SAULT New England
One of the things Meg and I share a passion for is supporting small businesses - we love finding a well-curated shop of special and unique items you won’t find at the mall. As you know, Meg has spent the last year editing down her closet to only items she really loves, and it’s always finds from smaller shops or trips we’ve taken that seem to make the cut. I am excited to share that I will be interviewing some of our favorite small businesses for a regular feature here on For the Long Hall. Today, I’m introducing you to Philip Saul, the owner of a bespoke coastal outpost for men and women. We hope you enjoy the interview and a roundup of some of my current favorites from his shop, below! - C
SAULT New England
About SAULT New England: Getting its start in the historic South End of Boston, SAULT New England was founded by Philip Saul in 2011 with the goal of celebrating the diverse and ever-evolving history of men’s fashion in New England. Starting from the belief that everyone should feel comfortable with who they are, in what they wear, and never take themselves TOO seriously, SAULT New England provides traditional staples for everyone’s wardrobe by mixing current trends and classic style. With curation of timeless apparel, necessary accessories, a gentlemen’s apothecary, and a collection of vintage goods, SAULT New England embodies that iconic feel of New England. So whether you’re located in the heart of New England or New England is just in your heart, go take a look around!
Why did you start SAULT New England?
Philip: Well my first “non-food” job, was in retail. I got my foot in the door at American Eagle and haven’t looked back since. I fell in love with the human contact, merchandising, setting up and rolling out new looks. I moved on to Banana Republic for another 8 years, then Urban Outfitters for another 10. I finally got up the courage and confidence to start my own look, so I cashed in my Urban Outfitters stock options and opened up the doors to our flagship store in Boston in 2011. Then opened Portsmouth in 2015.
What makes New England style so unique?
Philip: There’s just something so iconic about the quintessential New England style, therefore I wanted to take the knowledge I gained from previous retail jobs and culminate into my shop. I try to balance following the trends of fashion and mix it up, however a lot of the clothes we sell have been traditional staples in people’s closets for years. I think what I love most about the style is you can pretty much pull any one item out of your closet and insert it in your wardrobe. You don’t have to be in a head-to-toe one look necessarily, but even a classic button down and some suede chelsea boots can make an outfit New England style, as it’s mainly about mixing and matching. I also love how the style creates a story each season. In the summer, I want our customers to feel like they’re at the beach, and in the winter, feel like you’re at a cabin in Vermont for the weekend. Not many other “styles” have that feel which is why it’s so unique!
What are your tried-and-true pieces you recommend investing in for our audience?
Philip: Oh God. This is a tough one because there are so many to choose from. I feel like you cannot go wrong with the Shetland Sweaters because you can dress it up or down. Our Oxford button downs made by New England Shirt Company are the best fitting shirts I’ve worn. The Portuguese Flannels in plaid are extremely comfortable, and probably our Harley raw wool sweaters which are hand knit in Scotland.
Where do you see SAULT New England in 5 years?
Philip: Wow. Well of course I’d love to see us expand and grow. I’d love to add more stores, add more employees, in addition to a strong dot com presence. I’d also really love to expand with a stronger women’s presence. Retail is ever evolving so it’s tough to say where it will be in 5 years, especially with the rapid decline of other previously successful brands such as Forever21 or Abercrombie & Fitch. I think that’s why I put such an emphasis on the experience our shoppers have. I want them to be submersed when they walk into our stores, and leave with a positive experience.
Why the spelling SAULT and not SALT?
Philip: Haha, I get this a lot but long story short it’s a joke with a friend of mine. People who start their own businesses will tell you, finding a name is half the battle and I decided on SAULT for two simple reasons. 1- My last name is spelled SAUL, and a friend of mine suggested adding a “t”to add some more symmetry to the look. 2-There are many companies and brands with SALT as their title, and I wanted to separate myself from the traditional spelling by combining it with my last name!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you were founded?
Philip: SO many. I guess I’ve really learned so much about myself, as cheesy as it may sound. I also found out what hard work REALLY means. A lot of people say they work hard, but until you’re your own boss, you have no idea. I am so genuinely proud about what I’m able to do. I built the business from the ground up which is the American Dream and I’m so fortunate. I’ve had to rely on myself which is how I’m wired, and makes me want to work harder to make the most of this amazing opportunity.
What is your favorite New England destination and why?
Philip: There are a bunch of places I love but I guess I’m biased because I have a home there, so I’ll say Provincetown, MA in the Cape for a million reasons. Almost all surrounded by water, the architecture and energy from the community makes me feel right at home.
Thank you to Philip for his partnership and support of For the Long Hall - some of our favorites for the season:
Men’s: C is loving the versatility of this ribbed crew paired with a good fall plaid or a simple white tee. This Penfield Jacket is a great late fall transitional layer to take you into winter. This classic Levi’s Denim Jacket is the perfect medium wash. Lastly this Fleece Military Shawl Pullover is a great, more elevated nautical take on a sweatshirt.
Women’s: Philip was kind enough to send over this Patagonia Marsupial Pullover for Meg and she’s worn it every weekend since. The fleece inside is super soft unlike most pile fleece and the cut is PERFECT. I picked up a sweatshirt very similar to this one for her when we stopped by the Boston store this summer and she liked it so much that it replaced three of her other sweatshirts (husband win). This Cocoon Dress is very ‘Meg’ and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on her Christmas list.
Photos above provided by SAULT New England
