Weekly Wordsmith
Mexico Inspiration Trip : Part I
With a rush and a wave, our latest inspiration trip has already come to a close. With nothing more than the sand in our hampers and faded tan lines it almost seems like ages ago when we first stepped on the Mexican shores. When your nose is to the grindstone for 52 weeks straight it’s crucial to have a mental reset. Finding new and inspired ideas in strange places keeps your creative flow performing at a high level as well as pushes the industry standard even further.
Most of our trip was spent in heat induced hammock comas and endless wave sliding opportunities. Your design pantone book cannot compete with the colors that the environment displays. Whether it's the hues of purple and red found in tumbled beach shells or the scales of a local barracuda gliding along side your single fin. We realized almost immediately that allowing yourself to slow down and take in the setting sun will sooth the angsty creative mind. This natural beauty is something we will never forget.
Between the three of us we had six cameras to document the shock and awe we all felt by the rural Mexican coastline. Our only enemy was the sun trying to burn the hide off our backs and fog any lens it could reach. Thankfully the ocean provided refuge for us as it has done for centuries. Flowing swell under our boards and fresh seafood in our stomachs, there was not a care or worry for any of us. Time slowed down as we became more feral and charred by our endless summer. And as heat exhausted hikes delved us into our minds and onto the vacancy of the winding coast lines, we found inspiration.
Collaboration: Iron & Resin + Taylor Stitch
Weekly Edition: 112 Summer Madras Jack
Event: Grow & Twine
San Francisco has always been a major catalyst for artists and musicians. If you can impress a San Franciscan crowd, you’re way ahead of the curve. And while some say we have unattainable expectations, we are known for having a great arts scene for a reason.
We at Taylor Stitch are lucky enough to have the lead singer of a very talented band working as our custom suit tailor. Ryan Devens started the band Grow and Twine about 2 years ago in Nashville, TN. When he moved to San Francisco, he met up with bandmates Roxy Pianko and Ryan Devisser and continued making music. Earlier this month, the folk Trio put on a free show at the Taylor Stitch offices for all the SF community to enjoy. It was a great night of friends, music, and free drinks (six kegs from Pacific Brewing Laboratory to be exact).
We truly loved seeing the support of the community in full effect. It reminded us how lucky we are to live in this City and to have such quality friends. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Ryan and a huge thanks to Grow and Twine for the serenade! Make sure to keep an eye out for their full length album that will be dropping in August.
Photos credit to Jason Roque
Weekly Wordsmith
Summer Cocktails
Summer is our favorite time of the year. The sun is out, our summer chinos are on, and San Francisco will occasionally break 65 degrees. Some of summer’s best moments happen with good friends and good drinks and we’re looking forward to the new collection of refreshments the season brings. While winter drinks are great, let’s be real, nobody wants to be at a rooftop party drinking Hot Toddies in the middle of July. We asked our friends at Bar Agricole to teach us how to make some of their favorite summer drinks, starting with a seasonal Bourbon Old Fashion. Head up to your roof with some friends and enjoy!
- Wild Turkey 101 -- 1.5oz
- Leopolds Brothers Maraschino -- 1 Bar Spoon
- Small Hand foods gum syrup -- I Bar Spoon
- 3 Dashes of aromatic Bitters
- 3 Dashes of Stone Fruit Bitters
- 1 piece of ice
- 1 Lemon Twist expressed and garnished
Father's Day Giveaway
Look to our Facebook to enter the Father's Day Bundle Giveaway for exclusive offers and a chance to win a Taylor Stitch Apron with a cookbook and spice set from San Francisco's 4505 Butcher Shop.
Developing an Apron
We first developed our aprons for the barista staff at FourBarrel Coffee. Fourbarrel's patrons took notice of the aprons and kept asking who made them. The staff directed them next door to our shop and the few extra aprons we had sold out almost immediately. We continued to get emails and calls all asking the same question, "When are you going to make more aprons?" The time has finally come and we will be releasing a full stock of aprons.
As we started to redevelop and improve on our previous design, our focus was narrowed on coupling efficiency with style. These aprons are made of a lighter material with summer barbecues and quick stints in the kitchen in mind. We also added multiple pockets to allow for easy storage of pens, phones, tools and notebooks. Along with these adjustments, we sourced a dead stock Cone Mills White Oak selvedge canvas for a unique look and style.
We decided that the perfect release date had to be Father’s Day. It’s the perfect gift, especially when paired with a cookbook and spice set from San Francisco’s 4505 chef Ryan Farr. Whether bought separately or bundled, these are gifts your father, husband, or brother are going to love.
We are excited to announce the release of the Taylor Stitch Apron and Father’s Day bundle. Happy Father’s Day everyone!
Weekly Edition: 111 Unlined Oxford Cloth Blazer
Weekly Giveaway
Weekly Wordsmith
This Weekend: Northern Grade Men's Market
We love being involved in Northern Grade for three reasons: First, it gives us a chance to catch up with friends we have partnered with or simply enjoy. We are honored to be apart of this small, but vibrant community of American made menswear companies. Secondly, we get to show new product and see first hand people’s immediate reaction, which is always a great experience. Lastly, we love being able to meet the fans of our brand. We have met so many amazing people who have followed the growth of the brand since day one and we owe everything to you guys.
This year at Northern Grade we will be having exclusive product releases and services. Come see our unreleased oxford blazers and madras shirts as well as have any pair of our pants hemmed to your liking on the spot.
We hope to see all of you there from 11-7 Saturday at 111 Minna Gallery!
Meet Our Friends: Fourtané
The age at which a watch becomes "vintage" typically refers to watches that are thirty years old. It also includes models that are discontinued, have unique features, special identities or are otherwise unusual in some way. While there are many pre-owned Rolex watches for sale on various retail sites, the collection Fourtané offers is focused on the truly rare, limited and collectable models. There are very few of these special pieces and the demand for them is growing rapidly, so Fourtané goes to great lengths to secure a rare watch when it becomes available. They once flew to Mexico City and stayed less than three hours to buy a rare 1950s Turn-O-Graph.
Fourtané services Rolex watches, but never restore them by altering or refinishing any of the original components. Any restoration or refinishing of the dial or replacing of visible components can dramatically lower the value and desirability of most collectable Rolex watches. When your watch is serviced, a Fourtané watchmaker will completely disassemble the movement, thoroughly clean the case and inspect each part before lubricating and reassembling all of the components. The watch is then pressure-tested to insure that it is waterproof and monitored for several days to be certain it is in working order.
Fourtané has had the good fortune to own some of the rarest Rolexes on the market, but our favorite from their collection are two watches that were owned by Steve McQueen. The first McQueen watch is one of the four Tag Heuer Monacos that were used in the movie Le Mans, which Fourtané bought at an auction in 2009. The other is a watch that Steve McQueen had presented as a gift to Bud Ekins, his stunt double. McQueen acquired it from a doctor who "threw it in" as part of a deal to purchase his motorcycle.
We are proud to be carrying these one-of-a-kind watches and look forward to growing our friendship and partnership with Fourtané. Stop by the shop and take a look at these beautiful pieces of menswear history.
Weekly Edition: 110 Sunbleached Gingham
Weekly Giveaway
Weekly Wordsmith
Paper to Product
Outerlands Recipe
San Francisco is home to some of the best food in the world. It’s a big part of what makes this city so great. We have the pleasure of being friends with Brett Cooper, head chef of Outerlands in the Sunset District. He let us in on a great salad recipe that's perfect for summer. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Spring Market Salad with Kimchi, Avocado Toast (for six servings)
Ingredients for Salad:
- 22 stalks of fat asparagus, trimmed of woody ends
- 1c brooks cherries, pitted and halved
- 1tbl preserved lemon, sliced thin in 1/2in sections
- 1 stalk green garlic
- 2c purple spinach
- 2c snap peas, cut in half on a bias
- 1.5c kimchi (homemade of course) cut to bite size pieces
- 3ea meyer lemons
- 2c local evoo (I like sciabica, stonehouse, or sylverleaf)
- 2tbl champagne vinegar
- 1.5c sprouted nuts or seeds (I used almond, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed)
- Fresh herbs
- Course sea salt
Assemble:
Make a vinaigrette. Mince the green garlic then place it in a small sauce pan with 1.5c olive oil. turn a burner to low heat and cook until garlic is very tender. set aside to cool. Zest the meyer lemons in to the garlic oil, then cut in half and juice them as well. add the juice, the champagne vinegar, and some sea salt to taste.
Heat a sautee pan large enough to fit 12 stalks of asparagus. Add 1tbl olive oil. When oil is hot place asparagus in pan and season with sea salt. Turn as needed until they are just tender. After they cool enough to handle, cut to bite size pieces. Take remaining asparagus and shave thin on a mandoline. Place shaved asparagus and cooked asparagus in a large mixing bowl with the kimchi, cherries, spinach, seeds, snap peas, and preserved lemon. Add sea salt and mixed vinaigrette to desired seasoning. separate to six serving bowls and garnish with herbs.
Ingredients for Toast:
- One loaf of good levain bread
- 3ea large haas or gwen avocados, pitted and scooped into a bowl
- 1 lime
- 12ea kumquat, sliced in rings and de-seeded
- Evoo
- Course sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Piment d'espelette
Assemble:
Slice the levain bread in 1" thick pieces. brush it with olive oil and a little sea salt then toast it until just crisp. Crush the avocado with a spoon and add in the juice of half the lime, 1tbl olive oil, and a little sea salt and pepper. smear it on the toasted bread then top with kumquat slices and a sprinkle of piment d'espelette.
Weekly Edition: 109 Chambray Slub
Weekly Giveaway
Weekly Wordsmith
Meet Our Friends: Jeremy Tooker
Jeremy Tooker continues to be one of the most influential figures in the flourishing coffee community of San Francisco. He founded Four Barrel Coffee in 2008 and it has become an attraction to people from all over the world. We first met in 2010 when we asked him to set up his coffee cart at our Meet Your Maker pop-up market and have been great friends ever since. Jeremy is one of the most driven people we know. He continually works to better his business as well as his product. In doing so, Jeremy is dedicated to sourcing the highest quality green coffee by personally traveling all over the world to buy directly from coffee farmers.
Jeremy headed out on these expeditions before phrases like “social sustainability” and “direct-trade” became hipster green terms and only a handful of others were directly buying their coffee. Embarking on these trips has allowed Jeremy to personally check the quality of his product as well as making sure that the coffee farmers are paid their share in full. Through this process, he is able to build lasting relationships with coffee farms around the world and help in their communities.
Each expedition is unique, but Jeremy’s favorites are his trips to Ethiopia. Once he lands, he needs to find a driver that is willing to undertake a six hour car ride to the coffee mill and then a four hour car ride to the actual coffee farm. After he arrives, the farm will buy a lamb to cook for Jeremy and they celebrate for the night. He will camp out in the jungle for the next couple of nights, allowing him to take in all the beauty Ethiopia has to offer.
Sourcing coffee this way requires relationships that are built on mutual respect and a passion for quality. It is time consuming, expensive and plain hard work, but it is the one way that Jeremy can personally vouch for his coffee and maintain these partnerships. We commend him for his dedication to quality and creating social, economical, and ecological sustainability in communities all over the world.
Shop Spotlight: Standard & Strange
Temescal Alley is quickly becoming Oakland’s number one spot for local shops. In addition to a great barber shop and some fine eateries, Temescal Alley stepped its game up even further when Standard and Strange entered the scene a little less than a year ago.
With a very intimate store setting, Standard and Strange specializes in American-made clothing and accessories. Founders Neil Berrett and Jeremy Smith focus on bringing men clothes that can be worn on a daily basis and fit in an outdoor urban setting. Versatility is key. The goal is to be able to go into the office, leave to go camping, and look damn good doing both.
We believe they have succeeded in their goal and were happy to partner with Neil and Jeremy. The next time you find yourself in Temescal Alley, stop by Standard and Strange for some gear!
Weekly Edition: 108 Summer Weight Selvage Denim
Summer Rancourt & TS Collection
Weekly Giveaway
New in Shop
Come peep the collection of new books now available at the shop.
Weekly Wordsmith
Edition 107: In motion
Studio Visit: Dave Muller
When Dave isn't spending all of his waking hours running Outerlands and raising his amazing daughter, he crunches away in his studio creating one-of-a-kind illustrations for companies all around the world. He is in the process of developing an incredible design for our Aloha Collection. We couldn't be more stoked on the outcome of this project.
Aloha Dave!
Edition 107: Highlands Shirt & Pant
Album of the week
Our album of the week is Mercy by Don Covay. Simply put, this album is great. If you have an appreciation for classic American soul and rock ‘n roll, you will understand the significance of this album. It’s the perfect background for dinner with friends as well as for a road trip with your partner. Needless to say, we highly recommend this album and want to give you a little insight on the artist.
Born Donald Randolph on March 24 1938, Don Covay is one of the most influential American soul artists from the 1960s. The son of a Baptist preacher, Don was raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The award-winning musician began his career singing in his family’s Gospel quartet, the Cherry Keys. He crossed over into secular music when he joined Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart to form The Rainbows.
Covay started his solo career by releasing his first full-length album Mercy. The album features a young Jimi Hendrix on guitar and paved the way to a very successful career. To solidify Covay as one of the top artist of his time, he suffered a severe stoke in the late 1990s, recovered, and released another album in 2000.
Here’s to you Don!
Weekly Giveaway
Artist Spotlight: Ryan De La Hoz
Ryan De La Hoz is a local artist who is quickly becoming a well recognized name. He began to explore art as a child by sketching the action figures he had collected. Now, he makes amazing pieces of art with paper cuts and ink work all by hand. While most artists try to eliminate slight imperfections, Ryan embraces them as an appealing aspect to paper and ink work. It makes his art raw and refreshing.
Ryan has been a friend of ours for years. He has a lot going on this year and we couldn’t be happier for him. As well as being apart of a two man art show in New York this July, working with Comune and Boy Parker on t-shirt designs, and his own solo show in Portland, Ryan is opening his own clothing shop in San Francisco. His clothing company is called Cool Try. The focus is on making t-shirts that are lighthearted and fun. The message is all about being positive and good humored. Cool Try's grand opening will be on Saturday May 11th, from 5pm-Midnight at 483 14th St and Guerrero St. We hope to see everyone there.
Again, we couldn’t be happier for Ryan and are excited to see his new projects come into fruition. Follow his work as he grows his clothing line as well as his art.
www.ryandelahoz.com // www.cooltry.net
Weekly Wordsmith
Restock: Oxfords and Poplins
We hear the word staple a lot in this industry, but we want to make sure you know the meaning and the importance behind it. What is a staple? It dates back to 1390 when King Edward II required all merchants to trade in a city square he called “The Staple.” The most lucrative and valuable product that was traded and sold was wool. Soon, people began to call wool the “staple” product because it was such an indispensable item and held the trade market together. Thus, a “staple” is an item of such importance that it holds the foundations of its market together.
With that said, we believe that the Oxford and Poplin button downs are indispensable items that hold the foundations of every man’s wardrobe together. They are not going anywhere, nor should they. We are pleased to announce we will be restocking the Oxford and Poplin button downs.
From Paper to Product
Shop Spotlight: Studio Velo
Studio Velo is one of the Bay Area's premier cycling retailers. Located in Mill Valley, CA, it is owned and operated by three passionate cyclists: Scott Penzarella, Colin Beardsley and Chris Reed. Their focus is on custom and production bikes and they feature some of the most exclusive brands in the business. To further embrace the lifestyle of riding, they have selected some of the finest performance apparel and accessories available today.
We have been friends with Scott for a couple of years now and have worked with him in the past, so when he asked us to make the Bike Mechanic shirt, we jumped at the opportunity to work with him again. We made the shirt out of a durable twill fabric with powder coated snaps and a very unique embroidery. It is a classic shirt that all mechanics need. We are proud to introduce our newest collaboration with Studio Velo: The Bike Mechanic Shirt.
Edition 106: Summer Shorts & V-Necks
Studio Spotlight: Everything Type Company
Needless to say, when our friend Kyle Blue told us he was leaving Dwell Magazine and heading east to start a new design studio, we were a little sad. We worked with Kyle on our first collaborative project ever, our Architect's Shirt we launched with Dwell on Design, and he’s been a good friend ever since.
Two years later, Kyle is truly rocking and rolling! We got to catch up on Thursday afternoon over a great lunch at the Wythe Hotel's Reynard. We rapped about all the projects he has been putting out, including the newly launched Sightglass Coffee website.
It's always great to see you Kyle and we’re excited for your future endeavors.
Weekly Product Giveaway
Event: Fair Ends Pop-up Shop
We were excited to be able to make it out to New York this past week for the opening event at the Fair Ends pop-up shop hosted by F.S.C. Barber & Supply in Brooklyn. It was great to see and catch up with old friends as well as make a few new ones. Their warm welcome made us feel right at home.
The place was packed despite the drizzle coming down and we made some great memories. Big thanks to Sixpoint Brewery and Art In The Age for letting us imbibe on their goodness all evening. If there’s something we appreciate as much as clothing it’s good drinks and you guys crushed it. Also, thanks to the fellas from Hector's Pets for adding a bit of good ole fashioned rock 'n roll to the evening. We’ve been jamming out to you guys all day.
New York, as always, you were good to us. Maybe next time we come out we will stay a little longer...
From Paper to Product
How To Mix Up The Telegraph Suit.
The deconstructed suit can be a bit confusing. When do I wear one? How do I wear one? We understand. A suit on its own is a tough proposition. We are here to ease your troubled woes and make it easy on you, fellas.
All you need to do is break it up. You don't need to wear both things at once, or ever for that matter. Don’t feel bad about it, there is no love lost between the blazer and pants.
Our lightweight Italian denim is perfect for any summer occasion. The trousers are easily rolled and paired with some fresh vans and a crispy tee. We personally try and wear socks as little as we can during the summer and these pants give you great reason.
Mix the jacket with some other types and shades of pants. For instance, try a light grey pant and throw a tie on with one shirt button undone before heading to work. It will give you just enough of an edge over the next fella with your cool, calm and collected sensibility.
Weekly Wordsmith.
Edition: 105. Fair Ends in cahoots with Taylor Stitch
Weekly Product Giveaway.
At The Shop: Tenugui
At first glance, one could see the tenugui as an interesting hand towel and nothing more. However, this multipurpose cloth has been a major part of Japanese culture for centuries. During the Heian period (794 – 1192 AD) the tenugui were used as accessories for Shinto religious rituals. The cloth was considered to be such a sacred item that they did not become widespread to the public until hundreds of years later. As their use became more prevalent, the samurai began to wear them in battle to keep the sweat from their eyes.
Once the tenugui were made available to the general public, their usage was increased even more dramatically. Farmers would wear them as headbands, but would also drape them over their neck to protect them from the sun. Blacksmiths would wear them as masks to prevent them from breathing in smoke as well as to polish finished products. When they were not being used for more practical purposes, the tenugui were commonly used to wrap gifts. Giving someone a gift wrapped in this cloth displayed a sense of appreciation and respect for the recipient. The tenugui maintains this strong symbolic and esthetic value.
In today’s society, men and women continue to use the tenugui in an even more versatile fashion. We are happy to bring this rich history to California and hope you will find the tenugui as useful and enjoyable as we have.
Come into the shop and purchase yours today.
Shop Spotlight: Iron & Resin
In the small beach town of Ventura, California, Iron & Resin has emerged as an authority of American made apparel. Their story reminded us a little of our own; a group of friends left their own ventures to start anew together. The result is a small, hand built collection of goods that draws heavily upon the founders’ lifestyles and experiences. Visit their retail shop located on 324 East Main Street and you will quickly pick up on the influence of Ventura's beach and motorcycle culture.
As motorcycle enthusiasts and American made advocates, we are extremely excited to begin this partnership with Iron & Resin. After meeting founder Tom Hill we knew this was a great match for both of us. We are pleased to announce that Taylor Stitch is now in Southern California and looking forward to a very special collection with Iron & Resin.