Clean Start

BlueSevenCleanStart

One of my favorite local retailers, Blue Seven, asked me to participate in their raw denim Clean Start Project. The rules:
1. Wear the same pair of jeans every day (or at least 6 days a week) for six months.
2. If they get holes in them patch them up - or let them be.
3. Don't wash the jeans. You can hang them up to air out, Febreeze 'em or stick them in the freezer overnight to help eliminate any stink.

Blue Seven is tracking the progress of over 60 participants over 6 months. The idea is that each pair of raw denim will emerge with its own personality depending on the life of the wearer. Apparently this isn't a new concept - raw denim fanatics have been preaching this no-wash method to allow the jeans to fully express their true personality.

When Blue Seven asked me to participate I didn't hesitate at the challenge. I love finding creativity within limitations. Challenges like these push me to the edge of what I think is possible for myself - and I always discover something new.

At the same time, I've recently purged about 75% of my wardrobe. Clothes that I love but never wear. Outfits that were reserved for my old art director self - my catwalk the open office hallway. But who I am now is someone who wants to do more with less - I want my limited articles of clothing to reflect that.

And so... I'm wearing the same pair of jeans. Every day. For six months.

Would you?

Follow the Blue Seven Clean Start project on Instagram: #b7cleanstart and here on their blog.

 

Reader Comments

You KNOW I would.

Absolutely.

I'm excited to see how they change over time. I can hardly go two wears without washing my jeans just because they stretch out so much, and I'm afraid of them starting to smell or house weird bacteria or something.

I didn't think I was a germaphobe but maybe I am?

Anyway. Excited to see how it goes for you :)

I love this idea. I'm in the process of getting rid of a majority of my wardrobe and it's liberating. I want my signature outfit to be blazers, scarves, and skinny jeans. I'm interested to see the process!

I think that's such a sweet idea! I love it and would totally participate.

I so wish I could do this...but I don't think I want to leave spit up and poop on jeans. : )

They look good on you.

I would never do this... mostly b/c the first month you wear them, they are tight as hell. But, we have a local company here in Nashville called Imogene and Willie that only sells raw denim. My hubz has several pairs and LOVES them.

I guess it depends on how well they fit and what reward there is in the end for making 6 months.

Totally. ALthough most of my jeans start to sag in the bottom after a couple of days. Not so attractive. But if I had some that wouldn't, then certainly yes.

Wow! I am so intrigued with this challenge. I think my husband is a trailblazer; he was totally doing this before we moved in together years ago. lol Because of how much his jeans grossed me out I don't think I could do it. It most likely wouldn't be so terrible for a woman though. :) Gotta be neater than he was!

YES! I'd ask you to document your jean's journey, but I know that I don't even have to :) Because you're awesome. Also that Braid e-course about content rocked my world.


Rocked it.

-Rudi

I would do this SO HARD. Well, I pretty much do it anyway. #gapgreyskinneis4eva

Oh wow, how cool! I'd definitely accept the challenge as well. :) Those jeans are amazing. Actually, your whole outfit looks fabulous! Such great style you have. :)

I would be interested in someone doing a culture and determining how much flora and fauna is living in them at the end of the six months.

Most definitely - same pair of pants for 6 months, no washing - less laundry. Sign me up! :)

I can't wait to see the progression. And I'll be interested in seeing how you fashion them for 6 months :)

Note: I rarely wash my favorite pair of jeans. Most of the time they only get washed if my hubby grabs them thinking they are dirty. I don't like to "break back in" comfy jeans. Skinnies sure, they need to be washed to get their shape back. basic jeans wear forever!

Such a fun project to be a part of! I'm looking forward to seeing how you "wear" yours.

I love shopping in OKC, I've bought a few pairs of jeans at Blue Seven. I'm curious, which pair did you made this 6 month commitment to?

I can't leave jeans on for a full day! I can't fathom a pair of denim that would be comfortable on day one and day 100.

my fiance has surpassed this challenge by about 2 years :)

i sooo would!

Not me. Cuz of two words: "Office casual." Or, an alternate two words: "Dress code."

Yup.

Pretty much.

Absolutely. I've been looking for a source of raw denim in the Akron/Cleveland area for years now - one that sells jeans for curvy women, that is.

that sounds intriguing. right now, i am sorta doing a wear the same dress for the weekend thing. it's intentional. i really would like to like the uniform project or the OBP did and wear the same dress for a year but i am not up to that right now. i figure that one dress for the weekend is good. if i could wear jeans to work, i think i would do this.

I want an update! How's this going???

I want an update! How's this going???




J & K started this blog project to document the remodel of their 1929 historical home in the heart of Oklahoma City. It has now turned into a documentation of life, food, fashion, freelance, inspiration, design, adventures and details around the J & K house.

Kathleen works as an award-winning brand consultant and designer specializing in small business branding at Braid Creative & Consulting. Jeremy is a software engineer and is the left-brain to Kathleen’s right.

You can contact Kathleen at
jeremyandkathleen (at) gmail (dot) com.

All photos and graphics by Kathleen unless otherwise stated. Feel free to use them with permission or credit.

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