Hello readers! With summer in full swing, I have thankfully been able to compose posts much more often than during the semester. Ironically, this post is going to be about the one thing that prevents me from making them: college.
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A Brief History of SU
In August, I will be beginning my sophomore year at Salisbury University, a division three Maryland state school in the town it bares the name of. Founded in 1925 as Salisbury State Normal School as a two year school for elementary teachers, the institution grew over time into Maryland State Teachers College in 1935, Salisbury State College in '63, Salisbury State University in '88, and finally Salisbury University (or SU) in 2001.
For those who can't see the caption on the photo: "Students typing in class, circa 1930". Spot the full suits, blazers, and sweaters. (Picture property of Salisbury University library)
The Ivy League look in full swing at a state teachers college. (Picture property of Salisbury University library)
SU students during a chem lab in 1968. As you can see with this gentleman's groovy yellow shirt, the Ivy League look is already giving way. (picture from DelmarvaNow.com)
Fast forward 50 years, and we now have our official mascot Sammy Seagull.
The university is still known for producing high numbers of teachers, as well as nurses and future doctors in its renowned nursing and biology programs, respectively. We also produce our fair share of business students from our Perdue School of Business (endowed by the chicken company you've probably seen at the supermarket, because its based here in the 'Bury). Meanwhile, I am studying history with hopes of law school after graduating. While there is a Greek presence at SU, we lack on-campus housing for them due to some kind of regulations (and because everyone moves off campus after freshman year anyways). Because of this, their parties take place off campus along with all others. Salisbury's main claim to fame is our lacrosse team, twelve time NCAA D3 champions. After all, it is a Maryland sport! One of Salisbury's few traditions is the annual War on the Shore lacrosse game against nearby Washington College (WAC) for the Charles B. Clark Cup, which we win a good percentage of the time. Oddly enough, WAC used to be the lax powerhouse around these parts. Oh, the times have changed! Salisbury's rugby team is also highly esteemed, having also won the national championship various times. While I am proud to claim these teams as my school's, I cannot say I play for either of them. And that's pretty much SU in a nutshell. Not a Public Ivy, but still pretty good at what we do.
The College Cap
In all, I would not call SU a well dressed school (students and professors alike). While Sperrys can be spotted on any given day on campus, skater and running shoes are much more common. Loafers are a rarity. While one may seen an occasional OCBD (from Vineyard Vines/Polo, brah) or Patagonia fleece, this is about as nice as it gets on a regular basis. Joggers, sweats, lax shorts, and pajamas are much more common. I have seen Barbour on only one other guy than myself, and you better bet that made for a conversation. Frat guys tend to adopt either the style of everyone else, or of their lax-bro counter parts. Come formal season however, they tend to clean up nice. Same with anyone in the business school due to its dress code for events. But for the most part, compared to other colleges, SU is generally poorly dressed. Just compare an SU tailgate to an SEC one and you'll see. Instead of a bunch of well dressed drunks, we just have regularly (and trashily) dressed drunks. But beside the point, SU does have one neat little tradition that has been going on for a while, and that is the college cap. On the first day of Orientation 102, each freshman is given a drawstring backpack containing a maroon and gold t-shirt and a white SU baseball cap. The next day, the freshman class is told to wear the hat for a massive group photo taking place after convocation. After that, the hats and shirts will be seen around campus for years to come.
Despite getting Sammy during the 1970s, SU has been the Sea Gulls since 1963, and before then the "Golden Gulls".
After receiving the hat, I was initially bitter, due to having bought a nearly identical SU hat about two months before, and Mason having done the same a mere hour before (albeit a black one by Under Armour). Because of this, I swiftly retired this free hat in favor of its purchased cousin. However, a few weeks into my freshman year took me up to the fourth floor of SU's "Academic Commons" (aka a library), where there are several pictures of the college in years past on display. Naturally, I scoured for at least one picture from the 1960s, and came upon this wonderful Animal House-esque still from the quad.
Now hosting childish ice breakers and "foam parties", the quad at SU during the 60s was a lot different. The drinking age was still 18, so parties could be held in the open with minimal interference. While the caption says circa 1960, the actual date of the picture is probably at least 1965 judging by the sideburns on the gents in the photo (and a full beard on one to the far left). Heck, it could be as late as the early 1970s. Regardless, elements of Ivy League style are still present. OCBDs, chinos/wheat jeans, penny loafers, Jack Purcells, etc. (Picture property of Salisbury University Library)
As you can see, 80% of the students (coeds included) are wearing identical caps. Which leads me to believe the presentation of a free cap to incoming freshman has been a tradition at the college for years. And more pictures on the fourth floor have also suggested this.
SU memorabilia from over the years. The cap on top is likely the same one worn by the students in the 1960s picture above. The cap below is likely pre-1963 judging by the STC (Salisbury Teacher's College) lettering. (Property of Salisbury University Library)
After seeing this, I shelved my purchased look-alike hat and reintroduced my college supplied one to the world! Essentially, while SU may not be the best dressed school compared to the likes of the Ivy League, SEC, and plenty of others, its college cap tradition strikes a chord sentimentally. After all, you all know I'm a traditional guy!
Hello readers! Just as I said in my last post, summer has indeed come to town! It has been in the upper 80s and low 90s for about a week now, and it doesn't look like it plans to leave this range. So lets get into a summer frame of mind with a beach post! Enjoy!
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(A Few) Delmarva Beaches
Salisbury is a fairly boring city, despite being the 3rd largest on the Delmarva Peninsula. While we are home to a Division III lacrosse powerhouse and the corporate headquarters of Perdue Farms, there is little else that distinguishes Salisbury as an interesting town. However, our proximity to beaches is one thing Salisburians never complain about. We are a 30 minute drive from Ocean City, MD, which I am pretty sure 99% of my Maryland readers have been to at least once. However, Ocean City is not the only beach in the area. To the north of OCMD are the Delaware Beaches of Fenwick, Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, and Lewes. Just south of Ocean City's inlet is Assateague Island, a state and national seashore popular for those who want to avoid the urban feel of OC (thus becoming more crowded by people who share this mindset). It is also famous for the wild horses that call the island home. Assateague extends into the Virginian part of Delmarva, then leading to Chincoteague Island, a resort town famous for its yearly Pony Penning (Misty of Chincoteague, anyone?). Also nearby is the NASA base at Wallops Island, infamous for the 2014 explosion of a rocket to be sent to the ISS. Anyways, enough with those Virginians. Back to "Muraland"! To the west of Salisbury lie more beaches within an equal distance to OC. The Nanticoke River is home to Tyaskin Park, Cove Beach, and Roaring Point Park. These beaches are popular with those wishing to avoid the crowds of the coastal ones, and thus become just as crowded.
Roaring Point (6/14)
On Thursday of last week, we made the decision to start taking advantage of the warm weather and our closeness to the water and start going to the beach. Due to the lack of time due to a meeting I had at 5:30 and the heavy volume of traffic, Mason, Chris, and I decided to hit up the Nanticoke Beaches for a few hours (Nick couldn't make it). While we initially planned to kayak, we were disappointed to find out the boats wouldn't fit in the bed of Mason's Sierra due to the extended cab. Not wanting to waste more time by retrieving his Ford Ranger from storage, we decided just to bring a football and go swimming. Not wanting to have to take a longer drive through Salisbury, we decided to take the ferry across the Wicomico River to save time.
The Upper Ferry runs from the village of Eden in Somerset County to the West Side outskirts of Salisbury, home to a large number of McMansion developments that began to appear in the 1980s. (picture property of Mapio.net)
Upper Ferry Road then leads the Nanticoke Road, which then is a 15 minute drive to a fork in the road divided by Boonies Restaurant, a childhood favorite of mine. The North road leads to Tyaskin, while the South road leads to the village of Bivalve, Cedar Hill and Nanticoke Marinas, and the Cove and Roaring Point Beaches. We took the latter of the roads and first stopped at the Cove to see how crowded it was. Sure enough, the place was packed, mostly with young families, including my History professor and his 2 year old. With not enough available shoreline for our shenanigans, we decided to leave and check out Roaring Point, which was far less crowded and had much more space to set up our stuff.
Calmer than the waters of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake, Nanticoke River beaches are popular with families with young children, and locals wanting to avoid the out-of-towners who take over Ocean City and Assateague Island.
We stayed for about two hours, swimming and tossing the football. It was the bugs and my impending meeting that resulted in us leaving. Both flies and jellyfish are usually what cause the mass evacuation from the river beaches around 4 in the afternoon.
Football and Flag Day (ft. Brad and Chad)
College Hat (Salisbury University)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)
Salisbury University College Hat- Free hat given out during orientation. Just a month after I bought a near identical one from the campus bookstore, and a day after Mason bought his. I will actually be giving this hat its very own post in coming weeks (or maybe days), so stay tuned!
Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses- See other posts.
Lands End Blue OCBD- The most versatile shirt in the Ivy/Preppy/Trad wardrobe also serves as the perfect pre/post swim cover-up. For more, see other posts.
Vineyard Vines Chappy Trunks- Allison's beloved gift has returned from hibernation. With this being Flag Day, they had an extra special meaning. However, I'd just as soon wear them any other day. If you love your country, why only show it on given days? For more, see my Red Roost post from last summer.
Assateague Island (6/16)
Two days later saw a return to a beachy environment, albeit without Chris, who was performing in the Salisbury Chamber Music Festival, and with Nick. We also called up our friend Matt from high school, back in Salisbury on break from Syracuse. As Ocean City would be a nightmare zone due to the airshow taking place, we decided to hit up Assateague and buy a year round beach pass for the Sierra.
Assateague National Seashore is favored for allowing trucks on the beach in one of its Southernmost sections. It also is a popular campground.
While the waves were not rough at all, sandbars prevented us from doing any body surfing. Also, the crabs were in rare form that day. However, the day was perfect for skimboarding!
Only thing missing is the Yeti.
Me: Whale Hat (Vineyard Vines)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Button Down (J. Crew)
Coozie (The Lucky Knot)
Boat Shoes (Sperry)
Nick: Trucker Hat (Rise Up Coffee Roasters)
Retro Frame Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Breton Stripe Frocket (J. Crew)
Ironman Triathlon Watch (Timex)
Reversible Coozie (Southern Tide)
Z/Cloud Sandals (Chaco)
Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- Three years old and going strong. See other posts.
Southern Tide Croakies- Mine with a nautical flag motif, and Nick's in rainbow, which I also own a pair of from the same store. See other posts for more, most notably Alexandria, VA.
J. Crew Button Down- Typically my go-to shirt to be worn with a blazer and bow tie. Also used as a beach cover-up since my Vineyard Vines one has begun to yellow (RIP). For more, see other posts.
Lucky Knot Coozie- Bought from the store which it bares the name of in Alexandria, VA. However, it was bought during a visit separate from the one I blogged about. Features the motto "Work like a captain, party like a pirate." When Nick and I visited the store last year however, the coozies had vanished.
Sperry Boat Shoes- Not truly boat shoes unless you have a little sand in them. For more, see other posts.
Rise Up Coffee Trucker Hat- I have featured Rise Up before in other posts. In addition to amazing beverages, the ever growing coffee company now offers a line of apparel with its logo.
J. Crew Retro Frame Sunglasses- Basic clubmaster style of sunglasses for a bargain price!
J. Crew Breton Stripe Frocket Tee- Bought from Uptown Cheapskate during one of our visits. Breton striped anything is usually a hit, and is paired stylishly with red.
Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch- A timepiece Nick has sung high praises of. For those who want a high functioning watch that you don't want to have to read Roman numerals on.
Southern Tide Reversible Coozie- A Christmas gift I bought for Nick from RW Bryant in Williamsburg.
Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals- Later paired with socks after a game of pool basketball at Mason's. While I know I could never pull that off, Nick, somehow, DID! See Spring 2018 for more.
Also featured in the pic is Nick's Salisbury University Lax hat. Now, I know what you're thinking. Nick doesn't go to SU or play lacrosse. However, the hat is actually a collectors item. It is signed by the 2004 lax team, which won nationals that year (like many other years).
It wouldn't be a beach day without some corn hole, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett.
Brads, Chads, or dads?
After a day of swimming, football, and corn hole, we left the island around 7 for some dinner in West Ocean City, which was packed due to the exodus from the airshow. After that, we cruised on back to Salisbury jamming to some Yacht Rock. In all, it was a good day for the beach!
Hello readers! It hasn't been long since my last post for spring. While summer has arrived in Salisbury, it hasn't felt like it. Monday had a high of 63, and the April rains continue to fall into June. However, it looks as if the spring weather is finally coming to a close in coming weeks!
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Last Friday, we decided to visit my uncle before he leaves for the Newport Bermuda Race on the 15th. One of my earlier posts on the blog saw a visit to my uncle when he was living in Oxford, MD. However, he has since moved to the outskirts of St. Michaels, bringing him and his wife closer to their jobs in Queen Anne's County and Easton, respectively. The move provided a change of scene from village-like Oxford. My uncle was not living within St. Michaels itself, but on the grounds of a plantation on its outskirts. The plantation was established in 1679, with the property changing in hands from various owners over the course of history. Some of its most notable owners include a revolutionary war colonel and a Quaker abolitionist (who records indicate was possibly the only man to vote for Lincoln in Talbot County, and potentially an agent of the underground railroad).
A section of the original 18th century plantation house. A part of the house burnt during the 1800s, which was then rebuilt in a mid-century wooden style. During the 1920s, the 1850s section was torn down to be replaced with a Colonial Revival mansion.
The newest section of Lombardy, built during the 1920s by J. Kemp Bartlett.
Want more details about the house and its history? Watch this video for a house tour, and heed the killer seersucker suit and straw hat.
The property is now owned by the Walsh family, who are leasing a smaller house on the property to my uncle and his family. The Walshes live across the bay in Potomac, and are rarely at Lombardy, making my uncle and his family the main residents of the property.
A creekside view of my uncle's house, the most recently built structure on Lombardy.
Partial view of the creek from my uncle's house. If you look carefully, you can spot the small foot bridge leading to the fields of the plantation.
Across the creek from my uncle's house lies one of the plantation's fields. I am unsure whether or not crops are still planted here.
Adjacent to my uncle's house is the estate's barn and garage. Both structures were built during the 1920s with the mansion.
Coming up the estate's driveway, one passes a large field with scattered mounds. An equestrian course, you think? Guess again. Motorcycles.
No Talbot County country estate would be complete without a duck blind.
My uncle was also granted access to Lombardy's dock and boathouse, being much more convenient than the yacht club in Oxford.
My uncle's boat. While we initially planned to go out for the day, my family instead opted for a cookout.
Peninsula Prep: Not quite Northern US, Southern US, or Western Shore Maryland. Can be spotted on the Tread Avon, Miles, Choptank Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.
Skipjack Hat (Southern Tide)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy
Tattersall Button Down (Vineyard Vines)
Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd./Eliza B.) USA
Brick Red Shorts (Ralph Lauren)
Southern Tide Skipjack Hat- Bought from Cotton Gin boutique in Nags Head, NC. When most people hear "skipjack", they tend to think of the fish. On the Chesapeake Bay, folks tend to think of our state boat. Originally designed for oyster dredging, the skipjack has become a regional phenomenon, with annual races taking place on Deal Island in Somerset County, just down the road from Salisbury. Because of this, anything marketed as "skipjack" from Southern Tide has taken on a liking from Maryland residents. For more, see other posts.
Vineyard Vines Croakies- Worn for their original purpose: preventing one's sunglasses from falling into the water while on a boat. See other posts for more.
Vineyard Vines Tattersall Button Down- While the shirt's colors are season neutral, I tend to wear it more during the summer and spring months due to its light weight. Another perk of its neutral coloring is its ability to be paired with nearly anything! See other posts for more.
Leatherman LTD. Nautical Flag Motif Belt- Pairs well with Nantucket and Brick Reds. For more, see Alexandra, VA post from last year.
Ralph Lauren Brick Red Shorts- A gift from Allison. A breed apart from Nantucket Reds, which are frequently mistaken for pink or actually turn a shade of it. For my readers who may be triggered by wearing "pink" pants or shorts, go with a pair of brick reds! Voila, your fragile masculinity is preserved brah. But all joking aside, they are some pretty sick shorts! I wear 'em at least once a week.
Summer is finally here! Linens, whites, and seersuckers finally make a long awaited return, and so do I to the blog world! And now, here is my spring post as promised!
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City of Salisbury Easter Egg Hunt (4/30)
In October, Salisbury University's Honors College was given the opportunity to host Salisbury's annual Easter Egg hunt on SU's front lawn. Wanting to get involved in a way similar to last year's benefit concert (which fell on the same weekend), I stepped up to be the event's Head of Media, arranging TV spots, newspaper articles, etc. I was even lucky enough to get our mayor to attend with his family. Thanks to the work of everyone in the Honors College, as well as those in the community who helped us, the event was a success! I am looking forward to helping out again next year!
We were also fortunate to have our local CBS affiliate WBOC agree to cover the event.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T- My go-to for an Easter event would typically be a pastel sweater or pair of GTH pants. However, each of the volunteers was issued an event T-shirt to wear during the hunt. Not wanting to be chilly but not wanting to pair a t-shirt with a sweater, I compromised with Patagucci. For more, see other posts.
Vineyard Vines Whale Hat- VV+Patagonia = Chadagonia. For more, see other posts.
Easter Sunday
Easter at a Methodist Church has the tendency to bring most of its dormant members out of the woodwork to pack the pews. It also brings a tidal wave of whites, pastels, and other colors and fabrics that would usually be saved for the Kentucky Derby or the summer. While I usually use this as my first use of seersucker for the season, Easter was chillier than usual this year, so I vied for a dandyfied version of the basic navy blazer, repp tie, and chinos.
Happy I got to catch up with my friend Becca, who goes to Towson University across the Bay.
Straw Boater Hat (Scala)
Repp Tie (Brooks Brothers) USA
White OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Buckskin Wingtips (G H Bass)
Scala Straw Boater Hat- This will probably be its solo outing this year. See other posts.
Brooks Brothers Repp Tie- Same as my William & Mary scarf, was likened to Harry Potter by one of the masses (not at church though). Gotta love this town. See other posts for more.
L.L. Bean White OCBD- See other posts.
Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
G.H. Bass Buckskin Wingtips- To be saved for the Derby or summertime. For more, see other posts.
Memorial Day Weekend (5/26-5/28)
Spent with the boys of course. Saturday consisted of cruising around the countryside in Mason's Jeep with the doors off. Sunday saw a barbecue with fresh burgers and beer brats, that eventually got stormed out and led to me going swimming during the lightning. And Monday saw me getting thrown into the covered bed of Mason's pickup and taken to the boonies after I shut off his round of Fortnite (#FortniteChallenge). In all, it was a weekend worth remembering.
Brad and Chad Take America
Me:
Classic Fit Polo (Ralph Lauren)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
'Merica Shorts (Chubbies) USA
Boat Shoes (Sperry Topsider)
Nick:
Seersucker Frocket Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Stand-up Shorts (Patagonia)
Sandals (Chacos)
Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- See other posts.
Vineyard Vines Croakies- See other posts.
Chubbies 'Merica Shorts- Bought from Chubbies website. With their fast, free shipping and free returns, Chubbies is a brand that values customer service and product quality. These shorts are made in the country of the flag they bare, and are the epitome of Go-To-Hell and fratty style. Don't tread lightly when wearing these shorts. They are to be worn with attitude and confidence by a man who loves his country. Skies out, thighs out!
Sperry Boat Shoes- Had these shoes for three years this week. For more, see other posts.
Brooks Brothers Seersucker Frocket Tee- Bought from outlet in Ocean City, MD. A hit in Nashville, according to Nick.
Patagonia Stand-up Shorts- Need to get a pair for myself soon!
Chacos Sandals- Sandals fratty? That's what I thought before Nick introduced me to them as a Southern college staple from Vanderbilt. They fall into a sartorial category that Tony from College Trad calls "Tech Prep". Definitely tops TEVA (Tony endorses them, but I still cringe), Keen, Birkenstock, and most definitely Crocs. Just be sure to pair them with shorts that lack cargo pockets (why am I even saying this to you?).
Fun shirt (Brooks Brothers)
Cotton Sweater (Ralph Lauren)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Chino Shorts (L.L. Bean)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Brooks Brothers Fun Shirt- A gift from Allison. The 1980s OG of color blocking shirts. Coming in university stripe with a point collar and flap pockets, it serves as a two-season alternative to my summer-only linen one from Vineyard Vines.
Ralph Lauren Cotton Sweater- Do not seriously tie it around your neck unless you actually get hot. You will look like a try-hard if you factor it into your daily outfit (been there, done that, learned my lesson). For one ironic picture (like above), go ahead. For more, see other posts.
Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- See other posts.
L.L. Bean Chino Shorts- For more, see other posts.
Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- Not the best shoe for the back roads of Fruitland, MD, or the back of a pickup truck for that matter. See other posts.
Hello readers! As you probably have noticed, I failed again to deliver on one of my promised posts, being the Assateague Island bonfire. While the trip did indeed take place, it got dark and cold much too fast to take good pictures. I also wanted to let you know in advance that the Avon, NC post will also not be happening. However, a cumulative spring post will likely take its place! For now, enjoy the next promised post, Kentucky Derby!
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Formal
Each year, the Honors College of Salisbury University hosts a student planned formal to celebrate the end of the semester. When I found out the formal would fall on Derby weekend, I couldn't help but push for a KY Derby theme at the Honors Student Association meeting. My idea was embraced by the leadership, and Derby was set as the formal's theme (combined with several others, as per Honors College tradition). In addition to taking place the same weekend as the actual Derby, the theme also was a nod to our beloved Honors Dean, who would soon be leaving Salisbury to found yet another Honors College at Northern Kentucky. The event proved to be an honorable sendoff to him, as well as a warm welcome to the new Salisbury University President, who was also in attendance.
When you and your girlfriend walk off the pages of a VV catalog
Seersucker Blazer (Architect)
OCBD (L.L. Bean)
Club Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Architect Seersucker Blazer- T minus three weeks until I can wear again full-time. See other posts for more.
L.L. Bean OCBD- See other posts.
Vineyard Vines Club Tie- Bought off Amazon for much lower than the standard $85. Follows a cigar and martini motif. Won't be seeing me wear this tie in church anytime soon. Made in USA.
Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Lighter weight than my other Vineyard Vines pants. A fast-drying summer staple, especially in loud colors. For more, see other postx.
Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Decided against my two-tone wingtips for a less forced look. For more, see other posts.
Becky and I couldn't resist at least one with the supplied props
It was a night full of food, dancing, and fun! It also was a night for superlatives and election results for the Honors Student Association Exec Board to be announced. I had run for Vice President and won, which means I will be coordinating next year's formal as well! However, I also was the recipient of a superlative: Commuter-in-Chief.
Vice President of HSA + Commuter-in-Chief of the Honors College.
Derby Party Fundraiser
On Derby Day itself, I attended my dad's fundraiser for the Nabb Research Center, which itself was a derby/lawn party at a historic home in New Church, VA. I got to meet many of the Nabb Center's trustees and donors at the party, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on the banks of the Pocomoke River.
The part was held at Pitt's Neck, a plantation home built in the 1700s on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Its current owner's family had owned the house since 1897, and made efforts to restore (and add on to) its splendor!
The fundraiser was a catered event complete with open bar, finger sandwiches, crab balls, and of course, local oysters!
While it was Derby Day, attire for the event was rather subdued. While I did spot a few pairs of GTH pastel pants and one other bow tie, most of the men's clothes were neutral colored blazers with OCBDs and similarly neutral ties. Still, Brooks Brothers reigned.
A historic home with an upstairs lounge and bar room. What's not to be jealous of?
Pitt's Neck had been added on to in 2008 complete with a balcony. Ignore my empties.
Blue Crab Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA
OCBD (J. Crew)
Navy Blazer (Belk) USA
Dress Chinos (Brooks Brothers)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland
Vineyard Vines Blue Crab Bow Tie- While today was the Kentucky Derby, I couldn't pass up the chance of a little local flair. After all, that's what the Nabb Center is all about! The choice of bow tie received countless compliments from the donors. One even mentioned he had the same tie at home!
J. Crew OCBD- See other posts.
Belk Navy Blazer- See other posts.
Brooks Brothers Dress Chinos- See other posts.
Bulova Accutron Watch- The 14k gold in the watch went to complement the golden snaffle bits in the loafers. For more, see other posts.
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.
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.
