Q&A with Bryce Pizano aka @heypizano

With an ambition to feature more of the Blue Blooded ladies in denim in the Q&A series, here’s the one and only Bryce Pizano aka @heypizano aka the head lady behind Okay Denim Co. aka half of @bluebirdsofdenim aka a genuinely nice person.

Bryce’s is one of the 23 Instagram feeds run by Blue Blooded ladies in denim that you should follow on Instagram. Check out who the other 22 are here.

What’s your story

Name: Bryce Pizano

Birth year: 1988

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Profession: Manager at Trader Joe’s and Head Lady at Okay Denim Co.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, heypizano, Bryce Pizano, Denimhunters, Okay Denim,

Bryce’s Instagram Routines

Thomas: How did it all start with your Instagram feed?

Bryce: At the beginning of 2018, I made a friend who introduced me to the world of workwear on Instagram. I’d been wearing raw denim and boots for a while, and participated in the raw denim subreddit but had no idea how widespread the community was.

Once I started posting and following denim people, I quickly realised how connected everyone was. I was welcomed in and made so many friends right away. It’s really a special group of people ?

T: Why Instagram? What are your goals?

B: I really just enjoy the connection. We participate in a fairly niche style, so most of us don’t have many people nearby that we can interact and generally geek out with.

Everyone that I’ve encountered has been genuinely interested in having conversations about everything from favourite denim to shoelace choices.

I really want to inspire women all over to embrace this style, and to know that they can form this into what works for them. It is possible to be feminine while wearing rugged workwear.

T: How much time do you spend on Instagram on a daily basis?

B: Probably more time than I should! I’d say combined, I spend a few hours, more or less depending on my workflow at home.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, heypizano, Bryce Pizano, Denimhunters, Okay Denim,

T: How do you take your photos?

B: I have a nice Fuji camera and a tripod that I use some of the time. Often I’m just lazy and prop up my phone and put it on portrait mode. How much effort I put in is fully dependent on how cooperative my dog is when I take him out with me.

T: Which tools do you use?

B: I just use Snapseed. It’s essentially the easy free version of Lightroom. It gives me all the tools I need, including colour and exposure fixing.

T: What’s your editorial flow?

B: These days, I pour most of my time and focus into my new brand, Okay Denim Co. Otherwise, I try to highlight what I’m actually wearing on a given day, details that are catching my eye, and items that I am excited about.

T: What are your favourite locations to take photos? And why?

B: When possible, I take photos when I’m out with friends. But most of the time, I take them in my front yard. I live in a beautifully wooded area, pretty and serene, and perfect for the awkward photo taker to not be seen by her neighbours.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, heypizano, Bryce Pizano, Denimhunters, Okay Denim,
It’s all about pockets.

Denim questions

T: How did you get into denim?

B: I lived in Nashville, Tennessee and had a friend that was excited to get a new pair of imogene + willie jeans. I honestly couldn’t understand what could be so great about a pair of jeans to justify $250.

It didn’t take long for me to figure it out though, then I became obsessed. About a year later I stumbled upon a pair of Imogene and Willies at a second-hand store. After that, I was hooked.

T: What’s your favourite feature of jeans?

B: Pockets! I wear a lot of men’s jeans, so the placement and size of pockets is a huge make or break. Too long and they cut your butt in an odd spot, too large and it’s just misproportioned.

T: How do you wash your denim?

B: I machine wash on cold, gentle detergent, inside out, no spin. Then I hang dry. I try to wait about six months for the first wash.

I tend to get obsessed with one pair and wear it non-stop. After that, I start to cycle other pairs through and will wash the bunch every six months or so.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, heypizano, Bryce Pizano, Denimhunters, Okay Denim,
@railcarfinegoods Vixen jeans.
T: What’s your favourite fit?

B: I’m definitely a slim leg kind of lady. Give me a high waist high taper and I’m a happy camper.

T: Which boots and leather goods do you wear with your denim?

B: I mostly wear Red Wings. I have a couple pairs, but my current everyday wearers are a pair of women’s 3375 Moc Toes. I was convinced by a friend to get them because I stupidly couldn’t make up my mind at the time, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get them.

I also have a pair of Trumans and of course a classic pair of Dr. Martens.

Belt wise I switch between a Pigeon Tree Crafting indigo dyed and a Scout & Pine natural veg tan.

I carry daily a Craft and Lore wallet, but use a Red Hills or Bearded Underdog card wallet for easy carrying.

Blue Blooded, Instagrammer, heypizano, Bryce Pizano, Denimhunters, Red Wing Women,

T: Which sneakers do you wear?

B: Vans Authentics have been my favourite since high school. I also dabble in PF Flyers (Benny the Jet is one of my style icons).

T: Favourite item that’s not denim or leather?

B: A newer item, but one that has not left my body since I got it, is my wolf pendant from 877 Workshop. Their work is absolutely beautiful.

T: Where do you buy your gear?

B: I am lucky to have a few local shops that carry just about everything I am looking for. If I don’t buy from them, I try to buy direct from the brand.

T: What styling tips would you give your followers if they wanted your style?

B: Just wear it! Nothing helps you pull off a piece of clothing like confidence.

I prefer to mix feminine with masculine and men’s items with women’s items. I like the mix and juxtaposition.

At this point in the world, nothing is off limits as far as style and fashion go. Be yourself and you’ll never feel out of place.

Ready for More Q&As?

If you’d like to read more personal stories and Q&As, you can check out all the previous ones right here. Want to make sure you never miss one? Sign up for the free weekly Denimhunters email newsletter.

Author

Thomas founded Denimhunters in 2011 and built it into a voice for the denim industry and community. Today, he helps companies grow and gain market shares using his STORY/SELLING BLUEPRINT.

1 Comment

  1. Ryan Burbridge Reply

    How’s the app coming? Still waiting to get full access

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