Dapper Dog Styles: Houndworthy Edition

It's not every day that I receive a package from the UK, but when I do, it's for my dog. Today the little guy was lucky enough to get a box from England's own Houndworthy, and boy were we excited. I tend to have a "little kid on Christmas morning" reaction to awesome packaging, and Houndworthy nails it. Good gear for dogs and eye candy for aesthetically-minded humans.

After months of wanting to replace his nylon harness with something a bit more suitable for his distinguished, gentlemanly nature, I'm pleased to have replaced it with the Houndworthy Monogram Collar & Lead set. Made in Kent, England from vegetable dyed Italian leather and sturdy brass hardware, it's really beautiful and understated. It's available in four different color combos, with your dog's name (and number if you want) stamped right into the leather.

As if it weren't enough that they took him to the next level of awesome dog-ness, they threw in a Scottish deer antler chew... which he promptly began parading around the house like a mob boss with a giant cigar. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

This is the equation: 
Cheap stuff looks cheap.
Looking good is feeling good.
ERGO
Cheap stuff doesn't look good.
If you don't look good, you don't feel good.
DO THE MATH.**

**I have a degree in English Literature. Please forgive my attempt at symbolic logic.

the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide and other Happenings!

In the midst of my aversion to all things related to "Black Friday" and the circus that is holiday shopping, I've truly enjoyed taking a lot of time to dream up my holiday gift guide. This year has been quite a journey for me as far as discovering new products and making new friends in the small business world is concerned, so in the spirit of mixing old with new, this year's guide features 'old faithful' brands that we all love and trust like Dubarry and Woolrich, alongside some smaller, younger brands like Barnwood Leather and Houndworthy. Let it also be emphasized that I'm of the QUALITY over QUANTITY philosophy. One gift, that's a bit more expensive but unique, stylish, and functional, is infinitely more meaningful than a pile of Black Friday doorbuster specials. 

Also, click through after the Guide for a peek at what I've been up to...

I should probably title this section: "Stuff Anne Loves and/or Wants," because that's basically what it is. (No, I'm not sorry.) 1. Dubarry of Ireland "Behan" jacket, $479. Full disclosure: I own it, and it's been my favorite piece all season (see mine at the bottom of the post). It's a Gore-tex lined (waterproof and breathable), classic quilted style with a bit of a motorcycle jacket vibe. The collar is amazing and the cut is really tailored, plus it's got handwarmer pockets, a hidden inside pocket, and 3 more outside pockets. 2. Dolce Vita "Assam Tea Booties," $129 at Anthropologie. For a leather Chelsea boot, the price on these is really reasonable, and I've had good luck with Dolce Vita footwear before, so I trust the quality without seeing them in person. The pop of orange on the gusset really transforms these into a distinctive piece that I'd base an outfit around. They come in all black smooth leather as well, but ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (see what I did there?) 3. Swiss Army for Hudson Bay pocket knife, $40 at Trove General Store. What girl (or guy) couldn't use a little pocket knife? Hey, if you get the Behan jacket you can stick it in your hidden pocket! Though it's a pretty basic gadget, the iconic Hudson Bay stripes ensure quite a bit of stylistic longevity in this little conversation piece. 4. Sanctuary "Patch Me Thru" vegan leather sweater, $88 at Wildfang. This is the Joan Jett, Wednesday Addams, Lisbeth Salander answer to all of your technicolor holiday garb. Simple and understated with a dash of badass, and yes, I said vegan. I can't tell you how I lust for this sweater! Wildfang is a Portland based shop created for reckless tomboys like myself - watch out! They're starting a movement. 

City boys are catching on to the benefits of hard working country style gear... and the country boys are getting more dapper. I decided they should meet halfway. So whether your dude tromps around the concrete jungle or sneaks off to hunting cabins, these picks should have universal appeal. 1. Colorblock Antler Keyring from North at  Houndworthy, $32 (£22). Each one of these Canadian antler keyrings is unique, (as no two deer are alike), and the color sequence varies as well, so there will be no confusion about which keys belong to you! P.S. The antlers are naturally shed, so no deer are hurt. 2. Dubarry of Ireland "Kerry" boot, $399. Ladies and gentleman, the world's first and only Gore-tex lined, waterproof Chelsea boot. They have a proper hand-cut leather sole with a stacked leather heel and rubber on the bottom for grip. The ultimate winter dress boot for the guy who works in the city and needs to look sharp. 3. Woolrich x Topo Designs "Klettersack" backpack, $249. Made in Colorado by Topo using Woolrich's heavy duty wool on the outside with a coated pack cloth liner on the inside. The entire Topo x Woolrich collaboration line is worth checking out, as they're made in very limited numbers! 4. Manastash Panel Parka, $450 at Trove General Store. Aside from the fact that they use extremely high quality fabrics, Manastash excels at creating pieces with an almost retro vibe that are somewhat insane looking, but indescribably appealing. The Panel Parka is completely waterproof with cozy handwarmer pockets.

As far as gift giving goes, fine leather goods are a no-brainer. If it's handmade, then that's even better. 1. Ball and Buck x Danner Light, $376. Ball and Buck has made a name for themselves by epitomizing the dignity inherent in American hunting and sporting culture. Their collaboration with the bootmaking icons at Danner features tough Vibram Gumlite soles supporting Gore-tex lined leather and camouflage uppers. Handsome enough for the street, hardcore enough for the field. 2. River City Leather "Smallet," $70. I've been following RCL for quite a while on Instagram and always admired this piece, and since they've just opened their online shop I figured it was a good time to pay the Smallet its due. Quite a simple little wallet, but I'm a sucker for the asymmetrical snap design. 3. Teranishi Brand iPhone 5 case, $85. I had my Trove x Teranishi iPhone 4 case for a long time and it served me well. This updated model does what most leather cases cannot, in that it maintains the streamlined silhouette of the phone while still giving it ample coverage and protection. Also, just wait and see what an amazing patina the natural leather will pick up after some use! 4. Barnwood Leather "Original Outdoor Office," $135 before Dec 13, $190 after. With room for notebook, tablet, cards, pens, etc., this sweet little carryall hearkens back to days of yore when people toted around day planners, yet it manages to capture a modern minimalist aesthetic. The dudes behind Barnwood are producing these high quality goods and sharing the profits with two nonprofit organizations that provide kids with horse-related therapy, and give food to children who are going hungry! A "feel good" purchase if there ever was one. 

Now for the "Happenings" part of the post...

Bringing Back the Heirloom Ideal: pucciManuli

If the "shop small" movement is going to gain real traction and bring change to the way we think as consumers, we must begin by instilling in the next generation an appreciation for unique, well-made goods. I have nephews, and I've observed that they watch TV and "WANT" every toy in every commercial. Though I'm sure I wasn't much different when I was a little kid, it's a bit scary to see it as an adult and know that these ads and commercials are grooming a new generation of rapid consumers. The toy industry generates billions of dollars a year, selling generic products cheaply made in massive quantities. How many of these toys will stand the test of time? How many will be passed down to future generations?

This is where people like pucciManuli's Carrie Kohs step in. Fifteen years spent working in corporate advertising/marketing left Carrie feeling uninspired, and she gave up her safe but ultimately unfulfilling career to help her father with his toy business. After spending a week at the prestigious Nuremberg International Toy Fair, she felt compelled to create a space of her own, where she could promote the wares of a carefully selected group of niche toymakers and artisans:

"In every case, the toys that managed to catch my eye were toys made by individuals. In addition, I found that each of these toys had their own, unique wonderful story. While the toymakers themselves were there to promote their toys, upon introduction of yourself, you learned who these artisans were as people and could immediately sense the passion and pride they had for their craft – something you just don’t find in today’s fast paced, technology-driven, plastic world."

After years of traveling around the horse show/trade fair circuit, and a couple of holiday seasons with a stand at the Ardmore Farmer's Market in Ardmore, PA, Carrie finally opened up a brick-and-mortar shop just a few minutes down the road, on Cricket Avenue in Ardmore. The exposed brick, tin ceiling, and wooden floors are the perfect setting for pucciManuli's veritable menagerie of giant stuffed animals, (works of art, really), puzzles, pillows, puppets, blankets, books and house gifts.

breathtaking Hansa handmade elephant lording over the shop. 

Stevenson Brothers rocking horse.

The shop includes an incredible variety of speciality goods, ranging from $6 Austrian, handmade wooden spinning tops to $20,000 custom Stevenson Brothers rocking horses from England. Carrie chooses toys for her shop that have the power to create distinct and meaningful narratives, whether it be the history of the toy or the backstory of the toymaker, each piece is extraordinary and very much worth holding on to.

Silk-screened animal pillows are made by a couple of local artists in nearby Bucks County, PA.

NY-based Lands Downunder Italian Herringbone throw blankets.

The full collection is available online at www.pucciManuli.com, along with profiles of some of the toymakers she features. Her selection of bespoke, limited edition, heirloom, and one-of-a-kind pieces is truly unrivaled. Our children need to grow up hearing stories, creating their own, and passing them down. Shopping conscientiously is a mindset and a lifestyle that can never be taught too early. So, skip the BLACK FRIDAY sales at Toys 'R Us and have a chat with Carrie Kohs instead. She'll help you find the perfect special "something."

Additionally, Carrie donates a portion of her profits to children's charities such as UNICEF, to help allow every child realize his/her right to a fair shot in this world.

After the jump... some shots from the pucciManuli booth at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, and the important interview I did with one of the resident primates.