Old and New - Wembley Ties

Ah, the 1940's, when ties were no more expensive than a soda is now. I've found a number of early Wembley ties made from silk, linen and wool. I've also discovered a bunch of later Wembleys made of acrylic, polyester and acetate. Fortunately, the company is back at it with a line at JCP, and these ties are once again constructed of natural fibers. Inspired by old collections, the new ties are slim but not skinny and feature simple stripes, plaids, and motifs. Check them out, you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Also while you're at JCP, check out the Happy Socks collection.

Wish List - Plaid Blazers

These blazers, available at Maus & Hoffman, are simply beautiful. However, their prices are simply unaffordable... very unaffordable. Fortunately, with the preppy/trad/ivy trend still going strong, mainstream brands are putting out their own renditions of plaiditude. 

These blazers are available from JCPenney. Yes, that JCPenney. Part of the Stafford line, these are actually composed of wool and are available for $120 each. Regardless of your take on JCP or products made in China or whatever, you've got to admit these are pretty cool. The first pattern is bold and the second, well, is black watch. If I make it my local store in the near future, I'll be sure to try these on and follow up on quality and fit. In the mean time, I suggest you take a look for yourself.

JCP Gets Happy

I've never really shopped JCPenney, I'm more of a Macy's guy. However, due to mall renovations, I found myself taking a shortcut through JCP last week on my way to another store. There, I stumbled upon a great selection of Happy Socks. Priced $8 a pair, you're paying mostly for style, not quality. I wouldn't place the construction of these above Target's Merona socks or Macy's Club Room socks, but you'll find a variety of colors and patterns not offered by other stores. Also, at a price of $8 in-store and $6 online (with purchase of at least two pair), this line runs cheaper than designs available on the Happy Socks site.