Archive for January, 2018

Gone Surfing

No I am not really gone surfing, but I am taking a little break from the Oxford Cloth Button Down blog for the month of February. Don’t worry I am not closing my doors. Heck, I may even end up doing post, but I didn’t want to leave everyone hanging when they noticed that I had missed my weekly deadline. I’ll catch you on the flip side!
1950-60s surfing

Spring Semester 1964

*This post was originally posted in January 2018. It appears it was a lot colder that year than it was this year. Here in Ohio we have had a unseasonably warm February, but I am still ready for spring and summer, and I can always use some hey day inspo.

There is nothing better than wearing Shetlands, tweed, and the ability to layer trad layer after trad layer. Well there may be at least one thing that is better at least for me and that is warm weather. While the winter has been great for breaking out cold weather gear I have had my fill and I am over it. However, with the coldest month approaching I can do nothing but dream of warmer days.

Last night I was flipping through an old Wittenberg University yearbook from 1964 (no, this is not the year that I graduated) to get some spring inspiration. There were some cool ivy pics that got me excited for wearing shorts, madras, and white sneakers. It also reminded me that flip-flops & t-shirts have been on the scene for quite a while and that students have always loved kicking off their loafers! Before you start browsing the images below lets let out one collective sigh as we dream of warm weather and that student life.

For more hey day inspo checkout the following posts:
Wittenberg 1963 & 1965
Wittenberg 1967
Wittenberg 1964

IMG_6582IMG_6588IMG_6584IMG_6599IMG_6587IMG_6602IMG_6597IMG_6598IMG_6586FullSizeRender(23)

Shaggy Shetlands on Sale

If I know one thing about trads it is that they like a deal. It probably has something to do with its northeast beginnings and Yankee frugality. Combined that with the fact that a current shaggy dog from J.Press costs $245 and its no surprise that we are always on the hunt for a bargain for a shaggy Shetland. Today you are in luck as I have a Shetland steal to share.

Unionmade currently has their Harley of Scotland Shaggy Shetlands on sale for $115. This is very close to the number I always here trads throw out (under $100). I have both a Harley of Scotland brushed Shetland and a Shaggy Dog. The Shaggy dog is much thicker and heavier than the Harley so much thicker that the Shaggy dog is challenging to wear indoors. The Harley feels a little more delicate than some Shetlands which I think has to do with the fact that they use less ply’s. All in all I think this is a great bargain and wear mine far more often than my Shaggy dog. Sizes and colors are limited so if you are interested do not wait. Shop here: Harley of Scotland for Unionmade

Harley of Scotland for Unionmade - Shetland Shaggy Crew Neck Sweater in Iron Rust

Harley of Scotland for Unionmade - Shetland Shaggy Crew Neck Sweater in Jade

Harley of Scotland for Unionmade - Shetland Shaggy Crew Neck Sweater in Marble Gemstone

Harley of Scotland for Unionmade - Shetland Shaggy Crew Neck Sweater in Putty

 

A Denim Post

I can’t remember the last time that I talked about denim on the blog or if I ever even have. I think that pretty well illustrates where my interest level in denim is…or was as I am almost starting to consider a pair. Let’s talk about it.
ImageBefore all the non-denim readers get too worked up we will examine the facts. I currently do not own a single a pair of jeans. I have worn a pair of jeans once in the last 7 years. I can remember it clearly. It was 6 years ago and I was going hiking. I thought that they would great, but they weren’t. They were uncomfortable (and hot) which is the single biggest reason that I stopped wearing them.
ImageNow that I have said all that let me be clear in that I don’t hate denim. Denim has a place in traditional dress. You will find them in Take Ivy, you used to see them a lot on HTJ blog, and I see a handful of guys pull off trad looks in jeans today like Dallas in the top 2 pics (Check out his Insta for more great style: @getticketsforthedance). For me, I like the idea of having another alternative outside of 5-pocket cords that communicates that I am off work.

I haven’t pulled the trigger on any jeans just yet. I haven’t even rounded up any options. I am however thinking about the type of wash that I want. I am actually leaning towards a lighter pair of jeans over the ubiquitous dark denim that I see everywhere. Time will tell and I will keep all of you in the know.