Dreams of Camping

While I do understand the appeal of using rugged products for urban life, (via Range Rover commercials where the safari SUV is navigating Manhattan), nothing compares to going off the pavement and using products with utility to reconnect with the natural world. I've never been camping for real, and every fall I get the urge to try it. I love hiking and being in the woods, and I generally prefer being as far away from large crowds of people as possible, so camping is extremely appealing to me. This year I've vowed to finally get out in the woods, pitch a tent, and warm myself by a campfire. In my dream camping universe, these are a few things I would have.

Montana Canvas, based just north of Yellowstone National Park, makes all of their camping products right here in the USA. They also have all sorts of camping stoves, bedrolls, saddle packs, and whatever else you could imagine needing out in the grand old wilderness. I'd have no problem cozying up in their Wedge Tent after an evening of drinking cocoa by the campfire in my trusty Stanley thermos.

For just about a hundred years Stanley has been making super durable and functional thermalware. Because let's be honest... nobody wants lukewarm coffee or cocoa on a chilly night. Or cold feet.

Keeping warm while camping is a preoccupation of mine, and I'm pretty passionate about socks. I think it goes along with being passionate about good boots, but the right socks for the job can make life a thousand times easier. I have a pair of these Fox River Mills Outdoorsox, and they are absolutely brilliant. The company started in Wisconsin in 1900 making socks for lumberjacks, whom I'd imagine have pretty high standards. Their wool wicks away perspiration and moisture to keep your feet dry, so you never get clammy feet. They are extra cushiony as well, perfect for keeping your feet comfortable on a long day of hiking in the woods, or chopping down trees, (your choice). 

Campfire time in your warm socks with your awesome thermos seems a little lacking without being wrapped up in a blanket. Pendleton's National Parks collection of blankets are perfect for this task. The Yosemite and Glacier Park editions are my favorites, but they all have amazing, retro stripes and prints in each park's official colors. For the times at home in between camping adventures, this blanket would look beautiful on a bed as well. 

No camping supply list is complete without a sleeping bag. The Sportsman's XL Camp Sleeping Bag from LL Bean is big and roomy -- great for someone like me with a dog who likes to snuggle up under the covers, or just someone really tall.

This is all really great, but it definitely seems like a lot to carry. Enter Topo Designs, whose clutch collaboration we explored previously. Topo was started by a couple of dudes in Colorado who love doing things outside and wanted to make quality gear that could keep up to their standards. All of their bags are both rugged and multifunctional, but for my camping-fantasy purposes, the Klettersack would likely serve me best. You can fit plenty of stuff inside, and it has leather lash tabs on the exterior to hook on extra gear if necessary. It has a laptop sleeve inside as well, for keeping it rugged once you return to your more urban pursuits.

Mark my words, my camping fantasy will come true this fall. When it does, photos and anecdotes will surely follow. In the meantime, I will continue to dream about all of these goodies and try to hide my credit cards from myself. 

As always, I'd appreciate any input or suggestions on camping supplies, as I am clearly a camping fangirl/newbie.

Montana Canvas

Stanley

Fox River Mills

Pendleton

LL Bean

Topo Designs

Wishlist: Dubarry Edition

I had the pleasure of working at the Hampton Classic Horse Show for my friends at Dubarry of Ireland this past Labor Day weekend, and I was able to try out some of their newest designs. Here are some favorites/must-haves, including the tweed waistcoat that inspired this very blog:

"Daisy" in Connemara Smoke

"Iris" shirt in White

"Swift" Gore-tex lined jacket in Olive

The Daisy vest is cut exquisitely... really top notch tailoring. It's easy enough to dress up or down as well, so it's definitely a piece that could get a lot of mileage in the fall/winter seasons. The Iris shirt really caught my attention because of the subtle, tuxedo-like panels in the front. Unlike a lot of other shirts striving towards the same vibe, the Iris has the detail without adding any bulk. The comfortable,  two-way stretch cotton fabric is form-fitting without having any bunching, giving the shirt a stunning silhouette. In the outerwear department, I've been searching for a proper weatherproof jacket that still has some kind of tailored shape for a very long time, to no avail. Dubarry's older "Skerrit" and "Sutton" jackets have the same idea, but the "Swift" seals the deal with the belt and more prominent hourglass shape. 

The unquestionable practicality and quality of all these items make it really hard for me to not blow up my credit card. Regardless of what's on the runways this fall, I feel the most comfortable and stylish in classic and versatile pieces. Also, the fact that I currently own no waterproof outerwear aside from a hat and a couple pairs of boots leaves the other 90% of my body sorely neglected. Christmas is coming though, I guess I should probably start behaving... probably. WINTER IS COMING.

Dubarry.us

Field Trip! Greenport Maritime Festival

This weekend was the annual Maritime Festival in Greenport, NY. My favorite part is looking at the big special boats they have docked there, but there are some interesting vintage finds and antiques to be had in the street fair part of it as well. The drive east to Greenport is dotted with farmstands, so we stock up on homegrown goods before the season is over. I DID drive by the Wm. J. Mills & Co. shop in the hopes of seeing some of their awesome bags in person, but they unfortunately close on Sundays.

Farm stand friends!

It doesn't get much more local than buying produce from someone's front yard.

Better Bags

In truth, I have a really hard time getting excited about handbags. I don't carry that much stuff around with me either, so the only time a roomy bag ever comes in handy is when I'm with a few people and we need to smuggle snacks and drinks into the movie theater. It is due to my apathy and lack of enthusiasm about bags in general, however, that you should pay extra mind to this collection of bags that I am actually rather excited about.

To set the scene, let me introduce you to the bag I've used for the majority of the past 5 years: the Strand tote.

This bag has been through the wash. It's been re-sewn in a couple of spots. As you can see, it's had a couple of highlighters go capless inside of it (wild stuff). But the medium size, durable (recycled) material, and absence of excessive pockets and compartments have made this an ideal companion for my neurotically minimalistic mode of being. Also awesome: the bag is made in the USA, comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is only $15 from Strand Books. Sadly I do realize that I can't drag around my war-torn Strand tote forever, and that is why for this post I've compiled an assortment of bags that would suit me just fine. 

I first saw the Pointer Brand Woodland Tote on Trove General Store's blog. Charlotte and Foster of Trove are good friends of mine and they always pick the best stuff to carry in the shop. Pointer is a classic American brand, and everything has been made right in Tennessee for almost a hundred years now.

At $60 it's significantly more expensive than the Strand bag, but it's roomier and probably quite a bit more well-made too. If I had the extra cash I'd probably order this bag right now, honestly. 

Fjallraven is another brand that I was initially introduced to by my friends at Trove General, but in the past few years I've seen them in different places and popping up in random urban "Street Style" blogs. They started off small 50 years ago in Sweden and have since expanded as a global brand, while still keeping true to their mission to make products that mindfully facilitate an outdoor lifestyle. 

In backpack form, the $55 Kånken Mini's dimensions and price are comparable to the Pointer tote. I think the black/red that I've shown might be my favorite color option, but the olive/red is a close second. This probably wouldn't be my choice for my everyday bag, but I can see it coming in handy for day trips and urban excursions.

If I wanted to placate my complete aversion towards carrying things around, I would absolutely go with the "So Clutch" collaboration between Topo Designs of Colorado and Mrs. P. Hicks. It's a cheeky nod to the envelope clutch trend that refuses to abandon some functional utilitarianism, (detachable strap included).

This bag fits the essentials, for me: phone, wallet, Field Notes, keys, chapstick. The $69 price tag is totally worth it for this bag, since they're only producing 50 of them (!!) and it's a collaboration of two very cool small brands, worth supporting. 

Something I've only just discovered are the bags of Wm. J. Mills & Co., of Greenport, NY. Greenport is a lovely little harbor town on the North Shore of Long Island, about a 30 minute drive from my house. The bags are made in the same sail loft in Greenport that they've been making marine products in since 1880. The materials are weather-resistant as well, and the stitching is all reinforced. 

At $150 the retro-inspired Flight Bag (top) is sadly out of my financial reach right now, but I plan on making a pilgrimage to their brick and mortar the next time I'm out in Greenport. I'm thrilled that something this cool is so close to home for me. 

Pointer Brand

Topo Designs

Mrs. P. Hicks

Fjallraven

Wm. J. Mills & Co.

In my eternal quest for tolerable baggage, I welcome any bag suggestions or feedback!

Boots to Fall For

A very wise Dutch gentleman once told me that he couldn't respect a woman who wore sneakers, (I believe he called them "gym shoes," actually). Nothing compares, he stressed, to proper leather footwear. For whatever reason, I was very struck by that simple image of a "woman in sneakers," or a man in sneakers for that matter, and have made a point of working against that. After a blazing hot New York summer where my Rainbow flip-flops and my Ariat paddock boots were the only footwear that saw any action, I'm ready to jump back into boots for fall.

I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that every boot I've posted works for both men and women. I generally hate the overt attempt at feminization that is evident in any kind of rugged outerwear made exclusively for women, so I think these styles are classic and functional, and transcend any kind of gender labeling. The first two I've posted are the Danner Light Heathman and the Danner Mountain Light Stark, both a part of their Stumptown collection and as always, made in Portland, Oregon. They're gorgeous, well-made, rugged, and will look better and better the more you abuse them. 

Next we have the iconic Dubarry Galway boot. It took me a couple of years to warm up to the black/brown color, because I always preferred the brown ones that I have (see the next image: me standing in the floodwaters of the Schuylkill River August 2011 after the hurricane). I like having a lot of contrast in my wardrobe, and the black/brown just WORKS. I've had Dubarrys for over 6 years now though... walked through blizzards, rivers, horse s**t, some pretty unspeakable things, and they haven't once failed me. They are lined to the very top with Gore-tex and the leather is Dry Fast-Dry Soft, so they don't get warped and weird over time.

Last but not least are the Blundstone 500. A unisex work boot icon, still made in Australia. I have them in the all black, but I do appreciate the contrasting lighter gusset on the Stout Brown color option. They are more water resistant than waterproof, but I've worn them in the rain, snow, and walked through puddles without any incident. I initially bought them when my quest for something classic yet resembling combat boots left me empty handed, and they've done the job well. I like wearing them with some kind of colorful sock over my jeans. Aesthetically it's pleasing to me, but it's also rather practical for hiking or walking through the woods, since the boots aren't tall. 

Though there are a lot of boots that look cool out there, it's not enough for me if they don't serve a functional purpose. Hence, my gripe with the majority of women's fashion footwear. If the leather isn't real, or is cheaply tanned, or the stitching is poorly done, or the soles are super thin, I'm just not interested. I'd like to be ready for any kind of adventure that comes my way, or at the very least... wearing something very comfortable. 

Danner Stumptown Collection

Dubarry

Blundstone

Vintage Treasures, Handed Down

What's better than vintage goods in excellent condition? Free vintage goods in excellent condition. Thanks to a keen eye and some basement and family garage sale snooping, I've uncovered my fair share of oldies-but-goodies from mom, dad, aunt, and grandparents that they'd more or less forgotten about. Let me preface this post by saying that I realize that most people don't have designer stuff by brands like Pendleton and Cartier lying around their homes. However, even a brand X item that's 30 or 40 years old and in reasonably good shape can be an amazing conversation piece if the vintage feel and timeless style are on point. Anyway, this is a sampling of my favorite finds.

My dad received this Pendleton shirt for Christmas in 1950 and he was kind enough to let me have it. It's a bit oversize for me, but paired with black skinny jeans, my Fox River socks and Blundstones, it's the ultimate chilly day outfit. What one would pay for a 60+ year old Pendleton shirt in perfect condition, I have no idea, but I love that it was my father's, and I love that it has a bit of a story to it.

I saw these two gems at a garage sale at my aunt and uncle's house in July. I spotted the black envelope clutch and gasped, as it was literally just days earlier I read about how hard these were coming back for fall via Celine's minimalism and Coach's Legacy collection. The clutch is by Koret, all genuine leather, and probably purchased some time in the 60's. The scarf is bright and cheerful, and the fact that it has so many colors makes it really easy to pair with a multitude of things.

Gem of all gems: my grandmother's Cartier tank watch. It had been laying around for quite a while, unused by anyone, because the original leather strap had snapped with age (the watch is from some time in the mid 70's). The simple solution was to get the strap replaced, obviously, and I've been wearing it almost every day since. It likely would have cost me a few hundred dollars to get a genuine Cartier replacement strap, so I opted for one from my local family jeweler that looks exactly the same for $15. Elegant, understated, and classic, and free. Yeah... most importantly, free.

I have a fascination with skeleton keys, which I think many people share. It's interesting to me that these keys were once a normal household thing: doors locked, keys opened them. A pretty simple concept, but the keys have been saved over the decades because they're actually quite beautiful on their own. This box of assorted lead skeleton keys, magnets, and tie clips is my father's from his childhood home, but he didn't mind if I took the keys and used them for necklaces. I put one of the keys on an old, long silver chain, and it gets a lot of attention any time I wear it. No complaints here.

Apart from the joy that comes from finding an old treasure, it can be a really wonderful bonding experience to talk to people about when they got something and what sorts of adventures they've had with it. I don't think it's materialistic to attach some sentimental value to such objects, I think it's human nature. It makes me sad that so much of our family/social histories are being stored on computers these days, so I find it extremely rewarding to make human connections over found/saved objects. The sense-memory that we've attached to these objects is even more valuable than the objects themselves, and it would be a shame to let that slip away. 

Most Recent Purchase: Stern Design Works

Every year I go to the Hampton Classic Horse Show, sometimes to watch, other times to work. I always like to start my jaunt with a tour around the Boutiques Garden to see what familiar faces are there, and what new and interesting vendors have come in. After seeing a whole lot of the same and feeling a bit disappointed, I was suddenly drawn to the booth of Stern Design Works. The layout of their space was lovely, and the careful arrangement of hanging necklaces and carefully strewn earrings and rings gave you the sense that you were amidst delicate things crafted with love. The Brooklyn-based husband and wife team behind SDW, Cameron and Rebecca Stern, were eager to chat about their experiences starting up a business together. Though it is by no means the easy path, Cameron felt that the inevitable struggles of being a small, independent business were worthwhile, thanks to the sense of pride that comes with loving what you do. Rebecca is the jewelry-crafting genius, who fell in love with it while studying Sculpture and Jewelry at the Pratt Institute, while Cameron's experience working as a theatrical technician lends to their beautiful and unique displays.

I couldn't help but purchase a necklace and matching earrings from the Chroma collection. Each piece is meant to invoke the feeling of looking at a slide under a microscope. I also loved the mix of base metals, with the copper chain contrasting the brass rim of the pendant.

I also heavily regret not purchasing this crystal necklace, because I'm very much in love with it.

Basically, you could not meet a nicer couple, and everything they have is unlike any jewelry I've seen anywhere before. They have other collections as well, which I encourage you to explore either through their website sterndesignworks.com or their Etsy shop. 

The first image is my own, all the rest are from the Stern Design Works website and their Pinterest board.

Mission Statement

To get to what this blog is about, I first need to take you along on a tangent about social networking. About 2 months ago, I deleted Facebook. It had reached a point where things that were being said and done on Facebook were beginning to negatively affect my emotional well-being. Taking a step back, I realized how ridiculous it was that something intangible, on the internet, could consume that much space in my head. The decision to delete it was as much a step in the right direction for me emotionally as it was a valuable social experiment. Lo and behold, days and weeks after my internet presence had faded, friends and acquaintances who I didn't normally talk to were texting or calling me directly and looking to hang out, IN PERSON. This is a wild notion. After the fact, I saw a video (posted below) that perfectly expressed what I was feeling, and more, and really changed the way I think about a lot of things beyond Facebook.

This isn't a blog about Facebook. However, the idea that the rapid globalization of social networking AND consumerism will lead to an implosive collapse is relevant to my cause at The Dappled Waistcoat. I have a Masters degree in English Literature from one of the best Universities in the country. I work a part-time retail job. When people ask me what I do, I don't say "I work retail at _______." I tell them I'm a "starving artist" because I feel that there's more dignity in starving and being creative than selling my soul to a corporation for a pathetic hourly wage. This blog is meant to unite and encourage other artists, starving and otherwise. The bottom line is that we need to localize our consumption of goods and services. Not only does supporting small businesses and local artisans bolster the community economically, but it has an undeniable psychological effect as well. You feel good buying something and knowing who made it and where your money is going. The person/business you've purchased from feels good because they are creating something that will be used and appreciated. This is a relationship that is mutually beneficial. 

I do recognize, thanks to personal experience, that this can be a very expensive way to live for the average person. I can't afford to always spend more on things that are handmade or locally crafted, but I do what I can. If everyone opened their eyes just a little bit and were more mindful of what they were buying, we'd see an economic and emotional improvement in all of our communities. 

In this blog, I intend to feature small businesses and other "starving artists," as well as larger, established brands with a reputation for integrity and quality. I've met a lot of people in the past few years working to build something on their own that they are proud of, and it has been a massive inspiration for me. I look forward to sharing with you.

First post!

Hello! This post is a test. However, the Dappled Waistcoat will focus on spreading the word about artists and craftspeople making leather goods, clothing and accessories, and lifestyle gear that suits a more mindful and quality-driven individual. I'm here to steer you away from shopping malls and encouraging spending a little more money on fewer things, all well-made-in-the-USA or from heritage brands known for their years of craftsmanship.

Also, any shops or artists looking to be featured/recognized, feel free to send us an email at dappledwaistcoat@gmail.com.

Follow us on Twitter @dappldwaistcoat.