Providence, RI

Hello readers! I know I mentioned an Easter post at the beginning of my last post for Spring Break, but the semester has picked up again with its workload. I did take pictures though, and they will be included in my seasonal "Spring 2018" post. But for now, lets move on to the next event I mentioned: a trip to Providence, RI.

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Thursday April 12th

Most of you are probably wondering why someone would take a trip to Rhode Island toward the end of the spring semester and not during spring break. I was lucky enough to have research accepted by the Northeast Regional Honors Council to be presented at their annual conference. While last year it was hosted in Pittsburgh, PA (a place I have little interest of traveling to), this year it was to be held in Providence, a city I have always wanted to visit. I went along with 19 other students from Salisbury University, 13 of which were other freshmen. We departed from Salisbury at 7 in the morning, cutting through NYC as well as its many commuter towns in NY and CT.

This photo was taken at a rest stop in New Jersey before entering the Big Apple. You can spot the skyline in the background if you look closely.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Cotton Quarter-Zip (Vineyard Vines)
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)

• Vineyard Vines Quarter Zip- Bought from Rehoboth Beach, DE outlet store. The cotton quarter-zip is a staple in my spring wardrobe. While not looked upon favorably by the old guard, I recommend Vineyard Vines as a source of these sweaters and pullovers for times when its too warm for a Patagonia or wool pullover but too chilly for just a shirt. A much more contemporary preppy look than the Ivy styled v-neck or crew.
• Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- Pink and green pairing on point. 
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- See other posts.
• Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Mainly retired during the cooler months in favor of my Aldens and Bean Boots. Now making their way out of hibernation. For more, see other posts.

We arrived in Providence around 3:30. We would be staying in the heart of "down-city" at the Omni Providence hotel, which also housed the Providence Convention Center where our conference would be held. Being only four men on the trip (not including the Honors College Dean), we were put two to a room.

The view from my hotel room wasn't bad at all!

The Omni also housed a massive indoor gym and swimming pool on its sixth floor. I made use of the pool and hot tub several times during my stay, and it became one of the primary meeting place for students of other schools at the conference.

The hotel was also connected to the nearby Providence Place Mall by sky-walk. After attending a conference sponsored game night, I headed over to the mall with my roommate for dinner at the food court.

Don't hate on mall sushi until you've tried it. It was definitely worth more than the small price they charged.

After my roommate returned to the hotel, I decided to further explore the mall. I was definitely impressed by its wide selection, but mostly by its J. Crew, which had the most helpful staff I've ever experienced at one. That night, it was hosting a fundraiser party for a local non-profit, complete with a guitar player. I made sure to buy a pair of socks before returning to the hotel.

Not a J.Crew Factory store by any means!

Despite their heavy appearance, these herringbone socks are appropriate for any weather (that requires socks)!

Friday April 13th

Today was our designated time to explore the city before the presenting of research actually kicked off. Much to my delight, we would not be toured around the city by a guide, but rather by ourselves. We started off as one large group of SU freshman and we made off to visit Brown and then the waterfront. The city reminded me of a mix of Alexandria, VA with a less crowded and dirty Baltimore. We walked through the campus of Brown for about 10 minutes while attracting the evil eye of the University's students who were probably scoffing at us for being the out-of-towners we were. I didn't blame them at all. If SU attracted the number of tourists Brown did, I'm pretty sure I'd be that way too.

This photo was taken before our hasty departure from the Brown campus.

Monogrammed Polo Shirt (L.L. Bean)
Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd.) USA
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• L.L. Bean Monogrammed Polo Shirt- Bought from Bean's website. L.L. Bean puts out a killer polo shirt for an unbeatable price of only $35! A monogram only costs $8 extra for non-cardholders, while it is free for those with the L.L. Bean Visa Card. A cardholder myself, I enjoy free shipping and returns, as well as the complimentary monogramming services. A monogram beats out a pony, whale, sheep, or even alligator any day!
• Leatherman Ltd. Motif Belt- Now that Vineyard Vines has started importing their belts, I recommend the Connecticut made Leatherman as a safe and superior alternative (not to mention cheaper). I own another with an anchor motif, and plan on continuing my collection as soon as I find another store that carries them. For more, see my Alexandria, VA post.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- See other posts.

Providence skyline as seen from our waterfront walk.

After walking along the waterfront for a while, we decided to get lunch at a local sandwich shop closer to the hotel. Naturally, I took the opportunity to get my share of some fine New England cuisine with a bowl of clam chowder and Del's Lemonade to wash it down.

The last time I was in New England was a time I couldn't stand clam chowder. Six years later, and I can't get enough of it.

A Rhode Island tradition.

After lunch, our main group split up into three smaller ones to either return to the hotel, go shopping, or explore the city. Wanting to see more of the town, I went with the latter of the three. We first returned to the hotel to change, as the temperature had dropped. It was during this brief stop at the hotel that I spotted David Letterman in the lobby headed to the bar. Unfortunately, I did not take the opportunity to get a photo, as I was unsure about whether or not it was him until one of my friends saw him the following day. After departing from the hotel, we visited a Roger Williams visitor center, where we found out too late that a bus ran from Providence to Newport, where I and several others in our group had wanted to visit. Slightly disappointed, we then made our way to the State House.

Inside the State House is not only the legislative offices of RI, but also the charter for the colony.

After touring the state house, we then returned to the hotel yet again, but I couldn't get enough of the city, and decided to set out again several minutes after getting back. I ventured into a part of the downtown in search of a men's clothing store, and soon found what I was looking for in the form of a vintage store. While it did carry vintage preppy staples from Brooks, Bean, Pendleton, Woolrich, etc., it presented more of a hipster vibe. After walking around the city more, I then returned to the hotel for the evening. The conference put on a banquet at 7:30, followed by a keynote speaker that went until 9:30. While we had initially wanted to go out and explore the city's nightlife, the presentations the next day kept us from doing so.

Not knowing about the long speech awaiting us.

Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
* Embroidered Whale Shorts (Ralph Lauren
*not pictured

• Lands End Blue OCBD-  One of two blue OCBDs brought to RI with me. See Alexandria, VA post for more.
• Belk Navy Blazer- First appearance it would make before being worn all of Saturday and Sunday. For more, see other posts.
• Ralph Lauren Embroidered Whale Shorts- Definitely turned some heads at this dinner. Whenever the dress code is vague, shorts with a blazer is always the compromise. Business on top, party on bottom. For more, see other posts, but especially Alexandria, VA for this combination.

Saturday April 14th

Today was the first day of research presentation for the conference. While I wouldn't present until Sunday, I still made my best efforts to attend the sessions of other SU students. Breakfast consisted of pastries and coffee provided by the conference, so I decided to up my game by getting brunch at one of the hotel's restaurants, Centro.

Sausage, home fried potatoes, and toast. Brunch had never been more filling than this! (Don't let the picture fool you. They give quite large portions.)

After a day of attending research presentations, lounging poolside, and keeping a watchful eye out for David Letterman (who I never saw again), I then went out with my friends to a upscale pizza place for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures, but can tell you that the restaurant was Providence Coal Fired Pizza in the city's downtown. After eating, we then returned to the hotel for the nautical themed student gala.

Captain Tom sets sail from Providence. Coast Guard beware!

Sailboat Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
White OCBD (J. Crew)

• Vineyard Vines Sailboat Bow Tie- Nautical themed dances come with options. Wear an ascot and captain's hat for a Thurston Howell III or yacht club vibe? Or Nantucket Reds for the look of a Yankee sailor? Or embrace youth with a nautical themed bow tie? While I had all three options at my disposal, I decided upon the most contemporary and youthful one. Paired with casual khakis and sock-less loafers for a less contrived look of pressed slacks and coordinated socks. You're only in college once! For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew White OCBD- I try not to concern myself with a collar roll when wearing bow ties. This being said, it is my go-to shirt for anything but a straight tie. For more, see other posts.

Sunday April 15th

I finally presented my research this morning, but took no pictures were taken from the presentation. We departed from Providence at 10 am and arrived home at 6 pm. In all, my trip to Providence was amazing! I recommend it to anyone wanting the urban New England experience but not wanting to venture as far up as Boston. My only regrets are that I couldn't stay longer, and that I didn't get a picture with David Letterman.

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Spring Break 2018

So yeah, spring break was lit! Went to Cancun, drank til my liver needed a transplant, and became the poster boy for both TFM and Old Row.... Nah, spring break was spent in Salisbury chillin' and workin'. With half a semester left to go, a recharge never hurts. My week was pretty low key, but here are a few of the highlights...

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Sunday March 18th
I began the day with lunch with my friend Allison at Backstreet Grill, a popular after-church dining spot for much of Salisbury. We ran into my friend Mason, as well as my pastor and several others during the hour and a half we were there.

When Allison asks to get a picture of you during lunch.

Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
1st Staffordshire Repp Tie (Unbranded) England
OCBD (L.L. Bean)

• Belk Navy Blazer- First time worn in several months due to the end of tweed weather. For more, see other posts.
• 1st Staffordshire Repp Tie- Bought this from Season's Best Antiques, my go-to for authentic Ivy staples. I know little about this tie other than the fact that its "Authentic English" and its skinny cut places it in the early to mid 1960s. The fact that it's in William & Mary colors also made it irresistible to buy. Made in England.
• L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.

After lunch and a quick change of outfit, I hit the golf course with Mason, taking advantage of our new club memberships for the first time. 'Twas a rough game, but better than the last one.

Ignoring both my terrible score and wrinkled pants.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Cardigan Sweater (Prestige Lines) USA
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Prestige Lines Cardigan Sweater- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate for only $3. According to the staff there, a man brought in nearly 10 of these cardigans to sell, likely the result of a failed brand creation. I had never heard of "Prestige Lines" before, but I obviously had heard of "Made in the USA". So naturally, I bought one, and so did Nick when he was home from Vanderbilt on break. A cardigan can be tricky to pull off. When purchasing, look for the slimmest option. Years ago, I made the mistake of letting my parents know I wanted a cardigan for Christmas, and ended up with a bright red one from Lands End that was tent-like on my frame. Lets just say that sweater doesn't get around very much. Moral of the story is that fit makes or breaks a cardigan sweater. Go slim and look like a young Hugh Hefner, or roomy and look like your granddad. The choice is yours. 
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Need ironing. For more, see other posts.
• Alden Penny Loafers- Until I buy a pair of actual golf shoes, these will do. For more, see other posts.

Friday March 23rd

What happened Monday to Thursday? Yard-work, regular work, hanging with friends, etc. Didn't think to document any of it through photos though. Oh well. Today, however, I did feel was photo-worthy. I went with my friend Chris on a drive to the little village of Tyaskin, MD on the Nanticoke River. The place is near and dear to my heart, as my late grandfather lived here. His old house, which is now owned by a prominent Salisbury attorney, is a minute walk from Tyaskin Park, a popular river beach during summer months. Chris and I visited the park for a few minutes, but left due to the chilly breeze coming off the river.

Tyaskin Park is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and swimming during warmer months. When a 70 degree day hit Salisbury about a month back, you'd better bet this place was crowded. That's Delmarva for you!

The island behind me was always the spot my cousins and I aspired to one day swim out to. Too bad it was also home of "the lake monster". Needless to say, us kids never swam out farther than the tip of the pier.

Pinpoint Hat (Harding Lane)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cotton Sweatshirt (J. Crew)
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• Harding Lane Pinpoint Hat- Recently discovered SU's bookstore carries one with the Maryland flag on it. Might be adding another to my collection very soon. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD-  See Williamsburg, VA.
• J. Crew Cotton Sweatshirt- Bought from outlet in Rehoboth Beach, DE. My alternative to the hoodie. A crewneck sweatshirt can be worn with almost everything. Pair with an OCBD and penny loafers for a Take Ivy look, or with Bean Boots/Sperrys for a preppy one. Save the bright colors until at least January though.
• Barbour Bedale- About to enter its last month of use before being sent for rewaxing in May. For more, see other posts.
• Bulova Accutron- Recently had to get the crystal replaced. Now in better shape than ever! For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Boots- Will be retired for the season as the temperatures gradually transition into the 60s. For more, see other posts.

Want a little house with your pink? One of several homes for sale in Tyaskin. 

After leaving Tyaskin, Chris and I then drove through the village of Bivalve before heading back to Salisbury. 

Bivalve is home to Cedar Hill Marina, where my grandfather docked his boat. The marina also hosted the Great North American Turtle Race, sponsored by the town's fire department. Sadly, the race is one of the many events to have ceased taking place in and around Salisbury.

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So here lieth my spring break. Complete with sweaters, duck boots, and snow on Wednesday. Doesn't sound too different from winter break. RIP

Fragrance Guide: Sandalwood, Spice, and Bays that are Nice

After a nearly two month hiatus, I am back! I have been extra busy this semester, and have had little time to blog. So today I will be changing up things a bit and giving my first ever product review on the blog. However, here are some posts to look forward to in the next coming weeks and months: Easter festivities, a trip to Providence, RI, beach bonfire on Assateague Island, Kentucky Derby Spring Formal, and hopefully, a week in Avon, NC with the boys.

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Cleanliness is key. Your collection of sweaters, oxford shirts, and chinos will do you no good without it. A well dressed but foul smelling man just might as well be wearing rags. However, if you are reading this blog, the chance you need to hear this very slim. You already know it. However, I will still point out that there is a difference between not smelling bad and smelling good. Today's post is about the latter. Most guys want to smell good, and have wanted to since they were tweens. Remember the days of Axe body spray after gym class or before your 8th grade dance? You wanted to smell good then too, and wanted to prove it by dousing yourself in cheap chemicals that are probably now burning a hole in the Ozone layer. Well, now that your body spray days are (hopefully) over, it is time to select a scent of moderation and maturity. I will be giving four reviews of products ranging from inexpensive to premium makers.

Old Spice Classic Cologne & Aftershave

Confession time: yours truly was of the body spray crowd too when he was in middle school. However, Axe was never my go-to. Old Spice put out their own collection of sprays as well, which I was enamored with. After doing my fair share of atmospheric damage with the numerous cans bought over the course of my middle school days, I one day decided that my spraying days were over, and switched over to designer cologne for a few months (Aramis & Drakkar Noir). However, my allegiances soon returned to Old Spice after discovering that they too had a cologne that was much more inexpensive.

Old Spice cologne comes with a spraying function. Meanwhile, aftershave (above) is to be dabbed or splashed on.

The great thing about Old Spice is its price and availability. While the cologne is harder to find (but not by much), the aftershave can be found in just about any drugstore, and for slightly over $10. Probably the most Ivy of my favorite fragrances. Combine with the scents Brylcreem and cigarette smoke for the smell of just about any 1960s college campus. Madison Avenue made this the scent of the alpha male back then, and continues to today (for other products).

Chesapeake Bay Spyce

We now shift to another spice, or rather "spyce". Chesapeake Bay Spyce is a local company based in Easton, MD (see my post). However, I have found the cologne in men stores as far South as Williamsburg, VA. I received a bottle as a Christmas gift, and it is now my go-to every day scent that doesn't clash at all with my Old Spice aftershave. Just like Brylcreem, a little dab 'll do ya. This stuff is strong! For all my Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia readers (on and off the Peninsula), I especially recommend this for you. Look in local men stores, pharmacies, and gift shops. I got my bottle from the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury. And if you happen to live somewhere else, such as the landlocked Midwest, and want the smell of the Bay, I won't accuse you of cultural appropriation. You can get Chesapeake Spyce on Amazon for the same price as in stores!

A 4 oz. bottle of CB Spyce sells for about $30 for those who are wondering.

Showcasing the Delmarva Peninsula on the back of the box.

It wouldn't be a Chesapeake Bay cologne without something involving the Blue Crab.

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Cologne

The oldest American fragrance company (so old, it used to be British) puts out the next fragrance on our list. I bought a bottle three years ago before my summer class at William & Mary. While a haze of Axe hung over the rooms of many of my other dorm mates, the room I shared always had the smell of Sandalwood. For these reasons, I always associate this sweet smelling fragrance with the school and the wonderful people I met there. After a year of almost daily use of Sandalwood, I made the move back to Old Spice during my senior year of high school, only using the C-M for special occasions. 

With a thin layer covering the bottom of the bottle, my bottle of Sandalwood has lasted me nearly three years. Oddly enough, the price has gone up from the time I bought it. Being $35 in 2015 and now $45 in 2018.

St. Johns Bay Rum

Highest on the price spectrum of my recommended fragrances is this bad boy. Imported from the Virgin Islands and costing $50 for a bottle, Bay Rum can be found in local men stores and giants such as Brooks Brothers alike. I am always sure to take a sample spritz when shopping at the stores that carry it. After I finish my bottle of Chesapeake Bay Spyce, I will likely move on to Bay Rum before deciding which scent to actually stick with.

Ivy-Style.com coins Bay Rum as the "scent of Madison Avenue". Want to smell like Don Draper (minus the stench of cigarettes)? Then this is the cologne for you! (picture property of ivy-style.com)

Honorable and Dishonorable Mentions

The scents endorsed above are certainly not the only ones that will do. While I typically recommend against them, some clothing companies do produce a decent cologne for a decent price. Brooks Brothers and Polo are examples of this. Do not bother with Tommy Hilfiger or Nautica's lines of fragrances. The biggest NO I give is Fierce by A&F, and I'm not even going to explain why. Even colognes from high fashion houses such as Gucci, Armani, etc. I recommend against. Their specialty is clothes, so buy from someone whose specialty is fragrances. Then again, as I said before, exceptions can always be made. In the end, once you have found a scent you like, wear it proudly and stick with it.

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Golf at Nutters Crossing

As my month and a half long winter break is drawing to a close, it has begun to feel like spring in Salisbury. After a post Christmas deep freeze followed by a blizzard in the new year, our town has received its fair share of winter weather that usually spares the Delmarva peninsula. While I predict winter is not completely over, I made the most of this springtime teaser by going golfing with my friends Mason and Chris. I had bought a set of Wilson clubs three years ago, but had not gotten the chance to use them, so this was my chance to finally break them out. In fact, this was my first time golfing at all. The three of us went to Nutters Crossing golf course for our game. It is one of three golf clubs in Salisbury. The other two being Green Hill Country Club and the Elks Club.

Nutters Crossing is also home to a development that shares its name. This is the same case as Green Hill.

The Salisbury University golf club is partnered with Nutters, allowing due paying members to play for free. However, this arrangement was only honored during the semesters, much to SU golf club member Mason's disappointment. However, I wouldn't say $20 for all you can play golf after 1 pm is a bad deal. We practiced on the putt range for a bit, then took two carts and were on our way.

A view of the clubhouse from the course. (not my own picture) It features a club shop with Nutters Crossing branded polos, hats, and sweaters, as well as a restaurant (which I am not sure is members only or not).

Teeing off around 2:20, the boys and I only made it through nine holes before sundown. We ran into some other guys we knew, and keep in mind, only one of us had golfing experience. They call golf the world's hardest sport, and now I know why. Overall, for a first time, I felt I did okay, but then again, who am I to say? However, I did find myself playing better in the presence of country music. Alan Jackson and Toby Keith for the win!

After hole nine, this was our view of the course. Too dark to play on, but a treat for the eye.

Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
G9 Jacket (Izod Lacoste)
Blue OCBD (Stafford) USA
Sutton Chinos (J. Crew)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA

• Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Izod Lacoste G9 Jacket- Bought off eBay for $25. An Ivy (and rebel) staple of the 50s and 60s, and a Preppy one of the 80s, the G9 jacket is famously made by the British company Baracuta. However, they sell for a price comparable to a Barbour and don't go for much cheaper on eBay. So I decided to go with the American Izod Lacoste version (while unfortunately not made in the US). Due to its location of manufacture, it is likely from the 1980s, but could still have been seen circa 1963. Worn by Ryan O'Neal's character Rodney Harrington from the 60s soap opera Peyton Place, the G9 was eventually dubbed the Harrington jacket. Oddly enough, the G9 was worn by yet another Harrington in the famous 80s set Netflix series Stranger Things. When buying a G9/Harrington jacket, be sure to look for a tartan lining. It is one of the jacket's signature elements.
• Stafford OCBD- Inherited from family friend. I have talked about Stafford before on this blog, usually saying good things. This shirt is the reason why. Made in the USA from soft, breathable cotton and giving the perfect collar roll with a tie, it is what other bloggers refer to as Main Street. While of domestic manufacturing, it would have still been considered downmarket and available to the masses. However, I will take it over a Malaysian made Brooks Brothers OCBD any day.
• J. Crew Sutton Chinos- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. J. Crew outlets offer two fits of slim chinos: Driggs and Suttons. While Driggs are overly slim and almost too tight, Suttons offer a slim cut pant reminiscent of those worn during the Ivy style heyday. They will be replacing my Tommy Hilfigers as my go-to slim chinos. My logo loving days are beginning to fade.
• Alden Penny Loafers- As I have yet to own a pair of golf shoes, my Aldens did just fine for the day. See other posts.
• For those interested, my clubs are Ray Floyd edition Wilsons. I bought them used at my church's fall bazaar in 2015. Their grips are repp striped in the vein of Brooks Brothers.

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New York City Vol. II: Midtown Manhattan + Upper West Side

Hello readers! My blog has recently turned one year old. Thank you for your support over these past 12 months! And now for the long awaited second NYC post. Flashback to November 18th of 2017.

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Our bus arrived in Times Square around 10 in the morning and would be leaving the city at 6 in the evening. After a five hour bus ride of sleep, naturally our first stop was the closest Starbucks. 'Twas the season for PSLs and Peppermint Mochas. Pumped on a caffeine and ready to go, we decided our first stop would be Central Park. Before this trip, I had been to New York four times, and had not had the chance to visit Central Park.

Rowboats were up for rent for $35 a person. Like the carriages of Williamsburg, they are better to observe than actually partake in riding. 

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain overlooking The Lake. Over on the right is the dock for the rowboats, as well as a lakeside bistro that was a tempting lunch option (for me anyways).

After exiting the park, our group was spat out into the Upper West Side. While in my last New York post, I mentioned going to the Upper East Side on my next trip, we did not get to. However, the Upper West Side has become nearly as nice (according to my cousin, who goes to school in the city). It was a contrast to lower Manhattan, as it was much more upscale residential. 

On our last trip, my friend Megan had been wanting to eat at a Shake Shack, but we had run out of time. Luckily, we found one on the Upper West Side, complete with apartments above it.

After lunch, our group then made its way back to Times Square, as two of my friends wanted to break off and see a Broadway play. The remaining members of my group and I then made our way over to Rockefeller Center, and checked out the stores. While at Rock Center, Allen Edmonds was at the top of my list. For those who don't know, Allen Edmonds is an upscale shoe company that continues to make the majority of their products in the US. Alden still reigns supreme as my choice shoemaker, I couldn't help venturing into AE and checking out their selection.

Of the many shelves of shoes at AE, I felt this one best summarized the Trad basics of loafers and oxfords. I will probably be upgrading my dress shoes from my Bostonian captoes to AE's Park Avenues (3rd rack down, center).

Allen Edmonds also offers a selection of clothing and accessories in addition to footwear. While normally I would be skeptical of buying clothing from a shoe company, the majority of AE's is made in countries of good reputation, so I will not advise against it in this case.

We then made our way over to Fifth Avenue, where we decided to split up to shop at our respective stores. While several of my friends were in Topshop and H&M, I made my way into Saks, which was packed with Christmas shopppers.

I had been into a Saks once before in Chicago, and was impressed. The New York flagship store was also impressive. In addition to offering a plethora of fine Italian and British lines, it also offered a wide selection of Ralph Lauren's Purple Label. I am pretty sure I didn't see a single piece of clothing that was Chinese made.

After leaving Saks, I met up with my friends and told them of my plan to let them shop on 5th for a while and meet them later at Grand Central Station. I would now be making a Trad hajj of sorts. My next stop was Madison Avenue. 346 Madison Avenue to be exact. 

Brooks Brothers had already decorated for Christmas by the time I made my visit. Unlike Rockefeller Center, its tree had already been trimmed, and with Golden Fleece ornaments at that. In a few weeks, the store would host its famous yearly Christmas party, featuring famous jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

I explored each level of the flagship store I had for years longed to visit. While my budget was constricted by upcoming Christmas shopping, I did not leave Brooks empty handed. I purchased a single pair of US made cream colored socks. My next stop was only a few blocks away, and that was J.Press's new Yale Club location.

Observe the sacred Shaggy Dog sweaters on the top shelf. They were 50% off from $245 that day. If it hadn't been Christmas, I would have likely bought one.

At J. Press, I spoke with a salesman about my Barbour jacket situation (which I was wearing that day). He, like the one at R.W. Bryant in Williamsburg, recommended I send it back to New England for a rewaxing. We continued our conversation into Maryland, where he told me he was related to the Calverts, who founded the colony during the 1600s. As we spoke, I found something familiar about him, that I couldn't put my finger on. He gave me his business card before leaving, and I was back in Salisbury before I looked at the card and discovered he was Daniel Greenwood, a blogger for Ivy Style, one of the largest and most well known Trad blogs in existence. After leaving J. Press, I made my way over to Grand Central, which was not far at all from the Yale Club. Being an hour from my set meeting time with my friends, I decided to go for an early dinner at one of the city's most iconic restaurants, and that was the station's oyster bar. There is a famous scene from Mad Men set here, with Don Draper and Roger Sterling going out for a boozy lunch of oysters and cheesecake before an unforgettable meeting with men from the 1960 Nixon campaign.

Costing $1.25 per mollusk at happy hour, I chose the option of Chesapeake oysters. As Don said, "It's like eating a mermaid".

After I finished my dinner at the bar, I regrouped with my friends and we met up with my cousin and her friend in Times Square. They both go to school in NYC at Baruch College. After a few hours of shopping of them, it was time for us to leave the city. Finally, I have fulfilled my goals of visiting the flagship Brooks Brothers store, as well as one of J. Press's locations.

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Williamsburg, VA

Another Christmas tradition for my family is our annual trip to Williamsburg, VA. Located within close proximity of Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg is a town rich with history of the colonial and revolutionary periods. Williamsburg is also home to The College of William & Mary, the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country (number one being Harvard). A so-called "public ivy" and my father's alma mater, W&M was at the top of my list when applying to colleges, and I received my letter of acceptance on the glorious day of March 24th of this year. However, the impending costs of law school caused me to decide to remain in the state of Maryland for at least my first two years of college. This way, William & Mary's Marshall-Wythe School of Law may be less of a financial burden without the cost of a undergrad degree.

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After a 5 hour (usually 3) car ride from Salisbury to Williamsburg, the first thing my family did after dinner was head to Merchants Square, a shopping area in between the college and the colonial district itself. Conceived by the Rockefellers in 1927, Merchants Square may be the oldest planned shopping district in the country. While there are many shops and restaurants within the square, I will take time to highlight only a few of them.

Scotland House, Ltd.
I hold Williamsburg in the same vein as two other towns: Easton, MD (see my last post), and Lexington, VA. Perhaps a reason for this is the fact that all three have (or in Easton's case, had) a Celtic shop. Scotland House is Williamsburg's Celtic emporium, with 90% of its stock imported from England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Scotland House carries a wide variety of family tartan scarves, hats, and ties (being a bargain at only $30). They also carry the flags of the UK and Ireland. While I was taking classes at William & Mary two summers ago, one of my friends decided to buy a Union Jack... on Independence Day!

It wouldn't be a Anglo/Celtic store without some fine waxed cotton jackets. While not from Barbour, the jackets are of equal (if not better) quality and equal price.

Tartan? Check! Waxed jackets? Check! What could make this store even better? Harris Tweed! And Scotland House carries plenty of it!

While they didn't carry our family's tartan, they did carry our crest on a mug.

Ocean Palm

Ocean Palm is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, with a sister location in Virginia Beach. I have bought many gifts from here, but not many items for myself. Their men's department is confined to a single shelf, consisting of needlepoint goods from Smathers & Branson and ties, shirts, and hats from Collared Greens, a Southern Prep brand I have mentioned before that manufactures exclusively in the US. However, this time, I received a pleasant surprise with the new addition of Lilly Pulitzer menswear. For a while, Lilly had stopped manufacturing menswear, turning its already sold apparel into collectors items that sell for hefty sums on eBay. I own a single blue polo shirt from Lilly which I found at Uptown Cheapskate for only $10. It is a medium, but runs much larger than that (buyers beware). While my shirt is in a subtle light blue, the rest of Lilly's menswear is very loud, even for GTH. Please tread lightly when buying and wearing.

The Ocean Palm is carrying a selection of Lilly ties and a single pair of shorts until the next collection is released in the spring. While I love the patterns of the ties, they sadly happen to be made in China (and sell for $78). 

Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop

By far one of the most famous stores in Merchants Square is the Wythe Candy Shop. Its gourmet sweets are made in front of customers and placed in the store's enormous display counter. It also sells basic prepackaged candies and specialty sodas of the area.

The store is named after the same family of the Marshall-Wythe Law School of William & Mary.

The Trellis

One of the nicest restaurants in Williamsburg is The Trellis in Merchants Square. Owned by the same family as several other downtown restaurants, it specializes in upscale American fare for a price comparable to the taverns of the colonial district. I usually order the steamed mussels, which is an appetizer large enough to make a meal. Both times I have eaten here were on the Fourth of July, and with friends from my William & Mary classes.

The trellis of The Trellis. You know a place is classy when you can hear Leon Bridges playing on the inside.

R.W. Bryant Ltd.

The Trad store of Williamsburg. Owned and operated by Rusty Bryant since 1986, the store specializes in Trad style, while still carrying contemporary Preppy staples to cater towards the college population. With Gitman Brothers for the lawyer, and Southern Tide for the pre-law student, this store has lasted and will continue to last as long as Williamsburg stays the Williamsburg we know. But as Mr. Bryant told me, it's one of the few stores of its kind left.

Having one of the largest blazer and sport coat collections I have ever seen, R.W. Bryant offers a wide range in price and quality. Spanning from Afazzy to Southwick Clothiers, a customer is nearly always likely to find what he is looking for.

R.W. Bryant is also a Barbour retailer, offering the signature waxed jackets and other merchandise such as shirts and slippers. They also carried the wax I sought on my trip to Easton, but the salesman recommended sending the coat back to the company itself for its rewaxing rather than buying a can. These days, it's rare that a store will put a customer before profit like this, and I am happy to say R.W. Bryant will have me as a customer for years and years to come because of it.

In addition to offering the finest menswear in Williamsburg, R.W. Bryant also offers a humidor full of *quality made cigars.

Honorable Mentions

While I did not get to visit or mention them during this trip to Williamsburg, here are several other stores and restaurants in and near Merchants Square I felt were worth giving a shout out to.

1. Blue Talon Bistro- Fine French dining featuring escargot. A favorite spot of mine for breakfast and lunch. 
2. The Cheese Shop- The name says it all. Also a popular sandwich shop for lunch. Don't forget to try the house dressing! Outdoor seating all year round due to limited indoor space. 
3. The Craft House- Sells Christmas decorations, jewelry, pewter, etc. Need something for your wife/mother/grandmother/sister/aunt/girlfriend? Get it here.
4. Aroma's Cafe- Coffee shop specializing in light breakfast fare. Packed on the weekends.
5. Dog Street Pub- Bar setting with fun pub food. Optional outdoor seating for warm days.
6. Berret's Seafood- Oyster bar and upscale dining. Outside corn hole games popular during summertime.

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Colonial Williamsburg

My family and I spent the majority of our trip in the town's colonial district. Stretching from Merchant's Square to the colonial capitol building, Duke of Gloucester Street is closed off to cars, and offers an array of trade shops, taverns, and other historical sites for visitors. Some are accessible only with certain passes, which my family does not bother with purchasing. All of what we have come to love is available to the public.

Bruton Parish Church. Active since at least 1715, it is a famous landmark in Williamsburg's colonial district. I have artwork featuring the church in my room back in Salisbury.

The Governor's Palace. The building is accessible with passes purchased from the Colonial Williamsburg foundation itself. It features a large maze out back. During Christmastime, each window is adorned with a wreath.

The end of Duke of Gloucester Street is marked by the colonial capitol building. It housed the Virginia House of Burgesses and later House of Delegates until 1779 when the capital was moved to Richmond.

The colonial district also offers several historic taverns as dining options, a bake shop, outdoor markets, and several retail stores. While I didn't get pictures of them, I recommend them to anyone who decides to visit this wonderful town!

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The College of William & Mary

Located across the road from Merchants Square, the W&M bookstore is technically located in the colonial district of Williamsburg. It doubles as a fully stocked Barnes and Noble as well, and has a Starbucks cafe on its second level (Warning: Does not accept Starbucks gift cards, but does accept B&N ones). Book signings are frequent, as well are sightings of my former classmates from past summer classes. Two winters ago, I by chance ran into my friend Christian from Houston, currently a freshman at Columbia. This year, I was blessed with seeing my friend Campbell, now a sophomore at W&M, as well as my former professor Dr. Jim Whittenburg, also a professor of my father's.

A sea of green and gold apparel, the W&M bookstore offers a wide variety of college gear for a 20% discount to those with a W&M ID. Salisbury University's bookstore really needs to step up its game. Want even cheaper W&M gear?  Go to the Campus Shop on Prince George Street.

Before a time of hoodies, there was this OG. The college sweater. An Ivy style hallmark, W&M comes in three forms: v-neck, crew neck, and cardigan. All three send an Animal House vibe. Very expensive though, and imported.

Across Richmond Road from Merchants square is William & Mary's "Ancient Campus".

A side view of the Wren Building, W&M's signature structure (UVA : Rotunda :: W&M : Wren Building). It is the oldest academic building in the U.S. still in use. My father defended his dissertation in this building.

A Merry Christmas from Governor Lord Botetourt and I.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (RayBan) Italy
Bedale Waxed Jacket (Barbour) England
Tattersall OCBD (L.L. Bean) USA
Cashmere Sweater (Brooks Brothers) Scotland
Rugby Scarf (William & Mary)
Casual Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
*Bean Boots (L.L. Bean) USA

• RayBan Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
• Barbour Bedale Jacket- A year ago, a R.W. Bryant salesman was the one who suggested I start with a Bedale vs a Beaufort. For more, see other posts.
• L.L. Bean Tattersall OCBD- Inherited from family friend. It has a flap-button pocket similar to J. Press. Can be worn year round. Made in USA.
• Brooks Brothers Cashmere Sweater- See other posts.
• William & Mary Rugby Scarf- Borrowed from my father. The stripes and colors have caused people to compliment me on my "Harry Potter scarf". And each time, I coldly correct them that it is in fact a Public Ivy scarf. As I have said before, DON'T WEAR GEAR OF COLLEGES YOU HAVE NO FAMILY OR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO! If you do, you will be inviting a very uncomfortable conversation, or this might happen. 
• Brooks Brothers Casual Chinos- See other posts.
• L.L. Bean Boots- See other posts.

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Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

*Smoking tobacco is shown to cause cancer. While not as addictive or as harmful as cigarette smoking, these risks should be still known when pipe or cigar smoking.