Try a Bow Tie

Hey Preps! 

For those that know me, know I am a huge sucker for bow ties.  They are just a party.  Any guy who wants to stand out in an obnoxiously classic and fun way will rock a bow tie.  I am jealous that men get to wear them...I want one!  

I was reading back through my past posts, and decided it was about time to write about my most beloved men's accessory again.  So, I did a little research, and picked out my favorite bow ties from different preppy companies shown below:

(Photo Credits: Starboard Clothing Co., Carolina Cotton Bow Ties, 

Anchored Style, High Cotton Ties)

1.  Kau'i by Carolina Cotton Bow Ties has a great color combination.  For those gents who rock colored chino pants, this bow tie can be worn in both the summer and winter months...just match it with a pair of red chinos in the winter, or a pair of light pink/green in the winter.  Match made in heaven.
2. Flying Scot reversible bow tie from High Cotton Ties is a perfect summer bow tie that combines classic gingham with a summer plaid.  Now who is ready for summer so they can wear this guy?
3. Lenox Flannel bow tie from High Cotton Ties is strictly a winter tie.  I love bow ties that utilize different fabrics other than just cotton, and this is a perfect example.  Change of the texture of a bow tie to a winter fabric, add a winter plaid, and you have the perfect Christmas bow tie (a little late this year)!
4. Whale Golf Club bow tie by Vineyard Vines, is perfect for those Bubba Watson wanna-bes who have casual summer events they are planning to attend.  I love how VV took their classic whale logo and stuck it on the ends of the golf clubs.  I'm sold.
5. Andrew Howard Tattersall Beau by Starboard Clothing Co. is quite possibly my favorite beau of the bunch.  I am obsessed with pink and green...ya ya...you may be too, but not like me...come to my house and I will prove it to you.  The combination of my two favorite colors in a tattersall pattern.  The sky is the limit with what you can pair this bow tie with.  
6. CPL. Spires Digital Camo Beau is a Special Edition beau by Starboard Clothing Co., and is one of the beaus I have actually purchased as a gift in the past.  It is perfect for any military gent who likes to add a little flare to his wardrobe.  The duck cloth that this bow tie is made out of, gives it a unique feel and look.  Additionally, part of the profits made from this beau is given to the Wounded Warrior Project.  A patriotic-inspired beau that supports are military?  Love the concept.
7. Navy Signal Flag Woven Bow Tie by Anchored Style is perfect for all those sailors or nautical-living gents who lean towards a clean-cut look when picking their bow ties.  Signal flags on a woven tie gives this bow tie a classic All-American feel.  

Gents, don't be shy...try a bow tie!

(I am sitting here laughing at my own little cheesy rhyme I just made...seriously I can't stop...ahh I crack myself up.)

But really, if you want to win a girls initial approval (at least this one's) give one a try!

What is your favorite bow tie?

Have a blessed day y'all!

Gifts for Your Gent

Hey Preps!

Last night was an emotional one.  Do you ever have those nights where you just want to cry for no reason? Yup one of those nights.  Was it the fact that break went by too quickly?  OR was it the fact that this week I have a big grown-up girl interview for after I graduate college?  Maybe it was the fact that Patrick finds out what he is getting for Service Selection this week...

What is Service Selection?  It is when the First Class (seniors) at any Service Academy finds out what they will be doing for the following "X" amount of years (depending on what they are selected for).  Pat so badly wants to be a pilot.  He has done everything right during his years there to ensure this happens, however, is it enough?  Will the Navy look at his qualifications and put him in a position that he will be thrilled to serve our country doing?

I don't know.  No one knows.  It's terrible that at night I can't sleep anymore because of worrying that he will end up having to do something he hates. I am so stubborn that having a job doing something I hate would not flow well with my personality. Putting myself in Pat's shoes, I worry he will be miserable.  I truly do.

Little detour from where I was going with this, so let me bring you back...the point is, last night was an emotional roller coaster.  Guess who got the brunt of it?  Patrick.

So he called, and I was already crying.  Poor kid, he was NOT too happy to hear me sniffling over the phone to him.  Yet, he took the wrath of Kalyn.  Sure he made it known that he was really not happy about me crying but he sat there and listened (and knowing Pat rolled his eyes or played with something so he didn't have to listen the whole time...which is definitely a good thing).

Then, Pat slowly eased me into new conversations...and by the end of the phone call, normal happy Kalyn was back.

So my point is Pat puts up with a lot.  Soooo, in honor of his putting up with a lot, I made a Polyvore with Christmas gifts inspired by him...

Gifts For Him by pittsburghprep on polyvore.com

Secret Wash button-down shirt in Emmet tartan
$65 - jcrew.com

Men's: Featured | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean
$154 - llbean.com

Barbour Hip Flask
barbour.com

Burberry Check Billfold Wallet
$265 - saksfifthavenue.com

Mens Canvas & Leather Belt
$75 - aspinaloflondon.com

Decadent red tartan tie
$70 - jcrew.com

Lacoste Watch, White and Green Silicone Strap 2010526
$95 - macys.com

Ray-Ban Clubmaster Larger Size
$145 - needsupply.com

Allistair Willow and Canary from Kiel James Patrick
$40 - kieljamespatrick.com





First on the list, a Tartan button-down from J.Crew.  Boy, am I a sucker for Tartan during Christmas time.  It's so cozy and festive (and nice to touch).  Definitely a shirt I would encourage any lady to give to her gent.


Bean Boots are perfect for winter seasons.  I honestly couldn't survive the hasty snow and ice of Pennsylvania winters without mine...so why not ensure your beau's toes stay toasty as well and buy him a pair?  Plus, Bean Boots are up there on the list of "sexiest things a guy could wear according to Kalyn".  Thought I'd mention that.  Take it as you wish.


Flasks are fun.  Tacky line, but so true...I really enjoy the needlepoint flasks from Smathers&Branson, and think they are a great gift to give the Fraternity Bro...or someone who wishes he were in a Frat, kind of like my boyfriend.  


Gents wear through wallets.  You fine young men out there really abuse those things.  You sit on them flip them wide open so they are the flimsiest poor excuses of wallets I've ever seen.  I honestly look at mens' wallets and have sympathy for them.  That being said, a guy can always stock up on a wallet or two, so he has a few lined up waiting their turn in the torture chamber known as a Gents' back pocket.

Belts.  I love them.  Probably my favorite accessory...you have so many to choose from, ribbon belts, needlepoint belts, canvas, leather...you name it.  They are a fun gift to give, and definitely a way you can be creative to fit your man's style.

Speaking of Tartan, how about a Tartan tie?  The one on the Polyvore is great. I love the colors used, and definitely think this would be a great gift to give a guy for Christmas.

Pat has strict guidelines on what he can/cannot wear with his uniform. So, last year I bought him this very same Lacoste watch as a fun present.  He can wear it on weekends, and it adds a little extra flare to the boring watches the Mids have to wear during the week.

My favorite type of Ray-Bans?  The Clubmasters.  Especially on guys.  Talk about making me melt.

Kiel James Patrick bracelets are fun for guys to wear.  I really find them cute, and a great little gift to give a guy on Christmas.

So there you have it.  My personal guide to Christmas gifts for your Gent.  

Keep Pat in your prayers...he finds out his Service Selection in less than two days...yikes!

P.S.  No, Pat...these are none of your gifts.  Way sneakier than that!

Making Camo Heroic AND Fashionable

Hey Preps!

Would y'all look at that?

Caught. Red-handed...macking on my ridiculously debonair boyfriend.

He's wearing a bow-tie.  How could I even resist?

There truly is nothing a guy could wear that 'woos' me like a bow-tie.  I truly have an admiration for those who make the effort to wear them.  Think about it: a lot of guys don't know how to tie a bow-tie.  So they never wear them.  The guy who takes the time to learn, and wear an accessory that stands out above the norm...must have a gentleman's heart beneath his fashion statements... or at least I hope there is.  

A particular company, that I was introduced to within the past year...has stolen my heart when it comes to bow-ties.  I have written several posts on this company in the past; the last anticipating their Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of bow-ties (or beaus as they so rightfully call them).  Starboard Clothing Company is an up and rising clothing line, out of Annapolis, Maryland.  

How fitting considering that my bow-tie wooing boyfriend goes to the Naval Academy right?  

To find out more about Starboard Clothing Co.  feel free to read my posts about them by clicking here or there.  

So, the anticipation has finally ended, and Starboard Clothing Co. released their new collection last week (just in time for Christmas)!  I am quite impressed with the creativity and fabrics of the new beaus...as well as the selflessness, owner/founder, Mr. Meredith, shows through his new collection.  Let me explain, and show you the new collection.  Sound peachy?

(all photos courtesy of Starboard Clothing Co.)

CPL. SPIRES DIGITAL CAMO BEAU

Selflessness is shown through Starboard Clothing Company's honor of our military.  This beau is inspired after the Digital Camo worn by the USMC, and a dear friend to Starboard Clothing Company, Corporal Travis Spires.  A portion of every beau sold will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.  What a great way to honor our veterans, and our troops currently serving.  Not to mention that this beau is quite a standout from the crowd, and would be fun to buy for any veteran, serviceman, or hunter on your Christmas list.  SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, in a really fun way!

BASKERVILLE HOUNDSTOOTH BEAU

So here's the thing...I am in love with Houndstooth check patterns.  I have headbands, flats, and a skirt in this pattern, and find it incredibly fun to wear in the winter months.  What I find alluring about this beau is the classic yet incredibly 'go to hell'-ness of it that screams prep, as well as gives the impression that the one wearing such a beau is a good time.  Talk about good first impressions...

CHRISTMAS PLAID 2011 BEAU

Listen up folks, this beau is Limited Edition.  Why?  It is an exclusive beau just for the Christmas season.  Let's get real gentlemen...why wouldn't you want to be rocking a beau like this during the holidays?  I am a huge sucker for flannel and plaid.  To have a thick flannel-like material combined with this perfect Christmas plaid...I'd have to say this is my favorite of the group.  Ladies, how fun would this be to give as a gift to your man? It makes me just want to tie one of these around Pat, throw on a huge chunky sweater...and curl up by the fire...too much info? Sorry, I miss him!

POLLITT PLAID BEAU

Another Limited Edition beau, that I ensure will sell fast...this beau is perfect for any occasion.  It can be worn in many versatile ways given the look you are going for.  It would be perfect with a navy blazer, but could be worn just fine with a casual button-down and sweater as well.  It reminds me of the pattern of a school jumper I wore as a uniform back in grade school.  Maybe why I am so fond of it?

HOBBES PLAID BEAU

Aren't y'all just loving all the plaid?  This beau is rightfully named after the famous philosopher Thomas Hobbes...whom of which I recently studied in a philosophy class.  How perfectly ironic!  The maroon, navy, and cream found in this beau are a lovely combination, and I would be proud to be in the presence of any gent who was wearing this beau.

WINTER MADRAS BEAU 2011

I already miss summer.  I miss the beach, the barbecues, and the madras.  Apparently, so does Starboard Clothing Company.  They found a madras that works great in both the winter and summer months...just as I was losing hope of ever seeing the sun again...this beau gives us that glimpse of the light of summer at the end of the wintry tunnel.

So, gents...woo those ladies with a creative classic beau from Starboard Clothing Company!  

Beautiful Beaus for Winter

Hey Preps!

A little eye candy for you...

(from left to right: Rob, Gray, Ty, and Pat at Polo for Kids 2011)

...yes, I am occasionally graced with their presence...and fashion sense.  

As you can see, they are all terrific at rocking the late summer/ early fall 'prep' look.  Each wearing colorful chino pants, and classic Vineyard Vine/ Southern Proper ties and bow ties.  However, it is time to transition to my favorite time of year for my wardrobe (not my weather condition preferences)...late fall/ early winter.

So what's a handsome gent to do?  If you fine men don't mind, may I make a suggestion (even though I will anyways)?

This summer, I came across a rising company based out of Annapolis, Starboard Clothing Company.  If you want the fine details, you can go to my earlier post by clicking here.  Long story short, Mr. Meredith knows how to rock the classic look with his creative bow ties that have unique names (one even named after the Naval Academy...The Midshipmen Beau), and has turned it into a successful business.

With plans to release a Fall/Winter 2011 Collection soon, I thought I would show you a few of Starboard Clothing Co.'s 'retired' beaus that have lead to my great anticipation of the upcoming collection:

(all beau photos courtesy of Starboard Clothing Co.'s website)

Harvard Classic Tweed Beau

I am such a sucker for tweed, this beau is perfect for the winter, and is a very fun and polished addition to any classic wardrobe...no wonder why it is sold out!

Meredith Private Tartan Beau

Named after Mr. Meredith himself, this beau is my favorite of the retired.  I love the colors within the beau as well as the woven wool material that makes tartan so unique.  This is old school classic.  I am in love.  

Rudolph Christmas Plaid Beau

It sure will be a Merry Christmas with a beau like this one around your neck...I love the festive colors entwined in this plaid flannel beau.  A FLANNEL BOW TIE. Need I say more? 

So, keep your eye on Starboard Clothing Co.'s website for the release of their collection! I am anxious to see what unique beaus Mr. Meredith thinks of next...and gents, do yourself a huge favor and invest in one of these!

P.S. Like me on Facebook!

Polo...Ringing in Fall

Hey Preps!

Currently I am eating chicken fingers.  It's almost midnight, I just finished all my homework...and Pat would be so mad right now if he saw me sitting here, stuffing my face with breaded fattening chicken and getting crumbs everywhere.  Crumby sheets. Pretty gross... My excuse?  Commiserating over my three tests that I had today.  On the tenth day of school, how is it possible to already have tests?  Not to mention that my history professor decided to keep us twenty extra minutes today...to talk about pilgrims.

Okay lady, Thanksgiving is in November, bring up the pilgrims then because everything you said in the killer twenty you kept us was not recorded by anyone in the class.  However, we all dislike you now.  If you expect us to be timely to class, we expect you to be timely in letting us out of class?  Understand?

So yep, chicken fingers in bed is just hitting the spot right now.  Please don't try this at home.

On a positive note, this past weekend was a lot of fun.  Not so much academically productive, but worth the sacrifice I would have to say.  It involved eight midshipmen coming up to my house from Annapolis, four great friends, my family, food, alcohol, and...POLO.

Fall for me is always brought in with the early September event of Polo.  This year the Polo match was set up to sponsor the YMCA Kid's Scholarship Foundation that allows kids with less fortunate circumstances to enjoy the YMCA programs, sports, and day camps they offer.  What a great cause.

So do you wanna see pictures from the event??

The gents showing off their colorful chino pants!

Never a dull moment...

What a colorful group!

The two men in my life...my Daddy and my Boyfriend :)

"Stomping the divots" during halftime 

Some pictures from the match itself

Rolling Rock Hunt

Pat stomping more divots

Group photo!

So who's coming next year? Second weekend in September!

P.S.  Like my new Facebook page!

Bow Ties with a Twist of Creativity

Hey Preps!


Today I was on Twitter, and came across Starboard Clothing Co., an Annapolis based company that specializes in bow ties for the sophisticated Gent.  From reading my past posts, you know my extreme support of those who dare to wear bow ties.  If you don't know my love for them, you can read my enthusiastic past post by clicking here.


Starboard Clothing Co.  is a very new company, starting in 2010 by creator and owner, Benjamin Meredith.  A full-time attorney, Mr. Meredith decided to start creating bow ties to give his typical business attire a bit of preppy flare.  From there, he took off with many friends asking for him to make them bow ties as well...talk about an inventive and successful man!


What is so unique about Starboard Clothing Co. is the culture entwined with each bow tie.  From gingham and seersucker bow ties, to tattersall and madras bow ties...everyone can find something they will fall in love with.


Of course I found a few that I fell in love with (and might purchase as future gifts for Pat).  Not only are these patterns my favorite, but the naming and thought behind each bow tie are exceptional.

"Annapolitan Patchwork Beau"

(all pictures courtesy of Starboard Clothing Co. website)

Starboard Clothing Co.'s Website States:

"The Annapolitan Patchwork Madras Beau is a personal favorite of our founder Ben Meredith. This bowtie features a fantastic set of madras prints that scream summer day on Mainstreet in Annapolis, Maryland.

Due to it's multicolored nature, this bowtie can be paired with almost any jacket or suit, but we'd recommend sticking with solids. You can never go wrong with a white dress shirt and navy blazer, but this tie is versatile enough to be worn with most solid linen and summer colored blazers."

Just from being in Annapolis so frequently, I have come to associate Madras with the summertime there. This bow tie truly does scream traditional Annapolis Style.  

"Navy Midshipmen Gingham Beau"

Starboard Clothing Co.'s Website States:

"The Navy Midshipmen Gingham Beau features a light-weight cotton Gingham fabric with a tight Navy Blue Gingham check. The bow itself is double interfaced for the perfect amount of "pop" to your bow.

This tie will look great with practically any suit or blazer. It's sure to be a favorite of those who live in or around Annapolis."

I find this bow tie perfect for any midshipmen.  The fact Mr. Meredith named this bow tie after them is just perfect, and it truly saddens me that they have to wear their uniforms to football games...for this would be the perfect bow tie to wear to such an event.  

"Lilly P. Tribute Beau"

Starboard Clothing Co.'s Website States:

"The Lily P. Tribute Beau features a mid-weight cotton fabric that ties easily and holds its shape all day.

I can easily recommend this as an addition to any wardrobe. It looks great with a White Shirt and a Navy Blazer and is perfect for those Spring and Summer weddings coming up on your calendar faster than you realize. This bow is also perfect to coordinate with your wife or girlfriend's favorite Lily Pulitzer dress."

Well Mr. Meredith, you sure did have your thinking cap on for this one.  I can't even count the amount of time I have wanted to buy Pat and bow tie that matched one of my Lilly dresses.  You nailed it.  I am certainly in love.  

"The Independence Beau"

Starboard Clothing Co.'s Website States:

"Made of 100% cotton the Independence Beau is the Starboard interpretation of a stars and stripes tie. With a simple red, white, an blue strip pattern, this beau will be a hit not only on the 4th of July, but all year round.

As always a blue blazer is perfect for this bow, but it's also fantastic for your favorite Seersucker Suit."

One thing that I do love about those who have classic style, is that they usually take great pride in our country.  This bow tie is the perfect example of so.  It's colors are versatile and can be worn regardless of whether it's an American celebration or not.  

In addition to these bow ties being a great addition to any preppy wardrobe, the prices are reasonable, and the creativity behind each bow tie really has caught my eye.  I would truly like to congratulate Starboard Clothing Co. on winning such a picky bow tie critic over.  I am incredibly impressed, and truly think they need the recognition they deserve.  

Definitely check Starboard Clothing Co. out!  

For the ladies, the have great nautical themed croakies you can sport:

And these bow ties are great gifts for any classy fellow!  

Hope y'all are having a great start to your weekend!

The Reversible Bow Tie

Hey Preps!

Wanna know something?  I am obsessed with bow ties!  Yep, I wish every guy on this planet would wear one daily.  I just love em'.  You can see my love for them by checking out my post: Bow Ties Make Me Swoon.  Today I was browsing Brooks Brothers' website, and came across their new Spring 2011 Social Primer Collection.  Guess what they have?  (If you couldn't already tell from my post title)

REVERSIBLE BOW TIES!  I honestly want to buy every single one for Pat.

Brooks Brothers, you have done it again.  This collection sticks to the classic patterns that we all love; such as madras, seersucker, classic stripes...etc.  yet mixes these patterns in a playful and inventive way.  This collection is a collaboration with Social Primer.  We all know Social Primer sticks to tradition.  Brooks Brothers takes this tradition and turns it into a key summer piece that every classically dressed boy will be dying to have.  Just in time for summer too!

Here are my absolute favorites from the collection:

Satin Twill Rep Stripe and Anchors

Perfect for a Naval Academy Mid?

Oars and Blue Rep Stripe

Blue Rep Stripe and Blue Plaid

Framed Split Stripe and Seahorse 

(love the pink and green)

Repp Dot and Madras (one of my absolute favorites)

Pink and Green Repp Stripe and Seersucker...

favorite!

Framed Split Stripe and Gingham 

Seersucker Stripe and Madras

Aren't these just divine?  I DIE. 

To the gentlemen who read my blog...please do yourselves a huge favor and invest in one (or all) of these!  They make me envious I can't properly wear one!  

Thank you Brooks Brothers and Social Primer for such a wonderful collection!  

Two of Pat's friends and fellow midshipmen:  Gray and Ty

Ty has a great blog...called The Hunter Hampton Collection

perfect for all you classy gents out there.