Alexandria, VA

With classes finished, there was one thing left for me to do before graduating, and that was the National Academic Championship. Our team consisted of the same players as it did for the TV show It's Academic (see my earlier posts), with three additional players to fill a fourth spot. The competition was held at the Mark Center Hilton in Alexandria, VA, by Chip Beall, a former game show host. While most of the other teams competing faced a long flight or car trip, our trip to Alexandria was less than three hours. As we were staying at the hotel where the competition was taking place, this put us in walking distance of a Chesapeake Bay tradition: Clyde's restaurant.

Originally a bar in Georgetown opened in '63, Clyde's has since expanded to a chain of upscale restaurants in the DC area (and even gets a shoutout in The Official Preppy Handbook).

The room our team was sat in was themed as a Chesapeake Bay hunt club (notice the guns and decoys).  The restaurant also has an Adirondack themed dining room, as well as a nautical one which is home to the famous bar. 

When you order a lobster roll and are given two of them with your order, you know you've paid your money's worth. 

Dessert: Bailey's Cheesecake with Kahlua sauce.

"Let's get a picture at Clyde's" -Nick Selser
Me: University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Nautical Flag Belt (Leatherman Ltd.) USA
Nantucket Reds (Murray's Toggery Shop)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Nick: Vanderbilt Longsleeve Frocket Tee (League Outfitters)
Whale Shorts (Ralph Lauren)
Canvas Deckshoes (Sperry)

• Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- See Winter 2017.
• Leatherman Ltd Nautical Flag Belt- Bought from the boutique/men's store Sailor in Easton, MD. Motif belts are tricky to pair with Nantucket Reds. However, the navy in the belt ribbon was able to bring both the belt and the pants together in a tasteful combination. After all, these pants were originally worn by sailors. Can be paired with khaki or stone chinos as well. Made in USA.
• Genuine Nantucket Reds- Bought from Orvis outlet in Rehoboth, DE for only $35. These typically go for over $80, so I was quick to snatch these up in Delaware rather than driving up to Nantucket or getting hit hard with shipping fees and high prices. While obtaining genuine Nantucket Reds is a struggle even on Ebay, I recommend buying similar colored pants from other companies (like I did with Banana Republic before getting these) before getting lucky like myself or blowing nearly $100 on pants that are also imported. Murray's does offer US made Nantuckets online and in their flagship store, but they are sold at a much higher price.
• Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- See Winter 2017.
• Nick decided upon a Vanderbilt University frocket tee, whale shorts, and deck shoes for the occasion. While he purchased the shirt during his visit to his chosen school, the whale shorts were found at Uptown Cheapskate during a post-birthday shopping spree that happened to correspond with a Memorial Day sale. Nick walked out of the store with over $1000 worth of clothes while having spent less than $100.

The following day, our team competed in the tournament but sadly did not make it to the playoffs. However, this did not bother us, as we would have had to return to Alexandria after graduating the next day, and played with minimal sleep on Sunday. So Nick and I decided to make the most of our opportunity and visit Alexandria's Old Town historic district as we had done during the competition last year. While walking around the waterfront, we both made a point to visit a preppy favorite in Alexandria, The Lucky Knot.

The Lucky Knot's Kings Street location in Alexandria. Its other location is in Annapolis, MD, which I sadly have not had the chance to visit yet.

The Lucky Knot specializes in mainly college preppy brands (Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Southern Proper, Etc.) that are popular in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, but also pays homage to New England through its sale of Barbour waxed jackets and Kiel James Patrick bracelets.

You know its a gentleman's store when these boys are on the wall. 

After purchasing matching croakies from the store (and a bow-tie on Nick's part), the two of us hit the harbor before getting dinner and leaving the city at 9. We are already planning a return trip for this summer, so stay tuned for Alexandria, VA part II!

For the competition, our captain told us to dress overly preppy. This only made us blend in even more while in Old Town. While strange looks may have met us in Salisbury, this was not the case here.
Me: Navy Blazer (Andhurst/Belk) USA
Blue Oxford (Lands End) USA
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Whale Shorts (Ralph Lauren)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Clubmaster Shades (Rayban) Italy
Nick: Frat Hat (Southern Proper)
Aviator Shades (Rayban) Italy
Reversible Bowtie (The Tie Bar)
Tattersall OCBD (J. Crew)
5" Shorts (J. Crew)
Original Topsiders (Sperry)

• Andhurst Navy Blazer- Worn with shorts for a WASPy look. Add a hat, and it will turn fratty. For more, see It's Academic.
• Lands End Blue OCBD- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Made before LE decided to globalize their production, this shirt is probably my highest in quality and best fitting, and is coveted by my father. Made in the USA.
• Ralph Lauren Whale Shorts- Not an uncommon sight in preppy towns like Alexandria. For more, see Senior Skip Day.
• Nick is on the frattier end of the spectrum, wearing his Frat Hat from SoPro (which he purchased from The Lucky Knot last year), OCBD, bowtie, and Chubbie length shorts with Sperrys.

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Spring 2017

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

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Benefit Concert in Downtown Salisbury (April 1st)

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

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

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

80 Degrees and Sweet Tea (4/11)

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

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

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

Spring Play (4/13)

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

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

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

Church Ushering (4/23)

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

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

Captoe Dress Shoes (Bostonian/Clarks) 

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

Honor Society Dinner (4/26)

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

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

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

Graduation Pool Party (5/27)

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

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

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

******

Prom (5/20)

To my loyal readers: you have waited a week for this, and so have I. As classes for the year have wrapped up, I am happy to say I will be posting much more frequently. But without further delay, I present Prom 2017!

*******

My day of festivities began at my girlfriend Morgan's house, where we took pictures before heading over for dinner (and more pictures) at our friend Laura's house. This pre-party picture time gave our families time to take pictures on their own and for me to give Morgan her corsage.

Peak Lapel Tuxedo (Nationwide Formal Wear) USA
Silk Bowtie (Tommy Hilfiger)
Point-collar Tuxedo Shirt (Croft and Barrow)

• Vintage Nationwide Formal Wear Tuxedo- Inherited from family friend. Why rent a new tux when you own one? I recently had mine dry cleaned due to its frequent use. I assume my friend bought the tux in the 1980s, as it is domestically made (which changed in that decade) yet lacks the gaudiness of a 1970s tuxedo. However, the look it presents is timeless, and could pass for a tux from today, just of better quality. Made in USA.
• Tommy Hilfiger Bowtie- Bought from Macy's. Normally, I'd say avoid Tommy when it comes to ties, as they are mostly imported from China. However, this buy was an emergency several years ago, and a step up from the tie that preceded it (a pretied strap-on from Billy London). I hope to eventually upgrade to one from Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers of better quality.
• Croft and Barrow Tuxedo Shirt- Inherited from family friend. This is a in-house brand from Kohl's, and not typically of my standards. However, I don't wear the tuxedo enough to go out and upgrade to Brooks or Ralph. 

After pictures, I drove Morgan over to the party, where we took more pictures with our group and enjoyed a catered dinner outside. While most of the guys in our group for the most part went with the same look of a dark tux and dark tie, one gentleman stood out, and that was my friend Jake, who took the opportunity to go full out GTH like a boss. While I took many more photos, here are just a few in summary of the party.

Jake showed us all up coming in his flamingo/palm printed suit. While the rest of us four look like pallbearers at a funeral, Jake looks like he came from a party in Palm Beach. No wonder we all needed shades. #TFM

Nick donning a navy and charcoal tux from Michael Kors and a bowtie from Brooks Brothers. While MK isn't typically regarded as Trad, I still must say that I am impressed with the combo he found at Dryden's (our local formal wear emporium that many overlook for Men's Wearhouse). The tie clearly one-ups the one I have.

When John Belushi is in your prom group, you have to take at least one Blues Brother picture.

"Nick, that table is broken!" - Laura
*immediately jumps onto table*

After dinner, our group left for grand march which was held at Salisbury's civic center. While we all arrived quite early to get our preference for first in the procession, the class officers (myself included) were moved with their dates to the front, so Morgan and I were the third couple to walk out onto the red carpet. The music the administrators chose for the march was interesting. As I heard both Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) and Dancing Queen play, this could have very well been prom from 1977 rather than 2017 (not that I'm complaining).

Our prom's theme was Red Carpet Around the World, and I feel this shot of grand march pretty much sums that  up.

As soon as all of the couples had marched, the dance began. While last year's prom resulted in an incident that made the local news, no such thing occurred this year. The DJ for the dance however, was terrible. Only playing 2 slow songs and the rest of his music choice being sub-par, the disappointment was unanimous. Other than that, I cannot complain about anything at the dance. It ended at 10, being followed by after-prom at Crown Sports Center, Salisbury's local arcade, laser tag arena, and soccer complex. Nearly all of the couples who came to prom came out for the night of unlimited arcade tokens, laser tag, and a midnight breakfast catered by Denny's. After-prom concluded at 1:15 with a raffle, where I am happy to say Nick and I walked out with the grand prizes of a Smart TV and mini-fridge respectively.

"Its a major award!"

After-after prom had originally been in the talks with our group, but we (along with pretty much everyone else at after-prom) were to exhausted to do so. So my after-after-prom consisted of getting Cookout at 1:30 in the morning and listening to Vance Joy in the car with Morgan. Would I have changed anything about the evening (aside from the DJ)? Nothing at all. Prom was a night I will never forget, and a proper send off from senior year.

*******

Junior Senior Banquet + Skip Day

It's Academic/Junior Senior Banquet (5/13)

Senior year is almost over, and the festivities have begun! Today would be my last taping of It's Academic, as well as my two other teammates. Going up to Baltimore accompanied by our former captain (who had just finished his first year at UVA), we played our last match.

The Bennett team mid-conference. Alas, we did not proceed to finals, but came in second.

Post match debriefing with host and D.C. forecaster Dave Zahren, who is pulling off the Wall Street look with his two-tone shirt and matching tie and pocket-square.
Me:
 Vintage Silk Blazer (Evan Picone) USA
Blue Crab Bowtie (Vineyard Vines) USA
Cotton Button Down (J. Crew)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Dress Watch (Rumours) USA
Slim Fit Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Vintage Evan Picone Silk Blazer- Passed on from father. This blazer was once sold at Macy's (judging by the patch inside). This was the first time I had paired this blazer with a bowtie (usually I wear a navy knit tie with it for a more conservative Ivy look). Overall, the jacket is versatile year round and I received many compliments for it. Made in USA.
• Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bowtie- The only bow-tie I hadn't worn on the show yet. For more, see Winter 2017.
• J. Crew Cotton Button Down- See It's Academic.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
• Rumours Dress Watch- When wearing this blazer with a the knit tie, I usually pair my Bulova with it to keep the 1960s vibe true. However, the bowtie did not allow this, so my Rumours watch had to do. For more, see Winter 2017.
• Vineyard Vines Slim Fit Club Pants- See Winter 2017.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Worn with socks. See Winter 2017.
• *As it was raining and rather chilly for May, I paired my ensemble with a trench-coat that had been cut shorter than most models. This addition gave my Trad based outfit a fashion-forward flair in the vein of J. Press York Street or even Chuck Bass.

While we did not win, our spirits were not broken. We will still be competing at the national competition in Alexandria in three weeks. We also would now be able to make the Junior Senior Banquet being held that evening back home, and stopped at an Annapolis diner for lunch.

The Double T Diner: A historic chain of Maryland restaurants. From its jukeboxes at its tables to the cocktail bar in the middle of the establishment, it was clear that this place hadn't changed since the 1960s. (I do not claim ownership of this photo)

Getting home in time for the banquet, I picked up my date Morgan and we drove to school, where our cafeteria had been turned into an elegant dining hall for a Beauty and the Beast theme. While this was a departure from the typical preppy themes of Kentucky Derby or Martha's Vineyard our school had seen before, I must say it was the most grand of them all.

While I stayed in my outfit from Baltimore, Morgan came out with her Lilly Pulitzer for the event. The two of us could have walked into a country club dinner with no questions asked.

The evening was quite spectacular, with a live orchestra, Italian catering, and underclassmen as servers. When it was time for superlatives to be announced, the Best Dressed award was presented to yours truly.

Me with my friend Katie, who won the award for the girls. My award gift consisted of a strap-on bowtie (which I did not put on as I would have to re-tie my crab one), while her gift was the tiara she is wearing in the photo. 

After the banquet, Morgan and I headed to a friend's house for an after-party of sorts. While I took several pictures at the party, I felt only this one summed it all up. TFM brah.

Nick also wore his outfit from Baltimore to the banquet, but you may notice a few minor changes here. Party on Nick! Party on Tom!

Senior Skip Day (5/15)

While Prom is this upcoming Saturday, one might think that skip day would be the Monday afterwards. However, the school planned the senior award ceremony for that evening, and requires students to attend school that day to attend the ceremony. So what happens to skip day? You make it a week earlier. Morgan and I decided to go to Ocean City for the day (like the majority of my school's seniors). For readers who aren't east coasters like myself, Ocean City is a resort town in Maryland that is famous for its beaches, boardwalk, and amusement parks. It also is a very popular destination for the week after graduating high school not only for Salisbury residents, but seniors from the Baltimore-DC area and NoVA. Hence the infamous name, senior week.

Morgan on the Boardwalk in her gingham shorts and Topsiders.

Baseball Cap (Brooks Brothers)
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
GTH Whale Shorts (Ralph Lauren)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Clubmaster Shades (Rayban) Italy
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)

• Brooks Brothers Baseball Cap- Bought from Rehoboth Beach, DE outlet store. The Golden Fleece is a step above the Ralph Lauren pony counterpart. 
• Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- First time I've posted a pic of me wearing an OCBD untucked. Since its the beach, why not? #TFM For more, see Winter 2017.
• Ralph Lauren Whale Shorts- Bought from outlet store in Nags Head, NC. Whale motif? Check. Pink and green? Check. GTH? Check. The Official Preppy Handbook would approve of this combination. While not Vineyard Vines, these whales still hold true to their classic look of GTH. For an even more GTH or fratty look, add a navy blazer. 
• Rayban Clubmaster Shades- See Winter 2017.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- See Springtime Hike.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- See Ringing in the New Year.
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- See It's Academic.

The day wouldn't be complete without food from two of OC's most famous businesses:

Thrasher's Fries: An OCMD tradition since 1929

Ice Cream from Dumser's Dairyland (I do not claim
ownership of this photograph)

Ocean City is also home to Quietstorm Surf Shop. Now, one may wonder why a blog about Trad is featuring a surf shop. Quietstorm in fact one of the Eastern Shore of Maryland's few Vineyard Vines retailers, and also sells other preppy brands including Patagonia, Southern Tide, Leatherman Limited Belts, and various brands of premium sunglasses. Merry Fratmas, bros!

Quietstorm Surfshop's Vineyard Vines and Southern Tide Display (ft. Vans)

So that pretty much sums up Senior Skip Day 2017. Its been real!

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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.

*****

Easter 2017

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.

*****

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!