Dying for a Trip to Nashville >> Imogene + Willie

Four great things: the classic gospel song "Wade in the Water," the voice of Patty Griffin, a cool video, and a Southern selvage denim company.  This video was made by John Moessner for Imogene + Willie Jeans.

Imogene + Willie is a denim (and more) store housed in a cool old gas station in Nashville and i run by Matt and Carrie Eddmenson, a couple with experience at other industry standbys like RRL and Levi's.  But not only is it a store selling new and vintage denim, they actually make their in-house brand of selvage jeans on the premisis and they'll customize your pair for you the same day you buy them.

In love with their building... I'd like to move in please.

Made in the South >> Sid Mashburn

As I mentioned, I'm in Atlanta right now, and I just learned that the wife of Sid Mashburn, who owns the men's shop by the same name, is opening a storefront of her own!  Named, fittingly, eponomously, Ann Mashburn.

Sid Mashburn has quickly become an Atlanta staple, but for those of y'all who are further afield, a quick introduction...

After putting in time at brands such as Ralph Lauren and J. Crew, Mr. Mashburn brought his wife and their five daughters to Atlanta and opened his self-titled shop.

With a focus on, and championing of, crisp tailoring and quality craftsmanship, the store stocks a well-edited stable of brands such as APC, Persol, Filson, Levi's, Jack Spade, Globe Trotter, his own house line, and more.

But the selection is only half the draw-- Mr. Mashburn and his irresistibly charming crew are not only welcoming, but also offer up easygoing guidance to their clients on everything from fit to cuff lengths.  And, lest I forget, they also have tailors on site, working right there in the store to alter customize whatever your heart desires.  Could this store get any cooler?

Despite the obviously masculine bent, (it is a men's store after all), I walk out every time coveting a whole host of manly products, wondering if I could re-appropriate them for my own use.  Can't wait to see what Ann Mashburn has in store...

Website here.
Online store at Taigan.

Images from:

Unabashedly Prep

and this article by Stylite

Made in the South

I've gotta say, I think the South is experiencing a major renaissance of coolness, and it's not just because I'm on sweet on my hometown of Atlanta, Jawjuh.  I don't know how else to put it, but everywhere I look, I feel like I read about cool stores, companies, restaurants, hotels, you name it, cropping up in the South. 

Not that there hasn't always been cool stuff in the South, but I feel like lately, with the help of publications like Garden & Gun, there's more awareness and support being drawn to these companies, and it's helping re-brand the South as a place for artisinal food and quality craftsmanship, not to mention cool design, and not just sleepy provincial towns with lots of heat and humidity.

This year, Garden & Gun, a magazine focused on all things Southern (don't be put off by the name, just check it out), is having a contest to find the best things made in the South, from the expected cheese straws, barbecue sauce, and fly rods to the less expected selvedge denim, duffle bags, watches, farm tables, pottery, and more.

I can't wait for the results!  Will be sure to share them here.

Also, I'm just going to throw this out there, has anyone else noticed how many of the well-known design bloggers are from the South??  It seems like a disproportionate percentage! 

Awards website here.
Garden & Gun main here.
[Design*Sponge]