DAN MULLIS aka THE SOUTHERN HABERDASHER

THERE’S MORE TO HOT SAUCE THAN MEETS THE EYE.  The Southern Haberdasher is bringing it to you with his unique southern style.

Tucked into the scenic foothills of the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park, Dan Mullis aka The Southern Haberdasher is brewing some of the most intriguing sauces and relishes this side of the Mason Dixon.

By day, Dan is a personal style consultant at the venerable Guffey’s Men’s Store in Atlanta.  Once back at Southern Haberdasher  HQ, Dan continues “styling” his line of hot sauces, relishes and peppers, methodically mixing each fresh batch.

I have the pleasure of calling Dan a friend.  He’s helped advise me on projects in the past and I trust his judgement on all things sartorial.

So trust me when I say that his sauces are blended from the heart with an added bit of soul–you’ll know this as soon as you crack open a bottle of sauce–the aroma capturing you and not letting you go until try just a little.

Which leads to one more little taste.  Soon you’re scouring the fridge for something to douse with his addictive concoctions.

Mouth Watering–Eat, Repeat.

The Southern Haberdasher is multi talented.  He has a degree in journalism. He’s sought after as a commentator and emcee–he’s often quoted in periodicals dealing with men’s fashion.  If that’s not enough street–cred for ya…he’s written and hosted his own radio show, The Style Hour.

A lifelong Springsteen fan, Dan has been known to hit the road to see the boss–a way for him to recharge the batteries with his beautiful wife, Debbie.

A doctor of peppers so to speak, Dan has made it his mission to learn as much as possible about pepper varieties–how they mix, and which nuances can be extracted with each new experiment in his hot sauce lab.

Speaking of missions–Dan and Deb give back to the local community through the Atlanta Community Food Bank.  ”WE BELIEVE SHARING OUR BOUNTY with others is the right approach in pursuing our dream of becoming entrepreneurs.”

Visit The Southern Haberdasher website.  When you get there, send Dan a note.  He likes to hear from people and is always ready to share what he knows.  He’ll even give you a few tips for making your own sauce, or which shoes to wear to that soiree you’re attending next month.

How’s that for style?

–Robert

                      MADE IN AMERICA QUALITY                     GOKEY BOOTS

NOWADAYS, MANY THINGS ARE HARD TO DEFINE.  Made In America Quality isn’t one of ‘em.

The Gokey boots I’ve worn for years epitomize all that is right with a product made in the U.S.A.  Innovation and durability to be specific.

Noah Gokey founded his boot making company in Addison, NY before the turn of the century. His combination of a moccasin style leather upper with a hard sole was an innovation at the time–and one that quickly became a rage among hard core outdoorsman.   Over time, as the Gokey legacy began to grow, people gladly waited months to receive their custom boots.

Think about that in this fast-paced- constant- barrage- of -a- world we now live.

When was the last time any of us gladly waited on anything?

They waited knowing Gokey was building boots for them.

Oh, and the simple fact that the goods were worth the wait.

I’m on my second-or is it third? set of soles with these boots.   I’ve flown a few airplanes in ‘em…slogged a coupla miles in the field and kicked a brush pile or two. This time of year I wear them mostly to cut the grass.  They’re supposedly snake proof–I’ve never been bitten by a snake while wearing them, so I’ll take the people of Gokey at their word.

There was dedication by the person who built these boots.  They cared.

“THESE BETTER BE GOOD.”  I’m guessing the boot maker said to himself.

Each piece of leather cut, each stitch sewn, was done by the hands of someone who gave a rip.

How do I know this?

Even with the wear and scars on my boots, they still show –and more importantly–feel like quality each time I slip them on.

You know what I mean. When you can feel the quality, something is special.

Thank you Mr. Gokey for setting a fine example.

It’s the perfect reminder for us at Vvego. We can only hope that as the years pass, our clients feel the same way about us as I do about my Gokey’s–that somebody cared about what they were doing.

Time will tell.

–Robert

CUSTOM COOL WALLET FROM VVEGO INTERNATIONAL SHOWN IN ALLIGATOR

WE BUILD WALLETS FOR MEN…So a recent article in Kiplinger got our attention.

At Vvego, we get it…many people like their bi fold wallets…heck, even their tri folds.

We have nothing against ‘em.

In fact, we’ve built these more traditional leather wallets for people in the past.

BUT…

You gotta ask yourself…”DO I REALLY NEED TO BE CARRYING ALL THIS CRAP AROUND?”

Maybe you do.

But I don’t think so.

That’s why I’m on a mission to Slim It Down.

“WHY?”

Because you never use all of that stuff you have squirreled away…I mean, 12 credit cards?  Really?

I’ll bet you don’t use more than 3 cards for your main purchases, and those receipts you folded and tucked away?  They’re from 2010!

Bid them adieu.

VVAULT SERIES FRONT POCKET WALLET IN SHARKSKIN W/FLAMING RED LINING

Back to a few more things Kiplinger mentions as what NOT to carry.

• Birth Certificate
• Checks
• Spare Keys

How often are you able to up your style quotient, improve your health…and reduce the chance that you’ll lose vital information to some crook…all in one easy move?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Now, if you’re still jonesing for that bifold…we’ll hand build you the nicest one you’ll ever own.

Wanna give a cool custom front pocket wallet a chance?

I think that’s a good idea…

Come See Us.

–Robert

SCOTT STEARMAN IN THE STUDIO

FROM MILITARY THEMES TO SCULPTURE DEPICTING ACTS OF FAITH, Scott Stearman lays hands to clay, shaping life from earth…a modern day Prometheus.

I knew we had common interests when I heard of this sculptor out of Colorado by the name of Scott Stearman.

I’ve been around the aviation world for most of my adult life…the name Stearman holds iconic if not mythical legend in aviation circles. Stearman Aircraft personified the term “work horse” with regard to its airplanes.   Perhaps the best known of these is the Stearman Model 75 Kadet Aircraft, the primary trainer used  during WWII,  a few of which still fly today.

So how did a motorcycle riding bear of a man develop the gentle touch needed to produce works that are now on display across the country?

I needed to call him up and learn more.

“I LIKE STORIES…and sculpting, like the written word, tells a story.  In fact, if the piece doesn’t convey a message…something is wrong” says, Stearman.

In a previous life, Stearman was immersed in the world of video production. He followed his passion into production of a different type… sculptures in bronze.

According to Scott, the two mediums…video and sculpting are very similar.

How so?

“YOU EDIT VIDEO, MOVING THE IMAGES AND THE MUSIC TO CONVEY A CERTAIN FEELING…A MOOD.  It’s the same with creating works in clay, you add a bit here…or carefully carve a hollow there…the end result is really a lot like editing.”

Prometheus, Greek legend has it, shaped man out of mud…Athena then breathed life into the clay.

So it is with Stearman…the clay model sits in front of him on the table,  life ever so slowly coming to the figures as he shapes the details hour upon hour.

It’s time consuming, tedious work.

This model will eventually be formed in bronze…but the nuance…the soul happens here, in his hands while the clay is still workable.

Scott’s studio is tucked into the side of a small hill in the trees of Woodland Park, Colorado…the setting alone is a source of inspiration for Stearman and it shows in each sculpture he creates.

According to Scott, larger hands are actually at work…guiding his own to produce something that he hopes will last forever.

Faith in.  Faith out.

How does Scott unwind…?

He and his wife load up their Honda Goldwing and head out onto the open road.  It’s a tricked out bike with lots of extra goodies,  including intercom so that he and Hermine can take in the scenery…talking while they cruise.

“WE HAVE SOME OF THE GREATEST CONVERSATION OUT THERE…just us and the wind.”

Ride on.

--Robert

COOL MOVE… FRONT POCKET WALLET-EXCLUSIVELY FROM VVEGO INTERNATIONAL .

A COOL WALLET IS IN YOUR FUTURE…I CAN FEEL IT.

Read on.

It’ll Be Worth It…I Promise.

Question: How can you lighten your load, give your back some relief and thwart pick pockets…all in one easy step?

SWITCH TO A FRONT POCKET WALLET

THAT’S HOW.

I dare you to look in your wallet.  Go ahead, pull it out and open it…I’ll wait.

There’s a lot of stuff in your wallet isn’t there? A bunch of things you’d forgotten about.

I was the same way, lugging a wallet as thick as War & Peace in my back pocket.

Then I Moved It To The Front

1st I had to go through my old wallet and determined what I really use.  Like me,what you find will surprise you (you’ll find cards, receipts and other scraps you’ve forgotten were in there…I assure you of this.)

2nd Then I decided on what I really needed to carry. Maybe 3-4 credits cards 1 photo I.D. An   insurance card…ok. tuck a $5 in there if you really want, and you’re ready to roll.

3rd I went through a small adjustment period.  You will too, asking yourself…”What am I’m leaving  behind?”

Let me answer this for you…Nothing

COOL WALLET INDEED. THE VVAULT FRONT POCKET WALLET-EXCLUSIVELY FROM VVEGO INTERNATIONAL

Alrighty then, let’s review.

That New Wallet Your Thinking About Should:

Help you lose some weight (in wallet terms)

Make your back feel better from not sitting on that pocket lump all day

Make you a harder target for pick pockets.

I’m missing something, I know…So now to my “Promise”

Send me the best idea you have for switching to a cool wallet…a front pocket wallet.

If I like your suggestion…Vvego will hand build you an American Made- Vvault Series Wallet (see above picture) from the leathers/linings of your choosing.

Since we never offer discounts or put our wallets sale… I will pick up the tab for your new wallet.

I’m not kidding.

No Obligations…No Tricks… I’ll personally handle your custom wallet order.

Let’s get started.

Click on the link and send me your ideas. I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Make ‘em good.

–Robert

WALK THE LINE LEATHER GUITAR STRAP SHOWN IN BLACK WHISKEY-EXCLUSIVELY FROM ANTHOLOGY GEAR WEAR

BRIAN GRIFFITH, FOUNDER AND CHIEF VIRTUOSO OF ANTHOLOGY GEAR WEAR, wants you to dispense with that sub par sling you call a guitar strap…and give your axe some props. He wants you to try a leather guitar strap from Anthology.

He knows that once you do…you’ll be a convert.

I was introduced to Brian through a mutual friend, and from our initial conversation, knew we were on common ground with respect to products and designs and what influences the both of us.  Among them:

Obsessive About Innovation & Quality…Check

Passionate About “Gear”…Check

Dig Music…Check.

A top flight guitarist and designer, Brian has melded his passions for both into products aimed specifically at the target audience he knows best…Musicians.

Don’t get him started on bland or boring or mediocre products.

Anthology Gear Wear and everything that goes into their unique line of guitar/instrument straps, bags and other accessories, is predicated on being as “…near perfect” as possible.

Brian, backed by a family combo…including his wife and 3 children, has made it his mission to design and build the finest music-oriented gear in the world.

Why? Brian puts it like this…

“Having to settle for an inferior guitar strap on the instrument you have so much money invested in, is akin to putting vinyl seats in the Ferrari you’ve worked so hard to buy or restore.”

Brian asks that you not do this. Please

“I’m passionate about each detail of each item we create.  I take it personally that Anthology Gear Wear represents everything right with the way a business should be involved with its customers, from the minute you contact us…to the time when your gear arrives.”

“Cheap has a home somewhere I’m sure…Just not at Anthology”

What does have a home at Anthology…?

A Little Heart

A Little Soul

A Little bit of Rock n Roll…

or BlueGrass…

or Robert Johnson.

(He plays them all, by the way)

Oh, and the most innovative and durable guitar straps…and now, guitar cases and gig bags, on the planet.

” Yeah, they have a home here.” Brian laughs.

THE REVELATOR LEATHER GIG BAG SHOWN IN BLACK WHISKEY and AGED STEEL-EXCLUSIVELY FROM ANTHOLOGY GEAR WEAR

“We’re pushing hard every day…trying to improve what we have…making sure that musicians who demand the best, can find the absolute best at Anthology.”

After a 12-14 hour day is finished…guess how the Axe Man unwinds?

“Well, I round up the kids…all multi instrumentalists themselves…we put on a little family jam. Exploring music together with them is one of the highlights of my life.”

Play on, Brian

–Robert

CUSTOM CUFFLINKS IN WATER BUFFALO HORN WITH MASTODON IVORY INLAY-EXCLUSIVELY FROM VVEGO INTERNATIONAL

SURE…YOU HAVE YOUR SILVER CUSTOM CUFFLINKS, and that other pair, the engraved cufflinks with your initials on them  given to you years ago… so does everyone else.

Granted, they’re cool cufflinks…you’ll never go wrong with classics.

We give them a “10″

Now let’s take this to an “11″

Here’s how

1. Choose your stem. Titanium, Beryllium Copper, TruStone, Exotic Hardwood,Acrylic.

2. Want an inlay?…Ok. Think Of A Color…

3. Send us a note or give us a call 1 877 221 2033. We’ll personally walk  you through the process. It’s simple.

4. We’ll build you a set of custom cufflinks from these or other exotic/rare materials  of  your choosing.

At Vvego, we hand build cufflinks like on one else on the planet.

Our one- piece machined cufflinks are individually turned from solid billets of materials, then polished for hundreds of hours.  All for you.

Read On…

HAND MADE CUFFLINKS IN CONFETTI ACRYLIC-EXCLUSIVELY FROM VVEGO INTERNATIONAL

Something in a glass-like acrylic cufflink?  No problem.

Daily, we’re building cufflinks for men…and ladies, from a wide array of unusual and exciting elements. All right here in the U.S.A.  C’mon…we’re waiting to build a set just for you.

Need to know more?  No worries.  We’re here whether you call or drop us a line with your questions.

American Originals. Hand Built In The U.S.A.

Come see us.

–Robert

CUSTOM CUFFLINKS by VVEGO INTERNATIONAL

Are cufflinks making a comeback?

Yeah they are…and this time they’re bringing the ladies with ‘em. (More on that later)

Enjoying a surge in popularity, cufflinks are now a must have fashion accessory for men…even for those casual dressers.   Guys are wearing french cuff shirts and the requisite links that go with them, even when they aren’t in full dress mode .

In the U.S. there are definitely regional differences…but the the trend in cufflink wearers is on an upward trajectory for sure.

Custom cufflinks…even inexpensive ones, are always a go-to choice, and a step up from the everyday offerings found in many department stores.

Novelty cufflinks  are popular as well, adding a whimsical touch to an otherwise serious ensemble.

Then there are the cufflink collectors…always on the hunt for that unique or rare set of links that many consider wearable art

Dan Mullis a.k.a. The Southern Haberdasher, the resident style expert at Guffey’s Men’s Store in Atlanta, has this to say about the uptick in cufflinks wearers, “A great casual look is an appropriate pair of jeans, crisp white shirt and the correct shoes to match. Then attend to the details by adorning said shirt with a vibrant shot of color…i.e., some cool cufflinks”

FLAMING RED CUFFLINKS

Richard Greenfield, a consultant/editor/writer currently residing in Japan, thinks that wearing cufflinks is a small nuance that sets a man’s wardrobe apart. “In this day and age, where even suit jackets are often optional, cufflinks show something about you…More than a fashion statement, you’re making a personal statement.”

MACHINED TITANIUM CUFFLINKS

The number of women wearing cufflinks is growing rapidly.  From female entertainers who want that bit of flash for the stage lights…to the executive in the boardroom, french cuff shirts are now de riguer for many ladies.  The idea of women’s cufflinks is not exactly a new phenomenon…But interestingly enough, the idea of cufflink designers and sellers targeting women specifically, just may be.

Time will tell if this potentially under-served market gets a lift.

No matter how you roll,  wearing it on your sleeve is a good call for both men and women…the ultimate accessory for those wanting to make a statement.

Speaking of accessories, don’t forget confidence…which according to both Dan and Richard, is THE ultimate style choice for anyone.

Well said.

Come See Us.

–Robert

GET YOUR MOVE ON

Pi· o· neer/ noun: (a person who blazes the new trail…who ventures into the unknown).

I have a friend and he’s a pioneer.

Not to take anything away from settlers…they’re important too.

Michael Bettua, founder of Max Mirani, decided the rollaboard luggage he owned at that time was like numerous pieces he’d struggled with in the past…not very user friendly.

Confident he could build a more intuitive rollaboard luggage system that would encourage travelers to organize their clothes, socks, etc. into specific compartments…Michael began the uphill climb of bringing an original project from his head, to paper, and finally to reality.

His efforts led to the MOVE Mobile Closet.

Think of it as a management system for your travel needs. Pack it right when you leave (put those shirts in one compartment…those shoes in another…and you won’t be digging around looking for stuff later.

I know personally of Michael’s struggles to develop this unique concept. We formed a friendship at a Travel Goods Show several years ago. Over time we’ve consulted with, and bounced ideas off each other in pursuit of various projects, and I’ve watched with excitement as Michael’s original luggage idea became a reality.

Now?… The MOVE is here!

This innovative luggage continues to gain accolades and admiring reviews from Max Mirani customers the world over.

…all because of a pioneer who didn’t…who couldn’t settle.

Carry on, Michael.

–Robert

Girl In Trouble

We just finished a small run of our new Vvapor series wallets/money straps…Tippy, part of the entourage around these parts, decided she needed to test one.

This test was not approved by the higher ups.

She didn’t care.

Our hand built wallets are built to with the finest materials we can find (notice the clean bite through the carbon fiber lining)

This is tough stuff, trust me. Anyway, I guess it wasn’t much of a match for a determined 18lb. mutt.

Dog Bites Wallet

MORAL TO STORY. If you have a Tippy of your own…and she decides to test something you’ve purchased from Vvego…We’ll warranty it.

Our TAKE IT TO THE GRAVE WARRANTY http://vvego.com/warranty.htm has you covered

Are our wallets bullet proof? We don’t know, we’ve never tried to stop a bullet with one.

Are they Tippy proof? Not so much.

Come see us.

–Robert
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