Face time
Stacey and Adam Goldstein originally came up with an idea for a women’s natural skin care company. But after discovering there was a lack of natural, American-made products for men, the couple tweaked their business plan.
In January, the Goldsteins started Atlanta-based Louis & Jacob. They named the men’s grooming company after their grandfathers, both World War II vets.
The company offers four unscented products: a face wash, face moisturizer, shave cream and scrub. The products use natural ingredients, like walnut oil in the shave cream and green tea extract in the face wash. A men’s eye cream is in the works.
Products range from $14.99 to $16.99 for a four-ounce container. Order all four products from the company's website by July 31 and save 20 percent.You might feel extra good if you do. A portion of the company's profits this year will benefit the Atlanta Dog Squad. Visit louisandjacob.com or order from www.amazon.com.
Collared greens
Randy Ashton and Jeremy Bull played lacrosse at Virginia’s Hampden-Sydney College in 2001. Years later, the former players teamed up again to start North Carolina-based Collared Greens in 2008.
Despite its play-on-words name, the company does not sell the popular Southern vegetable. But the company’s focus is “green” in its colorful menswear collection and company commitment to the environment.
The new organic cotton polo shirts ($75) are cut and sewn in South Carolina. But popular year-round are the silk ties and bow ties ($55 to $85) in inspired colors and patterns. The striped green and white ties are current favorites. The company also offers neckwear ($45 to $50) for boys. The clever tie packaging — in a reusable container — makes a great gift for grads, groomsmen and modern dads.
Visit www.collaredgreens.com. In the Atlanta area, the Collared Greens line is available at various retailers, including Miller Brothers Ltd., www.millerbrothers.com, and Huff Harrington Home, www.huffharrington.com, both in Buckhead.
The male bag
Making and selling leather bags at craft shows was a hobby for Emil Congdon. Until 2009. That’s when Leslie, his wife, convinced him to start Nashville-based Emil Erwin, a leather and canvas carry-goods company. The family business is named for its chief craftsman and in honor of Erwin, the small mountain town in east Tennessee where he learned to appreciate leather work.
The couple’s efforts quickly paid off. Later that year, they teamed up with Imogene + Willie (the Nashville jeans maker) on a project for retailer J. Crew. In 2010, Emil Erwin and its waxed canvas bag were honored with a “Made in the South” award by Charleston, S.C.-based Garden & Gun magazine.
With a bridle leather handle and straps, the Erwin ($1,400) is a best-seller. The classic briefcase features two large compartments and smaller pockets for pens and phone. It also includes a sleeve for your notebook computer or tablet.
For a classic, must-have accessory, check the leather belts ($100 to $110). With their clean, simple design, the belts come in seven colors and two widths. Each belt also comes with two interchangeable buckles in brass and stainless steel.
Other smart goods include leather totes, wallets and a yummy weekender bag ($1,950). This fall the company will offer a new women's line. Learn more at emilerwin.com.
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please share them with us. Send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact number.
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