imogene + willie

2010-12-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

the impossible cool

2010-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

"Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail."

~Charles F. Kettering

Yes........

2010-12-09T14:44:00.001-08:00

PLUS WASHES

2010-12-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Gobles PURE-OIL Service

2010-12-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

Mix and Match......

2010-11-30T07:08:00.001-08:00

BEEP...BEEP....Whose got the keys to my JEEP....

2010-11-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

"Yeah Son.....that's that 1946 Willy...... full resto going down!" OK.....Thank You Funk Master Flex.
Started this little Fall/Winter project a couple weeks ago. It is coming along nicely thanks to my buddies David and Nick.
I'm really excited because I've wanted one of these forever, and though I'm not a mechanic, I've become quite the "Body Man!"
Here are a few pictures I'd like to share with you while in progress.

Me doing some body work.

Nick cutting out and replacing the side panel.

Bed and floor pans being lined.

Ready for clear coat....

Tub on chassie.....yeah!

More to come...................

forgot one......

2010-11-23T06:53:00.001-08:00

THRASHIN

thanks for the reminder Ian.........

they don't make'em like this anymore.......

2010-11-21T06:43:00.001-08:00

If you go back and watch any of these movies today, you'll probably laugh. Hell, i know you will, but when they came out.....OOOH....I wore out my the reels on my VCR watching Christian Slater bombing that hill or Cru Jones racing around the impossible Helltrack. These films inspired me growing up in rural Kentucky. I guess these movies are partly responsible for my back surgery I had last year, too........damn it Keanu Reeves!!!!!

inspiration: HAT

2010-11-17T06:56:00.001-08:00

Rick Rubin

2010-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

it's the final countdown.....do do do do..

2010-11-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

my sanctuary this morning

2010-11-01T07:43:00.001-07:00

everywhere we turn in this little big town, we meet someone that inspires us.

this morning, both matt and i are silenced by photographer, mark tucker.

mark came in the store a few days ago to shoot our teammate, ian.

when we went to mark's site to see the image, we found the video above.

mark's notes on the sweet man...

"My friend Buddy Jackson told me about a jewel of a fine man, who happens to live down the street from me. He’s 95 years old, still drives his big Lincoln to the grocery, and still has a strong singing voice. He likes blues songs, but prefers to sing church spirituals."

amen.

barton: in the shop this afternoon

2010-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

finally..our new men's fit.

following willie...

lower rise. slimmer leg.

in celebration of our teacher and brother, james barton.

love you so much, barty.

to add to your simple get up...imogene in black stretch

2010-10-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

i retired my worn out pilly black leggings last night, because imogene in black stretch is all i will need now.

the black stretch is a very special bi-stretch technology which has been in the market for quite some years.. but as of late, really finally perfected. in short... it just really holds it's shape. like, realllly.

love,c

imogene and willie + GQ

2010-10-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

thank you, kindly, GQ, for thinking of us as one of the 10 best independent men's stores in america. wow..what an amazing list of which to be in company.

love,

i+w

Lee Timeline.......

2010-10-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Lee Timeline video from Street Etiquette on Vimeo.

big black willie

2010-10-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

photography by joshua black wilkins

finally. on the shelf today.
call 615-292-5005 for out of town orders.

ladies. imogene in black.... one week away.

love, carrie

2nd Annual PINEWOOD DERBY playa.....

2010-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

(1982 winner Nick Dryden)

WHEN: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13th

WHERE: imogene + willie

AGE: 21 years and older to race

TIME: Doors Open at 4 p.m. Races Start at 5:00

ENTRY FEE: $50.00

FEE INCLUDES:

Car Kits (available at imogene and willie on Oct. 13th 2010)

Race Day T-Shirt

BBQ Spread

Beer and Whiskey

Shit talking

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS: imogene and willie like Trick Daddy "love da kids" but last year got a little ridiculous. so if you bring them.....you need to watch them and not allow them to throw rocks at the track!

Prizes to be announced.......

Trophies for.......

Best in show
Not So Best in Show
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

ALL CARS MUST PASS INSPECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE

Following are the inspection points

1. The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final. (141 grams)
2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 8 inches.
3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
4. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
5. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
6. The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired.
7. The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels.
8. The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or lubricated.
9. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
10. The car must not ride on any type of springs.
11. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
12. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used.

Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete. The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-10-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

FALLING WHISTLES+SUPPER+SONG TONIGHT

2010-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ebbets Field + imogene and willie

2010-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

pick one up or call us at the shop.....100% wool....black and navy....50 bucks

seriously....

2010-09-22T10:09:00.001-07:00

Antique Archaeology

2010-09-05T12:34:00.001-07:00

this week i flew up to le claire, iowa to hang with my boy and american picker mike wolfe. we attended chief blackhawk chapter of AMCA motorcycle swap meet. i must say, that mike's shop is a really cool spot and his finds are incredible. i took some photos while i was there.....enjoy! thanks mike and jody for putting me up and for such a great time! i'll be back next year for sure if you'll have me!

snapshot.......

2010-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Anyone ever heard of this kid?

2010-08-25T17:13:00.001-07:00

NACHO LIBRE........

2010-08-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Chancho. When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It's for fun.

Nelle Harper Lee.......there's only one

2010-08-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone's An Artist....Joseph Beuys

2010-08-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Dock Ellis....Yeah Right....

2010-08-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

scott pommier

2010-08-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out Scott Pommier's website here. It's really amazing. By the way I learned about Scott's photography via "A Time To Get". Be sure to check it out also. Thanks Nick.....

M

I love this one.......

2010-08-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

thanks to the william brown project for this one..........

M

Natus Kaupas

2010-08-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mugshots......

2010-08-08T07:20:00.001-07:00

garden & gun

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

thank you garden&gun for including imogene+willie in your 21 southerners to watch.
we appreciate you.
and check out our precious friend and talent rachel halvorson who represents the crew on the cover! if you are like us, you might have cut back just a little on buying magazines. but, i promise you - - - you will thoroughly enjoy g&g, if you don't already. southern or not!
love,c

free&easy covers imogene+willie: september 2010 edition

2010-08-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

could be the best surprise we will ever ever experience.
still cannot believe it.
this is the VOGUE of our world.
on newsstands in the usa wednesday.
limited distribution... so we will share the interior article with you this weekend.
love,c

love this photo.....

2010-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Max Schaaf

2010-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Georgia O’Keeffe

2010-07-27T06:43:00.001-07:00

cy twombly

2010-07-25T11:47:00.001-07:00

Blue Gold....

2010-07-23T13:43:00.001-07:00

Willie's in the barn again.......

2010-07-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Our good friend and pickin guru, Mike Wolfe is at it again. He's been barn diving in his Willie's. Check out Mikes' show American Pickers monday night at 8 on the History Channel.

Here is some of Mike's testimonies about his jeans.....i love it!

"Beating the $h#@ out of your Jeans In Rhode Island."

"These (censored) jeans are bullet proof dude."

M

Portland Outdoor

2010-07-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

dennis wilson

2010-07-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

A friend of Lale's

2010-07-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

2 Wheel Blacktop......

2010-07-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

our inspiration.

2010-07-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

once upon a time in 1998, my brother sent me on my first trend watching and shopping trip abroad.
amsterdam, paris, barcelona, london.
i went with a mentor named mary, who was and still is a guru in the denim world.

i packed my suitcase with too many cute tops and good jeans, plus some skirts and dresses, and far too many toiletries.
this was years before the suitcase weight limit or baggage fee was enforced by the airlines. but nevertheless, my brother came to check my suitcase the night before and said, "oh no. this is NOT what you are taking".
how dare he re-pack me.....but he was my boss!
the very colorful and textural assortment was removed from the suitcase and replaced with:
one pair of rigid jeans and white t-shirts. and just ONE sweater?! what the hell?
i wasn't a boy! i wasn't like HIM!
he said, "leave the white t-shirts over there. it will open space in your suitcase to bring more things home".
i went a little over board with the bringing things home part..... but that is another story.

that night's re-pack remains with me as one of the thousands of lessons that my brother taught me.

that started my journey of wearing jeans in. the real way. (i didn't say the right way.... there are many "right" ways.)
it did not only aid in the development of my understanding of denim, both the fabrics and the fits - but it also was the beginning of building a personal collection.

my collection is weak compared to my brother's and my husband's. i still occasionally slip back into..... "fashion".
but, i always always always end up back where my brother took me that night. to my jeans and my t-shirt. or at least a white shirt.
it's the place where i feel the most genuine and authentic.

some of you know that imogene+willie turns ONE YEAR about right now. we won't have a big celebration until august (stay tuned).
but, still..... want to commemorate the birthday in some way right now.
my brother works for levi's now.
that brand is and will always be the father of it all, but my brother still finds time in his jean wearing rotation to pay homage to his willie's, of which just turned ONE, as well.

he sent matt and me pictures of his willie's this morning. we have included them in this post.

if you have a minute, click on the pictures to see the real up close beauty.
hoping that they will be inspiration to you and your pants, as he has been our inspiration all along.

love,
carrie and matt

PLEASE READ THIS. and then, wash your jeans like real people

2010-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

PRE-WORK/WEBSITE HOUSE KEEPING from the point of view of me (carrie), since i am the least computer savvy, just in case you are, too:

if you have ever visited our website, please do the following real quick. (we might ask you again next week to do this... as new look book will go up then.)

1) go to imogeneandwillie.com
if you see a NEW video, and a washing machine icon with text instruction for washing your jeans like real people, then you are good. skip next #2 and #3 instructions.
if you see the OLD video (about the shop) and some not so cute out of place orange text at the top of the page that doesn't make sense, please follow #2 and #3 instruction below.

2) empty your cache
(for example on MAC: click on safari or firefox at top left corner next to the apple. go down 7 lines.. see "empty cache". push it.)

3) go to imogeneandwillie.com
now, REFRESH the page. (usually, the round arrow to the RIGHT of where you type in web addresses on your browser.)

if you are like my computer, then you might have to do this several times.

now.
imogene+willie just this week turned ONE! this means that, for a lot of you, your jeans are celebrating the same birthday, or will be in the coming months.
our favorite phone calls now on a daily basis are, "ok. i am ready. how do i wash these jeans?"

we thought it might be easier to explain it from the point of view of our customers.
so, this morning we introduce WASH YOUR JEANS LIKE REAL PEOPLE. video and text instruction.
go check it out.

everything we do takes good work from good people.
thank you, matt and ian, for dreaming and thinking and creating.
thank you, john moessner, for understanding what we love and capturing it so well on video.
thank you, patty griffin, for singing songs that put us on our knees.
thank you dave wheeler, for your friendship. but also, for pulling off always-so-last minute web work.
thank you brian stone, teresa mason and james clauer (and chaplin) for being really good real people.

love,
c

So Fresh and So Clean Clean.....

2010-07-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

j.crew x imogene + willie

2010-07-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

courtesy of WWD
by Jean E. Palmieri

Posted Thursday July 1, 2010

J. Crew has snagged another exclusive, this time with denim brand Imogene + Willie. The Nashville-based jeans label will offer two styles of men’s jeans and two bags at J. Crew’s men’s stores in TriBeCa, SoHo and on Madison Avenue (opening in late summer) starting at the end of August. The merchandise will also be available online.

Right now, Imogene + Willie jeans are sold only in the brand’s Nashville store and a specialty store in Austin, Tex., named Stag. The line of artisan denim is the creation of the husband-and-wife team of Matt and Carrie Eddmenson. Before setting up the company, they worked together in a family business in Kentucky designing and developing new processes of garment finishing for premium denim for Levi’s, Lee, Girbaud and Polo Ralph Lauren’s RRL, as well as Rogan, J Brand, Diesel and Replay. That business closed two years ago, and the couple started Imogene + Willie, which is named for Carrie’s maternal grandparents.

“They’re so pure and artisan,” said Frank Muytjens, vice president of men’s design for J. Crew, of the Eddmensons. “They create their denim in a big metal tub in the backyard, and the leather guy down the street makes the bags. Every jean is a one-off and has Western influences, workwear influences. Everything is very crafty and very individual.”

J. Crew will carry a slim straight-leg model, which is “based on a jean from the Forties,” he said, in either a dark rinse with mild abrasion for $375 or a light wash with more abrasion for $425. There will be a slimmed-down version of a vintage U.S. Mail bag for $650 and a leather tote for $800. Hangtags have been printed from old letter presses, and the sizes will be individually hand-stamped, according to Matt Eddmenson. There will also be a vintage T-shirt and sweatshirt for women.

The association between the two companies came about after the Eddmensons reached out to J. Crew chief executive officer Millard “Mickey” Drexler, whom they had known from his days at Gap. “We sent him an e-mail saying we were enamored with all the collaborations they were doing, and literally three minutes later the phone rang at the store and it was Mickey,” she said.

Although the brand has received “tons of inquiries” from other retailers wanting to carry the jeans, Carrie Eddmenson said it is a “strategic decision” not to wholesale beyond J. Crew and Stag. “We want to keep it pretty intimate,” she said.

The “mid- to long-term goal,” he said, is to open additional locations, but “no more than three.” His wife added: “We like that people are flying to Nashville to come to the store.”

Your Boom'n....and Your Boom'n....

2010-06-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

We Finally Got Our Piece of the Pie.......

2010-06-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

For the two or three of you who read this blog, you're probably aware of my obsession with Japanese culture. My good friend, Bill Bennett was featured wearing his Willies in the latest issue of Free & Easy. If you aren't privy, Free & Easy is a Japanese publication that has been around for years, which more than anything, showcases the Japanese male fascination with Americana. This magazine is to me what Vogue is to the fashion world. To see the jeans that we designed being worn by a good friend in my favorite magazine is a real honor. Thanks Bill for loving our jeans enough to throw them on and thanks Free & Easy for being such a rad magazine....even if I can't read a word of it!

M

beautiful people

2010-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

we are no satorialist or mister mort (by the way.. thank you so much, mordechai rubinstein, for taking time to come to imogene+willie last week.)
but.
we have for years loved to take pictures out on the road.
matt... always taking pics for his archive of unique textures and graphics and graffiti.
me, more so of people.
thought to share just some from the last year.

love,
c

natural willie

2010-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

received this pic today from our dear friend and willie wearer, joe gannon, from delaware.
limited edition willie.
natural denim.
selvage.
handful left.
love,
c

a motel to a hotel and the human web

2010-06-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

there were quite a few specific minutes in the past several years where matt and i were realizing, even without knowing it at the time of the minute, that we would create some something together.
thank God it manifested as imogene+willie.
but what we keep on seeing every day into this.... all of those crazy life changing minutes of realization were instances of influences from others that inspired us and pushed us to today. simple list that covers the "others": family, old and new friends, business partners, our team, and some strangers.

i want to tell you about one specific set of minutes that moved us. wish i could just TELLL you the story, but i will try to type it out. quickly and not too long... and knowing that you might not care about the details that mean so much to me, but there is a point to sharing with you.

one of matt's best friends lives in austin, texas.
we went to austin in summer of 2008 to celebrate his wedding.
he encouraged us to stay at hotel san jose.

i never will forget arriving at the hotel.
the smell from the parking lot, through a green outdoor path, into the little bitty lobby.
the guy behind the counter.
the girl checking in at the same time as us in a pair of slim jeans that she had worn for sure every day from rigid to museum piece. i couldn't quit staring at her... pants!
the old letterpress concert poster above the bench.
and then the room. so meager but so perfectly appointed.
then i remember the sun coming in the window the next morning. couldn't wait to get outside to see what we couldn't see in the dark the night before.
the calm and simple breakfast. the wood tables and benches made by someone, and i had to know who. the white butterfly chairs by the pool. the bamboo and all the plants that i love that couldn't grow in kentucky.
greens, greys, blue, wood. touch of red. white. off white. music.

friends were arriving from other parts of the country that day. none of us could afford to stay 5 days in single rooms. so we had booked a suite for 6 of us to crash in.
checked out of our room and into another space that made us so..... content.
whatever. matt and i both are to a fault and not so balanced, almost completely visual learners and thinkers and doers. seeing things and making things for others to see just makes us feel really happy. i know it is just STUFF or JUNK, but how stuff compliments stuff just makes me feel good.
there are 4 more days of visual details that i will leave out.
and then...reading and learning about the proprietor. how she slowly and respectfully bought the hotel, once infested with crack addicts and prostitution.
all i knew: this place was a true inspiration to us. this place was telling us that, someday, we would have the opportunity to re-define our own trade.

fast forward 2 years.
several months ago, two beautiful, super rad women walked in to imogene+willie. the one with the short spiky hair asked insistently, "where is your bathroom?" she really had to go bad.
she came back from the bathroom and confidently announced something like this:
"you don't have to tell me the story. i have read everything i can get my hands on about this place and i am so happy to finally be here".
we thanked her so much.
she and the other beauty dove into the store...letting us, at this point, tell them the stories about all of the pieces that we sell.
she kept on throwing kind sentiments at us about the store. thanked her so much again and again.
and then i asked, "where are you from?"
she said, "austin."
i said.......... "ohhhhh. a place in austin is where we realized our dream about imogene+willie. there is a place there that inspired us so much and pushed us into this."
she said, "where was it?"
i said, "it's on south congress. a place called hotel san jose."
she said, "honey, i am liz. that place is mine!"

laughs and tears and new found friendship and better understanding of her continued mission, then friends in common that we never realized, and (we hope a collaboration someday?!)
but now:
want you to read a great piece on liz that was in the new york times magazine 2 weeks ago.

and then next week:

the other beautiful woman that was there that day: amy cook. cannot even believe it, but she is taking a pit stop in nashville next tuesday june 8, to do a special set in our back yard. check out her music NOW and then get to the backyard next tuesday at 6pm.

6 degrees of separation. the human web. i don't know what it is or what it all means, exactly. i just know that we are so grateful to all of the people that mentor us and encourage us to learn and think and grow and evolve every day.
viva hotel san jose!

love,
carrie

We love you Neil!

2010-06-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

Thank You So Much Nick and Lina........The only way it could have been better is if you guys would have been there!!! M+C

dear those on the fence: one.more.day sale!

2010-06-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

for those of you that have emailed and called when we were closed memorial day and+or didn't make it to the store by sunday evening...
we are extending the imogene+willie sale through today.
come and get it! $31 off your imogene or willie jean.
good day to write "june 1.2010" in your pocket bag and start your journey.
we are suckers on making exceptions, but i promise... today is the last day of this sale!
love,
carrie

Memorial Day Jean Sale!

2010-05-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

In celebration of Memorial Day, we are offering $31 dollars off of any pair of Imogene + Willie brand jeans. Thursday through Sunday ONLY! (We will be closed Monday the 31st in honor of the holiday). Don't miss your opportunity to get a patriotic deal on some MADE IS THE USA blue jeans! See you this weekend! -ian, i+w

Hours:
Thurs 11-7 (+ supper & song)
Friday 11-7
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 1-5

Summer Sale!

2010-05-26T09:46:00.001-07:00

A few items from Levi's LVC, RRL, J Brand, Red Flower, Swiss Army...
Call or email for prices. (615) 292-5005 or ian@imogeneandwillie.com. Or, by all means, stop by and see us at the shop! -ian, i+w

The Granny White Tee Is Back!

2010-05-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

You were desperate for your size and now we have it. The Granny White tee is back. Sizes available: XXS-XL. Price: $45 each.

Note: For those of you who haven't heard the story, Imogene + Willie is housed in an old gas station. Named "Granny White Service Station" in the 1950s, a lot of 5 cent petrol was pumped before the building was repurposed. The Granny White tee graphic is an exact replica of the original station sign on loan from the son of the man who owned and operated Granny White in its day. It is a tribute to our building and its heritage. Wear it with pride! -Ian, i+w

Swap Meet..........Istanbul, Turkey

2010-05-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Joe Duke

2010-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Photo by Matt Wertz.
Joe Gannon, friend, blogger, and contributor to Denim Debate in full I+W sliding across the hood of an abandoned (but sweet) ride! -ian, i+w

When Can I Move In?

2010-05-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Roman & Williams from The Scout on Vimeo.

-ian, i+w

Farm Tactics @ Imogene + Willie

2010-05-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

What is better after a state of emergency than treating yourself to a little something with summer flare? Farm Tactics guarantees you won't break the bank while doing it.

Slub Tee - $38
Field Backpack - $195 (Handmade edition of 150)

-ian, i+w

Wade in the Nashville Water?

2010-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Now in my younger days.......

2010-04-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Patrick Kearney Tonight 6pm

Supper & Song....Thad Cockrell

2010-04-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 22ND @ 7PM!

Confirm on Facebook or just show up! You won't be disappointed.
Listen to Thad here.

Love, I+W

get my money right...

2010-04-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

many will see for i+w

2010-03-25T10:16:00.001-07:00

this gets a tad long winded, but read to the end!
so this is what happened this morning...
woke up for coffee and quick run through of our email inbox, which normally is at 7am not so overwhelming.
just usually always a lovely email from my mom, then some business with east coasters that are already at work, then questions from over seas customers that are awake while we have been asleep, and finally...notifications from websites and blogs that we follow.

this morning... all of that, then hundreds of more emails from new friends of imogene+willie from all over the world.
what?
we were GOOPED.
those of you that follow us know that my posts are quite a bit more girly and emotional than those posted by my hilarious husband matt and our brilliant storekeeper ian.
so, i will tell you that i am tearful when we send this big ole heartfelt THANK YOU to precious gwyneth paltrow and her amazing, lovely team at GOOP.
more about our new found friendship with that team later....

but back to this morning...
we are getting emails by the droves... questions about product available to purchase.
if you are just today learning about imogene+willie, you will see that we don't do e-commerce... yet.
we do, however, for those that can't get to nashville - visit on the phone all day long with customers all around the country and world.
personal shopping experience!

so, our friend and photographer extraordinare thomas petillo grabbed his gear this morning and met us at the store for a very impromptu photo shoot with sweet jessie baylin - so we can visually show you some great pieces that are available at the gas station right now.

what we want to show you today....
amanda urrego is a jewelry designer that in a year from now, we all will wish we had one of her first pieces.
more important than her art, though... she is one of the dearest souls we have ever known.
amanda created MANY WILL SEE in 2008, primarily making pieces for friends in the music industry.
her pieces resonate her roots.... shiny and glamorous because born and bred and still part time in los angeles. and then old and rustic and worn in because living in and loving nashville.
just to mention a few that own her masterpieces... taylor swift, angie harmon, julianne hough, and martina mcbride. and holly williams, who has played such an integral part in the evolution of MANY WILL SEE.
holly got the artistic gene passed down from her father hank, jr. she is the gem of this new city we call home. holly also created and owns the most fabulous shop, h. audrey. yet another reason for you to just get on down to nashville!

i am rambling. back to amanda..
we are so very honored that amanda has created a special capsule for us: MANY WILL SEE FOR I+W.
can't even believe it.

enjoy the virtual experience of viewing amanda's new collection in the slide show.
all clothing in the images are available at imogene+willie as of today.

can i say one more thing?
jessie baylin. this girl woke up early this morning with just a little notice to help us out.
didn't fix her hair or put on makeup... just came to play dress up and have a picture session.
helping out. this is what nashville is about, by the way.

based in NEW YORK/LA/NASHVILLE, jessie is the epitome of classic. think dusty springfield with stevie nicks..... then dream of her new album that we all cannot even wait for.... fall-ish 2010.
jessie is another sweet soul that we are so happy to call friend. she is so very talented in her own right.... and also sweet wife to nathan followill, drummer of KINGS OF LEON.

now.
go back to the top of this long post, check out the images, then call us or email us with product inquiry.
just describe it to us and we will get it packaged up for you and on the way to your doorstep.

our contact info:
615-292-5005 - store
carrie@imogeneandwillie.com - email

love,
c

special friend's new collection coming up in a couple of hours..

2010-03-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

thursday am. march 25.
see you here at 10ish am nashville time!

Beauty in Black & White

2010-03-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

There is a power in simplicity. In a social issue, a radical new idea, a photograph, a design; a black & white mentality exudes a unique power, unencumbered by unnecessary detail, or distracting "color." The raw image, the heart, instinctual free-thought. We have attempted to espouse this focused, simple energy by making a product that breaks barriers in a subtle, slow, and intentional way. Rooting our designs and thoughts in history, family, friends, and life, avoiding compositional aberration, or baseless pretension. Imogene + Willie wants to make a jean for your life. Thank you to everyone who has embraced our store and the product we make. As we approach Spring/Summer 2010, we look forward to beginning year two of Imogene + Willie. We wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. Love, Ian @ I+W

GO BIG BLUE. and.........

2010-03-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

if you are reading from japan, amsterdam, ontario....or anywhere outside of the USA, you might want to tune out for a minute.
we are talking march madness.

go big blue. and.....
orange, because we respect the rivalry (working on it) and landed our imogene+willie ship in it's state... and love our shareholders, some of which love the orange!
but let us say again: KENTUCKY BLUE!!!!

now taking pre-orders for the K and the T, made at imogene+willie.
ladies: your piece is a dead stock scoop neck military undershirt. a little long and tunic-y. i love it. your choice... K or T on the front, our plus sign on the sleeve.
guys: and yours... on a dead stock henley. same configuration.
price for limited edition piece: $85.

email or call to place an order.
we are expecting quite a gathering of kentucky fans in nashville next weekend for the SEC tourney. want to make sure that you call in advance to reserve your piece.

love, c
carrie@imogeneandwillie.com
615-292-5005

Back in Charge: Levi's XX with LVC

2010-02-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

We've all been waiting for it, for Levi's to wake up and say "Gosh darn it! We are were first and we are the best. Let's set the standard once more! We don't have to leave it up to the Japanese (and Imogene + Willie, of course) to make the sickest jeans." Well, thankfully someone is listening because Levi's is REALLY doing it right with XX. Each Levi's Vintage Clothing piece is an archival reproduction straight from the Levi's vault. With LVC, Levi's recreates their own masterpieces right down to the original tag! Included in the line is the prodigal son of denim, the famous 1947 Levi's 501, done in beautiful shrink-to-fit Cone denim fabric. Perhaps the best part of all is, we are lucky enough to be one of only a handful of stores to carry this fine merchandise. Call or email with questions and price inquiries. (615) 292-5005 or ian@imogeneandwillie.com. -ian

The Search is Over...

2010-02-16T16:06:00.001-08:00

We know how hard it is to find the right bag. It's got to be big enough to fit the necessities (and more) but not so huge that you're tempted to overfill it to the chagrin of your poor back. Well, we are pleased to announce that the search is over for the perfect satchel...Introducing our very own mail bag! A collaborative creation by Emil Erwin and Imogene + Willie... and made right here in Nashville, Tennessee...
It features two main compartments, pen and phone pockets, adjustable leather shoulder strap, solid brass hardware, and brass rivets throughout for reinforcement. The result is exactly what you are looking for: exclusivity, quality, durability, classic style, and even domestic origin. Needless to say, everyone here wants one!

We have a a very limited selection of these bags currently, but will be ramping up production soon. Be the first to nab one up at this introductory price! Call or email with inquiries, (615) 292-5005 or ian@imogeneandwillie.com. -ian

Dimensions: 19"x 13.5"x 6". Price $650.

laugh

2010-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

my dad's best friend told me when i was little that laughter heals. and keeps us healthy.
and then, God gave me matt, who keeps my face hurting from laughter every.day.

we asked thomas petillo, our dear soul-mate friend and imogene+willie team member and photographer, to capture a little party that we had at the store last week. we were celebrating our friendship with another store in town... h. audrey.
and then primarily honoring our friend and mentor and laughing partner, susie crippen. susie is the co-founder and was the creative director of J BRAND jeans, prior to the company being sold last week. more importantly, susie is that one that brings sheer joy and bellowing laughter (and at the same time, wisdom) into a room when she enters.

thank you, thomas, for capturing another day in life of some good eye smiling, mouth opened laughter at the gas station.
love,
c

Gents, We've Got Your Back...

2010-02-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

Photos courtesy of Thomas Petillo.

We know some of you have waited until this weekend to shop for that special someone, and that is why we at Imogene + Willie are attempting to save you from the dog house with these lovely gift ideas! A good place to start: Lux Revival Jewelry (notice the heart theme) and Olive & Sinclair Limited Edition Chocolate (each bar is packaged with a signed and numbered print by Bryce McCloud!)

Trust us, if you don't thank us, she will. To inquire for prices, just give us a call at the shop! (615) 292-5005. -ian

happy birthday

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

yow. crying my eyes out... tears of happy, as i type this.
one year ago, imogene+willie was born.
actually, one year ago a couple of weeks ago... but wanted to wait and commemorate it until about now because, one year ago as of january 26th, until february 26th.... 250 people across america essentially jump started imogene+willie by ordering a pair of jeans from us.
i have to say that typically, i struggle to remember much about the day from 1 year before anything.
but i remember this time so crystal clearly.
i would love to share with you all pictures from a year ago, but they are an unreal series of a 100 year old tree cracked in two and laying on our house, and a bunch of family in pajamas at our house, with no shower for days.
just envision...
jan 26th.
3am: LAUNCH. pressed "publish post" on our first blog entry. sent out the link to about 25 friends and family.
7am: it's snowing. no. it's icing. like, 6 inches? a real state of emergency.
power outages almost literally everywhere in our hometown, BUT our house. family from both sides start to gather at our place. this is going to be fun! slumber party for a night.... which turned into 7 nights?!
9 kids all under 10, running around the house with cabin fever for days, computers plugged in all over the house... adults working from camp eddmenson. full cafeteria set up in our kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner feeds.
and meanwhile.... jean orders coming in from all over the country. and from across the big waters.
we just couldn't even believe it.
imogene+willie, which was planned meticulously for success, but with odds still so against it at such a tough time in our world.... was really going to happen.
happy 1 year birthday only because of all of those that believed in it.
if any of you 250 are reading this.... thank you is not nearly enough.
love,c

you got the look.....

2010-02-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

It's All In The Details...

2010-01-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Imogene + Willie can be seen featured in the January issue of Details magazine. In true Details fashion, the article is a well-edited guide to Nashville for the chic man. We approve of their choices, which include a nod to our friends at Billy Reid, as well as Hutton Hotel and Patterson House to name a few.

P.S. Please ignore the crap on the sofa...as I said, it's all in the details.
-ian

JAPAMERICAN

2010-01-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we here at imogene+willie are pretty into American work wear. Hell, we are into everything Americana. I love knowing that this is our heritage and that it still drives a style of clothing that is so popular today. Yet I find it almost impossible to buy anything American in America. The Japanese have made BIG BUSINESS out of buying American. They, much like myself, labor over finding vintage pieces that came from the middle working-class that made our country what it is today. I think the most important thing to take away from this blog post is: until we make America "Big Business" again, we might not have any business at all. Make a change, seek out things made here in America, and remember: nothing that's worth doing is easy! Check out "The American List" on A Continuous Lean. It's a great place to start.

matt

sitting on the porch: a place and a state of mind

2010-01-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

i love tennessee, but i really miss our front porch in kentucky.
below is a note in my inbox that i woke up to a couple of mornings ago.
all of our lives and endeavors start to spin and can get so... disconnected.
thank you, customer sitting on the porch, for bringing me, personally, back to SIMPLY why (and where: on the front porch) we started our little project called imogene+willie.

...."i was just having a sit on my porch and i found myself admiring the pair of pants i was wearing,
made by imogene + willie here in nashville, it's my home town. so, i feel compelled to let of all of you down there know, and i'm sure my voice bleeds into many, that i'm happy you all have seen fit to make something of it here.
nice to have you."
-b.stone

this is day one of back to blogging.
matt and i, as well as ian, our store keeper, are each going to put the ink to the paper monday, wednesday and friday... or saturday in this first case.

love,
c

May We Suggest...

2009-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

imogene + willie

Holiday Gift Guide 2009

_____________________

$50 & Under

Apothia Soul & Chrismukkah Aromatic Candles ($46)

Field Notes 48-Page Memo Books, Set of Three ($9.99)

Red Flower Hammam Collection: Body Scrub, Fragrances, Bath Soak, etc. ($48-$68)

Vintage Navy Sock Cap ($45)
_____________________
$100 & Under

I+W Plus Sweatshirts ($100)

Billykirk Card Cases & Wallets, Handmade in the USA. ($85-$95)

Vintage Flannel Shirts ($75-$85)

Brixton Hats ($40-$60)
_____________________

$200 & Under

Hollywood Trading Company Refurbished Vintage Belts ($149)

Vintage Boots (Most under $200)

Samskara Scarves, One of a kind & Handknit in India ($125)

Lux Revival Jewelry, One of a kind (Many $200 & under)
______________________

$300 & Under

Vintage Navy Issue Pea Coats, "The Real Deal!" (Most $250)

Vintage Peruvian Zip-Up Sweaters (Most $200-$250)
I+W Denim (Most $200-$300)
___________________
$600 & Under

Vintage Furs, So old yet so new! ($300-$500)
White's Semi-Dress Boots, Handmade in the USA for 125 years! ($550 & $475)

All Photos by Thomas Petillo.__________________
imogene + willie Gift Certificates are available!
Sometimes it's just easier to let them pick out the gift themselves... (Sigh).
____________________

Happy Holidays everyone! We hope to see you in the store soon. And remember, if you have any questions about the pictured merchandise--or anything else--please just call us at the shop! (615) 292-5005.

Love,
imogene + willie

1st Annual 12th South Pinewood Derby

2009-11-10T13:04:00.001-08:00

WHEN: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21st

WHERE: imogene and willie

TIME: Doors Open at 4 p.m. Races Start at 5:00

ENTRY FEE: $50.00

FEE INCLUDES:

Car Kits (available at imogene and willie)

Race Day T-Shirt

BBQ Spread

Beer and Whiskey

Shit talking

Prizes to be announced.......

Trophies for.......

Best in show
Not So Best in Show
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

ALL CARS MUST PASS INSPECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE

Following are the inspection points

1. The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final.
2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 8 inches.
3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
4. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
5. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
6. The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped any way that is desired.
7. The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels.
8. The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or lubricated.
9. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
10. The car must not ride on any type of springs.
11. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
12. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used.

Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete. The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications.

Craftsmanship: Billykirk as seen on The Scout

2009-11-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

Billykirk from The Scout on Vimeo.

In this new video series, The Scout shares with us one company that still cherishes the old form of producing quality goods and services: Billykirk. You may notice that we just started carrying Billykirk at Imogene + Willie! As you can imagine, craftsmanship is best viewed in person, so come check out this fantastic brand and visit the store. If you would like to see some images of Billykirk product that we have in the store, see the post below.

Introducing...Billykirk!

2009-10-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Imogene + Willie is now carrying Billykirk leather goods. Brothers Chris and Kirk Bray studied under a 3rd generation leather maker in LA for 3 years. After moving to the east coast, they now commission a group of Amish leather workers in Pennsylvania to make much of their killer product line. Made with love and tradition right here in the USA, you won't find quality and simplicity like Billykirk just anywhere. All items pictured (and more) are available currently at Imogene + Willie, so come on by and swipe them up before someone else does. P.S. The wallets ($95) and card cases ($85) make fantastic gifts.

the civil wars: saturday night bonfire in the back yard

2009-10-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

they are just lovely. come join us saturday night.
special shopping hour at 6.
music at 7.
bring blanket and beverage.
love,
imogene+willie

cool is cool.........

2009-10-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

willie's bike has to go....any takers?

2009-09-30T14:39:00.001-07:00

Stop by the shop for details. Or, check out the listing on Craigslist here. Call (615) 292-5005 with any questions.

morning note.

2009-09-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

God, family and friends (old + new) make imogene+willie.

a little sappy this morning, but just needed to say how appreciative we are of all of you for helping us with this project.

love,

the eddmenson's

cuff inspiration

2009-09-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

here at imogene + willie we are big fans of cuffed denim. for those of you who need a little inspiration, consider netflixing 1953's The Wild One with Marlon Brando. you may have to watch it on silent (not much in the way of plot) but MAN, those cuffs look good!

"Do you just ride around or do you go on some type of a picnic or something."

"A picnic? Man, you are too square. I have to straighten you out. Now listen, you don't go any one special place; that's corn-ball style. You just go (he snaps). A bunch gets together after all week; it builds up. You just...the idea is to have a ball. Now, if you goin' to stay cool, you got to wail. You got to put something down (he snaps). You got to make some jive. Don't you know what I'm talking about?

classic.

kings of leon+imogene+willie

2009-08-28T06:44:00.001-07:00

imogene+willie vintage military t and a beautiful pair of old levi's from the store, rocked out for nathan by nestor.

aron wright + imogene and willie

2009-08-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

aron stopped by the store yesterday and took these amazing photos. we know him best as a singer/songwriter but as you can tell the boys got talent! check out his new album "in the woods" here. thanks aron!

welcome to america, pete molinari.

2009-08-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

"you got the look"

2009-08-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

are you kidding me? do they know how rad they look? boots....jeans....shirts.... jackets....and hats. all available at the shop. come on by! motorcycle not included. have a great week! oh yeah the website is up. check it out here!

taco time

2009-08-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

another reason to come to nashville.

join us tonight and every wednesday through august for mas tacos truck.

5-8pm. backyard is ready for you to enjoy. someone bring a guitar.

so rad.......

2009-08-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

i have to say...i love this photo. everything about it says "awesome"...the bike ...the jeans....the shirts....and i'm still a little confused as to why things don't look like this anymore? often times we'll look at an old car or motorcycle and think "dude that's so rad!"...and then wonder why the modern versions suck so bad. now i know design has to evolve but does it have to lose its cool factor? i'll tell you now that i would die climbing over a new harley to get the bike in this picture. the same thing goes for the jeans......oh wait....i forgot i'm wearing the willie! later.

thank you...

2009-07-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

secret forts

love, imogene + willie

welcoming committee

2009-07-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

so much to share with you, but all i can see this early morning minute is this sweet lale that used to be so bucking crazy and now is nothing but so lovely since she moved in to the gas station.

everyone that knew her prior to nashville knows that she was an absolute hellion, and least likely to ever be a shop dog.

and now, she sits in this chair and waits for her guests that she greets so sweetly.

good morning.

softly.... OPEN.

2009-07-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

with no fanfare or advertising, imogene + willie opened on monday.

sunday night for us was like the night before the first day of school.

i laid in air mattress bed wondering what to wear. it was finally time to retire the 10th grade black gym shorts with paint all over them and the grey tank top that, my nieces kept saying for the past two months..."you had that on the last time we saw you."

matt, who falls asleep so sweetly, was laying wondering and waiting, too, what monday would bring.

so monday brought...

new friends, families, dogs and community into imogene + willie. full house all day and into the night. unbelievable, is the best way to explain what we are feeling.

we are still pinching ourselves that the dream is coming true just as we dreamt it.

that above sentence is so true, but there were so many bumps along the way.

we are still working towards being complete. but we are realizing the shop will never be complete...and so appreciative that those of you that have stepped inside understand that.

we are watching you look and buy and learning about what you want or need.

we are just....... open! we are finally shopkeepers, and loving it. imogene + willie is ready for you. come on.

love,

the eddmenson's.

p.s. forgot to tell you where to find us..

2601 12th avenue south

nashville, tn 37204

on the corner of 12th and sweetbriar

sign will go up closer to grand opening mid july. look for big orange plus sign on the building.

and one more thing.

thank you (so much) family, jon, kyle, thomas, joshua, brad, nick, john, fredready, louise, sarah, miranda, michael, landon, nestor, gloria, allen, stuart, jen, ben, danielle, dick, loren, investors, jason, sue, mas tacos, leigh, bo, baxter, anne, daron, billy and kevin!

imogene + willie's home sweet home

2009-04-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

saturday, april 25th, 2009

we are thrilled to share with you this morning that imogene + willie has a home.

hurry up and hold on!

here's the place and the plan...

we are moving into the old service station of our dreams @ 2601 12th avenue south, nashville, tennessee.

we will start construction on monday.

we will move to nashville mid may.

we will open the doors to imogene + willie in.....

stay tuned. (think june!)

we will close orders for imogene + willie product sunday night, april 26th, in order to prepare inventory for the store.

get your order in quickly, if you need your imogene + willie fix before june.

love,

the eddmenson's