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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Spring Break 2018

So yeah, spring break was lit! Went to Cancun, drank til my liver needed a transplant, and became the poster boy for both TFM and Old Row.... Nah, spring break was spent in Salisbury chillin' and workin'. With half a semester left to go, a recharge never hurts. My week was pretty low key, but here are a few of the highlights...

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Sunday March 18th
I began the day with lunch with my friend Allison at Backstreet Grill, a popular after-church dining spot for much of Salisbury. We ran into my friend Mason, as well as my pastor and several others during the hour and a half we were there.

When Allison asks to get a picture of you during lunch.

Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
1st Staffordshire Repp Tie (Unbranded) England
OCBD (L.L. Bean)

• Belk Navy Blazer- First time worn in several months due to the end of tweed weather. For more, see other posts.
• 1st Staffordshire Repp Tie- Bought this from Season's Best Antiques, my go-to for authentic Ivy staples. I know little about this tie other than the fact that its "Authentic English" and its skinny cut places it in the early to mid 1960s. The fact that it's in William & Mary colors also made it irresistible to buy. Made in England.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.

After lunch and a quick change of outfit, I hit the golf course with Mason, taking advantage of our new club memberships for the first time. 'Twas a rough game, but better than the last one.

Ignoring both my terrible score and wrinkled pants.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Cardigan Sweater (Prestige Lines) USA
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Prestige Lines Cardigan Sweater- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate for only $3. According to the staff there, a man brought in nearly 10 of these cardigans to sell, likely the result of a failed brand creation. I had never heard of "Prestige Lines" before, but I obviously had heard of "Made in the USA". So naturally, I bought one, and so did Nick when he was home from Vanderbilt on break. A cardigan can be tricky to pull off. When purchasing, look for the slimmest option. Years ago, I made the mistake of letting my parents know I wanted a cardigan for Christmas, and ended up with a bright red one from Lands End that was tent-like on my frame. Lets just say that sweater doesn't get around very much. Moral of the story is that fit makes or breaks a cardigan sweater. Go slim and look like a young Hugh Hefner, or roomy and look like your granddad. The choice is yours. 
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Need ironing. For more, see other posts.
• Alden Penny Loafers- Until I buy a pair of actual golf shoes, these will do. For more, see other posts.

Friday March 23rd

What happened Monday to Thursday? Yard-work, regular work, hanging with friends, etc. Didn't think to document any of it through photos though. Oh well. Today, however, I did feel was photo-worthy. I went with my friend Chris on a drive to the little village of Tyaskin, MD on the Nanticoke River. The place is near and dear to my heart, as my late grandfather lived here. His old house, which is now owned by a prominent Salisbury attorney, is a minute walk from Tyaskin Park, a popular river beach during summer months. Chris and I visited the park for a few minutes, but left due to the chilly breeze coming off the river.

Tyaskin Park is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and swimming during warmer months. When a 70 degree day hit Salisbury about a month back, you'd better bet this place was crowded. That's Delmarva for you!

The island behind me was always the spot my cousins and I aspired to one day swim out to. Too bad it was also home of "the lake monster". Needless to say, us kids never swam out farther than the tip of the pier.

Pinpoint Hat (Harding Lane)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cotton Sweatshirt (J. Crew)
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• Harding Lane Pinpoint Hat- Recently discovered SU's bookstore carries one with the Maryland flag on it. Might be adding another to my collection very soon. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD-  See Williamsburg, VA.
• J. Crew Cotton Sweatshirt- Bought from outlet in Rehoboth Beach, DE. My alternative to the hoodie. A crewneck sweatshirt can be worn with almost everything. Pair with an OCBD and penny loafers for a Take Ivy look, or with Bean Boots/Sperrys for a preppy one. Save the bright colors until at least January though.
• Barbour Bedale- About to enter its last month of use before being sent for rewaxing in May. For more, see other posts.
• Bulova Accutron- Recently had to get the crystal replaced. Now in better shape than ever! For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Boots- Will be retired for the season as the temperatures gradually transition into the 60s. For more, see other posts.

Want a little house with your pink? One of several homes for sale in Tyaskin. 

After leaving Tyaskin, Chris and I then drove through the village of Bivalve before heading back to Salisbury. 

Bivalve is home to Cedar Hill Marina, where my grandfather docked his boat. The marina also hosted the Great North American Turtle Race, sponsored by the town's fire department. Sadly, the race is one of the many events to have ceased taking place in and around Salisbury.

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So here lieth my spring break. Complete with sweaters, duck boots, and snow on Wednesday. Doesn't sound too different from winter break. RIP

Golf at Nutters Crossing

As my month and a half long winter break is drawing to a close, it has begun to feel like spring in Salisbury. After a post Christmas deep freeze followed by a blizzard in the new year, our town has received its fair share of winter weather that usually spares the Delmarva peninsula. While I predict winter is not completely over, I made the most of this springtime teaser by going golfing with my friends Mason and Chris. I had bought a set of Wilson clubs three years ago, but had not gotten the chance to use them, so this was my chance to finally break them out. In fact, this was my first time golfing at all. The three of us went to Nutters Crossing golf course for our game. It is one of three golf clubs in Salisbury. The other two being Green Hill Country Club and the Elks Club.

Nutters Crossing is also home to a development that shares its name. This is the same case as Green Hill.

The Salisbury University golf club is partnered with Nutters, allowing due paying members to play for free. However, this arrangement was only honored during the semesters, much to SU golf club member Mason's disappointment. However, I wouldn't say $20 for all you can play golf after 1 pm is a bad deal. We practiced on the putt range for a bit, then took two carts and were on our way.

A view of the clubhouse from the course. (not my own picture) It features a club shop with Nutters Crossing branded polos, hats, and sweaters, as well as a restaurant (which I am not sure is members only or not).

Teeing off around 2:20, the boys and I only made it through nine holes before sundown. We ran into some other guys we knew, and keep in mind, only one of us had golfing experience. They call golf the world's hardest sport, and now I know why. Overall, for a first time, I felt I did okay, but then again, who am I to say? However, I did find myself playing better in the presence of country music. Alan Jackson and Toby Keith for the win!

After hole nine, this was our view of the course. Too dark to play on, but a treat for the eye.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
G9 Jacket (Izod Lacoste)
Blue OCBD (Stafford) USA
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Izod Lacoste G9 Jacket- Bought off eBay for $25. An Ivy (and rebel) staple of the 50s and 60s, and a Preppy one of the 80s, the G9 jacket is famously made by the British company Baracuta. However, they sell for a price comparable to a Barbour and don't go for much cheaper on eBay. So I decided to go with the American Izod Lacoste version (while unfortunately not made in the US). Due to its location of manufacture, it is likely from the 1980s, but could still have been seen circa 1963. Worn by Ryan O'Neal's character Rodney Harrington from the 60s soap opera Peyton Place, the G9 was eventually dubbed the Harrington jacket. Oddly enough, the G9 was worn by yet another Harrington in the famous 80s set Netflix series Stranger Things. When buying a G9/Harrington jacket, be sure to look for a tartan lining. It is one of the jacket's signature elements.
• Stafford OCBD- Inherited from family friend. I have talked about Stafford before on this blog, usually saying good things. This shirt is the reason why. Made in the USA from soft, breathable cotton and giving the perfect collar roll with a tie, it is what other bloggers refer to as Main Street. While of domestic manufacturing, it would have still been considered downmarket and available to the masses. However, I will take it over a Malaysian made Brooks Brothers OCBD any day.
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. J. Crew outlets offer two fits of slim chinos: Driggs and Suttons. While Driggs are overly slim and almost too tight, Suttons offer a slim cut pant reminiscent of those worn during the Ivy style heyday. They will be replacing my Tommy Hilfigers as my go-to slim chinos. My logo loving days are beginning to fade.
• Alden Penny Loafers- As I have yet to own a pair of golf shoes, my Aldens did just fine for the day. See other posts.
• For those interested, my clubs are Ray Floyd edition Wilsons. I bought them used at my church's fall bazaar in 2015. Their grips are repp striped in the vein of Brooks Brothers.

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Red Roost

The Wednesday before this past one, I added yet another trip to my Eastern Shore of MD heritage tour, and that was with a trip to the famous Red Roost crab house near Whitehaven, MD. Located literally in the middle of nowhere, the Roost was once a chicken house before being converted into one of the Eastern Shore's most famous crab houses. While I didn't want to go alone, I invited no one other than Nick to accompany me. The trip was also significant for him for two reasons, being that he had not been since he was two (while I had never been) and that he will be leaving for Vanderbilt University in August (which is quite far from the crab state). As the crab house didn't open until 5:30, Nick and I spent the day at the pool and thrifting (during which Nick purchased a Brooks Brothers tie for $3).

Me:
Longsleeve Tee (Collared Greens) USA
Salisbury University Cap (Richardson)
Whale Flag Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Nick:
Frat Hat (Southern Proper)
Logo Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Classic Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Both:
Croakies (Southern Tide)

• Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee- See Springtime Hike.
• Salisbury University Cap- Bought from university bookstore. While Tony from College Trad recommends the College Bar Hat from The Game, I found the one SU had in stock to be too boxy.
• Vineyard Vines Whale Flag Chappy Trunks- My all-time favorite pair of swim trunks. They outfrat my Ralph Lauren ones by 1000, cause what brah doesn't love the red, white, and blue?
• Ray-Ban Wayfarers- See other posts.
• Nick's Brooks Brothers t-shirt was purchased at the Ocean City, MD outlet store. While I consider Brooks to be more Trad, Ivy, or Preppy than Fratty, this shirt proves they are a brand that can do all four. 

The drive from Salisbury to the Red Roost is a long one, as the restaurant is tucked away close to a swamp. On our way, we passed the Green Hill Country Club before turning off from the route to Whitehaven to the Roost's remote location.

One of Salisbury's three golf clubs, Green Hill also offers a restaurant, tennis courts, marina, and swimming pool. (picture is not my own)

As it was once a chicken house, the Red Roost once did not have air conditioning. Thankfully, that has changed. During the weekend, the Roost runs a shuttle service to their dock bar on the river.

The inside of the Roost is decorated with crab pots, nautical paintings, and a multitude of $1 bills on the wall.

The main event.

The Red Roost's famous fried chicken with
fries, hushpuppies, shrimp, and clams.

While I ordered the five crab meal, Nick ordered all-you-can-eat, and finished with 13 crabs.

After leaving the Roost stuffed, Nick and I drove into Whitehaven itself, which is not much aside from its historic hotel and ferry to Mt. Vernon, MD.

The Whitehaven Hotel was built in the 1800s when the community of Whitehaven was once a thriving village. It now operates as a bed and breakfast, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (picture not my own)

After leaving Whitehaven, I drove Nick to his home in Hebron (a small town in our county), and turned in for the day. In all, while expensive, the Red Roost was an experience worth every penny.

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PSA: Tomorrow, I will be leaving for my annual trip to the Outer Banks. Expect frequent posting in the next seven days.

Oxford, MD

Two weekends ago, my uncle invited my family to visit him in Oxford, MD. For readers who have never heard of Oxford before (which is probably the majority of you), it is a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore that tries to replicate the feeling of New England through its houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and nautical culture. However, its Chesapeake Bay roots shine through its attempts of imitating Nantucket. Only an hour from Salisbury, it is one of my favorite places on the shore. The invitation from my uncle included going out on his new boat, which excited me.

One of Oxford's several marinas. This one housing both my uncle's boat and a club swimming pool.

Oxford's Tread Avon Yacht Club, which is known to host various regattas during the summertime.

My uncle's racing sailboat Bandana. Owned by his friend, my uncle has helped crew this boat from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands during the fall. In the summer, Bandana typically stays in the Chesapeake region, and my uncle has offered me a chance to help crew her.

After sailing out of Oxford onto the Choptank River, our first stop was in Trappe, another small town in Talbot county that until this day I did not know was on the water. While I usually drive through Trappe during the winter, I enjoyed taking in the sights of the creek.

Trappe during the wintertime is a sight to make a country gentleman feel at home. During the summer, it is home for a sailor. 

Pulling out of the creek, we then set out up river to one of the Eastern Shore's most populated towns, Cambridge, MD, which we drove through on our way to Oxford.

Cambridge is also home to a Hyatt Golf Resort and Marina, which we passed before turning the boat around to return to Oxford.

Taking the wheel for a bit while my uncle takes a break.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Custom Fit Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Printed Gramercy Chino Shorts (J. Crew)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Rayban Wayfarers- Worn with the white polo in the style of Jordan Belfort. For more, see Early Summer 2017.
• Southern Tide Croakies- Worn for their original purpose of preventing sunglasses from falling into the water. For more, see other spring/summer posts.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- While this shirt has become mainstream and no longer the status symbol it once was, at least one genuine Polo shirt is a must in the preppy wardrobe (I have two, including this one). While not at the same level as Lacoste's gator, the Brooks Brothers fleece, the pony still deserves a place in the logo hall of fame. Never buy big logo Polo, however. Unless you are actually a polo player and it is an actual part of your uniform.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- Worn in the correct setting. For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Printed Shorts- Printed with imagery of coastal Maine. Lobster? Check. Lighthouse? Check. Sailboats? Check. The list goes on. The shorter inseam is also a plus in my book. Skies out, thighs out.
• You can most likely guess what pair of shoes I am wearing, so I'm not even gonna bother.

After returning to Oxford, we stopped at the Scottish Highland Creamery for ice cream. The ice cream parlor shares a building with the restaurant Capsize, formerly known as Schooners.

After our ice cream stop, we decided it was time to return to Salisbury for the evening. However, on the way out of town, I managed to take a few more pictures of Oxford I deemed worth sharing. However, I must warn you, these photos were taken from a moving car, so they may be sub-par compared to the rest.

Vineyard Vines vibes (even though there has never and there will never be whales in the Choptank River)

The houses in Oxford also present a coastal New England feel, with their white picket fences, porches, and shutters. 

Oxford's park serves as a relaxing spot to watch the river and its sailboats.

Mystery Loves Company Booksellers is one of the few shops in Oxford. The store offers books new and used, and has been known to host authors for book signings. The town's other stores that I have been to before include two gift shops (one even selling Harding Lane needlepoint hats) and a convenience store ("market"). 

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