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.

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!

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.

Unfortunately we’re not talking about the adamantium filled superhuman. Instead we’re talking about the makers of some of the most durable and longest lasting boots on the market. If you’re in or around Richmond this Thursday, please come to a very special evening with Wolverine Shoe Co. at our store. We’ll be providing music, food and giveaways from 6-8pm. It’s your chance to get up close and person with the shoe and the company that we’re proud to represent.

If there’s one thing we love (ok, there’s lots of things we love), it’s amazing jewelry. And amazing jewelry is exactly what Kathryn Bentley does. The girl behind one of our favorite lines, Dream Collective, gave Closet Visit a look at her home, closet, and studio in Los Angeles, California. Dream Collective is exactly what it sounds like- totally dreamy pieces, inspired by earthy, raw textures and ancient relics. Kathryn’s home and lifestyle are just as beautiful as her jewelry- click through to see for yourself!

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.

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.

Our good friend, Mr. Plett, of You Have Broken the Internet, came down to Richmond, Virginia for a little fall visit this past weekend. He just put up some photos of his travel to the city of brick and beer. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Ryan’s TravelWell blog yet, then let a little trip to Richmond be your stepping stone.

By now you’ve most definitely seen the belts, buckles, and cool shit we have from Billy Moore of Cause and Effect. From soaking leather in the water to pounding out copper by hand, Billy’s pieces are all handmade the old fashioned way, and he is known for the authenticity and quality of his work. You can usually find him working in a river or barn in rural Tennessee, but we were lucky enough to catch up with him and get a little insight into his process and materials. Click through for the interview. Photos via Cause and Effect and All Plaidout.

Our A/W 11 Catalog is printed and circulating… Be sure to pick up a copy if you haven’t gotten one already!!

Not sure exactly where these great photographs originated from, but we’ll be the first to say that we found them over at the One-upmanship Journal. Take a close look at the gear, not much synthetic huh? That’s what wool will do for you. Apparently 1958 was a pretty good year to go on a backcountry ski trip, and by the looks of these photographs, we’d love to join. We browsed around through our current selection of outerwear as if we were going on the same adventure around the same time. Take a look to see what we came up with.

A couple of weeks ago our good friend Victor of Raleigh Denim drove a few hours north to see us here in Richmond and introduce the women’s line of RD. The women’s line continues with the same mission and integrity of Raleigh Denim. Jeans made by hand, sewn with traditional machines, made with local White Oak Cone denim and individually hand signed. We greeted him with friends, sweet tea and BBQ from Alamo in Church Hill. Here’s a little video from the night. Thanks especially to Victor and all our friends that came out.

We’ve always got small little side projects going on. It’s these side projects that keep moving forward and open to new ideas. Whether it’s creating a pair of trousers that we’re proud enough to put our name on or serving BBQ and sweet tea on a Thursday night, just because – we’re a fan of getting things done that are off the to-do list. Over the past few months we’ve been slowly working in our spare time with a couple of our good friends right up the street at Carytown Bicycle Company. We’ve been working on a project that involves two wheels rather than two legs.

We’re loving all the great stuff from Blue Bones Vintage, from Lauren Healy right here in Richmond, Virginia. Lauren is the type of friend everyone needs in their life: smart, thoughtful, and a downright funny girl. I asked her a few questions about her vintage line, so click to read about her thifting adventures, favorite things, and her beloved dogs.

If you didn’t make it out to our Raleigh Denim party last night, you missed some great jeans, great food, great music and of course great company! The BBQ was flowing, the live music was pumping, and Victor introduced us to the new women’s line from Raleigh (Look for it in store soon!). Luckily our friend Cameron Lewis was there to snap some photos of the event- click to check them out!

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.

With summer heading into fall, it’s either time to put your current pair of jeans in the freezer, dry clean them, or give them a brief break – let some of that sweat dry out. While you’re waiting, it’s the perfect time to start looking around for your next pair of jeans that the colder months will consume and leave their mark on. We’re pretty excited to be getting in the newest version of Rogue Territory’s new Stanton cut, a nearly 15oz pair of Nihon Menpu sourced Japanese denim that has already left a strong mark on the denim community. Original Analog sat down with Karl Thoennessen, the man behind Rogue Territory to get a behind the scenes look at the new Stantons that arrive soon.

With Hurricane Irene predicted to spray some pain on the east coast this weekend, let us not forget what’s possible in the water. Friends of ours are already headed down to the beach to grab some early samples of what the ocean might bring. If you’ve ever doubted the east coast for a surfing destination then let us remind you that summer’s not over yet.

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.

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.

We were so excited to see the new lookbook from one of our favorites, Jeffrey Campbell- and even more excited that another favorite, Garnett Jewelry, was featured throughout the photos! Click here to see the entire Downtown Girl lookbook with Aimee’s jewelry, and get some insider info with an interview with the designer here. Garnett Jewelry was also recently featured on local fashion website From the Runway to RVA. And be sure to stay tuned for more great things to come from Garnett Jewelry!

The lovely Kate of Na Nin Vintage is an avid traveler, and has visited over 30 countries as well as all over the US. Besides collecting the most beautiful vintage treasures from all over, we also love how she documents her life and the people in it in the most dreamy photographs. This summer Kate spent time in Austin, TX and in her home state (and ours!) of Virginia. Click for a look back on summer through the eyes of Kate Jennings.

The brilliant, clever, forever cat-loving, manager of our brick and mortar store, Miss. Holly Caroline, has pulled together a list of her favorite Summer songs. Here is the run down for Summer 2011 Playlist no.1:

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.

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.

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!

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!

After 3 consecutive days of over 90 degree weather, we are ready to officially celebrate the arrival of a new season. Summer starts at Need Supply Co tomorrow night at 6.  Stop by the store until 8pm for snacks, music, and some new summer merch. Plus, since we know you will be covered in sweat if you are walking more than a block, we’ll have some mexican cokes to help you cool off.  See you here!

Hair down, heels high, eyes open. The Way Wild lookbook is now live.

You love Rag & Bone , we know. And now we have them in a refreshing new color perfect for the summer, mint. They feature the classic 5 pocket styling, zip fly, tonal stitching, and a mid rise. So relax, fix yourself a Mojito and enjoy the summer in style.

We just got our hands on some great new pieces by Apolis, a company started in 2004 who’s philosophy is to empower people through opportunity not charity; what they call “Advocacy through industry”. Apolis is now available online and in store.

It’s baaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaackkk! (bell chimes)…

Okay, so we know it’s been a while, but with the warm weather ahead, you can expect some more righteous duds from our friend Kate of Na Nin Vintage, just in time for those porch hang outs, roof top BBQs and trips to the river!

This is just part of the first summer delivery, so be sure to keep checking back in to the Na Nin Vintage page for airy sun dresses, cut-offs, crop tops and more!

Here’s the thing about even just one day of warm weather after a slew of blustery winter ones, when you live in the mid-Atlantic region of the East Coast, you want more of it! I mean, really, who wouldn’t? So even though the forecast here, for the next week or so, predicts a hot rainy mess, we can all still get pumped for the days where the sun shines so brightly, you get tan without even trying…

Here is a short history lesson for you to take in with all those margaritas and nachos you are sure to be consuming tomorrow

Miss Unkon has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! The brand creates a dreamlike and creative storytelling aesthetic with delicate fabrics, fantastical prints and a whole lot of love for its wearers. Each collection takes you down memory lane of young love, self discovery, passion, adventure and the innocence of youth. Even each piece is named with nostalgia for something familiar and fun, what’s cuter than that?! (You know, other than a kittens in a basket…)

Our new women’s spring 2011 mini lookbook is now online and fully shoppable. It’s some of our favorite looks for this spring, just giving you a small sample of what’s ahead for summer. Enjoy!

Our new Men’s Spring Lookbook is now online, fully shopable able and ready for spring. Let us know what you think over on our Facebook.