May 30, 2024

Volume 190

Feeling Nostalgic Lately

Curated by Hannah Trostle

Apparel Designer and Imperfects Technical Designer

I'm an Apparel Designer and craftsman, and the most recent addition to the Imperfects team, joining the crew here as a Technical Designer.

Maybe you’ve heard of Lubbock, TX. There isn’t much there. You’ve probably heard of Texas Tech University. That’s one thing that is there. You’ve definitely heard of Buddy Holly. He’s a Lubbockite. And until about two months ago, so was I. Born and raised in that dusty little hub, I’ve been waiting to put Lubbock in the rearview mirror since I was, oh, 7 years old. After graduating last summer with a degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing, I dove into the process of finding that first job.

I told myself I wouldn’t be picky, but as it turned out, I was.

Having developed strong values regarding ethics and environmental responsibility, I simply couldn’t submit an application to the endless slew of roles in fast fashion that were overcrowding my inbox. About two months ago I finally had the opportunity to relocate West and start my career in the apparel industry with Imperfects. The last few months have been a whirlwind of firsts and lasts, lots of packing, repacking, unpacking, and some very difficult goodbyes. But through it all, I’ve found myself in the present. And even though I didn’t know how I would get here, or when, I’ve been dreaming about this for a while.

What's been keeping you grounded?

What's keeping me grounded

Since getting established in San Diego, I’ve been riding my bike a lot. I’ve always loved biking but have never had a good routine for it, or really a good place to do it. Now, living in such a walkable community, I’ve found that taking my bike to and from work is completely feasible, and very enjoyable. I am absolutely not a morning person, but waking up and hopping on my bike helps. That little bit of clarity and fresh air every morning sets me up for a good day.

What are you into lately?

What I'm up to, health-wise

I’ve been dancing most of my life, and after graduating high school, turned around and started teaching at the studio I grew up at. Having only just left that position upon relocating to San Diego, I’ve realized that I can’t just walk away from the studio and never go back. Recently, I’ve gotten plugged in to some Contemporary classes at a local studio. Having a space that allows me to tap into the artistry and expression of movement, while also staying active has always been important to me and I’m thankful that I can continue to engage in that.

WHAT I'M ROCKIN'

The first Imperfects piece I copped back in February when I had a chance to make it out to SD and meet the team was the 329A Jean in ’71 Patina Primo Indigo. After a recent incident involving my morning bike ride to work and the almost threadbare inseam of an old pair of jeans, I added the 329A in Seawashed Obsidian to my closet. Instant wardrobe staples. My Dungarees would be a close second. Bonus points there for turning out to be a great hiking pant, too.

WHAT IM INTO LATELY

I love hiking and now I’m in a place where there is no shortage of outdoors adventures to be had. A couple of weekends recently have led me out to the desert for very early sunrises and long hikes and some pretty hairy drives to trailheads that really weren’t meant to be accessed with a 2 wheel drive vehicle. In my own work as a designer, I’ve always turned to the earth not only as a source of inspiration but as a reminder of the responsibility I have in the apparel industry to advocate for the planet. Unplugging for a day and disappearing into the middle of nowhere keeps me connected to that responsibility.

What are you reading?

What I'm reading

My most recent undertaking was Frank Herbert’s Dune series. A few years ago, I’d made it halfway through the series before I got too busy to keep going. Sometime last fall, I started over and found myself cruising through the entire six-book saga like it was nothing. Since finishing that, I seem to have fallen back into a reading rut, which means it’s time to pick up The Fellowship of the Ring for the sixth(seventh?) time.

What are you drinking?

What I'm drinking

Big coffee connoisseur over here. Every morning, I heat up my little espresso machine and look around my kitchen to see what I’m feeling for the day. Recently, the Cardamom Vanilla Breves have been absolutely hitting the spot.

What are you listening to?

What I'm listening to

Rock has been in my blood since I was eight years old. Metal came several years later. It doesn’t seem to matter how far I get into newer, heavier music, though. I’ll never be too cool to spin some Tom Petty or Bob Seger or any of the other classics that my mom turned me on to when I was little. And I guess I’ve just been feeling nostalgic lately.

Listen here.

Quote of the Week

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”
—David Bowie

David Bowie also said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.” That was my mantra for a long time. But this one’s felt a little more relevant lately.