501 updates

Just got back from my desert homeland and have to update the blog... it's just been too long without anything. While down in Sin City, a group of my friends and I decided to climb a mountain. Not hike, not walk trails.... literally climb a mountain. It was great fun and put some serious wear on my 501's (the denim I deemed appropriate for such outdoor excursions, along with trusty Clark's Desert Boots which have now actually trekked through a desert!)

Well, long story short, coming down we took the wrong path and ended up jumping down a dry river bed from boulder to boulder for 2 extra hours in Vegas midday heat. So, the jeans were pretty messed up. Sweat, dirt, plants, all the good things about being outside in overabundance. So, they required their second soak in almost a week. I shrank them again the Sunday before because they were beginning to bag out - so in these jeans are an additional two soaks since last photographed (1 hot, 1 tepid). They've lost a bit more indigo, but the fading is really coming through, especially on the butt - probably due to the fact that we came down the mountain on all fours. But wear is wear, and it wasn't faked!

So, the indigo appears to be shifting colors, definitely getting lighter. Too, I found that these continued to shrink down even after this third soak. They're noticeably tighter now than at any point after the previous two exposures to water. Additionally, the texture is becoming more "grainy" as they are wet more and more, and that initial stiffness from the "raw" phase is almost completely gone. After the 2nd soak I actually sprayed starch on the back of the knees to maintain and sharpen the "honeycombs" as well as across the lap for the stress marks there. I think the photos make the denim a bit lighter than it truly is, but conversely it does help to highlight the changes taking place as the indigo dye lifts from certain places and sticks in others, creating that look of contrast in the color.

I'm enjoying these jeans more and more as they wear to me. Initially I thought I'd demo these for about three months and then get started on my '47's as the "main project", but as these take on more and more individuality they're changing from "that project" to "my jeans," if that makes any sense. I'm excited at that prospect. I mean, these were 30 bucks!

Gregorias has started on his project already for the semester, we just purchased David's while at the Charleston Outlets in Vegas, and we're picking up the William's denim this week just before the semester starts. I feel like I'm cheating already so far ahead of the pack, so maybe I'll start the 47's anyways. We'll see.

Brumby

No blog centered on fashion would be complete without a little bit of divergence into the musical world. I wanted to throw up a link to a new EP just put out by the up-and-coming band, Brumby. They're a group of 4 young musicians, all cousins, based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. You can go here for a free download of their latest studio endeavor, Rosebud.

Shown left to right are Oliver Tingey (vocals), Tyler Tingey (Guitar), Spencer Tingey (Bass, Programming, Synths) and Dylan Self (Drums & Percussion). Check out their Facebook page as well here and become a fan.

That is all for now. Just a quick shout out.

Belstaff and Barbour

I am pleased to announce that a dear compatriot will be joining me in my denim experiment this coming Fall semester. Gregorias Bartholomew Kenzington III twice removed from the D'urberville line, this one's for you.

My man recently stepped into the world of raw denim with the great purchase of some Levi's Shrink-To-Fit in Indigo, size 30x34 pre-wash (along with some dirty Argentine-style stretch-denim, full of hidden zippers on the butt and everything). With his consent we're going to get some fit pics up for him pre- and post-soak for even greater reference. Another dear friend, The William, has agreed to be a part of the experiment despite expressing some anxiety over not washing a pair of jeans for an entire semester. Hahahaha... we'll see.

I've been doing a bit of research about both Belstaff and Barbour jackets with that rich Northern England heritage. Despite the hefty price tags, I'm considering an investment. I'm really taken by the classics in both brands, particularly the Belstaff Original Trailmaster and the Barbour International Original. I'm also intrigued by the Barbour Ursula (originally produced for submarine crews during WWII) as well as the Belstaff Che Guevarra Replica Jacket. The first two mentioned are a waxed cotton, as per motorcycle jackets. They're all belted and fall to just below the hips. Unfortunately I can't find any way to copy images from their website in order to show them off.

I received this link from a friend of mine, explaining the unique history of the Barbour Ursula jacket.

My personal studies at the university are the basis for my intrigue in the Guevarra Replica jacket, apparently a replica of the coat he donned while motorcycling around South America in the early 1950s.

This is a small example of the Belstaff Trailmaster, with all of the jackets honestly approximating to the same design. Belted, four flap pockets, waxed cotton, etc. The only thing is from what I can gather these are not sold retail domestically, here in the USA. A quick review of Belstaff's website reveals flagships exclusive to the major cities of Europe.

This example was found on amazon.com of all places. This one is the Barbour International, which I think I like a bit better because it doesn't look like a highly-glossed leather. The great thing about Barbour jackets is that they're still produced in England, as per their roots, and the price point is generally lower than the now "Italianized" Belstaffs. Belstaff originally began by providing waterproof jackets for motorcyclists while competitors Barbour were grounded more in outdoorswear and hunting in particular.

Interestingly enough, JCrew has partnered up with both brands in order to expose them to an American market... their price is drastically marked up (such as the JCrew/Levi's collaboration), and they're given a more "fashionable" vibe in comparison to original intentions.

Currently the only issue would be finding a reputable American dealer. Any help would be appreciated.