Back Down South

Music Monday – Lou Ruiz

January 18, 2016

A huge thanks to my friend Trey who both snapped this photo and introduced me to Lou Ruiz! Stream the opening track – my favorite – from his The Screen Door and Me EP. It’s the epitome of the soulful folk rock that Lou spits out, but without the rap (which yes, you do find in his EP). Intrigued? You should be.

Raised in:
Friendswood, Texas

Lives in:
Houston, Texas

Favorite song you’ve written to date:

“The Screen Door and Me.” It came out of a writing exercise I did when I studied in Los Angeles.

What’s coming up that you’d like to share about:
I’m getting back in the studio this Spring! I’ll be working with two of my heroes, Scott and Ed Cash. I grew up listening to these guys, so I’m super pumped to get to work with them. We are hoping to have tracking done by the summer which would mean an early fall release. I am also excited to be spending my summer playing at a couple Young Life camps. I’ll be at Windy Gap and SharpTop Cove. It’s always such a treat for me to get to do that.

Stream: “Nowhere Train”
Nowhere TrainIf you could have dinner with one living musician, who would it be?
I’m gonna say Ed Sheeran because I think he’s brilliant.

…what’s the first question you’d ask?

I’d ask him if he wanted to write together – ha!
No, I’d ask him about his writing process, specifically with the song “Small Bump.”

Outfit details:

Listen to Lou!
iTunes | Spotify

Drink This – Templeton Rye + Manhattan

January 17, 2016

The Drink: I was introduced to Templeton Rye by my parents. I got a call from my Dad to ask me if I’d had it, which I had not. “I’m just sittin’ here with Bud, he brought some whiskey back from Iowa. It was apparently Al Capone’s favorite. It’s really great!” Since that call a few years ago, my parents have kept it well stocked in their bar and I drink it every time I’m home.

During Prohibition, a few enterprising residents of Templeton, Iowa began illegally producing this smooth, high caliber whiskey known as Templeton Rye, or “The Good Stuff.” And since today is National Bootlegger’s Day, and Al Capone’s birthday, it’s the perfect day to put this bottle on your radar if it’s not already. For those who don’t know, whiskey must be 51% rye to be classified as a rye whiskey. Templeton uses a mash of more than 90% rye grains, with malted barley for the rest. That recipe creates rich notes of caramel, butterscotch, maple and toffee – and has a bit of spice to it. I mostly drink it on ice, which my Mom scolds me for every time (“you’re watering it down!”). However, it’s one of my favorite ryes to use in my Manhattan.

2 oz Templeton Rye
1 oz sweet vermouth – go with Cocchi or Carpano Antica
2 dash Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry bitters – these are a Manhattan game changer
Dash Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with 3 brandied cherries on a pick.

Happy Bootlegger’s Day – Cheers!

Puddle

January 13, 2016

puddle_bds Photographed in Jasper, GA

Raised in:
Spring, Texas

Lives in:
Jasper, Georgia

Favorite concert of 2015:
Damien Rice at the Georgia Theatre in November. It was my third time seeing him and by far the best.

Now would ya look at that:
Caroline here, just reminding everyone that you’re never too old to jump in puddles.

Charles River Apparel Nor’easter rain jacket (c/o).
Hive & Honey shirt from Piperlime (R.I.P)
BP. essential leggings.
Hunter boots.
Custom Elite Nike Drake socks, a gift from Jamie Clayton.

Urban Southern

January 4, 2016

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It only took about 5 minutes for Mark to steal this Urban Southern bag from me. I opened the box, made the kitchen smell like fresh leather, and he grabbed it noting that it’d be perfect for a work trip to California the following day. “Fine,” I said, “but it’s mine.”

We now “share” it, but we’ll see whose shoulder it’s on tomorrow as we head to Florida…

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Their Modern Messenger (c/o) has interior pockets as well as a contoured shoulder pad and adjustable straps without buckles – some of the small details that make us use it so much. The thing Mark loves most about it is how comfortable it is on his shoulder – something he often complains about with bags. I personally love that it doesn’t have buckles, a style detail that makes such a large bag a tad more feminine. It’s a simple crafted piece with the luxury feel of authentic leather and is currently #1 in our carry-on rotation.

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Urban Southern is based in Monterey, TN and run by a husband and wife duo. Go shop more of their beautiful leather goods!

Candice, Part VI

December 30, 2015

candice_dec 001-2 Photographed in Ellijay, GA at The Martyn House

Raised in:
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Lives in:
Ellijay, Georgia

Favorite purchase of 2015:
My new car, Toby Flenderson.

Now would ya look at that:

3 dogs begging for her attention.
Uniqlo cashmere beanie.
J.Crew shirt.
Lululemon leggings.
Hunter boots.

Christmas Vacation

December 17, 2015

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We are off to Texas today for a long, very welcomed Christmas vacation with family. The blog is also taking a vacation until the New Year. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Twitter.

Doing some last minute shopping? Here are some ideas.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Music Monday – Jonny P

December 14, 2015

jonnyp 011 Photographed in Nashville, TN at Salemtown Board Co.

When Jonny P walked in Salemtown for his Love List Presents session, Jess and I in unison blurted out “dang, you look amazing!” We’d been listening to his debut EP, Right to You, pretty regularly over the course of our trip to Nashville. Watching him perform a new track and an original Christmas song was unforgettable, like his voice and his vibe the second you hear it. I’m calling huge things for this guy, who is as kind as he is talented. Get to know him a bit in this interview and don’t miss his videos for TLLP (links at bottom).

Stream: “Shine On”
Shine On

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Raised in:
The Bronx, New York

Lives in:
Nashville, Tennessee

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Describe your sound in 5 words or less:
Modern soul.

Musician you’d most like to see live:
I met him once but have yet to see Stevie Wonder live. Top of my list.

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Go to dance move:
Whatever embarrasses my girl most at the moment. Usually “pop and lock”!

Spot on Earth you’d most like to visit:
London.

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Outfit details:

Stetson hat.
Custom J&HP suit.
Rugby Ralph Lauren shirt.
Vintage tie.
Brooks Brothers shoes.

Tell us about your fashion line, J&HP:
J&HP is the fashion brand started and ran by my wife Holly and I. We started the company in 2009, three months into our marriage. It’s existed in many fun forms; from vintage repurposing in it’s early stages to cut & sew capsule collections sold in our once East Nashville brick and mortar, to now a fully functioning bespoke suiting company. We suit everyone from bartenders to ball players living in Nashville! We recently welcomed our new daughter Rain Ivy to the world and are planning to launch a baby line next year!

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Outfit details:

Stetson hat.
J&HP sporcoat.
Zara sweater.
Father’s old pocket square.

johnnyp + charlie 002 With Maltese Charlie, shot for Southerners and Their Dogs

Watch Jonny P perform “Stand By” and original Christmas song “Time of the Year” for The Love List Presents (videos by Josh Helton).

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iTunes | Spotify

Christmas Down South – Day 5 – Huckberry

December 11, 2015

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Our final day of giveaways does not disappoint. We teamed up with Huckberry – who is no stranger here – for a Hudson Sutler “stocking” packed with some winter essentials. You could call it that, or you can just refer to it as one hell of a gift. We’re going out big!

Hudson Sutler Oahu Commuter Duffel – for your Holiday travels.
Perf La Playa blanket – for your Holiday coziness.
The Original Whiskey Ball (set of 2) – for your Holiday cocktails.
Falcon Enamelware mug – for your Holiday hot chocolate, coffee and/or eggnog.
Sydney Hale Bourbon & Brown Sugar candle – for your Holiday smells.
Columbiaknit marled watch beanie – for your Holiday head wear and warmth (if your bald like Mark).

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