This week we welcome a newcomer in retail, Tom Clothes and Goods out of Los Angeles who have just set up shop online with prospects of a brick and mortar storefront in the sunny region. Stocking our very own W’menswear and some really interesting brands for a product savy lady likeImogene + Willie, Hackwith Design House, Tradlands shirtings, and beautiful Army throws by Faribault Woolen Mills – all of whom are funnest-lifestyle-focused, priding themselves on quality materials and clever design.
Today we’re getting cozy with founder Arielle Ackerman, and taking stock of her brand new retail venture…
Above / Hackwith Design House Denim Jumper
Below / Copper Catchall
Above / U.S. Foot Soldier Blankets
Above / W’menswear Linen Denim Repairs Suit and Redwing Heritage Women’s Moc Toe
Below / Tom Clothes and Goods founder Arielle Ackerman
Arielle Ackerman’s Funnest Life Possible.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Buckwheat waffles with berries and chx sausage. And a turmeric latte because I don’t drink coffee.
What do you do?
For my job: I source cool stuff to help women live good lives. For my life: I source cool stuff that helps me live a good life.
What do you usually smell like?
My friends said I smell like if an apothecary was in the middle of the woods with a campfire nearby. I do not know what this means, but I’m okay with it. The campfire smell’s probably from all the peated whisky.
Tell us about how Tom Clothes & Goods will make people happy.
Hopefully by helping women find a voice and a style that can allow their confidence to grow like mine did when I found those things.
What have you learned so far?
That I understand now why people have business partners.
How did your pathway lead up to opening up a store for gals like us?
I got tired of shopping at men’s stores for goods that didn’t seem like they should be that far out of reach for women to find. So I went out and found them!
Tell us about the brands that you are stocking.
Well firstly, I’m stoked to carry W’Menswear! So much attention to detail and history there. Imogene + Willie I’ve been wearing since they first opened and I tried on a pair of their OG jeans in a stock room closet because they didn’t have a dressing room yet. Red Wing Heritage women’s line is on the horizon for fall, which I’m psyched about because their designs are killer and they’ve been the most damn comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. Tradlands, Bridge & Burn, Bradley Mountain, Faribault – all brands I love and can vouch for the quality of. Basically, just real dependable brands that are heavily influenced by workwear, menswear, vintage and the outdoors.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of work hours?
Take a drive to the Malibu cliffs to read, if I’m not at a flea market.
What’s usually in your handbag?
Purses are a blackhole for me, so unless I’m carrying books inside, I try to just carry a money clip, my phone and my keys when I can. Forever digging around in my pockets though.
What was the last thing you googled?
The website for Trinity County Courthouse so I could pay off the speeding ticket I got on my last road trip. womp, womp.
You will be opening a brick and mortar store in the future right? What will kind of music will be playing in store?
Definitely plans to open a brick + mortar down the line. Same kind of stuff I listened to while building the e-shop: Johnny Cash, lots of Howlin’ Wolf, Leon Bridges, JD McPherson, Chris Stapleton, and Otis. Gotta have Otis. Maybe some D’Angelo and 90s R&B when I’m in the mood to mix it up.
Draw us a picture of your hero.
This would be a picture of everyone involved in the making of JAWS because: BRAVO. But I can’t draw people so please enjoy this lil shark:
Images courtesy of Tom Clothes and Goods.
