The Search is Over...

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

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...

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

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.....

It's All In The Details...

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

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

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...

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

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

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!

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

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.........