Tuesday, December 25, 2018

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!