Summer Goods – Part One

Welcome Summer…

In the South, we go into ‘survival mode’, but relish in it.  It’s hot, it’s sticky, but it’s our slice of Heaven.  There are quite a few tricks of the trade to make it through (most of which involve ‘shade’ of some sort), there’s no reason not to enjoy yourself.  So here we go – the first part of great Summer goods to help you make it through:

Let’s start with some music – it’s important to be in the right mood:

L-R:

The Allman Brothers Band – ‘Eat A Peach’: Perfect for getting going in the morning.  I’d be surprised if you don’t already own this one.
Beach Boys – ‘Endless Summer’: Load it and press play as soon as you land at the pool or beach.  You (and everyone else) know the words.
‘The Big Chill’ Motion Picture Soundtrack: You aren’t too young to listen to some of the best beach music ever written.  Put this on when you are getting ready for dinner…a good night will follow. 
Toots & the Maytals – ‘Funky Kingston’: Perfect for late-night.  

Sunglasses: I’m a proponent of carrying an arsenal.  The more the merrier.  Starting from the left:

Costa del Mar Harpoons: Perfect for the beach or the boat.  Add some Chums Glassfloats floating sunglasses straps, and you’ll never lose them.
Persol Aviators: An excellent ‘go-to’.  You can’t beat the classic Aviator frame.  Careful – your friends may want to borrow these.

Some shirts: remember that the mercury is going to be north of 90 for most of the day.  Plan accordingly (clockwise from top left):

Polo Ralph Lauren Custom Fit Madras Shirt:  There is not a better fabric for Southern Summers than madras.  Roll the sleeves up and leave it untucked with shorts (more on this look later), or tuck it in with khakis and loafers.
Brewer’s Lantern Lab T-shirt: Clearly anything with a dog is going to get some play on this list.
Fred Perry Twin Tipped Polo: Don’t know if you’ve ever tried a Fred Perry polo, but they are great – just the right length to leave untucked.
Five Mile Front Door T-shirt: You can never have too many white t-shirts.  Why not get a couple good ones?

Shorts: Possibilities are limitless.  This summer, khaki will still be the staple, but I want to add some color.  Not in the ‘Easter Egg’ vein, but in good taste none the less (clockwise from top left):

Bean’s Canvas Cloth Shorts by LL Bean Signature:  The canvas cloth will get better with age, and will be tough as nails.  These will hold up to any punishment you dish out.
J. Crew Stanton Shorts in ‘Almafi Blue:  Great shorts, but how cool is that blue?  Not pastel, but a great blue color.  Put a white polo on top.
Beaufort Shorts from Liquid Flow: These are up and coming…great idea here: they are made to be shorts, swimsuits, or whatever.  Quick-drying material.  Keep an eye on them, folks.
Angler Shorts from Coast Apparel:  Built in neoprene koozie.  That’s all I ‘m saying.

The rest of the stuff: Options here are plentiful.  Here are a couple standards that will add some pop to your repertoire (clockwise from top left):

Hand made Fish Hook Buckle and Belt: How appropriate.  Hook ’em.
Keil James Patrick Brigg’s Capeside Docks Belt:  On the golf course, I’ve seen a lot of white shoes and white belts (aka the ‘Full Cleveland).  I’m not a fan.  I am, however, a fan of this belt.  Great with either of the below options…
Havaianas Flip Flops:  Simple, inexpensive, and exactly what you need.  Wear ’em out and get another pair.
Martin Dingman ‘Drake’ Penny Loafer in ‘Pecan’:  The perfect color for this time of year.  The light brown will scuff nicely, and won’t be a contrast to your (hopefully not) pasty legs.  If so – go get a tan.

More to come…