With snow beginning to fall across the country, it is officially the time of year that going outside without bundling up just isn’t an option. One thing that tends to get overlooked by many guys we know is a quality scarf. With so many options out there, finding just the right one might be tough. You don’t want a scarf that looks like your mom made it, and you also don’t want one that looks like your wife or girlfriend could wear it too. If you are on the market for a new scarf this winter, check out the offerings from Rugby Ralph Lauren, our favorite is their Tartan Wool Scarf ($59.50).
We’ve said it before and we’ll probably say it again, having the right accessories is essential to looking good. That being the case, we thought it was time to share the Le Pliage Bag ($88) by Longchamp of Paris.
At Bows & Boats we are all about subtle touches. Sometimes the wrong stitch pattern, thread color, or button can absolutely ruin what would be a fantastic piece of clothing. On the flip side, a well done, small, custom touch can make the good great and the great incredible. If you are really looking to set yourself apart from the crowd, you need to check out the Custom Blazer Buttons (prices vary) made by Ben Silver.
Like we have said before, if you aren’t well groomed, you aren’t going to make a good impression. Unfortunately, if you are a guy who is looking for a little more than what your typical barber shop has to offer, you are often stuck going to a women’s salon, or simply grinning and bearing it at your local discount hair studio. Luckily, over the last few years, we have noticed a trend of “Men’s Grooming Parlors” popping up in large cities throughout the US. One of our favorites is The Quinntessential Gentleman in Baltimore, MD.
Last Wednesday we gave you a list of stocking stuffer ideas for the ladies in your life. This week it is a list for the boys. If you have been reading Bows & Boats for the past couple of months, you have already seen a few of our favorite stocking stuffer ideas (Skipjack Croakies by Southern Tide, Argyle Socks by Brooks Brothers, Beard Lube by Jack Black, Frat Hats from Southern Proper, Striped Koozies from Southern Point Co., etc.). In case you still need some ideas, check out the list below for a few great options that won’t break the bank.
Though we have all been guilty of buying things simply for form instead of function, it is truly the little things that serve a purpose that make all the difference in the world. For a small gathering with friends, or a huge outdoor event, one thing we never leave home without is a koozie. Not only does a great koozie keep your drink cold and your hand dry, it also serves as a marker to discern your drink from the others on the table or the tailgate. Though it is nearly impossible to do, the Striped Koozie ($6.50) by Southern Point Co. has managed to add a little style to these simple neoprene sleeves.
At Bows & Boats, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about layering, but until now all of that talk has focused on the upper body. Beyond a pair of heavy wool socks, many of us simply deal with the cold when it comes to our lower body. Sure, some heavy denim will work if you are just running from a car to shelter, but what about those days where you know you are going to be spending a few hours out in the cold. Long underwear is always an option, but our choice is a pair of Regular Fit Flannel Lined Chinos ($69.50) from J. Crew.
Sometimes there is nothing more appealing in your closet or drawer than a quality long sleeve t-shirt. For those times when you just don’t feel like wearing a button down, or a long sleeve polo, a simple long sleeve pocket tee is the ideal choice. Luckily for us, the Long Sleeve SouthernClassics Embroidered Pocket Tee ($28) by Southern Marsh fits the bill perfectly.
We’ve profiled headbands in the past from High Cotton Ties because we know that an East Coast Prep loves the look they offer. At the same time Bows & Boats is always on the lookout for new options to share with our readers. As luck would have it, we recently got in touch with Kiel James Patrick over at, of all places, KielJamesPatrick.com. When it comes to producing unique and eye catching accessories, this is a man after our hearts. Kiel sent down a pair of his Turk’s Head Knot Rope Bracelets ($40) and the Vicki Jerangle Carrick Headband ($30) for us to take a look at and to say that we were impressed with his products would be an understatement.
Like we always say, it is the little things that make the outfit. Whether it is one well placed accessory, or just the right tie, that one small piece can give your outfit an entirely different spin. One piece that we think is overlooked far too often is a great pair of socks. It is easy to throw on the standard black, navy, or khaki socks based on pants choices, but why not have a little fun with it. For those of us that spend our days in relatively conservative environments, something as small as a great pair of socks, such as the Argyle Offerings ($9-$22) from Brooks Brothers can make all the difference in the world.
