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Posts from the “Writeups” Category

Field Trip: Trove General Store in Paoli, PA.

Posted on July 31, 2012

Ever heard of Paoli, PA? It’s a little town on the main line heading out from Philadelphia wedged into a block of towns that overlap into each other, each one somewhat indistinguishable from the last. At least that was my impression before we spent some time chatting with Foster & Charlotte, owners of the fine Trove General Store situated right in the middle of town. Let me clarify that “town” refers to a series of shopping centers and subdivisions situated off of the main drag, Lancaster Ave. The place isn’t rural; it certainly has a suburban feel to it. But stepping inside the shop immediately lets you know that these guys mean business in selling their extremely high quality goods and you shouldn’t be alarmed by their exterior appearance.

Make no mistake, we love this shop. I’d visited before but this trip was Steve’s first time and I think he thoroughly enjoyed the space. But these goods can be purchased at a number of places (with the exception of their jeans collaboration with Tellason and iPhone case collaboration with Truman/Teranishi Handcrafted), some of which can be found within the city limits of Philadelphia. So why are these guys out here, roughly 30 minutes outside of the city? Because the people here still use the stuff the way it was meant to be used. Foster & Charlotte had a great point, and we completely agree, that most folks sporting heritage American wear don’t actually use it the way it was intended to be used. Much of their clientele uses the Pendleton blankets, the Filson coats and bags, and Red Wing Boots for work and/or manual labor, not a costumed masquerade down Walnut St. with camo-printed pink-selvedged duck cloth pants. There’s something to be said for that.

Their brand list is astounding and the product range is incredible as well. They carry everything from gardening products, home goods, and bath products to clothing, flasks, and footwear. If you want a real-deal look at some of these amazing products, hear an informed opinion, gain some perspective on using heritage products, and meet some folks who are genuinely glad to see you, take a trip out to Trove. We highly recommend it. Click below to see the entire photo set.

Categories: Photos, Travels, Writeups

Hickoree’s + The Hill-Side Rummage Sale

Posted on July 17, 2012

This past weekend I was enormously fortunate to be able to be in Brooklyn, NYC for The Hill-Side’s Rummage Sale at Hickoree’s Hard Goods. For those of you that missed it, the sale is on top of their already insane Summer Sale, and included factory seconds, press samples, prototypes, and other kinds of amazing rare business for comparatively next to nothing. Ties and scarves were $20 apiece, handkerchiefs and pocket squares were $10. I think I was there at 5:01 and there was already a line to the end of the block. It was Black Friday the 13th madness as soon as the doors opened: ties flying back and forth, the metallic clack of clothes hangers sliding on every side of you, the envy of seeing the next guy in line with the perfect pocket square! Right as you get to the register, another box of ties comes out and everything reshuffles as you spy that perfect selvedge chambray from across the room. Despite the heat, nobody even touched the beer for at least half an hour. That’s focus.

Hit the jump for more photos…

Categories: Travels, Uncategorized, Writeups

Inquiries & Responses vol. 8: Rogue Wave Surf Shop

Posted on June 11, 2012

Rogue Wave Surf Shop

Charleston, SC.

This is the eighth in a series of interviews with people who have a keen interest in menswear, style, design, or generally cool stuff. Most of these people are doing something of great note that you should absolutely take a look at.
In the early spring I took a trip to escape the cold and rain of Philadelphia and hit the road with my band to play some shows in the Charleston, SC. area. Not only is the area remarkably beautiful but the people are also incredibly hospitable. Charleston’s a town that, through thick and thin, has looked ahead without forgetting it’s past. I had an afternoon off and wanted some recommendations of places to check out so I sent an email to K. Cooper Ray, better known as the man behind Social Primer, asking for some hometown advice. At the top of the list was the one and only Rogue Wave Surf Shop, known for their quirky approach to peddling both surf goods, menswear, and lifestyle functions. It was a rainy afternoon so I cruised by a few shops and saved Rogue Wave for last.

 

I met with owner Rhett Boyd who was quite honestly and quite unexpectedly one of the nicest and most genuine dudes I’ve met since starting The American Classic. With basically zero knowledge of what I do or why I was there, he showed me around the two room shop on the first floor of a beautifully secluded house on the north side of the main drag through Charleston. I snapped some photos and checked out the goods while his wife and young son visited outside. The shop sells products from Baxter of California, Iron & Resin, Imogene + Willie, Gato Heroi surf boards, Penny skateboards, Yellow Rat trunks and shirts, and many more including a few pairs of selvedge denim and other accoutrements. There’s some amazing things on the horizon for Rhett and his company and we’re excited to watch it unfold. We bounced a few interview questions back and forth and this is what we wound up with. Click below to read the full article and interview and view all of the photos.
Categories: Inquiries & Responses, Interviews, Photos, Travels, Writeups

Hammarhead X Dunderdon Build, Round 1

Posted on May 24, 2012

Last Thursday the 17th marked the first in a series of build events at Dunderdon in NYC. The Swedish workwear company paired up with Hammarhead Industries to release a collaborative line of clothing, including a waxed welding jacket, workshirt, work pants, and deerskin gloves. At the same time, Hammarhead is building a brand new model, the Ninety-Two, based off of the Triumph Bonneville. Hit the jump for full article and lots of photos…

Categories: Photos, Writeups

Confirmed Stock: A Recap

Posted on May 1, 2012

This weekend we drove down to Baltimore, MD. for a visit with the fine gentlemen of Drexler, the firm behind Confirmed Stock, and the 18 stellar brands being presented at menswear’s latest pop-up shop. The event took place in an old church, perfectly matching the interesting blend of heritage brands, vintage shops, and new companies pedaling goods pandering to classic American sensibilities. The turnout was great and the space gave the illusion of being enormous but provided just enough walking room and vendor spaces to make it feel very cozy. We spent much of our time getting to know the dapper dudes from Lumina Menswear, Ed from Hellbrand Leatherworks, Andrew from Ball & Buck, Sandtown Millworks, Randolph Engineering, and Federal Shop but had the opportunity to say hello to nearly everyone in the room. We took a ton of photos but whittled it down to a few dozen; that being said, these photos are enormous and take a lot of time to load. When you’re viewing all of them, please be patient with your internet connection. To enlarge, open any image in a new tab/window. Make sure to click the link below  to see the entire set.

Categories: Photos, Travels, Writeups