[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. 

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[cape crabbers t-shirt]

53 days. Just 53 days until the official start of spring (March 20). With the weather constantly dropping into the 20s and 30s here in DC, spring, and of course summer, cannot come soon enough. Thinking about warm weather and trips to the beach brings to mind a favorite (and NY local) clothing brand- Cape Crabbers. Started in 2009 by two lifelong friends (who got married this past summer), the brand has quickly grown and now features an impressive variety of "classic cool" products.

The Organic Classic Crabbers Tee ($25) features their unique double anchor logo and like all their products, is made in the US. This tee looks great paired with shorts/chinos and boat shoes for a relaxed, yet classic look. With the motto "life is a vacation" and their nautical apparel, Cape Crabbers helps get you through the cold and into a warm weather state of mind. After all, it's just 53 days away!

P.S. Hopefully they'll restock their hats (especially the red one) in time for the sun too.