Bow and Arrow Apparel is a brand I don't personally have experience with, but friends have expressed nothing but great things about their wares.
They're based in North Carolina and specialize in denim clothing for women, most notably their ability to custom tailor certain pieces, including high waist jeans.
Bow and Arrow Apparel keeps designs basic with a feminine edge, and source materials from the U.S. whenever possible. It's really hard to pick a favorite, but the Bitterroot dress is something I always come back to and I can picture it working through all seasons.
Although a little birdie tells me they're releasing a machinist jumpsuit soon, and jumpsuits are the end all be all for me.
{b o w + a r r o w}
I come across men's denim workjackets a lot at estate sales, and have always loved them. They're like denim 49ers: simple shape, casual and unlined, but best of all they usually have big patch pockets on the front.
I've never found a vintage one even close to my size, so when I saw Taylor Stitch just released their version for women, called the Washed Denim Project Jacket, I knew I had to share it.
It's just a great knocking around jacket, something that's a favorite to toss over an outfit like to one shown above, but I can picture it with a gauzy floral dress too. And layers in the winter, over wool and plaid.
They also make a linen version if you want something more summer specific, but my workwear weakness makes this one a winner.
{Washed Denim Project Jacket}
Ok, so this is my first pair of serious jeans. Exiting right?
I walked into the Self Edge Portland location and asked if they carried women's styles. Not only was I pointed in the right direction, but I ended up talking to Tyler, an employee there, for about an hour. He was super helpful, and answered every question I had.
These are an exclusive design for Self Edge by 3Sixteen. They feature 14oz selvedge raw indigo denim, and embossed tag by TANNER GOODS. Made in San Francisco, they have beautiful details inside and out.
When I first tried them on in the store I was surprised how well they fit. There's nearly a 13" difference between my waist and hip measurements, and most of the time selvedge denim is just too narrow at the hips. These have a very slight gap in the back, but in one of the photos below you can see how the construction at the back curves to contour. Tyler said the gap will fix itself once the seat relaxes, and if I wash them in about a month or so, the waist band should tighten just a little bit, should be enough for me so I'm going to try that.
With these kinds of jeans, it's less about instant satisfaction in fit and feel, and more about making them yours, and molding them to your unique shape. Like a stiff pair of great boots, they'll get better the more you wear them.
I'll be posting updates on these periodically, probably in a month or two once I get them hemmed and washed I'll share the difference between that and the first wear.
{3Sixteen+ 99BSP}
I found Imogene + Willie from a post Beth did on Local Milk. They're a Nashville based brand, but have a store in Portland Oregon as well as their flagship so I was able to see their products in person before buying.
I was initially attracted to the fact that not only are the jeans crafted domestically, but they have a high waist option, with a true high waist. My natural waist hits pretty high, so while some pants are advertised as "high waist", 90% of the time that means a mid-rise, or reach a couple inches below at best. But these looked pretty promising, so I went to the Portland store to try them on.
And walked out wearing them.
The staff was very helpful, and made sure I got the best fit and was comfortable in the denim I picked. The sizing can get a bit complicated with Imogene + Willie, so if you're unsure and not able to try them in person, know your measurements, contact them, and they can help you find the perfect fit. I measure at a w-25.5 h-38, and tried the 25" Elizabeth in Indigo which I thought fit great, but the employee recommended trying a size down. I put on a 24" and they fit even better, a bit snug at first, but as with all denim it'll relax and form to your body the more you wear it. Which it did, months later and they're just as easy to wear as any other denim in my closet.
This was my first pair of jeans I don't intend to wash much. So far so good, there hasn't been a need and as I mentioned, they have already formed beautifully so I don't want to mess with that. A part of me loves the fresh color and lines, but I also look forward to some getting some wear here and there and a bit of darning and patching.
There's a movement right now that caters to those who want quality craftsmanship, things made in small factories or local studios, and things that will last. Classic pieces that will wear in, not out. The general offerings are abundant, but the choices for clothing and accessories made specifically for women are a bit sparse. They are out there, but they're just more difficult to track down.
I'm rebuilding my wardrobe from the ground up, and in doing so have leaned more and more towards clothing I can live in and wear in. I'm not looking for the trend of the moment, I'm looking for the classics and quality that comes out of true American made clothing.
This blog will follow that search, with reviews, outfits, features, and more. If you know of a brand or maker that would be a good fit, I'd love to hear from you.
