About 20 minutes ago we got a Direct Message on Twitter from one of our absolute favorite stores, Redix in Wrightsville Beach, NC. If you are a fan of our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter you have probably heard us talking about this gem of a store on more than one occasion. Recently, Redix opened up an online storefront, and in an effort to spread the word they have been gracious enough to offer a $50 gift certificate* to one lucky Bows & Boats reader. We’re calling this giveaway a Flash Contest, and will only be taking entries until Noon tomorrow (12/18).
Lately we have realized just how much time we spend tied to technology. From laptops to iPads to iPhones, there is never a time that we aren’t connected. Sure, it is certainly convenient to always have access to just about everything at our fingertips, but sometimes it is a great change of pace to unplug and get back to basics. In an effort to do just that, we will soon be placing an order for “The Kit” ($44.95) from Field Notes.
As nice as it is to receive gifts this time of year, we enjoy giving them much much more. In our opinion, to see the look on a loved one’s face when they unwrap that perfect present is a far better gift than anything that anyone could give us. Well, today we are happy to once again be a gift giver, this time in the form of a prize pack from Starboard Clothing Co.* While a few other things will be included (including the hat shown above), the centerpiece of this prize pack is the recently released Winter Madras Beau ($45).
Our wardrobes are always in a state of flux, whether it is adding new pieces, retiring old ones, or just shifting seasons, it seems that our closets rarely look the same from one month to the next. It’s been a couple of months since we have put away our ribbon belts for the season, but thanks to a new Social Primer for Brooks Brothers collaboration piece, it looks like we will be wearing a one again a bit sooner than we had planned. Yes, there is now a Social Primer for Brooks Brothers Reversible Ribbon Belt ($38).
We are always up to break out a great looking tartan print, and this time of year it seems like everyone else feels the same way. It is no trouble tracking down a shirt, pants, or even a blazer with a solid tartan print, but until recently we were having trouble finding a belt that would allow us to add a bit of tartan to even the most basic looks. That was until we realized that our friends at Smathers and Branson had two fantastic options (both $165).
We all know that the best pieces of any wardrobe are those that are extremely versatile and can be worn with just about everything. Sure, we love go to hell pants and intricate plaids as much as anyone else, but you just can’t wear them as frequently as something a bit more understated. This time of year one of our most worn pieces is a simple crew neck sweater. If you have been on the hunt to add one to your collection, take a look at the Yachtsmen Sweater (currently on sale for $58.50) by Castaway.
Has anyone else caught any of the L.L. Bean holiday commercials that are running lately? While we normally don’t pay much attention to ads, there is just something about them introducing their employees to the world that we really love. Of all the ads currently in rotation, our favorite is probably the one that features Jason Valera (sp?), he cuts the leather for Bean Boots. Literally, every time we see the commercial we start trying to justify another pair. Though you can’t go wrong with the basic Bean Boot, our next purchase will definitely be the 12″ Leather Maine Hunting Shoe ($185) from the L.L. Bean Signature Collection.
For the last few months we have spent our Saturday’s enjoying wall to wall college football coverage, but today we are glad that there is only one game being played. Sure, that may sound odd coming from a couple of huge football fans, but the guys out on the field today deserve the attention of everyone in the nation. Not only are they incredible athletes, but those fine young men are all going to be military officers when their days on the gridiron come to an end, and we can not thank them enough. That being said, Go Navy, Beat Army!*
*We have the utmost respect for each and every person who attends, or has ever attended, West Point, but today our allegiance lies with the Mids.
For Bowtie Friday this week, we are doing something we have never done before, featuring two bowties. Why? Because the gals over at Southern Proper want to give them both away to one lucky Bows & Boats reader. Whether you keep them for yourself, or share your good fortune with a friend, the Moonshine and Old Glory Beaus ($55 each) will be a hit for any bowtie aficionado.
With holiday parties in full swing, we are throwing on blazers pretty frequently these days. The perfect compliment to just about any casual holiday party ensemble, a solid blazer is never a bad touch, and just when we thought our corduroy obsession was calming down, we stumbled across a jacket that has really kicked it into high gear. Our latest “must have” is the Corduroy Ludlow Sportcoat ($158) by J. Crew.
