AMIAWESOME.COM

Ever wonder if you were awesome? Or even doubt your awesomeness? Well, I present to you the magic 8 ball of the internet, answer for your awesome doubtful-ness, oh you of little faith… Bookmark this jam as your homepage and start off your day knowing that yes, you are awesome. (and refresh the page, JUST to make sure.)

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!

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

Think because it’s cold out that surfing is over? Wrong. When the temperatures get colder, the waves only get bigger. Our buddy Nick tipped us on this place called Shipstern’s Bluff or Shippies for short. It’s a break off the south eastern coast of Tasmania on the Tasman Peninsula Australia. It used to be known as Devils Point. It takes nearly a 3 hour bush hike just to get vehicle access to take you to the break. It requires a few things: 1. A tow-in 2. Smarts (or lack of them) 3. Balls. The video after the jump can sum up the rest.

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.

This is one of those songs you hear and you’re lucky enough to have Shazam on your phone, thus we discovered Laura Marling. We could have easily mistaken her for Joni Mitchell. She’s poped up on the London music scene sometime around 2007 and hasn’t left. She released her debut album, Alas, I Cannot Swim (2008) when she was only 17 years old and was instantly nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in the UK – an award given annually for the best album from a British or Irish artist.

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.

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

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 girl that has fun with fashion- otherwise, what’s the point? You will almost always find Joanna Hillman in her trademark Ray-Bans and red lips, looking from the neck down a bit wacky in the best of ways. As the Senior Fashion Market Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, she’s one of the frequently photographed fashion insiders that we just can’t get enough of. She plays with prints and textures, wears shiny metallic pants, and speaks out about dressing true to yourself instead of just following trends- how can you not love her?! Click for more photos of the outlandishly stylish Hillman, and click here to get a peek at her behind the scenes.

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.

Fall naturally brings out whisky drinking, knit gloves and pumpkin bread music. To us, that sound is made up of beautiful voices, banjos, guitars and the twang of the country. Unless you’re a history buff or live in a very particular part of the world, you probably have no clue what a “battery kinzie” is. It’s really an old fort built in Fort Worden, Washington. It’s also the second track on Fleet Foxes latest album, Helplessness Blues, with a wonderful sound, great drums, depth and a bit of peacefulness.

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).

We just got tipped on this nice little release from Gummy Soul: Fela Soul! Combine some Fela Kuti with De La Soul and whalla, you get Fela Soul. This 8-track journey that combines afrobeat with hip hop gems, Nigerian instruments, politics, and native tongue. Produced by Amerigo Gazaway for Gummy Soul, it’s 33 minutes of one-of-a-kind music.

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.

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.

You can always count on Los Angeles to bring you really anything you want. Traffic, glitz, sunshine, heads in the clouds, beautiful people and here and there you’ll actually get a decent music group. Fidlar seems to have made it out of the smog and they’re still going. But what type of music is Fidlar? We’re going to skip all the sugar coating going around and just call it “rock-n-roll.” Yes, actual rock-n-roll. They’re kind of like your favorite band in highschool just a lot better and much louder. They’re also probably much drunker.

 ”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.

We absolutely love the amazing bags by Claire Vivier, and took a peek inside the designer’s digs with some help from Closet Visit. Vivier’s closet is actually a small room in her house, filled with art, handmade jewelry, and her coveted vintage finds, and her work space is brimming with projects and inspiration- the kind of studio that really gets the creative juices flowing. Check out her space here!

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.

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!

Our buddy Nick put us on to this particular track, Cub (Keep Shelly in Athens Remix). It’s a track from Solar Bears a Dublin/Wicklow duo formed in 2009 that was named after a Russian science fiction by Andrei Tarkovsky. Made up of John Kawlaski and Rian Trench, Solar Bears music combines beautiful sound, electronica, programming, acoustics, synths and vintage tape machines. This particular track was remixed by Keep Shelly in Athens, a Grecian duo who just hit North America.

If you’re like us, you wait all year for New York Fashion Week- all the best dressed people in one place, amazing new collections, and the best internet-watching of the entire year (or people watching if you’re lucky enough to be in NYC)! While NYFW of course is all about what’s happening on the runways, what’s happening in the streets is always worth a second look. Click to check out our picks of the best street style from September’s New York Fashion Week. Photos via Mr. Newton and Refinery 29.

Eric Shulz has a pretty important job. He’s making sure the Red Wing boots that we sell don’t fall off your feet after you kick the day’s ass. Extensive product testing goes into each model Red Wing produces. From impact testing to waterproof testing – not only is your boot going to look good but it’s going to do what a boot is supposed to do: protect your feet. Watch the video for a closer look.

I’ll admit, I never thought the pastel-colored hair trend would last. But these days, models, fashion insiders, even celebrities are getting in on the trend in their own different ways. So, it looks like I may have been wrong- and the truth is, I’m still loving those pink, purple, and even green streaks that keep showing up. What once was reserved for adolescents going through a certain “emo” phase, is now gracing catwalks, red carpets, and the heads of the coolest girls around. So go ahead, show your wild side!

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.”

Life Magazine has absolutely the best photo archives, and one can easily spend hours searching through historic, cultural and entertaining photographs from all over the world. Here is just a tiny, tiny sampling of the amazing lot of style and fashion-related pictures available in the Life archives. From the earliest fashion pioneers to the awesome 90′s runways, I promise you can find just about everything. Click to see how Life defines style through the ages.

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

We’re sure you’ve seen a picture of this guy floating around the internet somewhere. He’s a staple in any streestyle blog for obvious reasons. Nick Wooster, the men’s fashion director of Neiman Marcus Group Services (Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman), is pretty much the modle of a sartorial badass. Whether you agree or disagree with Nick, it’s impossible to ignore his knowledge and understanding of the current shift in menswear. He understands with reason how younger men are now more concerned with looking older – and how the importance of quality in products has just hit the top of the checklist.

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.

Richmond is full of great emerging artists, and in just a few weeks many of them will be together in one place showing off exactly how its done. Supersketch is an evening of live drawing hosted by our friends at Quirk Gallery on October 19. If you’re in or near Richmond, stop by to see local talents like Emerald Grippa, Harrison And Reed, Bryan Woodland, Sarah Gossett, Dan Owens, Jefferey Alan Love, Marshall Higgins, and others make art on the spot. Check out Quirk Gallery for more info. See you there!

The following version of “Lover’s Spit” might be one of the best (if not the best) ever recorded. We heard the version nearly four years ago from our friend and muse, Rachpop. “Lover’s Spit” is an original Broken Social Scene single from the album, You Forgot It In People (2002) that included the original member, Leslie. Then in 2004, with Bee Hives, Leslie Feist takes the vocals to the song and records it again at the Black Sessions broadcast by Radio France. This versions electric guitar paired with Feist’s unique voice give us a unique version to an amazing track.

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.

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.

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.

They’re a brand that we and hundreds of others have fallen in love with. Denim that is produced in the USA and made in the USA, by hand, one pair at a time. You can tell the difference when you put them on and when you’re not ready to take them off. Each pair is inspected by the founders of the company and signed off. If you’re not familiar with Raleigh Denim, check out this great video made by Josh Rosenbaum. It just might make you a believer.

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.