happy to continue helping them promote through product reviews. So without much more, here’s another: the Wanderer Flare in Gracie Wash by Porter Blue Apparel.
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AG Jeans Launches Biodegradable Denim Capsule Collection
Image: AG Jeans
The sustainable denim industry is kicking it lately! I suddenly have so many items I want to share with you all here, and I’m considering posting twice a week on occasion when I find time in my schedule! I’m happy to see a lot of organic cotton or hemp jeans being released, as well as better manufacturing processes (less toxic dyes, less water, etc), but now that knowledge is growing that this is a necessary thing, and consumer demand for sustainable apparel is increasing, it’s interesting watching companies push it forward even more. I’m sure the idea of biodegradable denim isn’t an immediately enticing thought, but think about it: globally, we humans manage to create about 92 million tonnes of textiles waste. Biodegradable doesn’t necessarily mean “break down after a few wears,” but rather created with more plant-based materials that won’t sit in landfills for several lifetimes, like plastic does for example. One company that is taking it to that level is AG Jeans, with their new biodegradable denim capsule collection.
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Madewell Introduces Lightweight Summer Denim Made with Hemp
Image: Madewell
I’ve noticed it totally seems there has been an explosion of sustainable production within the apparel industry since Earth Day last month (or at least more coverage), and I’m excited to have a bit of a stockpile to share for awhile now. Today, I’ll start with a release from a well-known, loved brand that’s been a solid leader in denim for a long time, and just so happens to have released a new line of denim for the summer. I know jeans aren’t necessarily the first thing we grab when it gets hot outside, like it has been lately, but I’m reminded of a style by Joe’s Jeans back in 2015 that was actually designed to keep us denim fiends cool. 7 For all Mankind also has a lighter weight style with their b(air) line, as did Mavi with Mavi Gold Feather. It’s not an entirely new concept, but lightweight summer denim is such a must for those of us who don’t like ditching our beloved jeans, and Madewell has just put together their own collection with a cool sustainable kick.
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Celebrating Women Artists with House of Aama Tote Bags
I know I might not always be on point with creating posts to coincide with holidays or days marked to honor certain causes or groups, but you bet when I see something noteworthy in terms of brands stepping forward to benefit the common good, I’ll definitely do my best to create a post for it. Supporting small artists is one of those things that means a whole lot to me, and I love it when retailers or brands collaborate with capsule collections to help support them. It’s often tough to find some of these artists on their own so giving them exposure and support is absolutely commendable, especially when it’s a high end retailer because such small artists or eco friendly brands get easily lost in the sea of premium goods from other brands available on those online storefronts. I’m always looking at my two favorite internet-based shops, Revolve and Shopbop, for such brands, and I’m totally loving the subject of this post: tote bags celebrating women artists by House of Aama.
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Patchwork Denim has Once Again Emerged for Spring
Styling together an outfit is all about mixing together complimentary patterns, textures, fits and colors. I don’t always mix more than one pattern in one getup unless they are similar enough without being overwhelming (maybe one is muted down a bit). However, when the same is all considered in the production of one garment, things can get even more interesting! Patchwork is one of those fun mixed-media ideas in terms of designing a piece, and perhaps brings a bit of nostalgia, either from grandma’s quilts or recycling fabrics to make a perfect pair of bell bottoms in the 1970s. It’s a cool category in the denim industry that is always around, but seems to poke its head out from time to time every few years as a new trend. It can be used to portray just about anything from a bold, rebellious street style to a laid-back, friendly aesthetic. It’s been awesome to see how brands get creative with all the ways to create a unique pair of jeans in such a saturated market, and patchwork is always a bright go-to when stuck in a style rut or when you’re just feeling stylishly playful.
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Gap Takes on Ethical and Sustainable Style with Generation Good
For so long, I was shifting my focus more to independent, slow fashion brands, because there were so many more of them doing their part to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices than the big, well-established retailers. However, lately the bigger ones are catching on as demand rises and shoppers realize how important it is to re-evaluate the way we leave our mark on this planet. Every step forward, big or small, is so important for the big picture, but seeing the brands with more power in the game changing their game is so refreshing to see. Some brands were established with more ethical and sustainable signs on the get go, like Alternative, Matt & Nat and Reformation, but I’ve seen fairly new efforts from Aerie, MOTHER denim, BLANKNYC and even H&M over the last few years. The latest to take things in a better direction is Gap!
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60% MOTHER Recycled Denim Capsule Collection by MOTHER
The sustainable movement continues on within the apparel industry (yessss), and seems to be ramping up exponentially every day! Many brands are seeking out more eco friendly raw materials such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo, and several are looking within their own manufacturing processes themselves to clean up from the inside out, from reducing water and chemical usage to cutting down on waste. Recycling seems to be a growing practice as we start to realize the growing concern of limited resources and expanding landfills. I’m seeing so many brands recycling pre- and post-consumer waste recently and as much as I love sustainable raw materials, I’m absolutely stoked to see attention given to this area as well since we definitely need to pay attention to consumption itself. About twice a week or so, I’m seeing new brands or capsule collections from existing brands popping up featuring goods made from recycled materials, and the latest comes from one of the pioneers in denim, a collection aptly named 60% MOTHER.