Zoe, Patrick, Nick
Photographed in Nashville, TN

Raised in:
Zoe: Santa Barbara, CA
Patrick: New Orleans, LA, and Hot Springs, AR
Nick: Austin, TX

Live in:
Nashville, TN

When did Nisolo begin:
Patrick: I began developing what would become Nisolo in November of 2010 while he was working in microfinance with Peru Mission. In June of 2011, Nisolo became a full-time gig for the founders for the first time. The official launch of the company and first stateside sales event was held on October 6, 2011.

Describe Nisolo’s mission:
Patrick: Nisolo is a socially conscious brand dedicated to offering a unique product that fuses quality and fashion with a vision to spur sustainable development throughout impoverished regions of the world. A Nisolo purchase is both a stylish indulgence and an investment in the future of the impoverished artisan who crafted it. Supporting Nisolo allows consumers to directly facilitate one of the most powerful forms of poverty alleviation in the developing world: job creation. By offering a hand up and out of poverty rather than a handout, Nisolo’s goal is to empower impoverished artisans with the ability to shape their future through their extraordinary work.

What sets Nisolo Shoes apart:
Zoe: One thing that sets Nisolo’s product line apart from other brands on the market is the chic, classic design of each shoe. The attentiveness to detail evident in the shoemaking process of Nisolos is only heightened by the fact that each pair is viewed by the artisans as a unique piece of art. As a company, Nisolo is set apart in comparison with other similar brands by the superior quality and design of our products and the sustainability of our cause.

How did the three of y’all end up together:
Patrick and Nick  were connected because they both spent a year in Trujillo, Peru working with Sinergia, the micro finance organization started by Peru Mission. Nick was down there in 2009-2010 and Patrick worked down there in 2010-2011. Through this, the two became acquainted—although they didn’t actually meet in person until about 6 months into working together on the Nisolo project. Patrick and Zoe were introduced by a mutual friend who Patrick knew from Ole Miss and Zoe knew from working in corporate fashion in New York. Around 6 months into the development of Nisolo, Zoe flew down to Trujillo to meet Patrick and all of the shoemakers he had been working with. She fell in love with the vision for Nisolo and soon after quit her job and moved to Peru to work full time with Nisolo.

What brought you to Nashville:
Nick: We see a great opportunity to make a lasting footprint, specifically in the South. As opposed to other hotspots for social enterprise such as the West coast, Austin, or New York, we see the South as an untapped market that hasn’t been legitimately exposed to conscious consumerism and the idea of empowerment through helping the poor help themselves. We want to help change that. As the movement of social enterprise continues to grow in the South, and specifically in Nashville, we want to grow and lead that movement in this region.

Favorite Nisolo shoe:
Nick: Moreno Loafer in Driftwood
Patrick: Emilio Chukka in Oak
Zoe: Oliver Oxford in Toffee

What makes Nisolo’s accessories so awesome:
Zoe: They are simple yet classic and are a great compliment to many different outfits. They are also another subtle reminder of the talent that exists among the Nisolo artisans.

Now, tell us about the Southern Roots Tour:
Nick: We want to present the thought of conscious consumerism to people throughout the South that haven’t had much exposure to a social enterprise like Nisolo. As the movement grows, we are traveling around the South in order to make a footprint in Southern cities and let them know about Nisolo. Our schedule can be found on our events page.

We’ll be spending our Thursday evening at Big Studio in Atlanta browsing their pretty shoes in a night of refreshments, community and compassion. Swing by one of their events when they roll through your town. Until then, get your shop on. We love this company!

Photographed in Nashville, TN by Jamie Clayton

Raised in:
Spring, Texas

Lives in:
Jasper, Georgia

Favorite memory while wearing Chubbies:
That one time that I was dancing at the club and Beyoncé walked up to me and asked if I’d be willing to choreograph and direct her next music video. I said yes.

Now would ya look at that:
Not being held back by girl parts to sport the “Winning Colors” Chubbies (c/o).

• Anthroplogie top.
• Michael Kors watch.
• Target belt.
• Kate Spade ‘Heart of Gold’ and ‘Tickle the Ivories’ bangles.
• Lilly Pulitzer ‘Resort Chic’ wedges.

Photographed in Shreveport, LA by Jamie Clayton

Raised in:
Simsboro, Louisiana

Lives in:
Shreveport, Louisiana

Favorite memory while wearing Chubbies:
Late night of cruising Cross Lake with friends, spotlighting…and wrestling…alligators.

Now would ya look at that:
The “Where Am I” Chubbies proving that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and where there’s fire, there’s man thigh.

• Savineilli Pipe – “an engagement gift from my wife that she picked up while she was in Italy.”
• Custom blend tobacco called “Outlaw” – made by M.A. Smokehouse in Shreveport.
• Calvin Klein linen jacket.
• Polo Ralph Lauren OCBD.
• Johnston & Murphy loafers.

Photographed in Austin, TX

Raised in:
New York, New York

Live in:
Austin, Texas

Describe Criquet Shirts in five words or less:
Billy: Versatile and vintage.
Hobson: Classic style for progressive people.

How Austin inspire the brand:
Austin is an incredible place to be growing a young business. The network of creative, talented, and ambitious people seems to grow every day, which allows for expansive relationship and partnership building. It uniquely combines a “small town” feel with a global reach. And much like our shirts, it embraces its history, with an eye for the future.

Now would ya look at that:
Meet Billy (left) and Hobson (right), the men behind Criquet Shirts, outside Banger’s in Austin.

On Billy: Criquet Black Players shirt, Levi’s jeans, and Ariat boots.

On Hobson: Criquet Peacoat Players shirt, J.Crew shorts, and Tretorn shoes.

BONUS:
Use code PanchoandLefty to get 20% off some Criquet Shirts. Discount ends Friday, September 14th, so jump on it!

Photographed in Charleston, SC by Jamie Clayton

Raised in:
Beaufort, South Carolina

Lives in:
Charleston, South Carolina

Favorite beach in South Carolina:
Isle of Palms, it breaks deeper than most spots and rarely ever gets crowded.

Inspiration behind starting Rogue Wave Surf Shop:
Growing up my best friend’s family owned a huge plantation, and showed me first hand what the sporting life was all about. As I grew older and developed my own personal style, I sought to fuse the sporting life with the punk rock surf and skate cultures that I knew and loved. The past decade of my life was dedicated to surf exploration, travel, and studying surf history. I love paradox and contrast, and during this time the two seemingly contradictory worlds of Southern Aristocracy and the California Cool Surf Culture merged in my mind to form the vision that is now Rogue Wave. Returning home, I felt that the main stream surf industry was way off track from the origins of it’s rich history as the Sport of Kings. This led us to start an underground movement seeking to bring back some class to the surf world. The image of “Hemingway goes Surfing” has been in my mind for a long time and pretty much sums it up.

Now would ya look at that:
As you read above, Rhett owns Rogue Wave Surf Shop on Spring St, where you should visit because Bill Murray says so. Sort of. “Bill frequents the bakery and spa that are next door so I’ve seen his car parked around our street. I walked out a couple weeks ago to get coffee and saw his car so I went back in an wrote a note on one of our postcards and put it on his windshield inviting him to come in. An hour later he walked in and introduced himself and proceeded to pay my rent with his purchases!”

• Rogue Pocket T from signature series of garments. “We’re making these in small batches some from vintage Ts and some on our buttery soft blanks. We like to keep it simple and timeless. The idea for our Pocket T is to give the Late Sixties/Steve McQueen/California cool vibe a minimalist surf tweak.”
• Imogene + Willie Barton jeans with 9 months wear. “Matt and Carrie are dear friends and have been a huge inspiration and we are thankful to offer their amazing denim in our store.”
• Swatch watch.
• Favorite surfboard. Late 60’s Transitional Mid-length Planing Hull by Doug Haut (Iconic Santa Cruz Shaper).

Starboard Clothing Charleston Toile Necktie (c/o)
Photographed in Athens, GA 

We’re leaving the deep south for this giveaway, making way to Annapolis, Maryland to Starboard Clothing. As an anything-with-an-anchor on it obsessor, I was first drawn to them because of their logo. I was happy to discover that their ties are truly unique, donning patterns I hadn’t seen, and products that tell stories…like the one you see above.

The Charleston Toile Necktie continues to be our favorite of theirs. The inspiration for it was the concept that the pattern would be large enough look interestingly unbalanced on a bow tie, but be small enough to be able to have visible details. The same concept translated to the necktie. The other inspiration is the classic southern qualities of toile on curtains, couches and pillows. Particularly prevalent in Charleston, the city was perfect in serving as the namesake for the tie. Founder Ben Meredith adds: “Although toile is available in a number of colors, Ryan and I are both huge fans of tobacco jars with the places named on them. We let that help us choose the color combination. I actually have one just like this. This design is so classic, and that’s what we wanted the tie to be.”

Want one of these? Enter to win by leaving a comment on this post with your name, email address, and which one you’d like: BOW or NECK? A winner will be announced on Tuesday, July 24 around cocktail hour.

Double your entry by tweeting:
Charleston your way over to @backdownsouth to win a @StarboardStyle tie! http://tinyurl.com/BackDownStarboard

…and it never hurts to ‘Like’!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED – CONGRATULATIONS TO RYAN LEE FOR WINNING THE BOW TIE!*

Harding-Lane Lobster Needlepoint Hat (c/o)
Photographed in Charleston, SC

The idea for Harding-Lane needlepoint hats came to Sarah and Steve Gifford in the summer of ’09. “We both thought that it would be great to go into business together, and we thought that needlepoint would look really cool on a hat.” Sarah, having experience in needlepointing since high school, began creating the hats with their love of New England and respect for the environment. Last year, the hats were brought to market, and the brother and sister team were proud to call their products “the original needlepoint hat.” With washed tones, land and sea icons, and a sailcloth strap, the duo from Boston are offering a hat that will make for good looks below the line…on one of you!

To enter, leave a comment with your name, email and which hat you’d like to win (pick here).
To receive additional entries, ‘Like’ and ‘Tweet’ below (+1 entry for each action). The winner will be picked via random.org on Tuesday, May 15th.

Tweet this: I just entered to win the original needlepoint hat by @hardinglane on @backdownsouth! Go me! 

Photographed at the Atlanta Steeplechase 

Raised in:
Marietta, Georgia

Lives in:
Atlanta, Georgia

Favorite part of the Atlanta Steeplechase:
I would have to say the pageantry and tailgating fun associated with the event. This year was unbeatable! We had beautiful weather, cold drinks, and good friends to experience it with!

Now would ya look at that:
A while back, I posted a photo of Nick, half of Brier & Moss. Today, it’s time to meet Jonathan, the other half.

• Custom made suit by Trio Tailoring of Atlanta. “I opted for a three piece suit in a summer weight fabric and chose the more modern European cut. My favorite detail on the suit are the working cuffs, which will allow me to roll up my sleeves in the heat of these infamous Georgia summers!”
• All silk woven Brier & Moss custom bow tie for the Atlanta Steeplechase (here).
• Cole Haan Pinch Penny Loafers (when not covered in dust, they’re burgundy).
• J.Crew socks.

BONUS: The boys want to give away one of their Atlanta Steeplechase bow ties! To enter, leave a comment with your name and email. To receive additional entries, ‘Like’ and ‘Tweet’ below (+1 entry for each action). The winner will be picked via random.org on Wednesday, April 25th.

Tweet this: “Hold your horses! I just entered to win the custom @Atlsteeplechase bow tie from @brierandmoss on @backdownsouth!“