Image: Smathers & Branson
It’s been a long week, a real long week. So long that we aren’t even going to tie on a bowtie for Bowtie Friday. Instead, it’s a jeans and hoodie type of day, but we can’t go completely bowtie-less. Today our bow will be in needlepoint form thanks to the Smathers & Branson Bowtie Needlepoint Hat.
Image: Orvis
When it comes to outerwear, you’ll never go wrong with something from Barbour. They’ve been turning out fantastic coats for more than a century, and we’re yet to regret a single purchase that bears their name. Today’s pick is sure to become a cold weather staple for anyone who adds it to their rotation. It’s the Barbour Powell Quilted Jacket.
Image: Hugh & Crye
Yesterday morning we pulled on a Hugh & Crye shirt for the first time in a month or so, and, man, sometimes you just have to stop and admire how well something fits. Their unique fit system is one of the best in the business, and we only wish more retailers used similar methods. While the rest of the industry plays catch up, we’ll just keep stocking up on Hugh & Crye products. Today’s pick, to continue on our layering trend, is their McComb Blazer.
Image: Lands’ End
Even though temperatures are rising slightly, we’re still clinging to the layering approach here in Annapolis. As long as the wind still stings, we’re going to pile on layers and cross our fingers that we put on enough of them each time we walk out the door. Today’s pick is a great midlayer on really cold days, and a great final layer when things warm up just a bit. It’s the Fisherman Shaker Sweater by Lands’ End.
Image: Grayers
So, this deep freeze business needs to stop ASAP. We’re not built for sub freezing temps as highs, freezing rain, and snow that doesn’t melt after a week because we’ve only had a few hours in the last week over the freezing mark. With no signs of Old Man Winter leaving any time soon, we’re bundling up this week. Our first layer is a Vintage Flannel Shirt from our friends at Grayers.
Image: Brooks Brothers
We’ve said it on more than one occasion, but we’ll say it again. If we had to pick one bowtie to wear over and over, it’d have to be a classic repp stripe. They work with just about everything, and we can’t think of a better way to cap off week of staple pieces. For today’s Bowtie Friday pick, we’re going back to where we started the week, Brooks Brothers; their Repp Stripes are the stuff of legend.
Image: Mizzen+Main
The blue blazer. THE blue blazer. You have to have one, at least one. If you don’t, get one ASAP. This is the most versatile jacket you’ll ever own, so make sure the fit is dead on, and it is ready to go at all times. Though it may not be made of a classic material, our pick for this one is the 0-5 Performance Blazer from Mizzen+Main.
Image: Oak Street Bootmakers
When it comes to footwear, there are probably a few staple items that every guy should have, but a loafer is certainly the most versatile of the bunch. There are plenty of versions out there, but for us a classic Beefroll Penny is the way to go. This is one of those shoes that you should invest in a quality pair from the get go as they will never be out of style. Some of our favorites come from Oak Street Bootmakers.
Image: Jack Donnelly
Next up on our list of staples, a bulletproof pair of khakis. To class, to the office, or to the local watering hole, a pair that is cut just right can fit in just about anywhere. Regardless of your preferred fit, our friends at Jack Donnelly have you covered with their Dalton pants.
Image: Brooks Brothers
To kick off 2015, we’ll be featuring five staples that we always have ready to wear. In our opinion, the best way to build a wardrobe is to have fantastic staple pieces always at the ready, and though they may not be the flashiest items in your closet, nor should they be, these are the things that will see more wear over the next 360 days than anything else. Most, if not all, of our five feature items this week, have been featured on our pages before, but all are worth revisiting. We’re starting with the most basic of basics, a white dress shirt. For these, we turn to Brooks Brothers.
