Today's Outfit

Chaps blue oxford shirt

J. Crew silk knit tie, made in Italy

Polo Ralph Lauren hand-knit pima cotton shawl sweater

Lands' End reversible cotton plaid scarf

Polo Ralph Lauren green Andrew chino

American Eagle marled cotton boot sock

Polo Ralph Lauren shearling Ranger boot

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.

Preppy Shorts

Hey, American Eagle. Since when has prep been a length? 

This guy must be... super prep.

Three Dollars at the Thrift

A rather successful day of thrifting.

 American Eagle intarsia sweater. Chaps Ralph Lauren sweater vest. Cutter & Buck birdseye sweater vest.

Boot Socks

A fresh set of boot socks in from American Eagle. Yep, the AE that isn't Allen Edmonds. At a friend's recommendation, I bought several pair on clearance last year for a few dollars and was quite pleased with the warmth and durability. I've picked up six more pair this year, in bolder and brighter colors. I prefer my boot socks to be primarily cotton, not wool, as my two pair of winter boots have shearling lining and I don't need that much warmth.

And Tied Down

Yes, a couple more solid pieces from American Eagle, in a cotton/linen blend. Around fifteen dollars each, the only better deal you'll find will come from eBay.

Socked Up

Early in my college days, all of four years ago, I wore a bit of American Eagle. You know, that shop you pass by at the mall, scoffing at how kids dress these days. But every once in awhile, the most convoluted companies get it right with the basics.

I never have and never will pay more than ten dollars for socks. To me, they're more of a utility than accessory. However, I wouldn't mind picking up these six styles to add extra pops of color to my summer gear. At $6.50 (or less with frequently-offered coupons available), such a slight investment could provide a large style payoff.

A couple more surprisingly great American Eagle pieces to follow.

The Classic Yellow Slicker

Slicker. Windbreaker. Rain jacket. Whatever you call it, everybody needs one for spring and summer. Yet again, I've been surprised by the traditional goods American Eagle is offering. I'll be picking up this classic yellow piece for under $40. It's also offered in navy, olive and red.

Dick Tracy.


The Man in the Yellow Hat.


I think these guys would approve.

Another Standard

Still need to break out the new camera and get to posting new photos. This was from a couple weeks ago. I paired up a striped blue oxford with my Shetland Black Watch tie, rugby stripe shawl collar sweater, and Levi's 559 jeans. While I've come to prefer Levi's 501's as of late, I've long favored the 559 relaxed fit model in Tumbled Rigid. Not pictured are my L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Shoes and American Eagle brown marled cotton boot socks. While I've been over my American Eagle phase for several years, I found these great socks while Christmas shopping for cousins. I'd provide a link, but they're sold out online. At only $12 for a two-pack and offered in a variety of colors, they're worth a look.