Dope Design Featurette: Side Project Skateboards

Design junkies and skate culture fanatics alike should be drooling over Side Project Skateboards. The name describes the product better than my blog post ever could... they are literally a one time project, all handmade in Houston by a single craftsman. These vintage inspired boards are made from found/recovered hardwoods that are selected based on integrity and visual appeal. The finished pieces are painstakingly cut and finished by hand, then outfitted with the highest quality components, including hand-cut risers made of a single piece of Horween Chromexcel (!!!). I honestly would get one just to hang on a wall and admire, but they are fully rideable for those choosing to do so! The boards range from $435-$515, and only 18 of these were made. Once they're gone, they're gone forever. 

Available exclusively at www.sideprojectskateboards.com. Also, follow them on Instagram @SideProjectSkateboards!

Hello, Killer Little Antler Keyring!

Quick update! In my Holiday Gift Guide I shared an eye-catching, hand painted antler keyring available at Houndworthy through the Toronto based brand North. Lucky girl that I am, I've just received my own! This one is a single-tip version (as opposed to the double tip one I show in the gift guide) so I figured you'd all like to have a look!

(Also shown: my brass telescope keyring, $12 at TROVE GENERAL.)

Check out North on their Etsy shop or order keyrings through Houndworthy! They're all very unique, and perfect for girls, guys, whatever sort of human you are. 

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.

Feels like Fall: 5 Picks to Start the Season!

One year ago this very month, I started a little project I thought I'd call "the Dappled Waistcoat." After traveling around to different horse shows and trade fairs, and meeting people from around the country who oftentimes had given up more lucrative careers to pursue their passion for craftsmanship and product curation, I decided it was time to take to the web and give them their due. Truthfully, I didn't think that I would stick with blogging for that long. I assumed that I'd find myself uninspired and discouraged by the daunting "blogosphere," and that my voice would go unheard amidst the cacophony of other more established writers. It pleases me to say that this hasn't been the case. Through this blog, Twitter, and Instagram, I've met some amazing people, and there is no shortage of new and inspiring brands with stories to be told. So yes, Happy One Year Anniversary to the Dappled Waistcoat! 

Let me tell you, I've been delaying writing any kind of autumn-related post because I refuse to let go of summer. This is an annual problem, but I've lived in the Northeast my entire life... so I probably should have learned to cope with it by now. My signal that it's time to start writing about flannel and boots? The first morning that I have to put socks on to walk around my house. Strange as it may be, wearing socks while drinking coffee and reading the Times is what alerted me to the necessity of Fall blogging. 

It's hard to focus your attentions on what you really "need" every time a new season rolls around, and now after NY Fashion Week I like to hone in on just a few pieces that can serve as the home base for my Fall vibe. In this case, there are five of them. 

1. General Knot & Co.  Woodsman Plaid and Buffalo Check Corner-block Bandana, $45. The folks at GK really know their way around vintage fabric, and I really know my way around a bandana. Wear this with.... everything, it doesn't matter. Look at it! Are you kidding? If you don't feel like wearing a tie but you want to keep your neck looking fresh, this is the answer.

2. JCrew Excursion Quilted Vest in Camo, $138. I saw this while I quickly popped into JCrew to find a cardigan to wear to a wedding (I hate that I just said that) and my jaw fell to the floor. I don't think I'm alone in feeling that camo is the new neutral. Like denim, camo can be worn with just about anything and adds a bit of edge to more conservative fall colors and textures. When I go back to the store again this week to visit my dream vest, I'm sure they'll all be gone.

3. Greats Brand  Royale sneaker in Chocolate/White, $99. When I was in high school my mother would yell at me for wearing Vans and Converse in the fall/winter. She called them "summer shoes" because they were canvas. If I'd had these, she would have been stunned into silence. The Royales are Made in the USA with deerskin leather uppers and waxed cotton laces sitting atop a vachetta calfskin liner and imported Italian Margam rubber cup soles. It's a mouthful, but it's worth it. 

4. Penfield Idlewood daypack in Moon Tweed, $125. Made in USA from authentic Abraham Moon Tweed and leather trim. I like using the term "daypack" because it makes me feel less guilty about the fact that I'm not a student and I don't necessarily plan on just carrying this on my back. Like camo, this tweed will be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe while still managing to really stand out. Rugged and functional, but classic and beautiful.
5. HELM Boots Marion in Olive, $395. Designed in Texas, crafted in Maine. The Marions are made of olive green Horween Chromexcel, which means they have a matte, slightly waxy feel and they'll break in to look like they were made just for you. The soles are leather with a stitched, injected rubber mini-tap lug and signature white midsole. Helm make boots that work hard for people that work hard. It just so happens that they're also absolutely amazing to look at.

Next week I'll be heading down to Texas to work for Dubarry at the American Eventing Championships, so I'll get one last taste of blazing heat before Fall really sets in. Keep up with me on Instagram and Twitter for updates on my first Texan adventure, and as always, I welcome any suggestions or photos of your favorite Fall pieces!

Tradlands Vol. 2 Collection Launch!

Happy Labor Day! To help take the sting out of the oncoming shorter days and cooler weather, I'd like to celebrate the launch of San Francisco-based Tradlands Vol. 2 collection, and offer my readers a special discount code at the end of this post. Way back in February I featured the Vol. 1 buttondown shirts and admired their beautiful detailing and impeccable fit, and now they're back with an exciting new set that are even more impressive. 

My old favorite, the "Hayes Valley," has been transformed into the "Hayes & Laguna" with a lighter weight cotton, and I love the retro plaid of the "Pier 7." There are some brighter color options in the new collection as well, such as the minty "Sea Cliff" and the lavender "Cole Valley." They'll make great summer/fall transition pieces when paired with some deeper fall colors... or just your favorite dark pair of Levi's. Aside from searching for the best fabrics and buttons, co-founder Sadie's focus has always been on getting the best fit possible. Ladies can now achieve tomboy style without struggling to find shirts that aren't too baggy or too snug in the wrong places. All of the shirts are made in small batches right in San Francisco, and each one is named after a part of the city. I've said enough, though. These shots from their lookbook make it clear that these shirts have no problem speaking for themselves.

Tradlands "Fort Point" red/black flannel, $147

Tradlands "Pier 7", $127

The prices range from $127-$187, which is surprisingly reasonable for garments made locally of such high quality fabrics. However, Tradlands is offering a special discount to readers of The Dappled Waistcoat to celebrate their big Vol. 2 launch.

Enter "thedappledwaistcoat10" at checkout to get 10% off your entire order from the Tradlands site!

I'd love to see some photos of the new shirts in action - tag me @aezeum or @tradlands on Instagram, or shoot me an email at dappledwaistcoat@gmail.com!