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.

*****

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.

******

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.

*****

Happy 2019! 

Preachin' on Beachin'

Hello readers! Just as I said in my last post, summer has indeed come to town! It has been in the upper 80s and low 90s for about a week now, and it doesn't look like it plans to leave this range. So lets get into a summer frame of mind with a beach post! Enjoy!

*****

(A Few) Delmarva Beaches

Salisbury is a fairly boring city, despite being the 3rd largest on the Delmarva Peninsula. While we are home to a Division III lacrosse powerhouse and the corporate headquarters of Perdue Farms, there is little else that distinguishes Salisbury as an interesting town. However, our proximity to beaches is one thing Salisburians never complain about. We are a 30 minute drive from Ocean City, MD, which I am pretty sure 99% of my Maryland readers have been to at least once. However, Ocean City is not the only beach in the area. To the north of OCMD are the Delaware Beaches of Fenwick, Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, and Lewes. Just south of Ocean City's inlet is Assateague Island, a state and national seashore popular for those who want to avoid the urban feel of OC (thus becoming more crowded by people who share this mindset). It is also famous for the wild horses that call the island home. Assateague extends into the Virginian part of Delmarva, then leading to Chincoteague Island, a resort town famous for its yearly Pony Penning (Misty of Chincoteague, anyone?). Also nearby is the NASA base at Wallops Island, infamous for the 2014 explosion of a rocket to be sent to the ISS. Anyways, enough with those Virginians. Back to "Muraland"! To the west of Salisbury lie more beaches within an equal distance to OC. The Nanticoke River is home to Tyaskin Park, Cove Beach, and Roaring Point Park. These beaches are popular with those wishing to avoid the crowds of the coastal ones, and thus become just as crowded.

Roaring Point (6/14)

On Thursday of last week, we made the decision to start taking advantage of the warm weather and our closeness to the water and start going to the beach. Due to the lack of time due to a meeting I had at 5:30 and the heavy volume of traffic, Mason, Chris, and I decided to hit up the Nanticoke Beaches for a few hours (Nick couldn't make it). While we initially planned to kayak, we were disappointed to find out the boats wouldn't fit in the bed of Mason's Sierra due to the extended cab. Not wanting to waste more time by retrieving his Ford Ranger from storage, we decided just to bring a football and go swimming. Not wanting to have to take a longer drive through Salisbury, we decided to take the ferry across the Wicomico River to save time.

The Upper Ferry runs from the village of Eden in Somerset County to the West Side outskirts of Salisbury, home to a large number of McMansion developments that began to appear in the 1980s. (picture property of Mapio.net)

Upper Ferry Road then leads the Nanticoke Road, which then is a 15 minute drive to a fork in the road divided by Boonies Restaurant, a childhood favorite of mine. The North road leads to Tyaskin, while the South road leads to the village of Bivalve, Cedar Hill and Nanticoke Marinas, and the Cove and Roaring Point Beaches. We took the latter of the roads and first stopped at the Cove to see how crowded it was. Sure enough, the place was packed, mostly with young families, including my History professor and his 2 year old. With not enough available shoreline for our shenanigans, we decided to leave and check out Roaring Point, which was far less crowded and had much more space to set up our stuff. 

Calmer than the waters of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake, Nanticoke River beaches are popular with families with young children, and locals wanting to avoid the out-of-towners who take over Ocean City and Assateague Island.

We stayed for about two hours, swimming and tossing the football. It was the bugs and my impending meeting that resulted in us leaving. Both flies and jellyfish are usually what cause the mass evacuation from the river beaches around 4 in the afternoon.

Football and Flag Day (ft. Brad and Chad)

College Hat (Salisbury University)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)

• Salisbury University College Hat- Free hat given out during orientation. Just a month after I bought a near identical one from the campus bookstore, and a day after Mason bought his. I will actually be giving this hat its very own post in coming weeks (or maybe days), so stay tuned!
• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Lands End Blue OCBD- The most versatile shirt in the Ivy/Preppy/Trad wardrobe also serves as the perfect pre/post swim cover-up. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Chappy Trunks- Allison's beloved gift has returned from hibernation. With this being Flag Day, they had an extra special meaning. However, I'd just as soon wear them any other day. If you love your country, why only show it on given days? For more, see my Red Roost post from last summer.

Assateague Island (6/16)

Two days later saw a return to a beachy environment, albeit without Chris, who was performing in the Salisbury Chamber Music Festival, and with Nick. We also called up our friend Matt from high school, back in Salisbury on break from Syracuse. As Ocean City would be a nightmare zone due to the airshow taking place, we decided to hit up Assateague and buy a year round beach pass for the Sierra.

Assateague National Seashore is favored for allowing trucks on the beach in one of its Southernmost sections. It also is a popular campground.

While the waves were not rough at all, sandbars prevented us from doing any body surfing. Also, the crabs were in rare form that day. However, the day was perfect for skimboarding!

Only thing missing is the Yeti.

Me: Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Button Down (J. Crew)
Coozie (The Lucky Knot)
Boat Shoes (Sperry)
Nick: Trucker Hat (Rise Up Coffee Roasters)
Retro Frame Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Breton Stripe Frocket (J. Crew)
Ironman Triathlon Watch (Timex)
Reversible Coozie (Southern Tide)
Z/Cloud Sandals (Chaco)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- Three years old and going strong. See other posts.
• Southern Tide Croakies- Mine with a nautical flag motif, and Nick's in rainbow, which I also own a pair of from the same store. See other posts for more, most notably Alexandria, VA.
• J. Crew Button Down- Typically my go-to shirt to be worn with a blazer and bow tie. Also used as a beach cover-up since my Vineyard Vines one has begun to yellow (RIP). For more, see other posts.
• Lucky Knot Coozie- Bought from the store which it bares the name of in Alexandria, VA. However, it was bought during a visit separate from the one I blogged about. Features the motto "Work like a captain, party like a pirate." When Nick and I visited the store last year however, the coozies had vanished. 
• Sperry Boat Shoes- Not truly boat shoes unless you have a little sand in them. For more, see other posts.
• Rise Up Coffee Trucker Hat- I have featured Rise Up before in other posts. In addition to amazing beverages, the ever growing coffee company now offers a line of apparel with its logo. 
• J. Crew Retro Frame Sunglasses- Basic clubmaster style of sunglasses for a bargain price! 
• J. Crew Breton Stripe Frocket Tee- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate during one of our visits. Breton striped anything is usually a hit, and is paired stylishly with red.
• Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch- A timepiece Nick has sung high praises of. For those who want a high functioning watch that you don't want to have to read Roman numerals on.
• Southern Tide Reversible Coozie- A Christmas gift I bought for Nick from RW Bryant in Williamsburg.
• Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals- Later paired with socks after a game of pool basketball at Mason's. While I know I could never pull that off, Nick, somehow, DID! See Spring 2018 for more.
• Also featured in the pic is Nick's Salisbury University Lax hat. Now, I know what you're thinking. Nick doesn't go to SU or play lacrosse. However, the hat is actually a collectors item. It is signed by the 2004 lax team, which won nationals that year (like many other years). 

It wouldn't be a beach day without some corn hole, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett. 

Brads, Chads, or dads?

After a day of swimming, football, and corn hole, we left the island around 7 for some dinner in West Ocean City, which was packed due to the exodus from the airshow. After that, we cruised on back to Salisbury jamming to some Yacht Rock. In all, it was a good day for the beach!

******

Lombardy Plantation

Hello readers! It hasn't been long since my last post for spring. While summer has arrived in Salisbury, it hasn't felt like it. Monday had a high of 63, and the April rains continue to fall into June. However, it looks as if the spring weather is finally coming to a close in coming weeks!

******

Last Friday, we decided to visit my uncle before he leaves for the Newport Bermuda Race on the 15th. One of my earlier posts on the blog saw a visit to my uncle when he was living in Oxford, MD. However, he has since moved to the outskirts of St. Michaels, bringing him and his wife closer to their jobs in Queen Anne's County and Easton, respectively. The move provided a change of scene from village-like Oxford. My uncle was not living within St. Michaels itself, but on the grounds of a plantation on its outskirts. The plantation was established in 1679, with the property changing in hands from various owners over the course of history. Some of its most notable owners include a revolutionary war colonel and a Quaker abolitionist (who records indicate was possibly the only man to vote for Lincoln in Talbot County, and potentially an agent of the underground railroad). 

A section of the original 18th century plantation house. A part of the house burnt during the 1800s, which was then rebuilt in a mid-century wooden style. During the 1920s, the 1850s section was torn down to be replaced with a Colonial Revival mansion. 

The newest section of Lombardy, built during the 1920s by J. Kemp Bartlett.

Want more details about the house and its history? Watch this video for a house tour, and heed the killer seersucker suit and straw hat.

The property is now owned by the Walsh family, who are leasing a smaller house on the property to my uncle and his family. The Walshes live across the bay in Potomac, and are rarely at Lombardy, making my uncle and his family the main residents of the property.

A creekside view of my uncle's house, the most recently built structure on Lombardy.

Partial view of the creek from my uncle's house. If you look carefully, you can spot the small foot bridge leading to the fields of the plantation.

Across the creek from my uncle's house lies one of the plantation's fields. I am unsure whether or not crops are still planted here.

Adjacent to my uncle's house is the estate's barn and garage. Both structures were built during the 1920s with the mansion.

Coming up the estate's driveway, one passes a large field with scattered mounds. An equestrian course, you think? Guess again. Motorcycles.

No Talbot County country estate would be complete without a duck blind.

My uncle was also granted access to Lombardy's dock and boathouse, being much more convenient than the yacht club in Oxford.

My uncle's boat. While we initially planned to go out for the day, my family instead opted for a cookout.

Peninsula Prep: Not quite Northern US, Southern US, or Western Shore Maryland. Can be spotted on the Tread Avon, Miles,  Choptank Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd./Eliza B.) USA
Brick Red Shorts (Ralph Lauren)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- Bought from Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head, NC. When most people hear "skipjack", they tend to think of the fish. On the Chesapeake Bay, folks tend to think of our state boat. Originally designed for oyster dredging, the skipjack has become a regional phenomenon, with annual races taking place on Deal Island in Somerset County, just down the road from Salisbury. Because of this, anything marketed as "skipjack" from Southern Tide has taken on a liking from Maryland residents. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Worn for their original purpose: preventing one's sunglasses from falling into the water while on a boat. See other posts for more.
• Vineyard Vines Tattersall Button Down- While the shirt's colors are season neutral, I tend to wear it more during the summer and spring months due to its light weight. Another perk of its neutral coloring is its ability to be paired with nearly anything! See other posts for more.
• Leatherman LTD. Nautical Flag Motif Belt- Pairs well with Nantucket and Brick Reds. For more, see Alexandra, VA post from last year.
• Ralph Lauren Brick Red Shorts- A gift from Allison. A breed apart from Nantucket Reds, which are frequently mistaken for pink or actually turn a shade of it. For my readers who may be triggered by wearing "pink" pants or shorts, go with a pair of brick reds! Voila, your fragile masculinity is preserved brah. But all joking aside, they are some pretty sick shorts! I wear 'em at least once a week.

**********

Spring 2018

Summer is finally here! Linens, whites, and seersuckers finally make a long awaited return, and so do I to the blog world! And now, here is my spring post as promised!

******

City of Salisbury Easter Egg Hunt (4/30)

In October, Salisbury University's Honors College was given the opportunity to host Salisbury's annual Easter Egg hunt on SU's front lawn. Wanting to get involved in a way similar to last year's benefit concert (which fell on the same weekend), I stepped up to be the event's Head of Media, arranging TV spots, newspaper articles, etc. I was even lucky enough to get our mayor to attend with his family. Thanks to the work of everyone in the Honors College, as well as those in the community who helped us, the event was a success! I am looking forward to helping out again next year!

We were also fortunate to have our local CBS affiliate WBOC agree to cover the event.

Synchilla Snap-T (Patagonia)
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy

• Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T- My go-to for an Easter event would typically be a pastel sweater or pair of GTH pants. However, each of the volunteers was issued an event T-shirt to wear during the hunt. Not wanting to be chilly but not wanting to pair a t-shirt with a sweater, I compromised with Patagucci. For more, see other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- VV+Patagonia = Chadagonia. For more, see other posts.

Easter Sunday

Easter at a Methodist Church has the tendency to bring most of its dormant members out of the woodwork to pack the pews. It also brings a tidal wave of whites, pastels, and other colors and fabrics that would usually be saved for the Kentucky Derby or the summer. While I usually use this as my first use of seersucker for the season, Easter was chillier than usual this year, so I vied for a dandyfied version of the basic navy blazer, repp tie, and chinos.

Happy I got to catch up with my friend Becca, who goes to Towson University across the Bay.

Straw Boater Hat (Scala)
Repp Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
White OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Buckskin Wingtips (G H Bass)

• Scala Straw Boater Hat- This will probably be its solo outing this year. See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Repp Tie- Same as my William & Mary scarf, was likened to Harry Potter by one of the masses (not at church though). Gotta love this town. See other posts for more.
• L.L. Bean White OCBD- See other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
• G.H. Bass Buckskin Wingtips- To be saved for the Derby or summertime. For more, see other posts.

Memorial Day Weekend (5/26-5/28)

Spent with the boys of course. Saturday consisted of cruising around the countryside in Mason's Jeep with the doors off. Sunday saw a barbecue with fresh burgers and beer brats, that eventually got stormed out and led to me going swimming during the lightning. And Monday saw me getting thrown into the covered bed of Mason's pickup and taken to the boonies after I shut off his round of Fortnite (#FortniteChallenge). In all, it was a weekend worth remembering.

Brad and Chad Take America

Me:
Classic Fit Polo (Ralph Lauren)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
'Merica Shorts (Chubbies) USA
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
Nick:
Seersucker Frocket Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Stand-up Shorts (Patagonia)
Sandals (Chacos)

• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- See other posts.
• Chubbies 'Merica Shorts- Bought from Chubbies website. With their fast, free shipping and free returns, Chubbies is a brand that values customer service and product quality. These shorts are made in the country of the flag they bare, and are the epitome of Go-To-Hell and fratty style. Don't tread lightly when wearing these shorts. They are to be worn with attitude and confidence by a man who loves his country. Skies out, thighs out!
• Sperry Boat Shoes- Had these shoes for three years this week. For more, see other posts.
• Brooks Brothers Seersucker Frocket Tee- Bought from outlet in Ocean City, MD. A hit in Nashville, according to Nick.
• Patagonia Stand-up Shorts- Need to get a pair for myself soon!
• Chacos Sandals- Sandals fratty? That's what I thought before Nick introduced me to them as a Southern college staple from Vanderbilt. They fall into a sartorial category that Tony from College Trad calls "Tech Prep". Definitely tops TEVA (Tony endorses them, but I still cringe), Keen, Birkenstock, and most definitely Crocs. Just be sure to pair them with shorts that lack cargo pockets (why am I even saying this to you?).

Fun shirt (Brooks Brothers)
Cotton Sweater (Ralph Lauren)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Chino Shorts (L.L. Bean)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Brooks Brothers Fun Shirt- A gift from Allison. The 1980s OG of color blocking shirts. Coming in university stripe with a point collar and flap pockets, it serves as a two-season alternative to my summer-only linen one from Vineyard Vines.
• Ralph Lauren Cotton Sweater- Do not seriously tie it around your neck unless you actually get hot. You will look like a try-hard if you factor it into your daily outfit (been there, done that, learned my lesson). For one ironic picture (like above), go ahead. For more, see other posts.
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
• L.L. Bean Chino Shorts- For more, see other posts.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Not the best shoe for the back roads of Fruitland, MD, or the back of a pickup truck for that matter. See other posts.

****

And now that summer is here:

Kentucky Derby 2018

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!

*******

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.

*******

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...

*****

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.

*******

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

Fragrance Guide: Sandalwood, Spice, and Bays that are Nice

After a nearly two month hiatus, I am back! I have been extra busy this semester, and have had little time to blog. So today I will be changing up things a bit and giving my first ever product review on the blog. However, here are some posts to look forward to in the next coming weeks and months: Easter festivities, a trip to Providence, RI, beach bonfire on Assateague Island, Kentucky Derby Spring Formal, and hopefully, a week in Avon, NC with the boys.

*****

Cleanliness is key. Your collection of sweaters, oxford shirts, and chinos will do you no good without it. A well dressed but foul smelling man just might as well be wearing rags. However, if you are reading this blog, the chance you need to hear this very slim. You already know it. However, I will still point out that there is a difference between not smelling bad and smelling good. Today's post is about the latter. Most guys want to smell good, and have wanted to since they were tweens. Remember the days of Axe body spray after gym class or before your 8th grade dance? You wanted to smell good then too, and wanted to prove it by dousing yourself in cheap chemicals that are probably now burning a hole in the Ozone layer. Well, now that your body spray days are (hopefully) over, it is time to select a scent of moderation and maturity. I will be giving four reviews of products ranging from inexpensive to premium makers.

Old Spice Classic Cologne & Aftershave

Confession time: yours truly was of the body spray crowd too when he was in middle school. However, Axe was never my go-to. Old Spice put out their own collection of sprays as well, which I was enamored with. After doing my fair share of atmospheric damage with the numerous cans bought over the course of my middle school days, I one day decided that my spraying days were over, and switched over to designer cologne for a few months (Aramis & Drakkar Noir). However, my allegiances soon returned to Old Spice after discovering that they too had a cologne that was much more inexpensive.

Old Spice cologne comes with a spraying function. Meanwhile, aftershave (above) is to be dabbed or splashed on.

The great thing about Old Spice is its price and availability. While the cologne is harder to find (but not by much), the aftershave can be found in just about any drugstore, and for slightly over $10. Probably the most Ivy of my favorite fragrances. Combine with the scents Brylcreem and cigarette smoke for the smell of just about any 1960s college campus. Madison Avenue made this the scent of the alpha male back then, and continues to today (for other products).

Chesapeake Bay Spyce

We now shift to another spice, or rather "spyce". Chesapeake Bay Spyce is a local company based in Easton, MD (see my post). However, I have found the cologne in men stores as far South as Williamsburg, VA. I received a bottle as a Christmas gift, and it is now my go-to every day scent that doesn't clash at all with my Old Spice aftershave. Just like Brylcreem, a little dab 'll do ya. This stuff is strong! For all my Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia readers (on and off the Peninsula), I especially recommend this for you. Look in local men stores, pharmacies, and gift shops. I got my bottle from the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury. And if you happen to live somewhere else, such as the landlocked Midwest, and want the smell of the Bay, I won't accuse you of cultural appropriation. You can get Chesapeake Spyce on Amazon for the same price as in stores!

A 4 oz. bottle of CB Spyce sells for about $30 for those who are wondering.

Showcasing the Delmarva Peninsula on the back of the box.

It wouldn't be a Chesapeake Bay cologne without something involving the Blue Crab.

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Cologne

The oldest American fragrance company (so old, it used to be British) puts out the next fragrance on our list. I bought a bottle three years ago before my summer class at William & Mary. While a haze of Axe hung over the rooms of many of my other dorm mates, the room I shared always had the smell of Sandalwood. For these reasons, I always associate this sweet smelling fragrance with the school and the wonderful people I met there. After a year of almost daily use of Sandalwood, I made the move back to Old Spice during my senior year of high school, only using the C-M for special occasions. 

With a thin layer covering the bottom of the bottle, my bottle of Sandalwood has lasted me nearly three years. Oddly enough, the price has gone up from the time I bought it. Being $35 in 2015 and now $45 in 2018.

St. Johns Bay Rum

Highest on the price spectrum of my recommended fragrances is this bad boy. Imported from the Virgin Islands and costing $50 for a bottle, Bay Rum can be found in local men stores and giants such as Brooks Brothers alike. I am always sure to take a sample spritz when shopping at the stores that carry it. After I finish my bottle of Chesapeake Bay Spyce, I will likely move on to Bay Rum before deciding which scent to actually stick with.

Ivy-Style.com coins Bay Rum as the "scent of Madison Avenue". Want to smell like Don Draper (minus the stench of cigarettes)? Then this is the cologne for you! (picture property of ivy-style.com)

Honorable and Dishonorable Mentions

The scents endorsed above are certainly not the only ones that will do. While I typically recommend against them, some clothing companies do produce a decent cologne for a decent price. Brooks Brothers and Polo are examples of this. Do not bother with Tommy Hilfiger or Nautica's lines of fragrances. The biggest NO I give is Fierce by A&F, and I'm not even going to explain why. Even colognes from high fashion houses such as Gucci, Armani, etc. I recommend against. Their specialty is clothes, so buy from someone whose specialty is fragrances. Then again, as I said before, exceptions can always be made. In the end, once you have found a scent you like, wear it proudly and stick with it.

*******

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.

*******