Retrospective: Summer 2016

While this current summer has been a relatively laid back affair for me, last year's was quite a contrast. The excitement began less than 3 days into my summer break with a college tour. This started at Wake Forest in Winston Salem, NC. Both of my parents were enrolled here for graduate school.  I sadly did not take any pictures of the campus, but I would have definitely applied if it had not taken 10 hours to drive there.

Downtown Winston Salem
Golden Fleece Cap (Brooks Brothers)
Aviator Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Pique Polo Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Seersucker Shorts (Vineyard Vines)
Weejun Penny Loafers (Bass)
Grant Chronograph (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Cap- See Skip Day.
• Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses- A gift from a friend. I have mainly retired these sunglasses to yardwork due to the wear on them. 
• Vineyard Vines Pique Polo- Bought from Rehoboth, DE outlet. My only VV polo shirt. A step up from the overused Ralph Lauren, but not as esteemed as Lacoste or Brooks Brothers.
• Vineyard Vines Seersucker Shorts- When in the South.... (For more, see Early Summer 2017)
• Bass Weejuns- Later on my college tour, a man in Davidson, NC introduced me to Alden. See Winter 2017.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- See other posts.

My next stop on my college tour was at Davidson College in Davidson, NC. I sadly did not take any pictures of that campus either, while I still loved the tour. A small, Southern, liberal arts, division I school where Stephen Curry once played for, what could be wrong with it? A 12 hour drive from Salisbury, MD. While in Davidson, I visited a small men's store next to the college, that sold the likes of Barbour, Alden, and Southern Tide. I bought a pair of croakies before leaving. Our next stop was not a college, but the mountain town of Linville in Western North Carolina, where we would be staying in a cabin for several days.

Pique Polo (Lacoste)
Pleated Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)
Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Lacoste Pique Polo- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate in Salisbury, MD. Not as well fitting as my navy version. Its bright lavender color would make it a hit with 1980s preppies.
• Ralph Lauren Pleated Shorts- My only pair of khaki shorts at the time. Now replaced by pleat-less L. L. Beans. For more, see Springtime Hike.
• Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes- A dressier alternative to the classic brown leather body and white soles. More moccasin like than the others as well. May even be worn into colder months with socks.

Hiking on Roan Mountain TFM style.
Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Longsleeve T-Shirt (Collared Greens) USA
Running Shoes (Brooks)

• Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- See Outer Banks 2017.
• Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee Shirt- See other posts.
• Brooks Running Shoes- While my go-to athletic shoes are my Under Armours, I decided to bring my rarely worn Brookses instead.

Outside of Linville Caverns
Needlepoint Lobster Hat (Harding Lane)
Cotton Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
William & Mary Shep Shirt (Vineyard Vines)

• Harding Lane Needlepoint Lobster Hat- See Spring 2017.
• Vineyard Vines Button Down- See Spring 2017.
• Vineyard Vines William & Mary Shep Shirt- Bought at the William & Mary bookstore during my summer class of 2015. Originally $130, I managed to bring my cash payment to only 15% of the cost. Using my 20% student discount, plus various Barnes and Noble (who was partnered with the college in owning the bookstore) gift cards I had accrued over the years, I ended up paying only $20 out-of-pocket. A breathable extra layer for cooler days in any season (except winter, where you might want a little more).*WARNING: Only wear college gear if either you or a family member has gone to that school (as in my case, my father went to W&M for his PhD). Otherwise, you are inviting uncomfortable questions or reactions.

After several days in Linville, I resumed my college tour in Lexington, VA at Washington and Lee University. It shares the town with Virginia Military Institute, where my father went for undergrad. However, I did not tour there (to the relief of my dad). This was probably my favorite college on the tour, but also happened to be the most expensive. After my campus tour, I managed to stop in at Alvin-Dennis, a men's store that College Trad has featured on his blog (along with the school itself). However, thinking about the price of W&L, I didn't buy anything. Funny thing is, I ended up not applying at all!

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I was home for one week before the next part of my summer began, and that was my summer class at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It was my second summer taking a course there. Also returning from the previous summer was my friend Christian from Texas. Christian attended St. John's School in Houston, which is where the Wes Anderson film Rushmore was filmed (and also where Anderson himself attended), and is currently bound for Princeton.

The Wolf Pack of W&M: Gus, yours truly, Rahul, Christian, and Josh
Seersucker Sport Coat (Architect)
Button Down Shirt (J. Crew)
Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)
*Two-Toned Wingtips (Bass)

• Architect Seersucker Sportcoat- See Easter 2017.
• J. Crew Button Down Shirt- See other posts.
• Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bowtie- See other posts.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Chinos- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate. Made of lighter material than my Nantucket Reds and pink VV club pants, I debated between these and my blue club pants when preparing for the humidity of Tidewater Virginia. 

Going out for Fourth of July lunch at The Trellis
Linen Party Shirt (Vineyard Vines)
Woven Belt (J. Crew) USA
GTH Pants (Banana Republic)

• Vineyard Vines Linen Party Shirt- While normally I would never pair this shirt with another GTH item, the pants proved to be an exception to this rule. See Early Summer 2017.
• J. Crew Woven Belt- See other posts.
• Banana Republic GTH Chinos- Bought from Banana Republic store in Alexandria, VA. My stand-ins for authentic Nantucket Reds. I wore these pants for all three of my college tours (paired with a neutral OCBD), as well as my W&M interview.
• The umbrella was purchased that day from RW Bryant Ltd., as the holiday did not stop the rain from coming.

Reppin' Southern Tide in RVA
Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Skipjack Polo (Southern Tide)
Seersucker Shorts (Rugby Ralph Lauren)

• Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- One of many at W&M. For more, see Spring 2017.
• Southern Tide Skipjack Polo- Bought from RW Bryant Ltd. one day before this photo was taken. Another harmonious pairing of pink and green. Take away the hat, and 2016 Thomas would have had the perfect outfit. If only he knew he looked like a walking Southern Tide ad. 
• Rugby Ralph Lauren Seersucker Shorts- In 2004, Ralph Lauren introduced the line Rugby, which attempted a more collegiate (some might say WASPier) style than regular Polo. The line was discontinued in 2013, but Rugby clothing can still be found in used clothing stores and on eBay. I found these bad boys at Uptown Cheapskate. They are not much different from my Vineyard Vines shorts, with the exception being a double belt loop near the front button.

On the James River Ferry.
Clubmaster Shades (PacSun)
University Stripe OCBD (Vineyard Vines)
Printed Lobster Shorts (Izod)

• PacSun Clubmaster Shades- Bought as a cheap fix for casual sunglasses (only $3) when I used to shop at PacSun as a freshman in high school. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Other than that, these were not a bad pair of sunglasses. I finally passed them along to Nick after buying a pair of Ray-Bans from Uptown Cheapskate. They were then stolen from him at a restaurant a day later.
• Vineyard Vines University Stripe OCBD- See other posts.
• Izod Printed Lobster Shorts- My first try in the area of GTH clothing. I bought these shorts on Amazon during my sophomore year of high school, a time where I was somewhat oblivious to the quality of clothing. While they have held up as a good pair of shorts, I would not have bought them now, as their inseam covers the knee. And when looking for a GTH motif, always choose embroidered over printed.

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After returning to Salisbury from William & Mary, I only had one week until my annual trip to the Outer Banks (see my last post for more details). Thankfully, that week went by quickly, and I was back at the Blanchard in no time.

Up in the crow's nest
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Banana Republic)
GTH Chino Shorts (Polo Ralph Lauren)

• Banana Republic Wayfarer Sunglasses- Bought from outlet in Nags Head. An upgrade from my PacSuns in brand, but not exactly in quality. They became looser and looser in a matter of weeks, and eventually lost a screw. While I repaired them, they will not be the same again. Since I upgraded to Ray-Bans, these shades now reside in my glove box.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Shorts- Bought from outlet. I bought these to replace my pair from Vineyard Vines, which had been bled on in the wash. 

They really loved my "fancy pants"
Pique Polo Shirt (Banana Republic)
Crested GTH Pants (Polo Ralph Lauren)

• Banana Republic Polo Shirt- Bought at retail store in Alexandria. Gives off a 60s vibe with its three buttons. BR offers other versions without the elephant logo.
• Ralph Lauren GTH Pants- "Fancy pants" are never a bad choice for the beach. For more, see Winter 2017.

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And just like that, summer was almost over.

After-church oyster lunch.
Navy Blazer (Andhurst/Belk) USA
Repp Stripe Tie (J. Crew)

• Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
• J. Crew Repp Stripe Tie- Bought from outlet in OBX. The skinny cut and stripes evoke a look of a 1960s prep school student. If only they were made in the USA.

When National Bow Tie Day coincides with church
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)

• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Bought from Rehoboth Outlet. These can also be worn casually with an OCBD or polo. 

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Outer Banks 2017

Hello readers. In my last post, I issued a PSA for frequent posting this week. Obviously, this was not the case. I was too busy for blogging this week, which is a good thing. The OBX have much to offer. Because of this, I have decided to create one mega-post for the trip that I hope you enjoy!

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The House

The Outer Banks of North Carolina have always held a place in the collective heart of my family. Having hosted the honeymoons of both my parents and grandparents, plus numerous vacations taken by them before my birth, it makes sense that I would take a love to them as well. I have been coming to the OBX since I was an infant. For the past twelve years, however, my family has been renting a house in the town of Nags Head for one week (being the last week of July). The house (The Blanchard) was built during the 1920s, and is only several buildings away from the house where FDR would stay during his visits to the Banks (The Buchanan). 

The Blanchard from the beach side.

Not originally a part of the house, The Blanchard features an extended overlook of its beach. Dubbed the "crow's nest" by my grandfather, the overlook now has an opening leading to the beach (due to the sand dune overtaking the other beach access).

The Blanchard's coveted beach as seen from the crow's nest. A sand dune has been built over time to protect the house from storm surges. During my last night, a storm brought the waves to the base of the dune.

The house came with a total of two master bedrooms, one triple bedroom, one double bedroom in the loft overlooking the family room, and one single bedroom. My bedroom however, was not located within the main house. The Blanchard also came with a guest cottage, containing two twin beds, a bathroom, and air conditioning. For the past two summers, I have used the cottage as a bachelor pad of sorts.

The Blanchard's guest cottage is located in between the road and the main house.

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The Shopping

Anyways, enough about the house. Each year, our party consists of eleven people: my paternal grandparents (who rent the house), maternal grandmother, aunt, uncle, cousin, my immediate family (parents and two sisters), and myself. While we stayed in the house as a family and went to meals together, we all pretty much did our own thing for most of the time. For me, a portion of this time consisted of shopping when I wasn't on the beach or spending time with family. As noted in my other posts, a good bit of my wardrobe has been purchased in Nags Head. The town hosts a set of Tanger Outlets, as well as a variety of clothing stores. The most notorious clothing store in the OBX is The Cotton Gin. While offering a wide variety of preppy/resort brands, they mostly charge full price for their clothing, making it hard for me to shop there. Nevertheless, I have bought clothes from them before (but not this year). 

The men's department of The Cotton Gin, offering brands such as Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, and Collared Greens. Sadly, Salt Life tends to sell the fastest of any brand offered there. While the Nags Head CG's men's department only takes up several racks, its store in Jarvisburg has an entire room.

My suspicion in an earlier post was confirmed when I saw this. Vineyard Vines no longer makes their belts exclusively in the US (yet they charge the same as when they did). Buyers beware! I think I'll stick to Leatherman from now on.

Another store I visited in Nags Head I felt worth mentioning was the Kitty Hawk Surf Company. While a surf shop in name, it caught my eye through its sale of Patagonia, Southern Tide, and Leatherman Ltd. belts, much like Quietstorm in Ocean City (see Senior Skip Day).

While I can't make an association between Patagonia and OBX culture, I must give KHSC a nod for offering it. One of their synchillas would have come in handy during the final nights of my stay.

Much more understandable than Patagucci.

I visited three other stores trying to cash in on the "Southern preppy" craze, being Kitty Hawk Kites, Farmer's Daughter, and Roanoke Marshes Trading Co. , but I failed to take any pictures of them. The latter two offered Southern Marsh, a better known Southern prep brand, but the kite store sold brands that were clearly less established and probably currently pursuing ambassadors via Instagram. In other words, their selection failed to impress me.

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The Food

I began my dining experience at lunch on Sunday, stopping at Southland, a restaurant/gift shop/smoke shop/gas station/slot parlor on the VA/NC border. 

A certain Wendy's commercial comes to mind.

NC Welcome: Minced Pork Barbecue Sandwich + Curly Fries

I then went out again for breakfast Monday morning at Darrell's, a restaurant in Manteo, a town across the Roanoke Sound about 10 miles from Nags Head. I would return here again for dinner Wednesday evening and breakfast again Saturday.

The interior of Darrell's. The restaurant has been open in Manteo since 1960 and survived hurricane upon hurricane. I personally recommend their hotcakes for breakfast and NC catfish for dinner.

For dinner Monday night, my immediate family went out with my grandparents to Sam and Omie's, a seafood restaurant in Nags Head.

Open since 1937 (maybe FDR ate here), Sam and Omie's operates as both a seafood restaurant and bar, and has a mascot I fear is the illegitimate child of the Vineyard Vines whale and Ivory Ella elephant.

Tuna steak sandwich with fries for dinner. 

Tuesday's meal out was for lunch at Big Al's diner in Manteo. I ordered a crab cake sandwich and vanilla malt for lunch that were both superb (even though I usually try to avoid crab outside of MD)! The restaurant is home to one of the largest Coca Cola memorabilia collections in the world, and has the atmosphere of a 1950s diner with its decor, soda counter, jukebox, and dance floor.

The soda counter at Big Al's. Half expected to see Richie Cunningham or the Fonz walk in.

"Did you just buy a five dollar shake?"

My final times eating out on the trip included Darrell's (two more times), a cheesesteak from the beach food stand Snowbird, the Nags Head Cafe for Friday breakfast, and Southland once more on the way home. I also got to have fresh OBX shrimp at The Blanchard, which my grandmother made for us all on Thursday. By today, my Outer Banks dining experience was complete with a full cycle.

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The Outfits

Up in the Crow's Nest
Baseball Cap (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Embroidered Shorts (J. Crew)
Topsiders (Sperry) 

• Vineyard Vines Baseball Cap- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. This hat has been through it all. Originally a dark navy blue, the sun and saltwater have brought my beloved hat to a gray. I typically try to avoid wearing it with other whale logos. You don't want to end up looking like a brand's billboard when it comes to logos. Try letting that whale make friends with a horse, sheep, or alligator rather than another whale. 
• Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- See Senior Skip Day.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See other posts.
• J. Crew Embroidered Shorts- Bought Monday from outlet. These shorts are embroidered with mermaids and sea shells, making them ideal for the coastal setting. I had considered buying these shorts while at the outlets with Nick about a month ago, but waited to see if their price would go down. Surely enough, it did!
• Sperry Topsiders- A good time and place for them to fill with sand! See other posts for more.

On Wednesday evening after dinner, I went with my family into Manteo to walk around for the evening. Many of the streets are named after characters in the play The Lost Colony (a drama about the English Roanoke colony that vanished without a trace from the area we know today as Manteo). It was only a matter of time before I found the street of the character I shared a name with: the drunk, Old Tom.

Finally found my street in Manteo.
Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Cotton V-Neck Sweater (Ralph Lauren)
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Ascot Bit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- Originally worn with khakis and bit loafers during the day a la Jordan Belfort, but the evening breeze had other ideas. For more, see Oxford, MD.
• Ralph Lauren Cotton V-Neck- Bought from outlet on Wednesday. As I didn't think to bring a sweater or even my Vineyard Vines shep shirt down for the week, I bought this sweater to stay warm during the nights. It came into great use inside Darrell's (which is feels like a refrigerator) and during chilly nights. Plus it's easy to tie around the neck when you don't need to wear it anymore.
• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Wanted something less drab than my khaki chinos for vacation. For more, see other posts.
• Cole Haan Ascot Bit Loafers- One of three pairs of shoes brought with me (the other being flip flops for the beach and my topsiders). They send a better vacation vibe than my Aldens. For more, see other posts.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- Going with a 60s inspired look? Gotta have an actual 60s item. For more, see other posts.

Manteo's marina was also impressive. While most of the large yachts were docked at Pirate's Bay (a club), sailboats and smaller yachts made use of the downtown docks. While Oxford tries to imitate New England, Manteo sets itself aside as its own kind of maritime community.

On Manteo's Dock
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy

On Thursday, I toured the Elizabethan Gardens near The Lost Colony's outdoor theater. I had been years ago as a young child, and the place had clearly changed. However, I still enjoyed the walk and lookout onto the nearby sound.

Salisbury University Cap (Richardson)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Frocket Tee (Southern Tide)
Madras Shorts (J. Crew) India
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
*Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Richardson Salisbury University Cap- See Red Roost.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Same deal for croakies as for the hat. While I tend to favor my Southern Tide Croakies due to their length, I didn't want to be a walking billboard for them. One skipjack at a time, brah. For more, see other posts.
• Southern Tide Frocket Tee- Bought from R. Bryant Ltd. in Williamsburg, VA. The shirt has the store's name printed on the pocket, making it rare and probably not worn by your typical frat brother (unless he goes to William & Mary). 
• J. Crew Madras Shorts- Bought from outlet on Monday. A replacement for my Old Navy ones. These are shorter in inseam as well, and are still made in India. Plus, they only cost me $20. 
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- In a maritime town, gotta wear a maritime bracelet. Surprised Mr. Patrick hasn't visited Manteo yet. He would be impressed. For more, see other posts.

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Red Roost

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.

Oxford, MD

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"). 

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