[warby parker eyeglasses for fall]

As we reluctantly (and slowly) ease into fall, one thing making the transition easier is seeing our inbox flooded with new release emails. One email that stood out was from Warby Parker, which makes stylish, unique and extremely affordable glasses (prescription lenses are included in the prices below). Our two favorite new pairs are below, but you can see the full fall collection for men here.

First up is the Durand Whiskey Tortoise glasses ($95), which feature round and wide lenses. They come in three colors, but for these frames, we like whiskey tortoise. Not sure if they would be flattering for every face, but love the scholarly look of them. I picture them on someone with a very collegiate look- cable knit v-neck sweaters, tweed jackets and chinos.  

We also really like the Baxter Ti Sugar Maple glasses ($145), with square lenses and titanium accents. They seem more modern the the Durand pair, and for these we like the warmer sugar maple color. The square shape of the lenses also seems to be flattering on more people and an easier look to pull off.

Although I wear contacts most of the time, I've been needing a new pair of glasses for a while now (the scratched pair that's at least four years old should probably not be worn in public). Warby Parker allows you to try 5 free at home before buying (with free shipping both ways), like I did with my Warby Parker sunglasses earlier this summer, helping you easily find the right pair in the comfort of your home.

[anchored style nautical bow tie]

Today is National Bow Tie Day (yes, it seems there is a "holiday" for everything), which gives us the opportunity to showcase a brand we really like: Anchored Style. We're always interested in brands that have a compelling story and make their goods in the US, and Anchored Style fits both criteria. On top of that, they have some awesome products, like today's featured bow tie.

The Red Signal Flag bow tie ($58) mixes nautical flags with a bold red and white stripe design. A bow tie like this is certain to grab attention, which could be the perfect thing for one last summer fling this Labor Day weekend. It also comes in several bright colors, including lavender, aqua, orange, kelly green, and navy so you can choose the one that matches your wardrobe. While we might typically go for the classic navy, the other options are refreshingly unique and are certain to help you stand out. 

[preppy kid's birthday wish list]

[Southern Proper pullover: $125] [Hudson Sutler dopp kit: $60] [Smathers & Branson belt: $165]

[Daniel Wellington watch: $195] [Austen Heller loafers: $195]

[CB Station monogrammed weekender: $110] [J. Crew wallet: $25]

Birthdays are a good opportunity to splurge without feeling too guilty. Whether it's for yourself or for a significant other/family member/friend, it's fun to get/give something special that you/they might not typically buy.

Even though our birthday was yesterday (24), we'll be seeing some family members this weekend for one last long weekend at the beach, so here are some ideas for them (wink wink)!

[beach essentials]

[Southern Proper hawaiian hat: $28] [Rainbow sandals: $51] [Kiehl's facial fuel: $25]

[Cape Codder Sunglasses: $120] [Banana Boat spray sunscreen] [Ralph Lauren swim trunks: $27.49]

While everyone else is talking about the start of fall, we're laying on the beach enjoying 90+ degree weather on the Carolina shore. Here's our list of beach essentials for your last summer jaunt, and yes, the Southern Proper hat is absolutely necessary. 

A couple notes: No, men do not need their own sunscreen, but it smells good so whatever. We didn't include a t-shirt because it's the beach and you're on vacation. Finally, Ralph Lauren is having a huge sale on swimwear, (up to 70% off!) which can be found here.  

[pen meet paper: state prints with lyrics]

When staying at my parent's beach house, I like to do something nice for them, whether it's helping them out with the house, cooking some meals, or giving a small gift. While flipping through an old copy of Southern Living magazine on the beach, my girlfriend and I discovered the perfect thank you gift from Pen Meet Paper.

Pen Meet Paper designs, draws and creates state prints by hand and uses lyrics that relate to the state. For my parents, we went with the Goin' to Carolina print ($16), which features lyrics from James Taylor's classic song "In My Mind, I'm Goin' to Carolina" (one of my parent's favorites). It has a great water color look to it, and arrived very quickly. My girlfriend put the 8 x 10 print in a simple white frame from Michael's since they'll be hanging it at the beach. A small thank you gesture, but my parents love it!

There are many other state prints available in the artist's Etsy shop, and you can also work with her to customize/personalize them. For the constant traveler who never stays in one place, I'd recommend the See the World Globe print.

[country road trip playlist]

This weekend, me and my girlfriend spent seven hours ten hours (thanks VA traffic) in the car driving to beautiful Sunset Beach, NC for a 9 day vacation. If I had it my way, we would have blasted country music the whole time, however since she doesn't love country music, that didn't happen. Instead, I created this Spotify playlist with 20 of my favorite country songs that are great for a long road trip, which is what I'll be listening to at the beach. What am I missing?

[harding-lane american flag hat]

I keep my collection of hats purposely small, but have had my eye on snagging a needlepoint one from Harding-Lane for a while now. With this navy American flag hat back in stock, I think I may have found just the right one.

The H-L American Flag on Bright Navy ($30) has a great weathered look and worn-in feeling, so its comfortable from day one. It proudly features a needlepoint American flag, which is always appropriate to wear and always in style. For a nautical touch, the adjustable back strap is made from white sailcloth. They just restocked this hat, so grab it before it sells out again!

[southern marsh seersucker swim trunks]

As hard as it is to believe, we're already almost halfway through August. However, if you're like me, you're trying to squeeze as much summer as you possibly can in these last couple weeks. In that effort, we'll be getting a lot of use out of our Southern Marsh swim trunks for one last beach vacation.

The Dockside Swim Trunk - Seersucker ($49) is comfortable for land or water wear, with a super-soft waistband, quick drying fabric and a 6" inseam. The trunks also feature well-placed grommets and back zippered pockets. It comes in three seersucker colors: red (shown above), blue and green. Instead of sticking with the traditional blue, this summer we've been exploring some new seersucker colors, (see: green seersucker Southern Proper shorts) so our pick is definitely the red trunks.  

[bonobos: favorite new arrivals]

[deep pine chinos: $88] [leather belt: $80] [grey gingham: $85] 

[geo print pocket square: $42] [navy and pink oxford: $88] [navy sweatpants: $88]

Bonobos recently added over 350 new items to their shop. We looked through all of them so you don't have to- here are our favorite fall items of the bunch.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

[duke & winston tie]

We've followed Duke & Winston for a while now, and have always been impressed with the brand's ability to maintain its strong personal identity amidst its quick growth. They continue this trend today with a new line of ties, proudly displaying Duke the bulldog, for which the first part of the brand's name is derived. The Winston Tie ($68) comes in three colors: navy, red and our personal favorite, green. Made of 100% silk and in the US, this tie is a playful addition to your 9-5 tie rotation that is perfect for the dog lover in all of us.

[social primer nautical bowtie]

Social Primer is known for creating high quality reversible bowties that can be worn multiple ways. With bold colors and contrasting prints, the Charleston based brand offers a fun take on the classic prep bowtie. Currently, our favorite pick is this nautical knot tie.

One side of the Omega Silk Repp ($60) bowtie is red, gold and navy stripes, while the other side is a nautical knot print. It can be worn six different ways, depending on your outfit and the occasion. Showing all stripes, all knot print and four ways with a mix of both (our favorite featured above). No matter which way you wear it, this bowtie is sure to attract a great deal of attention.

[nordstrom #nsale favorites under $100]

[Topman cardigan: $39.90] [Raen sunglasses: $89.90] [Herschel backpack: $42.90] 

[Vineyard Vines shirt: $65.90] [Sperry boatshoes: $59.90] [Vineyard Vines bowtie: $35.90]
[Dockers chinos: $39.90] [Kiehl's facewash: $20]

Nordstrom's biggest sale of the year, the Anniversary Sale is here. One of the reasons this sale is so great is that it features new fall merchandise ahead of the season, instead of offering things you can't wear for another year like most sales. Above features my favorite finds from the sale, all for under $100. The sale ends August 3rd so don't wait too long to check it out!

Are you planning on buying anything from #nsale? Let us know in the comments.

[flyover press nautical sweatshirt]

Featuring a sweatshirt in the middle of summer may seem a little strange at first, but it actually makes some sense given our love for late summer nights. Whether it's hanging out by a bonfire, a front porch, or the water, it can certainly get pretty cool at night. That's where this nautical sweatshirt from Flyover Press  comes in. They first released this limited-edition design back in the winter, but we're glad to see it's popular enough to still be offered today.

The maritime flags featured on the Gettin' Naut-y sweatshirt ($40) actually spells out the initials for Midwest (Mike-India-Delta-Whiskey-Echo-Sierra-Tango) in an ode to where the brand is located. It's printed on 100% extra soft cotton, which means it's super comfortable. Given its warmth and nautical design, this can easily become your go-to sweatshirt for late summer nights and carry you all the way into the colder months.

[saratoga track: day at the races outfit ideas]

[Chubbies shorts] [Red's sunglasses] [Brooks Brothers shoes] 

[Smathers & Branson belt] [Vineyard Vines shirt]

The Saratoga Race Course begins its 146th summer of horse racing today in beautiful Saratoga, New York. If you've never been, it's a charming small town in upstate NY with a great main street full of local shops/restaurants (try Druther's or Circus Cafe) and fun night life (favorite spot is Saratoga City Tavern). During the summer, you can find everyone enjoying a day at the race track- betting on horses, hanging out with friends, and eating and drinking.

Unfortunately, this will be one of the first summers in a while that I probably won't be able to make it to the track (I even worked there one summer) If you do plan on attending, here are some outfit ideas.

[tucker blair monogrammed needlepoint flask]

Monograms are classic. For guys, those three initials will most likely never change (hey, some couples hyphenate their last name), which means investing in monogrammed goods is well worth the extra cost. Tucker Blair, a leader in needlepoint, allows you to personalize almost all of their offerings, from belts to coasters to key fobs. Our pick? A monogrammed flask.

The Monogrammed Needlepoint Flask ($85) features your monogram on both sides of the hand stitched needlepoint 6 oz. stainless steel flask. It comes in nine flask colors and another four monogram text colors, so you can personalize it exactly the way you want. If you're getting married soon, these monogrammed flasks would make a great gift for your groomsman (Tucker Blair offers special wedding pricing, read more here). No matter what, you'll be sipping (or chugging) in style with your very own monogrammed flask.

[cape cod shoe supply co. flip flops]

It's been two weeks since I traveled to Cape Cod for an amazing summer wedding, and I'm still missing the friendly people, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Since my return, I stumbled upon Cape Cod Shoe Supply Co., a flip flop and accessories brand inspired by the founder's love for the peninsula and the memories it conjures.   

The men's Turks- Navy/White ($39.50) flip flops feature hand braided 100% cotton rope straps and a soft rubber/EVA bottom. The navy/white straps remind me of the KJP belt featured in last week's post and the nautical blueprint design is an unexpected, yet classic nautical touch.Cape Cod Shoe Supply Co. recommends ordering a size up since this design runs a little small. The brand also offers women's and kid designs, so everyone can grab a pair.

[summer in the city outfit ideas]

[Brooks Brothers shirt] [Duke & Winston hat] [Vans for J. Crew sneakers]

[Ray-Ban sunglasses] [KJP belt] [Southern Proper shorts]

Summers in DC are great. Whether walking on the Mall, visiting the monuments/museums, or just eating/drinking outside, here are some of the items I wear on a typical weekend in the city.

Some of my favorite things to do in the city: stroll through the food and art vendors at Eastern Market, go to the Newseum (definitely worth the admission fee-plus your ticket lasts for two days so you can go back the next day) and go shopping in Georgetown by the water. What are your favorite spots?

[mw coastal goods bottle opener]

One of the best parts of summer is all the outdoor social activities- bbqs, pool parties and weekends at friend's beach houses or camps (that's what we call lake houses in NY). When attending one of these events, it's important to always properly thank the hosts- whether it's by bringing food, a small gift or writing a follow up thank you note. For the perfect nautical party gift, turn to MW Coastal Goods.

MW Coastal Goods offers a variety of nautical barware and accessories, including wine/bottle openers, coasters, glassware and more. For a summer party host/ess gift, check out the graphic buoy bottle openers, like the All Hands On Deck ($40). Its a simple, fun gift that will get lots of use at any good party. Plus, it comes in numerous styles and colors, so you can match it with the host's personality/decor.

Side note: I created Lincoln Knots to share my love of all things simple, nautical and preppy. While I have so far written mostly about men's clothing (and that will remain the focus), I am continuing to broaden my scope. Hope you enjoy.

[warby parker sunglasses: try 5 free]

It's been a while, but I'm back and hoping to begin regularly posting 2-3 times a week! Sunglasses are a summer staple, yet it's often hard to find the right pair. After looking around for a long time, I discovered Warby Parker (and their program to try 5 free at home), and found just what I was looking for.

Warby Parker makes it easy to find a pair you like with their convenient "Home Try-On" program. You pick 5 pairs to try, they send them to you for free, you test them out for 5 days, then return them, again for free. If you decide you want to order a pair, go for it! All of their polarized sunglasses are $95 while prescription sunglasses are $150 (they also offer regular prescription glasses for $95). As an added bonus, for every pair they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need (learn more here).

Above are the five I chose to try. After trying them all on, I realized with my large oval-sized head, I need big lenses to look semi-normal (all the smaller lenses looked like kiddie glasses on me). So, I decided to go with the first pair, the Cliff. The blue lenses are much more subdued in person, and not really noticeable at all (a good thing since I thought they would be too bold). I've had them for a few weeks now, and I would definitely recommend them and the brand to anyone looking for a high quality pair of sunglasses.

Has anyone else purchased glasses from Warby Parker/tried out the Home Try-On program? What'd you think?

[brooks brothers retro polo]

Casual Friday in spring typically means the reemergence of the colorful classic polo. Brooks Brothers has a wide variety of polos for the office, including this one with an ode to the Mad Men era.

The Six-Feed Pique Polo ($79.50) is a comfortable and stylish shirt made from cotton pique (giving it a raised texture). You can imagine Don Draper wearing this blue-green colored shirt on a casual weekend (it's doubtful they had Casual Friday at his office) in part because of the collar and sleeves. The shirt comes in original fit and slim fit and is easily paired with navy or tan chinos or jeans. For a classic Casual Friday look, this pique polo is a winner.

[old try dc print]

A quick glance around my apartment reveals plenty of empty space on the walls- since I'm renting, I've been hesitant to hang lots of things (that, and I'm just lazy). However, I've always wanted to create a wall with lots of different meaningful things hanging in different sizes and different frames (something like this or this). To start off my collection, I'd choose this DC print from The Old Try. 

The Old Try produces handmade prints in small releases that highlight our great southern states. Included in the mix is this DC print, The District ($42). Sized at 13" by 20" and handmade of 100% cotton, the print features a twist on the DC flag. Whether you're a DC native or transplant, this print shows your love for our Capital in a cool way. Check out all the prints The Old Try offers for a chance to bring some modern southern style to your home.

[Masters green blazer]

In honor of the Masters, we've chosen a bold green blazer from The Blazer Bros for this week's Casual Friday. Fridays are a great day to dress outside your comfort zone, and this blazer definitely fits the bill for us.

The Phil F**kin' Mickelson ($54.95) features the iconic green color synonymous with the Masters as well as classic gold buttons (learn more about the history of the green jacket here). It's made by The Blazer Bros, who remind me of Chubbies younger brother with a focus on creating fun, affordable blazers. Since you'll probably never get to wear the real thing, this jacket is a fun addition to your closet, if you're brave enough to wear it, that is.

[national cherry blossom outfit ideas]

[Sperry sneakers] [Duke & Winston hat] [Brooks Brothers polo]

[Warby Parker sunglasses] [York River Traders belt] [Chubbies shorts] 

This upcoming weekend marks the final days of the National Cherry Blossom Festival here in D.C. If you haven't taken the opportuntity to see the famous blossoms yet, make sure to swing by the Tidal Basin this weekend. Events include the festival parade on Saturday and the closing orchestra concert on Sunday. The beautiful weather we're supposed to have should ensure there are big crowds this weekend, so plan accordingly!

If you're attending or are out and about this weekend in D.C., here are some outfit ideas.

[bonobos gladerunners pants]

Casual Friday is a day to relax and take some risks with your office wardrobe. It shows you don't take yourself too seriously and that you like to have fun. To do this, Bonobos offers their slim straight chinos in an exciting limited edition color. 

The Slim Straight Gladerunners ($88) are a fresh take on the brand's popular washed chinos. They're comfortable, casual and made of high quality material. The color is great for spring, and can be paired with a polo or a lightweight button down and boatshoes. We also really like the small details of the pants, like the navy nautical print in the pockets. Whether it's casual Friday or weekend errands, these pants are a colorful way to stand out.

[southern proper seersucker shorts]

Seersucker is one of the most popular looks in the spring and summer, and for good reason. It's made by bunching the threads together so the fabric falls more loosely on your skin, keeping you cool. For a twist on the traditional blue seersucker, Southern Proper offers their shorts in several different colors, including this unique green pair.

The Green Seersucker Shorts ($75) are all about comfort in the hot weather. They have a 6 inch inseam, elastic waist at the sides and back and are made of a 60% cotton, 40% poly blend. As the weather continues to warm up, we're looking forward to throwing these on with a t-shirt and Sperrys to keep cool. Southern Proper also offers the shorts in red, pink and traditional navy.

[social primer long sleeve pocket shirt]

Spring has brought with it some confusing weather so far- a mix of sunny, rainy, cold and windy days- making it difficult to decide what to wear on a day-to-day basis. One solution is a long sleeve t-shirt- like this one from Social Primer, another of our favorite Charleston brands. For a limited time, use the code TSH50 to get 50 percent off all their long tees.

The Coat of Arms Long Sleeve Pocket Shirt ($40, currently $20 with TSH50 code) features the brand's logo on the front pocket and it's coat of arms on the back. The navy t-shirt can be worn on its own, or over a shirt and tie, as seen in the pictures. To brighten it up for spring, you could wear one of the brand's new bowties, which we featured in a previous post for the Carolina Cup. But act quick, with a 50 percent discount, these shirts aren't gonna be in stock much longer.

[fossil messenger bag]

The first couple weeks I worked in D.C., I'm embarrassed to admit that I carried my lunch around in a plastic bag. After plenty of weird stares, it was clear I needed a messenger bag, and fast. My search began and ended with Fossil, where I picked up a great leather work bag to match my previously purchased weekender.

The Estate Messenger ($248) is made of high quality leather and is the perfect size for carrying work files and lunch. Inside, it has a padded space for a laptop, an interior zipper pocket and an exterior slip pocket, helping you to easily store everything. It closes with two magnetic buckles, and features contrasting colors of rich, soft leather. For any man just starting out in the professional field, this messenger bag is a great addition to their work week look that will only get better with age.

[lands' end canvas button down]

The return of spring means that lightweight plaid button downs are back. Lands' End Canvas line, which offers more modern and fitted clothing for a younger audience, has several affordable options for casual Friday or a relaxed weekend outing.

Our favorite of the bunch is the Classic Cherry Men's Plaid Poplin Shirt ($29.99). The bright colors and lightweight fabric make it a great choice for spring (especially if you happen to be going to DC's Cherry Blossom Festival in the next couple weeks). It has a slimmer fit than what you may be used to with classic Lands' End products, giving it a younger, more refined look and is offered in seven different colors. Whether you're wearing it for casual Friday or for a outdoor festival, this shirt can be paired with lightweight chinos and Sperry's for an easy, relaxed look.

[carolina cup outfit ideas]

[Vineyard Vines pants] [Bonobos shirt] [Harding Lane hat] [Cotton Snaps straps] 

[Social Primer bowtie] [Sperry boatshoes] [Ray-Ban sunglasses] [Smathers & Branson belt]

The eighty-second annual Carolina Cup is being held this Saturday, March 29 in Camden, South Carolina. The event kicks off spring with a day of great horse racing, friends and drinks. The event is also a day to showcase your finest prep fashion- expect to see lots of bowties, pastels and needlepoint. 

If you're lucky enough to be attending, here are some outfit ideas to help you go all out prep for the big day.

[knot return to the south t-shirt]

Continuing the nautical trend of the past few posts, Knot Clothing offers some great t-shirt options for spring (if the weather ever warms up). As previewed in a St. Patrick's day post, this clever t-shirt allows you to show off your southern pride in a fun way.

The Return to the South pocket t-shirt ($32.50) is a simple and playful t-shirt for a casual day at the beach or walking around town. It comes in four bright colors perfect for the warm weather: mango, sunshine, green and light blue. For a great relaxed look, pair it with some colorful shorts, sperrys and sunglasses.

Of course I instantly liked the brand because of its connection to Charleston, my favorite southern city. After spending a good amount of time at a family beach house in North Carolina and exploring the surrounding area, I know I definitely want to move to Charleston (hopefully soon!). Finding cool brands based in Charleston like Knot Clothing is encouraging in that it shows the creative work being done in the city.

[KJP nautical oxford for men]

To celebrate the beginning of spring, we went looking for a fun and nautical casual Friday shirt. Our search ended as soon as we saw the Ernest Shackleton Voyage oxford from Kiel James Patrick (KJP).

KJP is mostly known for their nautical bracelets, which we also love and will most likely feature on the blog at some point. However, we were surprised to see their button down collections and  impressed with the range of options- from nautical ones to a whole lot of madras.

The Ernest Shackleton Voyage oxford ($98) is a fun button down great for any spring/summer outfit. The maritime flags give it a classic yet playful feel, that can be dressed up or down depending on your need. For casual Friday, this can be paired with navy or tan chinos and Sperry's for an easy yet stylish look. Though the shirt may be a little pricey, it is definitely unique enough to make it worth the splurge. As a bonus, KJP also offers this print in a women's shirt, cleverly titled Not Penny's Boat (all this missing plane news is making us think about how much we miss Lost).  

[j.crew anchor print shorts]

Finally, spring is here! Which means, soon enough, it will be shorts season. While looking for a new pair of shorts to throw into our warm weather rotation, we were instantly drawn to this pair from J. Crew.

Last year, the 9" Stanton short from J. Crew was our go to pair of shorts, and we grabbed them in a bunch of colors (bright blue, yellow and orange). New this year is The 9" Stanton short in anchor print ($69.50), which has everything going for it (navy- check, nautical- check, great fit-check). As for the price, it's higher than we usually like to pay, but J. Crew has plenty of sales, so you should be able to get it for less if you keep an eye on your inbox. For example, you can currently get 25% off your purchase by using the code HEYSPRING.

The 9" length is a great length for everyday wear (at 6'1" shorter shorts can sometimes be too short, not that we don't push it, like here and here). These shorts are also lighter weight than the traditional Stanton short, which makes them perfect for those especially warmer days. The fact that they're currently on backorder online proves that these shorts are definitely going to be popular this spring. Good luck getting your hands on a pair!

[bull and moose tie]

While DC had great day drinking weather this weekend for St. Patrick's Day (and we wore some of these items to celebrate), yesterday's snow put a damper on the actual day of celebration. Even though it is a day late, we're showing our Irish pride today with this tie from the DC brand Bull + Moose.

The K Street Tie ($29) features royal green and navy stripes, and is sharp enough for even the nation's top lobbyists (hence the name). Paired with a navy suit, it helps you achieve the quintessential DC professional look for men at an affordable price.Whether you're wearing it for St. Patrick's Day or not, this Bull + Moose tie is a sure fire way to up your style game at work.

[sperrys: the quintessential prep shoe]

You probably knew it was coming sooner or later: my first post about Sperry boat shoes. I discovered Sperrys the first time I went to Charleston (about five years ago) and saw what seemed like everyone wearing them. I  bought a pair at M. Dumas & Sons and threw them on for a day of sight seeing around the city. Of course, I didn't realize you had to break them in, and ended up with blisters all over my feet. Even still, I've developed a love for Sperrys and found that they work for nearly any occasion.

There are lots of different Sperry styles to choose from, but let's start with the Authentic Original Boat Shoe ($85). Sperry was the first to create boat shoes in 1935 and have only perfected them since. After breaking them in, they are incredibly comfortable, and will become your go-to shoe for the spring/summer. As we've mentioned before, do NOT wear socks with boat shoes of any kind.

Depending on your work environment, Sperrys are also a great casual Friday shoe. They're more relaxed than a traditional dress shoe, but still look nice with jeans or chinos. The whole purpose of casual Friday is comfort, and these boat shoes certainly fit that bill while helping to kick start the weekend.

[anchor belt]

As spring inches closer (though it certainly doesn't feel like it today), we're excited to see the reemergence of nautical style that has laid dormant this winter. After spotting the look on two of our favorite Instagram accounts (properkidprobs and VA_gentlemen), we decided the next nautical addition to our closet has be an anchor belt. 

The Leather Anchor Buckle Belt ($28.23) from ASOS adds a simple, nautical twist to the classic leather belt and can be worn with a variety of outfits.Vineyard Vines also has a similar anchor belt available, but at a higher price. No matter what option you pick, bringing a nautical touch to your spring look is definitely the right decision.

[men's spring jackets: for work, play and the rain]

[Banana Republic] [Gap] [Vineyard Vines]

As the weather changes form winter to spring, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the right jacket to wear. Some days may start off cold, but become warm and sunny in the afternoon. While you don't want to wear a bulky winter coat, you need some type of light jacket. Here's three spring jacket options for work, play or the rain.

For work: The Mac Jacket from Banana Republic ($198) is great for the office- the navy color, simple design and longer length make it professional and ideal for wearing over a suit jacket. It also has a zip-out lining for when it gets warmer.

For play: The 1969 Heritage denim jacket from Gap ($79.95) is the most versatile spring jacket for a casual day. It can be worn with a t-shirt, polo, button down, hoodie- pretty much anything. The medium wash looks great with darker jeans, khakis or colorful chinos.

For the rain: The lightweight Beacon Full-Zip from Vineyard Vines ($155) will come in handy for the inevitable rain this spring. It has an adjustable hood and comes in four spring colors- green, orange, bright blue and classic navy.

[st. patrick's day outfit ideas]

[Smathers and Branson hat] [Knot t-shirt] [Chubbies shorts]

 [Vineyard Vines coozie] [Bonobos polo] 

St. Patrick's Day marks the unofficial start of warm weather and the welcome return of outdoor fun with friends. Join the festivities with these clothing options that will look great on March 17th and all summer long (the fun coozie may only be used on St. Patrick's Day but it's worth the $5). If you act now, you should be able to get these shipped to you in time for the weekend celebrations. Good luck and have fun!

[brooks brothers fun shirt]

It's hard not to get a little bored with your work wardrobe sometimes- after all, there is a only finite number of shirt and tie combinations you can make week after week. Add a little excitement to your office look with a Brooks Brothers "fun shirt" from the brand's youthful Red Fleece line. While these shirts may be a little loud for a normal week day, they are great for casual Friday.

"Fun shirts" are made of a variety of different (and sometimes contrasting) fabrics, patterns and colors for a bright and kind of crazy look. Take for example, the Multi Fun Oxford Sport Shirt ($69.50), which features a mix of blue, pink and white fabrics for a truly unique look. As part of the brand's Red Fleece line, it has a more modern look and a slimmer fit than what you may be used to with Brooks Brothers. Paired with jeans, a leather belt and loafers, this "fun shirt" will bring a little excitement to the office and help kick off the weekend.

[nautical sock options]

[Gap mini anchors] [J. Crew lobsters] [Banana Republic anchor] 

[Ralph Lauren sailboats] [Sperry Top-Sider plaid]

As the snow continues to fall outside, it's clear that boat shoe weather is still far off. In the meantime, these nautical socks keep you warm and add some prep in your step (see what I did there?). Of course, when it does finally get nice out again, please don't wear these or any socks with your boat shoes.

[casual friday: bonobos navy cardigan]

Everyone knows the best day of the work week is Friday: you're so close to the weekend, there's a certain excitement in the office and you can ditch the suit and tie for casual dress. Fridays are also usually the day your more likely to head to happy hour or meet up with friends after work, meaning what you wear to work is what you're going to wear out for the night. Luckily for you, Bonobos has plenty of stylish options for Casual Friday that easily adapt from the office to whatever comes next. 

Like the navy Calling Card cardigan ($78), which is incredibly versatile. Paired with a casual button down, polo, or basic t-shirt, it easily transitions from the office to after work plans. It looks good year round, and is light enough so you can layer it depending on the weather. With Bonobos regular sales and their recent announcement to bring back free shipping on all orders, there's no reason not to ditch the suit and tie for a day and pull the trigger on this sweater.

[hudson sutler garment bags]

I've been thinking about buying a Hudson Sutler weekender duffel bag for a while now (this one in particular), but have struggled to rationalize pulling the trigger since I already have and love this weekender. However, just today, the brand released a new line of garment bags, meaning I can grab one of those while I deliberate on the matching duffel.

The Yorktown garment bag ($145) keeps your suits and dress shirts wrinkle free and clean while traveling. Hudson Sutler currently offers the garment bag in three different styles (Yorktown, Hatteras and Lowell), which all have matching commuter duffels, weekender duffels and dopp kits. The navy blue and red design stands out the most to me because it has a classic, nautical look. It also features red and white gingham liner inside the bag and contrast stitching throughout, among other nice touches. Whether you're adding this to your Hudson Sutler collection, or using it alone, this garment bag is a great addition for all your travels.

[DC metro pocket square]

Living in DC, the metro quickly becomes a part of your daily life. Whether commuting to work, meeting friends for happy hour or visiting a favorite DC landmark, you'll need to know your way around the metro. But if memorizing stops isn't your forte, don't worry- Bull + Moose  created a fun and useful way to help you get around the city and showcase your DC pride.

The DC metro pocket square ($25) features the iconic metro map with its five colored lines. It's made of 100% silk and includes unique details like the location of the company headquarters, the brand logo, and a colored border matching the different lines. While the DC-based brand usually focuses on their high quality yet affordable neckwear, it's nice to see them mix things up a little bit and create this unique accessory for the classic Washingtonian gent.

[morning routine]

[American Crew pomade] [Kiehl's facial fuel] [DenTrek floss picks]

[Ralph Lauren cologne] [Trader Joe's shampoo, conditioner and bodywash] [Philips electric toothbrush] 

Weekday mornings usually consist of the same routine: review the news on my phone in bed, quick shower, five minutes to get ready, rushed breakfast and out the door a couple minutes late. These are my go-to getting ready products for a simple, clean and refreshing start to the day. Bonus: they're all affordable.

The American Crew pomade offers a light hold for your hair without weighing it down or leaving it too slick. Kiehl's facial fuel refreshes your face and has SPF 15, which is ideal for protecting your skin on a daily basis. Surprisingly satisfying to use, DenTrek floss picks work better than regular floss and are easy to use. The Blue edition of the Big Pony Ralph Lauren cologne is subtle, yet sporty and masculine. Trader Joe's shampoo, conditioner and bodywash is made of peppermint and tea tree, which leaves your hair and body feeling incredibly tingly. And finally, the Philips electric toothbrush cleans your mouth so well it practically serves as a replacement for the dentist. Seriously, once you try it, you will never want to go back to a regular toothbrush.

[chubbies swim trunks]

After trading the snow for warm and sunny Charleston this past weekend (see pictures of the trip on my instagram), I've been craving summer and the beach. Coincidentally, Chubbies debuted their bold new swim line this week, and it does not disappoint.

Standing out with their bright vertical stripes, The Archipelagos ($59.50) are our favorite trunks of the group. Featuring the traditional Chubbies 5.5" inseam and a slightly retro style, these trunks are a throw back to the shorts our dads used to wear- but not in a bad way. They're classic and simple, a stark contrast to the loud and baggy board shorts that dominate some beaches today. Paired with the greatest summer accessory, a nice tan, these Chubbies trunks can truly do no harm.

[key fob options]

[Asher Riley] [Smathers & Branson] [Brooks Brothers] [Tag Smith]

 [Smathers & Branson] [Pease Blossom Studio]

You have to carry your keys everywhere you go, so you might as well invest in a nice looking key fob.  The choices featured above bring a classic and refined touch to your daily look, without breaking the bank (all are less than $30).

Smathers & Branson is the most well known brand selling needlepoint key fobs, and for good reason. They offer an expansive collection that is easy to find in prep stores all over the country. A newer brand, Asher Riley, offers an impressive and growing collection while Brooks Brothers has some surprisingly affordable options as well. The other options are from Etsy, which is increasingly becoming my go to place for unique, handmade leather accesories.

[fossil weekender bag]

If you're looking for a way to up your style while traveling, find yourself a smart looking weekender bag. A great option? The Estate Framed Duffle ($298) by Fossil. This bag fits everything you need for a weekend getaway while scoring high points for style.

Like some of my other accessories, this weekender bag is made of high quality leather, meaning it will last forever and get better with age. The large opening, similar to an old fashioned doctor's bag, makes it easy to see everything you pack and an interior and outer pocket provide plenty of room to hold small travel necessities. No matter if you're traveling by car, train or plane, this bag will definitely help you stand out and attract attention.