For those of us who find ourselves in “business casual” office attire 5 days a week, it is pretty easy to fall into a pattern of rotating the same 5-10 solid colored or simply patterned sport shirts and a few pairs of slacks. Luckily, most of our favorite brands have quite a few sport shirt options to choose from. While anyone can go to the mall and pick up a few shirts from Polo, (not that there is anything wrong with that, we love nearly everything with the horse) we like to switch things up a bit. For example, the embroidered Skipjack logo on the Pinpoint Sport Shirt ($89) from Southern Tide is sure to garner a few approving nods from those ‘in the know’, and probably a few questions from those who want to be.
Since most of our favorite looks involve a more classic style, it is no surprise that many of our favorite brands are those that have been around for years and years. While today’s market may dictate the success of a brand based on how fashionable their line is, the market of years past put a much higher premium on the quality of goods being sold. One brand that has stood the test of time (over 100 years) is Barbour. Sure you have probably seen a number of their coats, but have you seen their Down Wax Gilet ($299)?
Obviously, for most of our readers, it isn’t the time of year to be sailing. That doesn’t mean you have to give up the look or lifestyle for the months that your boat is out of the water though. One thing that always intrigues us anytime our Top-Siders hit the deck are a boat’s lines. While they may not seem like a big deal to some, without a solid set of lines, you aren’t going anywhere. If you do manage to get where you are going, you aren’t going to stay long. A number of companies make belts inspired by boat lines, but we think Kiel James Patrick takes the prize for the most options available with their Croffix Sailing Belt ($88).
Wow, 2010 flew by and there are no signs of slowing down for 2011. Wishing you all a year of health, happiness, and prosperity.
-Ben & Ryan
Thank you all for checking out Bows & Boats over the past few months. With the year coming to an end, we thought it was only right to revisit our three biggest posts of the 2010.
It’s funny how we associate certain brands with certain seasons. Sure, most of this association is based on when we wear our favorite pieces from different companies ie: Rainbows elicit thoughts of summertime and our favorite Brooks Brothers Tweed Sport Coat brings memories of the leaves changing and cold weather blowing in no matter when it makes an appearance. When it comes to ladies fashion, one brand that always makes us think of summer is Lilly Pulitzer. Little did we know, they have quite a number of offerings for the colder months as well. If you are looking to add a little bit of summer into the cold winter, take a look at their Murfee Scarf ($98 – $118).
For the uninformed, bowties are reserved for formal events and special occasions. For the rest of us, they are a way to change up the monotony of a typical shirt and tie, and also show a bit of character along the way. Since we normally lean towards a more casual look in the office, we like the idea of bowties with a print that you normally wouldn’t expect to see on a tie. One of our latest favorites is the Duck Boot Beau from Southern Proper.
Whether a company has been established for hundreds of years, or is just starting out, one thing you can basically guarantee is that they will have some form of logo tee for sale. Not only is a simple logo tee a great ice breaker for customers who are just learning about your brand, but they are also the best form of grassroots advertising anyone can ask for. Recently, we received a Long Sleeve Nautical Flag Logo Tee ($36) from an upstart out of Florida, Anchored Style.
This time of year you’re going from holiday party to holiday party. We understand that by this point you’re probably as sick of wearing red and green as we are. Take a break from the monotony of your holiday wardrobe in a new Exuma Check Whale Shirt ($89.50) from Vineyard Vines.
From our families to yours, Merry Christmas!
-Ben & Ryan
