[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?