“Every collection has a story. We love to reference things like religious cults, 80′s pop bands, tennis clubs and motocross culture. The worlds we live in – and don’t live in, but are fascinated by – give us our inspirations.”

The pair describes the label as a combination of their two very distinct backgrounds and aesthetics, and an indefinable clash of feminine vs masculine. Steve’s street and punk influences and Helene’s obsession with vintage lingerie, combined with quirky pop culture inspirations, produces a thoughtful, well-honed emphasis on design, fit, fabrication and clever, original prints.

We’re completely smitten with the perfectly slouchy dresses, delicate lace details, hazy printed cropped tee and buttery soft leather shell jacket that just arrived in store and online.

Shop Lonely Hearts here, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. And, thanks to Helene and Steve, you’ll never be lonely again.

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

Oliver Spencer is a man and a fashion brand. Oli, the man, is a designer, a self-taught tailor, a switched-on, hands-on creative. The brand is an expression of modern man; his tastes, his touch, his style.

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.

1. D’Angelo Returns: Richmond’s own reclusive R&B legend recently announced his first tour in years and upcoming album and people are rightfully freaking out about it. Although he may not be at his “(Untitled) How Does it Feel” video prime, his soulful voice and production by ?uestlove should make it worth a listen. The bad news is all the concert dates are in Europe. Be right back, booking a ticket to Paris…

2. Instagram: I know everyone and their mom has this app now, but that makes it more fun! This addictive photo-sharing platform makes all your photos looks cool and its fun to see the world through your friend’s eyes (and vintage filters.) I follow many fashion, food, and nail-art enthusiasts which makes for a constant stream of inspirational eye candy. Make sure to follow me at “Mollywho” and Need at “needsupplyco”!

3. Hot Yoga: This is one of the few workouts I actually enjoy when stuck in the dark and frigid winter doldrums. Some may think deep stretching and sweating profusely with strangers in a small room heated to 90 degrees sounds like torture but it’s actually heavenly. It’s cathartic and gets you in shape, not to mention heating your core temperature fights colds. One of my favorite studios, Om On Yoga at Libbie and Grove, also doubles as a cute boutique.

4. Miansai Bracelets: Without fail warm weather has me itching for anything that makes me look like I summer in Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, and these nautical rope bracelets do just that. These charming, Friendship-style bracelets are a unique and colorful addition to any burgeoning arm party (and they’ll look even better with a tan.) Get one here.

5. Leonard 2 in Safari: Anyone who knows me is aware of my sick obsession with animal prints that puts any Real Housewife to shame. These beauties by Illesteva (the ILLEST EVA) have been on my short list the second we got them in stock. The large, round frames give them a vaguely Golden Girls vibe which can’t be beat. Get them here.

6. VMFA Elvis exhibit: One of the best cultural institutions Richmond has to offer currently has a great photo exhibit running called “Elvis at 21” that’s not to be missed. It features 56 (all taken in ’56) black and white photos by Alfred Wertheimer of the man at his youthful, snarling best (a.k.a. pre drugs and sequin jumpsuits.) The candid shots are an interesting peek into a young man’s life pre-stardom, and several were taken in Richmond. Did I mention he’s really, realllly good looking?

7. Flea Bag in Normandy: Several stylish ladies in the office carry Fleabags and I’ve always admired the bags for their vintage frame and perfect not-too-big size. This one comes in a utilitarian surplus wool Italian army blanket with leather trim that could easily take you from winter to spring. I’m not one for trendy bags and this one is classic and useful enough to last years. The best part is it’s also on sale! Get it here.

8. Cookout: Sometimes you just need a cheeseburger and milkshake, and this place is my standard when I need a fast and cheap fix. You can find the chain only in a few select states south of the Mason-Dixon which has given it a cult-like fame. Dare I say it’s better than In-n-Out? Yeah, I said it. They also have 46(!) milkshake flavors. Try the peanut butter banana.

9. Patrik Ervell shirt: A collared shirt fetish has swept the Need office like wild fire, and this one is a favorite. 100% silk with super authentic men’s styling, this is a solid addition to any woman’s wardrobe. Fresh and clean navy + white is always a winning combination. Get it here.

10. Dolce Vita Jax: The fashion bloggers favorite finally hits the site this week in soft, summery, taupe suede. This classic ankle boot will look just as good with winter tights as it will tan legs come summer. The signature zipper tassel gives it extra sass appeal and the heel height is un-intimidating enough for everyday. Get yours here.

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 is our eleventh Local + Global, connecting regional retailers with our global advocacy and helping to create consistent employment for artisans in rural Bangladesh. The first ten Apolis mobile app users to visit Need Supply Co. and purchase their exclusive Richmond Market Bag & Apolis + Matteo Scarf bundle will receive $30 savings. Also, in honor of today’s release, enjoy a meal or drink with any of Need Supply’s local neighborhood restaurants or cafés and bring your Richmond receipt to receive 15% in-store savings for today only.”

Check out the Apolis site here for the full write-up and more pictures of our awesome Richmond neighborhood.

We love creating and working with our friends and look forward to more of both in the very near future.

To a new year. Lets make it a good one.

Can you tell us a little bit about the background of UNIF, and how you got started?

Eric: Oh man. Well I’ve been making my own clothes since I was pretty young. I later started collecting records and playing them backwards. Not a good idea. I launched UNIF in the mid 2000′s but it was really weird for the market back then, considering all the rhinestone’s that were being tossed on Ed Hardy-esque track suits. Shortly afterward, I met my partner Christine (Christeric blog) who brought a good balance to the line. Now we listen to records backwards together.

Where do you find new inspiration, and what influences aid in the design process?

Eric: Mayhem. We’re all over the place. I think we travel 5-6 months out of the year. It’s pretty crazy and tiring. In truth though, we get inspired by all kinds of crap, music, vintage, photos, etc. etc. etc.

How would you describe the brand (& yourself) in 5 words or less?

Eric: I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU

You do quite a bit of traveling- what are some of your favorite places to go, and favorite things to do there?

Eric: As I mentioned, yeah, we do. We love to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ve been talking about taking this road trip from Los Angeles to New Orelans and up and around and sideways and back. Map out as many antique and thrift shops as possible and just buy crap. That’s what we do. We just buy all kinds of crap.

Where do you go from here- what’s the next step for UNIF?

Eric: Growth. The brand is growing, the team is growing, the fan base is growing. We try to keep it simple. Just do whatever it is we’ve been doing and see what happens. High hopes and low expectations. As long as we can keep doing it and it makes sense, we’ll be happy.

We’re really grateful for all the support. We’ve waited a long long time for people to “GET” the brand and now it seems like they do and like it. We would be nothing without our dedicated UNIF fans and I hope to listen to records backwards with each and every one some day.

Thanks to Eric and Christine for the interview!

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