Its finally spring in Salisbury, and it looks like its going to stay that way! I decided to take time to switch over my wardrobe from autumn-winter to spring-summer. Goodbye corduroy pants and tweed, hello shorts and madras. To make use of the beautiful day, I decided to go for a hike with my girlfriend Morgan at Pemberton Hall, our local historical/nature park.
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Katahdin Baseball Cap (L.L. Bean)
Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Long-Sleeve T-shirt (Collared Greens) USA
Pleated Chino Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Authentic Original Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
L.L. Bean Katahdin Baseball Cap- An amazing birthday gift from my girlfriend. Being that L.L. Bean is the original Trad outdoor outfitter, I went with the cap for my hike. Has a very 1980s feel with the classic Katahdin logo and climbing rope trim. Best worn when exploring the great outdoors or fishing with a longsleeve T-shirt or Patagonia Synchilla snap T. *L.L. Bean puts out their own version of the snap T, the sweater fleece pullover. However, I do not recommend pairing it with the hat, as both have the same logo visible on them. When it comes to visible logos, it is best to mix them up in my opinion.
Collared Greens Long Sleeve Tee- Bought from The Ocean Palm Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store in Williamsburg, VA. While Collared Greens is an example of one of the many Southern Prep brands coming to prominence on college campuses, it is unique, as all of its merchandise is made in the USA. As the company advertises, its cotton for clothes is grown in CA, spun in GA, knit in NC, dyed in SC, sewn into shirts in TN, and finally designs printed back in NC. 100% homegrown is enough to gain my seal of approval. My shirt is not overly baggy or tight, and fits well!
Vineyard Vines Croakies- Best worn during the spring and summer months. It looks goofy to wear them during winter. They are also best worn in company of a baseball cap, but this doesn't break the look if worn without one. If you are wearing a button down with a front pocket, do not bother. For those wishing to achieve the "fratty" look, a must have. Made in the USA.
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses- See Winter 2017.
Ralph Lauren Pleated Chino Shorts- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Stone or khaki shorts are a must have for the spring and summer (this does not include cargo shorts). They go with basically any shirt. The ones I have from Polo are quite versatile and have served me well. My only problem with them is the pleats. As Uptown did not have any without, I had no choice but to buy these, but for those who are about to purchase a pair, try avoiding pleats. The Preppy look is described to be a mix of old man while young and young man while old. Pleats take this too far for an 18 year old man such as myself. However, this does not matter if you do not plan on tucking in your shirt to make them visible.
Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- As my sports/beater watch, I decided to wear this on the hike as all of the others were too dressy. I am considering investing in a field watch or Timex Weekender for a more casual alternative for hiking. For more, see It's Academic + Winter 2017.
Sperry Topsider Original Boat Shoes- Bought from my local Macy's. The quintessential footwear of Preppy style. While many (myself included) begin with Billfish due to their popularity and versatility as a sneaker of sorts, I recommend the originals over them. With their light bottoms from preventing leaving a mark on boat decks, these shoes should be worn without socks and only in the spring and summer. If these are your only preppy footwear for the entire year, I will cut you some slack, but generally, no boat shoes in the winter (unless you are somewhere warm). While Sperry is now mostly importing its merchandise, you can still buy pairs that are US made from select factories in New England. I found this out last summer from my friend Christian while taking classes at The College of William & Mary. *For domestic made boat shoes, look at Rancourt, Quoddy, and Kiel James Patrick. While much more expensive than Sperry (as well as younger), they are guaranteed to be U.S. made.
Morgan had on her spring colors with her Simply Southern T-Shirt.
Its March 19th, and spring is tomorrow. Well, it will still feel like winter for the next few weeks in Salisbury, but that's no surprise. Then again, it has felt like spring several days in winter already this year, but for the sake of the season, here are a few of my notable winter outfits from this year.
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New Year's Day Hike at Pemberton Park
Hiking in my local historic park.
Vintage Chamois Shirt (L.L. Bean) USA
Khaki Chinos (Tommy Hilfiger)
*8" Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
*Stria Crew Socks (Smartwool) USA
*unpictured
L.L. Bean Vintage Chamois Shirt- Passed off from grandfather. These cotton flannel shirts can be worn in a variety of ways, including as a jacket over an OCBD. As my grandfather has always been (and continues to be) an avid L.L. Bean customer, I was fortunate enough to be passed a vintage one. They were domestically made until the 1990s, and today Bean's chamois shirts are made elsewhere. If you wish to pursue the original US made shirts, I recommend Ebay, where you can find them for less than $30.
I completed the look with my Barbour Bedale, Bean Boots, and Ray Ban Aviators. In the final product, I looked more like a New England outdoorsman than a Maryland one.
Church Service (1/15)
Church is a time and place for a Trad to put his best foot forward. As I had missed church last week due to a blizzard (see Snowbound), I made use of the opportunity to dress well.
Vintage Navy Wool Blazer (Palm Beach) USA
White OCBD (Stafford/J.C. Penny)
Blue Repp Tie (J. Crew) Italy
Clubmaster Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Grey Chinos (Lands End)
Vintage Accutron (Bulova) Switzerland*
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA*
*unpictured
Vintage Palm Beach Wool Blazer- Passed off from father. A winter counterpart to my other navy blazer. In the case that you are building your own Trad wardrobe, I recommend first buying a navy blazer that can be worn year round, and then work your way up to a wool one. Palm Beach is a brand of unsung quality. While now catering to department stores such as Belk, the manufacture of their products has been globalized. However, they once were made domestically and are treasured by Trads like myself who take quality over brand names any day. This jacket was made specially for Phillips Men's Shop, a local menswear store that has long since been closed, which makes it even more endearing. Made in USA.
Stafford Oxford Cloth Button Down- Inherited from family friend. These shirts stand the test of time, and are not overly baggy or tight on the wearer. If one looks hard enough at used clothing stores and websites, one may even find a Stafford shirt that is made in the USA (which I too, have found).
J. Crew Repp Tie- Bought for $3 at a thrift store. From prep school students to U.S. presidents, the repp stripe tie will always have a place in the sartorial world. I came across this one as a last minute addition to my JFK costume for a Halloween party I was hosting. While I couldn't find the authentic to the era Brooks Brothers tie, I settled for this one of better quality but by the younger brand of J. Crew. While J. Crew outlets mostly import their ties from elsewhere, I am guessing the one I came across is either vintage or sold at their flagship stores. Made in Italy
Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses- Bought at Uptown Cheapskate for $30. As a pair goes for $150 online or at retailers, I scored big on these used Ray Bans. As I had sold a Burberry blazer to Uptown as I was making my visit, I was able to use the in-store credit I gained from the sale to buy the glasses for much less than the price Uptown was selling them for. While I still am on the hunt for a pair of wayfarers, the clubmasters serve me well when paired with the right outfit. Best worn with blazers, not with Barbours. Made in Italy. *Warning: Do not wear the sunglasses as I am wearing them in the picture. This is only for blog purposes. Sunglasses are properly stored in the inner breast pockets of the jacket, or the breast pocket of the shirt.
Lands End Chinos- Finally took these to my tailor and had them cuffed. In the case of cuffs, always 1.25 inches. No more, no less. For more, see Ringing in the New Year.
Bass Weejun Penny Loafers- Bought at outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. A staple with Preppies and Trads alike, these are considered by many to be the signature penny loafer. Only hardcore Trads dare put pennies in the slots. When the soles of the shoe gets worn out, Bass (like Barbour and L.L. Bean) will repair the shoes if you send them to their headquarters. Can be worn with socks in chillier weather, but to be worn barefoot at all times during the summer. Can be paired with pants and shorts alike. While the best deals for these shoes are found at outlet malls (especially in Rehoboth due to the lack of sales tax), Bass also offers Weejuns that are made in the USA on their website. However, they are of a much greater price.
J. Crew Anchor Socks- Bought at Michigan Avenue store in Chicago. These socks are best paired with loafers or oxfords. I have gotten many compliments on these socks from fellow students, as the anchor is the official logo of our school.
Also seen in the picture are a white pocket square and tie clip. Pocket squares are relatively inexpensive and can typically be purchased in the men's section of department stores. White is guaranteed to go with just about any other color, but other pocket square colors can be coordinated with the shirt or tie color as well. For premium made pocket squares, check out Arnold Steiner, a fellow Trad whose brand specializes in U.S. made clothing. Tie clips are also relatively inexpensive, and can be bought at J. Crew outlet stores for little cost. The one I am wearing was given to me years ago by my grandfather, and is made by Hickok USA, a domestic manufacturer that can be found on Ebay and Etsy alike.
An Unseasonably Warm Day (1/12)
Four days ago, it was 23 degrees with snow on the ground. Now, its 62 and sunny! Typical Delmarva weather. No jacket or sweater needed.
Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Clubmaster Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH Crest Khakis (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Double Diamond Socks (J. Crew)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Blazer iPhone Case (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick) USA
Vintage 14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Stripe Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Monogrammed L.L. Bean Oxford Cloth Button Down- See Christmas 2017. As this was the first time I have worn this shirt without a sweater or jacket over it, I received several compliments on it due to the monogram. There's nothing else like your very own logo.
Clubmaster Ray Ban Sunglasses- Stored in the proper way.
J. Crew Woven Leather Belt- See Ringing in the New Year. This belt seems to have a vendetta against these pants. Its end continues to fall out of the loop. I managed to temporarily solve the problem with tape, but am still looking for other solutions.
Polo Ralph Lauren Crested GTH Khakis- Bought at an outlet store in Nags Head, NC for the grand total of.... wait for it..... $15!!! As of October (or even earlier), Polo no longer sells them online or at their stores, and can now only be found on Ebay for $50+. These are probably the slimmest pair of pants in my wardrobe, and their high break makes them ideal for sock-less wear with loafers in the summer. Their khaki color and neutrally colored embroidery make them easy to wear with nearly any combination, and can also be paired with a navy blazer. One of the few examples of subtle GTH style.
J. Crew Double Diamond Socks- Bought at an outlet store in Queenstown, MD. I pair these typically with loafers, but have also done so with Bean Boots.
Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. While I could have gotten a much better deal from the website (the salesman refused to price match, but there was still a store sale), I am actually glad to have bought these shoes in store, as their shoe sizes run larger than other brands. They are identical to their Gucci counterparts (which I hope one day to be able to afford), and I have had many people mistake them for that brand. While my pair is imported from elsewhere, Haan also puts out an Italian made version that can be purchased for a somewhat reasonable price on Ebay. Can be worn sock-less and with shorts during warmer months.
Brooks Brothers Blazer iPhone Case- Bought at outlet store in Queenstown, MD. Yet another compliment magnet. I alternate it with another Brooks case with foxhounds on the basis of occasion. Both have done me justice in protecting my phone from drops (while my old Otterbox cracked after its first plunge), and serve as a stylish alternative to clunky protective cases. The only drawback to Brooks Brothers phone cases are that you must remove them to charge your iPhone if you have a 3rd party charge cable (which I do), causing the paint to peel.
KJP Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet- See Ringing in the New Year.
Vintage 14k Gold Bulova Accutron- See Ringing in the New Year.
Brooks Brothers Striped Watchband- See Ringing in the New Year.
Class (1/19)
January showers bring February flowers? Nah, just Bean Boots (still in January)! While Sperry's duck boot is becoming popular with students in my town, at least there are three students that know Bean is the true maker.
-My friend Nick (Left):
Down Jacket (Patagonia)
Nautical Striped Sweater (J. Crew)
-My girlfriend Morgan (center)
-Yours Truly (Right):
Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Corduroy 3 Button Blazer (J. Crew)
V- Neck Merino Sweater (Brooks Brothers)
Khaki Chinos (Tommy Hilfiger)
-All of Us:
8" Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
J. Crew 3-Button Corduroy Blazer- I have owned this jacket for many years now, and cannot recall from where I got it. Serves as a warm winter and fall coat due to its flannel lining designed for warmth. With its three buttons and elbow patches, one can fancy themselves as a country gentleman when wearing this. In the case of its buttons, one must follow the "sometimes-always-never" rule (being to sometimes button the top, always the middle, but never the bottom button) or button none at all like I did for a much more casual look. For an even more casual look, pair with a slim pair of blue jeans and oxford shoes or chukka boots. Dustin Hoffman knows.
Brooks Brothers V-neck Merino Wool Sweater- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate for $15 in contrast to its high prices online and in stores. This sweater is probably the best fitting out of my entire collection, which is bizarre considering it is a Brooks Brothers large (while I usually take small or medium from them).
L.L. Bean 8" Bean Boots- See Christmas 2016. All three of us received our pairs as Christmas gifts. As Morgan and I had ours ordered in September, we has use of our boots on Christmas day. However, it was Nick who fell victim to the Christmastime Bean Boot shortage, and didn't have his until the first Friday of January, which thankfully happened to be the day before the blizzard. Timing has never been better!
As you know from my earlier post, Nick is a student of mine in the area of Trad. In addition to the Bean Boots, he is wearing his Patagonia down jacket and a J. Crew nautical sweater (which he purchased from Uptown Cheapskate).
Valentine's Day
As I didn't own any bright pink or red sweaters, I decided upon compromising with a pink shirt (but no green, sorry Official Preppy Handbook).
V-Neck Cotton Sweater (Vineyard Vines)
University Stripe OCBD (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Stone Chinos (Vineyard Vines)
Argyle Socks (Polo Ralph Lauren) Korea
Weejun Penny Loafers (G.H. Bass)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Quartz Watch (Rumours) USA
Vineyard Vines V-Neck Cotton Sweater- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth, DE. The VV whale can be seen on at least five t-shirts at any given high school or college in the East (while not exclusive to that region). The sweaters tend to be more of a rarity, as they are much higher in price. However, you can find them for a bargain at outlet stores. While cashmere and lambswool are preferred, the perk of a cotton sweater is the fact that you can have it machine washed rather than dry cleaned or hand-washed.
Ralph Lauren University Stripe Oxford Cloth Button Down- Bought from outlet store in Nags Head, NC. Can be worn in all four seasons casually and for more formal occasions. Paired well with green.
Vineyard Vines Stone Chinos- Bought from Rehoboth outlet. VV outlets also provide a good deal on their pants. Be wary of stone, however. It stains easily.
Ralph Lauren Argyle Socks- Bought from my local Marshall's. This outlet chain offers good deals on RL socks (compared to nearly $20 from Macy's). These also happen to be made in Korea, which is a step up from other countries of East Asian manufacturing.
Rumours Quartz Watch- Passed off from father. Rumours is a relatively unknown brand, as it was exclusively sold by J.C. Penny. However, their watches feature Japanese and American movement, which is a bonus in my book. Mine happens to have been made domestically! My only complaint about the watch is its elastic metal band, which is too loose and has the potential to pinch the skin. Those looking for a Rumours watch may find one on Ebay or Etsy, but are not guaranteed to find a US made one.
Delmarva Life (3/7)
Went on local TV program Delmarva Life to help promote the Everything Beautiful Benefit Concert. Two of our friends were interviewed to share details about the upcoming show. Come out April 1st to Headquarters Live in Salisbury, MD for a day of music and remembrance!
Me: Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Blue Crab Bowtie (Vineyard Vines) USA
University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Stone Chinos (Vineyard Vines)
Anchor Socks (J. Crew)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Nick: Aviator Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Red Bowtie (Tommy Hilfiger)
Gingham Button Down (J. Crew)
Gray Chinos (J. Crew)
Striped Socks (J. Crew)
Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bowtie- Bought at Rehoboth outlet store. You can't claim to be preppy and live in Maryland without at least one crab tie. Best paired with blue color schemes (as seen here with university stripe, and also with seersucker during the summer). Never with red or pink. Made in USA.
Vineyard Vines University Stripe Oxford Cloth Button Down- Bought at Rehoboth. A universal shirt. Can be worn untucked with shorts or with a navy blazer and tie. It is also one of the few VV shirts I own to be oxford cloth.
J. Crew Leather Belt- Bought at Rehoboth outlets. A huge improvement to its woven counterpart. It fits perfectly within the loops and can be worn with virtually all color of pants (save black). Made in USA.
Nick decided to go nearly full out J. Crew in his outfit, save only his tie (Tommy Hilfiger), shoes (Nunn Bush tassel loafers), and MY Rayban sunglasses.
Promposal (3/10)
After coming in second place at a local academic invitational, I made the move of asking my significant other to prom. My outfit thankfully was appropriate for both occasions.
Repp Striped Bowtie (Brooks Brothers) USA
White Button Down (J. Crew)
Vintage Herringbone Tweed Blazer (Harris Tweed) USA
Embroidered GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Cape Cod Collection Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Brooks Brothers Repp Striped Bowtie- See It's Academic.
J. Crew White Button Down- See It's Academic.
Vintage 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. Here however, I decided to experiment with GTH corduroys. 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.
Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered GTH Corduroy Pants- This choice gained me a questioning look from my father, but countless compliments from others (most notably Morgan). The GTH look couldn't be summed up any better than that! With these pants and the rest of my outfit, I could have passed as an observer from Yale at the competition instead of a contestant. For more, see Ringing in the New Year.
Alden Cape Cod Collection Penny Loafers- With G.H. Bass, creator of the Weejun, now importing the majority of its shoes, as well as countless other companies following suit, Alden is one of the few remaining makers to keep all of its production domestic. With its factory in Middleborough, MA, Alden continues to be family owned and caters toward what fellow blogger College Trad refers to as GMPs (or God Mode Preps). According to Tony (CT), a GMP is rare outside of the upper crust, and transcends all other levels of Prep through a wardrobe including Alden loafers, Barbour Waxed Jackets, and a J. Press Shaggy Dog Sweaters. It is a holy trinity, so to speak, that I have not reached yet due to my lack of the sweater, but I am in no hurry. Being a Trad should never be rushed and should always be accommodating of your budget and things of greater importance. These loafers can be worn or without socks, and should be kept shined. For the sake of your budget, I recommend buying used on Ebay. Also, Alden itself does not sell shoes on its own website, and relies instead upon brick and mortar establishments (typically quite literally) for the majority of its sales. If that doesn't spell Trad, I don't know what does. Made in USA.
St. Patrick's Day
For class, I chose the Handbook pairing of a pink OCBD and green camel hair blazer. However, I decided to tone things more casual for the evening's St. Patrick's Day party and movie with Morgan, but still kept to the color scheme of pink and green.
University Stripe OCBD (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Merino 1/4 Zip Sweater (Brooks Brothers)
Stone Chinos (Vineyard Vines)
*Cape Cod Collection Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
*Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
*unpictured
Brooks Brothers Merino Quarter-Zip Sweater- Bought from Rehoboth outlet. This sweater was marked down 80% from its original price, and cost only $25, which is next to nothing when shopping at Brooks. As I did with my green jacket, I paired it with a pink OCBD. For chillier days, pair with a down vest and Bean Boots.
Fossil Grant Chronograph- When I wear a quarter zip, this is my go to watch. As the sweater itself is more casual, so is the watch, and it presents a more relaxed and younger look compared to my other dressier time pieces. For more, see It's Academic.
