Category: COLLABORATIONS
The Dirty Dozen
| January 6, 2013 | Filled under Agave Denim, Bergdorf Goodman, EDITORIAL, Gary's, Mario's 3.10, MENS STYLE TOPICS, Mitchell's, Supima Cotton, The Independent, VIDEOS, VK Nagrani, Wilkes Bashford |
The Dirty Dozen
What’s a sock? If you were to ask Vivek Nagrani, he’d tell you “everything, a sock is an accessory that distinguishes a gentleman from the masses”. I had the opportunity to catch up with my favorite sock whore over a drink and get the dirty details of the Dirty Dozen.
Nagrani — who was born in India, moved to Brooklyn as a young child, and graduated from USC in 1994 with a Business degree but didn’t just toss his hat and dive into the sock business. I mean who are we kidding- in 1994 did denim really matter? To me yes, but the average Joe only thought was his shirt. Times are changing and frankly, if you’re sock drawer still consists of white athletic socks, black dress socks, and random mis-matched grey’s…. Hunnie, it is time to evolve and take life a little less seriously and your sock drawer a little more seriously! It’s the small things in life that can give you the greatest rewards.
Why socks? “because of jeans” with the rise of full-time casual dressing, the high-low concept V found himself uninspired by his sock drawer. We’ve got amazing options for sport jackets, signature shirts, cool jeans, denim belts, and casual shoes made for jeans but then you guys have been left with shitty athletic socks or black dress socks that bunch up in your shoe.
“Why, I ask, can a man be put on the moon, but we cannot make a sock that stays up?”-VK Nagrani… and so it all began…. Vivek designed and produced his first 312 pairs of socks; why 312… it was all he could afford at the time. Today, staying true to his heritage he only creates 312 units of every each color. So, if you like a design you’d better snag it.
VK’s favorite jeans: The Levi’s 501 tweeked by a tailor to trim the leg….
When are you bringing the Casanova Sock back: … HE STILL WON’T TELL ME!
You can find V with a great bottle of wine and an assortment of colored pencils designing the next season’s collections that men will be fighting over to feed their new found addiction. “A man will match his sock to his trousers; a gentleman will match his sock to his mood.” VK Nagrani
V is passionate about socks.. and underwear He is proud to have “changed the way men view a product they never really thought about” and he has changed the way the industry, stylists, and brands view a sock as well. From playing with toys to playing with your style, life should always have a playful touch. There is a reason why it’s called a Lifestyle! There are two sock collections that he produces. One is part of the VK Nagrani Collection and the other is a brand new Collection that is for the tastefully absurd. Ugly Vix; good style gone bad! When the fear subsides and you feel the power you’ve gained by taking this sartorial adventure and begin buying items that move you and YOU actually like; you’ll enjoy a little bit more of your day. If yu are willing to to sport something more tastefully absurd Ugly Vix is there to carry on; with an assortment of forward designs playfully priced so you don’t kill the bank; playing. His “basic” socks start at $30.00 and up from there. You and I both know that you need a sartorial kick in the pants.
Did you know that Fred Astair had a thing for orange socks? What is your style? Your wife or g/f shopping for you is not YOUR style and you are doing yourself a huge injustice by letting them choose for you. Find your style and then let them re-fill the closet with YOU in mind, if you must. Finding your style is not an easy task, it take some getting to know yourself and you have to learn what the options are. Everyone is overwhelmed when walking into most stores; thankfully that’s why specialty stores exist. They offer a small assortment of great product with a specific perspective and they come along with a stylist to help guide the way for no extra charge. Vivek is one of the few that have more style than the average Joe, and can get away with wearing a table cloth as a cape because he’s just that…. je ne sais quoi. Thie difference: he owns it and rocks it with a kick in his step and you know he’s not gay. So, I don’t want to hear it. If a man can wear a sock with some personality…still be professional and successful; so can you. I know plenty! There was a day when a man wore a sock up to his knee where it kissed their trousers buttoned just below the knee. Could you imagine what the Aristocrats would have done if they could have gotten a hold of these babies… I’m sure Michelangelo would have had a bit more fun!
The sock trend started by the fashion aristocracy that frequent the menswear shows each year in Milan, Paris, and New York. You guys don’t have as many choices in menswear as women do but your ability to execute flawlessly and express your style and personality through your wardrobe has a higher success rate than it does for women. Socks are in the same category as a tie and pocket square and what makes it so versatile is its heritage among dandies and rebels alike. Socks are a subtle way to add a bit of personality into your wardrobe. They should never be a statement piece; these are accessories not sportswear. If you are just now becoming curious about this steez you should let VK Nagrani sock it to ya; because it is just not the unique design, it’s a better sock; that will actually STAY UP!… and the ladies will always take notice.
Another oldie but goodie, we’ve got V shopping with one of his clients that is open to the idea of taking his boring daily ensemble to the next level. He’s got some great pointers on how to put it all together, choose a sock and take that pink shirt you’ve worn twice and turn it into your favorite. Every day in a blue shirt and navy suit can get mundane, day in and day out without and real accessories. Add a pocket square with a hint of orange, grab a brown, tan textured tie and grab a killer sock that complements the palate and you might just find you have a more productive day. The best thing about V is that he tells you as it is; just like myself when I was working with my clients- we’ll tell you if its bad, absurd, not YOU or a disaster. When we say it’s good- own it! I ain’t shittin’ ya! Our reputations rely’s on the complements you receive!
VK started with 312 socks so you could wear them with jeans, the best underwear so you can wear the right jeans and now has launched a sportswear collection for all the times you’re not sporting your denim. His lounge wear is amazingly soft with a modern style. His suiting is impeccable and travels well.
SHOP NOW - don’t forget to you the coupon code “Golden Ticket” to make sure you get spoiled, because I’ve got a hook up for you.
——————————–The Dirty Dozen: Let VK choose 12 for pairs for you to get your sock drawer dialed in!
Passionately yours,
The Butt Therapist
He’ll have you by the balls…
| January 6, 2013 | Filled under Bergdorf Goodman, EDITORIAL, Mario's 3.10, MENS STYLE TOPICS, Supima Cotton, Uncategorized, VIDEOS, VK Nagrani |
You come to me for your denim dilemmas but I find more often than not it all starts with what you are wearing under your jeans that is complicating matters. So, before we size you up you need and underwear overhaul! You can’t wear the right jeans with the wrong underwear. So, it’s time to discuss that that age old cliché: Boxers or Briefs? You may not find this as entertaining as the last Victoria Secret Fashion Show but I am sure it holds more relevance since VK will change your life.
Starting with the basics let me introduce you to Pima before I introduce you to Vivek Nagrani. Not all cottons are created equal. Like coffee, cashmere or fine wine, the quality of cotton can vary greatly. Thanks to ideal growing conditions, extra-long staple length and hand harvesting, Peruvian pima cotton is the world’s finest pima, prized for its exceptional softness and brilliant luster, as well as its durability. One touch is all it takes to show you just how luxurious a cotton can be.the World’s Finest Cotton and considered the luxury fiber of choice used to make the softest cotton fabrics that you will find in many of Agave Denim’s t-shirts and VK Nagrani’s undies!
Now that we know the fabrication and manufacturing process is by far the best in the industry let me tell you about one of my favorite people in the industry. Vivek Nagrani, will make any girls head spin and can leave a man with a bit of jealousy; his passion and charisma makes for an incredible shopping experience and you’ll feel better to know him. Which you should find comforting because he’s gonna have you buy the balls. Not to make this sound like a eulogy but V is the shit and knows his shit very very well. Interviewing him could never be considered work but only a great pleasure. This guy’s got style!
“Rather than be something to everybody; I want to be everything to somebody”- VK Nagrani
Starting from the bottom, Vivek was fed-up with his socks falling down and even more frustrated when jeans began taking over as a lifestyle necessity and socks still sucked! When I asked V “why socks” all he said was “because of jeans” naturally we have become great friends as his passion complements my own. From .99 cent toys to the most coveted socks & underwear in the world… he gives “Detail oriented ” a new definition. It all started with 312 pairs of socks and now encompasses the infamous sock collection, unbelievable underwear and a line of ingenious apparel from the sofa to the board room. Curious about these infamous socks read this: The Dirty Dozen because right now we are talking about your briefs!
#1 Style for jeans: “The Woody”
The Woody: The man’s man boxer brief. Sans designer name on waist band, sans flashy advertisements and sans a fancy box, this is the purest. We can say that because it is made with the best Peruvian Pima Cotton we could find. We dyed the fabric in vegetable dye that has no chemicals. We then treated the fabric with a washing process that makes the cotton feel like silk. And then, yes, and then we sculpted the garment by hand so that you will feel like you have nothing on yet everything is gently being held in place. Yes, that is why we can say it is perhaps one of the best undergarments made on this planet. When deciding on size, if you have larger thighs or a little more in the trunk, choose one size larger.
The Shaft: Designed for those who live an active lifestyle. The trunq has a built in pouch to keep the boys positioned and the back is cut like a biker short to maximize comfort. Personally, I wear these on flights because it locks everything into place.
The Johnson: Yes, we miss Johnson also, but the 2.0 version is that much better. It has the same build as the original but now it’s all dressed up with a button fly. Choose to use it or not, it offers you a great look and incredible fit. I love the look and the feel of this piece. Lot of cool details that unfortunately can’t be picked up by a camera.
The Willy: A trim, fitted knit boxer. Made with pure Pima cotton, this is a great piece to wear as underwear but an incredible piece to wear to sleep. Put these on and you will not be waiting for the sandman to come. If you take sleep meds, you can rest assured you will look your best should you be sleep walking through a hotel corridor.
The Wang: Not too slim, not too big, just perfect. This is by far my all time favorite brief. It fits on the hip and offers gentle support without leaving any excess fabric around your back side. The fabric molds to your body and with each wash it gets better and better. Of course, after two years, we recommend you buy a new pair.
The Classic Woven Boxer: The objective: create the perfect pair of boxer shorts for the man who enjoys only the best. We created the collection using 100% two-ply Pima cotton and then added an “ez-snap” button. We constructed the waist band to sit on the body without even being noticed. As you wash and wear these, you will see how the fabric completely comes to life. Again, reserved for the true clothing enthusiast. Colors are assorted; it is a nice surprise in a world where nothing seems to surprise us anymore. (not pictured, visit the website).
I know you haven’t really thought about cleaning out your underwear drawer lately but I can assure you that if you open that drawer 80% of them are getting thrown in Le Garbagé.
Ya, ya….so, what does a girl know about men’s underwear? It’s defiantly not my experience taking comfort into consideration when lingerie shopping so, naturally, I went to the best and brought it you from some guys that never thought they would be shootin’ the shit and talking underwear over a shot of whiskey.
In the beginning no one believed Vivek created the ultimate underwear; he had to give them away just to prove that you can feel supported all day and that his product was better than anyone else’s on the market, it only starts with the soft touch of Peruvian Pima Cotton. Today, all the best retailers from Gary’s in Newport Beach, Wilk’s in San Fran, Mario’s in Portland and Seattle, Richards in Connecticut, Bergdorf Goodman in New York and The Independent in Little Rock Arkansas all carry VK Nagrani as their #1 underwear vendor… and frankly I believe their only. So, go to his world on the web and find out what you have been missing because you’re not going to know until you can compare. Use your coupon code “Golden Ticket” at check-out so he knows to spoil you because you’re my friend.
“Great clothing should be made to get better with age and be designed to offer a timeless aesthetic; it must function to enhance your life. It is this philosophy that I bring forth each time I create a new garment. For those who know me, it is of no surprise that I have come to actually meet and learn from the men who wear our collection on a daily basis. Over a drink or through a casual chat, ideas are often conceived. I do not have to just impress myself, but I have to impress the men who have come to expect the best from me. Many of our friends have been on this journey with me since the start. It is humbling but it also drives me to be better with each subsequent collection. Thank you for your support”-VK Nagrani
“I haven’t worn underwear in 30 years, but after trying these on I’ve never looked back”-Mr. PK *The Woody
Oldie, but a goodie! V is gonna kill me ’cause I found this… :
Passionately Yours,
The Butt Therapist
Box it up #Denim Butt
| November 5, 2012 | Filled under COLLABORATIONS, EVENTS, My UPDATES, ShoutOUT, THOUGHT INVOKING MATERIAL?, TRENDING |
Dear Denim Butts,
There are a lot of people who could use that jacket from last year that you wore 3 times before you fell in love with the one you wear everyday. You know that 2–fer deal on sponges and 409 that made you stock up last month; it was for a reason and I’ll bet it could do more good being used on the East Coast than it is in your closet. It’s time for a NATIONAL CLOSET CLEAN-OUT! Hoarders this is YOUR CALLING! We all want to do something but sometimes we feel powerless. As often times, being able to help can get pretty complicated navigating the red tape during a major disaster.
So, I made some phone calls and lit up Facebook and found an organization that will gladly take YOUR individual donation and make sure it gets to someone who needs it NOW. So, grab a box and a sharpe cause we’ve got some work to do. 23 States were affected and we all know that Mother Nature is not finished with us, there is more to come for all of us. Box it up bros’ cause we’re FAMILY!
Directions for the quickest distribution:
1 box per product category of CLEAN, NEW or Slightly loved items (keep in mind if you were in trouble could you use what you are sending)
ie: Outerwear: mixed gender- Jackets, Scarves, Hats, Ear Muffs, Gloves, FLEECE
ie: Children’s Clothing: Mixed Gender- Pajamas, Fleece, Sweaters, Outerwear
ie: Men’s Clothing: Workwear, Jeans, Sweaters, Fleece, Outerwear
ie: Women’s Apparel: Workwear, Sweaters, Jeans, Fleece, Outerwear, Earmuffs
ie: Baby Items: Diapers, Bottles, Bottle Liners, Baby Clothing, Blankets, Baby Food
Coats, New Socks, Work Gloves, Batteries, Diapers, Formula, Fleece, Flashlights, Warm Gloves, Large Garbage Bags, general tools
Now, keep is clean, good condition and organized. Mark on the outside of the box what category your box is providing. This way the “Sandy” volunteer can skip the time associated with sorting goods and focus on getting it there! Make this a system that can work in the future.
GOOD Food is needed that is non-perishable: BABY FOOD, Water, baby formula, peanut butter, bread, tuna fish, crackers, juice, boxed milk, protein bars, etc.
NEED Cleaning Products: Sponges, cleaning supplies, rags, dust pans, WORK GLOVES, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, baby wipes, batteries, flash lights, sleeping bags, toiletries (remember the hotel stuff- SEND IT).
Please don’t forget about Queens, The Rockaways, Staten Island and all the SMALL TOWNS IN NEW JERSEY that still do not have power and their HOMES have disappeared. We can only get through this when we work together! I will be updating this list and re-posting when it is needed. I will hopefully have a few additional addresses to cover immediate needs in different areas that have mail delivery so we can spread our helping hands and give to those who need it so desperately.
DESIGNERS: SEND LAST SEASON’S SAMPLES so everyone can go to work while they rebuild! They need NEW CLOTHING and you’ve got trunks full!
This is a super informational FB page: http://www.facebook.com/AfterSandyRelief
If you live in the NY/NJ area and want to help in-person: http://www.westsiderag.com/2012/11/03/a-running-list-of-volunteer-and-aid-needs
No one gets FORGOTTEN
To send items for the NJ Shore
Belmar Hurricane Relief Distribution Center
608 River Rd
Belmar, NJ 07719
To send items for Far Rockaway, Staten Island, and Brooklyn
Occupy Sandy
c/o St. Jacobi Church
5406 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11220
To send items for Long Beach, NY:
Long Beach NY Hurricane Information and Relief
157 E Sunrise Hwy
Freeport, NY 11520
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Back packs or medium sized duffle bags with a strap
Under Armour shirts
Batteries -AA, C, and D
Wool socks
Wool hats
Suede work gloves
Winter gloves
Under wear thermal (new please)
Blankets
Industrial coffee pots
Coffee and filters
Hot Chocolate
Hot cups
Sugar
Thermos’s
Energy drinks (monster, red bull)
Matches
For down time on standby:
Paper back books
Playing cards
Portable DVD players
Magazines
Medical Supplies:
Anything you can find in your local pharmacy or food store first aid isle. Also:
C collars
Roller gauze
Bandages
Disposable blankets
Tape
Rubber gloves
Oxygen masks
Trauma dressings
Band aids
Peroxide
Alcohol
Slings
Thanks to Suzanne Choney from TODAY.com @NBC we’ve got a list of other ways you can make a difference.
- WORLD VISION: Describing itself as “a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families” and communities, World Vision provides flood clean-up kits, hygiene kits, blanket and food kits.
Text message: Text the word GIVEUSA to 777444 to donate $10.
Phone: 888-511-6443.
- The Salvation Army: Text message: Text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. To confirm the donation, respond with the word “Yes.”
Phone: 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)
- AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION: Text message: Text the word HUMANE to 80888 to donate $10.
Phone: 866-242-1877.
- COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY: This group coordinates efforts with the state’s Office of Emergency Management, as well as with state and local nonprofit organizations.
Phone: (908) 355- FOOD (3663), ext. 243
- AMERICARES: This group provides emergency medicine and supplies. Donations are accepted on its accepts donations on its website.
Phone: 800-486-4357
- NEW YORK CARES: This local NYC program is ”the city’s largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools.” It is recruiting volunteers to help with Sandy relief efforts, and is also raising money. Online: New York Cares
Phone: 212-228-5000
- AMERICARES: This group provides emergency medicine and supplies. Donations are accepted on its accepts donations on its website.
Phone: 800-486-4357
- COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY: This group coordinates efforts with the state’s Office of Emergency Management, as well as with state and local nonprofit organizations.
Phone: (908) 355- FOOD (3663), ext. 243
- DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL: The organization provides medicine and supplies to partner health centers and clinics.
Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10.
Phone: 805-964-4767
- JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA: The Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Relief Fund will contribute to recovery and rebuilding.
Text message: Text the word RELIEF to 51818 to pledge a donation.
- UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF: Provides immediate relief, assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, pastoral counseling and support for children and youth who have been through trauma.
Text message: Text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give a $10 donation.
Phone: 800-554-8583
- CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA: Catholic Charities provides emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support “regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds.”
Online: More information here; main website here.
Phone: 800-919-9338
BREEZY POINT FUND RAISER
One of the most badly damaged communities in Sandy’s wake is Breezy Point, Queens. Catholic University student Matthew Petronis created this fundraising page to help his community rebuild. “I have seen the damage and can say that the place where I grew up during my childhood is almost gone,” he wrote on the page, “but that is not the case for the children that are growing up now!”
Remember that while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to trick you by taking your money. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last year, the Federal Trade Commission‘s caution still holds true: “Scammers may try to take advantage of a disaster, and so consumers should be wary of urgent appeals for charitable donations, and watch out for fraudulent home repair schemes after a storm.”
You can read more about avoiding home repair rip-offs and charity fraud from the FTC.
Also, the FBI has counseled on its Facebook page ”to beware of fraudulent emails and websites claiming to conduct charitable relief efforts. Disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause,” and suggests reading ”Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes” to learn more about avoiding online fraud.
-Compiled by Suzanne Choney, TODAY.com
Time and time again we are tested of our strength, our love and ability to join forces and build! We will still be here when the press dies; the destruction is more than anyone could ever capture on the news– survivors need BIG HELP and BIG LOVE! My greatest fear is that when the press stops; the donations stop. I’ve lived on the West Coast when Katrina hit and it is very easy not to SEE the need after it is no longer shown- East Coast NEEDS MORE! This is going to take time to rebuild and for people to reassemble their lives. And note to everyone- let’s just ALL figure out a way to get flood insurance because no one should be paying a mortgage on a condemned or disappeared structure.
I’ll be re-posting as I gather more destination addresses! SHARE THE PAGE!
Box it up denim butts
All my love and support,
The Butt Therapist
Denim in Paradise
| September 5, 2012 | Filled under 7 for all Mankind, Hudson Jeans, John Varvados Denim, Q&A, Real Men Real Style, RRL Denim, Scotch & Soda, Wrangler |
Q: Dear Butt Therapist,
Congrats for the great website. I was introduced to it by Real Men Real Style. Wonderful that you put your expertise to help ordinary people look unique. I am 38 and currently my favorite pair of jeans is some Wranglers 33-36 which I wear in the attached pics. I would like a change and was wondering if you can suggest something different. My height is 179 cm and weight around 79 kg.
Hi Sakis,
- Button fly closure
- Classic five pocket styling
- Front rise: 9.75”
- Inseam: 34.5”
- Leg opening: 16.5”
- Fabric Weight: 9.75 oz
- Fabrication: 98% cotton, 2% Elastane
- Made in the USA of imported Italian fabric
BRETT MODERN BOOTCUT IN NEW YORK DARK (available in a LONG INSEAM 36″)
- Italian Denim
- USA Made
- Leg Opening: 19 ¼”
“Bruised, never broken”.
| March 17, 2012 | Filled under AG Jeans, Gardeur, Hudson Jeans, Lucky, MENS STYLE TOPICS, PRPS, Q&A, Real Men Real Style |
Q&A
Hello Casey,
Answer:
Established in 2002, Prps is a New York based denim brand founded by former Nike designer, Donwan Harrell. The brand motto is “Bruised, never broken”. Woven on the original 1960′s Levi Strauss looms. Prps jeans are manufactured in Japan. The denim used for the manufacture of the jeans, is organically grown in Africa using the strongest and best cotton from Zimbabwe. The Japanese manufacturer of the jeans uses looms from the 1960s similar to the type that were used to produce denim for Levi’s. Now a small family business that had been around for decades. Harrell says that the manufacturing process was inspired by denim worn by workers before it became popular as an everyday fashion. Some of the distinguishing features of Prps jeans include a folded back pocket, the purple tab on the back pocket, different colored buttons on the fly, and purple line selvage.
Every season they reinvent the most unique washes inspired with a story, a way of life and hand drawings to take you on a journey. By far the denim for a connoisseur, they guy that’s got everything and is interested in a sick jean that has no age limit. Now that I am in NYC I will be kicking it with Chris and Josh 2 people on the Prps crew that inspire the brand sharing the story and processes form retailer to retailer. There will be more to come from this brand in stores and on The Butt Therapist.
Thank you Jonathan for your e-mail and I hope I was able to guide you in the right denim direction.. please keep me updated on your denim purchases!
Passionately Indigo,
The Butt Therapist
The Kahunas
| February 17, 2012 | Filled under 7 for all Mankind, Earnest Sewn, EDITORIAL, Hudson Jeans, MENS STYLE TOPICS, Q&A, Real Men Real Style |
Q&A
Interesting how men e-mail me and ask for help when women seem to think they will never stop and ask for directions. I have to say nearly 6 months in NYC; the men out dress the women HANDS DOWN …and it’s not that I think they are more style savvy … but they have decided they do not need to be personally responsible for knowing how to put their wardrobe together and asked for help. This one characteristic of caring less actually has a greater impact. Ladies… come on! You have a hair stylist, a manicurist, a hair removal artist, an esthetician, a dermatologist, a mechanic, a babysitter damn it start using a stylist and maybe she will find your self-esteem that seems to still be missing. You are beautiful and deserve to feel like a million bucks every day without spending around $20,000 on vanity services a year and still stress EVERY MORNING about what you are going to wear and complain about your wretched wardrobe over mimosa’s. Trust!
Guy’s thanks for having the kahunas to shoot me an e-mail and attach a photo; YOU ROCK!
Denim QUESTION: Hi, I recently listened to your podcast re: 30+ jeans advise. I am 43 years old, 6’2″ and 175 lbs, looking for jeans I can wear both casually and also with a nice shirt, blazer. Looking to buy a pair of 7 for all Mankind Standard fit jeans in the Mercer wash. Are these appropriate for my age and body type? Other brands I should look at? Thanks, Rod
Answer from The Butt Therapist: Thanks Rod- good choice for breaking out of your ordinary denim you’ve made a great pick check the length!!!!- You may want to dive into a pair of Earnest Sewn Fuller in 06 Maz Dark $117.00. It is a dark wash with a few whiskers but the nicest thing about Earnest Sewn is that their pocket placement complements a blazer nicely. The denim is strong, slightly edgy and an understated for business but you know it’s something a little more special that a pair of 7′s. The leg opening is much more forgiving on your shoe selection as they puddle easily. {that’s a good thing}. Hudson would be my 2nd choice… in the Harper 5-pocket Slim Straight in the Mercer wash $154.00.
Jeans should float 2/8 of an inch from the ground with your shoes on; you may not be a 32 inseam.
All my denim Love,
Your Butt Therapist
Happy Holidays- Make your appointment
| December 25, 2011 | Filled under Butt Check |
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Season Greetings #denim butts… just a friendly reminder from Oregon’s Butt-check Ass Ambassador– Colon Cancer happens.. get your butt checked before 2012! Happy Holidays!
DENIM-Made in the USA
| October 18, 2011 | Filled under 7 for all Mankind, A Tailored Suit, Agave Denim, Agave Nectar, Cone Denim, DENIM HISTORY, EDITORIAL, GAP Jeans, Hudson Jeans, Levi Strauss, Loomstate, Lucky, MENS STYLE TOPICS, Paul Smith, Real Men Real Style, Roy Denim, Self Edge, True Religion |
PART I: pub. 10/17/2011 #denim
The denim market is one of the most aggressive growing apparel markets in history that has directly affected our social normality; running parallel to that of computer electronics. Cotton prices have risen to an all time high; causing the denim industry to adjust. Demands for consumer price stability and margin maintenance have become two of the most important business aspects that are causing all businesses to refine their strategies during our questionable economic times. Thus, sending many manufactured goods overseas to be produced in order to keep companies in business and consumers happy with the prices they are used to. Denim has been coined an “American thing” however, are we loosing that “nickname” as more denim is being produced outside the USA. I would hope that the USA will retain its position as the largest denim consumer market (2010) and become the denim production Mecca of the world. Real Men Real Style and The Butt Therapist have come together for a little denim education and highlight a few denim addicted Americans designers that are making an industry statement by communicating their personal integrity through their business operations by producing denim products that are Made in the USA. “You can support your country one jean at a time.”
From the beginning of Levi Strauss in 1869, the work man’s functional uniform, to casual Friday’s, and denim debuting on catwalks across the globe. Denim has gone beyond the borders and the social benches to create global social unity or as I like to refer as “the blue universal language”. When it comes down to spending your dollar wisely more people are making it a priority to find out where the products they buy are produced and an increased number of consumers are taking the company’s mission into consideration when deciding who to support before they hand their hard-earned dollar over the counter. The level of competition with-in various Jeanswear segments are at war with each other as they have been required to rethink their business and operation strategies to become most effective and streamline their manufacturing and distribution processes. The top three challenges companies are trying to prioritize are:
- Achieving Consumer Price Stability
- Maintaining the Brand’s Heritage
- Increasing Market Growth
Today a single product can visit as many as 8 countries before achieving product completion and being sale ready. To help you figure out where your dollar is going and decide where it will be going for future purchases we’ve broken it down to US denim mills, denim manufacturers, independent denim designers, and even a few retail stores that focus on selling only Made in USA products. It all starts with a piece of cotton and 25,000 farmer-owners that are committed to continually improving the denim manufacturing process.
American Cotton Growers (ACG) has a total capacity of 38 million yards of denim produced annually which is approximately 26 million pair of jeans; making them a major supplier of denim fabric to the jeans market for 35 years. Plains Cotton Cooperative Association is a farmer–owned,cotton marketing, warehousing, denim manufacturing and jean production cooperative headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. All from Littlefield, TX SafeDenim is “Sustainable, American and Friendly to the Environment”. Owned and operated by The American Cotton Growers—or ACG—and its farmer-owners are focused on developing high quality denim fabrics for our customers with minimal impact on the environment. American cotton literally created from field to fabric. For them it’s a multi-generational commitment to ensure our children and grandchildren can farm the land. We’re protecting our ecosystems for these future generations by remaining good stewards of the land, air and water. We value doing the right thing, in the right place, in the right way, at the right time, and it requires the use of new technologies.” -SafeDenim/ACG
Denim North America is the most modern textile plant in North America and committed to their manufacturing process to be 100%.
Made in the USA. They are developing and distributing innovative fabric to premium denim companies for global distribution. The newest innovation is the release of EverFlex (6/1/2011); a denim fabric that may be found as the next pair of jeans you buy. What this means is that any jean that has the patented EverFlex label is Made in the USA; even if the denim company chooses to constructs it’s denim outside the USA you can find comfort knowing that the fibers and production of the fabric are 100% USA Made. The EverFlex fabric is projected to hit the premium denim market that may include brands such as: True Religion, Lucky, 7 for all Mankind, Hudson and possibly Gap. So, EverFlex… is a NEW patented stretch denim fabric that retains its shape better than any other cotton based denim blend on the market to date. This means no more bagging out, stretching out, break in period or droopy butts.
White Oak Denim Mill (Greensboro, NC.) has been manufacturing denim since 1905 making jeans for a plethora of denim brands that put quality first. Cone Denim offers a denim companies to create collections that are 100% USA Made. Denim Brands like Loomstate, True Religion, Agave, and Paul Smith’s Red Ear are just a few examples.
“I walked in-between a web of 350 strands of cotton dancing in the air across a 100 year old wood floor that united each organized chaotic piece of thread into a rope the width of a silver dollar that was slapped around a ball warping machine. It looked like a giant friendship bracelet being made. Tchaikovsky would have been inspired for a melody and the orchestra would follow the rhythm of the 30 original shuttle looms that weave in unison and send an unduplicitable vibration through your bones; I could have stood there for an eternity. Possibly one of my most beautiful experiences confirming that I am a Denim Dork!”-The Butt Therapist
There are employees that have worked at White Oak for over 30 years. The stories they have of the process changes that have happened over the years through technology advancements and industry innovation with blends, dye, finishing treatments, and trends have warped through the decades makes for its own story. Making denim as an art itself; a magnificent creative process from a single cotton fiber to your favorite jeans on your toosh. Right-hand twill, Left, Flame woven, blends, slubs, and weaving patterns. Even with over 100 years of producing some of the best quality denim in the world even they are feeling the pinch with the economic changes that have forced more apparel brands to find manufacturing resources overseas in order to keep the COGS down as consumers are becoming less likely to pay premium prices for denim made in the USA. Every business that produces a product must retain a certain amount of margin to self-adjust and absorb changing production costs: cotton, fuel, shipping, labor, innovation, and quite frankly to keep them in business while the economy stabilizes and sales projections can begin to be more accurate. “We feel it comes down to education and passion” Lawson Nikol is a passionate denim head that is interested in a Blue Revolution. Co-founder Nikol of All American Clothing Company (based in Arcanum, OH) discovered on a retail floor that the company he proudly worked for by distributing USA Made Denim had been outsourced. This marked the beginning of him launching his own company to attempt to keep some denim Made in the USA to “support the heritage of jeans, American families and the American Dream.”- AAC. All American Clothing Company is the only listed denim manufacturer listed as Made in the USA Certified. Each jean is given a “Certificate of Authenticity” that allows you to trace the exact location your jeans were produced. You can buy All American Clothing collections online and in selected retail posts from California to New York City. The Nickol family prides itself on producing products patrons can be proud to wear. The family and the employees believe “The USA label will always stay on our jeans because you and we understand the importance of USA Made. When you buy a pair of All American Jeans our label also means; Thank you from us, our employees and the people in our country who still have good jobs due to folks like you. Thank you from all of us.” -Nikol
Handcrafted Denim from an artist to a collector; the process is worth the penny…
Roy Slaper is a single man handcrafting each pair of jeans Roy Denim available to buy only at Self Edge for around $275.00. Beginning in his apartment teaching himself how to sew; he now has one of the most impressive sewing machine collections and jeans in the USA! Roy feels that jean making is a lost art. It is not often enough that we think about our clothing as someone else’s work and trying to measure how much “work” went into the design and construction of our favorite shirt let alone our favorite pair of jeans. Roy experimented with many garments but made a business by designing and creating custom jeans. He learned as he went, taught himself a craft and refined it to just one thing; Denim, available in 2 styles, made perfectly by hand in Oakland, CA. He uses only the highest grade denim fabric that is he believes in and has worked with Cone Denim on several occasions to produce his ideal denim fabric.I wrote a 31 page article about Denim; Made in the USA however, overwhelming you with information is not my goal. Consider this PARTI of the Denim Saga.
All my denim love,
The Butt Therapist
———————————–Don’t forget to check out Antonio with Real Men Real Style
The Butt Rip Joke
| October 4, 2011 | Filled under Butt Check, VIDEOS |
It’s that time of the month when I team up with Kim from Butt-Check to send you a friendly reminder to schedule a visit to your doctor. Colon Cancer happens and we don’t want it to happening to you. Start your morning off with a laugh and get your butt checked this afternoon.
All our Awareness love,
Casey, The Butt Therapist and Kim, The Butt Lady
Casey takes Flight
| September 10, 2011 | Filled under Butt Check, Mario's 3.10, My UPDATES, NEXTBLUE-Wrangler, ShoutOUT, THANK YOU |
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: “Miss Golden” is taking a bite out of the Big Apple. My Manolo’s are packed and I may be kissing my car goodbye… this adventure is going to be its own coffee table book. This will be the first time since I was 17 years old that I have not been employed full-time; it had better be short-lived! New York…put me to WORK! I have never played with a net. Instead, I have always had to make sure I am prepared to fly every time I jump. You all know that I have enough drive to haul a 16-wheeler and I am not running low on passion. I try to gift my over flow on a daily basis. In the last two years I have thrown myself into the world of social media, worn out a library card and been pulling enough all nighters and drinking enough ROCKSTAR to say” I lovingly work around the clock”. Eight years ago I got on a plane with $3,000 and an acceptance letter to The American University of Paris. It was one of the best years of my life and I learned the most in my educational career. Some couldn’t believe what I was giving up to go… but I gave it everything I had. Today, I purchased a one way ticket to New York City to find my where my contribution lies in an industry that rules my head and owns my heart. Again, I am giving it everything I’ve got. I fly out September 28th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Portland, thank you for your endless support in all my endeavors. You have helped mold the person I have become. Thank you to all the businesses that have allowed me to tackle their projects in the US and across the Atlantic; whom have chosen me to execute your vision. Thank you Portland Fashion Week for giving me the opportunity to spend a year collaborating with you, creating the buyer’s market, developing interns and learning how to ask for help- because there is no way I could have done it on my own. Portland Retailers, I applaud you for your participation in be.Portland. I had a vision that was shared with PFW. You have come together for the love of fashion…specialty stores stick together. To my clients whom I consider dear friends; I love you. I am not leaving you. I am in your power tie, your favorite jeans, the shirt you wore on your 40th birthday and the dress you wore to your rehearsal dinner. You have welcomed me into your life, your family and I hope that I have made the slightest difference in the way you perceive your style and given you the tools the shop with LOVE and rock your bad self – you are beautiful. Over the years I have been part of something amazing. An extended family of retail experts that welcomed me with open arms at 26 and let me tear up the denim wall and help create a department that has the best jeans! Mario’s has been more than an employer they have been my family, my mentors and I have nothing but the up most respect for my colleagues and the art of retailing. Thank you Mario.
If you know me you know my favorite quote: “All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger, but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer” -Niccolo Machiavelli. The only thing that is constant is change… the evolution of experience makes up our life. Take the steps to live the life you want. This move is not going to be as glamorous as it may sound but it will show me truth and provide me an opportunity to see just what I am made of. How successful was I creating my own MBA program? I am ready to find out.
Project Updates
CRACKERJACK+hOUSE has a new Fashion Editor: Jeanne Ivy. She will be keeping you fashionably up to date on industry news, street style, and the “who” & “what” is being worn “where” and shown on the runway. This coming year Providence Fashion Week will be accompanying Portland Fashion Week’s emerging designer coverage because talent counts and I will always support passionate people.
The Butt Therapist will never die because you can’t kill my denim addiction. I hope I will have special news to share with you in the upcoming weeks. My feet may be pounding the New York pavement but I will remain Butt-Check.org’s Oregon Ambassador and looking forward to joining forces with Kim’s New York Colon Cancer Awareness Ambassador Collin.
For my play by play, NextBlue.com will be featuring my journey “making it” in the fashion industry.
My Autism Awareness is not me… it’s you. You are doing an amazing job with my Global Awareness Project by taking the initiative to share the love, awareness, family stories, parenting tools and support resources. “One cause; One symbol” InventSuccess.org will be taking an active role in its success and build global support programs.
All right Portlanders there will be a party around the corner and New Yorkers… we’re gonna hit the town and break this newbie in.
I am so lucky to have so many people love and support me. Thank you! I will do my very best to make you proud and stake my claim. Wish me luck!
All my best,
Casey Golden
