VICTORY SPORTSWEAR X STEVEN ALAN SPEED SHOE

For the past five or so summers, I have started the season off on a quest to find the perfect, simple, non-in-your face logo trainer.  A trainer so versatile that allows me to wear it on the weekends and if I wanted to feel like a rebel, I could rock them with a sport jacket at the office or even better, with a suit when I am presenting to the board of directors. Each season I start this quest and end up having to chose from the normal cast of charters, the New Balance 574, the Converse Jack Purcell Signature, or the adidas Original Rod Laver.  I am happy to say this season, even thought we are 3/4 of the way through it, I found a new brand and style to choose from.

6TH ANNUAL MADE IN USA HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This is one post we here at NCG look forward to each year.  It’s a time were we get to showcase some great product made by great companies, right here in the USA.  This season we have selected ten items that would make any guy beam with joy if he found them in his stocking or under the tree come Christmas morning.  To sweeten the pot even more, the fine gentlemen over at Owen & Fred have agreed to donate a YOU EARNED IT solid brass bottle opener to 3 readers who leave a comment.*  If you ask me, that beats any Black Friday deal I have seen thus far.  Links to the products and where to purchase are below.

Owen & Fred:  YOU EARNED IT Brass Bottle Opener $28.00

Ursa Major of Vermont:  Willoughby Cologne $40.00

Blackbird:  Tar Field Notes $28.00

Shinola Detroit:  Leather Wrapped Case for iPhone 6 $90.00

Orvis:  Waxed Cotton Apron with Pockets $175.00

Cause & Effect:  Jackson Bench Belt $168.00

Kauffman Mercantile:  EDC Kit $54.00

Intelligentsia Coffee:  Home Subscription Program $TBD, Based of Subscription Preferences

Reserve Bar:  Engraved/Personalized Johnny Walker Blue $299.00

Bicycle:  Skull Deck $3.99 

*Discloser:  Readers will be picked at random and notified via e-mail*

5TH ANNUAL MADE IN USA HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Each year we here at NCG pull together a collection of 10 great gifts, all made in the USA. Every item would be a great addition under your tree this holiday season.  They can be purchased by following their links below.  Happy Holidays from all of us at here at NCG.

THE RUNWELL 47MM

STRIKE ANYWHERE AMERICAN FELLING AXE

FILSON COMPUTER BAG

WINFIELD BELT

GEIER DEERSKIN GLOVES

WITTY SAYINGS FLASKS

MADE IN USA SWEAT PANTS

RED BACKSEAT BLANKET 

AMERICAN TRADERS TOBOGGAN

BALSAM FIR SOY CANDEL 

 

 

NEW NIKE PRO BOWL UNIFORMS

Nike, just 1 year into their 5 year deal with the NFL, revealed the new 2013-2014 Pro Bowl uniforms the players will be wearing.  To go along with these new uniforms, a new draft-style format will be used to fill the rosters spots, so it will no longer be the traditional AFC vs. NFC we have grown so accustom too.
One team will be sporting the grey/electric lime and the other team with the white/orange combo.  With the new uniforms and the new roster filling format, the NFL is really pushing to drive some excitement around the Pro Bowl.  They started this idea a few years back when the date of the Pro Bowl was moved to be played before the Super Bowl, hoping to make it more relevant in the minds of the NFL fans.Some are saying the new uniforms are to similar to newly designed Oregon and Oregon State uniforms.  You be the judge.

 

ALLEN EDMONDS LAUNCHES MADE IN USA APPAREL

This past week Allen Edmonds, the 91 year old footwear brand out of Port Washington WI launched a small collection of apparel.  There are enough pieces to create 8-10 classic looks, which can be seen below, but what is most important about this launch is that 90% of this collection was made right here, in the USA.

Paul Grangaard, the brands President and CEO states ‘This is all about great American styling combined with American manufacturing authenticity…Allen Edmonds has proven that world class shoes can be handcrafted in America. Now we’re going to help show the world that it also can still be done in amazing clothing and leather goods.’  With the manufacturing of this line, Allen Edmonds, along with their production partners were able to create and fill more than 280 skilled labor jobs, all filled by the american worker.

Along with this launch, the company has also re-braneded themselves and have picked up the tag line, ‘An American Original’.  The logo is clean, simple and classic, which really speaks to the brand and their offering.