Yesterday we talked about slimming things down for summer. From weight, to wallets, to clothes, the warm weather always seems to be a catalyst to slimming down. While you will never catch us wearing skinny jeans, that doesn’t mean slim cuts aren’t in the regular rotation. If you are looking for an extremely well priced pair of slim fit shorts, take a look at the Slim Fit Chino Shorts ($34.50) from Lands End Canvas.
This time of year, it seems like everything revolves slimming down. With beach season right around the corner, everywhere we turn the hot topic is how to drop a couple of pounds before summer vacations start. Since we aren’t a fitness blog, we can’t tell you about the perfect gym routine to get ripped, but what we can do is tell you how to lighten your load when it comes to what you are carrying with you. While we will be the first to say that a well made wallet is key, this time of year we switch over to a simple card holder. If you have read Bows & Boats for a while, you know how much we like the Water Buffalo Compact ID Wallet by Coach, well, their Water Buffalo Slim Card Case ($48) is just as great.
There are some things that every man should have in his closet. Bowties, boatshoes, blue blazers, pressed oxfords, etc. are all pieces that no wardrobe should ever be without. Another thing that no man should live without is a pair of khaki pants that always look good. You know, the ones that can be worn to work with a sport short, on the weekend with a t-shirt, or anytime really. After our raving about the Dalton Shorts by Jack Donnelly, it should come as no surprise that their Dalton Pants ($88), have officially become our go to.
Compared to what we wear in the office everyday, you could definitely say we dress down on the weekends. Slacks are normally swapped out for shorts, and perfectly pressed oxfords are replaced with anything from a vintage t-shirt to a well worn polo. Our clothes aren’t the only things that get more casual on the weekends, our accessories do the same. If you only have one watch, and feel like it is a bit too dressy for weekend wear, take a look at the Nylon Watchstraps ($29) from Smart Turnout.
Just like black cats and broken mirrors, Friday the 13th gets a bad wrap. Sure, 13 may be an “unlucky” number for some, but how can a Friday ever be a bad thing? After a long week in the office or classroom, Friday should always be a welcome site regardless of the date attached. Since so many people out there are convinced today is unlucky, we thought it was only fitting to profile something from a brand that is anything but. The Leather Rope Braided Belt ($59.50) by Lucky Brand is definitely a fresh take on a traditional look.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that we are constantly on the lookout for new bowties. Not only to review for the site, but to add to our personal collections. It doesn’t matter if a bowtie features a printed design, a pattern, stripes, or simply a solid color, if it is good looking, we want it. A few months back, one of our favorite brands, Southern Proper, released a collection of bows that are basic, yet definitely eye catching. Their Southern Stripe Beaus ($55) are certainly a great addition for any bowtie collection.
At one point or another in your life, you have probably heard the phrase “they don’t make things like they used to” and rolled your eyes. Well, when it comes to clothing, many times that really is the case. With cuts constantly changing to keep up with current styles, there are many pieces that have the same names as their counterparts did 20+ years ago, yet look completely different. One company that has decided to buck this trend a bit is Gitman Bros., the Oxfords ($155) in their Gitman Vintage line are made exactly as they were when the company was founded more than thirty years ago.
Lately, our Twitter and Facebook feeds have been loaded with posts and tweets about final exams and summer vacation coming around the bend. While we aren’t jealous of the finals, we are certainly a bit envious about all of the fantastic summer plans we are hearing about. Unfortunately, during finals weeks fashion tends to take a back seat to comfort. For the girls who are looking to stay comfortable but still look great, the Emily Crew Dress ($98) by Lilly Pulitzer may be the perfect choice.
After a weekend lounging around, sometimes it is hard to get back into “work mode” on a Monday morning. Sure, going through our weekday morning routine gets the ball rolling, but occasionally it is not until we are just about done getting ready that we really feel like we are ready to face the week ahead. For us, and most likely many of you, the last thing that goes on before we head out the door is our pair of shoes for the day, and honestly there is not much better than a well polished pair of cap toes to let everyone know that it is business time. A timeless pair of cap toes that is sure to last a lifetime is the Park Avenue ($325) by Allen Edmonds.
At 6:24 pm ET, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs as the Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing. The crowd is sure to be well dressed, women in fantastic dresses and over the top hats, and men in their favorite seersucker suits (hopefully with a pocket square). We always say that the right accessories are what really completes a look, and one “accessory” that will be seen more than any other at the Derby is a traditional mint julep. Since Woodford Reserve is the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, we thought it was only right that we share their mint julep recipe for those of you who will be watching the race away from the track.
