Today's Outfit

Polo Spring/Summer 2013

I always look forward to the Ralph Lauren spring and fall runway shows. I generally find myself impressed by a number of outfits that leave me with inspiration and the desire to pick up particular new pieces as they're released.

You can find the latest runway show here at Fashionising.com.

This time around, I'm very disappointed. There's nothing new-looking, nothing innovative, nothing of intrigue. Of course I'm excited to buy the new Fair Isle pictured here, but the rest of the collection, from Polo to Purple Label, is underwhelming.


Take a look and tell me what you think.

Astounding Amaretto

I have several pair of boat shoes from brands such as Ralph Lauren (the premium shoe line, not Polo), L.L. Bean, Sebago and Sperry. While each of these companies produces quality shoes, nobody makes boat shoes like Sperry. The classic Top-Sider has been in my rotation for years. When my sole ripped and the time came to pick up a new pair, I scoured shoe sites for the best deal and found nothing under $55. I had decided to give up my search until December, when even the classic model is relatively cheap. 

Then, I found this one and only pair of amaretto Top-Siders at Macy's for $16. It turns out somebody ordered these from Macys.com and returned them to the store. Given that this particular color isn't carried in store, the shoes were marked down to $30. Following a coupon and two discounts, I took these home... and I still can't believe it.

Stacking Away the Shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren seersucker and oxford shorts

Polo Ralph Lauren madras shorts

See you in spring! (shorts... not readers)

Madrasity

First time breaking out the patchwork madras this year.

Polo Ralph Lauren blazer, shirt and vest; Robert Talbott patchwork repp tie

Oak Hill tan linen trouser, Chaps white bucks (not pictured)

For All Seasons

This is a favorite outfit of mine, from an old Ralph Lauren runway show. I've had this image saved for awhile so I don't remember whether this is a spring/summer or fall/winter look, and the blurriness doesn't help. However, I'm rather glad about that - it speaks to the functionality of color and pattern rather than fabric. Too often we limit ourselves to bright colors for warm weather, dull colors in the cold. I say that anything goes, anytime.

Were this a spring/summer look, the tie would likely be made of silk or cotton, the blazer of silk/linen, and the trouser of lightweight cotton twill.

For fall/winter, the tie and jacket would certainly be heavy wools, with the trouser composed of corduroy.

With the weather warmed up a bit, it's time to utilize madras and such, but you shouldn't have hesitation in going bright and bold now when such opportunity is yours all year. This is the perfect time to stock up on off-season sales of corduroys and tartans. So, get to shopping now and you'll be ready to move straight into lavish lavender lambswool and cozy cranberry cashmere.

Wish List

 Lands' End madras. I'll take one of each, please.

Better at Belk

Belk Keeps Him in Style with

Men’s Most-Wanted Fashion Picks for Spring 2012

Charleston, SC—March 22, 2012—What’s on the fashion horizon for guys this spring? Destination sunshine: A place where a relaxed, optimistic, warm weather spirit prevails. A locale with a bright new quality that embodies colorful American classics- past and present- while celebrating an uncomplicated modern aesthetic. It’s easy, carefree and elegant. Join us as we peruse the season’s most wanted items for men.

1. Colored Bottoms -Look on the bright side and go beyond the blue. Say, “Yes!” to a wide range of bold palettes for spring. Add the wow with denim and other textiles in the most happening hues. Nantucket red is a favorite.

2. Striped Knit -Ready to give your look a fresh fix in no time flat? Bar none, these very “on-trend” patterns will do the trick. Multis, bi-color, almost any combo will do. The time is just ripe for stripes.

3. Bright Plaids & Checks - Don’t skimp on style. Indulge in an amazing array of prints and patterns to recharge your look. Color counts and grid lock is not an issue.

4. Prepster Sportcoat -Want to raise your cool quotient? Wear this seasonal jacket desk to dinner—workplace to weekend. The fit and fabric will feel so right.

5. Flat Front Short -Own it. Chic and simple, this warm weather staple will give you a smart start in pulling your off duty wardrobe together. Getting comfortable never looked so good.

6. Oxford Shirt -This all-time classic is back with a vengeance in a range of captivating tones. Softly crinkled or pressed to please, this shirt works as hard as you do.

7. Cool Tee -Our best in class tee shirts stand out as essential spring weekend gear. Check out vintage graphics, washed down hues and easy-fit silhouettes. Laid back looks better than ever.

8. Novelty Neckwear -Check out ties in seersucker, linen, spring plaids and a bounty of beautiful shades. Stand out from the crowd in ties that take you from okay to, “Oh, wow!” in a fashion minute.

9. Straw Fedoras -For the perfect balance between elegance and ease, try a hat that harnesses your modern manpower. You will look sharp and stylish.

10. Preppy Footwear -Step it up. Prepare to prep in shoes with an emphasis on the Ivy League. The message represents authentic American style. Madras plaids, tri-color boat shoes and, yes, saddle oxfords say it all.

About Belk, Inc. Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's largest privately owned mainline department store company with 303 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Belk.com offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top-name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. To connect with Belk via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blog, mobile phone, text messages or by email, go to Belk Get Connected.

Modern. Southern. Style. Belk seeks to satisfy the modern Southern lifestyle like no one else, so that our customers get the fashion they desire and the value they deserve. Our vision is for the modern Southern woman to count on Belk first - for her, for her family, for life.

Polo Pima Cotton

Quite frequently overlooked during warmer months is the lightweight cotton sweater. During breezy days or chilly nights of spring and summer, I turn to the Polo pima v-neck. These retail for $98 but can be found on eBay and the occasional Macy's or Dillard's clearance sale under $30. The three shown above just came in from eBay for a total of $60. Though Brooks Brothers makes a similar sweater, I prefer the Polo model for its lighter weight, collar, shape retention and overall fit.

Plaids in Pairs

Two more to the collection.

Indian madras.

Made in the U.S.A.

Gotta love it.

 

Natty to the Nines

Warm weather isn't all about seersucker and madras. A bright green blazer like this says enough on its own.

The trick is to keep other colors and patterns subtle. You want to look cool, not clownish.

I'm already stocked with mint green, coral and lavender. Whatchya got?

The Good, the Bad, the Brooks Brothers

On the left:
Everything that's good and fun in Brooks Brothers tradition with an east coast summer spin. Aside from the chinos being cuffed rather high, I have no complaints. The jacket and pants are trim but not tight, and the simple bow tie and pocket square finish things off nicely.

On the right: Brooks gone L.A., Brooks gone bad, Brooks gone far too far. I don't blame a company for expanding its brand image because, let's face it, it's all about the money. But the tradition of exclusivity tied into Brooks history disappears when you dress a model like a pretentious tool. Capri-looking chinos? No. Double-popped collars? Never. Seersucker slip-ons with black soles and a scarf? What the...?

Summer Snapshot Contest Results

So much for a 10:00PM post. Sorry fellas, my internet has been down, but the results are in. Judged by two of my most trusted friends, the results of the Summer Snapshot Contest came down to a tie between Toad of To the Manner Born and Kionon of Kyoto Maiko. You'll each be receiving two madras ties and bonus ties of some sort. Please email your addresses to ckcshoppe@gmail.com so I may send out your prizes. Thanks to all who entered!

Here are the winning looks.

Toad in summer whites. Simple yet elegant with a crisp polo, shawl-collar jacket and seersucker pants.

Kionon looking casual yet refined in white shorts and a blazer. Nice touches with the grosgrain watch band, plaid belt and boat shoes.

Below, we see another classic look from Toad, next to the equally outstanding ADG of Maxminimus. And the ever-creative Kionon has overloaded with mad madras mayhem.

Wish List

 Perhaps more dandy than prep, but I like this blazer from Etro.

If you bust out something like this for the Summer Snapshot Contest, your chances are pretty good. 

Here are the details, again.

I've noticed a number of bloggers, myself included, have been whining about winter and singing the praises of summer for the past week or so. In the spirit of competition and madras madness, I'm launching the Summer Snapshot Contest. Submit a photo of yourself in your most fun, bold, summery outfit to ckcshoppe@gmail.com for a chance to win a set of vintage madras ties! Your photo does not have to be a new one, but it must be original. The winner will be chosen by committee, this Sunday at 10:00PM Eastern, so you have until 9:00PM to enter! 

Summer Snapshot Contest

I've noticed a number of bloggers, myself included, have been whining about winter and singing the praises of summer for the past week or so. In the spirit of competition and madras madness, I'm launching the Summer Snapshot Contest. Submit a photo of yourself in your most fun, bold, summery outfit to ckcshoppe@gmail.com for a chance to win a set of vintage madras ties! Your photo does not have to be a new one, but it must be original. The winner will be chosen by committee, this Sunday at 10:00PM Eastern, so you have until 9:00PM to enter!

Some inspiration to get you started.

My Outerwear

Following up on my last post, here's an overview of my outerwear. Luckily, these pieces are all up on the Polo site, so I didn't have to raid my closets for photos.

(left) Polo cotton barracuda. Essential summer wear.

(right) Polo bi-swing windbreaker. Great on the golf course.

(left) Polo Stratford jacket. Just right on a rainy day with its hideaway hood.

(right) Polo Richmond quilted jacket. My go-to for cool weather camping, hiking, etc.

Polo Kempton car coat. The perfect balance of style, utility, comfort and warmth.

These all came from either eBay or clearance sales. The Kempton jacket alone runs over $500, but I paid just over $300 for all five.

So Far From Summer

It's the coldest night of the year and I couldn't be missing summer more. 

See you in a few months, madras and seersucker.

Bruno Magli Blues

Blue boat shoes, sure. Blue tasseled kilties... in boat shoe form? Of course. This Italian-made Bruno Magli concoction just came in from eBay at under fifteen dollars and I can understand why. I waited several days to place a bid while I thought of how exactly to pull these off, but I've come to think of them as refined Topsiders. The most interesting detail, of which I was unaware until today, is that rather than leather or canvas lining, terrycloth is present to wick away moisture. Kilties on and jibe ho!

Seasonal Retirement

There comes a time each year to hide away all your cotton and linen ties. As temperatures hit the forties and fifties, I've come to realize that time has arrived.

 So I'll see you next spring, madras.

Goodbye for now, ginghams, paisleys and such.

Take care, tartans and plaids.



Okay, so this last group still has some play left before I make the rotation to wool, but I couldn't resist showing some of my favorite pieces.




What's your favorite summer tie?

Have a wonderful week!

Cricket in Short Supply

I'm all for embroidered shorts - lobsters, martini glasses, seagulls, etc. However, designs may go into too much detail and hold too large a scale, such as with these cricket-embroidered shorts. I've admired the game of cricket for many years and have played for the past four, but I can't imagine any such fan seriously donning these. Besides, who wants someone to look down at your shorts and jest, "Your wicket's showing."