Retrospective: 2018

Hello readers. 2018 was a crazy year. As you may have noticed, I have not been able to post much during the summer and autumn/winter months. Because of this, I have decided to compile any pictures that were not featured in earlier into one mega post for the later months of the year.

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As mentioned earlier, I took a job this past summer with SU's English Language Institute. The job consisted of driving vans for the summer international students and providing them with a link into American life. The students came from all over, including Korea, China, Japan, and Spain. While I made an effort to get to know all of the students, the group I connected with the most was the Spanish students. It was a group of roughly 50 from the city of Malaga, who were all rising sophomores like myself. While I took many pictures at the planned activities, my phone's untimely demise prevents me from sharing them with you. However, I did manage to take some photos with my new phone, so I bring you them today.

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World Cup Party (July)

Two days after the arrival of the Spanish was the final match of the World Cup. With soccer being a pretty big deal in Spain, my boss decided to host a viewing party at his house. While many photos were taken that day and uploaded to WhatsApp, the destruction of my phone prevents me from sharing them. However, one picture did resurface in a "Miss You" post on Instagram. While I don't usually favor selfies on the blog, I'll make an exception here.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Athletic Fit Polo Shirt (Brooks Brothers)

• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- Genetically attached during the summer, I know. For more, see other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Athletic Fit Polo Shirt- Not from my preferred Golden Fleece Line, but I'll still take it. The fit is much more streamlined and looks good tucked or untucked. Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Looks good with yellow or khaki shorts

Assateague Island (July)
The waters of the Mid-Atlantic are much rougher than those of the Mediterranean, on which Malaga is situated. We chose the perfect day to bring the students to the beach, and it didn't rain until the very second we got on the bus to return to Salisbury. While we made the promise of seeing the wild horses on the island, they ultimately refused to show.

El Americano

Chappy Flag Trunks (Vineyard Vines)

• Vineyard Vines Chappy Flag Trunks- As I was told several times that day, these trunks make me look "very American". See other posts for more.

Farewell Banquet (August)
When the Summer ELI program started years ago, the goodbye was a simple pool party and potluck at the director's house. Now, it is a catered event held in Salisbury University's fine dining hall. While I normally would don a blazer in such situations, my coworker Matt suggested all of the male employees wear suits. Typically, I opt for a seersucker or tan poplin suit during the summertime. However, given the international nature of the event, I decided to opt for a continental 1960s look rather than that of a Southern lawyer. Goodbye Atticus Finch. Hello Mr. Bond/Draper.

One of many goodbye photos taken that day.

Gray Flannel Suit (Joseph Abboud)
Point Collar Dress Shirt (Van Heusen)
 Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
Captoe Dress Shoes (Bostonian)

• Joseph Abboud Gray Flannel Suit- Had the peak lapels altered to regular for cosmetic reasons. Still need to have the pants cuffed, but other than that, Joe Abboud is holding up for me until I decide to up my game to Brooks Brothers.
• Van Heusen Dress Shirt- Yes, its a brand that can be bought at regional department stores such as Boscov's and Belk, but its been around for decades! While they are nowhere near the quality of Brooks Brothers, they are a cheap fix for the man on the hunt for a dress shirt.
• Brooks Brothers Tie- Bought at Rehoboth Beach outlet store. Made for Brooks' infamous Black Fleece collection, this tie was originally set at a price of $125 until I bought it for only 1/5th of that price. While most stuff from Black Fleece I wouldn't be caught dead in, this tie's slim cut is a throwback to the company's mid-century heyday. Made in USA.
• Bostonian Captoe Dress Shoes- Five years old and still kickin', literally. For more, see other posts.

Bonfire at Assateague Island (October)

Lets skip to Autumn now. The two months that followed August were rough, as they saw the final days of my grandfather, to whom I was very close.  Needless to say, I didn't much think to keep the blog or Instagram updated, as I was not out doing anything for the most part. In the end, we must focus on the things that really matter. However, I did manage to make it out to a beach bonfire in mid October.

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is a true story involving a bonfire.

Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Fisherman Sweater (L.L. Bean) Ireland
Tattersall Shirt (Orvis)
Driggs Chinos (J. Crew)
*Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket- First time used this season. A cold front hit the Peninsula the day before, dropping the lows to the 40s. I planned on sending it for waxing over the summer, but time got away from me. So in November, I decided to undertake the task of waxing it on my own. It was a process that took about an hour and a half. The wax kept having to be remelted. In the end, I don't think I did that bad of a job. If you make time for it, I highly recommend waxing your jacket itself rather than sending it away (at least once)!
• L.L. Bean Fisherman Sweater- Ordered on eBay for $60, compared to $169 from Bean itself. Along with duck boots, tote bags, and Norwegian sweaters, it is one of the few items left made by L.L. Bean in quality countries. Many brands try to replicate these sweaters, and many will fail with their Chinese made alternatives. The only thing ranking higher L.L. Bean's sweater would be one from an Irish brand.
• Orvis Tattersall Shirt- Brought it out of storage the day before. See other posts for more.
• J. Crew Driggs Chinos- In a shade of deep dark khaki. Probably my most versatile pair of pants during Fall/Winter. They are a bit too dark for Spring/Summer, but by then, we are all eager to be wearing pastel shorts again.
• L.L. Bean Duck Boots- Broken out in early September during a 70 degree rainy day, but returned to storage again until October. Those things are like foot saunas! For more, see other posts.

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Happy 2019! 

Early Summer 2017

While summer officially has been here for only a little over a week, Memorial Day marked its spiritual start. For future reference, I have broken down my summer posting into three sections: Early (Memorial Day to June 30), Mid (July-August), and Late (August-Labor Day). While I will still be posting separately for some occasions within each section, I would like to begin with a compilation of a few notable outfits from the first.

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Memorial Day (5/29)
While many people's ideal Memorial Day is at the beach, it being cloudy, windy, and 63 degrees are not usually a part of the picture! This was what I had going on for me when I went to Ocean City with friends for the day. While a few of us decided go into the water, I remained dry and content on the shore, wearing something I never thought I would wear to the beach: a sweater. With one of my friends bringing their portable speaker and Rolling Stones collection, I could have been sitting in OCMD 1965 with my outfit combined with the music.

Clubmaster Shades (Ray Ban) Italy
Pique Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
Cotton Sweater (L. L. Bean)
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Lacoste Polo Shirt- Ties the lighter blues of the shorts and sweater together with navy. For more, see Spring 2017.
• L.L. Bean Cotton Sweater- Bought from L.L. Bean store at King of Prussia Mall. My go-to lightweight sweater worn over a polo. Easy to tie around neck for WASPy country club look (tread lightly).
• Vineyard Vines Seersucker Shorts- Bought from Rehoboth, DE outlet store. Had to break these boys out for Memorial Day, no matter how chilly. When wearing seersucker pants or shorts, be sure to keep to solids for the top. Clashing of patterns can make eyes bleed.

Senior Trip to Busch Gardens (5/30)

Living only three hours from Williamsburg, VA, my senior class took a trip to Busch Gardens for the day. While roller coasters have never quite been my choice of activity, I still went on the trip to be with my girlfriend and the bros. To celebrate the seasonal wardrobe change even further, I decided to go full out GTH with my linen party shirt. 

Linen Party Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Baseball Cap (Brooks Brothers)
Nautical Croakies (Southern Tide)
8" Shorts (L.L Bean)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
*Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Vineyard Vines Linen Party Shirt- Bought from Rehoboth outlet during Fall sale for only $25. Once a signature of Brooks Brothers as the "Fun Shirt", VV releases a new design for this color blocked shirt each year and has made it their own as the Party Shirt. These shirts are highly sought after in the Prep clothing community, so a deal of only $25 is quite significant (as I had considered buying it full price in the Outer Banks). This shirt is not to be worn more than once every 2-3 weeks due to its boldness, and should be limited only to the spring and summer depending on the colors and material (while some are made in darker colors for F/W wear). The epitome of GTH and TFM. For a more complete guide, see Tony from College Trad's article on the Fun Shirt.
• Brooks Brothers Baseball Cap- Turned forward for photo. Backwards for remainder of day for an even more pretentious and fratty look. Mad, brah? Embrace it. For more, see Skip Day.*Brooks Brothers has since released a US made version of the hat. However, it is a flat-brimmed snapback. I think I'll stick with my imported one. Birkenstocks are made in Germany, yet you don't see me buying those either.
• Southern Tide Nautical Croakies- Bought from Dixieland Clothing in Davidson, NC. Decorated with signal flags. Also gained me the reputation of being the "dad" of our group. Not as good quality as VV's croakies, but longer and lacking whale logo already on my shirt.
• L.L. Bean 8" Shorts- Bought from website. A much needed upgrade from my pleated Ralph Lauren khaki shorts and 10" Nautica ones. I have now retired them to grass cutting duty.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Nick questioned me on why I decided to wear these to the park, as well as the rest of my outfit. My answer: why not? In the world of Trad/Prep/Ivy/what-have-you, there is a time where such clothes become more comfortable than a pair of sweatpants and loose t-shirt. For more, see Winter 2017.
• Paired ensemble with my beater Fossil and KJP bracelet. Probably one of my more accessorized outfits w/ hat and croakies.

Graduation (6/3)

Since our Academic Team did not make the Sunday playoffs (see Alexandria, VA), I thankfully was able to enjoy my graduation ceremony and give my speech with ease. I was also able to stay around much longer than if I had been returning to Alexandria, so I was able to take pictures with friends. While I took many, I have decided to stay true to a running theme of this blog and post a picture of me with Nick and our Academic Team coach, Mr. Bock.

Me: Cotton Button Down (J. Crew)
Repp Stripe Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Nick: Gingham Button Down (J. Crew)
Crest Tie (Tommy Hilfiger) USA
Dark Chinos (J. Crew)
Leather Oxfords (G.H. Bass)

• J. Crew Cotton Button Down- See It's Academic.
• Vintage Brooks Brothers Repp Stripe Tie- A popular trend this year was to wear a bow tie with graduation robes. While normally I would endorse such a Trad pairing, its trendiness was not appreciated, so I decided instead upon a class of '67 look in wearing my robes with a slim repp tie from Brooks. Made in USA.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. For a while (as you readers may have noticed), I had been using my Vineyard Vines club pants as my go-to for semi-formal occasions. However, I have wanted to step my game up with a dressier pair of pants for such events, and I was prepared to spend a good deal on L.L. Bean's website for a pair of their acclaimed dress chinos. However, an impromptu trip to Uptown saved from spending such an amount of money, and provided me with a pair of quality no-break chinos that present a much more classic look than my club pants.
• Nick decided against the bow tie trend as well, wearing a vintage straight Hilfiger tie we came across at a Goodwill the week before. While I have recommended against Tommy ties in past posts, I will share a rule that I follow for most brands: If its genuinely vintage, its likely quality made, no matter what status of the brand now. See what Abercrombie & Fitch used to be and you'll know what I'm talking about.
• Nick's oxfords also have quite an interesting story to them. Initially ordering them for prom, the shoes had still not shipped mere days before the dance. So when Nick called to inquire, Bass apologized and gave the shoes to him for free! Alas, they still did not arrive until after the dance, leaving Nick to purchase a pair of Florsheims from Boscov's department store.

Graduation Dinner (6/13)

Celebrating my graduation with my family and Morgan at Buster's Seafood Grill (one of Salisbury's three seafood restaurants, including Red Lobster *cringe*). Being in the 90s today, I did not want to be sweating in an OCBD, but I didn't want to be too casual for dinner in shorts. So I met in the middle in yet another 1960s inspired outfit.

Mad Men Collection Ribbed Polo (Banana Republic)
Original Wayfarers (Ray Ban) Italy
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Stripe Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Ribbed Polo- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Starting in 2011, Banana Republic decided to cash in on a phenomena that was taking the nation by storm, and that was the TV show Mad Men. Reintroducing slick style pieces such as madras jackets and ribbed polos for men, Banana Republic made it so any man could dress like Don Draper on the weekend (while Brooks Brothers released Mad Men edition suits recreating the look of Don at Sterling Cooper). BR even got the 1960s sizing down, with me jumping from a small/medium mens to a large for this shirt. If you want to wear it like Don, pair it with pants. Leave your Ralph Lauren polos for shorts. While I appreciate that a casual Mad Men line was released, it still bothers me that it was not by a company that was active during the 60s (as Banana didn't begin as a safari gear company until the 1980s).
• Ray Ban Original Wayfarers- While Don wore aviators, Wayfarers remain a trademark sunglasses design of the 1950s and 60s. Worn by JFK, Cary Grant, and even Bob Dylan (while none wore the Ray Ban models), this design was killed by the 70s but was resurrected in the 1980s and has lived on to today. Made in Italy. 
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate on in-store credit from my sales to them. Just like my dress chinos from graduation, they have no break. An upgrade from the Hilfigers that I have so prominently featured on this blog. They hold a crease much better too, and are a brand actually worn in the 60s!
• Vintage Bulova Accutron- Read Ringin' in the New Year and Spring 2017.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Read Winter and Spring 2017.

Chester River (6/18)

As I will be staying in Salisbury for at least the first year of my college education at Salisbury University, I have decided to make it a priority this summer to explore parts of Maryland's Eastern shore that I have never been to before. As a local at a school pulling from across the nation, I guess one could say its my duty. As today my family would be taking my youngest sister up to Camp Pecometh (a United Methodist summer camp) on the Chester River, I decided to tag along and begin my heritage tour. I had never been to this part of the Delmarva peninsula before, and I must say I enjoyed it, as we were only a matter of minutes from the Chesapeake Bay at the camp. We also were close to Chestertown, one of the Eastern Shore's oldest communities. Legend has it that Chestertown was host to a Tea Party similar to Boston's on the eve of the American revolution. The town is also home to the LAC Washington College, the one of the oldest universities in the US. While I did not have the chance to visit neither Chestertown nor the college today, I enjoyed my time on the river.

Crab pots and pontoon boat, not included.
Pique Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
Tortoise Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Canvas Club Belt (Vineyard Vines) USA
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Original Topsiders (Sperry)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Vineyard Vines Canvas Club Belt- Bought from Rehoboth outlet. While originally one of the few "Made in USA" items from VV, details in their product page on the Vineyard Vines website shows that this may not be the case anymore. While I am going to wait and see to believe, I am ready to abandon Vines for Leatherman if it is true. It'll be hard giving up all of the wonderful designs though. My belt is printed with lighthouses on a red background. Made in USA (hopefully still is too).
• Sperry Topsiders- When by the water, wear Topsiders. It's just what you do in the world of Prep. For more, see Springtime Hike.

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Spring 2017

Happy Memorial Day, readers! Today marks the beginning of summer in the Trad world. Break out your linens, seersuckers, and white pants/shorts (still need to take mine to the tailor, but oh well)! But before we enter into this wonderful world of mainly GTH clothing I want to give a nod to some spring outfits that I felt were worth posting.

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Benefit Concert in Downtown Salisbury (April 1st)

I am proud to say I was a part of the team that helped organize the Everything Beautiful Benefit Concert, which raised funds for a scholarship in memory of our beloved classmate Natalie Insley, who was tragically lost in an automobile accident over the past summer. Our team used all of our connections to local music groups, businesses, and media outlets to put on a successful show at Headquarters Live (a firehouse renovated into a concert venue and bar) in downtown Salisbury. While it was chillier than we had hoped, this did not stop the crowds from coming and enjoying a day of music, remembrance, and fun!

Needlepoint Lobster Baseball Cap (Harding Lane)
Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Slim Fit Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Vintage Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Stripe Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
*Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
*unpictured

• Harding Lane Needlepoint Lobster Hat- Bought from Amazon with gift card. While one should initially take caution with green on green combinations, I found this hat did not clash with my Barbour (which is more of an olive anyways). Maryland does not really put embrace lobster culture (instead the blue crab), but that has not stopped me from wearing it proudly around town. It has also gained attention from being worn by Kiel James Patrick (who has admitted to having one lost at sea). Harding Lane offers a variety of designs on their hats, and while still importing them, the hats are ensured to be made in Fair Labor certified settings, as well with eco-friendly materials.
• L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- See Christmas 2017.
• Brooks Brothers Cashmere Crewneck Sweater- See It's Academic.
• Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket- See Christmas 2016.
• Vineyard Vines Slim Fit Club Pants- See Winter 2017
• Watch + Band- See Ringing in the New Year
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- See Winter 2017
• I also decided to show off my state pride (and stay true to my blog name) with a Maryland flag koozie Morgan gave me as a gift. 

80 Degrees and Sweet Tea (4/11)

Skies out thighs out. These words sum up this week perfectly. I have worn shorts every day, and so has every other guy in Salisbury. 80 degrees has also shifted my beverage of choice from lattes to sweet tea, which I indulged in with my friend Nick at our local coffee roastery and espresso bar chain, Rise Up.

Me (Right):
Cotton Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Patchwork Shorts (Lands End Canvas)
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Stripe Watch Band (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova)
*Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
*unpictued
Nick (Left)
Madras Short Sleeve Button Down (Nautica)
Chino Shorts (Tommy Hilfiger)
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)

• Vineyard Vines Cotton Button Down- Bought from Rehoboth Beach, DE outlet store. This was formerly my go to shirt for dressy summer events, but it now is restricted to casual occasions due to wear. Vineyard Vines now sells an oxford cloth version, which I recommend instead of my version.
• Lands End Canvas Patchwork Shorts- Bought from local thrift store. Short? Yes. Loud? Yes. Preppy? Yes. GTH? Most definitely. Canvas is Lands End's fashion forward line, much like L.L. Bean's signature collection and Brooks Brothers' Red Fleece. In other words, it is Land's End's attempt to appeal to a younger audience (to break away from the old man reputation it has gained with L. L. Bean). However, I could see these shorts being marketed by Lands End's flagship collection as well. GTH is a timeless style for the young and old. However, older customers may not appreciate the short length. 
• Sperry Original Topsider Boat Shoes- See Springtime Hike.

Spring Play (4/13)

Went to see the production of "Crumpled Classics", in which Morgan had a starring role. I decided to take a break from shorts for the occasion and switch back to my chinos while still keeping the springtime color scheme. 

Cotton Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Slim Fit Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Mechanical Watch (Benrus) Japan

• Vineyard Vines Cotton Button Down- Bought from Rehoboth outlet. This is probably my oldest shirt from VV. Its collar has already begun to discolor from its hours of being worn in the sun. While it is not of US making, I still consider it to be my go-to shirt for spring and summer days due to its light green and blue checker pattern. In fact, I recall wearing it to Morgan's play last year. 
• J. Crew Leather Belt- I had a scare with this belt two weeks ago, as I had left it by accident at another school after an orchestra concert. However, it made its way back to me this past Monday through our school's chorus leader. For more, see Winter 2017.
• Vineyard Vines Slim Fit Club Pants- See Winter 2017
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Today, I received the comment that these loafers were "hobo shoes" from a friend of mine (due to their wear from the previous owner). As I have said before, not everyone has an appreciation for Trad style, so I will let my friend think he is the stuff with his imported Sperry Billfish that he bought for $100 while I proudly wear my USA made Aldens that I bought for much less. As Tony of College Trad would say, it is a case of the Southern Good Ol' Boy versus the Neo-Prep/aspiring GMP. For more, see Winter 2017.
• Benrus Mechanical Watch- A gift from my great uncle. Benrus is one of many forgotten American watch companies, but continues to make quality timepieces. While not American or Swiss made, Japanese manufacturing still holds a high place on the totem pole of quality watchmaking countries. While my Bulova has become my go-to for nearly all occasions, the Benrus' glow in the dark face matched with my button down, so I decided the blend looked much more coordinated than the burgundy and navy watchband on the Bulova. As said before, the Benrus glows in the dark, is 100ft water resistant, and can tell the date. In all, not a bad watch! Made in Japan.

Church Ushering (4/23)

I usher for my church during the months of December and June, leaving me with Christmas and summer color schemes respectively. However, I was called in to substitute this Sunday, so I was granted slightly more leeway on a cool day of 55. When ushering, I typically abandon my blazer and chinos for a suit, which I did today a la Mad Men. Secretary and liquor cabinet, not included. 

Peak Lapel Flannel Suit (Joseph Abboud)
Point Collar Dress Shirt (Van Heusen)
Skinny Repp Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA

Captoe Dress Shoes (Bostonian/Clarks) 

• Joseph Abboud Peak Lapel Flannel Suit- While no 1960s ad man would have worn this suit due to the brand not surfacing until the 80s, I feel it still does justice to the classic look of the gray flannel suit. I hope to eventually upgrade to Brooks (which outfitted the male cast of Mad Men).  For more, see It's Academic.
• Van Heusen Point Collar Dress Shirt- Another quick save on the 60s look. For more, also see It's Academic.
• Vintage Brooks Brothers Skinny Repp Tie- Bought from Goodwill in Easton, MD. The one article of clothing actually true to the era. Don Draper would likely have had one in his wardrobe. Can also be paired with a navy blazer and chinos for a more youthful (yet classic) look.
• Bostonian Captoe Dress Shoes- Bought from Boscov's Department Store. I have owned this pair of shoes for 4 years, and they still could pass for fresh out of the box. Tony from College Trad also has a pair, which he hopes to upgrade to the domestically made Allen Edmonds Park Avenues. I will follow suit when I pass the bar exam, but until then, my Bostonians will continue to serve me well. The brand has been around for long enough, and that still gains my respect.
• I further accessorized with a pocket square and tie pin. While Don only wore the pocket square, I felt the tie clip still stayed true to the early 60s look.

Honor Society Dinner (4/26)

As an officer of my Spanish Honor Society, the other officers and I hosted a dinner at our local upscale Mexican restaurant Agave Azul. Having come from an interview, Nick came donning dress clothes, leaving me in my polo and chinos. However, the two of us still could have come from 1965. 

Me:
Pique Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Khaki Chinos (Tommy Hilfiger)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
*Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA

• Lacoste Pique Polo Shirt- Bought from Rehoboth outlet store. Lacoste is more Preppy than Trad, as it was originally sold exclusively for tennis (a prep sport nonetheless). While reaching its heyday in the 1980s (popped collar and all), Lacoste has made the shirts since the 30s, being popular sportswear and casual wear alike. Going for a 60s look? Mad Men approves (and pairs with GTH pants and a sweater around the neck for Pete Campbell. A Deerfield alum, Dartmouth man, and quintessential Preppie.), and so does jazz icon Mel Torme, who wore the very same polo on one of his album covers.
• Vintage Bulova Accutron Watch and Brooks Brothers Band - Band colors go with the navy polo. Another 1960s hallmark (mine being made in '61 based on its date code). The accutron itself is one of the many products to be advertised by Sterling Cooper. For more, see Ringing in the New Year
• Tommy Hilfiger Khakis- Not around until the 80s, but still keeps a timeless look together. For more, see Christmas 2016.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- With its store on Madison Avenue, I'd be surprised if any of the male Mad Men characters didn't own at least one pair. The likelihood of using Alden for the costumes is already high, as the company makes shoes for Brooks Brothers which was already contracted for costume design. For more, see Winter 2017.

Graduation Pool Party (5/27)

A month later, and I'm back! A lot of my May outfits have been covered in other posts, but I couldn't leave this Spring post hanging without at least one May event (itself being a sneak peak of summer). Today was my friend Mason's graduation party, and I couldn't think of a better time than to go full out TFM. Nick had the same idea as well. *Warning: What you are about to see is a total departure from the previous two outfits, and not necessarily Trad. Viewer discretion is advised.

Me:
Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Clubmaster Shades (Rayban) Italy
Longsleeve T-Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
5" Swim trunks (Ralph Lauren)
Original Topsiders (Sperry)
Nick:
Madras Shirt (Nautica)
Frat Hat (Southern Proper)
Original Topsiders (Sperry)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- Bought from The Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head, NC. Worn backwards in typical fratty fashion. Did this on my last day of class as well, and repeated referred to as "Frat Tom" or "Lax Tom" (even though I have never picked up a lacrosse stick or even rushed a fraternity). You got it, brah. Saw several of these hats during my classes at William & Mary. Tony from College Trad wasn't wrong when referring to Southern Tide as collegiate.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Another frat/lax staple. Pair with Costas or Oakleys for an even frattier look. Raybans keep things classic. For more, see Springtime Hike.
• Vineyard Vines Longsleeve Tee- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. One of the first VV items I bought. Always a good start for those wanting to dress "preppy", and invites the question about if you have been to Martha's Vineyard, being a "no" for most in Salisbury (myself sadly  included). I typically save mine for the beach or poolside now.
• Rayban Clubmaster Shades- See Winter 2017.
• Ralph Lauren 5" Swim Trunks- Bought from outlet store in Nags Head, NC. Skies out, thighs out. These babies are short enough to be in the same vein as Chubbies. While College Trad discourages them due to Ralph's mainstream popularity (which I do acknowledge), I still endorse these trunks as my swimsuit of choice for hitting the beach or the swimming pool. Mason (who regarded my Aldens as "hobo shoes" earlier in this post) even mistook them for regular shorts. Wear them with an untucked shirt, and nobody will be the wiser (unless you've read this blog).
• Nick outdressed me today, coming to the party in his madras shirt from Nautica, chino shorts, Sperrys, and Gatsby style sunglasses from J. Crew. However, he soon came down to the TFM level too, breaking out his Southern Proper (aka SoPro) Frat Hat, ditching the chinos for board shorts, while keeping the madras and boat shoes. Business on top, party down below. 

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