For this Date Night, Skip asked for a movie from the 80s and I figured, who doesn’t enjoy Big! Sometimes you just need to let your inner kid out and be more fun, especially on a date with someone you like. Head over to Alex Grant to see Skip’s look of Josh as a kid.
T-Shirt, Levi’s 501 Jeans, New Balance, Silly String
“Made Right Here” pitch spot from RICK PAGE on Vimeo.
It’s no secret that friends Max Wastler and Joe Gannon love checking out how things are made in America; be it taking a factory tour or checking out an artisan’s home and studio. Needless to say I was thrilled to see their pilot for “Made Right Here”, a series concentrating on the goods still made in the good ol’ USA and the skilled people who make them. To all my readers, I hope you go ahead and share this pilot with your friends and family. This is such an amazing concept and who better to bring it to life than Joe, Max, and Mr. Productions Matt Springer and Rick Page.
*Dedicated to the lovely and bright, Cary Randolph Fuller
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Heading up to the boyfriend’s home in Boothbay for a weekend vacation and a trip to the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity. I can’t wait to buy some pumpkins, pet some piglets and sheep, eat some buy, peruse some crafts, and maybe even take a hay ride. We will definitely be picking up some vintage posters from the past years of the fair. Check out years 2000 – 2011 above and head over here to see back to 1977. Each one is illustrated beautifully. Perfect art for the kitchen or entryway walls in my opinion.
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This weekend is the weekend of fairs. My boyfriend and I will be heading up to the Common Ground Fair in Maine, but we’re sad to be missing the Peru Fair next to my hometown of Manchester,Vermont. Good family friend James Fox of 10engines will be attending the Peru Fair with his family, so if you make it up (which I highly recommend you do) be sure to say hi to him – he’ll show you around as only a true local can. He put together a fair look on his blog and asked me to contribute one as well for the gents. You can see both over at 10engines. I decided to put together a ladies’ look here for fair going. The perfect get up for a day filled with baked goods, crafts, hay rides, and petting zoos. Fall has officially arrived and I couldn’t be more stoked.
Sanita Clogs, Barbour Sweater, Pendleton Hat, Chance Co. Shirt , Hill-Side Scarf, Rilleau Leather Bag, Baldwin Denim Jeans, Ursa Major Earrings
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image via 10engines
As many of you know, I do the New England Sayings illustrated series here on N’East Style. My good friend James Fox of 10engines has helped and supported me tremendously with the series. For Jeezum Crow, which originated from our homestate of VT, we decided to make it into a collaborative decal and adapted it with the names of our two blogs. After the wreckage that Irene brought upon Vermont, James jumped on the opportunity to turn this collaboration into an opportunity to support the Vermont Foodbank. At $1 a pop, all proceeds go to the foodbank. You can pick up a sticker at Ball & Buck in the North End of Boston, or if you see James walking around the city, he’ll likely have a few on hand. Let me know directly at neaststyle at gmail if you really want one but can’t get at us in Boston.
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A branch of Boomerangs opened this summer in Central Square (near my new neighborhood of Cambridgeport) and is throwing a store opening party this evening. If you are a Boston resident, you are probably aware of the mission statement of this small chain of second-hand shops. They donate 100% of their proceeds to the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. So if you are a Cambridge resident, or in the area this evening, I recommend swinging by for a glass of something yummy and some shopping. I hear this location has an amazing used book section.
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I met Philip Saul at the Old & New pop-up shop in August in NYC and have been impatiently waiting his store Sault New England. The shop opened on September 8th and has already been the talk of the town. Located on Tremont Street in the South End of Boston, Philip has created the sort of men’s shop most folk wish existed but have never found. Until now of course. I hung out with Philip at his store this past Sunday and took some pictures of the amazing space and had a chat with him about the store, his favorite brands, what inspires him, and what makes this new shop so special.
Q. Where are you from originally and how did you find your way to Boston?
A. I’m originally form a small town in Pennsylvania, about 45 Min outside of Philadelphia. I moved here about 10 years ago for a position with Urban Outfitters. Ive always loved the New England area and its history. Boston is rich with history but still has plenty of green spaces so you don’t feel trapped in a “concrete jungle”. I love how Boston is positioned between amazing beaches on the Cape, and breathtaking mountains up North.
Q. What inspired you to open a men’s shop and how did you decide on the location?
A. I have always thought of opening a small shop of sorts. I just didn’t know how to put all the pieces together to make it happen. There have been a few shops that I have visited during my travels that have been inspiring to me. I love walking into a shop and instantly knowing the vision of the owner. It could be all new product all vintage or like SAULT a mix of both. In those instances I always make a point to tell the owner or the shop keep what a great space they have created. I think its important to not take creativity for granted.
Q. You have the perfect variety of goods in your store; it’s already a one-stop-shop. Can you elaborate on how you selected the brands and products you carry?
A. Since i live here in the South End I know the neighborhood pretty well and how diverse it is. I waned to make sure that almost anyone could come in enjoy the space and pic up something. I started out with the concept of carrying products and brands that I believe in and I own. I think its key as a small businesses owner to know your product and really believe in it. I think customers deserve to know a little something about what they are buying.
Q. What are some brands that you are really pumped to be offering to Boston residents?
A. I’m a huge fan of Rogues Gallery and how that brand fits into the New England lifestyle. The reaction has been so positive that I just added their flannels and some sweaters for fall. I’m psyched to have the brand Ivy Prepster in the shop. They are new company that’s based in here in Mass and I think they make the best knit ties and great patterned pocket squares. Perfect for that classic casual prep look. I’m excited to get in some button down shirts from the New England Shirt Company. They are also based here in Mass and have a rich history of making well made men’s shirts. I am also excited about getting in a newer brand called Penny-Stock. Its the perfect line that falls between Rogues and the preppy-er product.
Q. The antique accents and furnishings in your store are fantastic and really complete the space. Where are your favorite places for antiquing?
A. I really wanted SAULT to reflect my personal style. I think the mix of Old/ vintage and New is key to making the shop feel real and not too perfect. Its sort of like how I dress, vintage wingtips, classic dark wash jeans, maybe a casual basic tee and a classic cardigan. I will give my Dad 100% credit for teaching me/passing down his eye for finding the best “stuff” We would spend hours together going to flea markets and yard sales as a kid. It can be over whelming to some to look at but its all about the edited eye. Brimfield is prob. My favorite place to go to find antiques and collectibles. Everyone should experience it once in their life. That is if you like that sort of “stuff” I have collected things from all over to add the right look and feel to the shop. Actually, I have something good from every state in New England in the shop.
Q. What websites, magazines, books, movies, people, etc, do you use for daily inspiration?
A. I know this may be corny but I really find inspiration in everything I do. I look to the past and the present for fashion inspiration. I like like to people watch and like to pic out those who have great personal style. I know many magazines and web sites focus on young people for inspiration but, I have to say I think that Old School Bostonians have some amazing style. I do admit I have a bit of WASP envy.
Q. The South End is a very creative and energetic neighborhood, how do you anticipate the store becoming part of the community?
A. I really hope that SAULT New England becomes a South End Staple. I want to be the shop that people visit when they want something unique and clever. SAULT will always strive to inject some humor, be ironic, stay fresh, and always be original in everything we do.
PS Don’t miss out on their recently launched tumblr as well.
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My respect for Patagonia doubled when I discovered their new Common Threads Initiative. It takes a bold, honest, and moral company to encourage their customers not to buy new product from them more often. Instead of just being reactive by recycling, Patagonia encourages their loyal customers to consume less. Repair and reuse product until you’ve exhausted it, then recycle it. And considering the quality of Patagonia’s goods, wearing, say, their Retro-X fleece to the ground will take a lot longer than you might think. Patagonia partnered with eBay to create the Common Threads Initiative store where you can sell or buy used Patagonia gear. Take a moment and pledge to join the Common Threads Initiative and the next time you need a fleece, shell, or fishing waders, head to the shop on eBay first before heading to the store.
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Back in the Spring, friends Joe Gannon and Max Wastler (the two masters of all things cool, American, and in Max’s case, plaid) approached me about designing the logo for their new shop Buckshot Sonny’s. Needless to say I jumped for joy at the opportunity to collaborate with them on the project. We went back and forth on the font as I drew it, playing with angle, spacing, scale, etc. Photos of old sports and general store signs were the inspiration for their concept for the logo. Joe and Max were amazing to work with and I like to think the end result is pretty awesome. They’ll be unveiling goods from their shop tomorrow at Northern Grade in Minneapolis, MN. If you are lucky enough to be withing driving distance, I highly recommend attending. BS will be joined by other friends of noteworthy brands such as Left Field NYC, Pierrepont Hicks, Tailor Stitch, Widdershins Knits, and Ball & Buck.
Here’s a sneak peek at one of the goods you’ll be able to pick up at Buckshot Sonny’s. The rare Pointer Brand herringbone coat. I’ve seen a lot of men really rock the Pointer jackets but have yet to see a lady wear one. I was thrilled that Max sent it my way. An xs fit my short frame perfectly and it’s the ideal medium weight for transitioning between seasons. I’ve also heard whispers they’ll have some camo Pointer coats as well, I know a lot of folks who will be drooling over those bad boys.
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I’ve always been a fan of Rogue Territory and their mission to tribute the manufacturers of the early 20th century. Their products are hand crafted in Los Angeles with the highest quality and withstand the test for real everyday wear and tear (no buttons popping off, no crotch blowout, no breakdown etc). For their F/W 2011 collection, RT collaborated with friend Ryan Plett of [you_have_broken_the_internet] to make their ultimate pair of RK style jeans. Crafted from 12.5 oz. Over-dyed Cone Mills selvage canvas, the RK ISC will be the most durable pair of pants you own, and most likely the best fitting as well. Plett praises the jeans for their perfect tailoring, “Opened thighs, longer rise, and tapered all the way to the leg opening”, and their dark inky color. The RK ISC is now available for pre-order so hop over to RT’s website and sign up for a pair. You’ll be happy you pounced on them when they sell out in a heartbeat, which they most certainly will.
Images via [you_have_broken_the_internet]
Peter Hussey and Katrine Hildebrandt introduced themselves to me as avid readers a few months back and I’m so happy they did. They are the duo behind Structure Design and Build, a shop of goods designed and made by the two of them. I met them in person at their booth at Boston’s SoWa Market this summer and we quickly became friends. They simply ooze creativity and talent. Not only are they fantastic artists, they surf, they make delicious homemade pasta, have an amazingly decorated apartment/studio loft, and they have the coolest dog (which is in my mind, always a sign of a truly special individual). I’ve put together a Q&A with both Peter and Katrine to dive into the process of their work and what keeps them ticking. And if you’re in the Boston area, Peter and Katrine will be at Room 68 in Jamaica Plains with their goods tonight, Thursday September 1st, for the shop’s soft opening soiree.
Q. First off, how did you both meet?
A. We met in 2001 as undergrads at a small liberal arts college in the Catskills. We both were drawn there for the art department particularly for the glass blowing program and the environmental studies campus. We were best buds and glass blowing partners and started collaborating on pieces and installations right from the very beginning.
Q. When did you start Structure and what inspired you guys to set it up?
A. We started making furniture for a cabin we lived in while we were in school . We just used what was free and available to us…most of those things were weathered and worn, and that suited our taste. So the materials just made sense to us. I guess structure “officially” started when we moved from the bay area to Maine in 2008. It was born out of a need for things we lacked…furniture and home goods. Our friends were really supportive and encouraging having us make things for them in the beginning, and from there it has spread primarily by word of mouth.
Q. You guys make a little of everything from furniture, interior spaces, to homes goods. Can you elaborate on design process and how you guys use sustainable materials?
A. The interior design and carpentry side of our design process is really simple. We listen to our clients needs and offer them custom made interiors to meet those needs while maintaining our own aesthetic and highlighting there own at the same time. The materials used for our carpentry and furniture projects are often made from salvaged or locally milled lumber. We have chosen to use these materials for both their sustainability as well as their intrinsic nature to tell their story. We have always been keen on the philosophy of wabi sabi. A materials imperfections, are it’s beauty…a nail hole, bleached canvas, or weathered copper. We love things with a story. That aside we also stand by our products for their craftsmanship and quality.
Q. I just bought one of your abstract glass sculptures with steel rings. I am so in love with your other hand-blown glass orbs. Can you explain the process in making one of those pieces?
A. The blown glass and steel rings are from a series we did years ago. The steel rings were cut from piping we salvaged from a construction site. The barbed wire pieces were made from found barbed wire from a neighboring farmer’s trash heap behind his field that we collected in the Catskills where we once lived.
The glass we use is known as “glass cullet” which is recycled glass. Many times it comes from recycled restaurant glass, broken wine glasses and cups, etc. The glass arrives to the hot shop in big barrels that have to be cleaned and sifted through. Sometimes as your cleaning it you’ll find cigarettes butts and other debris in the mix. Once it has been rinsed it gets shoveled into a furnace and melts down to create clear glass. All of the glass vessels that we make are one of a kind, and hand blown by us.
Q. I know you guys have lived in several cities over the years, which was your favorite location for creating art and being inspired and why?
A. I think for us the best was when we lived in the Catskills. We lived off the grid, in a strawbale cabin Peter and his bud Gerrit built. We had lots of room to create and explore and always were finding different materials to reinvent things. The community there really supported that, and was encouraging for creative minds….
Though…we also loved living on the beach in Maine. It was sort of a club house and meeting spot for our friends, people always coming and going be it to warm up after a winter surf, or to collaborate with us in the studio. It was a drafty beach shack, but the lack of insulation was made up by the view… you could see the swell roll in from our window. When the waves were flat, we often found ourselves either on the beach going for walks scavenging for treasures, or in the studio making things.
Q. Did you both grow up doing art and crafting? How do you feel your art has developed or changed over the years?
A. Katrine’s parents are both artists. Peter’s parents always fixed things themselves. Our art has developed in a really amazing way over the past several years. As we age more together we become more and more comfortable with each other. At first everything was so experimental, we didn’t know how to work together. Now we feed off each other, at times in the studio we work in silence, not intentionally but we just don’t need to talk, everything has it’s place and it never needs to be stated.
Q. What’s next for Structure?
A. We want to keep making things for people…
Q. If someone was interested in purchasing some of your work, where should they go?
A. A few select pieces of furniture are available at Twelve Chairs in Boston’s Fort Point. http://www.twelvechairsboston.com , You can also come visit us at SOWA on September 11th and October 9th or come visit our studio on September 18th (www.hydeparkopenstudios.org). You can also find us here www.structuredesignandbuild.com & www.katrinehildebrandt.com.
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