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.
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.
Another Christmas tradition for my family is our annual trip to Williamsburg, VA. Located within close proximity of Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg is a town rich with history of the colonial and revolutionary periods. Williamsburg is also home to The College of William & Mary, the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country (number one being Harvard). A so-called "public ivy" and my father's alma mater, W&M was at the top of my list when applying to colleges, and I received my letter of acceptance on the glorious day of March 24th of this year. However, the impending costs of law school caused me to decide to remain in the state of Maryland for at least my first two years of college. This way, William & Mary's Marshall-Wythe School of Law may be less of a financial burden without the cost of a undergrad degree.
*****
After a 5 hour (usually 3) car ride from Salisbury to Williamsburg, the first thing my family did after dinner was head to Merchants Square, a shopping area in between the college and the colonial district itself. Conceived by the Rockefellers in 1927, Merchants Square may be the oldest planned shopping district in the country. While there are many shops and restaurants within the square, I will take time to highlight only a few of them.
Scotland House, Ltd.
I hold Williamsburg in the same vein as two other towns: Easton, MD (see my last post), and Lexington, VA. Perhaps a reason for this is the fact that all three have (or in Easton's case, had) a Celtic shop. Scotland House is Williamsburg's Celtic emporium, with 90% of its stock imported from England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Scotland House carries a wide variety of family tartan scarves, hats, and ties (being a bargain at only $30). They also carry the flags of the UK and Ireland. While I was taking classes at William & Mary two summers ago, one of my friends decided to buy a Union Jack... on Independence Day!
It wouldn't be a Anglo/Celtic store without some fine waxed cotton jackets. While not from Barbour, the jackets are of equal (if not better) quality and equal price.
Tartan? Check! Waxed jackets? Check! What could make this store even better? Harris Tweed! And Scotland House carries plenty of it!
While they didn't carry our family's tartan, they did carry our crest on a mug.
Ocean Palm
Ocean Palm is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, with a sister location in Virginia Beach. I have bought many gifts from here, but not many items for myself. Their men's department is confined to a single shelf, consisting of needlepoint goods from Smathers & Branson and ties, shirts, and hats from Collared Greens, a Southern Prep brand I have mentioned before that manufactures exclusively in the US. However, this time, I received a pleasant surprise with the new addition of Lilly Pulitzer menswear. For a while, Lilly had stopped manufacturing menswear, turning its already sold apparel into collectors items that sell for hefty sums on eBay. I own a single blue polo shirt from Lilly which I found at Uptown Cheapskate for only $10. It is a medium, but runs much larger than that (buyers beware). While my shirt is in a subtle light blue, the rest of Lilly's menswear is very loud, even for GTH. Please tread lightly when buying and wearing.
The Ocean Palm is carrying a selection of Lilly ties and a single pair of shorts until the next collection is released in the spring. While I love the patterns of the ties, they sadly happen to be made in China (and sell for $78).
Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
By far one of the most famous stores in Merchants Square is the Wythe Candy Shop. Its gourmet sweets are made in front of customers and placed in the store's enormous display counter. It also sells basic prepackaged candies and specialty sodas of the area.
The store is named after the same family of the Marshall-Wythe Law School of William & Mary.
The Trellis
One of the nicest restaurants in Williamsburg is The Trellis in Merchants Square. Owned by the same family as several other downtown restaurants, it specializes in upscale American fare for a price comparable to the taverns of the colonial district. I usually order the steamed mussels, which is an appetizer large enough to make a meal. Both times I have eaten here were on the Fourth of July, and with friends from my William & Mary classes.
The trellis of The Trellis. You know a place is classy when you can hear Leon Bridges playing on the inside.
R.W. Bryant Ltd.
The Trad store of Williamsburg. Owned and operated by Rusty Bryant since 1986, the store specializes in Trad style, while still carrying contemporary Preppy staples to cater towards the college population. With Gitman Brothers for the lawyer, and Southern Tide for the pre-law student, this store has lasted and will continue to last as long as Williamsburg stays the Williamsburg we know. But as Mr. Bryant told me, it's one of the few stores of its kind left.
Having one of the largest blazer and sport coat collections I have ever seen, R.W. Bryant offers a wide range in price and quality. Spanning from Afazzy to Southwick Clothiers, a customer is nearly always likely to find what he is looking for.
R.W. Bryant is also a Barbour retailer, offering the signature waxed jackets and other merchandise such as shirts and slippers. They also carried the wax I sought on my trip to Easton, but the salesman recommended sending the coat back to the company itself for its rewaxing rather than buying a can. These days, it's rare that a store will put a customer before profit like this, and I am happy to say R.W. Bryant will have me as a customer for years and years to come because of it.
In addition to offering the finest menswear in Williamsburg, R.W. Bryant also offers a humidor full of *quality made cigars.
Honorable Mentions
While I did not get to visit or mention them during this trip to Williamsburg, here are several other stores and restaurants in and near Merchants Square I felt were worth giving a shout out to.
Blue Talon Bistro- Fine French dining featuring escargot. A favorite spot of mine for breakfast and lunch.
The Cheese Shop- The name says it all. Also a popular sandwich shop for lunch. Don't forget to try the house dressing! Outdoor seating all year round due to limited indoor space.
The Craft House- Sells Christmas decorations, jewelry, pewter, etc. Need something for your wife/mother/grandmother/sister/aunt/girlfriend? Get it here.
Aroma's Cafe- Coffee shop specializing in light breakfast fare. Packed on the weekends.
Dog Street Pub- Bar setting with fun pub food. Optional outdoor seating for warm days.
Berret's Seafood- Oyster bar and upscale dining. Outside corn hole games popular during summertime.
******
Colonial Williamsburg
My family and I spent the majority of our trip in the town's colonial district. Stretching from Merchant's Square to the colonial capitol building, Duke of Gloucester Street is closed off to cars, and offers an array of trade shops, taverns, and other historical sites for visitors. Some are accessible only with certain passes, which my family does not bother with purchasing. All of what we have come to love is available to the public.
Bruton Parish Church. Active since at least 1715, it is a famous landmark in Williamsburg's colonial district. I have artwork featuring the church in my room back in Salisbury.
The Governor's Palace. The building is accessible with passes purchased from the Colonial Williamsburg foundation itself. It features a large maze out back. During Christmastime, each window is adorned with a wreath.
The end of Duke of Gloucester Street is marked by the colonial capitol building. It housed the Virginia House of Burgesses and later House of Delegates until 1779 when the capital was moved to Richmond.
The colonial district also offers several historic taverns as dining options, a bake shop, outdoor markets, and several retail stores. While I didn't get pictures of them, I recommend them to anyone who decides to visit this wonderful town!
*****
The College of William & Mary
Located across the road from Merchants Square, the W&M bookstore is technically located in the colonial district of Williamsburg. It doubles as a fully stocked Barnes and Noble as well, and has a Starbucks cafe on its second level (Warning: Does not accept Starbucks gift cards, but does accept B&N ones). Book signings are frequent, as well are sightings of my former classmates from past summer classes. Two winters ago, I by chance ran into my friend Christian from Houston, currently a freshman at Columbia. This year, I was blessed with seeing my friend Campbell, now a sophomore at W&M, as well as my former professor Dr. Jim Whittenburg, also a professor of my father's.
A sea of green and gold apparel, the W&M bookstore offers a wide variety of college gear for a 20% discount to those with a W&M ID. Salisbury University's bookstore really needs to step up its game. Want even cheaper W&M gear? Go to the Campus Shop on Prince George Street.
Before a time of hoodies, there was this OG. The college sweater. An Ivy style hallmark, W&M comes in three forms: v-neck, crew neck, and cardigan. All three send an Animal House vibe. Very expensive though, and imported.
Across Richmond Road from Merchants square is William & Mary's "Ancient Campus".
A side view of the Wren Building, W&M's signature structure (UVA : Rotunda :: W&M : Wren Building). It is the oldest academic building in the U.S. still in use. My father defended his dissertation in this building.
A Merry Christmas from Governor Lord Botetourt and I.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cashmere Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland
Rugby Scarf (William & Mary)
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
*Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
RayBan Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
Barbour Bedale Jacket- A year ago, a R.W. Bryant salesman was the one who suggested I start with a Bedale vs a Beaufort. For more, see other posts.
L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- Inherited from family friend. It has a flap-button pocket similar to J. Press. Can be worn year round. Made in USA.
Brooks Brothers Cashmere Sweater- See other posts.
William & Mary Rugby Scarf- Borrowed from my father. The stripes and colors have caused people to compliment me on my "Harry Potter scarf". And each time, I coldly correct them that it is in fact a Public Ivy scarf. As I have said before, DON'T WEAR GEAR OF COLLEGES YOU HAVE NO FAMILY OR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO! If you do, you will be inviting a very uncomfortable conversation, or this might happen.
Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- See other posts.
L.L. Bean Boots- See other posts.
******
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
*Smoking tobacco is shown to cause cancer. While not as addictive or as harmful as cigarette smoking, these risks should be still known when pipe or cigar smoking.
While this current summer has been a relatively laid back affair for me, last year's was quite a contrast. The excitement began less than 3 days into my summer break with a college tour. This started at Wake Forest in Winston Salem, NC. Both of my parents were enrolled here for graduate school. I sadly did not take any pictures of the campus, but I would have definitely applied if it had not taken 10 hours to drive there.
Downtown Winston Salem
Golden Fleece Cap (Brooks Brothers)
Aviator Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Pique Polo Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Weejun Penny Loafers (Bass)
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Cap- See Skip Day.
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses- A gift from a friend. I have mainly retired these sunglasses to yardwork due to the wear on them.
Vineyard Vines Pique Polo- Bought from Rehoboth, DE outlet. My only VV polo shirt. A step up from the overused Ralph Lauren, but not as esteemed as Lacoste or Brooks Brothers.
Vineyard Vines Seersucker Shorts- When in the South.... (For more, see Early Summer 2017)
Bass Weejuns- Later on my college tour, a man in Davidson, NC introduced me to Alden. See Winter 2017.
Fossil Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
KJP Anchor Bracelet- See other posts.
My next stop on my college tour was at Davidson College in Davidson, NC. I sadly did not take any pictures of that campus either, while I still loved the tour. A small, Southern, liberal arts, division I school where Stephen Curry once played for, what could be wrong with it? A 12 hour drive from Salisbury, MD. While in Davidson, I visited a small men's store next to the college, that sold the likes of Barbour, Alden, and Southern Tide. I bought a pair of croakies before leaving. Our next stop was not a college, but the mountain town of Linville in Western North Carolina, where we would be staying in a cabin for several days.
Pique Polo (Lacoste)
Pleated Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)
Lacoste Pique Polo- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate in Salisbury, MD. Not as well fitting as my navy version. Its bright lavender color would make it a hit with 1980s preppies.
Ralph Lauren Pleated Shorts- My only pair of khaki shorts at the time. Now replaced by pleat-less L. L. Beans. For more, see Springtime Hike.
Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes- A dressier alternative to the classic brown leather body and white soles. More moccasin like than the others as well. May even be worn into colder months with socks.
Hiking on Roan Mountain TFM style.
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Longsleeve T-Shirt (Collared Greens) USA
Running Shoes (Brooks)
Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- See Outer Banks 2017.
Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee Shirt- See other posts.
Brooks Running Shoes- While my go-to athletic shoes are my Under Armours, I decided to bring my rarely worn Brookses instead.
Outside of Linville Caverns
Needlepoint Lobster Hat (Harding Lane)
Cotton Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
William & Mary Shep Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Harding Lane Needlepoint Lobster Hat- See Spring 2017.
Vineyard Vines Button Down- See Spring 2017.
Vineyard Vines William & Mary Shep Shirt- Bought at the William & Mary bookstore during my summer class of 2015. Originally $130, I managed to bring my cash payment to only 15% of the cost. Using my 20% student discount, plus various Barnes and Noble (who was partnered with the college in owning the bookstore) gift cards I had accrued over the years, I ended up paying only $20 out-of-pocket. A breathable extra layer for cooler days in any season (except winter, where you might want a little more).*WARNING: Only wear college gear if either you or a family member has gone to that school (as in my case, my father went to W&M for his PhD). Otherwise, you are inviting uncomfortable questions or reactions.
After several days in Linville, I resumed my college tour in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee University. It shares the town with Virginia Military Institute, where my father went for undergrad. However, I did not tour there (to the relief of my dad). This was probably my favorite college on the tour, but also happened to be the most expensive. After my campus tour, I managed to stop in at Alvin-Dennis, a men's store that College Trad has featured on his blog (along with the school itself). However, thinking about the price of W&L, I didn't buy anything. Funny thing is, I ended up not applying at all!
*****
I was home for one week before the next part of my summer began, and that was my summer class at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It was my second summer taking a course there. Also returning from the previous summer was my friend Christian from Texas. Christian attended St. John's School in Houston, which is where the Wes Anderson film Rushmore was filmed (and also where Anderson himself attended), and is currently bound for Princeton.
The Wolf Pack of W&M: Gus, yours truly, Rahul, Christian, and Josh
Seersucker Sport Coat (Architect)
Button Down Shirt (J. Crew)
Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
*Two-Toned Wingtips (Bass)
Architect Seersucker Sportcoat- See Easter 2017.
J. Crew Button Down Shirt- See other posts.
Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bowtie- See other posts.
Ralph Lauren GTH Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Made of lighter material than my Nantucket Reds and pink VV club pants, I debated between these and my blue club pants when preparing for the humidity of Tidewater Virginia.
Going out for Fourth of July lunch at The Trellis
Linen Party Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Woven Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH Pants (Banana Republic)
Vineyard Vines Linen Party Shirt- While normally I would never pair this shirt with another GTH item, the pants proved to be an exception to this rule. See Early Summer 2017.
J. Crew Woven Belt- See other posts.
Banana Republic GTH Chinos- Bought from Banana Republic store in Alexandria, VA. My stand-ins for authentic Nantucket Reds. I wore these pants for all three of my college tours (paired with a neutral OCBD), as well as my W&M interview.
The umbrella was purchased that day from RW Bryant Ltd., as the holiday did not stop the rain from coming.
Reppin' Southern Tide in RVA
Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Skipjack Polo (Southern Tide)
Seersucker Shorts (Rugby Ralph Lauren)
Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- One of many at W&M. For more, see Spring 2017.
Southern Tide Skipjack Polo- Bought from RW Bryant Ltd. one day before this photo was taken. Another harmonious pairing of pink and green. Take away the hat, and 2016 Thomas would have had the perfect outfit. If only he knew he looked like a walking Southern Tide ad.
Rugby Ralph Lauren Seersucker Shorts- In 2004, Ralph Lauren introduced the line Rugby, which attempted a more collegiate (some might say WASPier) style than regular Polo. The line was discontinued in 2013, but Rugby clothing can still be found in used clothing stores and on eBay. I found these bad boys at Uptown Cheapskate. They are not much different from my Vineyard Vines shorts, with the exception being a double belt loop near the front button.
On the James River Ferry.
Clubmaster Shades (PacSun)
University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Printed Lobster Shorts (Izod)
PacSun Clubmaster Shades- Bought as a cheap fix for casual sunglasses (only $3) when I used to shop at PacSun as a freshman in high school. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Other than that, these were not a bad pair of sunglasses. I finally passed them along to Nick after buying a pair of Ray-Bans from Uptown Cheapskate. They were then stolen from him at a restaurant a day later.
Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- See other posts.
Izod Printed Lobster Shorts- My first try in the area of GTH clothing. I bought these shorts on Amazon during my sophomore year of high school, a time where I was somewhat oblivious to the quality of clothing. While they have held up as a good pair of shorts, I would not have bought them now, as their inseam covers the knee. And when looking for a GTH motif, always choose embroidered over printed.
******
After returning to Salisbury from William & Mary, I only had one week until my annual trip to the Outer Banks (see my last post for more details). Thankfully, that week went by quickly, and I was back at the Blanchard in no time.
Up in the crow's nest
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Banana Republic)
GTH Chino Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Banana Republic Wayfarer Sunglasses- Bought from outlet in Nags Head. An upgrade from my PacSuns in brand, but not exactly in quality. They became looser and looser in a matter of weeks, and eventually lost a screw. While I repaired them, they will not be the same again. Since I upgraded to Ray-Bans, these shades now reside in my glove box.
Ralph Lauren GTH Shorts- Bought from outlet. I bought these to replace my pair from Vineyard Vines, which had been bled on in the wash.
They really loved my "fancy pants"
Pique Polo Shirt (Banana Republic)
Crested GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Banana Republic Polo Shirt- Bought at retail store in Alexandria. Gives off a 60s vibe with its three buttons. BR offers other versions without the elephant logo.
Ralph Lauren GTH Pants- "Fancy pants" are never a bad choice for the beach. For more, see Winter 2017.
******
And just like that, summer was almost over.
After-church oyster lunch.
Navy Blazer (Andhurst/Belk) USA
Repp Stripe Tie (J. Crew)
Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
J. Crew Repp Stripe Tie- Bought from outlet in OBX. The skinny cut and stripes evoke a look of a 1960s prep school student. If only they were made in the USA.
When National Bow Tie Day coincides with church
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Bought from Rehoboth Outlet. These can also be worn casually with an OCBD or polo.
Today was the first 90 degree day of the year. Probably the earliest I've felt too (hello climate change). However, the breeze made the day just right for a picnic, and the right place for it was Pemberton Hall, our local park. Picnic basket in tow, I treated Morgan to lunch on Pemberton Pond.
Once home to merchant and plantation owner George Handy, Pemberton Hall is one of Salisbury's most notable historic sites. (I do not claim credit for this picture or the one that follows)
Pemberton Pond: The site of our picnic lunch.
Our lunch consisted of two Chipotle burrito bowls, chips, and Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider under the shade of a tree overlooking the pond.
Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Stowed Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Vintage Patchwork Madras Shorts (Old Navy) India
Vintage Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
*Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
*unpictured
L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- Solid OCBDs are best choice when wearing madras. For more, see Christmas 2016.
Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses- See Winter 2017.
J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
Old Navy Vintage Patchwork Madras Shorts- Bought from thrift store. I can only say it once: I hate Old Navy with a passion. Its clothes are cheaply manufactured and not made to last (as I discovered with a pair of chinos last year, as well as countless other articles of clothing from my early high school days). However, I took exception to these shorts. From the 1990s judging by their logo, these madras shorts have held up well, and are a hallmark of preppy style. They also happen to be made in India. This is usually a major turnoff when buying clothes, but this is where madras comes from, keeping them authentic. While I still prefer items that are made in the USA, these shorts stay to their heritage and remain durable.
Vintage Bulova Accutron + Brooks Brothers Watchband- See Ringing in the New Year.
KJP Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet- Going to be making more appearances now that spring is in full swing and summer is coming. For more, see Ringing in the New Year.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Just as versatile with shorts in the spring as with pants in the winter. For more see Winter 2017.
After our lunch, Morgan and I drove around the outskirts of Salisbury, and through the village of Quantico, MD.
The community is tucked between Salisbury and the town of Hebron. Its historic homes and brick sidewalks give it a charm that draw many during Christmastime to see its decorations. (I do not claim ownership of this photo or the one that follows)
A home for sale. With its real estate not overly expensive, Quantico offers historic charm, distance from the city (yet freedom from the suburbs), and a strong public school district. If I decide to open my law practice in Salisbury, this village will surely have a high spot on my list of possible places to live.
Much like the Fourth of July, Easter has become a prep holiday. Bright colors, madras, blazers. We might as well be dressing for the Kentucky Derby (but for the sake of Christianity and not a horse race)! While to many finding such an outfit for Easter is a chore, in the world of Trad, it is an opportunity.
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Church Service
As predicted, today's service served an opportunity for the men of my church to wear their tan sport coats and blazers of fairer color. However, I decided to take my outfit the extra step, and brought West Egg, NY to Salisbury, MD.
Straw Boater Hat (Scala)
Seersucker Blazer (Architect)
Pleated Seersucker Trousers (Ben Silver) USA
Cotton Button Down Shirt (J. Crew)
Repp Stripe Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
Two Tone Wingtips (G.H. Bass)
Architect Seersucker Blazer- Bought from Boscov's deparment store. While it is imported and of a no name brand, I must say that I have not been disappointed with the jacket at all. Easter and Derby Day are the two exceptions to the "no seersucker before Memorial Day" rule, and I intend to make the most of them both. Two summers ago, I was taking a course at William & Mary and brought the jacket for festivities on the final day. It turned out my roommate from Chicago (who I shared countless things in common with) had brought the very same blazer (aside from the fact that his was from Sakks). Preppy minds think alike. Can be paired with a crisp pair of khakis or GTH colored pants.
Ben Silver Pleated Seersucker Trousers- Bought from Goodwill in Easton, MD. Easton is one of the wealthiest and preppiest towns on the Eastern shore of MD (Wedding Crashers was filmed here, need I say more), so it makes sense that its Goodwill would be a Trad's playground. Ben Silver is one of the finest clothiers in the American South, and such trousers would normally sell for over $200. I only spent $5 on mine. The pattern matched perfectly with the blazer, which is always a gamble when buying seersucker. So in a matter of $5, my jacket went from blazer to suit separate. The trousers are pleated and cuffed. A Southern tradition. Made in USA.
Vintage Brooks Brothers Repp Tie- This was another buy from the Easton Goodwill. This Brooks tie is from the 1960s (hello Mad Men) but went perfectly with the seersucker as well. A repp tie in the 1960s will look the same as it did in the 1920s, and now in the 2010s. That's the true magic of Brooks Brothers. Made in USA.
J. Crew Cotton Button Down- See It's Academic.
G.H. Bass Two Tone Wingtips- Bought from third party discount site that no longer exists. Easter is typically my breakout date for these bad boys. While it is most common to wear such wingtips with a suit (a la Nucky Thompson or Jay Gatsby), I occasionally pair them with chinos and an OCBD as a GTH item. Orthodox, no. Compliment magnet, yes.
As Easter (along Derby Day) is a day to accessorize, I completed my Fitzgeraldian look with a pocket square, tie pin, and straw hat. I bought the hat from historicalemporium.com, a site specializing in replicas of vintage clothing. Soon, I hope to invest in a set of Ray Ban Gatsbys to complete the look. Happy Easter, Old Sport!
Family Lunch
As it was predicted to be 84 degrees today, I decided to switch to a more casual option with fewer layers for my family's annual Easter lunch.
Madras Button Down Shirt (Vineyard Vines
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Slim Fit Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Vineyard Vines Madras Button Down Shirt- Bought from Rehoboth Beach, DE outlet store. Because of its bright colors, this shirt should be worn in moderation. The pairing with the pants was a GTH move, and suggested by the sales associate at the outlet (the customer service has outstanding every visit I have made). For spring and summer only. *This shirt has also taught me a lesson with VV's sizing. I typically wear a medium in shirt sizes, but VV's classic fit medium looked like a tent on me, so I purchased this as a slim fit medium. While initially still baggy, several washes brought it down to a good fit, while all of the small, initially well fitting VV shirts I bought are now short in the sleeves.
J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
Vineyard Vines Slim Fit Club Pants- Of the same structure as my khaki colored club pants, yet could not be more different in their color ("Strawberry Blonde"). These are an GTH move on their own with neutral colors, but especially when paired with an equally colorful shirt (see above). Another garment that should be confined to spring and summer.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Worn sockless. Its that time of year again, gents. For more, see Winter 2017.
Its time to say goodbye to 2016. Some would rather say good riddance. We've lost so many stars this year, ranging from David Bowie at its beginning to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at its end. And let's not forget that presidential election that kept us on the edge of our seats. While we may wish to forget all that has happened, 2016 is sure to go down in the history books. 2017 needs to be brought in with celebration, and that is why I am here.
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Panera Lunch and Barnes and Noble with my Girlfriend
Monogrammed Oxford Cloth Button Down (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Gray Chinos (Lands End)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick) USA
14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Cotton Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
8" Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA *Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA *unpictured
L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- See Christmas 2016
J. Crew Woven Leather Belt- Bought at outlet store in Nags Head, NC. This belt has proven itself to be quite problematic in its end falling out of the loops. However, it did not do this with the chinos I wore today. Made in the USA. Can be worn with pretty much any color of chino, but never to be worn with suits.
Lands End Chinos- Bought from my local Uptown Cheapskate, a thrift store specializing in upscale clothing and brands. Appeared to have little to no wear on them. Have flapped pockets on the rear, a Trad eye-catcher. As I purchased these a few days ago, I have not had time to get them hemmed by my tailor. Will be taking them in along with my new Nantucket Reds in the new year. Please pardon the current length and wrinkles. Can be paired with a navy blazer for dressy occasions when ironed.
Kiel James Patrick Anchor Bracelet- Ordered from KJP.com during Black Friday sale of 2015. The variety of styles and colors is vast, but I chose this navy and white one on basis of its name. Can be worn casually but also with a navy blazer at dressier events. While one of the youngest companies I buy from, KJP is undoubtedly the most superior. Making all his jewelry, accessories, and clothing in his factory (a remodeled boat house and cabin) in Rhode Island, Mr. Patrick remains a beacon of hope in the sartorial world for American made products. Here's to you Kiel!
Vintage 1960s 14k Gold Bulova Accutron- Inherited from grandfather. While now mainly a department store brand of watch, Bulova was once acclaimed for its popular space age Accutron watch. Once using a tuning fork for movement, the company phased this out and switched to quartz in 1977. Accutrons are still produced today, but using this new quartz movement. I am happy to say I own the tuning fork version, which is made in the land of the Swiss! Can be worn formally and casually (depending on its current band).
Brooks Brothers Striped Band (Gift)- Purchased from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Fits the Accutron perfectly and can be removed with ease! Comes in a variety of patterns, but I decided on the classic Brooks red, yellow, and navy. Only to be worn casually.
J. Crew Wool Camp Socks- Purchased from J. Crew's Michigan Avenue store in Chicago. Like sweaters for the feet. Come in a variety of colors and ideally worn with boots like so. Made in the USA. Have served me well through one and a half winters of chill and snow.
L.L. Bean 8" Bean Boots - See Christmas 2016
New Years Eve Dinner and Party
I decided to go with my outfit from earlier in the day, but made one change to the get-up.
Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH Corduroy Duck Hunting Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
8" Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA
Vintage 14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Repp Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Ralph Lauren Corduroy GTH Duck Hunting Pants (Gift)- Bought from Ebay. Much more affordable than buying from any department or Ralph Lauren store. Embroidered with ducks, hunters, and rifles. According to The Official Preppy Handbook, "At least one pair of embroidered [corduroy pants] is a must." My family was initially not amused with these pants, but they soon grew on them. Due to their loud appearance, I recommend only wearing these on select occasions, and not with other GTH colors or styles. For a more country club inspired look, pair with horse-bit loafers or boat shoes instead of duck boots. Herringbone blazer optional.
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Anyways, enjoy ringing in the New Year! Happy 2017!!!
