New from Steele Canvas, The Nantucket Red Collection - Made in Massachusetts

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

Steele Canvas has just launched their new Nantucket Red Collection, which I am loving.  

Anyone who has tried their bags know how incredibly sturdily made they are - heavy canvas and a sizable YKK zippers.  And now they have added this terrific new color. 

Shown here is the Nantucket Red Island Tote and Nantucket Red Canvas Duffle Bag.  (They also offer this color in a Weekender Bag and a Dopp Kit.)

• Nantucket Red Island Tote <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/nantucket-red-island-tote>

• Nantucket Red Canvas Duffle Bag <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/nantucket-red-canvas-duffle-bag>

• Nantucket Red Collection <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/nantucket-red-collection>

Shown with:

• Mercer Blue Bold Check <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/blue-bold-check>

• Jack Donnelly Original Twill - 02 Straight <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino/products/twill-chino-m2-straight>

Seersucker Weather Has Arrived. All Made in the U.S.A.

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

• Cool Blue Seersucker Check<https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/cool-blue-seersucker-check>

• Twill Chino - 02 Straight <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino/products/twill-chino-m2-straight>

New! Lotuff’s Travel Dopp Kitt, Made in New England

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Lotuff just announced their new Travel Dopp Kitt.  This is a handsome and luxurious addition to the Lotuff travel collection.  It is surprisingly lightweight for just how generously sized and substantial it is.  And the Kitt has a water-repellent waxed cotton lining from Scotland's Halley Stevenson.

• Travel Dopp Kitt <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/travel-dopp-kit>

Shown with:

• No. 12 Weekender Bag <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/duffles/products/no-12-leather-weekender-bag>

• The Travel Journal <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/lotuffjournal>

• The Triumph Briefcase <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase>

The Made in New England Dopp Kitt is an ideal Father's Day gift, as are so many other, always beautifully made Lotuff products.

• The Two-Pocket Bifold Wallet <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/two-pocket-leather-bifold-wallet>

• The Lotuff Leather Valet Tray <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/leather-valet-tray-1>

• The Classic Journal Cover <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/basic-journal-cover>

• Leather Duffle Bags <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/duffles>

Steele Log Carrier and Log Holder - Made in Massachusetts

Photos by Salt Water New England

I wrote earlier that Steele reminded me of the kind of products that I used to stumble upon at L.L. Bean during their golden era.  Rugged.  Casually tasteful.  Thoughtfully useful.  Buy it and don't think about it for decades.

This log carrier and log holder are perfect examples.  And the log holder is just as sturdy as you want a log holder to be.   

It's been getting daily use.  Now to refill the wood shed...

Shown:

• Steele Log Carrier <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/steele-log-carrier>

• Steele Log Holder <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/steele-log-carrier-stand>

Also Shown:

• Jack Donnelly Twill Chino - 03 Tapered <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/m3-tapered/products/twill-chino-m3-tapered>

• Mercer and Sons White 120's SuperSoft Superfine Cotton Broadcloth <http://www.mercerandsons.com/swatches_and_pricing-solids.htm>

• Harley of Scotland Men's Seamless Saddle Shoulder Shetland Sweater - Heather Purple <https://bosieco.squarespace.com/shetland-shop/harley-of-scotland-mens-seamless-saddle-shoulder-shetland-sweater-heather-purple>

   

New - The Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag by Steele, Made in Massachusetts

Photos by Salt Water New England

We talk about '80s Prep.  But many also recall, for lack of a better term, late '70s Prep.  You could walk into a store like L.L. Bean and stumble across surprisingly high quality items, thoughtfully made and functional.  We didn't perhaps appreciate the value of Made in New England back then, and we certainly would not have used a term like 'Prep', of course.  We just knew that what we bought would last for decades.  (These were the products that made the L.L. Bean lifetime guarantee make sense.)  

Steele reminds me of that time and those products.  Their new Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag is large and substantial with well-placed interior and exterior pockets, great stitching, heavy canvas handles with leather grips, and sturdy hardware.  It is not fussy; you don't have to baby it when travelling. 

While Steel accurately calls this color Brown, I think of it more as a lighter and lovely Cocoa.   

•  Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/all-products-for-sale/products/waxed-canvas-duffle-bag>

Steele Weekender Bag - Made in Massachusetts

Photos by Salt Water New England

Tough, in good taste,  and non-fussy, the Steele Weekender Bag will fit in anywhere, from visiting friends' summer houses to overnight business trips to the gym.  An excellent Father's Day gift.  And made in Massachusetts.

• Steele Weekender Bag <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/weekender-bags-holiday>

Two Tote Bags from Steele Canvas Basket, Made in Massachusetts

All Photos by Salt Water New England

Many here already know about Steele Canvas Basket company.   They've been making hard wearing canvas products in Massachusetts since 1921.

I have very much enjoyed getting to know two of their awfully good looking totes, their classic and low-key natural canvas tote in Small (now my camera bag) and their vinyl beach tote in a brilliant green in Medium (headed for the boats next).   Durable and tasteful, be sure to read the measurements provided on their site carefully as they are generously sized bags.

• Lime Green Steeletex Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/steeletex-beach-totes/products/lime-green-steeletex-beach-tote-medium>

• Natural Canvas Tote Bag - Small - with 10" Handles <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/small-tote-bag-canvas>

Preppy Redux

Photos by Salt Water New England

Shown:

• Candy Pink Lambswool V-Neck Jumper <https://www.cordings.co.uk/candy-pink-lambswool-v-neck-jumper.html>

• Striped Sailor Bracelet (Main Color: Lime Green; Stripe Color: Navy) <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Striped Sailor Bracelet (Main Color: Navy; Stripe Color: Lime Green) <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Striped Sailor Bracelet (Main Color: Pink; Stripe Color: Lime Green) <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Striped Sailor Bracelet (Main Color: Navy; Stripe Color:  White) <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Sailor Bracelet (Lime Green) <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/original-sailor-bracelet-18-color-custom-nautical-bracelet>

• Woven Sailor Necklaces in Lime, Pink, and White <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/woven-sailor-necklace-17-colors>

Today's Getup - All Made in the USA

Photo by Salt Water New England

• Mercer 3MM Nile Blue Bengal Stripe, Button Down Collars <http://www.mercerandsons.com/swatches_and_pricing-stripes.htm>

• Jack Donnelly M2s <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino>

Mariner Shackle Pendant and Earrings in Sterling Silver by Patsy Kane - Made in New England

Marblehead's Patsy Kane (whom many know from her witty comments) has recently introduced two new products, the very pretty Mariner Shackle Pendant and Mariner Shackle Earrings, made in New England.

• Mariner Shackle Pendant <http://www.patsykane.com/product-page/mariner-shackle-pendant>

Sea Bags x The Muddy Dog Tisbury Recycled Sail Tote, Made in Maine

Photos by Salt Water New England

We interrupt your Autumn with a bit of Spring....

Maine's The Muddy Dog has teamed up with Sea Bags to offer this bright, bold, and terrific tote.  Made in Maine of recycled sails, and lined in white, it has hand-spliced hemp rope handles with just the right drop - 12 inches.

• Sea Bags x The Muddy Dog Tisbury Recycled Sail Tote <https://themuddydog.com/collections/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-collection/products/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-tisbury-recycled-sail-tote>

Also in their collection:

• Jeep Sail Bag <https://themuddydog.com/collections/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-collection/products/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-jeep-life-recycled-sail-tote>

• Chinoiserie Topiary Sail Bag <https://themuddydog.com/collections/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-collection/products/sea-bags-x-the-muddy-dog-chinoiserie-topiary-recycled-sail-tote>

Lotuff Wallets - Made in New England

Photos by Salt Water New England

Lotuff wallets represent the ideal - classic, functional and made of their extraordinary signature vegetable-tanned leather.  

• Leather Bifold Wallet <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/leather-bifold-wallet>

We have been using their traditional Bifold Wallet non-stop for nearly a decade, yet it barely shows any wear.  (And that is despite having gone through the wash twice.  My fault!) 

But for those with slighter needs, Lotuff offers two credit card wallets, also perfect for Fathers' Day.

• Leather Credit Card Wallet <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/leather-credit-card-wallet>

• Zipper Credit Card Wallet <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/leather-zipper-credit-card-wallet>

While the bifold is perfect for trips around the country, the credit card (and driver's license) wallets may meet the needs of local errands.

The Lotuff No. 12 Weekender Bag in Camel, Made By Hand in New England

Photo by Salt Water New England

The highly popular Lotuff No. 12 Weekender Bag, selected by GQ three times as the best weekend leather bag <https://www.gq.com/story/best-leather-duffel-bags>, is now available in their new distinctive Camel color.  Sleek and roomy, it has that familiar Lotuff feel of their vegetable-tanned leather, soft and strong.  Impeccably constructed, it is perfect for business trips and summer house weekends.  Monogrammed, an ideal Father's Day gift.

• No. 12 Weekender Bag <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/duffles/products/no-12-leather-weekender-bag?variant=33707972165720>

L.L. Bean Leather-Handle Katahdin Boat and Tote

Front of Bags, Photos by Salt Water New England

Lotuff's 929 Briefcase - Made in New England

Photo by Salt Water New England

In their sumptuous 929 Briefcase, Lotuff  Leather has successfully created an everything bag.  Made of their celebrated hand-selected vegetable-tanned leather,  it is a briefcase for those not wanting a briefcase; a pocketbook for those not wanting a pocketbook.   Due to its well designed top, it is very easy to use with a generous opening.  

It shifts easily between men and women, and I have been experimenting with using it for all of my daily activities, and have not hit a problem yet.  I like the feel of it under-filled, as a pocketbook replacement, but it bulks up beautifully to tote a lot more when needed.

Those who want their bags to be structured and stand up on their own are in luck.  And those who like the feel of soft, pliable leather are also in luck.  It is both.

The pockets inside handle a couple of pens, a phone, and sunglasses on one side, and a bigger item such as an iPad or laptop on the other.  It is also perfect for business meetings or as a carry-on for cross country trips.  

I truly love this bag.

• The 929 Briefcase <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/camel/products/the-929-briefcase>

Maine Coast, 1980s

Photo by Salt Water New England

Practically speaking, since the early twentieth century when the automobile became the primary form of transport, many affluent New England families spent summers in Maine, both in summer homes and at summer camp.  In fact from my own experience traveling the world, I am always surprised at the number of people who went to summer camp in Maine when they were younger.  This includes diplomats' kids, assorted foreign nationals, and of course, New Yorkers, many of whom further tell me that their fondest memories of childhood derived from their time "at camp" in Maine! 

After Labor Day, all of it was packed up and taken back to suburbs and cities all the way down to Washington, D.C., with children often enough getting ready to return to their secondary schools and universities. 

As they drove down Route 1, these families would stock up on back-to-school supplies, stopping at many now iconic stores, including of course, at Beans, and also at Quoddy stores, and at the stores with  G.H. Bass and Hathaway. 

This was how, every year, these Maine-based products purchased there became part of the collective wardrobe and cultural consciousness.  This is how the Prep aesthetic, if not always the ethos in its purest essence, made its way around the globe, from New York and Hollywood (through such icons as Miles Davis, Grace Kelly, and Steve McQueen), to Japan and beyond. 

- JA, via email, and with permission to share.

Motif Belt

Photos by Salt Water New England

Leather Briefcase

Photos by Salt Water New England

The Lotuff Triumph Briefcase in Indigo, Made in New England

• The Triumph Briefcase <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase>

Bluchers

Photos by Salt Water New England

Bluchers are a style of shoe that features an open lacing system, including an upper made from one piece of leather.  Four eyelets are preferable.

Bluchers are named after an 18th century Prussian general, Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who ordered a new design of boot that became the modern blucher.

The blucher may be the perfect year-round shoe.  It initially can be used for business casual, but has a long life in different roles as miles are heaped upon it, including sockless during the summer.  It is the shoe equivalent of the (unironed) Oxford shirt.

As with boat shoes, camp mocs, and snaffle bits, and unlike other dressier shoes, bluchers are perfect for wearing sockless in the warmer weather. 

Classic Drop Earrings

Photo by Salt Water New England

Demoiselle - Made in Massachusetts

Lovely Classic Drop Earrings from our friends at Demoiselle.