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!).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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?

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:

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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?