Bringing it Back - Meet the Hilfigers

From Fall 2011. New post tomorrow.
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With each new season's ad campaign, I ask myself why Phillips-Van Heusen just had to save the failing Tommy Hilfiger brand. Recently watching the new fall video, I felt ever so compelled to highlight several of the preppy-mansion-party-people.

A few of my least favorite buzz words come to mind.


Max - Authentic is everyone's least favorite frat boy looking stoned with with sloppy hair and ski goggles. Oh, and the ascot. Right.



Francis - Iconic in that sexually ambiguous hair cut. Maybe Max should lend this guy his facial hair.  Just below is Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. Separated at birth? Hmm.

Luis - Tradition shines forth from another ski bum toting the whole late 90's ski goggles and fuzzy hair thing. Who knew Tommy Hilfiger drew inspiration from Seth Green? 

Emily - Heritage on cue from Annie Hall. Well, close enough.

Yes, I realize Ralphie uses these buzz words all the time and to his brand I hold great loyalty, but still I despise the grossly overused verbiage. If you're going to put an emphasis on WASP/prep/trad/whatever life, stay away from all this frat boy/beatnik/ski bum/hipster shit stuff. No, no, shit is more appropriate.

LRL from Macy's

Oh, how I love clearance deals. Three Lauren Ralph Lauren ties, $12 total.

Another Way to Wear 'Em

The best of both worlds.

Just in from eBay - Madras Ties

Almost looking forward to spring.

Today's Outfit - Plentiful Purple

Polo Ralph Lauren striped poplin shirt - $30 from Marshall's

Brooks Brothers sea island cotton v-neck sweater - $24 from eBay

Talbots paisley silk tie - $4 from eBay (in set of 3 for $12)

Polo Ralph Lauren bright blue corduroy trouser - $50 from RalphLauren.com

Smart Turnout regimental striped socks - courtesy of Smart Turnout

Allen Edmonds Danbury shoes - $1 from thrift shop

Fun with Photoshop

Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday...

Wish List - Rugby Cardigan

Not yet available on Rugby's American site, this cardigan recently showed up for sale on Rugby's Japanese page. I've not seen seen anything else on the market like this, aside from vintage pieces on eBay, so hopefully this will be available soon.

Today's Outfit

CKC Shoppe Black Friday Sale

12 new sport coats are available at the CKC Shoppe, featuring Donegal Mist tweed from Ireland, Harris Tweed from Scotland, Loro Piana merino from New Zealand, and Shetland from the British Isles.

Visit the CKC Shoppe at http://ckcshoppe.storenvy.com/ for my Black Friday sale running NOW until 12:00am Saturday. Enter code TURKEY22 for an extra 22% off your purchase!

And while on the subject of coupons, check out ZenDeals.com. I was contacted by a representative of the company recently to share the site and I must say, after taking a look around, I'm pleasantly surprised. Being the consummate bargain shopper, I'm always searching for extra savings. What's nice about this site is the guarantee that each and every coupon code will work. There's no time wasted verifying codes that may have expired or may have never worked at all. 

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Ads to Live By

Truer copy cannot be written. With Black Friday approaching ever so quickly, we should remember that while it's one thing to get a bargain, it's something else to invest in quality. I've been thinking of picking up a new camera this Friday, but as I preview the ads and see markdown after markdown, I'm left realizing that my money would be better invested in something sure to last, not a piece of mediocre equipment sure to be outdated in six months.

Wish List - Cricket Sweater

Polo's latest cricket offering is this cotton/cashmere blend with navy and yellow trim. Currently available only on Ralphie's UK site, I look forward to it coming stateside soon.

Today's Outfit - Casual Cricket

Horrible photo, once again. That's what I get for using my cell phone.

Anyway.

Polo cricket sweater, repp tie, shirt and chinos.

Smart Turnout socks. 

J. Crew saddle shoes.

Four in One

My latest purchase from Macy's.

Today's Outfit - Spring Fever

As West Virginia weather goes, we're experiencing a week of warmth and sunshine shortly after a bizarre blizzard. So, today I broke out this rather springy combination of pastel pink and blue.

Fall Fun Shirt

As part of its resort collection (you know, that small summery collection designers present in fall for those who use summer as a verb), Polo has debuted a new fun shirt. I may love my loud patchwork madras, but I'm dubious of ever putting on this thing.

Colorful Cables

Today at the Thrift - Diamond Scarf

Wish List - Nautica Cardigan

CKC Shoppe Grand Reopening

After much procrastination, I've finally put together an offering of sport coats in the CKC Shoppe. 

In addition, I've added two cardigans and two ties to go along with the 19 other ties still available.  These really are some excellent jackets, and I want them to go to readers who, I know, will wear them well.

Enter code CKC10 at checkout for an additional 10% off your purchase!

Today's Outfit - Favorite Fair Isle

I recently acquired my all-time favorite fair isle sweater from eBay. Offered several years ago from Polo, I could never afford the sweater at retail and always found it selling around $100 on eBay. Finally, my luck changed a few weeks back when I discovered it for a list price of only $17.99. I put in a maximum bid of $50, though I figured to be outbid within a few days. Amazingly, no other bids were placed and, after a $5.65 shipping charge, the sweater arrived at my door.

Today I've paired it with a Polo poplin dress shirt, raw silk tie and brown cords, Club Room argyle socks and vintage Mancuso monkstrap shoes.


What's the longest you've waited to buy a long-desired item, whether from eBay or retail, and what was it?

Today at the Thrift - Pocket Square

Just in from eBay - Shantung Tie

Today at the Thrift - Scarf

A Kick in the Wallet, a Kick to the Head

Simply put, I love Allen Edmonds. Though I don't have the cash to buy a new pair, I've found a few dozen at thrift shops. Some are in excellent shape and have minor wear, some are scuffed and scratched. However, every pair has its place. When I discover a beat up brogue or damaged derby, I keep it for casual wear. Only the finest shoes are reserved for business and church. 

What does this have to do with the shoes above? This is a new pair of Allen Emonds, available at Brooks Brothers. I understand why Allen Edmonds would produce this shoe. There's money to be made selling artificially-aged stuff. What I don't understand the thought process of the guy wanting to pay $298 a shoe that already looks several decades old.

"I have $300 to spend on new shoes, but I don't want them too new. What will people think if my shoes are perfectly clean and the leather's all the same tone? What's this? Allen Edmonds has done the work for me? For only $298, I can act like I've recklessly worn these shoes for years. This decision certainly beats that of finding something similar at a thrift shop for a few dollars."

Just in from eBay - Cashmere

Both of these sweaters just arrived from the wonderful world of eBay, and at under $30 a piece, I've saved more than 90% off retail value. If you've never worn a Polo cashmere cable-knit sweater, I highly recommend picking up one. They're incredibly soft, well-knitted, and rather lightweight for year-round use. Rather than paying retail for merino this season, spend some time on eBay and you're sure to find these $400 sartorial gems under $50.

CKC Shoppe on eBay

As part of my fall cleaning effort, I've decided to clear out most of my argyle collection. The following sweaters are available on eBay. Click on each image to view its respective auction. If you happen to win an item, send me a message at ckcshoppe@gmail.com and I'll take 10% off your purchase price (before shipping).

 

 

Wish List - Lyle and Scott Cardigan

Shawl cardigans may be available everywhere now, but this one by Lyle and Scott really stands out. Several knitting techniques, along with patch pockets and a unique placket have landed this sweater on my Christmas wish list.

Window Display

Window display from Charleston's legendary Diamond department store, circa 1927.

Today's Outfit - Back in Boots

Without power the past several days, I've been unable to work, unable to blog, unable to function. Of course, I'm blessed not to have been worse off, and those still suffering on the east coast are in my prayers. Today I thought it appropriate to share some of my regular cold weather gear. 

Polo cotton flannel shirt - Flannel is a must this time of year.

Polo aran-knit pima cotton sweater - Quite functional and warm for cotton, still stylish. 

Levi's 550 jeans - Everybody needs jeans that can be beat up and worn down in snow. 

American Eagle boot socks - A cotton blend, these socks from the other AE are a fall favorite. 

Eddie Bauer vintage duck boots - With a shearling lining, this $1 thrift find beats Bean's standard duck mocs. 

Not pictured are my Polo quilted jacket and quilted leather (cashmere lined) gloves.