ARC of LA

Found these rad handcrafted leather bags made by Abigail Chapin in Los Angeles. All the totes are hand-printed on bone leather, lined with tie-dyed cotton, and finished with an antiqued brass zipper and leather pull. Check out more of Abigail's designs and totes from ARC of LA here.

Shop here.

Native Standard

If Native Standard isn't on your radar yet, mark my words they will be soon. The California cultured brand breathes West Coast spirit. Inspired by art, surfing, sun, and scenery, Native Standard isn't just a brand - it's a code of living.

The CEO of Native Standard, Raul Diaz, was kind enough to answer some of my questions about the brand, his sources of inspiration, and what's in store for the year ahead. Check out some of the items from their rad collection below!

How (and when) was Native Standard born?

Native Standard was born in the summer of 2012. I felt I had to convey a way of life that many California natives live. We are very fortunate and spoiled here in California by having cities, beaches, mountains, and deserts all so close by. Its our job to explore it all and convey it to the rest of the world through our own standards.

What does the name Native Standard mean to you?

To me the name Native Standard means freedom. Be who you want to be. You're a native of where you're from. Be brave and explore yourself. Take a deep breath and go for it.

What are your sources of inspiration?

Some sources of inspiration are the outdoors, surfing, the city grunge, art and hard working individuals.

        

How would you describe the 'Native Standard' wearer?

A free spirit. One who likes working hard but also knows how to have fun. The brave, a leader, a creative type who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Conscious of what their environment has to offer, whether it's the mountains or a sprawling neighborhood in a city.

     

What's the best part about living in California? Some of your favorite places?

Like I mentioned above. The fact that we're so spoiled to have the beaches, the city life, the mountains, and the desert all in close range. I'd have to say my favorite though would be the beaches. Surfing definitely has a special place in the heart of Native Standard. California is so populated but when you do find those gems, where you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, that’s where you want to be.

     

What are your plans for the brand in 2013?

Well we have some big things coming this year. Something that we're most excited about is going forward everything we make will be made here in the USA. Starting with our Spring 13 collection.

Shop the brand here.

Facebook here.

Tumblr along here.

Hot Fun

Today's mid-week inspiration comes from self-taught photographer Emman Montalvan, a recent LA transplant from the Philippines. His photos remind me of summer nights, wasting away in the dry desert heat, surrounded by friends in the midst of impending memories. Dreamin' of the dog days of summer...

Check out more of Emman Montalvan's work here

Babelicious

Baron Von Fancy. So fancy. Baron Von Fancy-pantsy. 

NYC-based artist Baron Von Fancy, born Gordon Stevenson, has an unreal amount of swag in his street style art. His artist statements are sarcastic and loud, but in all the best of ways. He uses his pen name, Baron Von Fancy, for his more commercial pieces, while his birth name is reserved for more serious paintings and artworks. While I dig both of his personas, I'm especially into his artist commentaries and lettering. And the rad lighters below, designed exclusively for The Cools.

Check out more here.

Buy from The Cools here.