The mercury is rising. I believe it hit 80 here in Atlanta yesterday. I was out in the yard with #FrankDawg and noticed all the leaves on the trees are about to pop…hello Claritin. This is such a great time of year. Not only is there some new color from Mother Nature, but it’s finally good to start adding color to your wardrobe.
Early Spring is refreshing in a lot of ways. First, purge your closet. It’s the best time of year to do it. That transition should open up some real estate for a few new pieces. Second, think about shopping for Early Spring: focus on basics that are transitional in different looks. I’ve put together a collection that could essentially be interchangeable:
From Top Left:
1. Randolph Engineering Aviator II Sunglasses: Your sunglasses are scratched, and there isn’t a better time to spend a couple hundred bucks on a new pair. USA-made Randolph consistently knocks it out of the park, and these Aviator IIs are a nice alternative to the usual Maverick style.
2. Read Wall Thomas Mason Blue Oxford Dress Shirt: It’s hard to say that you can have too many blue oxford shirts. This one from Read Wall is quickly becoming my favorite shirt. The fabric is substantial, in that it looks great washed and ironed, or dry cleaned. And as with most things, it gets better the more you wear it.
3. Thomas Mason Linen Tie: This tie is more about texture than color, but the color is just right. Not too Easter-egg, but not so dark that it won’t go with the season.
4. Vintage Heuer Camaro Watch: A vintage chronograph that is sharp as a tack? Yep.
5. Drake’s Indigo Cotton Jacket: The light, cotton sport coat has been making a huge comeback, and this Indigo option from Drake’s is a thing of beauty. It’s light enough that it’ll look great with dark jeans, and even better with lighter pants. This will become your go-to jacket this Spring.
6. Smathers & Branson Needlepoint Belt: I’m a big proponent of pushing the envelope on at least one piece in every outfit, and Smathers & Branson did a great job with their colorful Maasai needlepoint belt.
7. Sid Mashburn Garment Dyed Levi’s: 501s are the standard of all jeans, and Sid’s garment dyed options are so top shelf, they blow the roof off. Any color in the collection is great, but these in Stone are perfect for this time of year.
8. Martin Dingman Axel Belt: Good. Leather. Goes with everything. Wear this one when you sport #13.
9. Criquet Classic Pique Polo: Criquet’s Player’s Shirt may be the best polo on the market, but they are giving themselves a run for their own money with their Classic Pique Polos. They are reminiscent of the old Lacoste polos, but they actually fit. The new colors make for a great Spring pallet.
10. Peter Millar Melange Plaid Sport Shirt: We aren’t in pastel season yet, so stick with bold plaids in primary colors.
11. Ledbury Franklin Pants: The 5-pocket pants are all the rage, and Ledbury has excellent options in great colors. The fit is spot on: slim but not skinny, and they wash really well. Iron if you like, but it’s not needed. Just hang them to dry.
12. Sid Mashburn Tobacco Suede Tassel Loafers: Does there really need to be an argument for these? The Tobacco suede is such a perfect, transitional tone. These loafers will be the star of your lineup.
13. Res Ipsa Kilim Loafers: Press the accelerator on your footwear game this Spring. A pair of these Kilim loafers in lighter shades (but not too light) will look outstanding with solids up top, like jeans, and oxford, and a solid sport coat. These shoes speak volumes.
14. Southern Proper Dock Pullover: This is an excellent spring jacket – it feels like sailcloth, and wears well. It doesn’t look like parachute at all. You could play flag football in this one.
What are you into this time of year?
