Ringing in the New Year

Its time to say goodbye to 2016. Some would rather say good riddance. We've lost so many stars this year, ranging from David Bowie at its beginning to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at its end. And let's not forget that presidential election that kept us on the edge of our seats. While we may wish to forget all that has happened, 2016 is sure to go down in the history books. 2017 needs to be brought in with celebration, and that is why I am here.

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Panera Lunch and Barnes and Noble with my Girlfriend

Monogrammed Oxford Cloth Button Down (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Gray Chinos (Lands End)

Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick) USA
14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Cotton Watchband (Brooks Brothers)

8" Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
*Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA
*unpictured

• L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- See Christmas 2016
• J. Crew Woven Leather Belt- Bought at outlet store in Nags Head, NC. This belt has proven itself to be quite problematic in its end falling out of the loops. However, it did not do this with the chinos I wore today. Made in the USA. Can be worn with pretty much any color of chino, but never to be worn with suits.
• Lands End Chinos- Bought from my local Uptown Cheapskate, a thrift store specializing in upscale clothing and brands. Appeared to have little to no wear on them. Have flapped pockets on the rear, a Trad eye-catcher. As I purchased these a few days ago, I have not had time to get them hemmed by my tailor. Will be taking them in along with my new Nantucket Reds in the new year. Please pardon the current length and wrinkles. Can be paired with a navy blazer for dressy occasions when ironed.
• Kiel James Patrick Anchor Bracelet- Ordered from KJP.com during Black Friday sale of 2015. The variety of styles and colors is vast, but I chose this navy and white one on basis of its name. Can be worn casually but also with a navy blazer at dressier events. While one of the youngest companies I buy from, KJP is undoubtedly the most superior. Making all his jewelry, accessories, and clothing in his factory (a remodeled boat house and cabin) in Rhode Island, Mr. Patrick remains a beacon of hope in the sartorial world for American made products. Here's to you Kiel!
• Vintage 1960s 14k Gold Bulova Accutron- Inherited from grandfather. While now mainly a department store brand of watch, Bulova was once acclaimed for its popular space age Accutron watch. Once using a tuning fork for movement, the company phased this out and switched to quartz in 1977. Accutrons are still produced today, but using this new quartz movement. I am happy to say I own the tuning fork version, which is made in the land of the Swiss! Can be worn formally and casually (depending on its current band).
• Brooks Brothers Striped Band (Gift)- Purchased from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Fits the Accutron perfectly and can be removed with ease! Comes in a variety of patterns, but I decided on the classic Brooks red, yellow, and navy. Only to be worn casually.
• J. Crew Wool Camp Socks- Purchased from J. Crew's Michigan Avenue store in Chicago. Like sweaters for the feet. Come in a variety of colors and ideally worn with boots like so. Made in the USA. Have served me well through one and a half winters of chill and snow. 
• L.L. Bean 8" Bean Boots - See Christmas 2016

New Years Eve Dinner and Party
I decided to go with my outfit from earlier in the day, but made one change to the get-up.

Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH  Corduroy Duck Hunting Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
8" Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA
Vintage 14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Repp Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Ralph Lauren Corduroy GTH Duck Hunting Pants (Gift)- Bought from Ebay. Much more affordable than buying from any department or Ralph Lauren store. Embroidered with ducks, hunters, and rifles. According to The Official Preppy Handbook, "At least one pair of embroidered [corduroy pants] is a must." My family was initially not amused with these pants, but they soon grew on them. Due to their loud appearance, I recommend only wearing these on select occasions, and not with other GTH colors or styles. For a more country club inspired look, pair with horse-bit loafers or boat shoes instead of duck boots. Herringbone blazer optional.

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Anyways, enjoy ringing in the New Year! Happy 2017!!!