Hello readers! It has been too long since my last post. However, I am happy to say that this blog lives on! As many of you know, I have been studying abroad this semester in the United Kingdom at the University of Stirling! While my initial plan was to be posting weekly, that clearly did not work out. Here are some of the sartorial highlights of my time abroad (so far) in one big mega post! Enjoy!
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University of Stirling
The University of Stirling was established in 1967, making it a fairly young institution. However, like Salisbury University, it is moving up the ranks. The campus is composed of two main academic buildings, several dormitories, a 3 par golf course, and a castle! While I don't live on campus, I take a bus to the university from downtown Stirling three times a week!
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The campus loch frozen over.
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Stirling Pubs
The city of Stirling has its fair share of pubs. The main two pubs that my group frequents are Morrison's and the Settle Inn. Morrison's is located next to a nightclub, and gives university students discounts on drinks. We have befriended most of the bartenders due to the abundance of time we have spent there. Settle Inn is the oldest operating pub in Stirling, dating back to the 1770s. We typically go there on Wednesday nights to hear live Scottish folk music.
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| The interior of the Settle Inn consists of a bar room (complete with a coal fire) and backroom lounge where the musicians play. |
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| Morrison's is the only pub in town that knows how to attempt an Old Fashioned. |
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| My flatmates and I before going out to Morrison's. |
Stirling is home to two nightclubs: Fubar and Dusk. I made the decision to go out the day before classes began with most of the international students living in the city. Dusk was having an "Frat Party" themed nights for Americans. The exhaustion was definitely worth the good time! The Scottish know how to keep the party going, even on Sundays!
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| When going to American Frat Party Night, get a picture with two Canadians. Better Sweater Vest (Patagonia) Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA Slim Fit Chinos (J. Crew) |
- Patagonia Better Sweater Vest- Worn a la Midtown Uniform style. I was instantly nicknamed Patagucci for wearing it, along with my nanopuff jacket. I must confess that the fleece vest has been my go-to outerlayer for clubbing. Just might go into finance instead of law. For more, see other posts.
- L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- With its generous cut and countryside vibes, it would not have been my first pick for a clubbing shirt. However, I had been wearing it all day, and did not want to dirty another shirt up. For more, see other posts.
- J. Crew Slim Fit Chinos- Normally I would have opted for their navy blue counterparts. However, once my blue chinos were damaged by bleach, these became my go-to pants for all occasions.
Ceilidh (1/15/2019)
The university held a reception for their newly arrived international students. The reception was followed by an evening of traditional Scottish dancing, or ceilidh. Most of the off-campus students went to the dance, and ended up accidentally headbutting or stepping on each other.
Loch Lomond
The university held a reception for their newly arrived international students. The reception was followed by an evening of traditional Scottish dancing, or ceilidh. Most of the off-campus students went to the dance, and ended up accidentally headbutting or stepping on each other.
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| This pic was thankfully taken after the dancing. We don't actually look this bad! Quarter Zip Sweater (Brooks Brothers) University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren) Braided Belt (J. Crew) |
- Brooks Brothers Quarter Zip- Tied around the neck because of the heat from dancing, NOT to be a fashion statement. Again, DON'T BE THAT GUY! For more, see other posts.
- Ralph Lauren University Striped OCBD- Pink and green paired at their best! For more, see other posts.
- J. Crew Braided Belt- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth, DE. I recommend buying one.
Stirling Castle (1/16/2019)
When one is in Scotland, one must see castles when they can! Much like Maine and lighthouses. Luckily, Stirling is home to two castles! One, Airthrey Castle, is located on the campus of the university. The other is located on top of a hill near my apartment in town. Three days into the stay, I decided to hike up and tour the castle, which I was able to do for free with my housing contract!
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| "Have fun storming the castle!" Baseball Cap (Vineyard Vines) Henley Sweater (L.L. Bean) Tattersall OCBD (Orvis) Nanopuff Jacket (Patagonia) |
- Vineyard Vines Baseball Cap- The only baseball cap I brought to the UK with me. Didn't want to be labeled as an obvious American. However, I found out I labeled myself as one in other ways. For more, see other posts.
- L.L. Bean Henley Sweater- The heaviest sweater I brought to Scotland with me. While I was expecting frigid temperatures, for most of the time, I found Stirling to be warmer than it was back in Salisbury! For more, see other posts.
- Orvis Tattersall OCBD- One of three tattersall shirts I brought with me to Europe! Provides the most warmth with its blend of fibers. For more, see other posts.
- Patagonia Nanopuff Jacket- Worn countless times during the winter and early spring. While I was initially worried that it wouldn't provide much protection, it has fulfilled its purpose and shielded me from the wind and cold every time!
Edinburgh (1/26-27/2019)
Several weeks into the semester, a group of us decided to go to Edinburgh for the weekend for a pub crawl! We rented a penthouse for the night and explored the city during the day.
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| My roommate Seth and I exploring the city. Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) UK University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines) Crewneck Sweater (J. Crew) Slim Fit Chinos (J. Crew) Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA |
- Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket- Being a British brand, Barbour is very popular in Scotland. I would see at least one Barbour product a day during the winter. Stirling has a store that sells Barbour products, so I will likely be buying some wax from them before I return to the US. For more, see other posts.
- Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- Meanwhile, Vineyard Vines has never been heard of by most Brits. Because of that, spotting someone wearing VV is just as much an American label as a baseball cap is. For more, see other posts.
- J. Crew Crewneck Sweater- J. Crew's attempt at J. Press's Shaggy Dog Sweater. I own two more, but in aquamarine and oatmeal.
- J. Crew Slim Fit Chinos- These would soon fall victim to bleach damage and be dedicated to wear around the apartment. RIP.
- Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- One of three pairs of shoes I brought to Scotland with me. They have sadly begun to fall apart due to their heavy use. I will send them for repair as soon as I return to the states. However, it is likely I will be purchasing another pair of penny loafers as well. For more, see other posts.
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| Morning Prosecco at the Edinburgh Penthouse |
Loch Lomond
While University of Stirling has a so called "loch" on campus, a better known loch close to Stirling is Loch Lomond. I went up to visit Loch Lomond one day in February, stopping in the town of Balloch and the village of Luss.
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| Behind me is Loch Lomond and the town of Balloch. This photo was also taken seconds before torrential rain hit. Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland |
- Brooks Brothers Cashmere Crewneck Sweater- Combined with Barbour for an Anglophile uniform. I will be on the lookout for more Scottish made sweaters while I am here. For more, see other posts.
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| Stopped for drinks in Luss at the Loch Lomond Arms, a restaurant and hotel that would make a country gentleman feel at home. |
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| The hotel's lounge was decorated in a fashion similar to Clyde's Restaurant in Alexandria, VA. However, unlike Clydes, actual country gentlemen would come to drink here. |
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| Would never get tired of waiting in this waiting room. Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA |
- L.L. Bean Duck Boots- Another tell tale sign of being an American. My Scottish friends had never seen the boots before, with Hunter Boots and similar wellies being the UK counterpart. Despite identifying me as an American, these boots have served their purpose better in the hills of Scotland than they do back home. For more, see other posts.
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| Luss Chapel |
In mid-March, my family came to visit me during Salisbury University's spring break. We rented a car and drove up to the Highlands for several days.
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| The village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. |
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| Eilean Donan Castle, situated on the outskirts of Skye. |
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| Our ride for the trip up to the Highlands: 2018 Audi A5. |
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| Glencoe's waterfall |
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| Sligachan Hotel on Skye. We stayed here for a night and were treated with exceptional service! |
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| We saw at least ten rainbows on the road to the Highlands! |
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| Glencoe was the site of the infamous massacre of clan MacDonald by clan Campbell during the 1600s (hello Mad Men). It also was the filming location for the Bond film Skyfall. |
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| A snow storm hit while we were in Glencoe, making for beautiful photo opportunities! |
About 30 minutes away from Stirling is the village of Aberfoyle. Outside of the village are numerous trails and paths popular for hiking.
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| View from the bridge in Aberfoyle. We drove up the mountain later that day! |
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| The mountain lakes of Aberfoyle felt much more North American than European. They reminded me greatly of my hiking experiences in Maine and Nova Scotia. |
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| Walking through the moss covered woods waiting for a sprite to jump out. Quilted Jacket (Husky) Italy |
- Husky Quilted Jacket- Found this gem at a used clothing store in Stirling for only 8 pounds. At the same store was a black Barbour quilted jacket for 30 pounds. Wanting to save, I went with the Husky. When I researched the brand, I was pleased to discover I had purchased the original brand of the quilted jacket. There is a great debate over quilted jackets in my neck of the sartorial woods. Just as many people loathe these jackets as endorse them. However, being an Anglophile, I embrace the country gentleman look and wholeheartedly recommend buying a quilted jacket! It can be worn in both town and country alike, and gives the wearer the look and feeling of being of the landed gentry. Pair with Hunter Boots, tattersall, and Scottish sweater to complete the look! Made in Italy.
Stockholm
My first trip out of the UK this semester was to Sweden with my flatmates. We stayed there for three nights at a hostel in the heart of Stockholm!
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| Stockholm's Old Town district was full of souvenir shops, coffee houses, and music bars. |
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| Stockholm's Grand Hotel giving major Wes Anderson vibes. |
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| The Vasa was a 17th century Swedish warship that sank. Archaeologists were able to recover the ship fully intact from the waters, and it is now on display in a museum in Stockholm. |
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| Sweden remains a monarchy to this day. This is the entrance to the Royal Palace. |
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| Stockholm Harbor Harrington Jacket (Unbranded) England OCBD (J. Crew) Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy |
- Harrington Jacket- Ordered off of British eBay as an extra layer for spring. While not as expensive as its Baracuta counterpart, this unbranded version is of equal quality, being made in England and having all the same features, including the tartan lining. My only complaint would be the jacket having a fuller cut than I expected. Despite this, I will still likely wear it more than my 1980s Lacoste one. This one sends much more of a 1960s "cool Ivy" vibe. These jackets are very popular in Europe, and can be dressed down even more with just a t-shirt.
- J. Crew OCBD- Would be destroyed later that night this photo was taken. RIP. For more, see other posts.
- Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- For more, see other posts.
Venice
I went on my second trip out of the UK several weeks after Sweden. With classes finished, my flatmates and I decided to visit Italy for a few days. We began our trip by flying into Milan and took a bus to Venice. We stayed there overnight in an AirBnb in the Venetian suburbs before going into the city itself the next day.
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| A special order of Spaghetti Carbonara, accompanied by wine that was cheaper than the water. |
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| St. Mark's Square |
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| St. Mark's Basilica Cardigan (Arnold Palmer) USA OCBD (L.L. Bean) |
- Arnold Palmer Cardigan- Inherited from my late grandfather. I love this sweater for several reasons. One, it is made in the USA. Two, it is from the 1960s. And three, it gives a continental look that is stylish from the docks of Nantucket to the streets of Paris. If you look on eBay, you might be able to score a vintage one yourself! Meanwhile, Vineyard Vines sells an imported "Palmer Cardigan" for over $100.
- L.L. Bean OCBD- The other white OCBD I brought from home. Would have opted for the slimmer J. Crew version, but that shirt is no more. For more, see other posts.
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| The famous canals of Venice |
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| Enjoying a dry martini at Harry's Bar. The restaurant was frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Fitzgerald during the 1920s, and today is occasionally visited by celebrities. While the drink prices were steep, the service was exceptional! The bar threw in complimentary food with the martini, as well as two post cards. |
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| In addition to specializing in the dry martini, Harry's Bar is also the birthplace of the Bellini. |
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| When in Italy... |
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| Venice is world renowned for its seafood, so I made sure to order clams when we stopped for an open air lunch in a square. |
Florence
After spending the day in Venice, we then boarded a train to Bologna, where we would then switch to one going to Florence. When we arrived in Bologna, we missed our original train, so we snuck onto a Naples bound train with its next stop in Florence. When we arrived at the station, we watched Tiger Woods make the winning putt of the Masters. To celebrate the biggest comeback in sports history, we went out to a bar frequented by American international students and ended the night at a karaoke club. We would be staying in Florence for two nights at an AirBnb, so we got our fair share of nightlife while in town!
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| Florence Cathedral was a thirty second walk from our rented apartment. |
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| I went into the Gucci store with one of my flatmates just to look at the loafers. With my Aldens in such a state of disrepair, I seriously contemplated buying a pair of these Italian beauties! |
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| Ran into an old friend while in Florence. He was clearly American judging by his choice of outfits. |
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| The view from the hill overlooking the city. |
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| With the timeless style and architecture, this photo could have been taken in 1959 just as much as 2019. Polo Shirt (Lacoste) |
- Lacoste Polo Shirt- Don't be the guy in a pastel Vineyard Vines polo in Italy. Go for a more continental look of neutral colors with Ralph Lauren or French Lacoste. You could even go Anglo with Fred Perry. The Talented Mr. Ripley is much better inspiration than your frat brothers. Don't rule out pastels all together though! For more, see other posts.
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| After walking around the city all day, two of my flatmates and I ventured to the outskirts of the city onto a hill overlooking the Tuscany countryside. |
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| Sitting in a Florentine park with a Cuban. Life is good! Casual Socks (Brooks Brothers) USA Cigar (H. Upmann) Cuba |
- Brooks Brothers Casual Socks- Bought from Madison Avenue flagship store. I enjoy pairing these cream colored socks with my Aldens for a contrast. Its a more mature version of the pairing loafers with white athletic socks. Very Kennedy-esque, if you ask me. Made in USA.
- H. Upmann Cuban Cigar- Stirling has a premium whisky shop downtown, which also specializes in Cuban cigars, which are not outlawed in the UK. One of the options they carry is the H. Upmann, a smaller cigar that was stockpiled by JFK before the embargo with Cuba took place. While they don't last as long due to their size, I highly recommend giving Upmann a try!
Pisa
After two nights and a full day in Florence, we took a train to our city of departure: Pisa. And while in Pisa, one must go and do one thing.....
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| With the Notre Dame fire being the day before, and the Italian media suspecting terrorists, soldiers and police guarded the tower with automatic weapons. Linen Shirt (Marks & Spencer) |
- Marks & Spencer Linen Shirt- There are no rules about when to wear linen in Europe, so when the warmest day came, I broke out this new shirt I bought from Marks & Spencer, a British department store company that one time owned Brooks Brothers. While it gives a midcentury Mediterranean vacation vibe, it also is reminiscent of the outfit of the early Beach Boys. I have worn it only once in Scotland on one day in the 70s, but I will likely break it out again for my trip to Spain.
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| Martini lunch with the Tower of Pisa behind me? You bet I took a pic! |
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| I also finally found a place with an actual Old Fashioned on the menu for a reasonable price. |
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And that is all from Europe so far! In the coming weeks, I will be finishing my final exams and traveling. Spain will likely be next, followed by a joint to trip London and Paris, all of which will be by myself. I hope to avoid another hiatus from the blog that lasts as long as this one did. But in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this mega post! So, as the Scots say, cheers!
