A long time ago, a time during warm weather and lush trees, a time where skirts and tank tops were everywhere, we were on a bike ride through Richmond. It was on this bike ride when (for no apparent reason) we recaptured the many reasons why we love cycling so much. The next day we discussed the idea over a delicious cup of coffee and soon found ourselves sitting down with our good friend Tim from Carytown Bicycle Company. A new project was in the works. A bike that could be ridden every single day, rain or shine, even through Richmond’s notorious streets.

Photographer Tom Persinger recently captured a series of truly mind-blowing images centered around fire lookouts in the back country of Montana.

Spencer Sweeney is a New York-based artist mostly known for his colorful collaged paintings and cartoonish or comic book-like drawings. If you live in New York, you’ve quite possibly been to his nightclub (owned alongside Andrew W.K. and others), attended a party he deejayed, or maybe you even saw him playing drums for the 90′s art-rock band Actress. The folks from Opening Ceremony recently visited Sweeney’s NYC studio and sat down with the artist for an interview. Click here to see what he’s got to say about his multi-faceted lifestyle, meeting John McEnroe, and the influences behind his work.

Cory Richards doesn’t write any fashion blogs. He doesn’t follow trends and probably doesn’t even own a collared shirt. He has, however, survived avalanches, come close to death, saved his friends’ lives, and climbed more alpine first ascents than most could dream of. He is a climber, a photographer, an alpinist, and the first American to successfully summit an 8,000-meter peak in winter. He was just named National Geographics adventurer of the year. Basically, an American badass.

Sneak peak of the Seven Hills Indy Boot.

Our friend Jenna is truly a one of a kind soul. Her style and attitude are completely unique blend of Virginia and beyond. She’s traveled to some pretty far off places yet still makes Richmond her home. For November, she’s showing her essential winter selections from hot Tulsi tea to tanned leather. Take a minute to see what keeps this little style icon going throughout the winter.

Just north of oRichmond in Washington D.C., the Dandies and Quaintrelles have successfully pulled off their third annual Tweed Ride. The DC based social group is known for organizing and hosting vintage-inspired and always stylish events in partnership with an support of noble causes. With refined style and purposeful living, hundreds of cyclists rode through the streets of DC, two wheels at a time. Click for the video.

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.

I took a gander at the workspaces tumblr after Krystle posted an amazing photo of Jenna Lyons’ office, and haven’t stop looking at it since. A person’s workspace is just as telling and intimate as peeking into their home, and just as inspirational. This blog shows you the creative spaces of so many different types of people doing every different type of things with them, there’s no way it won’t get you geared up to starting creating something. So if you haven’t already, give your Monday a swift kick to get going with some workspace inspiration here.

These pages are from the July, 1968 issue of Vogue Magazine. They were shot in a series of five days in the Arizona desert creating one individual look per day using only yards of un-sewn fabric, furs, ropes and natural elements in the desert. Photographed by Franco Rubartelli and styled by Giorgio di Sant’Angelo. Modeled by Veruschka. Click to see the rest.

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.

I know, it’s hard enough to get out of bed when it’s freezing cold and still dark outside, much less put together a look that will both turn heads and keep you warm. But really, it only takes a few ingredients- a big cozy scarf, the right layers underneath, a pair of killer boots, and most importantly, the perfect coat. And here is a great place to find your perfect match. Click for some cold weather outfit inspiration, and get layered up!

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.

You gotta admire painter Sam Dilemans drive. Agree or disagree his views, but his dedication and unwavering will is truly, truly inspiring. This is a short clip from the awarded documentary “The Madness In The Detail,” which, after seeing this clip seems a fitting title.

Just a handful of images that we’ve found along the internet from a few good blogs. Mod Rockers, Dine Alone, Na Nin Vintage, Life in the Cell, and of course FFFFound. If you’re not familiar with these guys, then say hello.

Take a peek at some truly inspiring film photographs from Kitty Riddell, taken on a recent trip to London with a Pentax and her (stunning!) friend Rosie. These beautiful- and beautifully creepy- photos make me want to take a trip over the pond asap. See these and more work by Kitty over at Always Sometime Anytime.

I love a good menswear-inspired look on a woman, and I’ll admit to dipping into the boy’s side of the closet on occasion. There’s just something so timeless and classic about a crisp button-up, a structured blazer, a wool scarf and the perfect loafer. Click through for some menswear-inspired looks, and a few essentials to getting your Annie Hall-esque wardrobe ready for fall!

Filson continues that “old-time” look in Japan. We’re sure it’s a hit there. Your thoughts? More after the jump.

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).

This is something I absolutely cannot wait to try out! Found at HonestlyWTF via Christine, this great little DIY project is the perfect substitute for your go-to accessories when you want some extra sparkle, and something a little unexpected. Click through to learn how, or see the original post here.

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.

 ”Lesson number one, ‘experts’ are clueless.” Find the 45minutes to watch this video. Especially if you’re the entrepreneurial type. Guy Kawasaki is known as the man who worked for Steve Jobs twice and survived. The speech was delivered the day after Steve Jobs passing. Guy scrapped the speech he had planned on giving, which many had come to see and hear, to give one on the lessons he had learned from Steve Jobs. I think this shows just how influential and innovative Steve Jobs was, but also how influential the people we surround ourselves with can be on us.  Enjoy this insightful video.

Sam Weber is no doubt one of the top Illustrators working today. He is also one of the most humble and approachable. With numerous awards, delivering lectures year round internationally and constantly pushing his work to new heights, I wonder what is next in store for Sam (radio show host? ;) ). I have been lucky enough to see a few lectures and demo’s by him and visit his studio at The Pencil Factory. While I was at his studio in Brooklyn, New York, we headed out to grab some coffee and he told me something I will never forget.

Hey Designers! You think you’re a kerning hotshot?! Give Kerntype a try, I know it gave me a little taste of humble pie! If you have an iPad, you can kern with your fingers. COOL.  Kerntype was developed by Mark MacKay for Method of Action, a new educational website on design, entrepreneurship and gardening, created by himself and his wife. Watch out for Method of Action in the near future. I think they are going to do some big things; maybe even change the way we think of the educational experience… But anyways, KERNING! Give it a shot!!  http://type.method.ac/

I remember growing up listening to Randy Newman’s 1974 release of Good Old Boys, and the first track “Rednecks“. I also remember hearing that same, unique voice on Pixar’s Toy Story. It’s the variation in lyrics that draws me most to the artist. He’s a man that certainly has his way with words. For someone who take them the wrong way, or can’t understand Newman’s viewpoint for lyrics and subjects, then we can only wish them the best of luck.

It was literally the other day that we were asking ourselves, “What in the hell is musk?” Besides the obvious scent for men, what does “musk” entitle as far as scent? What’s the history behind the scent? Well, it’s Sunday evening and we just so happen to come across the answer we were looking for over at Kempt. Apparently, the word “musk” is something that gets thrown around a little too much. In reality, it derives from the Asian (Siberian) Musk deer [pictured] that’s known for it’s insane, predator-like teeth and it’s musky glands. Sounds pretty gross.

In 2002, when filming Gangs of New York, he would listen to Eminem to get angry. In 2003, he was chosen by People magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in the world.  During the filming of The Last of the Mohicans, he built a canoe, learned to track and skin animals, and perfected the use of a 12-pound flintlock gun, which he took everywhere he went, even to a Christmas dinner. Besides that, he has appeared in nearly 30 full length feature films, was the first of three consecutive British actors to win the Oscar for Best Actor in a leading role and can play a pretty damn good Mohican.

For those of you who don’t know the work of Sterling Hundley, you are about to. Not only is he a award winning Illustrator and Painter, He is also the must-have teacher for the Communication Arts department at Virginia Commonwealth University, and also a teacher at The Ilustration Academy and The Art Department (SHEESH!). While studying under him and many other of my heroes at The Illustration Academy, I would ask fellow students from Russia, Australia, Brazil, etc. why they were here and most would answer, “because Sterling is teaching here.”

Growing up somewhere doesn’t always produce results such as these, but after catching the wanderlust bug in his youth, Matt Licari decided to travel back home to create an extensive 7-year series of photographs based there. Here is just a sampling from that series.

As if you didn’t already love Amy Poehler, you will now. In honor of the fifteenth birthday of the Upright Citizen Brigade theater, New York Magazine is featuring a history of the UCB that includes a 1998 sketch show which included Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. Rarely appearing on the show as herself, Poehler went through many, many hopelessly hilarious make-up tests- some of them caught on polaroid for the rest of us to laugh at and love. I’ve picked a few of my favorites, but let’s be honest- they are all completely amazing. See the entire slideshow of Amy’s 30 alter-egos here.

There is a man known as Scott Schuman who run the very popular blog known as The Sartorialist. The Sartorialist is a well selected library of streetstyle photographs from around the world. But of course, you probably already know this. Mr. Schuman has been running this site for some time now, growing in skill, audience and respect. He just sat down for some words on The Talks where he explains how his audience “…is so much larger than everybody else’s that advertisers, well at least American Apparel, told me that I am not in their internet budget.”

Add Stylefeld to your list of new ways to kill time. Take every possible outfit (or lack of one) from Seinfeld and compile it all into a Tumblr. That’s just what Stylefeld is. Sit back, relax and just scroll. Even if the outfits don’t look good, remembering those scenes from each episode is practically priceless. We can’t wait for Seinfeld to hit Netflix.

13Wives is the story of 13 ladies and their man behind the bar. This tucked-away specialist little cocktail bar mixes up one of a kind potent concoctions inspired by each of the femme fatale protagonists. These cocktails can be selected from The Little Black Book presented by the mixologist – the man behind the bar. This is his secret rolodex tucked in his back pocket, complete with first dates stories, jot notes of the ladies and mentions of their favorite cocktails. Enjoy the night- via Foreign Policy Design Group

Yes, we know. There are a million photos of similar, gorgeous interiors floating around the internet. It’s nothing new at all. But, then again, when you come across one that you really like, sharing it is the best thing you can do. The following are some shots from Mark Borthwick’s Brooklyn home. It’s hard not to be attracted to natural light, space and a layout created by you rather than walls. Job well done Mark.

Hong Kong-based online publication Fresh Magazine continues to impress with their second issue. The magazine highlights new talent from all over the world with a really fresh take on art, photography, and style. View the entire issue here.

I always have my sketchbook on me. Well, I try really hard to at least. One weekend I was glad I brought  it along was the weekend we had our Autumn/ Winter shoot for our upcoming catalog and recently released video. There was no down time, but any time I had to stand still I would try and capture what I could in my sketchbook. I never thought I would be sharing it here, for it usually serves only as a utilitarian purpose of keeping my eyes, hands and mind fresh.

Who doesn’t love seeing a cute girl (or guy) riding an equally cute bike on a sunny day? Two of our favorite bloggers, Erin of Calivintage and Rebecca of The Clothes Horse, definitely do, and they’re busy compiling some of the cutest photos of babes on bikes from all over the internet and the world into their latest project Bikes + Babes. Put on your helmet and a smile, and they may catch you in the act- or submit photos of your own! Click for some two-wheeled inspiration, and see even more babes and bikes here.

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.

Our friend Ryan Plett is one of the busiest guys we know, and one of the best dressed. He does everything in style, and his newest project is no exception. Travel Well is a photographic journal highlighting Ryan’s travels all over the globe, the people he meets and the style that catches his eye. The photography is exceptional, and you get a first-hand look into events and experiences that are definitely worth checking out. Visit Travel Well here, and maybe Ryan will visit your city soon.

Spend an afternoon with the two creative brains behind Freckles Studio, and find endless inspiration. Artist Antonio Serna and Mandarin & General owner and designer Peggy Tan live in an amazing Manhattan apartment, and let you take a peek inside over at an afternoon with. So spend some time with Antonio & Peggy and get your creative juices flowing.

For all our lovers of furniture out there, may we have your attention please? The Herman Miller Select program (Japan), which releases just one product per year, has just teamed up with House Industries to introduce a limited version of their wire-based LTR table. The entire House Industries alphabet will be individually painted on eighty tables, however not a single one will make it to the US.

I recently took notice of blogger Linnea Jacobson in her feature over at WhoWhatWear, and have kept a close eye on her since. The 14-year-old Swedish red-head has an eye for style, but does it her own way. She doesn’t take fashion too seriously, and has such natural beauty and poise that she wears everything with a cool ease about her. Not to mention, her photography is absolutely beautiful, and completely dreamy. This girl is one to watch- check out her personal style blog here and her photography page here.

Carly Waito is obsessed with nature. Her hyper-realistic paintings of crystals and minerals illustrate the Toronto-based artists’ affection for the natural world and tells a story of texture, structure, color and rarity. Read more about Waito’s fascination with minerals and other curiosities here. Found via Chewy!

Chad Wys is an Illinois-based artist who calls himself an “artistic recluse”. These images- from his Nocturne series- appear at first glance to be oil paintings, but are actually created digitally and displayed as archival pigment prints. As an undergrad I studied Art History, and so was first drawn to Wys’ Renaissance-era portraits, but it is the deconstruction of them that makes his work so powerful, and his questioning of the boundaries of art. Click here to see more of his work, and to read Wys’ great statement about his artistic processes and where he falls in the realm of art.

Blogger Tavi Gevinson of thestylerookie.com, just launched her online magazine Rookie Mag yesterday, and I couldn’t be more amazed with it. With all the spunk, style, wit and charm of this 15-year-old girl genius, alongside the creative styling and musings of some famous (not to mention beautiful) friends, her brainchild website launched with the forever-teenage-girl in all of us in mind. Let’s face it, who isn’t still in that stage of perpetual adolescence from time to time? (I just listened to my favorite album from high school last night just for nostalgia’s sake). And come on, you wouldn’t want to read posts from the likes of Joss Whedon, Leslie Arfin, Zooey Deschanel, Jack Black and Miranda July (just to name a few), on being in a love/hate relationship with anyone and everything from high school? Pffft!!

It’s a bit between seasons here, and while Labor Day usually marks the last weekend of Summer fun, it is still as sunny and warm as ever. And though it does get cool at night, and the first hints of that Autumn breeze are starting to blow about, it’s still not quite time to put on that new Winter coat. This transitional weather is when you get to be the most creative when getting dressed- it’s all about light layers, mixing pieces from different seasons, and pulling on that perfect cardigan whenever necessary. Here are tons of cute outfits inspirations for the best time of year- so enjoy those warm days and cool nights while you can!

Ever want to go back and do what young boys did best? Colby Vincent Edwards, William Franevsky, and Jarrett Scherff did, and turned it into a collaborative exploration and exhibition. Read below:

Artist Statement

“Now there’s nothing. And here I am trying to put sense to it, when I know there isn’t any.” – Max Rockatansky

If you’ve picked up a copy of the very large September issue of US Vogue, or haven’t been living under a rock for most of 2011, then you’ve seen the photos or at least heard about the wedding of the century. Kate Moss’s English countryside wedding was sheer elegance- yet not at all stuffy, and was even called “the rock-and-roll Great Gatsby”. She had sixteen bridesmaids and flower girls, ages two to fourteen and wore a 1930′s-inspired gown by John Galliano. It is absolutely the most romantic and beautiful ceremony I’ve seen in a very long time, and I expect nothing less from the iconic supermodel. Click here for even more photos of the absolutely gorgeous (and celebrity-studded!) event of the year for some serious wedding inspiration.

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.