The Wednesday before this past one, I added yet another trip to my Eastern Shore of MD heritage tour, and that was with a trip to the famous Red Roost crab house near Whitehaven, MD. Located literally in the middle of nowhere, the Roost was once a chicken house before being converted into one of the Eastern Shore's most famous crab houses. While I didn't want to go alone, I invited no one other than Nick to accompany me. The trip was also significant for him for two reasons, being that he had not been since he was two (while I had never been) and that he will be leaving for Vanderbilt University in August (which is quite far from the crab state). As the crab house didn't open until 5:30, Nick and I spent the day at the pool and thrifting (during which Nick purchased a Brooks Brothers tie for $3).
Me:
Longsleeve Tee (Collared Greens) USA
Salisbury University Cap (Richardson)
Whale Flag Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Nick:
Frat Hat (Southern Proper)
Logo Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Classic Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Both:
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee- See Springtime Hike.
Salisbury University Cap- Bought from university bookstore. While Tony from College Trad recommends the College Bar Hat from The Game, I found the one SU had in stock to be too boxy.
Vineyard Vines Whale Flag Chappy Trunks- My all-time favorite pair of swim trunks. They outfrat my Ralph Lauren ones by 1000, cause what brah doesn't love the red, white, and blue?
Ray-Ban Wayfarers- See other posts.
Nick's Brooks Brothers t-shirt was purchased at the Ocean City, MD outlet store. While I consider Brooks to be more Trad, Ivy, or Preppy than Fratty, this shirt proves they are a brand that can do all four.
The drive from Salisbury to the Red Roost is a long one, as the restaurant is tucked away close to a swamp. On our way, we passed the Green Hill Country Club before turning off from the route to Whitehaven to the Roost's remote location.
One of Salisbury's three golf clubs, Green Hill also offers a restaurant, tennis courts, marina, and swimming pool. (picture is not my own)
As it was once a chicken house, the Red Roost once did not have air conditioning. Thankfully, that has changed. During the weekend, the Roost runs a shuttle service to their dock bar on the river.
The inside of the Roost is decorated with crab pots, nautical paintings, and a multitude of $1 bills on the wall.
The main event.
The Red Roost's famous fried chicken with
fries, hushpuppies, shrimp, and clams.
While I ordered the five crab meal, Nick ordered all-you-can-eat, and finished with 13 crabs.
After leaving the Roost stuffed, Nick and I drove into Whitehaven itself, which is not much aside from its historic hotel and ferry to Mt. Vernon, MD.
The Whitehaven Hotel was built in the 1800s when the community of Whitehaven was once a thriving village. It now operates as a bed and breakfast, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (picture not my own)
After leaving Whitehaven, I drove Nick to his home in Hebron (a small town in our county), and turned in for the day. In all, while expensive, the Red Roost was an experience worth every penny.
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PSA: Tomorrow, I will be leaving for my annual trip to the Outer Banks. Expect frequent posting in the next seven days.
Two weekends ago, my uncle invited my family to visit him in Oxford, MD. For readers who have never heard of Oxford before (which is probably the majority of you), it is a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore that tries to replicate the feeling of New England through its houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and nautical culture. However, its Chesapeake Bay roots shine through its attempts of imitating Nantucket. Only an hour from Salisbury, it is one of my favorite places on the shore. The invitation from my uncle included going out on his new boat, which excited me.
One of Oxford's several marinas. This one housing both my uncle's boat and a club swimming pool.
Oxford's Tread Avon Yacht Club, which is known to host various regattas during the summertime.
My uncle's racing sailboat Bandana. Owned by his friend, my uncle has helped crew this boat from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands during the fall. In the summer, Bandana typically stays in the Chesapeake region, and my uncle has offered me a chance to help crew her.
After sailing out of Oxford onto the Choptank River, our first stop was in Trappe, another small town in Talbot county that until this day I did not know was on the water. While I usually drive through Trappe during the winter, I enjoyed taking in the sights of the creek.
Trappe during the wintertime is a sight to make a country gentleman feel at home. During the summer, it is home for a sailor.
Pulling out of the creek, we then set out up river to one of the Eastern Shore's most populated towns, Cambridge, MD, which we drove through on our way to Oxford.
Cambridge is also home to a Hyatt Golf Resort and Marina, which we passed before turning the boat around to return to Oxford.
Taking the wheel for a bit while my uncle takes a break.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Custom Fit Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Printed Gramercy Chino Shorts (J. Crew)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Rayban Wayfarers- Worn with the white polo in the style of Jordan Belfort. For more, see Early Summer 2017.
Southern Tide Croakies- Worn for their original purpose of preventing sunglasses from falling into the water. For more, see other spring/summer posts.
Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- While this shirt has become mainstream and no longer the status symbol it once was, at least one genuine Polo shirt is a must in the preppy wardrobe (I have two, including this one). While not at the same level as Lacoste's gator, the Brooks Brothers fleece, the pony still deserves a place in the logo hall of fame. Never buy big logo Polo, however. Unless you are actually a polo player and it is an actual part of your uniform.
Fossil Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
KJP Anchor Bracelet- Worn in the correct setting. For more, see other posts.
J. Crew Printed Shorts- Printed with imagery of coastal Maine. Lobster? Check. Lighthouse? Check. Sailboats? Check. The list goes on. The shorter inseam is also a plus in my book. Skies out, thighs out.
You can most likely guess what pair of shoes I am wearing, so I'm not even gonna bother.
After returning to Oxford, we stopped at the Scottish Highland Creamery for ice cream. The ice cream parlor shares a building with the restaurant Capsize, formerly known as Schooners.
After our ice cream stop, we decided it was time to return to Salisbury for the evening. However, on the way out of town, I managed to take a few more pictures of Oxford I deemed worth sharing. However, I must warn you, these photos were taken from a moving car, so they may be sub-par compared to the rest.
Vineyard Vines vibes (even though there has never and there will never be whales in the Choptank River)
The houses in Oxford also present a coastal New England feel, with their white picket fences, porches, and shutters.
Oxford's park serves as a relaxing spot to watch the river and its sailboats.
Mystery Loves Company Booksellers is one of the few shops in Oxford. The store offers books new and used, and has been known to host authors for book signings. The town's other stores that I have been to before include two gift shops (one even selling Harding Lane needlepoint hats) and a convenience store ("market").
In my last post, I mentioned going on a heritage tour of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Aside from being born in Newport News, VA, I have lived in Salisbury, MD all of my life. However, there have been many places nearby that I have failed to experience. As I will be going to college in Salisbury, I have decided to embrace my roots as a local through becoming better acquainted with the area. While I began my tour visiting the Chester River, my next stop was the small town of Snow Hill in Worcester County, about 20 miles from Salisbury.
Being the seat of Worcester County, Snow Hill is home to the county's courthouse, being the town's main landmark.
Located on the Pocomoke River, Snow Hill was established in 1686 by English settlers as a port. It now is a quaint little town popular for its historic district and vitalized downtown. It stands as a stark contrast to Salisbury's, which lacks the charm Snow Hill's has. I began my walk around town by stopping in to one of the town's several antique stores. Antique stores are not only great places to find vintage clothing, but also decorations such as decoys, paintings, etc.
Was tempted to buy one of these. Earlier this year, I was gifted a Maine shaped ashtray with a lobster (even though I am a non-smoker). A cigar box would complete the decoration.
After browsing the antique store, I made my way down the street to the Pocomoke River Canoe Company, which offers canoe hourly rentals and day-long excursions for a bargain. While I took part in neither, I still went inside the building to browse the gift store and look out onto the river.
The building housing the company was once home to a milling operation.
A glimpse of the inside of the rental office, as well as the gift store.
Hanging from the ceiling of the canoe company was an assortment of outdoor goods ranging from rabbit traps to Bean Boots.
Snow Hill is located on the Pocomoke River, which flows from the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware all the way down to the Pocomoke Sound on the borders of Maryland and Virginia at the Chesapeake Bay.
My next stop was at the Old Town Sweet Shop, which sold ice cream from Chesapeake Dairy Farms, one of our local creameries located in the nearby town of Berlin. My final stop before returning to Salisbury was another antique store that was much larger and commercialized than the first one, but still charming. My experience has made me want to return sometime later this summer. This time, to further experience the town through canoeing or eating at one of its restaurants. But in all, this visit was satisfying.
When you're dwarfed at 6'2''
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Linen Shorts (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Ray-Ban Wayfarers- See Early Summer 2017.
Lands End Blue OCBD- See Alexandria, VA.
J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
Brooks Brothers Linen Shorts- Bought from Ocean City, MD outlet store marked down from $100 to $20. These shorts are made by Brooks in conjunction with Baird McNutt of Ireland. They are lighter weight than my madras ones and make a classic Ivy pairing with a blue OCBD. Like seersucker and madras, do not wear these with a non-solid shirt.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- See Winter 2017.
Bulova Accutron Watch- See Ringing in the New Year.
While summer officially has been here for only a little over a week, Memorial Day marked its spiritual start. For future reference, I have broken down my summer posting into three sections: Early (Memorial Day to June 30), Mid (July-August), and Late (August-Labor Day). While I will still be posting separately for some occasions within each section, I would like to begin with a compilation of a few notable outfits from the first.
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Memorial Day (5/29)
While many people's ideal Memorial Day is at the beach, it being cloudy, windy, and 63 degrees are not usually a part of the picture! This was what I had going on for me when I went to Ocean City with friends for the day. While a few of us decided go into the water, I remained dry and content on the shore, wearing something I never thought I would wear to the beach: a sweater. With one of my friends bringing their portable speaker and Rolling Stones collection, I could have been sitting in OCMD 1965 with my outfit combined with the music.
Clubmaster Shades (Ray Ban) Italy
Pique Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
Cotton Sweater (L. L. Bean)
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Lacoste Polo Shirt- Ties the lighter blues of the shorts and sweater together with navy. For more, see Spring 2017.
L.L. Bean Cotton Sweater- Bought from L.L. Bean store at King of Prussia Mall. My go-to lightweight sweater worn over a polo. Easy to tie around neck for WASPy country club look (tread lightly).
Vineyard Vines Seersucker Shorts- Bought from Rehoboth, DE outlet store. Had to break these boys out for Memorial Day, no matter how chilly. When wearing seersucker pants or shorts, be sure to keep to solids for the top. Clashing of patterns can make eyes bleed.
Senior Trip to Busch Gardens (5/30)
Living only three hours from Williamsburg, VA, my senior class took a trip to Busch Gardens for the day. While roller coasters have never quite been my choice of activity, I still went on the trip to be with my girlfriend and the bros. To celebrate the seasonal wardrobe change even further, I decided to go full out GTH with my linen party shirt.
Linen Party Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Baseball Cap (Brooks Brothers)
Nautical Croakies (Southern Tide)
8" Shorts (L.L Bean)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
*Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Vineyard Vines Linen Party Shirt- Bought from Rehoboth outlet during Fall sale for only $25. Once a signature of Brooks Brothers as the "Fun Shirt", VV releases a new design for this color blocked shirt each year and has made it their own as the Party Shirt. These shirts are highly sought after in the Prep clothing community, so a deal of only $25 is quite significant (as I had considered buying it full price in the Outer Banks). This shirt is not to be worn more than once every 2-3 weeks due to its boldness, and should be limited only to the spring and summer depending on the colors and material (while some are made in darker colors for F/W wear). The epitome of GTH and TFM. For a more complete guide, see Tony from College Trad's article on the Fun Shirt.
Brooks Brothers Baseball Cap- Turned forward for photo. Backwards for remainder of day for an even more pretentious and fratty look. Mad, brah? Embrace it. For more, see Skip Day.*Brooks Brothers has since released a US made version of the hat. However, it is a flat-brimmed snapback. I think I'll stick with my imported one. Birkenstocks are made in Germany, yet you don't see me buying those either.
Southern Tide Nautical Croakies- Bought from Dixieland Clothing in Davidson, NC. Decorated with signal flags. Also gained me the reputation of being the "dad" of our group. Not as good quality as VV's croakies, but longer and lacking whale logo already on my shirt.
L.L. Bean 8" Shorts- Bought from website. A much needed upgrade from my pleated Ralph Lauren khaki shorts and 10" Nautica ones. I have now retired them to grass cutting duty.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Nick questioned me on why I decided to wear these to the park, as well as the rest of my outfit. My answer: why not? In the world of Trad/Prep/Ivy/what-have-you, there is a time where such clothes become more comfortable than a pair of sweatpants and loose t-shirt. For more, see Winter 2017.
Paired ensemble with my beater Fossil and KJP bracelet. Probably one of my more accessorized outfits w/ hat and croakies.
Graduation (6/3)
Since our Academic Team did not make the Sunday playoffs (see Alexandria, VA), I thankfully was able to enjoy my graduation ceremony and give my speech with ease. I was also able to stay around much longer than if I had been returning to Alexandria, so I was able to take pictures with friends. While I took many, I have decided to stay true to a running theme of this blog and post a picture of me with Nick and our Academic Team coach, Mr. Bock.
Me: Cotton Button Down (J. Crew)
Repp Stripe Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Nick: Gingham Button Down (J. Crew)
Crest Tie (Tommy Hilfiger) USA
Dark Chinos (J. Crew)
Leather Oxfords (G.H. Bass)
J. Crew Cotton Button Down- See It's Academic.
Vintage Brooks Brothers Repp Stripe Tie- A popular trend this year was to wear a bow tie with graduation robes. While normally I would endorse such a Trad pairing, its trendiness was not appreciated, so I decided instead upon a class of '67 look in wearing my robes with a slim repp tie from Brooks. Made in USA.
Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. For a while (as you readers may have noticed), I had been using my Vineyard Vines club pants as my go-to for semi-formal occasions. However, I have wanted to step my game up with a dressier pair of pants for such events, and I was prepared to spend a good deal on L.L. Bean's website for a pair of their acclaimed dress chinos. However, an impromptu trip to Uptown saved from spending such an amount of money, and provided me with a pair of quality no-break chinos that present a much more classic look than my club pants.
Nick decided against the bow tie trend as well, wearing a vintage straight Hilfiger tie we came across at a Goodwill the week before. While I have recommended against Tommy ties in past posts, I will share a rule that I follow for most brands: If its genuinely vintage, its likely quality made, no matter what status of the brand now. See what Abercrombie & Fitch used to be and you'll know what I'm talking about.
Nick's oxfords also have quite an interesting story to them. Initially ordering them for prom, the shoes had still not shipped mere days before the dance. So when Nick called to inquire, Bass apologized and gave the shoes to him for free! Alas, they still did not arrive until after the dance, leaving Nick to purchase a pair of Florsheims from Boscov's department store.
Graduation Dinner (6/13)
Celebrating my graduation with my family and Morgan at Buster's Seafood Grill (one of Salisbury's three seafood restaurants, including Red Lobster *cringe*). Being in the 90s today, I did not want to be sweating in an OCBD, but I didn't want to be too casual for dinner in shorts. So I met in the middle in yet another 1960s inspired outfit.
Mad Men Collection Ribbed Polo (Banana Republic)
Original Wayfarers (Ray Ban) Italy
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Stripe Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Ribbed Polo- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Starting in 2011, Banana Republic decided to cash in on a phenomena that was taking the nation by storm, and that was the TV show Mad Men. Reintroducing slick style pieces such as madras jackets and ribbed polos for men, Banana Republic made it so any man could dress like Don Draper on the weekend (while Brooks Brothers released Mad Men edition suits recreating the look of Don at Sterling Cooper). BR even got the 1960s sizing down, with me jumping from a small/medium mens to a large for this shirt. If you want to wear it like Don, pair it with pants. Leave your Ralph Lauren polos for shorts. While I appreciate that a casual Mad Men line was released, it still bothers me that it was not by a company that was active during the 60s (as Banana didn't begin as a safari gear company until the 1980s).
Ray Ban Original Wayfarers- While Don wore aviators, Wayfarers remain a trademark sunglasses design of the 1950s and 60s. Worn by JFK, Cary Grant, and even Bob Dylan (while none wore the Ray Ban models), this design was killed by the 70s but was resurrected in the 1980s and has lived on to today. Made in Italy.
J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate on in-store credit from my sales to them. Just like my dress chinos from graduation, they have no break. An upgrade from the Hilfigers that I have so prominently featured on this blog. They hold a crease much better too, and are a brand actually worn in the 60s!
Vintage Bulova Accutron- Read Ringin' in the New Year and Spring 2017.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Read Winter and Spring 2017.
Chester River (6/18)
As I will be staying in Salisbury for at least the first year of my college education at Salisbury University, I have decided to make it a priority this summer to explore parts of Maryland's Eastern shore that I have never been to before. As a local at a school pulling from across the nation, I guess one could say its my duty. As today my family would be taking my youngest sister up to Camp Pecometh (a United Methodist summer camp) on the Chester River, I decided to tag along and begin my heritage tour. I had never been to this part of the Delmarva peninsula before, and I must say I enjoyed it, as we were only a matter of minutes from the Chesapeake Bay at the camp. We also were close to Chestertown, one of the Eastern Shore's oldest communities. Legend has it that Chestertown was host to a Tea Party similar to Boston's on the eve of the American revolution. The town is also home to the LAC Washington College, the one of the oldest universities in the US. While I did not have the chance to visit neither Chestertown nor the college today, I enjoyed my time on the river.
Crab pots and pontoon boat, not included.
Pique Polo Shirt (Lacoste)
Tortoise Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Canvas Club Belt (Vineyard Vines) USA
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Original Topsiders (Sperry)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Vineyard Vines Canvas Club Belt- Bought from Rehoboth outlet. While originally one of the few "Made in USA" items from VV, details in their product page on the Vineyard Vines website shows that this may not be the case anymore. While I am going to wait and see to believe, I am ready to abandon Vines for Leatherman if it is true. It'll be hard giving up all of the wonderful designs though. My belt is printed with lighthouses on a red background. Made in USA (hopefully still is too).
Sperry Topsiders- When by the water, wear Topsiders. It's just what you do in the world of Prep. For more, see Springtime Hike.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
