Since 1912, Hosmer Mountain Bottling Co. of Willimantic, CT, has been in the hands of just four families. The bottling methods have remained much the same. 12oz or 24oz bottles are filled with the over 30 flavors. Its old fashioned American stuff really, the kind of soda you’d expect to be offered by an older chap quite set in his ways. That’s how I was introduced to Hosmer Mountain; after a day of water skiing in Columbia, CT, by my friend’s grandfather. He’d drunk Hosmer since he was a boy, and the local soda provided the perfect refreshment. Since then I’ve tried a few types of sodas, happy enough each time.

Hosmer, after all, is proud to mention that they make either the 4th or 14th best root beer in the land (depending on the poll). Good old fashioned honesty is just part of making good old fashioned soda.

Unlike me, documentary film maker Albert Maysles never had a problem with losing or breaking glasses. He’s said to have worn the same pair since the 1960s. The people at Barney’s have been big fans of the man’s work for years, following his moves, and feigning over his glasses. The obsession has led to a faithful reproduction of Maysles’ glasses, performed by LA-based Barton Perreira. Avaiable in both readers and sun glasses.

$25 from the sale of each frame goes to the Maysles Institute.

We’re developing quite the thing for crushed leather buttons here at SL. This time they feature on this Kolor 2/3 button blazer. Like most 2/3 button blazers, this can either be worn with the two lower buttons alone or it could be worn as shown in the pic above. If you were to do the former option,  the lapels would cover the top button and provide a more classic blazer look; the latter gives it more of a ‘pop your collar’ look. Our advice? wear it how you want, it’ll look great either way. (Arks)

Take a leap to see close up shots.

Farfetch recently caught up with designer Phillip Lim for one of their 121’s. Like most of their interviews, it’s a short but sweet affair, briefly going over the the label’s launch, themes for the latest collection and Lim’s background. One interesting thing we find out is that Lim originally started out studying finance and business.

“For a long time I didn’t even know that fashion was even an option. I started out studying Finance and Business at college before it became really clear that I was sitting in the wrong class. My mother was a seamstress however, so I always felt comfortable around fabrics and clothes, eventually I realised just how comfortable I was being around clothes that I would make a profession out of it.”

Read the full interview here.

01. 30-Years On: David Bowie’s Lodger Comes In From The Cold

“So, what do you think of Lodger, then? Chances are, if you think of it at all, you think of it as the weakest link in Bowie’s so-called ‘Berlin Trilogy’; the third part, after Low and “Heroes”, that isn’t quite so memorable or influential or icy cool; the one that, if you really think about it — which you tend not to — doesn’t actually fit in with its two illustrious forebears at all.” (quietus)

02. Jack White’s Third Man Records to release Stephen Hawking…

“Jack White’s Third Man Records is set to release a seven-inch single featuring a guest appearance from physicist Stephen Hawking. ‘A Glorious Dawn’, which is out on November 9, is an arrangement of spoken words by astrologer Carl Sagan, originally taken from his award-winning 1980s television series ‘Cosmos: A Personal Voyage’ (nme)

03. Watch Ted Leo’s Misfits Tribute Show

“On Halloween night in Philadelphia, Ted Leo gathered some friends and did the Monsters of Folk one better. They played two entire sets as the Misfits.” (pitchfork)

04. Matt Mikas, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY (above)

“Somewhere, in the southern part of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, there’s a man. There’s a man with quirky black glasses, and a few records. Quite a few. And they are quite bizarre… Please welcome Mike Mikas, the master of Lounge music, and by Lounge, I don’t mean any of that tired boring electronic slow tempo house beats that go on forever. Lounge music from the 50’s, when people used to party in their lounge. Yes, the real deal.” (dustandgrooves)

Slightly out of my budget at 900$US is this Rogues Gallery Handmade Duffle Bag in brown leather. It’s made in their hometown of Portland, ME (New England for life). It features a heavy gauge two way zip closure, and bad ass “nautical grade hardware.” It looks like it will take a serious beating. We like that. (gq)

More looks at the Rogues Gallery Hand-Made Duffel Bag after the click.

Fashionisto chimes in with their look at Heath’s Spring 2010 collection. “Marrying a British sensibility with the quirks of the Tokyo fashion scene, Heath designer Gentaro Noda approaches the spring season with a casual take on the formalities of menswear. Barely there waistcoats are sharply cut, while trousers and shorts find themselves constructed with more of a board short flair. From there, checks and noticeable color blocking enter to dress up the collection in a fashion that is notably unique to the season.”

More looks at Heath’s Spring 2010 collection after the click.

Blackbird has taken stock of Pria scarves, and the choices seem endless. We’ll focus in on the silk, wool, and cashmere (all in one) options from the brand. The 70/20/10 mixed scarves are of mid weight and feature a subtle trim on the ends. They’re a great mix of warmth and fashion and priced at 215$US.

More looks at the Pria SIlk, Wool, and Cashmere Scarves after the click.

“Produced by acclaimed photographer Matthew Donaldson using a Phantom HD camera which captures up to 1500 frames a second. Often used in wildlife photography the camera allowed Matthew to capture the detail in our collection. Exclusive music by Zero 7.” (Folk)

Mr. Williams looks to be extending his blogging to product. If you have visited ACL recently, you will have seen his recent relationship with Cole, Rood & Haan Co. is a strong one. This ACL Edition Desert Boot only solidifies the two even more with a classic and well made desert boot. It is a limited edition for C,R&H’s Spring 2010 collection. It features a very European low profile sole with a camel colored upper. They give me oxblood desert boots a run for their money. Check the ACL & Co. hit on the tongue. Nice.

More looks at the Cole, Rood & Haan Co. Desert Boots ACL Edition after the click.