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!  

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!

Wordless Wednesday: Seas The Day

Jimmy and Sook...Raising the Bar in Annapolis

Hey Preps!


Upon the completion of Ring Dance fun last Sunday, a few of us decided to peruse around Annapolis.  Much to my excitement, we decided to walk into a store...that was never on my list of "regulars".  The store's name is what first caught my eye.  Jimmy and Sook.  My education at a small private school gave me the opportunity to study and have a hands-on experience with a great deal of the Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.  Given that I am now a Biochemistry major, my basic knowledge of crustaceans lead me to remember that the word Sook can be defined as a female blue crab...yes I am a nerd.

This sparked my interest, and we entered the store, only to be more than pleasantly surprised!  From twill hats and visors (one of which I proudly purchased), twill button down oxfords, pique polos, and great casual tees and totes; this company is the classic but unique style that every prep strives for.  

Totes

Twill button-down

Twill hat (I bought one in pink)

There polo shirts are uniquely theirs with slim polos combined with a rugby stitched sleeve, giving the classic polo a modern feel...appealing the younger generations of men.  Not to mention their perfect logo of a stitched blue crab that exemplifies the Chesapeake and the exact roots of this company.


Let me further explain why I will proudly support this up and rising company:  As soon as we entered Jimmy and Sook, we were kindly greeted by Andy Smith, owner.  Mr. Smith is as genuine as it comes.  From truly taking time to get to know each of us individually, he also suggested items that we each might enjoy based on the information gathered.  He was kind, and never pushy.  A great businessman to say the least.  His personality alone is a great asset to this company, and makes me consider myself lucky to have met him.  


Here are a few things I learned about Jimmy and Sook while talking to Mr. Smith:

• Sook can be defined as a female crab (only after she mates)
• Jimmy can be defined as a male blue crab which is why the combination of Jimmy and Sook is a perfect "bay" company name.  Mr. Smith said he named the company Jimmy and Sook "for Jimmy is married to Sook" 
• The first store was started in Irvington, Virginia; the Annapolis store is an expansion of their company (they also have a store in Michaels, Maryland)

They have a great story and saying as well that must be shared:

Jimmy and Sook®, those beautiful swimmers.

Up and down the Chesapeake, they are a source of employment for adults, entertainment for kids, and an epicurean delight for all. He has been called “the perfect husband” and she always has her “nails painted”.

Just like their crustacean namesakes, Jimmy and Sook®, the shop, will constantly be changing (molting) to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

Enjoy.

I love how Mr. Smith incorporated the relationship of a male and female blue crab into his name.  Very unique and simplistic.  A true classic style, bay-area feel, with a breathe of fresh air, is how I will define this great company.  

Not anywhere close to their store locations?  No worries, they have a great website that you can explore by clicking this link:  Jimmy and Sook.

Hopefully this post will inspire you to checkout a truly praiseworthy up and coming company, in which I take great pride supporting and blogging about.  

Have a blessed day y'all!

A Little Croquet...Eh?

Hey Preps!

"The 27th Annual Annapolis Cup-a croquet match between St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy—promises superb intercollegiate competition and a festive lawn party where watching the spectators is as much as the croquet. It's also a bargain for the families and community members who attend. The event is free. Spectators dress in styles reminiscent of "The Great Gatsby," bring champagne picnics, dance to music, and watch the match unfold. It's good old-fashioned free fun."

-St. Johns College

_________________________________________________________________________________

That is right, my Saturday will be spent watching the Midshipmen take on St. Johnnies in a competitive Croquet Tournament.  As of right now, I have finalized my outfit to two front runners.  Which one do you like best?  Vote on this post!

So, as I do need to freshen up on the rules of Croquet, I thought I would do so, with some of my favorite pictures:

Alice in Wonderland...my introduction to croquet.

I swear I thought they actually used flamingos as a little girl.

That did not go over very well with me.

History of Croquet: Croquet has been traced back to the 1300's. It is thought that it may have been an in-door version of lawn-bowling to be played in times of inclement weather. It was then played in more confined spaces. The players enjoyed it enough to bring it back outside for the summer. Originating in France, the game was called "paille-maille" which means ball-mallet. 

Shortly after in France, a doctor changed the rules of paille-maille slightly and recommended it for his patients. He called the new game, "Croquet" after the crooked stick used to hit the balls through the wickets. It then migrated to Ireland where it was called "Crooky". From there it came to England where it supplanted "pall-mall".

Croquet became popular throughout the British Empire. It gained such tremendous popularity that an association was formed at Wimbledon and formal rules were laid down in 1868. Many fields were dedicated to Croquet. But this popularity was to be short-lived. 

The game of tennis hit England in general and Wimbledon in particular. Most of the croquet fields were turned into tennis courts.

Even so, croquet has survived as a sport and is even gaining in popularity today as a rather high class sport on the level of badminton. On any given day in the summer, people can be found in their back yards or at the local park roqueting to their heart's content. There are associations throughout the English-speaking world where competition is fierce and standards high. This is a game or sport that will continue to be played for fun or sport by all age groups.

Amanda Seyfield in Vogue...

after she starred in Alice in Wonderland

The Setup: for croquet is fairly simple, it requires only an open field and a croquet set comprised of two stakes, nine wickets, along with a couple of mallets and balls.

The infamous Chuck Bass

Rules:

• Ideally the field will be 100 feet by 50 feet on relatively even ground. However, this is not strictly required. Almost any terrain may be used (within reason). The layout should be made in a manner as close as possible to that shown on the diagram to the left.
• The game was designed to be played with four or six balls. Yet it may be played with two to six players. Generally, two teams are formed. If there is an odd number of players, the extra player may play two balls. Players may also play "cut-throat" where each plays one ball and scores for himself.
• The order of play is determined by color and where that color appears on the end-posts. The player with the colored ball at the top of the post goes first and then down the post. Players on opposing teams should hold alternating positions in play. For example, the player who is first should be allied with the third and fifth player. While the second player should be allied with the fourth and sixth.

Simply Madras

Winning:

• To win at croquet, a player or team must score the highest number of points. One point is awarded for every wicket passed through in the proper direction and proper order. (That means there are two points awarded for five of the wickets, 1 point each for four wickets, and one point for each stake for a total of 16 points).
• Each player must drive his ball around the course in the order indicated on the diagram at left. When all the players on a team have completed the course, the game is over and the points are tallied. Thus, one team will get the full number of points available, while the other team will achieve something less.
• When a player hits the final stake he ceases to take turns. It is sometimes to a team's advantage for a player to pass through all the wickets, but not hit the final stake in order to return to the field to help his team-mates. However, this player must eventually hit the final stake in order to ultimately win the game. A player from the other team may actually roquet such a player into the final stake just to get him out of the game.
• I could explain Roqueting, but it gets quite complicated

So Who is Ready for some Croquet?
Here are some pictures from past years' Annapolis Cups:

St. Johns...they typically dress up to mock the Midshipmen 

The Midshipmen...in Varsity Navy Sweaters

Typical Dress of the Annapolis Cup

Let the Games Begin!


Be sure to vote for your favorite outfit that I will be wearing to the Annapolis Cup!

Hat Do You Do?

Hey Preps!

Hope you all are having a blessed Good Friday.  It's quite rainy here which I find appropriate.  Although I really wish the sun was out.  Thanks to the holiday weekend, I have off school...am at my family's house...and my creative juices are currently flowing.

Last night I was perusing my mothers closet for hats.  My mom has an abundance of hats thanks to my lovely grandma who wore a hat daily...and sadly passed away from Ovarian Cancer several years ago.  Her classic and unique style still finds it's place within my home.  From my inherited authentic cowboy boots to vintage jewelery, ending with her endeared hats, my grandma will always live on in our hearts, and through our outfits.

Why was I stalking my mom's hats today?  You see there is an annual croquet tournament in Annapolis next weekend, in which the Midshipmen take on St. Johns College, also located in Maryland's capitol.  Sad to say that the Midshipmen have a history of losses to St. Johns, but it doesn't lose reason for me (or Pat who has been planning his outfit for weeks) to dress up.  It is great fun, and the fashions found at this event make me drool.

On the ladies' end, a very popular trend is to wear a hat and sundress combination.  Given all the free time I have today, I thought I would put together a few outfits to see what y'all thought:

Dress: Anne Taylor

Hat: Passed down to my momma from my grandmother

Kitty had to come be in the pictures.  (and get hair all over my dress)

Dress: Vineyard Vines

Dress: The Limited

Sir Maxwell didn't like Kitty getting all the attention

Smelling the fake flowers

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Which combination is your favorite? I can't decide (and have three other combinations I didn't take pictures of)!  I also put together a Polyvore of some of my own personal favorite hats:

Hats Galore by pittsburghprep featuring a wide brim floppy hat

Couldn't you just wear one everyday?  

Georgetown or Bust

"Come on Kalyn! Let's shop til we drop!

Hey Preps! 

The weekend is already over! Luckily it is my spring break now, so I can stay up to the wee hours of the night just to write a post! As I excitedly posted before, I headed down to Annapolis on Saturday to visit Pat.  Usually we spend the whole weekend together, however, he had a fitness test Saturday morning, and I was woken up to repetitive text messages from him...extremely early Saturday asking if I was up yet.  Clearly, he had completed his fitness test, and breakfast along with it; because Pat gets impatient when it comes to one thing: food! He does not like even a slightly empty stomach.  Therefore, he was prodding me out of bed so I could vroom to him for lunchtime! 

Upon arrival in Maryland's quaint capital, I see three second year midshipmen already awaiting my arrival at my usual pick-up curb right outside the Academy walls.  What a sight.  Clearly all famished.  Lunch.  Humor.  Down to one midshipmen, my very own boyfriend.  All to myself.  Thank you.  

45 minutes later, we are in traffic in D.C. just at the peak of Georgetown.  Pat was perturbed, however we both soon forgot about the wait as we admired the Madeline looking town houses, all with unique colors, stairs, and shutters.  We started debating our favorites, and before we know it we reached the streets of Georgetown.  Traffic and people.   At a constant flow.  However, our adventures there were well worth the crowds.  

Lacoste. Kate Spade~New York. Tommy Hilfiger. J Crew. Ralph Lauren. Vineyard Vines. Banana Republic. BCBG. Betsey Johnson. Banana Republic. 

We had to get a whale hat!

Hello shopping heaven!  Pat and I seriously did not stop...you are all probably thinking, "poor Pat!".  Think again.  This boy knows his shopping.  He competes with me.  That is saying something! The first store of the day, Lacoste, we browsed.  I have an unhealthy amount of Lacoste polos and decided to hold my compulsiveness for other stores.  This did not happen.  Pat found a headband he thought I would like, I did like it, and long story short...I now own a hot pink Lacoste headband.  

Pat and I both made some great purchases, which I will post tomorrow (they are very unique).  However, there was something about this adventure of ours that was just so refreshing.  Time spent together, yet critical thinking, decision making, and voicing our opinions in a non-stressful environment was somewhat of a relationship builder in my opinion.  We goofed off, ate too much, spent too much money, and I am once again so mushy about my boyfriend.  He's the best.  What a great weekend.  

Below is a Polyvore of the outfits we strolled around Georgetown in this weekend:

His and Her Outfits to Georgetown by pittsburghprep on Polyvore.com

H M fitted dress
hm.com

Cashmere blazer
$1,990 - net-a-porter.com

G.H. Bass loafer shoes
$120 - jcrew.com

Handbag
bagborroworsteal.com

Kate Spade plastic shade
$148 - endless.com

Ray Ban ray ban shade
$145 - ray-ban.com

Leather belt
$32 - topshop.com

Button-down regular-fit dress shirt in James tattersall
$80 - jcrew.com

Brooks Brothers | Milano Plain-Front Garment-Dyed Lightweight Chinos
$129 - brooksbrothers.com

Vineyard Vines - Vineyard Whale Tie
$75 - vineyardvines.com

Belt
tuckerblair.com

Decorati | Malibu Peach by Benjamin Moore
decorati.com

Unabashedly Prep
theprepblog.tumblr.com

Tumblr
tumblr.com

play dressy background
picturetrail.com

Southern Tide | Skipjack Croakies - Southern Tide
southerntide.com

The Kate Spade Sunglasses shown, are one of my beloved accessories, and the shoes are L.L. Bean's Coastal Skimmers.  I got them for my birthday last fall, and I wear them several times a week! They are like the classic duck boots, are water proof, and have great traction...but are GIRLY!  As for the rest of my outfit, I wore a navy and white striped tunic dress, belted with a leather and nautical rope belt.  To keep it a little wintery I layered on top a brown tweed blazer.

Pat looked simply dashing in his Vineyard Vines plaid button down oxford, paired with his Vineyard Vines golf tie, and his green Brooks Brothers chinos.  He wore penny loafers for shoes, and a needlepoint belt from Smathers and Branson.

Shopping until dark of course

Hope you all had a very enjoyable weekend! Looking forward to reading your posts this week in my free time!