THE BUTTERFLY CHAIR

Image via lifeofanarchitect.com

In college I studied interior design.  Year after year I became more and more frustrated with the major and didn't know where my passion went.   My junior or senior year I realized that what I loved was furniture and furniture design.  I played around with the idea in my head of studying industrial design.  Never really told anyone and never really pursued it.

Fast forward about six years and here I am today in a career that involves sourcing the most beautiful furniture for ever evolving retail spaces.  I have been learning so much about the different styles, designs and impact that these functional pieces of art encompass.  I have a lot more to learn and I can whole heartedly say that I am extremely excited about that.  I think I found my niche!  Or at least my passion.

I came across the image above while searching for vintage safari sling chairs for a space in Chicago.

The image is originally from the MoMA website.  I love it.  It's calming to look at.  It's sophisticated yet quirky at the same time.  Just thought I would share. 

LEATHER LUST

In my most recent travels to Stockholm, Sweden I got to know my lifestyle icon at the moment, the extremely talented, inspiring designer behind Gant Rugger, Christopher Bastin.  As we were sipping champaign and Coronas sea side at the J Hotel Restaurant, I was star struck by Chris's camera, with all of its leather decor!

I don't know what it is, but if it's leather and masculine I'm in love.  I know.. it sounds like some weird bondage fetish.  I promise you it is not.  Men's leather fashion accessories only!  That is all.

The camera case and strap are by two different companies.  The case was made by a Japanese man and can be purchased at aki-asahi.com.   The best part, which is the personalized leather strap, is by a company called Draught.  Really cool shit. Check it out!

THE BOAT SHOE

Today, my original muse, Teddy received his birthday gift (from himself) in the mail (I've met my match in the birthday whore department by the way).  A brand spankin' new pair of boat shoes!  Now you've probably already guessed that they're not your typical boat shoe or Sperry and YOU'RE RIGHT!  They aren't.  They are by Quoddy and they are handmade in Maine.

Quoddy specializes in making moccasins that form to your foot and each shoe is made to order.  Because they are made to order it takes about 6 weeks until your new shoes reach your feet.. but from what I heard from across my desk, it was well worth the wait.

Personally, when I saw the shoe out of its box I was bored.  I thought it looked like every other boat shoe I've seen before.  I'm not a fan of the boat shoe, but I must say... these look fantastic on.  And more importantly, if a guy who mostly cares about fashion and aesthetic could only talk about how comfortable they were..  well then that's just impressive.

Form and Function.. You really can have it all.  The comfort/fit comes from the hand stitched sole. Stitching the sole, rather than gluing the sole to the bottom of the shoe, allows more movement.  This allows the shoe to easily form to your foot rather than forcing your foot to form to the shoe.

These shoes have a lifetime guarantee as well.  You can send them back at any time for repair.
Maine is so sweet in so many ways!

To place your order go to www.quoddy.com.

STRAIGHT BOY SWAG

Neal Wellington

I know I've been slacking lately in the man post department, so I figure I owe you some inspo.
Here is my straight muse, Mr. Fancy Pants.. better known as Neal Yourlastnamesoundsfake Wellington, in his patchwork floral button down by Gant by Michael Bastian.  Neal is killin' it. 

Happy socks!  Happy day!