We also give a special shout out to our vendors Blade and Bow, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Bodyarmor, Topo Chico and Watertight Cocktail Co. for spending the evening with us. Thanks y'all!
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If you’ve been coming into the shop for a while you know that White Linen Night is one of the biggest events of the year in the Heights and we like to make a big splash. This year we expect things to be back in full swing as 19th street will be closed to vehicle traffic and attendance is expected to bounce back to pre-2020 levels. This will be a big one, folks!
]]>If you’ve been coming into the shop for a while you know that White Linen Night is one of the biggest events of the year in the Heights and we like to make a big splash. This year we expect things to be back in full swing as 19th street will be closed to vehicle traffic and attendance is expected to bounce back to pre-2020 levels. This will be a big one, folks!
Veterans and first-timers to White Linen Night alike may still be a little curious as to what the evening is about though. Why is it such a big thing? Why is everyone dressed in white? How did it start? Well let us learn ya a bit…
White Linen Night actually originated in New Orleans in 1994 as a means to celebrate the city’s robust cultural and arts scene. The tradition of donning your finest white linens stemmed from the centuries old practice of wearing white to reflect the sun’s rays and wearing linen to provide some relief to the area’s swampy heat.
The celebration made its way to Houston following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As thousands of New Orleanians were forced to leave their homes, many chose to start anew in our very own Houston, TX. We Houstonians were happy to welcome them.
The Heights’ first White Linen Night took place one year later in 2006 as New Orleans transplants brought more and more of their own cultural traditions to the area. Similar to the night’s origin in New Orleans, White Linen Night in the Heights is a celebration of the neighborhood’s diverse community, bustling small businesses, and rich history.
Since that first White Linen Night, the event grew larger and larger with each passing year. Expect rockin' live music, tasty food and beverages, and an all around grand ole time.
Of course, we’re giving a special thank you to our vendors Blade and Bow, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Bodyarmor, Topo Chico and Watertight Cocktail Co. who help us make the shop a fun and unique spot to hang out for White Linen Night. Many of our vendors will be present for the evening as well. On top of enjoying a great beverage, you can learn more about these awesome businesses!
That’s all we got, folks! We’re expecting a big showing and fantastic time. Feel free to stop by to say hello and as always… Thanks for shopping small!
If you’ve been following Manready Mercantile for a long time, you know that our passion lies with creating high quality products that are built to last. We also make and manufacture many of our own products right here in Houston. And after a few crazy years of getting by, it’s starting to feel like we’re getting back to the things that make us smile.
Now… we’ve been able to do some cool stuff here and there, like the introduction of our own colognes Cade and Slate last year and the rollout of our new Noble Series line of candles. But the recent release of our Wild Ones tee collection and our Manready basic tees feels like a big deal.
To be clear, these aren’t just any tee shirts. These are lightweight (because we live here in Texas and y’all know it gets hot around here), made in the USA, preshrunk, and 100% organic cotton. They feature three different vintage-style designs that the crew is crazy about and each design is unique in its own nature. Even with all that, one of the things we’re most excited about is these are under the Manready label.
Several years ago we released our own line of basic tees that took off. Due to supply chain issues unfortunately, we were unable to keep them stocked in the shop on a regular basis. That’s a big part of what makes this collection so special, we are now able to offer Manready Mercantile basic tees for retail and for wholesale.
For now, our graphic tees are Cool Cat, Killer Instinct, and Lone Wolf, and our basic tees are available in black, indigo and white. But, be on the lookout for new colors and designs as we ramp up the development of new products under the Manready label.
As a premium general goods store we pride ourselves on having a little bit of everything and curating great gift ideas for folks who are hard to shop for. Our Wild Ones tee collection and our Manready basic tees help us do both of those things. Here’s to turning a corner, y’all!
Thank you to everyone who popped into the shop over the weekend, followed the fun on social media or made an order on the website. Without y’all we can’t celebrate the special times or continue creating the high quality products that we’re passionate about. Your support means the world to this small business – you have our deepest gratitude.
]]>First off, thank you to everyone who popped into the shop over the weekend, followed the fun on social media or made an order on the website. Without y’all we can’t celebrate the special times or continue creating the high quality products that we’re passionate about. Your support means the world to this small business – you have our deepest gratitude.
To anyone that’s been with us for a while you may know that our anniversary weekends mean a lot to us. They not only offer a chance to feature some of the things we’re working on, but also they give us a chance to give back to y’all. The 9-Year Anniversary weekend was no different.
This past weekend featured some barbecue prepared by Manready Mercantile’s owner Travis Weaver, along with delicious chips and salsa from Houston-based Chilesquiles. We also got to offer tasty samples all weekend from Sauvignon John and Big Bayou. Local plant shop Dirt Bag was here on Saturday, which also happened to be Earth Day, with great options to add to your home or spring gardens. Fan favorite Passionate Arts & Crafts took their place on Sunday to offer a variety of handmade ceramics. Pet adoption organization Friends for Life had a station through the weekend, and our friends with Baked Bones offered CBD-based treats for the furry friends in your life. Similar to the way we run the store, we tried to have a little something for everyone!
During these kinds of events we get to welcome new folks into the shop, see old friends, and showcase some of our favorite vendors that we regularly work with. While this year’s party may not have been as big as years past, that doesn’t make it any less special. The fact that we’re still trucking along and gotten back to a place where we can do this is more than enough.
But now we’re looking toward the future.
In many ways, this past weekend felt like a turning point. The last few years have definitely had their tough moments, but we’re ready to get back to doing the special things that put Manready Mercantile on the map all those years ago. We have some big things coming up on the horizon, folks, and we’re more excited than ever to share them with you.
We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it… Dust settles, we don’t.
Shop Limited Edition Manready 9-Year Anniversary Gear:
Special Thank You To Our Vendors & Sponsors:
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Here are a few (six, to be exact) of Travis' favorite things:
TRUTH BBQ
]]>"There’s not much that's better than good ol’ fashion Texas BBQ. One thing is for sure, Truth BBQ is a must-go-to spot if you're looking for some of the finest smoked meats that you can get your chompers on. Originally founded by Leonard Botello in Brenham, Texas, they've recently opened their newest location right here in Houston, and they definitely give local spots a run for their money."
2. Drink
ELLIS MOTEL
"Round Top Texas is known for hosting one of the biggest flea markets in the world. When you’re out that way for the ultimate antique shopping extravaganza, make sure to pop by the Ellis Motel. Psst...it’s not a motel at all. It’s actually a bar and lounge that makes one of the best Old Fashioneds that you can get your hands on. Trust us, this place is awesome and full of epic photo ops."
3. Wear
KNICKERBOCKER MFG
"When it comes to style, our friends at Knickerbocker MFG always have some rocking gear and are great for guys and gals. Their designs are inspired by vintage wear while also honoring with modern looks and trends - not to mention their pieces fit like a dream. These dudes are true visionaries and we’re honored to carry them at Manready Mercantile ever since the day we opened."
4. Visit
BLACKWOOD EDUCATIONAL LAND INSTITUTE
"Not sure how to explain how cool Blackwood Educational Land Institute is, but we’ll try. This absolutely beautiful 33 acre farm and facility is a non-profit “teaching farm” that educates on the role of the food system and the importance of farm to table concepts. Beyond learning, you can rent out their farm for retreats or personal getaways. Intrigued to learn more? You should be!"
5. Relax
INCAUSA
"When you work as hard as we do, you appreciate the time you get to unwind. Some of our go-to products for relaxing after a long day are the incense from Incausa. Incausa collaborates with artisans, villages, and associations of eight different native ethnicities in the Amazon Basin. They offer the most tranquilizing yet intriguing scents and smell-good items for your home. We’ve been working with them for years and love their story just as much as we love their goods."
6. Listen
CHARLEY CROCKETT
Photo by Ben Christensen
"If you know, you know - Charley Crockett delivers a mix of blues and country - it'd be tough to pick a single song as a favorite. South Texas-grown, Crockett delivers music that speaks volumes about the good times and the bad. He’s definitely one to add to your playlist, folks."
Interested in more recs? Click here to see all of Helm Boots' past Saturday Six Blogs.
Here are some of the crew's favorite local spots you guys have to check out:
Ah Sing Den - Asian cocktail lounge on the East Side with a secret garden and late night dining. Yes, that says secret garden.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails - Name a better duo. Also, name a better burger. Patio reservations and curb-side service available!
Cenote - Delicious food, coffee, beer, and wine nestled in the heart of East Austin. A beautiful patio to enjoy a socially distanced meal.
Elizabeth Street Cafe - Noodles. Bahn Mi. Pho. Macarons? This place literally does it all - and they do it damn well, too!
Nervous Charlie's - Bagel shop named after the cutest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I dare you to browse their Instagram feed without drooling.
Hillside Farmacy - The gorgeous patio is reason enough to visit, but they also have food, wine, cocktail kits, and groceries. Offering contactless dining for the safest meal possible.
Honest Mary's - Life-giving, wholesome bowls with vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options and a roster full of refreshing Agua Frescas!
Lazarus Brewing Co. - Coffee, tacos, and fresh-brewed beer: what more could you ask for? Patio available for outdoor dining.
Mañana Coffee - Open 7 days a week, serving up delicious lattes, pastries, and (of course) breakfast tacos. Have a sweet tooth? Try their Coffee & Brownie Ice Cream!
Alice Blue - New American Bistro - if you know Manready you already know this is one of our all-time favorite spots! The ever-changing menu featuring fresh local ingredients will keep you coming back time and time again.
Angela's Oven - The cutest cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Family owned and operated. Handcrafted bread and pastries made fresh every day. Best BLT in the Heights, hands down.
Coltivare Pizza & Garden - If you haven't been here yet, run - don't walk. An Italian staple here in Houston.
Good Dog - If you're a fan of hot dogs, you need to know this place. For those that don't, they also make some of the best fish and chips in town.
Houston Dairymaids - Cheese heaven! Houston's only locally-dedicated cheese mongers. They carry over 150 different cheeses at their historic shop from Texas and beyond.
Johnny's Gold Brick - A Houston institution. Unbeatable cocktails. Huge patio. $1 oysters on Monday nights. Need I say more?
Revival Market - Decadent meats and cheeses - all of your charcuterie dreams come true. Known for their insanely delicious brunch menu and take-home meal packs.
Squable - The best brunch on 19th Street. European Fare with some American Influence. From French cheeseburgers to French cocktails, this place doesn't miss.
We Olive - Gourmet food store and wine bar specialising in olive oil, balsamic vinegars, boutique wines, local beers, and small plates. Their Italian sandwich is a must-have.
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Here are some Manready Crew tips on creating the perfect cheese board to impress your Valentine (or yourself!):
The only thing left to do is pour a couple drinks and enjoy! 🍾
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Watch Travis Weaver show you how to make perfectly moist and sweet Banana Nut Bread. His recipe is dialed in just right to deliver the ultimate comfort food fix. Here's a list of what you'll need:
Ingredients
Watch Travis show ya' how to pan sear a ribeye steak, step by step with our All-in-One Pinch + Throw Meat Spice. It's delicious, easy to cook, and will make for a perfect date night. Trust us, you're going to love it!
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Double the whiskey, double the fun! We’re honored to make some collaboration merch for @whiskeymyers and boy did they turn out great! We made them some hand dipped whiskey glasses and vegetable tanned coasters to go along. They’re pre-selling both on their website so grab ya some before they’re gone!
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Here's a preview of our spread in Josh and Brent Beekman's Summer 2019 issue of their award winning magazine, The Almanac.
]]>Here's a preview of our spread in Josh and Brent Beekman's Summer 2019 issue of their award winning magazine, The Almanac. These guys have a great story founding Beekman 1802 Mercantile in 2008 followed by The Almanac in 2017 and it's a true privilege to have Manready Mercantile featured in this issue. Photos by Chris McGee. Check out the full issue here.
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WHAT TO BRING + WEAR:
WHAT TO EXPECT + HOW TO PREPARE:
If you've never been to Trans-Pecos, trust us you're missing out! The fest is a three-day stint of live music, workshops, art seeing, and of course if you've been to any Bunkhouse event, michelada drinking! Out there you never know who you'll run into! You've got locals, folks flying in from LA and NY, and everywhere in between.
We're still feeling the vibes back in Houston and decided to bring y'all our first soundtrack titled 'West Texas'! This one features 34 of our favorite songs right now that are sure to keep the vibes alive. Enjoy, and check back often as we'll be adding new songs to keep ya dancing!
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"Born from humble beginnings to elevate ordinary objects, we believe that design, color and utility can improve your daily outlook. That California roots can grow effortless style. And that staying hungry and resourceful keeps us nimble on our feet." - Richer Poorer
It's that time of year again when you have to pull out all the stop for the one true love in your life... your Mom. Mom's can be some of the hardest people to shop for, but we've put together a Mother's Day gift guide of unique goods that she'll never forget.
Make Mom proud, and get her something she'll keep for a lifetime... unless it's chocolates of course! This day only comes once so make sure she's taken care of.
Also, free shipping on all order from now until May 4th. Simply enter promo code mothersday at check out.
]]>For me, Manready Mercantile is the kind of shop I admired deeply and when Travis Weaver discovered my brand and asked to carry our products in his store, I was able to check off one of those milestones. Since then, we've developed a great friendship with Travis, Berlin, and the whole Manready crew, and we continue to stock their store with more Slightly Alabama goods along with a few custom collaborations.
Below is an interview full of inspiration and insight into what motivates Travis to build the next great American retail brand. It's a must read for any retail shop, designer or individual interested in American Made.
MANREADY OVERVIEW
Date Founded: 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Number of Employees: 10
Flagship Products: Small batch apothecary goods such as candles, lotions, soap, bath products and more.
Number of Brands Carried: 140
THE INTERVIEW
It's clear that Manready Mercantile has a mission that's larger than just making and selling products. From your tagline—Work Hard, Live Well—to your focus on American Made brands and the emphasis you place on the community at home in Houston and through social media—you're clearly pursuing something more than profit alone. Can you talk a bit about the vision that drives you and what matters most to you?
Most people chase money, I chase a challenge. The challenge of bringing the best craftsmen and makers available and putting them all under one roof. I don’t focus on the big brands, but rather on the smaller, lesser known brands that have incredible stories and burning passion behind their creativity. I’m from a small town and the little guys rarely get a chance and get passed over…I can’t stand that and see it all the time. Stores want the big guys for marketability which is odd to me. What is more marketable to me is a unique story that the public can relate to and that stores can brag about and share through social media. If you have a different approach and ideology on how the retail game works, the general public will see this and support you and thus your brands.
It’s simply a different way of doing business and if more folks got hung up on quality vs quantity, the whole game would change and demand for creativity would rise….thus more and more well made goods….which is what I make and look for in other brands.
Your shop aesthetic, your product designs, and collaborations, and even your own sense of style are so unique. It all seems rugged and effortless, and yet very thoughtful. Can you tell us about what inspires you and how that plays out creatively in everything you do for Manready?
Henry Ford once said, "The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time."
I don’t look at other stores on how they do things much; I don’t read blogs; I don’t read many magazines; I don’t particularly care what others wear, and I don’t follow trends…at all. I’m from the country and pretty set in my ways and like to do my own thing. I wear things that are simple yet unique in interesting ways. It could be a basic white tee, but it’s going to have a story, even if I’m the only one that knows it. My style changes depending on what I’m into. Right now I’m pretty deep into vintage and Japanese textiles so that’s something that I mix with new items to create something that’s me…not someone else or what some celebrity wore. In the past and at certain times of the year, I wear more rugged clothing because I’m into outdoors and like to hunt and fish. It’s safe to say that I’m not going hunting in vintage patchwork trousers from the 30’s….but then again, maybe that’s not a bad idea if I do. It’s kinda funny to me though on how hard people try to look cool…to me, it looks forced and I’m not gonna be that guy. I wear what I want, where I want, and couldn't care less about what anybody thinks about me or my style. As far as the shop, most folks think we have an interior decorator, but the reality is, we just put things up where we like them and go with it. Wish I had a cooler way to say it, but it’s true. The beauty of owning your own place is that you get to do what you want and don’t have to answer to anybody.
When someone walks into the Manready shop, what will the experience be like for them and what are some of the unique things they'll find there?
Our shop is two stories and the below is a lounge and an event space with a giant American flag that serves as a photo opportunity. When you find yourself up the stairs to the shop, you feel like you morphed back in time 100 years and landed in an ol’ school general goods store! You're greeted immediately by incredibly passionate and savvy staff members that fit the vibe. We have the best crew out of any shop that I’ve ever visited and they’ll even offer you a handmade Old Fashioned cocktail while you peruse the goods. Expect to shop raw denim, leather goods, boots, grooming supplies, grooming necessities, small batch apothecary, travel basics, and gourmet pantry type goods…after all, we do make Whiskey Soaked Beef Jerky! Plan on staying a while as you’re going to be overloaded with highly curated vintage goods from around the world and some of the best brands offered and made in America.
When you find yourself up the stairs to the shop, you feel like you morphed back in time 100 years and landed in an ol’ school general goods store! Your greeted immediately by incredibly passionate and savvy staff members that fit the vibe.
What are some of the pieces from your own personal collection that you're most proud of?
Man, where do I start? I love my Vietnam war era US issued OG-107 trousers with hand embroidered daises, my French moleskin pants from the 50’s, my Knickerbocker x Manready collaboration chore jacket, anything that Freenote Cloth makes, my Poglia knives, Boro Note Japanese farmers rope, my Horween shell cordovan flask by Slightly Alabama, bracelets by Fortune Goods, and waistcoat byFortela. The list can go on, but you get the idea. It’s gotta be unique, and it’s gotta have a story.
Looking toward the near future, what can we expect from Manready Mercantile?
You never can tell what’s going to come up next as I change things daily. Be assured that I have some new collaboration projects and product designs that are going to blow you away. From experience, if you have a clear direction, others will see that and hop on the same train and try to replicate it or anticipate what you’re going to do next.
With me and my business, you’re going to feel like you got hit by a train every time we launch something new…and it’s never going to stop. —It’s like, “how in the hell do these guys find the time?”…but we do..
Finally, what has been the proudest moment for you since starting Manready?
The moment that I realized that the American Dream still exists and that my business is proof. You can grow up poor like me and change your stars. You don’t need a big loan, daddy’s money, or a handout. Go earn it and create something great. When you do, that feeling of pride and worth will engulf your entire body and soul will know that you’ve achieved greatness. As I’ve always said, Work Hard, Live Well.
East, West, and Vintage
A special project brought to you by Fortela and Manready Mercantile
Two people from vastly different walks of life have come together to create something special. Travis Weaver of Manready Mercantile grew up in Zephyr, a small town in middle-of-nowhere Texas. Alessandro Squarzi of Fortela hails from Milan, Italy, a large metropolitan hub of culture and fashion. These backgrounds might be considered polar opposites, yet their influences bring Travis and Alessandro to a passionate, mutual interest – a love for all things vintage.
Travis and Alessandro first crossed paths in New York at Liberty Fairs, a fashion, and lifestyle tradeshow in early 2014 through like-minded friends. Overcoming an Italian-English language barrier, they quickly picked up on one another’s eye for vintage accessories and started trading pieces right off their bodies. During the next few fashion cycles, they began skipping out on the shows early to go “picking” at flea markets. This new friendship spurred an idea.
Travis pulled vintage textiles from his private stash: canvas U.S. mail bags, Japanese boro, U.S. military tarps, and African mud cloth, and Alessandro deconstructed the pieces to create one-of-a-kind waistcoats. Despite years of notoriety for his style and clothing design, this unique concept was a first for Alessandro. The two broke into new territory for their brands.
Alessandro and his team at Fortela meticulously completed the garments, just in time for the July 2016 Liberty Fairs – bringing the partnership full circle. At the unveiling, Ashley Owens of Grandpa Style and Suited Magazine purchased the very first one, confirming the duo’s efforts to create something groundbreaking. The project was officially in motion around the world.
The Manready team hustled back to Houston to arrange a lifestyle shoot with friends and brands including Poglia, Sweet Trade, M. Cohen, New Union, Jyumoku, and Fortune Goods – pulling together the finishing touches of a project two years in the making. The complete look includes original U.S. military OG-107 trousers from the Vietnam war era, 1940’s Mexican biker rings, shoes from The Hill-Side, military inspired A-3 hats by Knickerbocker MFG Co., vintage bandanas, and the iconic Japanese farmer’s rope, a braid of indigo and silk traditionally worn around the neck.
This collaboration tests geographic and social boundaries: a collision of languages, cultures, a collision of mediums, new and old. When folks from wildly different walks of life come together to create, the result can be unifying, flirting with perfection. This collaboration is proof.
Official launch date of the Fortela x Manready Mercantile project is September 3, 2016, @ 12 noon CST. Available at Manready Mercantile in Houston, Texas and online at www.manready.com
]]>Many thanks to our sponsors at our Two Year Anniversary Deep Eddy Vodka, Topo Chico, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company for keeping us hydrated and SmileBooth for giving us a fun way to document all our guests!
Video By: Jeff Reyes Javier (@jeff_vash)
Music By: Robert Ellis (@robertellismusic)
Photography By: Kelly Sparks (@breafkast)
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With Spring in heavy rotation and Summer quickly approaching we teamed up with Dr. Collectors, Knickerbocker MFG, and American Trench to release some new goods for your upcoming adventures called Blue Pacific.
We get a lot of women that come into our shop and say, "aw this is a man store." Sigh... So a few weeks back we took out the 1975 FJ43 from Heritage Overland to have some fun on the beach! We hung out with some kickass women (all decked out in Dr. Collectors) in an Ellis Canvas Tent, told a few tall tales, and of course jumped a few sand dunes in the FJ.
Photographer: Lauren Marek
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