For the "Nice" list

Just like Santa Claus, we at Concord Button Downs are making a list but we don't need to check it twice to know why you should be buying a CBD for the man (or men) in your life.

Here are the reasons we're buying everyone we love (and even those we just kind of like) a Concord Button Down for Christmas:

1. It's a two-in-one gift! You're not only giving the man in your life the highest quality shirt out there, you're also donating to a good cause that helps other families. As always, a portion of your purchase is donated to Ellen's Heart & Soul.

2. We just got a whole new order of reds (Old Manse & Barretts Mill) in! Your man can fit right in with the colors of the season without looking like this guy:

3. You want your guy to feel good about himself and about the gift you got him so what better than the shirt that guarantees you'll "feel good about what you wear." Order one today so it can be under the tree on Christmas morning!

Order a Concord Button Down for your father, husband, boyfriend, boss or bestfriend by December 18th to have it by Christmas morning!

www.concordbuttondowns.com

Music Monday: Dave Barnes

Welcome back to another rendition of Music Monday. This week's feature artist is Dave Barnes, a Nashville native recognized for his smooth vocals and blended acoustics. In light of the Christmas season, we at CBD felt it appropriate to share a song off Dave' holiday album, Very Merry Christmas. Cool and confident, this singer-songwriter adds a fresh twist to the season's classic, All I Want for Christmas is You. Check out Dave's live video posted below, and start spreading some holiday cheer by liking and sharing this post!

Concord, MA Christmas Tree Lighting

Ho Ho Ho it's Christmas time in Concord, so let's light the tree! Every year during the first week in December, the town of Concord congregates on Main Street to watch the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. As thousands meet to spread holiday cheer, locals wait eagerly for the town's tall standing pine to explode with lights. A hot cup of cocoa warming your hands, the sound of sweet carolers harmonizing to "O Little Town of Bethlehem", and a full bellied Saint Nick entering on a candy red fire truck, all contribute to making this town tradition so special. It truly is a wonderful time of year to be in historic Concord, Massachusetts.

Check out these great pics taken by Jenny Steffens, a new Concord resident, for her blog: "Everyday Occasions".

Made in the USA...but where?

When we first launched Concord Button Downs this past fall, one of the most frequently asked questions was, "where are your shirts made?" People loved seeing our collar tag, which reads "Made in New England", but often wondered "well...where in New England?" After hearing this continual inquiry we decided to better educate our fans by providing a glimpse into our Supplier's factory.

Based in Fall River, MA, our Supplier is situated on the Quequechan River. Residing in one of the oldest textile centers in the United States, their outfit (no pun intend) is full of historical charm. From the outside this structure stands tall and strong, intimidating because of its oversized stature. With peeling paint and rusted metal bannisters the exterior appearance is anything but inviting. On the inside however, this building maintains a very intimate feel; wooden floors cover the entire facility front-to-back, tight rickety stair cases connect offices and otherwise distant sub-sections, and an immense amount of natural light brightens the working area highlighting the warehouse's authenticity.

When asked about his operation, Bob, the company's owner commented, "step inside and you will find an honest, hard-working factory, and a group of skilled, dedicated craftspeople using vintage sewing machines to create honest, timeless clothing." In witnessing the character of those who run this facility and observing their intense devotion, our shirts become that much more special. No, our shirts are not mass produced; and no, our shirts are not made in third world countries. Rather, our shirts are hand stitched by hard working New Englanders who value high quality products and fine garments. We truly believe you too can "feel good about what you wear" by sporting our New England styled shirts made right here in Fall River, MA.

Pictures provided by: Dave Souza of "The Herald News", and "We Are The Market"

Get To Know: Andrew, EHS Executive Director

Get to know Andrew Leavitt, , Founder and Executive Director of Ellen’s Heart and Soul, and Leavitt and Avery Consulting LLC. , through this exclusive CBD Blog Q&A. We covered all the basics from favorite hobbies, to personal role model, to "what the heck do you do for CBD?". Read our special below...

When you're not wearing a CBD, what are your favorite brands?

I am all about comfort, I truly believe you should “Feel Good About What You Wear.” When I'm not sporting a CBD I am wearing anything that feels good! I’m a big fan of Perlis, Vineyard Vines, Southern Marsh and Ball & Buck. Though I can't afford any of it on my non-profit salary. 

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about business; although Ellen’s Heart and Soul is a non-profit, we are still a business and the best part is we are always changing and always finding new ways to express ourselves and help those around us. 

The best way to describe my true passion for business would be to reflect on this quote from Richard Branson..."There is no point in going into a business unless you can make a radical difference in other people's lives. To me, it's like painting a picture: you have to get all the little nuances right to create the perfect picture, or the perfect company."

Read more here:

Richard Branson: 'Building A Business Is Like Painting A Picture

I am in business to make a difference and the journey to do so it the most exciting part. 

What are your hobbies?

Anything that requires you to be outside! Golfing, Skiing, Mountain Biking and Boating. If I can do one of those things a week I am happy.

What's your second favorite place after Concord?

That is a tricky question. I would have to say New Orleans, there is something about being able to go to a great show every night of the week and hear the blues. 

Has starting a business always been a desire of yours?

Yes! To be honest if I could have dropped out of high school to start my first business I would have. The only catch would have been my father--he would have disowned me! My goal in life is to start and create as many business as possible and work to become a successful serial entrepreneur. Currently, I am the excusive director of  Ellen’s Heart and Soul and a founding partner of Leavitt and Avery Consulting, LLC  and I am disappointed that I only have two things on my plate at 23!

What's your affiliation with CBD?

I personally am nothing more then a supportive friend. I was the idiot that told Dan to quit his job to start CBD and I will continue to offer my support to my best friend for many years to come.

Ellen’s Heart and Soul on the other hand is an official non-profit partner of CBD with a portion of each shirt helping to fund out Meals For the Heart and Soul program.   

Who's your hero?

I would have to say my mother. She was a fighter and taught me the most important lesson of my life in the short time we had together. She taught me at an early age to advocate for myself and set goals. Helping me overcome my dyslexia and graduate both high school and college when others said I wouldn't and even couldn’t and how to appreciate the  benefits of  my dyslexia and how my mind works. 

What's a typical Sunday afternoon for you?

Sitting in a coffee shop preparing for the week ahead and then making dinner.  I don't use Sundays the way I should! 

Music Monday: Corey Smith

And here we are again, the fourth Monday of the month. This week's feature artist is one of my personal favorites, a rock/acoustic guitarist who possesses an upbeat style with a southern twang. Corey Smith, based out of Athens, Georgia where he attended school, instantly became popular with college aged students for his relatable lyrics and easy-going melodies. In an effort to make it big, Corey started offering (and still does, btw) free music to those willing to give him a listen. And now, he's one of the most well know performers in the area. An oldie but a goodie off "The Good Life" album is this week's selection, If I Could Do It Again.

CBD team on Thanksgiving!

We at Concord Button Downs took Thanksgiving off

and spent it with our families. Here's what we did:

Michaela ran the Feaster Five in Andover, MA with her family.

Tom spent time at home with his family while sporting his Concord Button Down.

Dan ate good food...

...and good dessert!

Caroline watched the Patriots beat the Jets 49-19!