By Jake Gallagher
There are few true cinematic legends. And I’m not talking about the self-proclaimed “legends” of today’s bland blockbusters, but rather, those mythical figures that changed cinema forever. One such luminary, is Sidney Poitier. In 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement, Poitier made history by becoming the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. From there he became one of the highest grossing actors in Hollywood, with such films as To Sir, With Love and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. During the prime of his career, Poitier was not merely a star on the screen, he was also one of the town’s best dressed leading-men. Read More »
It’s hard not to gush when writing about the shorts from Jed & Marne. As the proud owner of three pairs, I can honestly say they’re some of the best I’ve ever had. The fabrics are great: soft, lightweight and absolutely beautiful. The fit is aces: not too tight, not too loose and just the right length. And, that they’re well under $100, but still provide gainful employment, and various other benefits, for the Mayan artisans that make them is like the feel-good icing on an already-awesome-feeling/fitting/looking cake. As far as warm weather wear goes, it really doesn’t get much better. (Like I said, it’s hard not to gush.)
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The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
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Words and photos by Kyle Rancourt
Last week, the daughter of a member of our product development team joined her mother at work for the day. As part of the experience, the teenage girl spent a couple of hours observing and lending a hand in our finishing room, where one of the veteran finishing team members said to her, “make sure you go to college so you don’t have to work in a factory.” When I heard this, I experienced an immediate and intense gut reaction, “what’s wrong with working in a factory?” I said. “What does a college degree guarantee you?”
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By Jake Gallagher
Despite only releasing two studio albums, Joy Division’s influence can still be seen today. Favoring thoughtful introspection and moody atmospherics over the traditional three-chord blast of punk, the band helped usher in – and eventually became the poster children for – the post-punk movement. Though their run was cut short by the untimely suicide of front-man Ian Curtis, their legacy as one of the most groundbreaking acts of all time lives on. And that legacy isn’t just due to their music. If there were ever a band that could be described as “cohesive” it’s Joy Division. From their album art, to their press photos, to their clothes, their visual side always matched their audible one. Read More »
At this point, you’ve heard the story before. Small American start-up, making shoes and boots in Maine, using Horween leather and Vibram soles – well worn territory, to say the least. However, to write New England Outerwear Co. off as (yet another) late jumper on an already on-the-way-out bandwagon is to miss the point. For NEOC, selling “rugged” and “heritage-style” footwear isn’t some attempt to cash in on an ailing trend. Rather, it’s a way for them to help reinvigorate the economy in their hometown, keep centuries-old manufacturing traditions alive, and, lay the foundation for something that will last – all goals that are actually included in their business model.
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The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
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Photos by Nathan Michael
The first time I wrote about the Dark Navy Trench Coats from American Trench, back when the company was still raising funds on Kickstarter, a number of readers took issue with the coat’s cost. Priced at a not so egalitarian $725, this was understandable. However, based on the info presented by the brand, I wasn’t convinced the amount was totally unreasonable either. Well, now that the first batch of jackets has begun to ship (AT was able to reach their funding goal), American Trench co-founder Jacob Hurwitz has leant me one for a hands-on review, so we can all see exactly what those many dollars would be getting us.
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By Jake Gallagher
Not only is he a walking, talking encyclopedia of all things food, Alton Brown is also one of the best dressed “real people” on television. From his elbow patched tweed blazers, to his window paned linen suits, to his blue oxfords, to his signature bow ties, the Food Network star rarely appears in front of the camera looking anything less than his best. What particularly makes Brown a neo-icon in my eyes, is that he has an enviable grasp of his own style. After his very public choice to lose weight a couple years back, Brown really pegged down what he likes and what fits, and he’s stuck to it ever since. Read More »
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
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Reader Vince recently wrote:
Dude! Sunglasses? Preferably US-made and under $200 (under $100 would be even better).
Dude! Made in USA sunglasses for under $200 right this way…
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By Jake Gallagher
Decades before Chinatown, the Pianist, Oscar awards, and unfortunate scandals, Roman Polanski burst onto the global film scene in 1962 with Knife in the Water. The film, which only features three actors, and takes place almost entirely on a boat, became a smash hit, not only in Polanski’s native Poland, but across the world, garnering the first Academy Award nomination for a Polish film. Fifty-plus years later, and it remains not only one of the sexiest movies ever made, but also one of the best dressed. From the opening frame, the film simply oozes style. Read More »
I love Juniper Ridge. Like, almost to the point of obsession. My use of their products is so profuse, that at any given moment, you’re guaranteed to smell at least one of their fragrances wafting through the air in my home, though usually it’s more like two or three. I’ve simply never come across another brand that does what they do as well. The company’s incenses, soaps and room fresheners – all of which are made using sustainable ingredients from in and around the Pacific Northwest – capture the essences of those areas with such accuracy, that they’re basically the next best thing to being there.
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The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
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Reader Jim recently wrote:
I think a vest roundup might be kind of a cool feature if you ever get a chance to do that, since I’ve had some trouble finding affordable, American-made vests.
Good idea Jim. That would be a cool feature…
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Eric Heins, aka Corter Leather, is an easy guy to like. Affable, unassuming, and as down to earth as they come, he’s one of those people you just can’t help rooting for. That he’s also insanely talented doesn’t hurt either. Over the last three years, Heins – a self-taught designer, maker and company owner – has grown his one time bedroom-based business into a full-on, and highly respected, brand. And yet, despite his myriad achievements, he remains just as approachable as he ever was.
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By Jake Gallagher
Isamu Noguchi was the organic answer to a design movement otherwise defined by pronounced lines and technological advancements. One of mid-century modern’s key figures, Noguchi’s nature-inspired pieces offered a stark contrast to the clean, seemingly mechanized creations of his peers. He began his career as a sculptor in the 1920’s, working with wood, metals, stone and plaster to create beautiful shapes that balanced hard edges with curved forms. In 1947, Noguchi took on another role as a furniture designer for the illustrious Herman Miller company, producing a variety of items including what is now his most recognizable work, the Noguchi table. With so much on his plate, the artist spent most of his days in his studio. Read More »
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
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