Picnic on Pemberton Pond

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.

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Springtime Hike

Its finally spring in Salisbury, and it looks like its going to stay that way! I decided to take time to switch over my wardrobe from autumn-winter to spring-summer. Goodbye corduroy pants and tweed, hello shorts and madras. To make use of the beautiful day, I decided to go for a hike with my girlfriend Morgan at Pemberton Hall, our local historical/nature park.

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Katahdin Baseball Cap (L.L. Bean)
Clubmaster Sunglasses (Rayban) Italy
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Long-Sleeve T-shirt (Collared Greens) USA
Pleated Chino Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Authentic Original Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)

• L.L. Bean Katahdin Baseball Cap- An amazing birthday gift from my girlfriend. Being that L.L. Bean is the original Trad outdoor outfitter, I went with the cap for my hike. Has a very 1980s feel with the classic Katahdin logo and climbing rope trim. Best worn when exploring the great outdoors or fishing with a longsleeve T-shirt or Patagonia Synchilla snap T. *L.L. Bean puts out their own version of the snap T, the sweater fleece pullover. However, I do not recommend pairing it with the hat, as both have the same logo visible on them. When it comes to visible logos, it is best to mix them up in my opinion.
• Collared Greens Long Sleeve Tee- Bought from The Ocean Palm Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store in Williamsburg, VA. While Collared Greens is an example of one of the many Southern Prep brands coming to prominence on college campuses, it is unique, as all of its merchandise is made in the USA. As the company advertises, its cotton for clothes is grown in CA, spun in GA, knit in NC, dyed in SC, sewn into shirts in TN, and finally designs printed back in NC. 100% homegrown is enough to gain my seal of approval. My shirt is not overly baggy or tight, and fits well! 
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Best worn during the spring and summer months. It looks goofy to wear them during winter. They are also best worn in company of a baseball cap, but this doesn't break the look if worn without one. If you are wearing a button down with a front pocket, do not bother. For those wishing to achieve the "fratty" look, a must have. Made in the USA.
• Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses- See Winter 2017.
• Ralph Lauren Pleated Chino Shorts- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Stone or khaki shorts are a must have for the spring and summer (this does not include cargo shorts). They go with basically any shirt. The ones I have from Polo are quite versatile and have served me well. My only problem with them is the pleats. As Uptown did not have any without, I had no choice but to buy these, but for those who are about to purchase a pair, try avoiding pleats. The Preppy look is described to be a mix of old man while young and young man while old. Pleats take this too far for an 18 year old man such as myself. However, this does not matter if you do not plan on tucking in your shirt to make them visible.
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- As my sports/beater watch, I decided to wear this on the hike as all of the others were too dressy. I am considering investing in a field watch or Timex Weekender for a more casual alternative for hiking. For more, see It's Academic + Winter 2017.
• Sperry Topsider Original Boat Shoes- Bought from my local Macy's. The quintessential footwear of Preppy style. While many (myself included) begin with Billfish due to their popularity and versatility as a sneaker of sorts, I recommend the originals over them. With their light bottoms from preventing leaving a mark on boat decks, these shoes should be worn without socks and only in the spring and summer. If these are your only preppy footwear for the entire year, I will cut you some slack, but generally, no boat shoes in the winter (unless you are somewhere warm). While Sperry is now mostly importing its merchandise, you can still buy pairs that are US made from select factories in New England. I found this out last summer from my friend Christian while taking classes at The College of William & Mary. *For domestic made boat shoes, look at Rancourt, Quoddy, and Kiel James Patrick. While much more expensive than Sperry (as well as younger), they are guaranteed to be U.S. made.

Morgan had on her spring colors with her Simply Southern T-Shirt.

Much needed Starbucks after the hike.

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Spring has finally sprung!

Christmas 2016

Decided to go for a country gentleman look today since I would be on the rural outskirts of my town for Christmas brunch with my family. I made use of many of the items that had been given to me as gifts that very day.

Monogrammed (unseen) Oxford Cloth Button Down (L.L. Bean)
Norwegian Sweater (L.L. Bean)
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour)
Khaki Chinos (Tommy Hilfiger)
Bean Boots 8" (L.L. Bean)

• L.L. Bean Oxford Cloth Button Down (Gift)- Ordered from L.L. Bean's website. Free shipping is always a bonus with this company, unlike Lands End, which offers monogramming as well, but also high shipping rates. L.L. Bean is also partnered with Visa for a credit card, and cardholders are entitled to free monogramming as well as free returns. A Trad should own at least one monogrammed article of clothing or accessory. For a list of other possibilities for monogramming, read The Official Preppy Handbook.
• L.L. Bean Norwegian Sweater (Gift)- Ordered from Ebay. Much more affordable compared to the initial $150. According to The Official Preppy Handbook, it is "The nearest thing to a Prep membership card." (Birnbach, 1980). Originally made from 80% wool and 20% rayon, Bean now makes the sweater from 100% wool. I typically wear a medium in sweaters, but ordered a large in this case for extra warmth. Was not disappointed at all in its protection from the cold. Its manufacturing stays true to its name as well, as the sweaters are still made in Norway. Paired well with duck boots and field jackets.
• Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket (Gift)- Another Ebay purchase. Much more affordable in contrast to its typical price of $380. While I initially wanted the Beaufort model for its extra length and game pocket, I went with the Bedale for its availability. While on a trip to Williamsburg, VA, I visited the traditional men store R. Bryant, Ltd. and was told my decision was the right one. The Bedale would come first for my college years, then I should buy the Beau after I am in the workplace (to wear over a suit or blazer) , and finally the quilted Liddesdale for when I am not at work. This gave me reassurance on my decision, and I am quite pleased with my jacket. Unlike many of the other Barbour models now, the Bedale and Beaufort continue to be made in England, and the company is warranted by the royal family. If in need of repair or rewaxing, the jacket can be sent to the company's headquarters in New England for a reasonable price. These jackets are made to be worn for a lifetime. 
• Tommy Hilfiger Khaki Chinos- Bought from Macy's. I am embarrassed to say I bought these pants at their full price, which I rarely do. In my defense however, the situation was an emergency. Tommy gets mixed feelings in the world of Trad. It is a fairly young brand (while not as new as Vineyard Vines, which has been embraced into the Prep wardrobe) and relies heavily upon globalized manufacturing and shopping malls. However, I enjoy its prep school and urban vibes and will remain a proud customer of the company. The pants are of a slim cut and go with pretty much anything in color, but have trouble holding a crease when ironed for dressier occasions. 
• 8" Bean Boots (Gift)- Ordered from L.L. Bean's website. An American Tradition. It also has been a tradition for the past few winters that there is a shortage of this favored footwear and a back order until the spring. These were ordered in September in order to beat the demand for them. Since their conception, these boots have been handmade in the USA, and also can be shipped to the company for repairs when needed. While other brands such as Sperry and Brooks Brothers also offer duck boots, Bean offers the original model they attempt to mimic and mass manufacture overseas. It was a relief to finally have my own pair, as I had been using my father's vintage pairs from the 1980s, which were beginning to lose their soles to use over time. *For year round function, one may order the moccasin version of the Bean Boots. They are sold for a cheaper price and are still made within the USA. However, I wished for better protection from snow and decided upon the 8" model. The mocs meanwhile can be worn with shorts and even without socks!

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