I’m not sure if this little warm weather stint we are having is a teaser or the real thing, but I’m good with it either way. The sun shining and the trees budding is a sure fire sign of Spring. And it can’t come soon enough. January seemed to last a year, and every weekend has been either freezing or soaking wet. Our house is a modern day version of The Shining.
In prepping for Spring, I look at it as a time to purge, but to replace with pieces that are big investments (and for good reason). It’s better to spend good money on a good pair of pants or dress shirt. It’ll fit better, and it will last longer. It’s also all about the layer game. 30s in the morning will give way to 70s after lunch. Here’s what I’ve got my eye on as we head towards warmer temps:
From top left:
1. Eton Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt: I’ve got so many solid blue and white shirts. I love the idea of adding a luxurious Bengal striped shirt. Eton is arguably the best off the rack version out there. Their cuts are just right and the blues are the right hues.
2. Holderness & Bourne Hunter Cotton Polo: Enjoy the cotton polos before the damned humidity showes up after Memorial Day. Go with a good cut and quality cotton. My boys at H&B do it right.
3. Withernot Aspen Rugby Shirt: A GREAT outer layer option. Rugbys add some color and some ’80s Patagonia vibes. They work great over a polo or an oxford, too. The brighter the better.
4. Martin Dingman Carson South American Crocodile Leather Belt: I mean, is there anything cooler? Great wtih #7 or #10, or with a pair of the perfect golf shorts on the course. Do it right.
5. Duck Head Easley Sport Coat: Hot off the press…these sport coats are a very affordable way to elevate your look. And this green option…perfect for Easter.
6. Vaurnet Belvedere Sunglasses: The frame color does it for me. That mustard tan is so cool…a lighter feel vs. tortoise shell. Great for the pool, lake, stream, or beach. No croakies, please.
7. Incotex Cotton Chinos: Arguably the best chinos on the market. Why not take the plunge, have them tailored to a perfect fit, and wear them often? You’ll reach for these 10 times more than the pants you are trying to make work…
8. Peter Millar Lava Wash Crew Sweatshirt: A nice, lightweight crew sweatshirt. A layering piece for the weekends or after work. The lava wash from Millar has a cool patina after a few washes. A vintage feel with a good fit.
9. Tom Beckbe Warren Vest: Simple, and no logos. Just about perfect.
10. Onward Reserve Classic 5-Pockets: Classic cut for those that don’t want everything skinny. These are the middle-80% 5-pockets. Great with just about everything. Loafers, boots, New Balance…just take care of them, as they are 98% cotton.
11. Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Beef Roll Loafers: Up your loafer game this Spring. Go for a pair that will work with your Easter outfit or with shorts down at the beach. And the natural Chromexcel leather only gets better with age. Much better.
What did I miss?
Tom Beckbe Creekside vest. Great lightweight layer when it’s 50 in morning and 70 in afternoon
I want to love the Onward Reserve 5 pockets so much. But the leg opening is just too much. If they had an athletic cut that would be fantastic.
Just got them tapered by your tailor.
Or just buy another brand that already has a smaller leg opening.
OR 5 pockets are still my favorite for fall/ winter because they can fit over my boots, but the front pockets are so shallow, they’re almost unusable.
Check out 34 Heritage 5 pockets. Multiple fits, great weight for warm weather.
Those beef rolls were the first pair of shoes I ever bought from OSBM. Love them. I need to send them in to have the foot beds serviced and resoled though. I just bought a pair of the brown Bit Mocs and can’t wait to mold those to my feet. They make the best Camp Mocs on the planet too.
What’s the sizing like on OSBM? Website says to go down a whole size for the beef rolls, does that sound right? Are most of their shoes ready to ship, or is there a lead time?
The sizing recommendations are good to follow. I typically wear a size 10 in athletic shows and a 9 in dress shoes. I bought an 8 in the beef rolls and the camp mocs.
The most recent order I placed with them took 4 days to arrive. I ordered on a Thursday night and the shows arrived on a Monday.
Shoes arrive in a 3-4 days from my experience.
I would follow there sizing recommendations especially if you are going to go sans socks. I wear a size 9 in most dress shoes, but wear an 8 in the beef rolls as well as the camp mocs.
Love the comeback of rugby shirts and Withernot is great. Easy to dress up or down. I know they redid their collars, how do the new collars compare with their old ones?