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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Throw Back Preppy Thursdays:Lilly Pulitzer 1976 I LOVE LIZA

Lilly Pulitzer 1976
   
   One of my favorite and influential designers to me is Lilly Pulitzer. I never take my wardrobe too seriously. She best said it the best, “Life's a party, dress like it"! I like being myself. I wear go to hell pants, bright yellows and Kelly green chinos. Pants and shirts with sea animals embroidered all over. Bright needlepoint caps, that's my wardrobe and that's how I live it makes me happy my party and I'm the host live yours. I wear my outfits more than once and wear them with wrinkles I don't care I'm having fun. Enjoy the wonderful pictures from this 1976 Lilly Pulitzer catalog. I believe that's actually Lilly Pulitzer daughter Liza Pulitzer on the cover. Liza Pulitzer is one of her three children. Liza Pulitzer was a dress designer for Lilly Pulitzer, designing the company's Junior Line. If that's her for sure then that dress was most likely designed by her. After that, she became a very successful real estate agent in Palm Beach. Ladies comment what you think?

Lilly Pulitzer 1976

Lilly Pulitzer 1976

Lilly Pulitzer 1976

Lilly Pulitzer 1976


Lilly Pulitzer 1976

Duluth Pack at Project Tradeshow

Duluth Pack
Duluth Pack, a brand that I have highly spoken about before is always exciting seeing what new stirring up is. Duluth has been around for over 130 years and is a true original. The design of their rucksacks has influenced in some sort of way every backpack. Brands copy and follow Duluth, but Duluth doesn't follow trends. It was great when viewing the collection nothing of the ordinary was seen. The collaboration with Faribault keeps getting better. Duluth when it comes to luggage or bags has that department cover. I was well impressed with the Duluth pack Elite line, which is the bags in all black which gives the bags a more professional and luxurious appeal. I was actually surprised at myself for me liking the black line so much because I own a couple waxed canvas bags and  they're the usual color of olive green and brown. The white stitching really brings out the details out of the bag. It's more a refreshment from seeing now so many waxed canvas bags in the usual option of brown and green. Usually if a bag is in that color way that's a hint its waxed canvas. The elite line will be popular with people that have a stricter dress code in their profession. Their collaboration with Duluth Pack and Faribault Woolen Mills keeps getting better. The wool bags would look great worn in winter. I recommend to not wearing them in spring/summer too warm. The collaboration involves wool versions of popular models like the ionic Scoutmaster, Market and their duffel bag. The bags in Bison Leather are Heirlooms. Great investments and will look beautiful years to come as they break in.  Bison leather is over 40% stronger than cowhide yet softer. All the bags are made in the USA and guaranteed for life. Overall, everything looks great if you're seeking  quality handmade goods that will outlive you check out Duluth Pack.

Duluth Elite Collection bags shown Sportsman Tote, Sportsman Dufflel, Leather Lakewalk Tote

Duluth Pack and Faribault Woolen Mills
Duluth Pack and Faribault Woolen Mills

Bison Leather Sportsman's Duffel

Duluth Pack
More Bison Leather Bags

Friday, July 25, 2014

Capsule S/S 2015: Ivy Prepster

It's always great seeing bands that you come across to in social media. At Capsule last week it was pretty neat to see Ivy Prepster long and bow ties in person. Ivy Prepster has a pretty strong buzz on instagram becoming a go to or preferred choice for many aspiring bloggers or menswear enthusiasts. The ties have more of a youthful appeal yet still maintains that preppy that pretty much sparked the concept of the brand. When I mean a more youthful appeal the ties have the whimsical designs seen on the ugly sweater/ Christmas sweater worn in winter. Mixing in fabrics that are preppy staples like Madras. I love Madras, Madras is my second skin. While Madras is the fabric that makes me crazy, Ivy Prepster does a good job with the prints like Camo the preferred print to wear  for every guy trying to make sure everyone knows he reads G.Q magazine. Ivy Prepster has the accessories game on lock with pocket squares, tie clips, and tote bags. The best part is the ties are made in USA. Long ties embroidered with sailboats and anchors is what a sailor dreams of. Very promising stuff make sure to check out!

I need the madras and sailboat

Ivy Prepster

Ivy Prepster

Ivy Prepster
Add caption

Ivy Prepster

Eastland Men's Seneca Camp Moc Chukka Boot for Summer


 Eastland Seneca

One of my favorite chukkas is the Eastland Seneca. Just like the Falmouth and Yarmouth the Seneca is a certified New England staple. Sadly, I don't own this model must add to my Eastland collection. The Seneca camp moc chukka Boot is a five-eye chukka with hands sewn moccasin construction. A better option than the ubiquitous boat shoe perfect for the New Yorker that visits the Hamptons or Marthas Vineyard during the weekends. Hand sewn moccasin construction. Since it has a similar construction to the Falmouth and Yarmouth it will last you for a while. I had my camp mocs for six years still going strong. If worn right chukkas looks crispy during summer time. My suggestion is to pair it shorts with a 7" inseam which is usually above the knee. Mix with a madras or denim shirt and you're set for a simple casual look.The chukkas go for $100.00.

 Eastland Seneca
Tan

 Eastland Seneca
Bomber Brown

 Eastland Seneca
Tan Suede



Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Fraternity Collection American Flag (Sport Shirt)

The American Flag Sport Shirt $88.00

  One of my favorite shirt companies is The Fraternity collection because they offer various  colorways of fun sports shirts or for the non  preppies the color block shirt. The fraternity collection has this awesome shirt that I came across a couple of weeks ago that I couldn't keep to myself. The American Flag sport shirt is an patriotic shirt that I'm sure that our founding fathers would wear it. The design of the shirt is very original with American flags scattered everywhere in all kinds of angles. Even though July 4th has passed it doesn't mean we shouldn't be demonstrating our patriotism. This is the perfect button up to wear to watch Americas favorite pastime baseball or getting your face sloppy from eating that huge order of hamburger and fries from the burger shake. While this is such an appropriate shirt to wear while doing American activities; what makes this shirt even more spectacular is that it's made in the U.S.A.The shirt is 100% cotton. The price of the shirt is worth it because 10% of the price of this shirt will be donated to philanthropy. The famous quote by Ronald Reagan, "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." Suits perfect always help the people in need. It doesn't get better than getting a great looking shirt that is made here in America and helps people in need. It's a win win situation so go check The Fraternity collection.

Throw Back Preppy Thursdays: Ralph Lauren in the 80s

Vintage Ralph Lauren
1987


Vintage Ralph Lauren
1981

Vintage Ralph Lauren
1981
Vintage Ralph Lauren
1981
No words needed enjoy these wonderful Ralph Lauren advertisements from the eighties.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Bonobos Summer Suits collection



   Summer is my favorite season because of the wonderful weather. I will never understand why some people dislike summer. Summer is more pleasant to the eyes in my opinion because there are more variations of  pastels and textures of fabrics to wear. I personally think the people who don't like the warm weather is usually correlated to their preference of style. Based on my conversations with friends, many of them don't like warm weather because there aren't committed to dressing up. In the winter they could just throw a coat and call it a day since the jacket usually is the biggest piece of clothing you have on. This means you could hide a lot of things like repeated outfits, badly fitting clothes, or you're might not be content with your body. Summer is usually that real stage because you don't have a giant winter jacket help hide these drawbacks. Your choice of outfits is pretty obvious to the public. One huge mistake I see men do is wear their winter suits in the summer, which is a no no no in my book. 



   Bonobos a brand that I admired so much for because they revolutionize chino pants. They provide an updated look to the chinos by making them slimmer and adding a better waist which accommodates the 21st century gentleman. Bonobos is the place for you to shop for your summer suits. Just like how they revolutionize chino pants I wouldn't be surprise if wool and seersucker suits follow the same trend. A summer suit should be of great quality because you will be wearing it in the warmer months in which lightness and breathability  is imperative. Avoid additional padding and cheap lining which will put you in an inferno if you're don't work in an air conditioned place. Here's a brief bio of  Bonobos is a clothing brand focused on delivering great fit, high energy, and superb customer experience. Launched in 2007 on the Internet with its signature line of better-fitting men's pants, Bonobos is now the largest apparel brand ever built on the web in the United States. In 2011 Bonobos extended offline, launching Bonobos Guideshops, e-commerce showrooms that deliver personalized, one-to-one service to those wanting to experience the brand in-person. In such little time  In 2012, Bonobos expanded its distribution partnering with Nordstrom, bringing Bonobos apparel into select doors nationwide and to Nordstrom.com. In such a rapid success Bonobos has received so much praised, for example, Bonobos was named "One of America's Hottest Brands" by Advertising Age, "Best Men's Pants" by New York Magazine, one of Inc. Magazine's "20 Awesome Facebook Pages" and was awarded Crain's "Best Places to Work in New York City".

If you don't like Seersucker then this cotton suit will do fine

     Seersucker a light, thin fabric, usually  cotton or linen with a crinkled surface with a usually blue or red striped pattern. Seersucker is breathable, lightweight, dries quickly and it doesn't wrinkle  easily making it the perfect summer fabric.
 

The Foundation Suit Jacket - Seersucker

Seersucker pants $100
    This seersucker suit looks great in all aspects the pants are on sale for $100 and the jacket for $220 which isn't bad to someone's pocket. Perfect to  be worn to summer weddings, barbecues, horse derby or that wonderful Sunday morning mass. The jacket features modern 2 1/2" lapels. It's double-button, double-vent, with non-functioning button cuffs, full Bemberg lining. Bemberg is well known brand when it comes to liners. The pants feature a classic hook and bar closure and button-through back pockets. The seersucker suit is my best recommendation to wear when it's sunny and sweltering hot outside. Instead of pairing the suit with an Oxford cotton button down why not wear a polo shirt.

The Capstone Suit - Italian Super 130s Wool - Navy $890.00



    While wool might be synonymous with cold climates since it's a well-known insulator of heat. Wool should also should be used in the summer because it absorbs and evaporates moisture more efficiently. Which I think sounds pretty ideal for a summer suit. Break a sweat and sooner that sweat stain will be gone. A wool suit is just elegant and will always be appropriate no questions asked whether it's a morning meeting or even dinner wool suit is the proper route. For a wool suit to be effective as in cooling make sure it's lightweight. When buying a wool suit make sure you check the ounces. Wool suits are measured in ounces, for summer, it's recommended to stay between the six to nine ranges. Another number very important to look for is the “Super number or also called  an S number. A S number indicates the fineness of the wool fiber. The higher the number the better the quality.
   While the wool suit is a hefty price remind yourself, it's worth it because you're getting top quality. Crafted from the finest traditionally-woven wool Italy has to offer, this is the top of the Bonobos tailored lines. When you arrive at the scene this suit  demands attention. Just like the seersucker suit that I mentioned above, this jacket features modern 2 1/2" lapels. It's double-button, double-vent, with non-functioning button cuffs, Bemberg-lining, and interior contrast piping. A seersucker  suits looks marvelous on sunny days, but get caught without an  umbrella ay pobrecito (poor thing in Spanish) A wool suit might be the better choice if you're in a workplace with a very strict dress code.
    While I only wrote about the seersucker and wool suits. Make sure to check out the website because there's tons of awesome looking suits available. I absolutely love the prices! Bonobos once again is on the right track quality with affordability!


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Social Primer: Chi Silk Repp Navy/White/Red


Social Primer
Chi Silk Repp Navy/White/Red $95.00

   Social Primer makes the best looking and quality ties in my opinion. I'm a huge fan of his bow-ties which I frequently mention on my blog. I'm not the biggest fan of wearing long ties. I usually wear a bow-tie instead. Social Primer has these magnificent long ties that actually make me want to wear a tie. From the Peter Ashley collection of traditional, single fabric ties. This Chi Silk Repp Navy/White/Red long tie is Made in America of fine English Repp silk. This is a beautiful elegant tie guaranteed to drawn in compliments. Perfect with a seersucker or patchwork madras blazer worn for the fourth of July. Definitely will be looking crispy watch the fireworks. This tie measures 3.25″ at the widest point on the blade.The long tie goes for $95.00 totally worth it.

Social Primer


4th of July Options Eastland Blutcher and Camp mocs

Eastland Falmouth
Falmouth USA II $310.00

Eastland Yarmouth
Yarmouth USA II $310.00
   A great July fourth  footwear option would be these made in the USA Eastland moccasins. It doesn't get more American than a pair of Eastland moccasins especially silhouettes like the Falmouth and Yarmouth, which were part of boarding or preparatory school dress code during the  seventies and eighties. The crimson/ navy color way makes the shoe have a very patriotic appeal. The shoe is meticulous handcrafted in Maine, USA, The shoe's features high quality materials like 100% American 10.10 Oz Gridwax Army Duck canvas with Horween® leather. No socks are needed because the shoes are lined with premium leather. I have both silhouettes and they're one of my go to shoes. Both shoes look awesome its your choice if you want the camp-moc with the two eyelets or the Blucher moc which, if you tied them with an Eastland knot then you're certified cool. Either one you will be looking crispy watching fireworks or eating burgers at a barbecue.