Keeping Your Feet Dry

Originally I bought these shoes from Xtra Tuf as something easy to slip into when taking the dog out for a walk, but as the wet Seattle winter has progressed they have become my everyday shoe.  Mine are the 5” neoprene Xtra Tuf II’s and warm, comfortable and totally waterproof.  They look cool too.

These Xtra Tufs are a male alternative to the fashionable, yet surprisingly practical, knee high Wellington boots that all the gals are now wearing.

The Seattle Look

On one of her visits to my then new home of Seattle my Midwestern mother commented “the girls here are so pretty, so natural, so happy.”  Twenty years later I still agree with her, and this is why I was so shocked on Saturday night.  My wife and I had gone to a movie over at Lincoln Square in Seattle’s eastern neighbor of Bellevue, and the entire mall was jammed full of chicks that appeared to be taking their design queues from reality television.  When did Bellevue become Jersey Shore?  The place was so tacky I could hear my shoes sticking to the floor.

Luckily, on Sunday, I found myself eating lunch at Homegrown in Seattle’s Queen Anne district, and lo and behold I was back into the arms of my beloved Seattle: Blundstones, baggy jeans, down jackets, knit beanies, that’s what I’m talking about.  The Seattle look is natural, clean, cool.  Sandwiched between snow and salt, we have a natural beauty here, a beauty that is reflected in our style.

This natural, comfortable with oneself style is what I attempt to emulate at Greenlite HeavyIndustries.  Good honest clothing, meant to be worn.  Made here, by us, for you.

Flawless Stainless Steel

Saw this sweet stainless steel Pegoretti going out of my local bike shop - Veloce Velo - yesterday.

This is a no-holds barred, no expense saved work of art complete with electronic shifting.  A stainless steel Pigoretti with electronic shifting, now that would be something to ride.

Jackets in a Row

My Ventile Jackets are now ready for sale.  I originally called these D-Niro Jackets in reference to the inspiration I received from the jacket Robert DeNiro wore in the Deer Hunter, but now I think I'll rename them to Peg Jacket.  For the past four months my prototype has hung on the peg by my back door, it's what I reach for when I go outside.  All other coats have been relegated to the closet.

So far this winter the Peg Jacket has been my exclusive piece of outwear.  Biking, skiing, hiking, walking the dog, running erands, this is my coat.  One piece that does it all, this is what I am bringing to the market.