This weekend I was able to tag along and take some behind-the-scenes photos of local jewelry designer Rachel Albright of Academy Jewelry, for the look book shoot centered around her S/S12 collection. The day was essentially perfect. Sun out, I made my way down a wide cobblestone alley-way and arrived at a small, fenced-in backyard behind a cozy coffee shop, complete with old claw-foot bathtubs, a barren cherry blossom tree covered instead with silver tinsel, and a bench covered in props, head pieces and photo equipment. I ventured inside the apartment located above the shop to find a bustling room of models being dressed, photographers loading film, and was greeted with an enormous smile and hello from Rachel herself, jewelry in hand to style the first outfits.

The following are photos I took of how the day progressed (I couldn’t resist, and Rachel didn’t mind). Please be sure to keep checking her facebook page for the actual look book, follow her on twitter, and see what she’s up to on the Academy blog. You can also shop her current stock here.

Look Book Credits:

Photography: Maxwell Runko, Mikala Casuccio

Models: Julianne Zimmerman, Emily Glisson

Styling: Rachel Albright

With all of the new arrivals coming in, we’ve decided to get our staff member Molly Szkotak, to choose some her favorite new items as well as some items that keep her going throughout the winter. Not sure what it takes to survive a cold winter in Richmond, take a look.

Just got a handful of new pieces in from California’s Garrett Leight. For those of you not familiar with the brand, Garrett Leight’s father is the founder, director, & owner of champion fashion label Oliver Peoples. The Spring 2012 Resort Collection is filled with the perfect balance of classic and modern styling for both men and women. We’re struggling not to accessorize every model with them. Basically, we love them. Click for the continuation.

It’s not too early to be thinking about Spring, especially with this mild Winter weather we’re having here in Virginia. This Spring, it’s all about color, and we’re diving in head first with tons of brights to warm up even the chilliest of days. Check out all of our new arrivals for some super fun bright bursts of color, and here are our picks of our favorite neon pieces!

On our most recent trip to the big apple, we ventured into Brooklyn to meet up with the brilliant minds behind the label In God We Trust. Not only were we impressed by the merchandising and use of space in their Greenpoint shop, but also when we were invited back to peek into their studio space, where everything they produce is made. Shana and Holly were gracious enough to let us snap some photos of all the curiosities around as well. If you are up that way, please visit them and see for yourself at one of the three brick and mortar shops (Lafayette, Bedford, Greenpoint). Or, you can meet them at our store in Richmond, this March, when they will be visiting us with a trunk show (more details coming soon).

You can shop our edited selection of Band of Outsiders lightweight button down shirts and striped skinny ties, now in store and online. Just imagine how good you’ll feel once you have one on- definite essentials to step up your Spring wardrobe game.

“We are proud to introduce the Apolis + Need Supply Co. Richmond Market Bag exclusively sold at Need Supply’s Richmond shop in Virginia.

This past season’s Holiday Package was a long labor of  love.  It was exciting to see each piece from idea to completion.
A special very special thanks to Blanchards Coffee Co for their caffeinated wisdom, Big Secret for the laser engraving, Richmond Soap Studio for their knowledge, patience, getting the scent of our soap and candles perfect, and Adam Hogsett for his expertise of everything wood.

We caught up with Eric and Christine- the awesome couple behind UNIF- to get some insight on the brand and what they’ve been up to lately. We’re loving the 90′s grunge vibes of our latest pieces from UNIF, and especially love the fearless attitude and spunk that Eric and Christine bring. Click through for the full interview, and see more from UNIF here, here, and here.

So over the holidays, our dear friend (and former site model) Brandon came to visit us from his fancy, far-away digs on the West Coast, and aside from making him model all of our new Gitman Brothers Vintage shirts, I had him throw on some of The Hill-Side pieces as well…

Here is just a little something for the last Friday of this year. Please enjoy!

It’s hard to believe that 2o11 is almost over. Did summer come and go that quick? Ah well, time to look good for first late night of 2012! If this is the last year we’ve got, then you better make this night one to remember. Load up on the essentials, blow all your money on the most expensive hotel room you can find and have the best night ever. At the same time, wear something that won’t be forgotten.

A young man around the age of 22 usually begins the debate on whether or not to purchase a good rain jacket or a good umbrella. 95% of the time, the good rain jacket wins, which it should – boys aren’t ready for a man’s umbrella yet. Then later in his life, a little bit down the road, when that rain jacket doesn’t do a bit of good for his girlfriend while she’s walking in the rain, he realizes that it’s now time for that umbrella. But this young man knows that he doesn’t want the $9.99 umbrella from the pharmacy, he’s ready for something a little more.

In celebration of footwear around the world and all those cold little toes, we’ve picked out 12 of our favorites for this holiday season. Heels, wedges, an everything in between, here’s a little preview of what we’ll be wearing this holiday season!

When it comes to timeless essentials that every adult male should own, it’s nearly impossible to leave out a well-made leather briefcase or field bag. When you graduate from the canvas tote or book bag and enter the world varsity players, the trademark of men such as Atticus Finch, remains in the details. A satchel style leather briefcase that will age just as good as you will is just as important as the belt that’s holding your trousers up. Luckily, our friends at Filson still make something incredibly similar. This bag reveals more than what meets the eye.

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL nail colors just landed at Need Supply, and we already can’t wait to get our hands on them- or rather, get them on our hands! Designer Jane Schub takes a creative approach to a common cosmetic product and transforms everyday nail color into stunningly provocative accessories for your hands. The colors are richly saturated, elegant, and strangely perverse- inspired by art, design, nature, even the strangeness of the human body. Still, they are completely wearable and impossible to forget. Even better, STRANGEBEAUTIFUL is a 3 FREE product, completely free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP. This isn’t your grandmother’s nail polish! Find the Library of Colors that speaks to you, and welcome to the world of truly luxurious nail color.

This little number from girl. by Band of Outsiders has arrived just in the nick of time to end up under the tree, and will be perfect for all the trips I know you are already mapping out for Spring! Whether you are planning that trip abroad, or just need something to wear for everyday kicking around the town, this waxed jacket should have you covered for just about anything.

The schoolboy satchel has been one of our favorite pieces from Pennsylvania’s BILLYKIRK, since we started carrying their product. Much of the company’s understated collection of leather goods are handcrafted by a small group of Amish leather workers in rural Pennsylvania. Their timeless pieces are designed with old school attention to detail and an eye for keeping things simple. This craftsmanship is some of the best in the industry. This winter, we’ve teamed up with BILLYKIRK to release a very limited version of their schoolboy satchel.

Richmond, Virginia has been called the city of seven hills. The amazing landscape of this city made up of Union, Council Chamber, French Garden, Navy, Gamble’s, Shockoe, and Church Hills, weave a deep history that can been seen in just about everything. From architecture to attitude, Richmond, Virginia is where we call home and we’re proud of it. This winter, we’ve paired with The Alden Shoe Co. - a company rich in history and skill, to create the Seven Hills Indy Boot. Only available at Need Supply Co.

Sabrina Tachdjian is the adorable & creative girl behind the unique leather bag line Sabrina Tach. We’re huge fans of her beautiful bags, which are all patiently crafted with materials carefully selected and hand cut from Uruguay’s excellent-quality and environmentally friendly leather. Sabrina was kind enough to give us some insider details on her ideas, inspiration and processes behind her amazing work. Click through for the interview, and see more from Sabrina Tach here, here and here.

It’s that time of year again! Printed one-of-a-kind sweaters from Pretty Snake are now back in stock. Each vintage-sourced sweater features a glorious mound of black cats adorned with 3D shifty cat eyes!

Matt, the builder, designer and tinkerer behind the brand Wood&Faulk, started out sharing his ideas, thoughts and projects on his blog with its namesake. Wood&Faulk became his chosen moniker after two streets he lived on while living in Kansas,Woodrow and Faulkner. While living there, he learned a lot about working on old houses, building furniture, plumbing, electrical, working on cars, wood projects, metal projects et al. Now, Matt lives in Portland, Oregon, in a 103-year-old house with a little shop in the back, which he is still continually tinkering in.

While we were all going nuts during the Autumn/Winter photoshoot, I managed to snap a few photos with my Dad’s old Canon AE-1. So heres a little behind the scenes look at a crazy fun weekend for Need Supply Co. in Richmond Virginia. Enjoy.

When you wake up in the morning and the light is hurt your head, The first thing you do when you get up out of bed, Is hit that streets a-runnin’ and try to beat the masses, And go get yourself some cheap sunglasses. Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah. – ZZ Top

It’s not bitter cold yet, and it’s not hot enough to sweat. It’s officially fall, or autumn, call it what you want. Right now we’re turning to layers, whose appearance and reliability have stood the test of time. Whether you’re keeping those layers covered or revealing them, they look good. Period. We’ve grabbed some of our favorite fall jackets, sweaters and yes, hoodies (fig. M. Gaye wearing it so well).

It is now officially time for layers – time to put on your best, fix up, and look sharp. Colder weather gives us more canvas to work with and cover up. Two essential elements that complete this wardrobe are two of the most underrated: the belt and the billfold. Those two items are protecting the biggest valuables you have, literally. So fellas, don’t slack in this department. The leather wallet that your Pops has had since you can remember, we’re willing to bet he didn’t get it at the supermarket – and it doesn’t contain an ounce of velcro.

It’s a fact that doesn’t need an explanation, a common understanding that goes unspoken. Nothing looks better than black. No matter what season, what time of day, or who’s wearing it. Black is sexy – oh, so sexy.

Even though nothing looks better on a good pair of boots than natural wear itself, sometimes you’ve just got to take cover from those harsh elements. Poke as much fun as you want at them but these rubber slip-on galoshes from SWIMS do wonders for preserving that rich leather you just dropped a dime on. Whether it’s trekking through NYC winter sludge or doing some spur of the moment mud work, having a pair of these under your seat or in the back of your truck can be a lifesaver.

Believe it or not, summer’s just about over, and it looks like we’ll have to take the party to the backyard fire pit. But with the nights getting longer it just means there’s more time to drink more beer, smoke more herb, and #%&@! more chicks. New styles for this fall include bull denim team jackets, logo sweatpants and sweatshirts, fleece pullovers, washed out knits, overdyed denim jackets with fleece hoods, crewneck pattern sweaters, denim pullovers, reversible terrycloth hoods, bleached out muscle pants, striped knits, corduroy pullovers, muscle t shirts, printed t shirts, and a whole lot of fun.

“I walk down a stream with them. Let ‘em dry and wear them again the next day and I just keep doing that. And then I know whether the glue’s working on them, whether the stitch is gonna hold, whether the hand sewer did a good job putting the components together. If the foam is gonna get saturated or if it’s not. You know there’s a lot of little variables, part of the testing program and that’s part of the wearing. I guess I got the best job.”

The Ottawa is surprisingly light, yet allows for a very rugged, water-tight boot. The rough side is the flesh side of the hide, and the smooth side is the grain side of the hide. Extremely durable, virtually waterproof naturally, and easy to clean and care for.  Wear the crap out of them, allow them to dry and then brush off with a stiff natural brush. The last is built with a lot of volume, as it is expected that a couple pair of socks and/or hiking socks will be worn with them.

It’s not surprising that we’re still in love with another season of Gitman Brothers Vintage. The company is still finding and sourcing authentic American fabrics, manufacturing them and finishing them entirely in the USA. For the first fall delivery, we’re seeing some darker colors paired with some light earth tones and rich indigos. We couldn’t help but to try a few of these on before they hit the shelves and trust us, they’re worth every penny. Makes us want to hear this song while we roll up our sleeves and smell that cooler fall air that’s surely around the corner.

The best of American footwear. Mark McNairy has teamed up with Bass for a one-of-a-kind loafer. The Hampden features a polished leather upper, glove leather lining, front mocassin construction with stitch tips, solid white sole, and corded laces. Click to view more photos.

It’s been a long time coming, but they’re finally here. For this fall, we’ve teamed up with L.A.’s Rogue Territory for an exclusive trouser that we’re proud enough to put our name on. Each pair in this limited run is handmade in downtown Los Angeles and comes with a custom tote using the same fabric that’s used on the underside of the tote handles. The two different pocket bags represent the two different points of Need Supply Co. from it’s origins in 1996 until today. This is a collaboration we’re proud of and we’re excited to share it with you.

I had always wanted a good pair of canvas pants. They seem like the best thing ever when fall heads into winter. Most of the ones that I had seen or tried were mean for the job site, with all good reason. The fit was roomier and simply not what I was looking for. Then we got in a small run from Raleigh Denim of their Jones Indigo Raw Canvas pant, a dark dyed canvas with a slim/straight fit. Was it too good to be true?

From 80′s nerd-glasses and vintage wayfarers, 50′s horn-rimmed and cat-eye frames, to antique spectacles and designer classics, Lunettes offers a complete history of fashionable eyewear, beginning in 1900. The never-been-worn original vintage glasses and vintage sunglasses are hand-selected from limited stock throughout Europe and from well known manufacturers around the world. We’re happy to introduce them, currently available online and in the store.

We love magazines because they have words, and pictures. Each page has work that went into it, every page number, every header and sub-header, every single flip of the paper brings a surprise. A magazine takes constant work, months and months of work to produce and give us pleasure that lasts merely a few days until we’re on to the next one. We love magazines.

Herschel Supply Co. is already hitting us hard with their first fall 2011 delivery. We’re seeing some super durable cotton canvas in some amazing colors, especially reds. Look for clean lines and styles that will still look good many, many years from now. Take a peek at their new fall lookbook and our offerings as summer begins is slow descent into fall. You’re going to need something to put your books in.

We just produced our SUMMER catalog/lookbook for 2011, and are excited to share with you all of the sun, waves and sparklers we encountered along the way, so grab a koozie, it’s surf RVA!

Need Supply Co. and RGB Cosmetics team up to create nail color in celebration of Need Supply Co.’s 15th Anniversary

We’ve just collaborated with our good friends at Tellason denim, creating a limited 24 run of jeans exclusively for Need Supply Co. Tellason jeans are made in the USA using 14 oz. selvage from White Oak Cone Mills in Greensboro, NC. Tellason also uses Tanner Dry Goods leather in their manufacturing, creating a pair of jeans made in America with raw American ingredients. Click for the continuation.

Summer is officially here in less than 6 days. Rope swings, beach days, tubing, high dives and late night dips are just around the corner, are you ready? Shop our selection of men’s trunks from RVCA, Franks, Lightning Bolt, Warriors of Radness and more. Click for the summer lineup.

Decorative skins are nothing new. Recover isn’t here to re-invent the wheel, they just make it look good. They believe Apple products deserve more than cheap vinyl stickers splattered with cheesy graphics. Recover skins are intended to complement the elegant design of Apple products and allow for distinction that matches your own.

Master-Piece was founded in 1994 in Osaka, Japan by Taichi Fujimatsu. Specialising in urban styled bags that are durable, functional and unisex, they’re known for using interesting materials and colours in order to merge design and functionality. The brand prides itself on the Japanese production processes of its in-house factories, based in Toyoka, roughly 20 minutes from the centre of Osaka. Their team of craftsmen are made up of a mix of young design graduates and master-craftmen with many years of bag-making experience.

Up now, and fully shoppable, some looks for women to get you jazzed about the summer sun. Just cause it’s sweaty out, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to suffer!

Nearly a year ago, I bought my first pair of Raleigh Denim jeans, right when they hit the shelves of the store. My plan was for them to slowly replace my first pair of raw denim jeans, the ones that I have had for nearly 7 months, the ones that I had already ripped holes in and the ones that I had already washed in the ocean. They were going to soon replace the jeans that I had grown to love so much. The only thing is, they replaced them much faster than that.

Quality Peoples tee shirts came in today!!! And we couldn’t be happier (we are one of the first stores to be able to sell them)… So freakin’ sweet, super soft and more than a one genius graphic to decide from, we hope you enjoy the tees as much as we do! Kapow!

Where would we be without color? We’re not too sure but life probably wouldn’t be nearly as fun. Would Eddy Murphy in Delirious have been as good if you didn’t see his bright red leather suit? Would the Spice Girls have existed? Who knows, but for this summer, we’ve got color taken care of. Check it out.

Three new Herschel styles are currently on their way to us, and we are stoked to share them with you!

First, and possibly our favorite, is a two-tone version of the Settlement. Fully lined with Herschel’s custom fabric, exposed gold metal zippers, and an internal media pocket. Front pocket features inner key clip.

The second two are a limited version of Herschel’s Novel bag in a 420 denier coated nylon, in charcoal and army.   The perfect duffel bag with a separate shoe compartment and padded shoulder strap.  Fully lined with Herschel’s Custom Fabric. Removable shoulder strap. Forty five liter capacity. Waterproof zipper Detail.

All 3 bags are now available for preorder. Quantities are super limited in these styles so don’t wait to grab yours!