Founders' Jeans
What the women who inspire me are wearing.
I subscribe to a lot of Substacks, many of which are fashion-related, and some of which are not.
’s ‘Noted’ is one I devour – her essay on Eminem’s lyric-writing process remains an all-time favorite – and I love Tariro Makoni’s ‘Trademarked’ (it keeps me young!). But there’s a more specific category of newsletter that resonates deeply with me, and that’s those written by women who run their own fashion or beauty companies. I’ve been so inspired by these women and their work lately I thought I’d share them – and their favorite jeans and reads – with you., ‘The Flair Index’; Founder Jennifer Alfano.
Jennifer Alfano has been penning The Flair Index for nearly a decade (pre-Substack, it was on Wordpress), and she’s been designing jewelry even longer. An old-school editor (Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue), Jennifer’s style has the clarity of a visibly-flawless VVS1 diamond. I learned about Michino Paris handbags from her, and I continue to refer to The Flair Index’s Holiday Gift Guide when I need a little help with presents. She’s a trust-worthy and consistent source for worthy investment pieces.
ON JEANS: “Hands down, my favorite jeans will forever be one of my vintage Levi’s 501s. I have 5 or 6 pairs that vary in shade, levels of distress, length (some a bit cropped) and bagginess. No fancy collector versions, just ones I've found in various vintage stores. No matter what other jeans I have, I always go back to them and live in them all year. I get nervous that one day I will wear them out and have to find replacements! My favorite outfit is a grey t-shirt (specifically this from Frances de Lourdes), my jeans and my Diamond Baby Bullseye Necklace. This picture (above) is from last winter when I had longer hair, but I’m still wearing everything in that photo now (Toteme shearling, old Celine bag, Sorel boots).”
ON SUBSTACK: “That's a tough one!
of ‘Yolo Journal.’ I don't book a vacation without referencing their guides, stories, and intel. Amy Odell’s ‘’: Intelligent insight on the fashion industry and her yearly predictions can be spot on.”, ‘Bobbi Brown’; Founder Jones Road.
Bobbi Brown’s eponymous Substack is full of great makeup tips, yes, but it’s also rich with wisdom from a mom, wife, and industry trailblazer who’s been disrupting the beauty business for 35 years. Being someone myself who doesn’t really know how to wear makeup, I’ve learned a lot about the basics by reading Bobbi’s How-To’s. As someone who is tidy-to-a-fault, this post about hiring a professional organizer made me feel Bobbi and I could be kindred. Swoon.
ON JEANS: “Choosing a favorite pair of jeans is like picking a favorite among my three sons—impossible. My answer changes daily.
Today, I’m loving my new Toteme dark-wash straight-leg jeans. They’re only a few months old, and I like to save them for special occasions. I found them in London when my daughter-in-law took me shopping – she picked them out for me. The moment I tried them on, she immediately complimented me and said, You have to get these.”
ON SUBSTACK: “I've been loving ‘
.’ She posts so many delicious recipes—perfect for when you need fresh food inspiration.”, ‘Take Your Time’; Founder Crown Affair.
In her subscriber chat, Dianna is coaching readers through The Artist’s Way, a book-practice she credits, in part, for the creative success of Crown Affair. In general, Dianna’s posts are motivational and inspirational, with a haircare tip at the end that always sticks the landing. I love her communication style – it’s like she’s talking directly to me – and I love how she sees hair: “As a reflection of how we care for ourselves.” It makes me want to take better care of my bob. And buy her shampoo.
ON JEANS: “Moussy makes the kind of jeans you don’t have to think about – they just fit, perfectly lived-in from the start and only get better with time. Ashley’s Wide Straight is my forever favorite. I remember a last-minute October trip to NYC when I forgot to pack denim. That morning, I stopped by [Moussy’s] Soho store, slipped on this exact pair, and instantly knew they were it. The fit was effortless, the kind that settles into you, promising the perfect patina over time. I walked out wearing them and went on to have the most quintessential New York day – lunch with friends in Soho, a concert that night. Love at first wear. I've been loyal ever since.
ON SUBSTACK: “Substack has quietly become my favorite place on the internet—a rare corner that values curiosity, depth, and what’s between the ears. It’s hard to pick just two favorites:
’s ‘Feed Me’ is a daily must, ‘After School’ by keeps me tapped into internet culture, ‘’ by Rachel Karten is a go-to for social insights, ‘Long Live’ by for vintage gems, ‘Earl Earl’ by , ‘’ by Madeline Voge, ‘Hi Everyone’ with , ‘ ’ by Jess Graves, ‘Screenshot This’ by ... I could keep going.”, ‘Jessie Loves’; Founder of Loeffler Randall
Jessie Randall does so many home & lifestyle things in her newsletter, it’s hard to believe she runs a clothing and accessories company, too. I think what’s fun about ‘Jessie Loves’ is how unapologetically “perfect” it looks – “Use a filter when you take photos,” she advises – while still feeling seriously practical and approachable. Jessie uses a sewing machine, buys cheap suitcases to fly to fancy places, and has a candle rack in her kitchen. Aspirational pragmatism. She’s oh so easy to love.
ON JEANS: “A make-up artist I work with was wearing the coolest Japanese jeans – they have little hooks on the waistband that create natural deep pleats in the jeans when you hook them. It’s such a clever idea and they have the best on-trend, slouchy silhouette – I asked how and where I could buy them. With my makeup artist translating and brokering the deal, I was able to purchase a pair.
I love them! I wear them most often with my Loeffler Randall Cleo boots or my Maeve pumps. Once it turns sunnier, I imagine I will wear them with Loeffler Randall’s ballet flats or our new Mary-Jane sneaker, the Cooper.”
ON SUBSTACK: “It’s hard to pick just one or two! I love ‘
’ because Elizabeth has the best, most original outfits (and she’s even making a leg brace feel chic at the moment!), ‘’ because not only is Willow Britain’s “Queen of Flowers” but she’s also just so beyond lovely IRL (I learn so much about florals from her). Hot tip: ‘Pony Express’ by my coworker is some of the best, most clever, and funniest writing on Substack. (May I suggest starting with this letter entitled ‘Microdosing My Dream Life’?). ‘’ by Ruby Redstone is a wealth of fashion knowledge and ideas to get me thinking and inspired. I recently read an excellent round up of furniture resources on ‘’.”Clare Vivier, ‘’; Founder of Clare V.
What many may not know about Clare is that she’s been blogging for about as long as she’s been making handbags. Storytelling comes naturally to her, and since her business is so integral to her life, sharing a diary of what she does during a week in Los Angeles or the Loire Valley, where she is renovating a house, always feels on brand. A master selfie-taker (“Use the side button,” she told me at our pop up last week), Clare mixes company BTS with recipe links and lists of the stuff she buys as brilliantly as she combines color and print. She may not post as often as others – read her Substack and you’ll see why, Clare is busy! – but when she does it’s always a treat.
ON JEANS: “My favorite pair of jeans is a vintage bootcut Orange Tab Levi's. (I wish I could tell you the Levi's model number, but I don't know it.) I got them at Denim Doctors on Beverly. I love going to that store – you tell them what you're looking for (501, Orange Tab, bootcut, etc.) and the fit you'd like (tight, loose, long, short, etc.) and they bring out a selection for you to try on. You shouldn't be in a hurry when you go. Take your time, try them on a few times. You're buying an investment so you want to make sure you love them. I like to wear mine with my [Maison] Margiela cowboy boots. I love these boots because they are the perfect shade of brown and have the perfect pointed toe.”
But seriously, I have a new favorite pair of jeans and (I'm not saying this because of this Substack) they are the Sally from the Only Jane. I bought them at the pop-up we shared with them at +Coop (also on Beverly). I tried them on and immediately thought they were what I've been looking for! Straight leg, great length, perfect denim. I've worn them 3 times in a week. I've worn them twice with white pointy-toed Rachel Comey jazz shoes with a kitten heel and once with snake, kitten heel pumps from Jamie Haller.”
ON SUBSTACK: “I like
’s ‘The Back Row’ - it's an easy read, interesting and well written and not triggering for me (as some fashion Substacks can be.) Also s’ eponymous Substack - She is funny, smart, vulnerable and honest and always has an interesting perspective. Also I love an inside look at the life of a seminal artist of our generation.”I’m back in my studio with denim essentials next Saturday. I love comments, likes, and recommendations. I’d love to know what you are reading on Substack (besides me:). Thank you for showing up to this week after week. As always, Denim Forever.
Jane
More good links…
I’ve ventured into video.
Through Substack, I was connected to the Ojai-based artist Kathy Leeds, who makes the most charming handmade vessels and flower vases. I recently purchased one of her fish candelabras and could not be more smitten.
Stretch lovers, this one’s for you.
Clare's boots are soooo good.
First of all ~ thank you for the shoutout. I'm so happy you own that fish, as I think your taste is impeccable...and I'm embarrassed to say, that I always want whatever you're wearing and have been stalking the Bode Meadow cardigan for a year.
Great recommendations on Substack, and I love everything about Jennifer Alfano. I always look forward to Saturday mornings, when I know your Substack will be in my inbox! xo