Williamsburg, VA

Another Christmas tradition for my family is our annual trip to Williamsburg, VA. Located within close proximity of Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg is a town rich with history of the colonial and revolutionary periods. Williamsburg is also home to The College of William & Mary, the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country (number one being Harvard). A so-called "public ivy" and my father's alma mater, W&M was at the top of my list when applying to colleges, and I received my letter of acceptance on the glorious day of March 24th of this year. However, the impending costs of law school caused me to decide to remain in the state of Maryland for at least my first two years of college. This way, William & Mary's Marshall-Wythe School of Law may be less of a financial burden without the cost of a undergrad degree.

*****

After a 5 hour (usually 3) car ride from Salisbury to Williamsburg, the first thing my family did after dinner was head to Merchants Square, a shopping area in between the college and the colonial district itself. Conceived by the Rockefellers in 1927, Merchants Square may be the oldest planned shopping district in the country. While there are many shops and restaurants within the square, I will take time to highlight only a few of them.

Scotland House, Ltd.
I hold Williamsburg in the same vein as two other towns: Easton, MD (see my last post), and Lexington, VA. Perhaps a reason for this is the fact that all three have (or in Easton's case, had) a Celtic shop. Scotland House is Williamsburg's Celtic emporium, with 90% of its stock imported from England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Scotland House carries a wide variety of family tartan scarves, hats, and ties (being a bargain at only $30). They also carry the flags of the UK and Ireland. While I was taking classes at William & Mary two summers ago, one of my friends decided to buy a Union Jack... on Independence Day!

It wouldn't be a Anglo/Celtic store without some fine waxed cotton jackets. While not from Barbour, the jackets are of equal (if not better) quality and equal price.

Tartan? Check! Waxed jackets? Check! What could make this store even better? Harris Tweed! And Scotland House carries plenty of it!

While they didn't carry our family's tartan, they did carry our crest on a mug.

Ocean Palm

Ocean Palm is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, with a sister location in Virginia Beach. I have bought many gifts from here, but not many items for myself. Their men's department is confined to a single shelf, consisting of needlepoint goods from Smathers & Branson and ties, shirts, and hats from Collared Greens, a Southern Prep brand I have mentioned before that manufactures exclusively in the US. However, this time, I received a pleasant surprise with the new addition of Lilly Pulitzer menswear. For a while, Lilly had stopped manufacturing menswear, turning its already sold apparel into collectors items that sell for hefty sums on eBay. I own a single blue polo shirt from Lilly which I found at Uptown Cheapskate for only $10. It is a medium, but runs much larger than that (buyers beware). While my shirt is in a subtle light blue, the rest of Lilly's menswear is very loud, even for GTH. Please tread lightly when buying and wearing.

The Ocean Palm is carrying a selection of Lilly ties and a single pair of shorts until the next collection is released in the spring. While I love the patterns of the ties, they sadly happen to be made in China (and sell for $78). 

Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop

By far one of the most famous stores in Merchants Square is the Wythe Candy Shop. Its gourmet sweets are made in front of customers and placed in the store's enormous display counter. It also sells basic prepackaged candies and specialty sodas of the area.

The store is named after the same family of the Marshall-Wythe Law School of William & Mary.

The Trellis

One of the nicest restaurants in Williamsburg is The Trellis in Merchants Square. Owned by the same family as several other downtown restaurants, it specializes in upscale American fare for a price comparable to the taverns of the colonial district. I usually order the steamed mussels, which is an appetizer large enough to make a meal. Both times I have eaten here were on the Fourth of July, and with friends from my William & Mary classes.

The trellis of The Trellis. You know a place is classy when you can hear Leon Bridges playing on the inside.

R.W. Bryant Ltd.

The Trad store of Williamsburg. Owned and operated by Rusty Bryant since 1986, the store specializes in Trad style, while still carrying contemporary Preppy staples to cater towards the college population. With Gitman Brothers for the lawyer, and Southern Tide for the pre-law student, this store has lasted and will continue to last as long as Williamsburg stays the Williamsburg we know. But as Mr. Bryant told me, it's one of the few stores of its kind left.

Having one of the largest blazer and sport coat collections I have ever seen, R.W. Bryant offers a wide range in price and quality. Spanning from Afazzy to Southwick Clothiers, a customer is nearly always likely to find what he is looking for.

R.W. Bryant is also a Barbour retailer, offering the signature waxed jackets and other merchandise such as shirts and slippers. They also carried the wax I sought on my trip to Easton, but the salesman recommended sending the coat back to the company itself for its rewaxing rather than buying a can. These days, it's rare that a store will put a customer before profit like this, and I am happy to say R.W. Bryant will have me as a customer for years and years to come because of it.

In addition to offering the finest menswear in Williamsburg, R.W. Bryant also offers a humidor full of *quality made cigars.

Honorable Mentions

While I did not get to visit or mention them during this trip to Williamsburg, here are several other stores and restaurants in and near Merchants Square I felt were worth giving a shout out to.

1. Blue Talon Bistro- Fine French dining featuring escargot. A favorite spot of mine for breakfast and lunch. 
2. The Cheese Shop- The name says it all. Also a popular sandwich shop for lunch. Don't forget to try the house dressing! Outdoor seating all year round due to limited indoor space. 
3. The Craft House- Sells Christmas decorations, jewelry, pewter, etc. Need something for your wife/mother/grandmother/sister/aunt/girlfriend? Get it here.
4. Aroma's Cafe- Coffee shop specializing in light breakfast fare. Packed on the weekends.
5. Dog Street Pub- Bar setting with fun pub food. Optional outdoor seating for warm days.
6. Berret's Seafood- Oyster bar and upscale dining. Outside corn hole games popular during summertime.

******

Colonial Williamsburg

My family and I spent the majority of our trip in the town's colonial district. Stretching from Merchant's Square to the colonial capitol building, Duke of Gloucester Street is closed off to cars, and offers an array of trade shops, taverns, and other historical sites for visitors. Some are accessible only with certain passes, which my family does not bother with purchasing. All of what we have come to love is available to the public.

Bruton Parish Church. Active since at least 1715, it is a famous landmark in Williamsburg's colonial district. I have artwork featuring the church in my room back in Salisbury.

The Governor's Palace. The building is accessible with passes purchased from the Colonial Williamsburg foundation itself. It features a large maze out back. During Christmastime, each window is adorned with a wreath.

The end of Duke of Gloucester Street is marked by the colonial capitol building. It housed the Virginia House of Burgesses and later House of Delegates until 1779 when the capital was moved to Richmond.

The colonial district also offers several historic taverns as dining options, a bake shop, outdoor markets, and several retail stores. While I didn't get pictures of them, I recommend them to anyone who decides to visit this wonderful town!

*****

The College of William & Mary

Located across the road from Merchants Square, the W&M bookstore is technically located in the colonial district of Williamsburg. It doubles as a fully stocked Barnes and Noble as well, and has a Starbucks cafe on its second level (Warning: Does not accept Starbucks gift cards, but does accept B&N ones). Book signings are frequent, as well are sightings of my former classmates from past summer classes. Two winters ago, I by chance ran into my friend Christian from Houston, currently a freshman at Columbia. This year, I was blessed with seeing my friend Campbell, now a sophomore at W&M, as well as my former professor Dr. Jim Whittenburg, also a professor of my father's.

A sea of green and gold apparel, the W&M bookstore offers a wide variety of college gear for a 20% discount to those with a W&M ID. Salisbury University's bookstore really needs to step up its game. Want even cheaper W&M gear?  Go to the Campus Shop on Prince George Street.

Before a time of hoodies, there was this OG. The college sweater. An Ivy style hallmark, W&M comes in three forms: v-neck, crew neck, and cardigan. All three send an Animal House vibe. Very expensive though, and imported.

Across Richmond Road from Merchants square is William & Mary's "Ancient Campus".

A side view of the Wren Building, W&M's signature structure (UVA : Rotunda :: W&M : Wren Building). It is the oldest academic building in the U.S. still in use. My father defended his dissertation in this building.

A Merry Christmas from Governor Lord Botetourt and I.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cashmere Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland
Rugby Scarf (William & Mary)
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
*Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• RayBan Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Barbour Bedale Jacket- A year ago, a R.W. Bryant salesman was the one who suggested I start with a Bedale vs a Beaufort. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- Inherited from family friend. It has a flap-button pocket similar to J. Press. Can be worn year round. Made in USA.
• Brooks Brothers Cashmere Sweater- See other posts.
• William & Mary Rugby Scarf- Borrowed from my father. The stripes and colors have caused people to compliment me on my "Harry Potter scarf". And each time, I coldly correct them that it is in fact a Public Ivy scarf. As I have said before, DON'T WEAR GEAR OF COLLEGES YOU HAVE NO FAMILY OR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO! If you do, you will be inviting a very uncomfortable conversation, or this might happen. 
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- See other posts.
• L.L. Bean Boots- See other posts.

******

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

*Smoking tobacco is shown to cause cancer. While not as addictive or as harmful as cigarette smoking, these risks should be still known when pipe or cigar smoking. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Afternoon + Easton, MD

Hello readers! Due to final papers and exams, I have not had the time to compose a post for my second New York City trip. While that post will be coming soon, I have taken the time to put together this cumulative post from the events of this current and last weekend. Enjoy!

*****

Snowbound Vol. II

Salisbury typically gets its first major snow of winter in January or February. When I heard we would be in for snow two Fridays ago, I shrugged the forecast off and went about with my usual business. Salisbury's location on the Delmarva peninsula usually causes any snow to turn into rain once it comes our way. Little did I know of what was in store for my little town.

Aside from our Christmas lights, my house was completely obscured by the snow. We got a solid 8 inches!

The snow started around 2:00 pm, and began to stick after three hours, turning the roads into a nightmare. It snowed the following day as well, but not nearly as hard as Friday night. However, this didn't stop my house from losing power around 9 Saturday evening. The next day, most of the roads had been cleared, so I decided to venture out into the countryside.

A hidden creek in the woods on the outskirts of Salisbury. An equestrian dirt road once ran beside it, but it has now been forgotten.

The woods were also once frequented by Salisbury's defunct fox hunt club. My father, who grew up near these woods, remembers the foxhounds occasionally ending up on his property.

Town & Country
Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Blackwatch Scotch Flannel (L.L. Bean)
Cotton Crewneck (St. John's Bay)
Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• RayBan Wayfarer Sunglasses- See earlier posts.
• Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket- In need of a rewaxing due to heavy use this fall and past winter. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Blackwatch Flannel- Passed over from grandfather. Woolrich, Pendleton, and L.L. Bean reign supreme when it comes to where one should buy their flannel shirts. I currently own three flannel shirts including the one in the picture, one from Sears, and a brighter colored one from Vineyard Vines. My one from L.L. Bean by far trumps the other two. Bean offers a wide selection of certified tartan patterns, with my shirt being in blackwatch.
• St. John's Bay Cotton Crewneck Sweater- Passed over from grandfather. Due to its wear and large size, I have reserved this sweater for weekends or days at home. St. John's Bay is essentially J.C. Penney's attempt at coastal New England style. While I tend to steer away from most department store brands, I do not condemn St. John's Bay to where Alfani sits. It has been around since the 80's, and sweaters I own from them give a vibe similar to vintage L.L. Bean (but sadly aren't made in the USA). However, I would never seek one out. As with Stafford and Club Room, take it or leave it.
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- See other posts.
• L.L. Bean Duck Boots- My most worn shoe of the season being put to real use in the snow. For more, see other posts. 

********

Easton, MD

My family has the tradition of taking yearly day trip to the small town of Easton, MD around Christmastime. While we typically go closer to Thanksgiving, my schedule made us push our trip forward by several weeks. Easton is pretty much summarized by this excerpt from a 1984 Time Magazine article on the town's annual Waterfowl Festival:

“Catalog freaks would recognize Easton as an L.L. Bean kind of town. On second thought, that may be a little narrow. It is a Bean-Gokeys-Orvis-Eddie Bauer-Lands End kind of town; it spreads its trade around. Topsiders, penny loafers, khaki pants, monogrammed sweaters, oxford cloth shirts, lamb suede jackets and the ever present tweed, to say nothing of argyle socks, contribute heavily to the Easton uniform. Easton was preppie when preppie wasn’t cool. Ducks embellish its mailboxes; there are ducks on its welcome mats. It is a place of fine old houses hugging tidy streets. Well-fed cats walk its alleys with the air of taxpayers; they do not prowl.”

On the way to Easton, we drove through a small community known as Trappe. My late grandfather lived here for a time. I mentioned this area in my post on Oxford, MD as being home for a country gentleman, and I will hold to this statement. 

A patrician duck hunter's paradise, Talbot County has also attracted the attention of notable Washingtonians, including Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, both of whom have vacation homes in the nautical town of Saint Michaels. Ever wonder where Wedding Crashers was filmed/took place? Saint Michaels and Talbot County.

Prime land for a country estate. 

Our scenic route through Trappe led us directly into Easton. As it lies on US Route 50 many pass through a part of Easton on their way to Ocean City, MD. However, the few who venture in further are treated to one of the nicest (and also richest) small towns in Maryland.

One of Easton's most famous landmarks is the Tidewater Inn, a hotel and restaurant that has hosted Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Bing Crosby, JFK, and Robert Mitchum (another Trappe resident).

Easton has been host to a number of men's stores over the years. One of my favorites was a Celtic store that sold tartan ties from Scotland. Sadly, the store closed a few years ago, and has had its storefront replaced by Sailor, a boutique transplanted from Saint Michaels specializing in contemporary preppy brands such as Vineyard Vines, Patagonia, Southern Marsh, etc. While I usually make an effort to visit Sailor, today I decided to let another store be the focus of my visit: Berrier Ltd. Berrier is the family namesake of the father and son who own the store, and specializes in a clothing one may find on an English country gentleman. 

Berrier offers a large selection of tweed jackets and vests. It is also a retailer of Dubarry, a renowned Irish brand famous for its boots and waxed jackets.

Berrier's offers the classics of men's fragrances, including Royall Bayrhum, and a touch of the region, Chesapeake Bay Spyce.

After leaving Berrier's, I headed to Trumpeter Swan antiques, one of Easton's many antique emporiums.

Trumpeter Swan antiques is owned and managed by a man named Keith Davidson, who shares my affinity for herringbone sport coats and OCBDs. After getting into a conversation about his Dubarry waxed jacket during my visit last year, Mr. Davidson offered me a job helping post merchandise to eBay. While I wish I could have taken the job, my fuel expenses would have skyrocketed due to the hour long commute.

Mr. Davidson also specializes in the sale of decoys, one of the town's claims to fame due to the Waterfowl Festival.

I next headed across the street to Hill's Drugstore. This pharmacy is not your typical CVS or Walgreen's, as it still has the soda counter and diner of yesteryear's drugstores .

The past survives at Hill's Drugstore on Dover Street. Aside from being internally remodeled in 2007, little else has changed about the nearly 90 year old pharmacy and soda fountain.

You know you're in a Trad/Preppy/Ivy drugstore when the only reading glasses they sell are P3 style.
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Wool Cableknit Crewneck Sweater (Bass)
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) UK

• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- Borrowed from my father. Visibly fraying at the collar and cuffs but still doing its job, this shirt is straight out of the L.L. Bean heyday, and is made in the USA.
• Bass Cableknit Crewneck- I can't recall from where I bought this sweater, as I have owned it for years. Wool sweaters are my go-to for sub-50 degree days, and this particular sweater provides extra warmth due to being a size larger than most of my sweaters. Due to this size issue, I rarely wear it without a jacket on top.

After leaving the drug store, I headed to Albright's Gun Shop which was right next door. Not to buy a gun, but to look for wax dressing for my Barbour jacket. The store is probably the closest Barbour retailer to Salisbury. While they were fully stocked with jackets, vests, and shirts, Albright's unfortunately was not carrying any dressing at that moment.

In addition to carrying Barbour , Albright's is also an Orvis retailer.  Easton's duck hunting culture really couldn't be farther from the rednecks of Duck Dynasty.

After my failed search for the Barbour dressing, I decided to go to a place I hadn't visited at all over the years I had been coming to Easton, and that was the *Easton Cigar and Smoke Shop. Years ago Salisbury once had a similar place called Watson's Smoke House. My grandfather remembers it as being a popular store to prank call when he was a boy due to it carrying Prince Albert (a tobacco) in a can ("don't you think you ought to let him out?"). In current times, our town would not be able to support such an establishment today (#VapeNation). However, Easton is the perfect location for those Orvis clad gentlemen to purchase and smoke their Montecristos in the shop's lounge.

Tucked aside from the main hustle of Washington and Dover Streets, Easton Cigar and Smoke Shop sits in one of Easton's historic neighborhoods in a building far different from the smoke shop I visited in North Carolina.

The smoke shop also offers a wide selection of pipes, and not the pot smoking kind.

In addition to traditional tobacco blends, ECSS also offers several inhouse blends named after rivers in Talbot County. They include Tred Avon, Choptank, and Miles.

After my visit to the smoke shop, I rejoined my family and returned home to Salisbury! Merry Christmas Easton! I'll see you next year!!!

**********

*Smoking tobacco is shown to cause cancer. While not as addictive or as harmful as cigarette smoking, these risks should be still known when pipe or cigar smoking. 

Student Research Conference + New York City Vol. 1: Lower Manhattan

After a one month hiatus, I am back! College has been a busy time, and I have not had many chances to take pictures. While there have been many other events I wished to blog about (ranging from weddings to Halloween parties), I simply have not had the time. However, as the fall semester slows down, I have had more time to take pictures and return to my blog.

******

Student Research Conference (11/2)

One of the reasons for my month long absence is a research project I have been working on for Salisbury University's Honors College. This research conference would allow us to present our findings in the form of a poster before compiling them into an argumentative paper. Dress code: "business casual" = Ivy.

Post conference pic with my friend Devan.
Herringbone Blazer (Harris Tweed) USA
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Knit Tie (Banana Republic)
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Harris Tweed Herringbone Blazer- Inherited from family friend. A staple with the Ivy League and English gentleman looks, every Trad should own a tweed blazer for the Autumn and Winter months. Like corduroy, it can be worn casually with jeans or more formally with chinos. Made in USA. *When buying tweed, be wary of moths having an appetite for it. My jacket has fallen victim to them, and has tiny holes on its sleeves. To prevent this from happening, be sure to store your tweed jacket with moth balls when stored away.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See earlier posts.
• Banana Republic Knit Tie- Dustin Hoffman wore a similar combination in The Graduate (which was released 50 years ago this past Thursday). However, he didn't get his tie from here. For more, see Twilight of Summer 2017.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See earlier posts.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- See earlier posts.

New York City (11/3)

The day after my research conference, I took a trip with the Honors College to NYC, which is only a five hour bus trip from Salisbury. While the first few hours of the day consisted of a cultural food tour of the Lower East Side, the remainder was open ended. My friends and I ended up visiting the World Trade Center Memorial and the Seaport area near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
Herringbone Blazer (Harris Tweed) USA
Original Polo Shirt (Brooks Brothers) USA
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)

• Rayban Wayfarers- See earlier posts.
• Harris Tweed Herringbone Blazer- Inherited from family friend. Not the same as the one worn at the conference. A fuller fit and of a darker variety. Gives more of a 1960s Greenwich Village vibe than a college campus one in my opinion. Made in USA.
• Brooks Brothers Original Polo Shirt- Probably one of my greatest finds at Uptown Cheapskate. The name may be misleading to some, as it is essentially an OCBD. However, it was originally designed by Brooks to be worn by polo players. Made in USA.
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- See earlier posts.

We then took the subway to Midtown where we visited the MoMA before finishing the day at Rockefeller Center, where our bus picked us up. It was also here where I randomly encountered a fellow fashion blogger from Instagram.

@thepreppymarylander meets @rudytheprep. 

Before leaving, I was able to visit the Rockefeller J. Crew. Their prices were surprisingly reasonable for a non-factory store (even though their Chinese made attempt of a Bean-esque Norwegian sweater was a little unnerving). I will be returning to NYC on the 18th of November, so stay tuned for my upcoming adventures on the Upper East Side!

*****

Twilight of Summer 2017

There are three ends to summer: the first day of class, labor day, and finally, the first day of autumn. FDOC allows students one week to flaunt their seersucker, madras, and white on campus before they expire the day after labor day (while I still see the occasional frat bro wearing them into the month). However, the weather is still warm enough for short sleeves and shorts until the seasonal beginning of fall around the 22nd of September. After that, sweater weather has begun, unless you live in Salisbury where it will continue to be warm until mid-October. It is this period of class time in between the first day of class and the first day of fall that I like to call the the twilight of summer. It may be warm enough to wear your shorts and Sperrys, but a Patagonia may come in handy walking to an 8 am lecture.

*******

Shorebirds Baseball Game (9/1)

Salisbury is home to the Delmarva Shorebirds, a minor league Baltimore Orioles feeder team and Nick's former employer (as you can't be Sherman the Shorebird and go to Vanderbilt at the same time). I went with some friends to a game to celebrate one week down of classes. Even though Labor Day hadn't yet hit us, it felt like fall at Perdue Stadium.

A flock of Seagulls meet Sherman the Shorebird.
Golden Fleece Cap (Brooks Brothers)
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
Fleece Vest (Vineyard Vines)
Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Cap- See Skip Day.
• Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Fleece Vest- A much appreciated gift from my friend Allison. This vest is an outlet exclusive, and was found at Uptown Cheapskate. While I have another in blue (bought from Rehoboth Beach outlet store), I prefer this green version. Especially when classically paired with pink.
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- Need ironing. See Early Summer 2017.
• Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes- Gonna keep wearing these until Fall officially comes. I will then switch over to my other, more moc-like pair of Sperrys. See other posts for more.

Church Service (9/3)

Change of scene: Salisbury, MD. 1967. While on the wane in the Northeast, the Ivy League look will be around here for three more years.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Knit Tie (Banana Republic)
Bleeding Madras Sport Coat (Frank Leonard of Baltimore) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Ray Ban Wayfarers- 60s brand? Check. (See other posts.)
• L.L. Bean OCBD- 60s brand? Check! (See other posts.)
• Banana Republic Knit Tie- While one of my most 60s based pieces of clothing, it is not from a brand of the decade. This slim knit tie still follows a classic style common of that time though. While I hope to find either a vintage version someday, BR will do for now.
• Frank Leonard Bleeding Madras Sport Coat- I found this blazer while browsing through Season's Best Antiques with Allison. Season's Best has always catered toward my interest through their collections of vintage ties, as well as selling me my copy of The Official Preppy Handbook. When I found the jacket, I was thrilled to find it fit perfectly! From a university shop of 1960s Baltimore, this sport coat is "guaranteed to bleed" on a label on its inside. Made in the USA of authentic Indian madras.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- 60s brand? Check! (See other posts.)
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- 60s brand? Check! (See other posts.)
• Bulova Accutron- Authentic 60s timepiece? Check! (See other posts.)

Beach Bonfire (9/8)

Drove the flock to Assateague National Seashore for a late night bonfire. Then to OC when I found out my bro Ed had never been before.

Just after the water hit us.
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Gingham Button Down (Southern Proper)
Synchilla Snap T (Patagonia)
Chino Shorts (L.L. Bean)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- See OBX 2017.
• Southern Proper Gingham Button Down- One of the original Southern Preppy brands. Just like Southern Tide, this company makes shirts of the same quality of any other imported brand and sells them at a mark-up. Is that logo of a dog wearing a bow-tie fratastic? Absolutely yes! Is that little dog wearing a bow-tie worth $100 a shirt? Absolutely not! That's why when I found this shirt at Uptown Cheapskate for $15, I bought it right away. *Warning: This shirt (a medium) is of a boxy cut and generous in material, but short in the sleeves. Fellow mediums, beware.
• Patagonia Synchilla Snap T- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate for around $20, while most Patagucci sells for over $100. While neither Ivy nor Traditional, the Synchilla falls into the realm of post-1980 preppy, and definitely fratty. Coming out in new designs each year, one has many options to choose from. While I typically find gray and olive to be dull, my fleece of these colors has proven to be quite versatile with my selection of shirts to wear under it.
• L. L. Bean Chino Shorts- See other posts.

Game Day (9/9)
First home game of the season, and we beat William Paterson 63-7. Go Gulls!

Sammy the Seagull and his flock.
Salisbury University Rugby Shirt (Barbarian) Canada

• Barbarian SU Rugby Shirt- Another gift from Allison. Many companies try their hand at Rugby shirts. Ralph Lauren, Lands End, L. L. Bean, and more. However, Barbarian has managed to undercut them all in price and in quality. This jersey was made in Canada and is a bargain from the SU Bookstore, while the other brands have the tendency to import from Asia and charge steep prices. Mine fits great, and gained numerous compliments from friends and strangers alike.

*****

Retrospective: Summer 2016

While this current summer has been a relatively laid back affair for me, last year's was quite a contrast. The excitement began less than 3 days into my summer break with a college tour. This started at Wake Forest in Winston Salem, NC. Both of my parents were enrolled here for graduate school.  I sadly did not take any pictures of the campus, but I would have definitely applied if it had not taken 10 hours to drive there.

Downtown Winston Salem
Golden Fleece Cap (Brooks Brothers)
Aviator Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Pique Polo Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Weejun Penny Loafers (Bass)
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Cap- See Skip Day.
• Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses- A gift from a friend. I have mainly retired these sunglasses to yardwork due to the wear on them. 
• Vineyard Vines Pique Polo- Bought from Rehoboth, DE outlet. My only VV polo shirt. A step up from the overused Ralph Lauren, but not as esteemed as Lacoste or Brooks Brothers.
• Vineyard Vines Seersucker Shorts- When in the South.... (For more, see Early Summer 2017)
• Bass Weejuns- Later on my college tour, a man in Davidson, NC introduced me to Alden. See Winter 2017.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- See other posts.

My next stop on my college tour was at Davidson College in Davidson, NC. I sadly did not take any pictures of that campus either, while I still loved the tour. A small, Southern, liberal arts, division I school where Stephen Curry once played for, what could be wrong with it? A 12 hour drive from Salisbury, MD. While in Davidson, I visited a small men's store next to the college, that sold the likes of Barbour, Alden, and Southern Tide. I bought a pair of croakies before leaving. Our next stop was not a college, but the mountain town of Linville in Western North Carolina, where we would be staying in a cabin for several days.

Pique Polo (Lacoste)
Pleated Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Lacoste Pique Polo- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate in Salisbury, MD. Not as well fitting as my navy version. Its bright lavender color would make it a hit with 1980s preppies.
• Ralph Lauren Pleated Shorts- My only pair of khaki shorts at the time. Now replaced by pleat-less L. L. Beans. For more, see Springtime Hike.
• Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes- A dressier alternative to the classic brown leather body and white soles. More moccasin like than the others as well. May even be worn into colder months with socks.

Hiking on Roan Mountain TFM style.
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Longsleeve T-Shirt (Collared Greens) USA
Running Shoes (Brooks)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- See Outer Banks 2017.
• Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee Shirt- See other posts.
• Brooks Running Shoes- While my go-to athletic shoes are my Under Armours, I decided to bring my rarely worn Brookses instead.

Outside of Linville Caverns
Needlepoint Lobster Hat (Harding Lane)
Cotton Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
William & Mary Shep Shirt (Vineyard Vines)

• Harding Lane Needlepoint Lobster Hat- See Spring 2017.
• Vineyard Vines Button Down- See Spring 2017.
• Vineyard Vines William & Mary Shep Shirt- Bought at the William & Mary bookstore during my summer class of 2015. Originally $130, I managed to bring my cash payment to only 15% of the cost. Using my 20% student discount, plus various Barnes and Noble (who was partnered with the college in owning the bookstore) gift cards I had accrued over the years, I ended up paying only $20 out-of-pocket. A breathable extra layer for cooler days in any season (except winter, where you might want a little more).*WARNING: Only wear college gear if either you or a family member has gone to that school (as in my case, my father went to W&M for his PhD). Otherwise, you are inviting uncomfortable questions or reactions.

After several days in Linville, I resumed my college tour in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee University. It shares the town with Virginia Military Institute, where my father went for undergrad. However, I did not tour there (to the relief of my dad). This was probably my favorite college on the tour, but also happened to be the most expensive. After my campus tour, I managed to stop in at Alvin-Dennis, a men's store that College Trad has featured on his blog (along with the school itself). However, thinking about the price of W&L, I didn't buy anything. Funny thing is, I ended up not applying at all!

*****

I was home for one week before the next part of my summer began, and that was my summer class at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It was my second summer taking a course there. Also returning from the previous summer was my friend Christian from Texas. Christian attended St. John's School in Houston, which is where the Wes Anderson film Rushmore was filmed (and also where Anderson himself attended), and is currently bound for Princeton.

The Wolf Pack of W&M: Gus, yours truly, Rahul, Christian, and Josh
Seersucker Sport Coat (Architect)
Button Down Shirt (J. Crew)
Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
*Two-Toned Wingtips (Bass)

• Architect Seersucker Sportcoat- See Easter 2017.
• J. Crew Button Down Shirt- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bowtie- See other posts.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Made of lighter material than my Nantucket Reds and pink VV club pants, I debated between these and my blue club pants when preparing for the humidity of Tidewater Virginia. 

Going out for Fourth of July lunch at The Trellis
Linen Party Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Woven Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH Pants (Banana Republic)

• Vineyard Vines Linen Party Shirt- While normally I would never pair this shirt with another GTH item, the pants proved to be an exception to this rule. See Early Summer 2017.
• J. Crew Woven Belt- See other posts.
• Banana Republic GTH Chinos- Bought from Banana Republic store in Alexandria, VA. My stand-ins for authentic Nantucket Reds. I wore these pants for all three of my college tours (paired with a neutral OCBD), as well as my W&M interview.
• The umbrella was purchased that day from RW Bryant Ltd., as the holiday did not stop the rain from coming.

Reppin' Southern Tide in RVA
Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Skipjack Polo (Southern Tide)
Seersucker Shorts (Rugby Ralph Lauren)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- One of many at W&M. For more, see Spring 2017.
• Southern Tide Skipjack Polo- Bought from RW Bryant Ltd. one day before this photo was taken. Another harmonious pairing of pink and green. Take away the hat, and 2016 Thomas would have had the perfect outfit. If only he knew he looked like a walking Southern Tide ad. 
• Rugby Ralph Lauren Seersucker Shorts- In 2004, Ralph Lauren introduced the line Rugby, which attempted a more collegiate (some might say WASPier) style than regular Polo. The line was discontinued in 2013, but Rugby clothing can still be found in used clothing stores and on eBay. I found these bad boys at Uptown Cheapskate. They are not much different from my Vineyard Vines shorts, with the exception being a double belt loop near the front button.

On the James River Ferry.
Clubmaster Shades (PacSun)
University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Printed Lobster Shorts (Izod)

• PacSun Clubmaster Shades- Bought as a cheap fix for casual sunglasses (only $3) when I used to shop at PacSun as a freshman in high school. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Other than that, these were not a bad pair of sunglasses. I finally passed them along to Nick after buying a pair of Ray-Bans from Uptown Cheapskate. They were then stolen from him at a restaurant a day later.
• Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- See other posts.
• Izod Printed Lobster Shorts- My first try in the area of GTH clothing. I bought these shorts on Amazon during my sophomore year of high school, a time where I was somewhat oblivious to the quality of clothing. While they have held up as a good pair of shorts, I would not have bought them now, as their inseam covers the knee. And when looking for a GTH motif, always choose embroidered over printed.

******

After returning to Salisbury from William & Mary, I only had one week until my annual trip to the Outer Banks (see my last post for more details). Thankfully, that week went by quickly, and I was back at the Blanchard in no time.

Up in the crow's nest
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Banana Republic)
GTH Chino Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)

• Banana Republic Wayfarer Sunglasses- Bought from outlet in Nags Head. An upgrade from my PacSuns in brand, but not exactly in quality. They became looser and looser in a matter of weeks, and eventually lost a screw. While I repaired them, they will not be the same again. Since I upgraded to Ray-Bans, these shades now reside in my glove box.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Shorts- Bought from outlet. I bought these to replace my pair from Vineyard Vines, which had been bled on in the wash. 

They really loved my "fancy pants"
Pique Polo Shirt (Banana Republic)
Crested GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)

• Banana Republic Polo Shirt- Bought at retail store in Alexandria. Gives off a 60s vibe with its three buttons. BR offers other versions without the elephant logo.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Pants- "Fancy pants" are never a bad choice for the beach. For more, see Winter 2017.

******

And just like that, summer was almost over.

After-church oyster lunch.
Navy Blazer (Andhurst/Belk) USA
Repp Stripe Tie (J. Crew)

• Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
• J. Crew Repp Stripe Tie- Bought from outlet in OBX. The skinny cut and stripes evoke a look of a 1960s prep school student. If only they were made in the USA.

When National Bow Tie Day coincides with church
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)

• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Bought from Rehoboth Outlet. These can also be worn casually with an OCBD or polo. 

******