When in Charleston: A Stop At Ben Silver

If Charleston is the Holy City, then the Ben Silver shop is the Holy of Holies. My family and I just returned from our annual pilgrimage to my favorite southern city and although I've stopped at the legendary King Street establishment before, seeing the store set for Fall/Winter was a completely new experience for me. Somehow, I didn't get shots of the stacks of authentic Shetland sweaters and wool town coats but suffice it to say, this place is so much more impressive than you can imagine from their website. When a gentleman finds himself in Charleston, he should consider this stop a must.

 Panel caps were everywhere as were collegiate and regimental scarves.

 Mostly Alden with some Crockett & Jones for good measure.

 More regimental and emblematic ties than I could keep up with. This London Wasps is a favorite.

 Their blazers are the best-fitting I've ever tried.

Blazer badges (and some barely visible buttons.)

Fat Boy's

My job has recently moved to a different part of town so I've been trying some new places. Tony and his crew at Fat Boy's BBQ are serving up some good stuff. The catfish is great but the smoked bologna and wings are unreal.

Cinch Back Trousers From J. Press

I ran across these over the the weekend when I finally had a chance to check out the latest update from J. Press. (Highlights forthcoming.) Fantastic.

Indian Madras

This has been the kind of summer that makes me appreciate lightweight fabric on short-sleeved shirts. It also makes me appreciate the fact that I have slowly been adding to my collection of old and new Indian Madras button-downs. (Don't forget, although we most often associate the word with the particular variety of plaids we see on these shirts, Madras refers first and foremost to a cotton fabric woven in India.)

From top: Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Gant, Gant, J. Press

My sons got a head start on the Madras this year (and the patch variety to boot.) The picture below is from Easter. My wife made each of them pants from men's shirts. Eat your heart out, Crewcuts.

How To Survive Summer (Without Really Trying)

Birdies for the pool/lake/ocean.

Deck shorts with an added touch. (Don't fear the elastic.)

Baggies. Still a classic.

Mighty White

I picked up a pair of Spring Court sneakers on sale (around $14) at my local J. Crew a month or so back as a replacement for some Van's that are starting to look rough. The stark white is a little much for me but now that I have worn them a few times I'm starting to get used it.

Alden Snuff Suede "West Egg"

I originally purchased these from Epaulet as "Spring" shoes but I see absolutely nothing wrong with wearing them all year round. (As a devotee of American Lit., I was completely taken by the model name.)