Burberry Clemence Rain Boot

I don't know about you, but rainy days suck. Your footwear choices significantly decreases to duck boots and wellie boots. Hunter boots are classics but, everyone practically is wearing them on rainy days. If you have extra money to spend then Burberry Clemence rain boots is the answer. Keep your feet dry while sporting the classic Burberry check.

WOOLRICH Men's Arctic Down Parka

$399.99

   If you're looking for a stylish and warm parka, then I have the perfect parka. The Woolrich arctic parka is the coat you should be wearing. I have featured the parka before, for women, but this time I need to put on my male readers. The arctic parka looks beautiful. However, it isn't gimmicks, it's the real truth. The parka was originally introduced in 1972 for workers constructing the Alaskan pipeline, where the average winter low is minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The parka looks great for the real estate agent that needs to be warm and stylish when showing houses. Wear it under your suit when the temperature drops. You will definitely be warm and dry because the parka is 550 fill duck down. Real estate agents don't panic if you forgot your umbrella because the exterior shell is the legendary 60/40 parka, which is water-resistant. The shell is also Teflon® DWR making it very water-resistant. The hood with comes with a throat latch in case you don't have a scarf and removable authentic coyote ruff, which keeps the snow away from your face. It's available in three colors navy, black and brown. The parka retails for $399.99 get it now sizes are selling out fast. My size sold out :(

Ralph Lauren 1982 Sweater

I love vintage Ralph Lauren advertisements. Hand knitted sweaters are my weakness, especially if it's a cute girl wearing it.

Kate The Wasp Takes a Holiday Photo

Begin the weekend with a great laugh. One of my favorite comedians Kate The Wasp has another funny video that is worth sharing with your friends. It doesn't get better when your favorite comedian wears that same clothing brands as you (Sperry topsiders and Burberry scarfs).

Visiting the New York Transit Museum in Preppy Style

   

These rocks are lightwork

 There's plenty of tourist attractions outside New York City. I highly recommend visiting the New York City Transit Museum. The museum is located in downtown Brooklyn to be exact court street. The museum displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, bridge and tunnel systems under the administration of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). What makes the museum  interesting besides the historical artifacts is the museum was an actual subway station, it used to be the Court Street station and it didn't have a long run in service as a station only ten years April 1936-June 1946. The Court Street station was built along nearby station Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts by the Independent subway system built by the Board of Transportation.

City Hall Station is a New York City Hidden Jewel

Tools!

Interesting facts!

Southern Proper Tartan Plaid Frat Hat

A great gift doesn't need to be expensive. It's the thought that counts. Practically the hat that I usually have in my head is Southern Proper so should you. I don't need to say much it's a navy blue and red tartan cap doesn't get better. It only cost $28.00 get it now

Throwback Prep Thursdays: Brooks Brothers Vintage Holidays Catalogs

This week I have been wearing my Brooks Brothers Shetland fair isle wood sweater religiously because it's the holiday season. Brooks Brothers definitely are in my top three list when it comes to my favorite holiday advertisements. When I have time or before I go to sleep, the holiday catalogs are my preferred reading time in Decemeber. The advertisements shown on todays post are from three catalogs which date back to 1948,1952 and 1967.

Gift Guide Suggestion: Copper River Bags Medium 14" Newtown Voyager Laptop Bag

   For Christmas any clothes that I buy will be geared towards my real estate career. While I already have a tote and messenger bag. I definitely need a briefcase that will absolutely scream strictly business when I'm in meetings. A good looking briefcase is important because first impression is everything. A crispy wardrobe is crucial. I basically have the whole wardrobe on lock, my footwear will consist of weejuns, Stubbs Wootton and double monks. A well-dressed agent gives confidence and comfortablility. I think I found the perfect briefcase that needs to be my Christmas gift for anybody reading. Copper River Bags Medium 14" Newtown Voyager Briefcase is the bag perfect for the job. 

  

Throwback Prep Thursdays: Vintage Ralph Lauren 1979

 Enjoy these beautiful Ralph Lauren advertisements dating back to 1979 ranging from fragrances, Womenswear, menswear and childrenwear all preppy related.

Over Under Clothing Hoof Pick Belt

    A belt that would make an excellent holiday gift is the hoof pick belt by Over Under Clothing. Over Under Clothing has been mentioned on the blog a couple of times before and it's because its exceptional quality of Made in U.S.A goods with a reasonable price tag.The hoof pick belt has been my go to belt as of late. I always get those awesome stares on the subway that people can't stop helping to look. It makes my outfits complete. Especially when I'm trying to channel my western Ralph Lauren look version. 

Also available in Chestnut Brown

   

Hillflint: Merino Fair Isle Crew Sweater Perfect Gift

Love this color

   I noticed most my followers on social media shared similar interests  as me which are waxed canvas hunting jackets, duck boots, anything nautical, plaid in general and knitwear. I actually prided myself more on my knitwear collection than my shoe collection. When I'm talking about knitwear I'm not referring to about basic wool sweaters. I'm talking about wool sweaters with festive designs like Fair Isle Sweaters. Once I start seeing a Fair Isle sweater on the streets I know that it's damn cold. I simply love wearing them, it's actually one of the reasons why I look forward towards winter. A problem most of us preppy fashion enthusiasts face, it's hard to obtain these sweaters without going to vintage route. My friend Woody Hines of Hillflint has the answer for this sweater crisis. For the holidays, Hillflint has a Fair Isle sweater made from merino wool. Most Fair Isle sweaters are either made with itchy Lambswool forcing you to wear a button shirt under. Cashmere can definitely put a hole in our pockets. It is made with 100% Hillflint signature soft, extra-fine merino wool. The brand guarantees it's the softest Fair Isle you've ever felt. The sweater is available in two colorways blue and sunset. A fair isle sweater can be worn several ways it's an excellent layering piece it can be styled with a down vest or worn under your Barbour. Many people have a misconception with these sweaters and only wear it during the holiday because they can be a bit festive. But the fair isle sweaters from Hillflint don't have reindeers or snowmen so you can wear them late till February. The sweaters are quite affordable compared to other brands like J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren because you're not getting a blended wool sweater. You're getting a sweater that is 100% merino wool. Every preppy guy wants this sweater in their closet, ladies this a excellent holiday gift. You can preorder the sweater now and get a $20 off launch price and be at your door before Christmas. Order now

The Sunset color is also Crispy

I need it for my sweater collection so do you

Collared Greens: The Wolfe Button Down

Love this color

    The holidays are upon us, which means family reunions and holiday theme parties. You want to look your best at these social gatherings. Collared Greens have the perfect shirts to have you looking proper and crispy. What I love about these shirts is that they're made in Pennsylvania out of 100% Pima cotton. The shirt has a tailored fit. The high stitch count provides incredible durability and totally is your money worth. Wear the shirt tucked with a surcingle or a leather belt or keep it more casual by wearing it untucked. Regardless, any way you wear the shirt you will look crispy. Both colorways look great.The shirt retails for $95 and it's definitely the crispy shirt to wear for the holidays. Get the shirt now.

Viva America

Also available in Navy/Teal

The Brothers Crisp: St. Crispins Day Boot

       Like I said before, some of  my favorite brands I discover them on instagram. I barely have time to read other menswears blogs. But I'm always checking my instagram. It's actually my favorite social media to stay updated. The Brothers Crisp is probably one of the best kept secrets, brands in the industry. Just by following their instagram I can tell they really know their stuff. Not only they're knowledgeable, but also creative. Probably only brand that makes handcrafted leather sneakers Made in USA in my knowledge. The boot that I'm presenting today is the St Crispin Day Boot. It's their six-inch boot silhouette featuring 7 oz. cognac colored Essex leather from Horween Tannery. Only 10 pairs will be made. This leather is 100% vegetable tanned using the same tanning extracts Horween uses for its genuine shell cordovan. The outer quarter panels are a beautiful vintage tweed and the inner quarter panels are a hand waxed olive Cone Mills duck fabric. The boot is finished off with a US made Vibram 100 boots sole in honey. If you're not familiar with seeing these words Essex leather, Vibram, and duck canvas in a sentence I will gladly translate it to quality. The quality on these bad boys is no joke and will definitely break some necks when you wear them, this work of art are available now and retail for $528.00

Crispy Vintage Tweed

Waxed canvas in inner quaters panels

Walk forever with these rugged vibram soles

Pendleton Woolen Mills First Newspaper Advertisement 1901

 Hello everyone, one of my favorite American companies is Pendleton Woolen Mills. All the Pendleton clothing  that I own is top-notch quality. For my throwback Thursday post I'm taking you way back to one of the company earliest advertisements. This advertisement dates back 1901 and it's their first newspaper advertisement. The company used to be the Indian Robe and Picture Company and their main consumers were the Indian reservation. The pictures were taken by Lee Moorhouse. Moorhouse was fascinated with Indian Culture and he started to record the local history around Pendleton, Oregon and his Indian images were heavily used on Pendleton Woolen Mills advertising until 1914.

Pendleton Woolen Mills Ashland Jacquard Coat

 

    This Pendleton Woolen Mills jacket would be a great addition to anyones closet. This beautiful jacket that I would dearly love to own is part of the Thomas Kay collection. Thomas Kay is the founder of the iconic American brand. The Ashland Jaquard Coat is such an western American designed jacket. The jacket is 82% virgin wool and 18% cotton, made in America. The jacket has a shawl collar. It comes with three exterior pockets and two hand-warmer pockets. Staring at this jacket it reminds me so much of Ralph Lauren designs. I'm sure Pendleton jackets were influential in his designs because he has a huge obsession with western American style.This classic jacket which  I consider heirloom quality runs for $399.00

Blanket-woven American Indian design

Classic shawl collar

Stamped brass Pendleton buttons

3 front pockets / 2 hand-warmer pocket

Made in America

- See more at: http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/jackets-coats/489#sthash.JUVQkxlh.dpuf

Thomas Kay* Collection, founder of Pendleton Woolen Mills - See more at: http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/jackets-coats/489#sthash.JUVQkxlh.dpuf

Thomas Kay* Collection, founder of Pendleton Woolen Mills - See more at: http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/jackets-coats/489#sthash.JUVQkxlh.dpuf

Thomas Kay* Collection, founder of Pendleton Woolen Mills - See more at: http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/jackets-coats/489#sthash.JUVQkxlh.dpuf

L.L.Bean Matinicus Rock Crewneck and Cardigan (Mountain Red)

Matinicus Rock Crewneck $89.99

Matinicus Rock Cardigan $129.00

    Besides the Norwegian sweater, the Matinicus sweater is my favorite sweater design from L.L.Bean. For the readers that were around in the 80s you might remember the sweater being called the Blue Rock Sweater. This was a must have item along with the other classic staples like bean boots, scotch plaid flannels, and the barn coat etc. For some odd reason the sweater was discontinued and was brought back to life a couple of years ago (check out the post here) The classic original color is blue. This year L.L Bean Signature released a new colorway of mountain red very appropriate to wear now with the holidays upon us. The sweater is crafted from heavyweight Shetland wool yarns in a classic jacquard knit. The sweater this time around has a better fit slim through the chest, sleeves and waist for a clean and polished look. Both sweaters look great and will definitely keep you warm.

Gretsch Musical Instrument Factory South Williamsburg

   Before Williamsburg was known for vinyl and glamour. Williamsburg was an important neighborhood in manufacturing. A lot of factories were located in Williamsburg because it was near the waterfront. If you happen to walk by the famous Domino Sugar Plant and start walking towards Broadway from South 6th street you will come across to the Gretsch Musical Instrument factory. The Gretsch is probably better known as a pioneer in the luxury loft conversion in South Williamsburg and being redesigned by the infamous Karl Fischer.  The 10 story building was built in 1916 to replace the previous Gretsch factory building which was located at 104 at 114 South Fourth Street. This was actually the fourth Gretsch factory built to keep up with the demands of production.

Gretsch Musical Instruments Factory in 1916

South Williamsburg Gretsch building probably the 1916 which seems to be a trolley

   Friedrich Gretsch, established the company in 1883 when he opened a little shop at 128 Middleton Street in Brooklyn. There he and a few workmen made drums, banjos, tambourines, and other musical items. His son, Fred Gretsch Sr. took over the company became in charge of the company after Friedrich Gretsch Sr passed away. He was only fifteen years old when he took over and  did a pretty damn good job turning the business into the largest instruments manufacture in the United States. This building is probably more famous than the other buildings since it was used appear on the pages of Gretsch catalogs, flyers, and advertisements. This building specialized in the production of guitars and drums, then only to guitars when the beatles started to use the company guitars it became an epidemic. In the late sixties the  company wasn't doing so well and it was sold to another instrument company Baldwin Piano Company. Which also resulted in the company moving from Brooklyn to Arkansas. In 1985, the founder's great grandson Fred W. Gretsch, buys back the company and returns it to the family. He locates the company in South Carolina.

Work being done

   In 1999, the family sold the building to a developer, which converted the factory into a condominium. Like I stated earlier, the factory was one of the earliest factories to fall into the conversion trend. The 200,000 square foot manufacturing building was converted into 120 loft condominiums. The building obviously has a great view of the Manhattan skyline since it's two short blocks from the waterfront. The ceilings varies from twelve to fifteen feet high. It also has a gym and roof deck.  The building has a low-key appeal to anyone new to the area because of the building exterior you wouldn't guess it's a condominium. But the building isn't anything, but low-key it's an OG when it comes to the world of abandoned factories converted to condominiums. Rapper Busta Rythmes lived here.

The Lincoln Building aka 1 Union Square West

   The Lincoln Building, also known as 1 Union Square West because of its address located at 1 Union Square West in Manhattan, New York City, is a 8 story Romanesque Revival building that was built in 1887. I'm sure many people seen this beauty, but have no knowledge about the building. It became a landmark in 1988. The architect of the building was R.H. Robertson, the building was designed Romanesque rival style same style that he used for churches, and houses. The building is definitely a landmark because it was part of the new generation steel frame construction building that were reaching record breaking heights. While steel frame construction in today world is a normality back then this was a magnificent innovation. The building used masonry for its load bearing walls and an interior steel skeleton framing. The framing consisted of steel beams, steel girders and cast-iron columns. The masonry consists of granite, Indiana limestone and brick. What I find the most interesting about the building is the layering or stacking of the floors. Some of the floors have arcades of windows while others have columns. The detailing consists of terra cotta ornaments of griffins, human and lion heads, Byzantine, Norman and Celtic designs.  What is interesting is that the land where the building was built on used to be part of the Henry Springler farm.

Loving the detail

 Some of the building's first tenants were actually architects. Van Campen Taylor had an architecture office during the construction of the Chatham Hall. Other firms were Hubert, Pirrson&Company. Eyelet Buttonhole Attachment Co were also tenants of the building. The building had many tenants because it was a located in a very desirable location, which was being close to Broadway. Back then Broadway was the city's most important street. Most businesses were located on Broadway. Current tenant is a clothing brand Diesel

    I give  Kudos to R.H. Robertson for being a forward thinker because he mixed old and new. He designed a building with a traditional look but with modern materials.