PULLING THE WOOL OVERS ON ME

A few weeks ago I ordered two sweaters from Wool Over, a company out of the UK.  I had never ordered anything from them before, nor was I familiar with their merchandise, but thought I’d take a chance.  Yesterday my sweaters arrived, and I must say, I am very pleased.

As I’ve mentioned before the weather here in Minnesota has turned quite a bit colder this past month, so the addition of two new wool sweaters was most welcomed.  The first of the sweaters is a Nordic style in navy and white.  I really like the look of this sweater and immediately wore it last night as I got together with friends.  Several people commented on it which always a good thing, but what I liked most was how warm it was.  As the temperatures dropped I stayed warm and comfortable.  Layering with this sweater will be wonderful as well and will keep me even warmer as winter continues to arrive in full force.

I have seen other Nordic style sweaters but so far I’m really liking this one the best.  Time will tell how it wears, but so far I like it a lot.  Also, purist that I am, I like that it is 100% wool, as opposed the wool/rayon blends that are available.  I tend towards all natural fibers for my clothes.

The second sweater is an Aran wool, Irish fisherman, cable sweater.  I have wanted one of these sweaters for quite a few years but just never managed to get one, so when I was ordering the Nordic sweater it seemed like the perfect time to order one of these as well.  This sweater is available in a number of colors but I prefer the traditional cream color.  Again, just another way that I’m a purist.  

This sweater is classic in its look and fit, and is always a good choice in colder weather.  Both of these sweaters are made from British wool.  Wool is just one of the core fibers it’s tough to beat, and should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. For me for me it is the “go to” fiber for winter comfort and warmth.  

So far I’m very pleased with these two sweaters from Wool Over.  The real test will be in how well they wear and how warm they continue to keep me in the subzero Minnesota winter.  I’ll keep you posted.

HEIRLOOM TREASURES REDISCOVERED

The other day as I was going through some drawers, I found a wonderful wool scarf that my mom passed down to me.  I had totally forgotten that I had the scarf as it had been tucked away in the back corner of the drawer.

I remember my mom telling me that the scarf had belonged to my dad, and I’m going to say that it is at least 60 years old - maybe older.  I don’t ever remember seeing my dad wearing this scarf and I’m guessing it for sure dates to the 1950’s, but if my memory is right, I think this may have been the scarf he wore when he married my mom on December 27, 1945.

The scarf is a blanket plaid, in shades of brown and cream, and I LOVE it.  There are a few small holes (I guessing ash burns as my dad was avid smoker) but I don’t mind them at all.  They simply add to its charm and character for me.  I also love the fact that this is a heirloom that I have inherited from my dad.

Since finding the scarf, it has been added to my wardrobe and I have been wearing constantly.  And now that the weather has turned much colder here in Minnesota, I realize that I rediscovered it at the perfect time.

There’s something very comforting about wrapping a cozy, warm, wool scarf around your neck on a cold day, and it’s even more comforting knowing that the scarf came from my dad.  Although he has been gone for many years, it’s just another way that he is still present with me.

I encourage all of you to search through closets and drawers, and ransack old trunks.  You never know what wonderful heirlooms you’ll rediscover, or what classic treasures you’ll be adding to your own wardrobe.

GEARING UP FOR THE COLD WITH TWO NEW SWEATERS!

I ordered two new sweaters over the weekend from Wool Over, a company out of the U.K.  The first is a traditional Noridic style sweater, and the second is a classic Aran wool, cable, fisherman’s sweater.  I'm really looking forward getting them!

Nordic Style Sweater

Aran Wool Cable Fisherman's Sweater

SEASONAL TRANSITIONS

Last week the temperatures here in Minnesota changed drastically.  The wind picked up and we experienced several cold, blustery days, and with that the loss of the beautiful fall colors.  The lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange are now fast becoming memories as the leaves fell in the wind.  Indeed, our beautiful fall colors are definitely starting to fade as we are reminded that winter is just around the corner.

I mentioned last time how these changing temperatures always force me to retire my Topsiders for a few months, but all is not lost.  When the fall weather is in full force I have the perfect casual shoe to carry me through until spring – L.L. Bean’s Rubber Moc. 

Granted these shoes may not have the same look or image as my Topsiders, but they serve a very practical purpose, and are a wonderful addition to my daily wardrobe.  I work in a very casual dress environment so I am also able to wear them to work if I choose, which adds to their functionality.

As with my Topsiders, I first discovered the Rubber Moc while in college, and they have become a fall staple for me.  I love them because they are basically an all weather shoe.  In fall we can experience rain, cold, and even an early snow fall, but no matter what weather the day brings, these shoes will carry me through.

The Rubber Moc has its origins in the Maine Hunting Boot.  In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean, an avid hunter and fisherman, after many frustrations with the boots that were currently available, developed a boot with a rubber bottom and leather upper.  This Boot was known as the Maine Hunting Boot.  There were flaws in the original boot causing many of them to be returned, and true to his word and policy, Bean gave those customers a full refund.  The flaws were fixed, and the rest is now history.

The boot comes in several heights, but my favorite is still the moccasin (I do have a pair of the boots too), and I love how versatile this shoe is.  I wear them rain or shine, and they are perfect for muddy fall and spring days.  I also wear them in the winter when the temperatures aren’t so bitter cold.  But unlike Topsiders, I always wear socks with these shoes - it just seems more appropriate for the time of year.

So when the cooler weather forces me to put away my Topsiders, my shoe of choice is the L.L. Bean Rubber Moc.  If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend that you do.  You might just be as sold on them as I am.

A LOVE AFFAIR PLACED ON HOLD

If you’re anything like me, you spend a substantial part of your year in boat shoes.  I anxiously look forward to that moment in spring when the weather here warms up enough so I can break out my favorite pair.  Even though I sometimes extend their wear both in spring and fall by wearing socks with them, I’m most happy when I’m able to go sockless.

This past week though, the temperatures here dropped substantially, reminding me that winter is just around the corner.  The colder temperatures also means I will soon need to put away this fashion favorite for a few months.

When it comes to boat shoes, for me, there is only one shoe – Sperry Topsiders.  I first discovered Topsiders when I was in college and have pretty much always had a pair in my wardrobe ever since.  I like them for how well they fit and how comfortable they are.  I’ve tried others, but there just isn’t any comparison for me. 

There is much to be said about how wonderful they look as the leather “breaks-in” and weathers, creating a comfortable, “homey” feeling for me as I slip into them.  They are like an old friend, and we have had a wonderful relationship for many years.

But now, as the weather is getting colder, I’m aware that it’s time to set them aside for a few months.  A love affair placed on hold for a bit.  It’s always a sad moment for me when I have to do that, but it’s a moment that’s balanced by the excitement I feel when I can once again wear them in the spring.

I’m not sure if you have this same experience that I do when the seasons change, but if you do, just know that I understand and that we will wait through the winter together.  Here’s hoping for an early spring!

THE COLORS OF FALL PART TWO

SOLID FOOTINGS

According to the dictionary, footings are the foundations on which things are established or built, but I think this definition applies to things beyond architectural structures.  For me, this applies to dressing as well and there are certain elements of an outfit that are foundational.  It’s the smallest details that can make or break an outfit, and those same details that can give it a spark of life. 

Over the years I’ve learned that one of the best ways to add a spark of life to any outfit is to choose the right pair of socks.  Socks are wonderful.  They can add that sudden surprise of color that will make an outfit “pop” and make people take notice.  They also help to tie the whole look together.

Fortunately, men are no longer saddled with only tired, boring colors like black, brown, navy and grey.  Don’t get me wrong, those colors definitely have their place, but there is a much wider pallet of colors for men to choose from nowadays, which makes it much easier to pull together outfits that are fresh and smart.

Years ago, fresh out of college, I discovered crew socks from Ralph Lauren Polo.  I immediately fell in love with all of the colors and how I could use them to create looks that were crisp and finished, and in my opinion, awesome.  That love of these socks has continued over the years and as new colors are introduced they often find their way into my wardrobe.  At this time of year those colors reflect the beautiful hues all around me in nature.

Pictured above are some of my favorite Ralph Lauren Polo socks in wonderful fall solid colors.  From left to right we have denim, rust, eggplant, olive, and red.  All of these shades give a warm and rich accent to all of my outfits.  They are versatile, and lend themselves perfectly for any occasion, from casual to a bit dressier.  They work equally well with jeans, chinos or dress pants while adding a refreshing touch of color.  Pair them with a matching or coordinating sweater, shirt, or tie and the look is complete.

This time of year is ablaze with color so why not let that be your cue when dressing.  By adding socks in a variety of fall colors you’ll definitely establish great looks and be on solid footings for the whole season.

THE COLORS OF FALL PART ONE

GET SUEDE INTO FALL AND PUT YOUR 

BEST FOOT FORWARD!

The one shoe that represents fall to me has always been the classic “dirty buck”  - that country cousin of the refined and epic “white buck.”  Its wonderful shade of tan gives me a sense of warmth as I make the transition into the cooler months, and its traditional suede body is both comforting and familiar.  This shoe gives me that sense of “home” as I rustle through the fallen leaves amidst the bright colors of the trees.  Yes, for me, this is the classic fall shoe.

I really do like fall.  The fresh crispness in the air, the opportunity to layer on a warm sweater, and of course, the beautiful colors that appear all around me in nature.  Most of my friends will tell you that I’m all about color, so when those wonderful, rich fall colors are teamed up with that classic suede icon I’m in my element!

Nowadays, suede shoes are no longer limited to the traditional white and tan colors, and we have a virtual artist’s pallet to choose from, including suede shoes in the wonder hues of fall.  With that in mind I thought I would feature a few from my own collection.

The first, pictured here on the left, is the classic “dirty buck” that I have come to love over the years.  This one is from G.H. Bass and is a constant in my wardrobe.  A variation of the “dirty buck” can be seen on the right in a saddle format (also from Bass).  I have rediscovered a love for saddle shoes and have several in a wide variety of colors (they allow me to add my own personal sense of flair, color and fun to any outfit).  The one pictured here is more traditional. 

The shoes in the middle are from Calvin Klein in a wonderful mustard yellow color.  Originally these shoes came with white laces that I have traded out for sage green laces for fall.  One of the easiest ways to extend your shoes and look is to simply trade out the laces.  It gives the shoes a fresh look and makes them more adaptable from season to season or from event to event.  I also have this same pair of shoes in red (they came with white laces too) but didn’t picture them here because I haven’t had a chance to trade out the laces – perhaps in a future post.

Other variations on the traditional “dirty buck” can be seen above.  I try to make sure people “don’t step on my blue suede shoes” when I wear the pair on the right (from Bass), and so far no one has.  In the middle, is the same shoe (from Bass) in a rich shade of orange/rust that is perfect for fall.  These shoes, like the blue ones, came with laces that matched, but I traded out the rust colored laces for the green laces and they look great.  The color combination just pops! 

The last pair, on the right, is probably one of my favorite pairs of shoes.  The Sperry Topsider’s suede boat oxford wingtips in an awesome shade of olive/moss green.  The backs of these shoes are soft, supple leather that molds around my ankles for maximum comfort.  I like that they come with leather laces too which is another reason they are perfect for fall.

So there you have it.  A few of the suede shoes from my closet in shades that are perfect for fall.  As we transition into the cooler weeks ahead, don’t just limit your bright color options to Fair Isle and Shetland sweaters.  Be sure to also give some serious thought to what happens below your ankles, and, above all, have fun!

FOUNDATIONS OF STYLE

Many years ago while I was in college, I discovered Lisa Birnbach’s book, The Official Preppy Handbook, and my life was changed forever.  OK, maybe my life wasn’t actually changed and transformed by the book, but it did give me a grounding sense that I was home.

Growing up in rural Iowa, I was fortunate to have a father who taught me the importance of good dressing.  My dad, a part-time farmer, was also a salesman.  Although he didn’t need to wear them, ties were always a part of his wardrobe, and I credit him for my love (read that obsession) for ties today.  He also taught me the importance of wearing sport coats and suits, and the ever present wingtips.  In short, my dad taught me the importance of dressing right and I took it to heart – I didn’t even own a pair of jeans until I was in college because I would rather wear chino’s.

Following this initial upbringing, I soon became obsessed with men’s style and fashion magazines as I fine tuned my own personal style.  Over time, I learned to add my own personal flair and twist to make the look mine, careful to always root it in a traditional foundation.

So finding Birnbach’s book confirmed all that I had been taught as well as the things I had picked up on my own.  Not only did it give me a grounding for what I was already doing, it gave a more focused springboard from which to broaden my look out even farther.

With all of that in mind, my hope is that the entries I make here will resonate with others, and  that they can become a celebration of our shared love of that classic, traditional, preppy sense of style.  Keep in mind though, that from time to time you’ll be seeing my own personal twists incorporated into the looks.  Now, having said that, let’s begin!