Polo gingham shirt | Paul Stuart paisley tie | Hilfiger chino | Alden boot | Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses 

Zegna plaid sport coat and chelsea boot | Stafford shirt | Drake's pocket square | Liberty of London paisley tie | Polo denim

Orvis Harris Tweed herringbone sport coat | Brooks Brothers gingham oxford | Polo silk knit tie and pocket square | L.L. Bean chino | Merona sweater | Allen Edmonds brogued 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.

Wish List - ASOS Brogue Boots

My dear readers, I could use your advice on this one. ASOS is offering this brogued beauty on clearance for $45.73, but I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger. The boot has a suede upper with leather sole and stacked rubber heel. Nearly my entire shoe collection comes from thrift shops, but I've not found a boot like this and I'm not likely to, either. I realize the quality might not be spectacular but given that I can't afford similar models from Tricker's or Grenson, should I take the chance?

Autumn Essentials - Country Casual

Based on you're locale, it might not yet be time to break out the tweeds, cashmeres, and cords. However, it's never too early to start shopping for autumn weather and plan some future outfit ideas.

One of my favorite color combinations is purple and green. Pink and green (you know, that blinding all-too-preppy pink/green combo) is not for everyone, but purple and green together is much more wearable. Whether pairing a dusty purple heather and olive or something more like the saturated tones shown here, this color scheme is understated yet strong.

Speaking specifically of this outfit, the pants are horribly short, but given practical application, all the pieces of the outfit look great together. When putting together a look like this, here a few things to keep in mind. An otherwise solid (in color) look is made whimsical with embroidered cords. Sturdy-soled boots are more appropriate for inclement weather than loafers or brogues. An equally sturdy belt is proper here, for something that is inherently a country (therefore, casual) look. A sport coat in herringbone, Donegal or birdseye tweed adds great texture to the outfit.

To set this outfit with a tie, I recommend a v-neck sweater, not a crewneck. Otherwise, a crewneck in merino or cashmere can't be beat. A solid oxford is your safest shirt choice, though a simple tattersall would be another classic option.


Would you wear something like this? This outfit, exactly as is? What might you tweak?

Wish List - Florsheim by Duckie Brown

The prices on Duckie Brown's Florsheim line may be quackers, but I'm down with Duckie on these styles... pending some tremendous markdowns.

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.

Boot Up

Way out of my price range but cleverly designed are these boots by Ralph Lauren. First up is the Doogan Plaid Wool Boot.


Redford Plaid Boot.


Ackley Wool Plaid Boot.


Oh. And then the Obrian Calf Shoe. "Sleek shoe handcrafted in Italy from hand-burnished calfskin with two brass buckles at the vamp inspired by luxuriously rugged equestrian style." I'll take one pair, please.