Revisiting: Letterman Sweaters by Etiquette Vintage Design

*EDITOR'S NOTE, MAY 2012: Today we revisit Etiquette Vintage Design in anticipation of their Rebels with a Cause Sockhop & Fashion Show, to benefit the charity Kidd's Kids, which helps chronically and terminally ill children. If you're in Austin, Texas on June 2, 2012, please consider seeing designer Eric Renteria's Etiquette Vintage Design, live and in person, at Swan Dive. Tickets are $5, and proceeds go to Kidd's Kids. - Vincent, Senior Editor

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Hometown: Austin

Filed Under: If you have no alma mater, order one with a big "C." For collegiate, classic, and cool. 

Awesome: Vintage sweaters embroidered with original, reclaimed university patches, custom made to your request by enterprising fashion designer Eric Renteria. The date of the original garment is sewn into each piece, so you'll know exactly what year of yesterday you're enjoying today

Appreciate: How Etiquette Vintage Design is redirecting well-deserved attention back to a fashion era that, regrettably, has become neglected by the underdressed, modern world. Eric Renteria's inspiration is the poise and innocence expressed by the garments of these bygone times, and his objective is to reintroduce that expression to today, in ways that coordinate--rather than conflict--with contemporary styles. Renteria's motto is to dress as if you'll be found dead in those clothes. That's not a morbid thought; on the contrary, it's very much alive

Know: Eric Renteria is an ambitious designer, and Etiquette Vintage Design is growing in its appreciation and reach. Fashion industry leaders have taken notice of Renteria's work, as have celebrity customers like Donald Glover. This popularity, combined with the fact that each piece is custom designed, means you should allow a little extra time for completion of a new order; 3 weeks or so is a reasonable expectation. In the grand scheme of it, waiting 3 weeks to return 60 years is but a pittance

Special Comments: Letterman sweaters by Etiquette Vintage Design are for ladies, too, so gentlemen looking for a novel gift idea, or for a way to neutralize her tattoos on the trip home to meet mom, will appreciate the help Etiquette can provide in creating a classy, classic look for any woman.  And we're probably not the first to suggest that a clever couple somewhere should order a his-and-her set of sweaters, donned by the patches of their rival alma maters, to be instant stars at the game-watch. One more note about the ladies: Etiquette Vintage Design also makes great vintage-style kitchen aprons; if your little lady enjoys baking many muffins, an Etiquette apron might be a very well-received present (*warning: but if she hates baking, and has some sort of degree in women's studies, maybe skip the apron idea, and just get a sweater for yourself)

Cost: Custom sweater designs range from $250 to $300

See them: Here.

Premium Tattoo Aftercare Products by Black Cat Tattoo Aftercare

Hometown: Austin

Filed Under: A little meow to help heal the ow.

Awesome: An entire product line--a salve, a cleanser soap, a lotion, and an infusion serum--for helping your newly inked art settle in beneath healthy skin. Products contain 100% natural ingredients, and were developed by chemists and tattoo artists (and some of their clients; never animal tested) in a company that is owned and operated by artists, namely, the very naturally well decorated (meow!) Kristin Gunn 

Appreciate: All the love your new tattoo will need. Black Cat's products begin with the Super Healing Salve (shown above), which is applied at the shop by your artist, and then you'll apply 3-4 times per day afterwards for a week or so. An alternate option to the Super Healing Salve is Black Cat's new Vitamin Infustion Serum, which is a vegan-formula (no beeswax, because bees and their workproduct are non-vegetables, too) and features exotic ingredients like Wakame and Japanese green tea, and is preferable if you're picky about not feeling any residue on your skin. Both the Salve and the Serum need to be applied to a clean site, and to achieve that you'll use Black Cat's patented Tattoo Cleanser. This is a soap-like formula that is conveniently sprayed, contains no citric acid (so it won't burn the burn), and is very mild, so it won't draw out the ink like some deep cleaning traditional soaps. Last, after 5 days or so you'll apply the petroleum-free Unscented Tattoo Lotion, which will make your skin soft and your tattoo happier than a cat on a mouse farm (meow!)

Know: Black Cat Tattoo Aftercare just celebrated their 10th anniversary, and they've apparently been busy during that time. Black Cat Aftercare products are now used in 600+ tattoo shops in 7 countries worldwide, often under the Black Cat label, but often as well under the independent shop's private label. So don't be alarmed if your artist applies salve from a label called White Dog; it may be Black Cat, afterall

Special Comments: The photo above is of the product packaging from Black Cat Tattoo Aftercare's franchise outpost in London, England, and the packaging varies a little from the American version; the outfit in Austin has been so busy boxing up thousands of aftercare kits for shipment that they've apparently made no time for taking large format, high-res photos of their products. We understand. The British version is legit; but if you're interesed in seeing the home office in Texas, follow the links below for their website and Facebook page

Cost: Black Cat's Aftercare "Kits" have one of everything you'll need, or you can buy the products individually. Kits are sized and priced based on the size of your tattoo: for a little anchor, you'll need $10; for a transcript of the Constitution, you'll need $19

See Black Cat Tattoo Aftercare's Website: Here.

See Their Facebook Page: Here.

Organic Junmai Sakés by Texas Saké Co.

Hometown: Austin

Filed Under: Rice wine, from the Land of the Rising Lone Star.

Awesome: Two premium junmai sakés: a Tokubetsu edition and a Nigori, fermented with care using organic rice harvested from the same line of Texas rice seeds sewn in 1904 by Japanese Baron Matsudaira, and produced and bottled by the only Saké maker east of the U.S. Rocky Mountains

Appreciate: The attendant firsts to being a true pioneer brand. Sakés by Texas Saké Co. are the first ever made from Texas rice (organic or otherwise); the first organic-only saké kura (brewhouse/storehouse) in North America; and the first independently owned saké producer in North America. Another likely first, of sorts: That Texans unfamiliar with the unique Japanese-style fermented beverage known as saké will be initiated via Texas Saké Co, and happy for the introduction. Texans and non-Texans alike can thank founder and owner Yoed Anis for their new favorite rice wine; he was inspired to bring saké to Texas, and Texas to saké, following a sojourn in Japan years ago. Japanese entrepreneurs, take note: sojourn to Texas, and in a couple of years you and all of Osaka can be knee deep in jalapeño peach preserves

Know: Texas Saké Co. offers two varieties of junmai saké, labeled as the Whooping Crane Tokubetsu Junmai, and Rising Star Nigori Junmai. A brief anatomy of relevant terms is useful in understanding the features of these two products: "junmai" is a premium grade saké designating that the ingredients are purely limited to rice, water, and koji, which is a mold (aspergillus oryzae) needed in the fermenting process to create sugars out of starch, which in turn fuels the yeast cells. Bottom line, junmai is synonymous with purity; and both Texas Saké labels earn the designation. From there, the two products diverge. The Whooping Crane Tokubetsu (shown above, right) is a clear variety, described as having notes of apple and pear, and as well-matched with seafood. "Tokubetsu" means special, and is a term of art among sakés indicating an objectively distinctive quality; in the case of the Whooping Crane, the distinction is the Texas-sourced rice, itself. The Rising Star Nigori Junmai (shown above, left) is cloudy, like newly fizzed alka seltzer, sans the fizz. "Nigori" denotes unfiltered or coarsely filtered rice, which makes the saké unclear, and creates a great flavor for pairing with spicier foods

Special Comments: Texas Saké bottles are labeled by hand, and identify the date its contents were brewed. These products are slowly appearing in retailers and restaurants around Texas; they can't ship outside of Texas direct from Texas Saké, but if you're outside Texas, keep an eye out for them online at Sake Social

Cost: $35 for 720mL; $22 for 375mL

See them: Here.

The Rancher Grille Guard by Go Industries

Hometown: Richardson

Filed Under: Yankees don't know what this is.

Awesome: One piece, heavy duty, fully-welded steel grille guard specifically made to fit your full-size Chevy, Toyota, GMC, Ford, or Dodge truck. Protect your headlights and grille from shrubs, brush, rocks, debris, wayward bucks, and tall squirrels, while appearing particularly menacing in rear-view mirrors everywhere  

Appreciate: Go Industries' "no-drill" mounting bracket, which allows you to mount your Rancher Grille Guard using existing holes on your truck, rather than having to drill new ones. Order the Rancher Grille specifying the year, make and model of your truck, and benefit from the fact that Go Industries has already figured out what holes are on your particular frame to work with at installation. This tailor-made approach not only results in a more rigid, vibration-free mount, but also a better looking one: the grille's profile is contoured to follow that of your truck's front end, making it look more like original equipment than an after-market add-on 

Know: This is a heavy duty accessory. The Rancher Grille is built from 1.9" 14-gauge steel tubing that intersects with .25" laser-cut steel uprights, which in turn frame the 18 gauge steel grille with one-half inch punched holes. At bottom (and clearing access to your tow hooks) is a wide, massive step plate for your wide, massive foot, giving you a boost up as you access the engine bay. Standard finish is an electrostatic-applied powder coat in black (shown, top), or for a little extra you can opt for the hammerhead powder coat finish (shown, lower photo). Both finishes will remain rust-free, and resist corrosion, scratches, dings, and similar ill-effects from tall squirrel impacts

Special Comments: The Rancher Grille Guard is protected by a generous three year warranty on materials and workmanship, and one year on the finish. See Go Industries' website for a full range of additional accessories for your truck or SUV, including sidesteps, drop hitches, and headache racks. And if you don't know what a headache rack is, best not trade in your Prius, there cowboy

Cost: Suggested retail price for The Rancher Grille Guard ranges from $700 to $950, depending on truck model and grille finish

See it: Here.

Hand Crafted Cutting Boards by Tin Roof Cutting Boards

Hometown: Sugar Land

Filed Under: Honorable altars for culinary sacrifice.

Awesome: Handsome series of individually hand crafted wood cutting boards, available in a variety of practical sizes and distinctive patterns, and finely crafted from local and exotic hardwoods such as Pecan, Oak, Walnut, Maple, Teak, Mesquite, Purpleheart, and Padauk

Appreciate: More boards to choose from than you have counterspace to accommodate. Tin Roof's board creator Kurt Pratka has designed a complete line of cutting boards to suit different aesthetic tastes, needs, and occasions. Let's focus on the two extremes: Tin Roof's most affordable option is the Canopy Grove board in the Quick Cut size. Made of solid pecan wood, this is, in our opinion, a must-have board for anyone who enjoys an ice cold cerveza por la tarde caluroso. You'll need a lime for your cerveza, and a place to slice that lime. At 5x8.25x5/8", this is a nimble little board you can quickly throw on the counter, cut your lime, clean up, and tuck back away, rapido. On the other end of the spectrum is the top of the line Garden Chef board in the Block Top size (pictured above, with some sort of well-seasoned non-vegetable). This gorgeous cutting board should not be tucked away, but instead left out for the neighbors and other visitors to see, and envy. Made of rare, solid mahogany and oak wood, the Garden Chef board measures an impressive 15x17x2", with convenient routed handles so that you don't drop the block on your baby toe. Ouch

Know: Tin Roof Cutting Boards are made in collaboration with their talented friends over at  Tough Country Sawmill. The process is professional, and the quality is as high-end as you should expect from equipment that bears the blade of many knives. Tin Roof Cutting boards are never stained; their finish is owed to sealing, sanding, and moisturizing, all achieved by hand, and of course the natural woods used for each board mean that no two boards are alike

Special Comments: Exceptional quality cutting boards like these should be deemed an investment to be properly cared for. To help you maintain the life, finish, and safety of your Tin Roof Cutting Board, from time to time you'll want to apply some of Tin Roof's Food Grade White Mineral Oil to your board. Like sunscreen, a little goes a long way, but you've got to make sure you use the little that you've got. The oils neutralize bacteria that may be hiding in small cracks, and prevent food odors from being absorbed into the wood. Which is important, because wood should smell like wood, not chicken gizzard. Mineral oil also generally aids cleaning, and prevents water absorption. Importantly, Tin Roof's Food Grade White Mineral Oil is "food grade" because it meets FDA regulations for direct and indirect food contact. Windex does not, so use some of this on your boards and save the teal stuff for getting the gizzard off your glass

Cost: They range at the low end for the Canopy Grove in Quick Cut, available for $14.95, and at the high end for the Garden Chef Block Top at $284.95. Add monogramming for $19.95, and some Tin Roof Food Grade Mineral Oil  for $9.50 (8oz bottle)

See them: Here.

High Performance Fly Fishing Rods & Reels by Temple Fork Outfitters

Hometown: Dallas

Filed Under: Gear you'll adore like your first Snoopy spincast.

Awesome: An entire family of high performance, surprisingly-low-priced fly fishing rods and reels to meet the needs of every angler, from beginner to backcreek to bluewater, designed by seasoned fly fishing experts, and backed by an industry-leading warranty

Appreciate: The broad range of activity-specific equipment offered by Temple Fork Outfitters. Thanks to its experienced Advisory Staff of fishing gurus, which includes Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, Nick Curcione, Ed Jaworowski, and Jim Teeny, Temple Fork Outfitters has developed product lines appropriate for every fly fishing excursion imaginable. They have more product lines than we can identify here, in fact, but we'll highlight our favorites, beginning with the BVK Series. The BVK rods are state-of-the-art, using modern materials to reduce weight without sacrificing strength, and are especially effective for accurate, long-distance casting. Complement the well-priced, lightweight BVK rod with one of the BVK fly reels (shown above), which are extra ported with holes (like pedals on a race car!) to further keep the weight down. Also featuring a Delrin and stainless steel drag, the BVK reels are machined aluminum and anodized, making them durable and at-home in either fresh or salt water. Two more highlights: for delicate, small water fishing, consider TFO's Finesse Series of rods, which deliver exceptional accuracy in tight spaces; and if you're new to fly fishing altogether, you'll want to check out their NXT rods and reels, which are great all-around systems for any angler, and especially so for someone new to the sport

Know: A handy tool for understanding which TFO rod is right for you is TFO's Rod Performance Matrix (RPM). When you browse their products, look for the little chart that identifies the degree to which the rod delivers characteristics of Presentation, Distance, or Lifting (on a scale of "less" to "more"). Presentation identifies the rod's ability to help you accurately place your fly and leader on the water; Distance is about casting distance; and Lifting refers to the rod's lifting power, as in, the strength of the rod to battle heavier fish. Some rods are more suited for one characteristic more than others, and there really is no one-size fits all. This is where the exceptional value of this equipment comes in: you won't go broke as you break in multiple rods to get to your fish

Special Comments: Temple Fork Outfitters offers as good a warranty on its fly rods as you'll find anywhere--if not the best warranty altogether. Called their No-Fault Warranty, this protection allows you to return your damaged rod (no matter who's fault!) to TFO, and they'll repair it or replace it for you, and send it on back. You'll need $25 for shipping and handling, and you'll also need to be: a living person; and, the original registered owner. Easy peasy, fishin's easy

Cost: BVK rods start at $224 for an 8' four-piece; BVK reels start at $229

See them: Here.

The Tool & Tack Gift Box by Canoe (with Salt & Time)

Hometown: Austin (and Niederwald)

Filed Under: Go ahead. It's okay to send yourself a gift box.

Awesome: Limited edition gift set, smartly presented in a wood crate, beneath a vintage map, bound with cords, and well-stocked with a pleasing inventory of hand-made items that by themselves are gift-worthy, and which together combine to make something truly smile-worthy

Appreciate: The treasures inside, beginning with the outside: it starts with a wood crate, which is a keeper--and that's not even technically the gift. Affixed as a part of the crate's lid is a vintage United States Geologic Survey map, which will show you states west of the Mississippi, typically, because Canoe is simply not an east-of-the-Mississippi type enterprise. Beneath your map (which is a framable 22" x 27" size) are the real goods. Cut away the jute cord, taking care not to damage the handsome tooled leather gift tag, and you'll first want to grab Canoe's no. 6 wood burned Opinel Knife. This is certainly better than an actual French 19th Century peasant's switch blade, but it looks and feels just as authentic, with a beechwood handle that has distinctive marks burned in attractive patterns, securing the carbon steel blade. Next you'll notice the hand tooled leather keychain, made from vegetable tanned leather with edges finished in beeswax, and attached to a hardy brass swivel snap closure. Last, you'll inspect a jar of Salt & Time's Death to False Mustard, a novel little condiment made with Jester King Brewery's Black Metal Stout beer, which you can spread on the last of the treasures: Salt & Time's Toscano Salami. Traditionally dried and cured, this salami is made from Texan pork, black pepper, red wine, and toasted fennel. As the old saying goes, if you're going to be a tasty dead pig, you might as well be crated with a knife and wrapped in a map

Know: Canoe and Salt & Time are separate enterprises that collaborate together well by virtue of the fact that their owners are not only talented; they're also married to each other. Canoe's Natalie Davis is a designer, and her husband Ben Runkle is a butcher, and this is how you make business babies. Canoe specializes in handmade, high quality accessories of the variety featured in the Tool & Tack Gift Box. Salt & Time is an epicurean's butchershop and salumeria making small-batch meats, pickles, and condiments using local Texas ingredients. We like their style, and their discernment in not making one big business called the Salty Old Canoe

Special Comments: If you enjoy reading quality blogs (and clearly, you do), you'll want to see Canoe's Tool & Tack; some well-described discoveries for men and women over that way

Cost: $90

Visit Canoe: Here.

Visit Salt & Time: Here.

Weekend Getaway: The Hideout on the Horseshoe, New Braunfels

Hometown: New Braunfels

Filed Under: Why only float the river, when you can sleep there, too?

Awesome: Eighteen-cabin resort located just steps from the scenic Guadalupe River and mere miles from historic Gruene, Texas, providing you and your tubing companions a comfortable, luxurious headquarters from which to launch a memorable weekend of floating and post-floating merriment

Appreciate: The ability to make an entire weekend out of what would otherwise be a day-trip to float the river. Tubing is usually a guaranteed good time with your friends. But the reality is, you'll be cooked by the end of the day. Rather than sit in a wet bathing suit in a hot car for a long ride home, retire instead to the well-appointed confines of your very own cabin at The Hideout, overlooking the cool green river from which you just emerged. Enjoy a hot shower, hill country and water views from your very own porch, a cold one pulled from a full-sized fridge, and just a few steps back out to the river in case you want to start the day all over again

Know: The Hideout is located on the downriver end of what's called the Horseshoe Loop, which is a u-shaped jaunt of The Guadalupe River north of New Braunfels and just east of Canyon Lake. Because it's outside the city limits, this stretch of river is not subject to the stricter new imbibement rules that apply to tubing further downstream. Just up and across the river from The Hideout is Whitewater Sports, where you can rent all the tubes you need and tailor just the right river trip to suit your style. And on the same property as Whitewater Sports is the Whitewater Amphitheater, where throughout the summer musical acts like like Willie Nelson, Reckless Kelly, and Ghostland Observatory perform riverside under the night sky. Is there a more perfect day than floating the river, napping in your cozy cabin, then listening to Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain while eating a Hat Creek burger (which are sold on site)? No. No, there is not. But be warned: if you want to stay at The Hideout as part of your concert plans, book early, as with only 18 cabins, they sell out quick for the summer

Special Comments: There is, of course, much more to do from your home base at The Hideout than float the river and listen to live music. Natural Bridge Caverns are nearby, as is the historic town of Gruene--where you can eat, shop, and hear even more live music. And if you are a total water rat, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is also just down the road from The Hideout, and will have you shaking water from your ears for days

Cost: In-season, weekend rates start at $299 per night for a standard cabin, and range to $369 for the luxury loft (sleeps 6 people), and $529 for a 3-bedroom (sleeps 8). Two-night minimum applies

See it: Here (*Caution: website plays automatic audio)

Large Format Fine Art Photography by Phil Crawshay

Hometown: Austin

Filed Under: Reality only wishes it could look this good.

Awesome: Large format, limited-edition photography of landmarks, landscapes, skylines, and still life created from start to finish using techniques that maximize sharpness, detail, and light. The result: brilliant artwork for your wall (a large wall) that will command the kind of admiring awe and attention ordinarily reserved for live sunsets, newborn babies, and game-winning grand slams

Appreciate: How these photos appear backlit, but in truth, there are no lights back there. Light is essential to the effect, certainly, but it's sourced from the front, just as it is for any other art. The backlit effect is the result of the talent of photographer Phil Crawshay, overall, combined with the physical materials he uses to display his work. The first step in creating images with this kind of detail is shooting them in "large format". This means that they are intended to be big from the start, which avoids having to enlarge a smaller photo into a big one (which in turn, reduces image quality). Another essential step is printing the photo on highly reflective "metallic" paper, followed by face-mounting it to a polycarbonate plexi-glass like cover that maximizes light penetration and refraction. This mounting is sometimes referred to as a Diasec-mount, which is a patented process designed to achieve the glossy and and bright effects you see in Crawshay's photography. No matter what you call it, anyone viewing the results of this mounting method will know instantly that they're seeing photography displayed in a way they have likely never seen before

Know: Photos of the photos (like the photo of "Man Cave", above) do not do them justice. If you visit Austin, you should try to see these large photos (large, as in, 30"x90" for cityscapes, for example ) in person to appreciate their detail and brilliance. Crawshay has two galleries, one at The Four Seasons Hotel, and a new one located in the fun-to-visit restaurant and retail complex of The Oasis, overlooking Lake Travis. When you visit, your first thought will be: How do I recreate the gallery lighting in my own home? Lighting is certainly key to realizing these photos' full potential, and the Phil Crawshay Gallery will walk you through the equipment you'll need (essentially, two standard hallogen spots) to make your own little Crawshay gallery back home. And as with any art, you also want the perfect frame; the Crawshay Gallery will also help you match your limited-edition photos to beautiful frames in pewter, stainless steel, gold, black, and other photo enhancing finishes

Special Comments: Phil Crawshay is a U.S. citizen, but he spent most of his life living in Britain before moving to Austin in 2006. In Texas, folks have a saying: "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." Phil got here as fast as he could, and Texas is happy to claim him, no matter how long it took

Cost: Prices vary based on size and edition (all are limited-edition); contact the Crawshay Gallery directly for details

See Phil Crawshay's brilliant landmarks, landscapes, skylines, and still life: Here.

Distinctive Surf Wear Shirts and Boardshorts by Howler Brothers

Hometown: Austin

Filed Under: Coastal-inspired clothing that'll inspire you to get to the coast.

Awesome: Functional, high quality, limited-run garments designed with the active surfer/paddler/angler in mind, by guys who actually surf, paddle, and angle, and apparently who have an eye or two for style

Appreciate: Their escape from the cliché.  Howler Brothers founders Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian have managed something that is likely not as easy as it appears: creating sportsman clothes without the usual and predictable Orvis undertones. You won't find dancing prawns or embroidered hibiscus on the mainstay outfitter brands, like you'll be glad to find on the Howler Brothers snapshirts. Nor do the old, tired brands have anything quite like the endearing Rhino Chaser T-Shirt (shown above), or the Adam Stockton-designed Howler de los Muertos T.  Their practical and quick-dry Bruja Boardshorts (shown, in Gulf Green) not only look great, but also feature novel elements like button fly's (with standard drawstring up top) and a 'firewall' flap pocket to keep drygoods dry. And for a unique rugby-goes-pipeline-surfing look, don't miss the Badge T-Shirt or Magic Mesh Polo; you'll want to surf with your shirt on

Know: The Diego Files is a gentlemen's guide, of course, but we'd regret it if we didn't point out that Howler Brothers makes some pretty stylish shirts for women (gentlewomen?) as well. If you're lucky enough to have a better half who likes to surf, paddle, or fish, make sure you browse the ladies' products on the Howler Brothers website. A favorite of The Diego Files is the Piña T-Shirt, which is a pineapple featuring a hidden Howler Brothers monkey face; we see you, monkey

Special Comments: The name 'Howler Brothers' is inspired by the Central and South American-dwelling Howler Monkey, which founders Heard and Stepanian fondly associate with memories of their surfing trips to Costa Rica. The Howler Monkey is a small, tree-dwelling monkey known for its disproportionately loud call.  Sounding more like a moaning dinosaur than a screaming pre-teen at a boyband concert, the call of the Howler Monkey is among the loudest of any animal in the world, and is created by wind passing through the special amplifying hyoid bone in the monkey's throat. Thankfully, none of the Howler Brothers' clothing makes noise; but their corporate logo is of a Howler Monkey face, and they've incorporated it well within their designs. Our favorite placement is on the Howler Monkey belt buckle

Cost: $28 for the Rhino Chaser T-Shirt; $55 for the Bruja Boardshorts

See them: Here.