An Inside Look at the Strong Brand

I first stumbled upon the Strong Brand several months ago on Instagram, where I've found many new brands and shops. It's really proven to be a great outlet because you don't just see the product, but also the story, the vibe, and the people behind what they're selling. The Strong Brand particularly touched me with their mix of old trucks, shooting photos, outdoorsy scenes, and their hats worn by people in various acts of all-American good fun. From what I can tell, they more or less invented the hashtag #strongsled and now field photo submissions of old beat up trucks from around the country. Why? Because, why not? It's cool, it's what they like, and it's this attitude that made me fall in love with their small line of hats and t-shirts. They're proof that this generation of young, brand-conscious sartorialists isn't dominated by precious hipsters in thick rimmed glasses. Oh no, there are some real, thorough dudes at work here.

I approached Don for an interview piece because I wanted to get to know what this young, small brand is all about. What I inferred from Instagram is that they are proudly American without being cheesily patriotic*, and they don't take themselves too seriously. This is a brand I wanted to know more about, and I figured you'd all feel the same. 
*(see: Dads in tube socks, dirty white Reeboks, baggy jean shorts and an Old Navy t-shirt with the American flag on it, holding a Bud Light in a koozie)

Read the interview after the jump...

Mother's Day 2013 Gift Guide!

I always have a tough time shopping for my mom, because she likes to play the martyr and pretend that she doesn't want anything. Assuming that many of us have similarly selfless and humble ladies as mothers, I offer you a few ideas for whichever vibe your mom likes to exude.

I've seen the Dubarry Tuskar shirt in person, on a lovely lady who is, in fact, a mom, and it's unbelievably flattering and well tailored. Honestly... just a gorgeous shirt. It comes in red as well. As for the bag, I have an older model Dubarry handbag similar to the Ballymena (which also comes in Walnut), and it's the perfect size for the no-frills kind of gal that doesn't need much with her aside from her wallet, keys, phone, and some lipstick. If you like the saddle bag style but want something a bit bigger, try out the Clara from Dubarry instead. 

The classic American style of the Jones St. Stripe from Tradlands will please even the pickiest mom, PLUS it's made right in San Francisco. The Woodwear Malibu sunglasses are also made in California, of eco-friendly sustainable bamboo with polarized lenses. Do I sense a California themed Mother's Day? 

Finally, every mom could use some time to relax, and I can't see a better shirt to do it in than the Mae Nighshirt from Imogene+Willie. It's a roomy silk/cotton blend that puts the silky part on the inside (where it counts). Long enough to wear alone but stylish enough to wear with a pair of jeans if mom is forced off the couch and out on the town... this shirt is so cool that realistically, you may end up stealing it from her. Just make sure you don't get caught. P.S. Don't make mom squint... hook her up with cute reading glasses!

Oh, you're probably going to need to get her a card as well. The baby-bump Mother's Day card from Terrapin Stationers is the obvious choice. The inside reads: "AREN'T YOU GLAD I MOVED OUT? HAPPY MOTHERS DAY." 

WHERE TO BUY:

Dubarry

Tradlands

Imogene+Willie

Anthropologie

Woodwear Sunglasses

Terrapin