Needlepoint Appreciation

Two Bowdoin College lacrosse players created Smathers and Branson back in 2004 with the goal of making needlepoint accessories more affordable and available. Nowadays, across the East Coast needlepoint is synonymous with the Smathers and Branson brand. After only 4 years they have made a product that carries a legacy and provides a sense of pride to whomever owns one of their pieces. Their quality and craftsmanship are above average.

Here are a few of my favorites from their online store:

- Dark'n'Stormy Nautical Flag belt: a Bermuda staple with the pirates' favorite drink, you just cannot go wrong with that combination.

- American Flag Key Fob: classy way to keep my car and dorm room key

- Yellow Lab Credit Card Wallet: I, personally, don't need a full wallet at the moment, so this credit card wallet is perfect because of it's size and convenience. And I just had to to go witht he yellow lab to honor my dog, Pepe (don't worry, he'll make a cameo in here in the near future)

Stultum est timere quod vitare non potes

It is foolish to fear that which you cannot avoid.

Finals week here at Babson, which means a lot of sweatpants/pajama bottoms and slippers (Not the Stubbs & Wootton kind, sadly). I cannot help but think what happened to the college student's perception of themselves. Why is it considered out of the ordinary when someone wears a tie or even a collared shirt? Are the pockets in cargo pants really that necessary when it comes to carrying your school utensils? One of my favorite blogs, Ivy Style, continually reminisces about the old age college student and their style -- and the tradition that surrounded it. It saddens me that people ask me "why I am so dressed up" even though im wearing a sweater and an oxford. Alas, I'll just have to get my friends used to it.

Anywho, I should get back to studying

Christmas Cheer: The Holiday Guide

It’s that time of the year and here are some items that I’ve been on the lookout for:

 1. Barbour Classic Bedale – when a North Face just won’t cut it. Pair this country classic with one of their waistcoats/liners like…

 2. …this Polarquilt one 

3. Southern Proper Frat Hats – at $25 they are pretty standard price-wise and make for a nice Christmas gift for the younger gentleman. My personal favorites are the White and the Red versions (Camo is my 3^rd option, but I’ll stick to my Ducks Unlimited one)

4. My winter shirts tend to be white or blue, but something more daring, like this Bold Check Shirt by Brooks Brothers could add some flair.

5. Southern Proper Mallard Duck Beau - a nice fall color like olive or burnt orange would go well with that Barbour jacket and Brooks shirt to complete the Fall/Winter look.

… and I’ve been wearing my LL Bean “Bean Boots” every day for the last couple of weeks, I got mine with Gore-Tex and Thinsulate, for those cold winters up here in Boston, if you don’t already have a pair, I suggest you invest in a pair, they will last forever.

The First One

They say the first step is the hardest step, but here I am.

I've been enthralled with a few blogs lately and they've inspired me to start my own. All these blogs have had a shared common theme: their appreciation for American tradition and a fascination over timeless garb. I'm going to apologize in advance for, as a college student, posting timely and systematically will likely prove impossible, but I assure you that I will do my best. The State of Virginia is where I call home and the South will be forever where my heart resides.

Come enjoy my musings, thoughts and, more often than not, sartorial opinions.

Warmest Regards,
MJPA