Category Archives: AMERICANA

LAVATORY ENVY

Written by . Posted on January 25 | 12. Filed under AMERICANA, INTERIORS + DECOR. 1 Comment.

Brass, Carrara marble, subway tiles (the old-looking ones), warm woods, industrial lighting… Jeff and Jason’s home-away-from-Brooklyn was featured on DesignSponge yesterday, and I must say—these dudes did their bathroom right. I am quite envious. Reminds me of one of my favorite places, not just for the libations but for their authentically industrial design: Schiller’s Liquor Bar. For comparison’s sake, here is Jeff & Jason’s bathroom, more photos plus Schiller’s after the jump.

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Jack Rudy Cocktail Company

Written by . Posted on November 08 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA. Tagged , . 2 Comments.

In the past couple years, we’ve been introduced to more and more specialty libations courtesy of our city’s best bartenders, you know who they are if you’re a regular… the folks at Anvil. A friend of mine, Leslie, is another trusted source that shares her beer wisdom on her site: Lushtastic. We’re learning more and more about quality ingredients and the difference between being young and drunk, spending the least amount possible on whatever’s on tap and becoming the older, more curious, appreciative drinker. Since my days working at Barneys, I’ve been proud to support American companies as often as possible whether it’s clothing and goods, businesses, etc.

Courtesy of Garden & Gun’s newsletter this morning I was introduced to the Small Batch Tonic released by Jack Rudy Cocktail Company. Handcrafted in Charleston, South Carolina, this artisanal tonic is a raw quinine syrup, much like our favored Q Tonic and contains raw ingredients such as lemongrass and orange zest. I bought two bottles to enjoy during the holidays with friends and family. Looking forward to it’s arrival with much anticipation. Also, great labels, fellas—I look forward to seeing the bottle as much as I look forward to tasting its’ contents.

For $36 you can get your own: Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic.

 

FALL IS THE BEST AND YOU KNOW IT.

Written by . Posted on September 25 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, FASHION, SHOPPING. 1 Comment.


Ralph Lauren Rugby Jemime Leather Jacket $599.99

We love the Jemime jackets restrained cool, achieved by basing it off a too-cool vintage prototype that we updated in a slim fit from burnished, distressed leather for an effortless rugged-sexy vibe. Straight point collar. Off-center zip front. Long sleeves with covered snap cuffs. Angled welt pocket at the left chest and each hip. Slide buckle tabs at the back waist for a custom fit. Rounded front hem falls longer than the straight back hem. 100% leather. Lining: 100% cotton. Sleeve lining: 100% cupro. Dry clean. Imported.


via Jemime Leather Jacket - Womens Sale See All from Rugby Ralph Lauren.

AEO DESERT BOOT $60

via AEO DESERT BOOT.

SEPTEMBER 11th 2011

Written by . Posted on September 09 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, PERSONAL. Tagged , . No comments.

Do you listen to Storycorps? I’m a big fan. Acute readers will know I listen exclusively to NPR, and I cry pretty often listening to the radio. Sometimes happy crying, sometimes sad. This week, it’s been a lot of sad. NPR has been doing a tribute to 9/11 survivors and the memory of the murdered victims, and it’s painfully heartbreaking. Extremely, painfully, heartbreaking.

I hope you’ll take some time to listen to the Storycorps stories of 9/11. That horrific anniversary is closing in on us, this time marking 10 years—but think of this Buddhist expression: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned. It’s hard not to be so mad, so upset, when I think of all the innocent lives lost that day, but I am trying to fill my heart with love for those who were killed, and those who survived, as opposed to hate for the terrorists. Don’t waste your time with animosity. If you’re reading this, you’re a survivor. Be grateful for that, and use it to create peace in the world—in any capacity.

PHOTO BY DEBORAH COLTON of COLTON & FARB GALLERY

ABOVE is a photo of a new billboard I saw just this morning on the way to work. It’s just before the Smith St. exit on 1-10 heading east, and read:

IMAGINE PEACE.
love, yoko
2011

As a means to memorialize those killed, I’ve also been reading CNN/Legacy.com’s September 11th tributes, some of the stories I’ll highlight for you include: Daniel and Ron and their son, David; victims of United Airlines Flight #175, were a family who planned to take an early flight home, and this of Lisa and Samantha, sisters who both worked for the largest company in the World Trade Center.

Events Honoring 9/11

Do you plan on doing anything to commemorate the day?

AND YOU WILL BE PLEASED WITH THEM

Written by . Posted on August 19 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, TYPE + FONTS. No comments.

 

“These Cards Are Beautiful, and You Will Be Pleased with Them.” That’s some good, old-fashioned, honest-as-hell advertising.

 

VIA DUKE’S COLLECTION FOR THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: .

ST. LOUIS CITY GUIDE VIA DESIGN*SPONGE

Written by . Posted on May 11 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, LOVIN'. Tagged . No comments.

I was really excited to see the latest city guide on Design*Sponge in my inbox this morning—featuring my hometown of St. Louis, MO. There were a lot of places on the list that I don’t recognize—maybe my parents would? And a lot of places I adore, and new places that I’m ready to try. It’s so different coming back to the place I grew up* as an adult and discovering it’s quirks and charms. I am always anxious to get back to STL to see my family, stop at Steak ‘n Shake more than once for a steakburger with cheese, fries and a chocolate shake with extra cherries, and visit my favorite places like the Arch, ZOO, Saint Louis Art Museum and Laumeier Sculpture Park.

The last time we were in STL I surprised Steven for his birthday—we got off the plane and I felt like I was in a top-secret operative with my aunt Nancer and uncle Kevy—trying to pull off the plan. Here’s that and another post from last year.

Sounds like a trip is on the horizon.

via DesignSponge » st. louis city guide.

St. Louis Arch Print by Eric Woods of Firecracker Press

*my parents and I came to Texas with my Dad’s job in the early 90s, but I have always said “I grew up in St. Louis.” They’d send me back to stay with my family every summer for weeks at a time—man I miss being a kid! I used to be so proud that I flew by myself so often; I’d always cry my heart out when boarding the plane back to Tejas Caliente—I never wanted to leave.

FUTUREBIRDS

Written by . Posted on April 18 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, MUSIC. No comments.

Last week’s Time featured an article about the Civil War, and how over the years historians & politicians have downplayed the one cause of most devastating battle in our history: slavery. Let me know if you want to borrow it, or read it online. Anyhow, I’ve had the late 19th century on my mind a lot in the past week thanks to the article, thinking about how I’d like to go on a trip along the east coast, drink less Gin and more Maker’s Mark, buy that damn wool army blanket I never got, grow my hair out longer, simplify and make our home less cluttered—you know, back to basics kind of shit.  That’s the life I imagine as I listen to the FUTUREBIRDS. I bought their EP after watching a small clip of their music on Ginny’s blog, who I’ve long loved and adored from back in the day when she used to be a Marc Jacobs shopgirl who always dressed super cute, made incredible art, dyed her own hair a lavendar-tinted gray, and posted her daily gratitudes—making you feel like an ungrateful asshole. Really it was just a lesson in appreciation, and clearly it’s made a lasting impression—as finding out about the Futurebirds, thanks to her, makes me extremely grateful & appreciative. Thanks, Ginny. She promised I wouldn’t regret it if I just watched that video—and I’ll assure you she didn’t break that promise… I can’t put it into words very well so here’s the best description of their sound:

The world needs more alt-country with doom on its shoulders. Athens, Georgia’s Futurebirds’ “Battle for Rome” is music for the apocalypse set in 1855, the gold rush drying to dust and fires on the horizon.
via Rawkblog

Buy the FUTUREBIRDS EP for $6. Or watch the videos below, fall in love with them, THEN buy the album.

 

Futurebirds - “Dirty D” - SXSW 2010 from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.

 

FUTUREBIRDS - Via Flamina Teaser from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.


HICKOREE’S HARD GOODS.

Written by . Posted on April 14 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, INTERIORS + DECOR, SHOPPING. No comments.

…that’s what she said. Yeah, that one didn’t work. Seems like I’m always battling whether or not it’s appropriate to pull that off at given opportunities. That’s irrelevant. Hopping around from one blog to another today I found the shop HICKOREE’S HARD GOODS—they’ve got the best selection of well-priced quality American goods varying from bags, wallets and hankies to notepads, seed packets and slinkies. I’m especially a sucker for the $25 and under section. And I just like the Hill Plain House below, it seems like the two should be better connected but whatever.

16” CANVAS MASON BAG WITH LEATHER BOTTOM NO. 312 $79

20” ALL CANVAS UTILITY BAG NO. 315 $37

Hill Plain House by Wolveridge Architects VIA Desire to Inspire

BILLY REID.

Written by . Posted on April 10 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, FASHION. No comments.

I’m obsessed with Mumford & Sons, you know this. I can’t help but pair the band’s delightfully rocking melodies with the exquisitely crafted clothing of Billy Reid. Another favorite obsession. Besides the fact that the store here in Houston plays a great selection of music—for me, I just feel Mumford’s sound in these clothes, their music exudes that same genuine comfort and Southern American charm. And they’re Brits!

It’s been a while since I’ve been @ Barneys, are those Ksubi jeans she’s wearing? Shit, with those glasses on that model is my brunette twin. But thinner. I can attest to the quality and comfort of Billy Reid’s clothing, his boyfriend shirts with the curved placket are my favorite—I always love to put mine on in the morning, knowing the compliments it heralds. The striped one below needs to get it’s ass in my closet. SCOUT WHITE LINEN BUTTON DOWN $175

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RAILROAD REVIVAL TOUR

Written by . Posted on April 06 | 11. Filed under AMERICANA, LOVIN', MUSIC. 1 Comment.

TWO of my VERY FAVORITE BANDS : EDWARD SHARPE and the MAGNETIC ZEROS and MUMFORD & SONS as well as OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW* are coming to these here parts by train, on a journey called the RAILROAD REVIVAL TOUR.

Traveling exclusively in vintage rail cars, the three bands will journey across the American Southwest over the course of a week. The aptly titled Railroad Revival Tour will feature the three bands playing concerts at six unique outdoor locations along the route, beginning April 21st in Oakland, California.

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