Holiday Season 2018

Friendsgiving Party 
Hosted by Salisbury University's Christian student organization the weekend before Thanksgiving Break.

Tattersall Shirt (Orvis)
Lambswool Sweater (J. Crew)
Quilted Vest (Ralph Lauren)
Flex Fit Chinos (J. Crew)
Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• Orvis Tattersall Shirt- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach. Tattersall is to the UK as flannel is to the USA for outdoors wear. While you can find tattersall shirts pretty much anywhere, Orvis and Viyella are the gold standard for fall/winter colors. L.L. Bean, Brooks Brothers, and even Eddie Bauer are also acceptable. For spring/summer, Vineyard Vines offers the best variety of colors.
• J. Crew Lambswool Crewneck Sweater- Bought from outlet in Rehoboth Beach. I must say I was impressed by J. Crew's attempt at the classic Shetland sweater. While not as heavy or expensive as J. Press's Shaggy Dog sweater, it comes in the same variety of colors and is pretty much identical.
• Ralph Lauren Quilted Vest- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate several years ago. With its corduroy lapels, this vest is much more hunt/riding club than 1980s Prep or Finance Bro. I sized up twice in order to fit heavy sweaters under it, but it still fits perfectly with just a shirt. (I am a size M, while the vest is XL)
• J. Crew Flex Fit Chinos- An upgrade from my straight fit Suttons. J. Crew's slim fit is definitely worth buying
• L.L. Bean Duck Boots- About to enter their 2nd year of wear. See other posts for more.
• Note: Mason is sporting a deviation of Southern Prep that is common on the Delmarva Peninsula. During the spring/summer, it consists of khaki shorts and a neutral polo or tee shirt. A flannel and jeans during winter/fall. Present at all times are a pair of Billfish Sperrys, and optional are a ball cap, fishing shades, and anything made by Under Armour. 

HSA Christmas Party

While the party had an ugly sweater theme, I had to deliver a speech, which made me decide upon a classier combo.  I feel Mr. Kennedy would approve.

 Vintage Camel Hair Sport Coat (Stafford)
Button Down (J. Crew)
Christmas Bow Tie (Beau Ties LTD) USA
Merino Sweater (Brooks Brothers)

• Vintage Stafford Camel Hair Sportcoat- Passed down from father. In a shade of dark green. I try to break the jacket out for Christmas and St. Patty's, and always end up getting asked if I won the Masters. Not quite a GTH item, but still wear with the rest of your outfit in mind.
• J. Crew Button Down- See other posts.
• Beau Ties Christmas Bow Tie- Inherited from family friend. This bow tie is decorated with mistletoe and holly. Made in Vermont, USA.
• Brooks Brothers Merino Sweater- A Christmas staple. Pair with Harris Tweed or camel hair for best results. For more, see other posts.

Christmas Day

This Christmas was a tough one for my family, as it was the first one spent without my grandfather. However, it was also a joyful Christmas, as it was our first one spent with Hattie, our new Catahoula Leopard Hound. We were sure to bring her on our annual post-brunch hike at Pemberton Hall.

Having recently lost our 16 year old dog Jude, my family decided to adopt a younger dog from a local shelter in Cambridge, MD. It was there where we fell in love with Hattie (formerly Maggie) and took her home that day.

Nano-puff Jacket (Patagonia)
Better Sweater Vest (Patagonia)
Dress Gordon Scotch Flannel Shirt (L.L. Bean)

• Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket- Bought new off eBay for much less than the retail price. Next semester, I will be studying abroad in a country of colder climate (not gonna say yet), so I needed an outer layer that would block the wind and keep the heat in. The Nano Puff can do both, and can be worn stylishly in town and country alike with a 1980s ski-prep vibe. *
• Patagonia Better Sweater Vest- Bought from Vernon Powell Shoes, our local Patagonia and Vineyard Vines retailer. The opposite of its above mentioned quilted counterpart, this vest is much more finance bro than country gentleman. Favored by investment bankers and corporate analysts, it is now typically paired with an OCBD, slacks, and dressier shoes to form the so-called Midtown Uniform. However, it is still perfectly acceptable to wear it for its intended purpose of being in the outdoors.*
• L.L. Bean Dress Gordon Scotch Flannel Shirt- Bought from L.L. Bean's website. For those looking for an inexpensive flannel that isn't used, see what L.L. Bean has to offer. While they are no longer made in the US, the shirts are still long lasting and come in a variety of Scottish tartans. I own another one in Blackwatch. 

*Both of these items run slim, so if you plan on layering heavy sweaters underneath, size up.

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Merry Christmas Everyone!

Halloweek 2018

Hello readers! After an extended sabbatical, I return! Exams, group projects, and most notably, the death of my beloved grandfather have taken precedence in my life these past few months. However, I am happy to be back with a new post in store!

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Halloweekend
I decided to go with a Yacht Rock inspired costume for the weekend parties. For those of you who don't know, Yacht Rock is a genre of music from the 1970s/early 1980s characterized its smooth sounds and use of nautical album covers (think Doobie Brothers/Kenny Loggins/Christopher Cross/Hall & Oates) that "early yuppies likely enjoyed while sipping champagne and snorting cocaine on their yachts". In all, the popular costume is inspired by those on the albums or those enjoying them when they were first released. The picture below was taken at a "Harvest Party" being hosted by CRU, SU's Christian organization.

Most of our costumes were pretty much exaggerated versions of ourselves.

Wayfarers (Ray Ban) Italy
Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Woven Belt (Dockers)
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
Coozie (The Lucky Knot)

• Ray Ban Wayfarers- Worn inside like a true captain. See other posts for more. 
• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- Only time to wear with popped collar is for themed parties. Any other time, and you're joining the ranks of Jersey Shore-type club trash who still wear the look without irony. Also, when you're going for an 80s vibe, pastels are your friend. For more, see other posts.
• Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
• Dockers Woven Belt- Inherited from grandfather. A neutral complement to any loud piece of clothing, and preferably worn in spring/summer.
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Rolled at the cuff. See other posts.
• Sperry Boat Shoes- Worn sockless even though it was 50 degrees out.  See other posts.
• Lucky Knot Coozie- See "Preachin' on Beachin".
• The hat I picked up at the Ben Franklin store in Nags Head when I was 10 (I had a big head for a kid). 

Halloween

Being on a Wednesday this year, most festivities for Halloween have already taken place during the weekend before. However, the Honors Student Association was able to host their annual party on the actual holiday this year (as our meetings are typically on Wednesday evenings anyways). Each year's party has had a different activity or theme, this years being 1980s horror/sci-fi inspired by Stranger Things. Period costumes were encouraged, so I decided to draw from none other than The Official Preppy Handbook, a trendsetter for the decade as a whole. Essentially, I went as an overblown version of the 80s movie villain I am everyday.

Salisbury State University: 1988

Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
V-neck Sweater (Ralph Lauren)

• Lacoste Polo Shirt- In pastel shades, with the collar popped.... AGAIN! The Lacoste crocodile is a quintessential 80s logo, so when going to themed parties, opt for the croc over the pony.
• Ralph Lauren V-Neck Sweater- Save this color of sweater for spring and summer, or themed parties. And don't tie it around your neck unless you are actually hot! Got that Brad? For more, see Spring 2018.

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Outer Banks 2018

Hello readers! It's been much longer than intended since my last post. My summer job has seen me traveling quite a bit over the past month. Locations include Saint Michaels, MD, Assateague Island, as well as Washington, DC. Now, you might be thinking that each of those trips should be getting its own post with all of the pictures I probably took. Unfortunately, my old phone got fried by torrential rain while I was in DC, resulting in me losing years worth of pictures and contacts. So alas, there will be no Saint Michaels or DC post as initially planned. However, I was able to replace my phone the very first day of our annual Outer Banks trip, so I am thankfully able to bring you yet another post from the great state of North Carolina.

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Our Outer Banks trip is a tradition, and like most traditions, it is seldom to change. So if you want info on where I ate, shopped, and lived, check out last year's OBX post. However, we received several surprises during this year's trip. The majority of the sand dune that separated the Blanchard from the beach had vanished, giving us more beach than dune in all.

Our new view from the "crow's nest" of the Blanchard. No longer adorned with sea oats.

Another change was the heavy rain that lasted the first two and a half days of our stay. While it usually rains at least one day during our trip, that day is typically the last or close to the last day of the week. Still paranoid from losing my phone in DC the day before leaving for Nags Head, I carried my new phone in a plastic bag whenever there was even the slightest chance of rain. However, we still got a few good beach days in, even on days it did rain.

Unflattering candids come with the territory.

Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban)
Aloha Shirt (Pacific Legend Apparel) USA
* Baggies Shorts (Patagonia)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- See other posts.
• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Pacific Legend Aloha Shirt- There is no way around it. The Aloha/Camp/Floral shirt is a summer staple. While some might avoid them for being too loud, ugly, or dad-like, that's kinda the point. Its all about relaxation and having a little fun, so why not do it while dressed for the islands? But don't blow your money on one from Tommy Bahama or some other premium maker. Go with Pacific Legend, which actually makes its shirts in Hawaii. I got mine from Ben Franklin, a beach store in Nags Head, for under $30 about six years ago when tropic shirts were the only item in my summer wardrobe (PacSun unfortunately). While I have put most of my other aloha shirts out to pasture, I have kept this one due to its domestic manufacture. If you want one too, just google the brand and you'll likely find a shirt you like on Amazon for no more than $40. Just try to keep the shirt in beachy settings. Not everywhere can be Margaritaville.

*drapes sweat shirt over shoulders after he gets too hot --> almost immediately gets called "Brad" by waiter*

Crewneck Sweatshirt (J. Crew)
Whale Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Crab Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd.) USA
Chino Shorts (L.L. Bean)
Chronograph Watch (Fossil)

• J. Crew Crewneck Sweatshirt- With the breeze coming off the ocean accompanied by the already cooler temperatures, this sweatshirt came to use several times during the week. The caption is a true story, so be warned. #DontBeABrad
• Vineyard Vines Whale Shirt- See other posts.
• Leatherman Ltd. Crab Motif Belt- Freshly bought from The Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head. As a Marylander, I am way overdue for this belt.
• L.L. Bean Chino Shorts- Photo was taken just before a wave kissed their tips. Another case for Chubbies. See other posts for more.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- My main summer watch for everyday wear. The Bulova is only broken out with dress clothes or Ivy inspired outfits. For more, see other posts.

Aside from the beach, I also spent quite a bit of time in the town of Manteo. While I briefly touched a bit on Manteo in my previous OBX, I will be going into more depth today. Manteo is located on Roanoke Island, about ten miles from Nags Head via causeway and bridge. The island was home to the first English colony, which vanished without a trace during the late 16th century. Manteo is now a popular tourist town full of bed and breakfasts and shopping opportunities. It also was the home of the late entertainment legend and Chapel Hill grad Andy Griffith, who got his acting career started acting in Manteo's long running outdoor play The Lost Colony.

One of Manteo's many BnBs, the Roanoke Island Inn.

The Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe sits in the center of the downtown.

Manteo is also home to the Roanoke Maritime Museum, which hosts weekly Saturday regattas on the nearby Roanoke Sound.

One of the Maritime Museum's exhibits. While much smaller than the ones in Saint Michaels and Newport News, one can still appreciate what the Manteo museum has to offer.

The aftermath of this past Saturday's regatta.

Across from downtown Manteo is the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which features a reconstructed Indian village and Elizabethan era ship for ticket-holders to tour.

In addition to a marketplace in the park and regatta on the sound, Manteo hosts bluegrass performances on Saturdays at its bandstand.

One of the most famous sites in downtown Manteo is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.

Classic Polo (Ralph Lauren)
Chino Shorts (J. Crew)
Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Ralph Lauren Classic Polo- See other posts.
• J. Crew Chino Shorts- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Probably my most frequently wore pair of shorts this summer. Yellow can be paired with more than one might think.
• Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes- Go-to shoe for the week. As I discovered in DC, Alden loafers don't hold up in the rain, but Sperrys do. See other posts for more.

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Hats Off to Sammy: Salisbury University's College Cap Tradition

Hello readers! With summer in full swing, I have thankfully been able to compose posts much more often than during the semester. Ironically, this post is going to be about the one thing that prevents me from making them: college.

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A Brief History of SU

In August, I will be beginning my sophomore year at Salisbury University, a division three Maryland state school in the town it bares the name of. Founded in 1925 as Salisbury State Normal School as a two year school for elementary teachers, the institution grew over time into Maryland State Teachers College in 1935, Salisbury State College in '63, Salisbury State University in '88, and finally Salisbury University (or SU) in 2001.

For those who can't see the caption on the photo: "Students typing in class, circa 1930". Spot the full suits, blazers, and sweaters. (Picture property of Salisbury University library)

The Ivy League look in full swing at a state teachers college. (Picture property of Salisbury University library)

SU students during a chem lab in 1968. As you can see with this gentleman's groovy yellow shirt, the Ivy League look is already giving way. (picture from DelmarvaNow.com)

Fast forward 50 years, and we now have our official mascot Sammy Seagull.

The university is still known for producing high numbers of teachers, as well as nurses and future doctors in its renowned nursing and biology programs, respectively. We also produce our fair share of business students from our Perdue School of Business (endowed by the chicken company you've probably seen at the supermarket, because its based here in the 'Bury). Meanwhile, I am studying history with hopes of law school after graduating. While there is a Greek presence at SU, we lack on-campus housing for them due to some kind of regulations (and because everyone moves off campus after freshman year anyways). Because of this, their parties take place off campus along with all others. Salisbury's main claim to fame is our lacrosse team, twelve time NCAA D3 champions. After all, it is a Maryland sport! One of Salisbury's few traditions is the annual War on the Shore lacrosse game against nearby Washington College (WAC) for the Charles B. Clark Cup, which we win a good percentage of the time. Oddly enough, WAC used to be the lax powerhouse around these parts. Oh, the times have changed! Salisbury's rugby team is also highly esteemed, having also won the national championship various times. While I am proud to claim these teams as my school's, I cannot say I play for either of them. And that's pretty much SU in a nutshell. Not a Public Ivy, but still pretty good at what we do.

The College Cap

In all, I would not call SU a well dressed school (students and professors alike). While Sperrys can be spotted on any given day on campus, skater and running shoes are much more common. Loafers are a rarity. While one may seen an occasional OCBD (from Vineyard Vines/Polo, brah) or Patagonia fleece, this is about as nice as it gets on a regular basis. Joggers, sweats, lax shorts, and pajamas are much more common. I have seen Barbour on only one other guy than myself, and you better bet that made for a conversation. Frat guys tend to adopt either the style of everyone else, or of their lax-bro counter parts. Come formal season however, they tend to clean up nice. Same with anyone in the business school due to its dress code for events. But for the most part, compared to other colleges, SU is generally poorly dressed. Just compare an SU tailgate to an SEC one and you'll see. Instead of a bunch of well dressed drunks, we just have regularly (and trashily) dressed drunks. But beside the point, SU does have one neat little tradition that has been going on for a while, and that is the college cap. On the first day of Orientation 102, each freshman is given a drawstring backpack containing a maroon and gold t-shirt and a white SU baseball cap. The next day, the freshman class is told to wear the hat for a massive group photo taking place after convocation. After that, the hats and shirts will be seen around campus for years to come.

Despite getting Sammy during the 1970s, SU has been the Sea Gulls since 1963, and before then the "Golden Gulls".

After receiving the hat, I was initially bitter, due to having bought a nearly identical SU hat about two months before, and Mason having done the same a mere hour before (albeit a black one by Under Armour). Because of this, I swiftly retired this free hat in favor of its purchased cousin. However, a few weeks into my freshman year took me up to the fourth floor of SU's "Academic Commons" (aka a library), where there are several pictures of the college in years past on display. Naturally, I scoured for at least one picture from the 1960s, and came upon this wonderful Animal House-esque still from the quad.

Now hosting childish ice breakers and "foam parties", the quad at SU during the 60s was a lot different. The drinking age was still 18, so parties could be held in the open with minimal interference. While the caption says circa 1960, the actual date of the picture is probably at least 1965 judging by the sideburns on the gents in the photo (and a full beard on one to the far left). Heck, it could be as late as the early 1970s. Regardless, elements of Ivy League style are still present. OCBDs, chinos/wheat jeans, penny loafers, Jack Purcells, etc. (Picture property of Salisbury University Library)

As you can see, 80% of the students (coeds included) are wearing identical caps. Which leads me to believe the presentation of a free cap to incoming freshman has been a tradition at the college for years. And more pictures on the fourth floor have also suggested this.

SU memorabilia from over the years. The cap on top is likely the same one worn by the students in the 1960s picture above. The cap below is likely pre-1963 judging by the STC (Salisbury Teacher's College) lettering. (Property of Salisbury University Library)

After seeing this, I shelved my purchased look-alike hat and reintroduced my college supplied one to the world! Essentially, while SU may not be the best dressed school compared to the likes of the Ivy League, SEC, and plenty of others, its college cap tradition strikes a chord sentimentally. After all, you all know I'm a traditional guy!

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Preachin' on Beachin'

Hello readers! Just as I said in my last post, summer has indeed come to town! It has been in the upper 80s and low 90s for about a week now, and it doesn't look like it plans to leave this range. So lets get into a summer frame of mind with a beach post! Enjoy!

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(A Few) Delmarva Beaches

Salisbury is a fairly boring city, despite being the 3rd largest on the Delmarva Peninsula. While we are home to a Division III lacrosse powerhouse and the corporate headquarters of Perdue Farms, there is little else that distinguishes Salisbury as an interesting town. However, our proximity to beaches is one thing Salisburians never complain about. We are a 30 minute drive from Ocean City, MD, which I am pretty sure 99% of my Maryland readers have been to at least once. However, Ocean City is not the only beach in the area. To the north of OCMD are the Delaware Beaches of Fenwick, Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, and Lewes. Just south of Ocean City's inlet is Assateague Island, a state and national seashore popular for those who want to avoid the urban feel of OC (thus becoming more crowded by people who share this mindset). It is also famous for the wild horses that call the island home. Assateague extends into the Virginian part of Delmarva, then leading to Chincoteague Island, a resort town famous for its yearly Pony Penning (Misty of Chincoteague, anyone?). Also nearby is the NASA base at Wallops Island, infamous for the 2014 explosion of a rocket to be sent to the ISS. Anyways, enough with those Virginians. Back to "Muraland"! To the west of Salisbury lie more beaches within an equal distance to OC. The Nanticoke River is home to Tyaskin Park, Cove Beach, and Roaring Point Park. These beaches are popular with those wishing to avoid the crowds of the coastal ones, and thus become just as crowded.

Roaring Point (6/14)

On Thursday of last week, we made the decision to start taking advantage of the warm weather and our closeness to the water and start going to the beach. Due to the lack of time due to a meeting I had at 5:30 and the heavy volume of traffic, Mason, Chris, and I decided to hit up the Nanticoke Beaches for a few hours (Nick couldn't make it). While we initially planned to kayak, we were disappointed to find out the boats wouldn't fit in the bed of Mason's Sierra due to the extended cab. Not wanting to waste more time by retrieving his Ford Ranger from storage, we decided just to bring a football and go swimming. Not wanting to have to take a longer drive through Salisbury, we decided to take the ferry across the Wicomico River to save time.

The Upper Ferry runs from the village of Eden in Somerset County to the West Side outskirts of Salisbury, home to a large number of McMansion developments that began to appear in the 1980s. (picture property of Mapio.net)

Upper Ferry Road then leads the Nanticoke Road, which then is a 15 minute drive to a fork in the road divided by Boonies Restaurant, a childhood favorite of mine. The North road leads to Tyaskin, while the South road leads to the village of Bivalve, Cedar Hill and Nanticoke Marinas, and the Cove and Roaring Point Beaches. We took the latter of the roads and first stopped at the Cove to see how crowded it was. Sure enough, the place was packed, mostly with young families, including my History professor and his 2 year old. With not enough available shoreline for our shenanigans, we decided to leave and check out Roaring Point, which was far less crowded and had much more space to set up our stuff. 

Calmer than the waters of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake, Nanticoke River beaches are popular with families with young children, and locals wanting to avoid the out-of-towners who take over Ocean City and Assateague Island.

We stayed for about two hours, swimming and tossing the football. It was the bugs and my impending meeting that resulted in us leaving. Both flies and jellyfish are usually what cause the mass evacuation from the river beaches around 4 in the afternoon.

Football and Flag Day (ft. Brad and Chad)

College Hat (Salisbury University)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)

• Salisbury University College Hat- Free hat given out during orientation. Just a month after I bought a near identical one from the campus bookstore, and a day after Mason bought his. I will actually be giving this hat its very own post in coming weeks (or maybe days), so stay tuned!
• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Lands End Blue OCBD- The most versatile shirt in the Ivy/Preppy/Trad wardrobe also serves as the perfect pre/post swim cover-up. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Chappy Trunks- Allison's beloved gift has returned from hibernation. With this being Flag Day, they had an extra special meaning. However, I'd just as soon wear them any other day. If you love your country, why only show it on given days? For more, see my Red Roost post from last summer.

Assateague Island (6/16)

Two days later saw a return to a beachy environment, albeit without Chris, who was performing in the Salisbury Chamber Music Festival, and with Nick. We also called up our friend Matt from high school, back in Salisbury on break from Syracuse. As Ocean City would be a nightmare zone due to the airshow taking place, we decided to hit up Assateague and buy a year round beach pass for the Sierra.

Assateague National Seashore is favored for allowing trucks on the beach in one of its Southernmost sections. It also is a popular campground.

While the waves were not rough at all, sandbars prevented us from doing any body surfing. Also, the crabs were in rare form that day. However, the day was perfect for skimboarding!

Only thing missing is the Yeti.

Me: Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Button Down (J. Crew)
Coozie (The Lucky Knot)
Boat Shoes (Sperry)
Nick: Trucker Hat (Rise Up Coffee Roasters)
Retro Frame Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Breton Stripe Frocket (J. Crew)
Ironman Triathlon Watch (Timex)
Reversible Coozie (Southern Tide)
Z/Cloud Sandals (Chaco)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- Three years old and going strong. See other posts.
• Southern Tide Croakies- Mine with a nautical flag motif, and Nick's in rainbow, which I also own a pair of from the same store. See other posts for more, most notably Alexandria, VA.
• J. Crew Button Down- Typically my go-to shirt to be worn with a blazer and bow tie. Also used as a beach cover-up since my Vineyard Vines one has begun to yellow (RIP). For more, see other posts.
• Lucky Knot Coozie- Bought from the store which it bares the name of in Alexandria, VA. However, it was bought during a visit separate from the one I blogged about. Features the motto "Work like a captain, party like a pirate." When Nick and I visited the store last year however, the coozies had vanished. 
• Sperry Boat Shoes- Not truly boat shoes unless you have a little sand in them. For more, see other posts.
• Rise Up Coffee Trucker Hat- I have featured Rise Up before in other posts. In addition to amazing beverages, the ever growing coffee company now offers a line of apparel with its logo. 
• J. Crew Retro Frame Sunglasses- Basic clubmaster style of sunglasses for a bargain price! 
• J. Crew Breton Stripe Frocket Tee- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate during one of our visits. Breton striped anything is usually a hit, and is paired stylishly with red.
• Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch- A timepiece Nick has sung high praises of. For those who want a high functioning watch that you don't want to have to read Roman numerals on.
• Southern Tide Reversible Coozie- A Christmas gift I bought for Nick from RW Bryant in Williamsburg.
• Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals- Later paired with socks after a game of pool basketball at Mason's. While I know I could never pull that off, Nick, somehow, DID! See Spring 2018 for more.
• Also featured in the pic is Nick's Salisbury University Lax hat. Now, I know what you're thinking. Nick doesn't go to SU or play lacrosse. However, the hat is actually a collectors item. It is signed by the 2004 lax team, which won nationals that year (like many other years). 

It wouldn't be a beach day without some corn hole, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett. 

Brads, Chads, or dads?

After a day of swimming, football, and corn hole, we left the island around 7 for some dinner in West Ocean City, which was packed due to the exodus from the airshow. After that, we cruised on back to Salisbury jamming to some Yacht Rock. In all, it was a good day for the beach!

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Lombardy Plantation

Hello readers! It hasn't been long since my last post for spring. While summer has arrived in Salisbury, it hasn't felt like it. Monday had a high of 63, and the April rains continue to fall into June. However, it looks as if the spring weather is finally coming to a close in coming weeks!

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Last Friday, we decided to visit my uncle before he leaves for the Newport Bermuda Race on the 15th. One of my earlier posts on the blog saw a visit to my uncle when he was living in Oxford, MD. However, he has since moved to the outskirts of St. Michaels, bringing him and his wife closer to their jobs in Queen Anne's County and Easton, respectively. The move provided a change of scene from village-like Oxford. My uncle was not living within St. Michaels itself, but on the grounds of a plantation on its outskirts. The plantation was established in 1679, with the property changing in hands from various owners over the course of history. Some of its most notable owners include a revolutionary war colonel and a Quaker abolitionist (who records indicate was possibly the only man to vote for Lincoln in Talbot County, and potentially an agent of the underground railroad). 

A section of the original 18th century plantation house. A part of the house burnt during the 1800s, which was then rebuilt in a mid-century wooden style. During the 1920s, the 1850s section was torn down to be replaced with a Colonial Revival mansion. 

The newest section of Lombardy, built during the 1920s by J. Kemp Bartlett.

Want more details about the house and its history? Watch this video for a house tour, and heed the killer seersucker suit and straw hat.

The property is now owned by the Walsh family, who are leasing a smaller house on the property to my uncle and his family. The Walshes live across the bay in Potomac, and are rarely at Lombardy, making my uncle and his family the main residents of the property.

A creekside view of my uncle's house, the most recently built structure on Lombardy.

Partial view of the creek from my uncle's house. If you look carefully, you can spot the small foot bridge leading to the fields of the plantation.

Across the creek from my uncle's house lies one of the plantation's fields. I am unsure whether or not crops are still planted here.

Adjacent to my uncle's house is the estate's barn and garage. Both structures were built during the 1920s with the mansion.

Coming up the estate's driveway, one passes a large field with scattered mounds. An equestrian course, you think? Guess again. Motorcycles.

No Talbot County country estate would be complete without a duck blind.

My uncle was also granted access to Lombardy's dock and boathouse, being much more convenient than the yacht club in Oxford.

My uncle's boat. While we initially planned to go out for the day, my family instead opted for a cookout.

Peninsula Prep: Not quite Northern US, Southern US, or Western Shore Maryland. Can be spotted on the Tread Avon, Miles,  Choptank Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd./Eliza B.) USA
Brick Red Shorts (Ralph Lauren)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- Bought from Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head, NC. When most people hear "skipjack", they tend to think of the fish. On the Chesapeake Bay, folks tend to think of our state boat. Originally designed for oyster dredging, the skipjack has become a regional phenomenon, with annual races taking place on Deal Island in Somerset County, just down the road from Salisbury. Because of this, anything marketed as "skipjack" from Southern Tide has taken on a liking from Maryland residents. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Worn for their original purpose: preventing one's sunglasses from falling into the water while on a boat. See other posts for more.
• Vineyard Vines Tattersall Button Down- While the shirt's colors are season neutral, I tend to wear it more during the summer and spring months due to its light weight. Another perk of its neutral coloring is its ability to be paired with nearly anything! See other posts for more.
• Leatherman LTD. Nautical Flag Motif Belt- Pairs well with Nantucket and Brick Reds. For more, see Alexandra, VA post from last year.
• Ralph Lauren Brick Red Shorts- A gift from Allison. A breed apart from Nantucket Reds, which are frequently mistaken for pink or actually turn a shade of it. For my readers who may be triggered by wearing "pink" pants or shorts, go with a pair of brick reds! Voila, your fragile masculinity is preserved brah. But all joking aside, they are some pretty sick shorts! I wear 'em at least once a week.

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Spring 2018

Summer is finally here! Linens, whites, and seersuckers finally make a long awaited return, and so do I to the blog world! And now, here is my spring post as promised!

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City of Salisbury Easter Egg Hunt (4/30)

In October, Salisbury University's Honors College was given the opportunity to host Salisbury's annual Easter Egg hunt on SU's front lawn. Wanting to get involved in a way similar to last year's benefit concert (which fell on the same weekend), I stepped up to be the event's Head of Media, arranging TV spots, newspaper articles, etc. I was even lucky enough to get our mayor to attend with his family. Thanks to the work of everyone in the Honors College, as well as those in the community who helped us, the event was a success! I am looking forward to helping out again next year!

We were also fortunate to have our local CBS affiliate WBOC agree to cover the event.

Synchilla Snap-T (Patagonia)
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy

• Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T- My go-to for an Easter event would typically be a pastel sweater or pair of GTH pants. However, each of the volunteers was issued an event T-shirt to wear during the hunt. Not wanting to be chilly but not wanting to pair a t-shirt with a sweater, I compromised with Patagucci. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- VV+Patagonia = Chadagonia. For more, see other posts.

Easter Sunday

Easter at a Methodist Church has the tendency to bring most of its dormant members out of the woodwork to pack the pews. It also brings a tidal wave of whites, pastels, and other colors and fabrics that would usually be saved for the Kentucky Derby or the summer. While I usually use this as my first use of seersucker for the season, Easter was chillier than usual this year, so I vied for a dandyfied version of the basic navy blazer, repp tie, and chinos.

Happy I got to catch up with my friend Becca, who goes to Towson University across the Bay.

Straw Boater Hat (Scala)
Repp Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
White OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Buckskin Wingtips (G H Bass)

• Scala Straw Boater Hat- This will probably be its solo outing this year. See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Repp Tie- Same as my William & Mary scarf, was likened to Harry Potter by one of the masses (not at church though). Gotta love this town. See other posts for more.
• L.L. Bean White OCBD- See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
• G.H. Bass Buckskin Wingtips- To be saved for the Derby or summertime. For more, see other posts.

Memorial Day Weekend (5/26-5/28)

Spent with the boys of course. Saturday consisted of cruising around the countryside in Mason's Jeep with the doors off. Sunday saw a barbecue with fresh burgers and beer brats, that eventually got stormed out and led to me going swimming during the lightning. And Monday saw me getting thrown into the covered bed of Mason's pickup and taken to the boonies after I shut off his round of Fortnite (#FortniteChallenge). In all, it was a weekend worth remembering.

Brad and Chad Take America

Me:
Classic Fit Polo (Ralph Lauren)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
'Merica Shorts (Chubbies) USA
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
Nick:
Seersucker Frocket Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Stand-up Shorts (Patagonia)
Sandals (Chacos)

• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- See other posts.
• Chubbies 'Merica Shorts- Bought from Chubbies website. With their fast, free shipping and free returns, Chubbies is a brand that values customer service and product quality. These shorts are made in the country of the flag they bare, and are the epitome of Go-To-Hell and fratty style. Don't tread lightly when wearing these shorts. They are to be worn with attitude and confidence by a man who loves his country. Skies out, thighs out!
• Sperry Boat Shoes- Had these shoes for three years this week. For more, see other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Seersucker Frocket Tee- Bought from outlet in Ocean City, MD. A hit in Nashville, according to Nick.
• Patagonia Stand-up Shorts- Need to get a pair for myself soon!
• Chacos Sandals- Sandals fratty? That's what I thought before Nick introduced me to them as a Southern college staple from Vanderbilt. They fall into a sartorial category that Tony from College Trad calls "Tech Prep". Definitely tops TEVA (Tony endorses them, but I still cringe), Keen, Birkenstock, and most definitely Crocs. Just be sure to pair them with shorts that lack cargo pockets (why am I even saying this to you?).

Fun shirt (Brooks Brothers)
Cotton Sweater (Ralph Lauren)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Chino Shorts (L.L. Bean)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Brooks Brothers Fun Shirt- A gift from Allison. The 1980s OG of color blocking shirts. Coming in university stripe with a point collar and flap pockets, it serves as a two-season alternative to my summer-only linen one from Vineyard Vines.
• Ralph Lauren Cotton Sweater- Do not seriously tie it around your neck unless you actually get hot. You will look like a try-hard if you factor it into your daily outfit (been there, done that, learned my lesson). For one ironic picture (like above), go ahead. For more, see other posts.
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
• L.L. Bean Chino Shorts- For more, see other posts.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Not the best shoe for the back roads of Fruitland, MD, or the back of a pickup truck for that matter. See other posts.

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And now that summer is here:

Kentucky Derby 2018

Hello readers! As you probably have noticed, I failed again to deliver on one of my promised posts, being the Assateague Island bonfire. While the trip did indeed take place, it got dark and cold much too fast to take good pictures. I also wanted to let you know in advance that the Avon, NC post will also not be happening. However, a cumulative spring post will likely take its place! For now, enjoy the next promised post, Kentucky Derby!

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Formal

Each year, the Honors College of Salisbury University hosts a student planned formal to celebrate the end of the semester. When I found out the formal would fall on Derby weekend, I couldn't help but push for a KY Derby theme at the Honors Student Association meeting. My idea was embraced by the leadership, and Derby was set as the formal's theme (combined with several others, as per Honors College tradition). In addition to taking place the same weekend as the actual Derby, the theme also was a nod to our beloved Honors Dean, who would soon be leaving Salisbury to found yet another Honors College at Northern Kentucky. The event proved to be an honorable sendoff to him, as well as a warm welcome to the new Salisbury University President, who was also in attendance. 

When you and your girlfriend walk off the pages of a VV catalog

Seersucker Blazer (Architect)
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Club Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)

• Architect Seersucker Blazer- T minus three weeks until I can wear again full-time. See other posts for more. 
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Club Tie- Bought off Amazon for much lower than the standard $85. Follows a cigar and martini motif. Won't be seeing me wear this tie in church anytime soon. Made in USA.
• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Lighter weight than my other Vineyard Vines pants. A fast-drying summer staple, especially in loud colors. For more, see other postx.
• Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Decided against my two-tone wingtips for a less forced look. For more, see other posts.

Becky and I couldn't resist at least one with the supplied props

It was a night full of food, dancing, and fun! It also was a night for superlatives and election results for the Honors Student Association Exec Board to be announced. I had run for Vice President and won, which means I will be coordinating next year's formal as well! However, I also was the recipient of a superlative: Commuter-in-Chief.

Vice President of HSA + Commuter-in-Chief of the Honors College.

Derby Party Fundraiser

On Derby Day itself, I attended my dad's fundraiser for the Nabb Research Center, which itself was a derby/lawn party at a historic home in New Church, VA. I got to meet many of the Nabb Center's trustees and donors at the party, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on the banks of the Pocomoke River.

The part was held at Pitt's Neck, a plantation home built in the 1700s on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Its current owner's family had owned the house since 1897, and made efforts to restore (and add on to) its splendor!

The fundraiser was a catered event complete with open bar, finger sandwiches, crab balls, and of course, local oysters!

While it was Derby Day, attire for the event was rather subdued. While I did spot a few pairs of GTH pastel pants and one other bow tie, most of the men's clothes were neutral colored blazers with OCBDs and similarly neutral ties. Still, Brooks Brothers reigned.

A historic home with an upstairs lounge and bar room. What's not to be jealous of?

Pitt's Neck had been added on to in 2008 complete with a balcony. Ignore my empties.

Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
OCBD (J. Crew)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bow Tie- While today was the Kentucky Derby, I couldn't pass up the chance of a little local flair. After all, that's what the Nabb Center is all about! The choice of bow tie received countless compliments from the donors. One even mentioned he had the same tie at home!
• J. Crew OCBD- See other posts.
• Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- The 14k gold in the watch went to complement the golden snaffle bits in the loafers. For more, see other posts.

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