Ringing in the New Year

Its time to say goodbye to 2016. Some would rather say good riddance. We've lost so many stars this year, ranging from David Bowie at its beginning to Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at its end. And let's not forget that presidential election that kept us on the edge of our seats. While we may wish to forget all that has happened, 2016 is sure to go down in the history books. 2017 needs to be brought in with celebration, and that is why I am here.

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Panera Lunch and Barnes and Noble with my Girlfriend

Monogrammed Oxford Cloth Button Down (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Gray Chinos (Lands End)

Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick) USA
14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Striped Cotton Watchband (Brooks Brothers)

8" Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
*Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA
*unpictured

• L.L. Bean Monogrammed OCBD- See Christmas 2016
• J. Crew Woven Leather Belt- Bought at outlet store in Nags Head, NC. This belt has proven itself to be quite problematic in its end falling out of the loops. However, it did not do this with the chinos I wore today. Made in the USA. Can be worn with pretty much any color of chino, but never to be worn with suits.
• Lands End Chinos- Bought from my local Uptown Cheapskate, a thrift store specializing in upscale clothing and brands. Appeared to have little to no wear on them. Have flapped pockets on the rear, a Trad eye-catcher. As I purchased these a few days ago, I have not had time to get them hemmed by my tailor. Will be taking them in along with my new Nantucket Reds in the new year. Please pardon the current length and wrinkles. Can be paired with a navy blazer for dressy occasions when ironed.
• Kiel James Patrick Anchor Bracelet- Ordered from KJP.com during Black Friday sale of 2015. The variety of styles and colors is vast, but I chose this navy and white one on basis of its name. Can be worn casually but also with a navy blazer at dressier events. While one of the youngest companies I buy from, KJP is undoubtedly the most superior. Making all his jewelry, accessories, and clothing in his factory (a remodeled boat house and cabin) in Rhode Island, Mr. Patrick remains a beacon of hope in the sartorial world for American made products. Here's to you Kiel!
• Vintage 1960s 14k Gold Bulova Accutron- Inherited from grandfather. While now mainly a department store brand of watch, Bulova was once acclaimed for its popular space age Accutron watch. Once using a tuning fork for movement, the company phased this out and switched to quartz in 1977. Accutrons are still produced today, but using this new quartz movement. I am happy to say I own the tuning fork version, which is made in the land of the Swiss! Can be worn formally and casually (depending on its current band).
• Brooks Brothers Striped Band (Gift)- Purchased from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Fits the Accutron perfectly and can be removed with ease! Comes in a variety of patterns, but I decided on the classic Brooks red, yellow, and navy. Only to be worn casually.
• J. Crew Wool Camp Socks- Purchased from J. Crew's Michigan Avenue store in Chicago. Like sweaters for the feet. Come in a variety of colors and ideally worn with boots like so. Made in the USA. Have served me well through one and a half winters of chill and snow. 
• L.L. Bean 8" Bean Boots - See Christmas 2016

New Years Eve Dinner and Party
I decided to go with my outfit from earlier in the day, but made one change to the get-up.

Monogrammed OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Woven Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH  Corduroy Duck Hunting Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
8" Duck Boots (L.L. Bean) USA
Camp Socks (J. Crew) USA
Vintage 14k Gold Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Repp Striped Watchband (Brooks Brothers)
Kennedy Sail Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Ralph Lauren Corduroy GTH Duck Hunting Pants (Gift)- Bought from Ebay. Much more affordable than buying from any department or Ralph Lauren store. Embroidered with ducks, hunters, and rifles. According to The Official Preppy Handbook, "At least one pair of embroidered [corduroy pants] is a must." My family was initially not amused with these pants, but they soon grew on them. Due to their loud appearance, I recommend only wearing these on select occasions, and not with other GTH colors or styles. For a more country club inspired look, pair with horse-bit loafers or boat shoes instead of duck boots. Herringbone blazer optional.

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Anyways, enjoy ringing in the New Year! Happy 2017!!!

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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New Beginnings

Many of you probably follow me on Instagram @the_preppy_marylander. Though I have enjoyed my time on social media, I have decided to expand my passion for the Trad and Preppy fashions and provide a guide of sorts to those also wishing to pursue them as well. Being a Trad isn't hard, and I intend to provide advice and help to any gentleman wishing to be one as well.
Cheers!
Thomas
The Maryland Trad