When it comes to the global fashion industry, there are some grim realities—human rights issues and pollution to name the two biggest. And while we have a long long way to go, I think we can all agree that doing something is better than nothing. Madewell is doing a whole lot more than nothing as they've been collecting over 1,000 pairs of used jeans per month and turning them into housing insulation for Habitat for Humanity. Insulation is one of the biggest costs of building a home in a green, environmentally friendly way, and because denim is a natural fiber, it keeps homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It's an ideal insulator that's chemical and formaldehyde free.
Madewell is collecting denim in their stores, but they're also taking a pretty cool truck around the country and grabbing old jeans in locations around town to raise awareness. This week and weekend they're in the L.A. with the goal of collecting 40,000 pairs of jeans (they can be printed, bleached, patched, dyed). If you're in L.A. check out some of the below locations to give back by getting rid of an old pair of jeans. To sweeten the deal Madewell will take your old pair of jeans and give you a $20 gift card. L.A. dates and locations below and
more info here.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Pop-Up Truck @ USC: 2-6pm
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Pop-Up Truck @ Abbot Kinney: 9am-5pm
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Pop-Up Truck @ The Grove: 10am-6pm
I purposely filed this post under UNIFORM and not something else because I really love jewelry that is truly part of the everyday—simple pieces that build on an outfit, not distract from it. Daniela Barone, a new jeweler out of Los Angeles, makes exactly my speed of bracelet. Simple cuffs made from brass and copper as well as more design-y bangles like her criss-cross cuff ($50) and her wide brass cuff ($70). These are timeless pieces at really great price points that will never ever go out of style or fall into a pile of "costume" jewelry. One quick hot tip: the criss-cross cuffs sold out pretty quickly when they were first added to The Reed a few weeks ago. We just restocked them today, so if you're interested in grabbing one for the holidays, now is the time. Personally though, Barone's copper cuff ($50) is on my list—I just think it's such a great pop of color with black or denim.
It's so heartening to hear about and connect with retailers that are really putting a mission above other aspects of business. This week I spoke with Sam Petrie, the founder of the new venture 
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