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My first car was a 1989 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. By the time I had laid claim to it, the odometer had breached 150K miles, the automatic top refused to close completely, and the car leaked power steering fluid to the point that a three-point turn would sound like artillery fire. I scrapped the LeBaron some 13 years ago, but nevertheless remember that car and those halcyon days with a certain fondness that eclipses my general disdain for Chrysler. Whether or not the recent news of the Fiat/Chrysler "alliance" will produce anything radically different is debatable. The Fiat 500C Cabrio, however, is unquestionably radical.

Following the success of the retro-styled 500 in Europe & boasting collaborations with fellow connazionali and denim powerhouse Diesel, Fiat have quickly placed the 500C Cabrio into production for a summer 2009 Europe-wide release.

The 500C's roll-back roof pays homage to the Italian automaker's original 1957 open-top models but technological advances, courtesy of a partnership with Microsoft (e.g. Blue&Me), plant the car firmly in the 21st century. If Chrysler is true to its word (fingers crossed), the 500C will be turning heads stateside in 2010. Thanks in advance, President Obama.

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Meet our backyard neighbors, LINUS Bikes. Adam & Chad (LINUS) make bikes based on vintage French road/track frames from the 50's & 60's. Inspired by their travels to Europe & Asia, where the bicycle is one with the culture, the dynamic duo have produced a range of cycles and a line of accessories (e.g. satchels) that will undoubtedly get the masses peddling in classic style, once again.

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Tim (Intelligentsia) just delivered the good word. And the word is very good. The long awaited, much anticipated (mostly by me) Intelligentsia Venice is officially opening its doors on Friday, May 22nd with a little help from Wurstkuche, Stones Throw Records, & Silver Lake Wine providing the bangers, beats, and booze.

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A couple months back, Selectism did a great in-depth interview with M. Coleman Horn-the man behind VAEL. If you haven't read it, read it here.

Milkmade & VAEL are hard at work on a special event to happen next month. More details to follow.

Arrivals: Small Leather Goods