A Question from a Southern Reader who Needs a Good Custom Camp Moccasin

But first, my rebuttal - I have nothing but the warmest regards for our friends from the South.

Hello Muffy, out of desperation I am sending this email. I have noticed that you are rather negative regarding people in the South and our authenticity of living culturally Preppy. If you will lower yourself to express your opinion to this Son of the South it would be much appreciated. 

I am in a bad spot. I desperately need a good camp moccasin. I tried Rancourt. Visually it was a great looking shoe, however it was a two month wait for product. Once received to moccasins had manufacturing flaws that made them uncomfortable and unwearable. It has now been 60 days and Rancourt has never returned my money. They are apparently popular for such behavior. I have not tried Quoddy but in talking to them over the phone they were very negative. I will need a custom made shoe. I was a runner and tennis player for many years and my feet are wide across the top and narrow at the heel. 

Also, though not a camp moccasin,  the company Paraboot, specifically the Barth, looks like a nice product. Do you know anything about them? I hear there are a lot of fake Paraboot products on the internet. Paraboot is taciturn regarding communication via email. 

Respectfully, 

Patsy's Earrings: Another day, another decision...

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

• Yankee Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver <https://patsykane.com/products/yankee-pearl-earrings>

• The Ketcham Oyster Shell Earrings <https://patsykane.com/products/the-ketcham-oyster-shell-earrings-gold-dipped>

• All Earrings <https://patsykane.com/collections/earrings>

In the Category of, No Place I Would Rather Be Today…

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

 

A Reader Question: What are the best coastal towns for starting over in/around Connecticut?

A reader question:

Hi Muffy—As you have one of the best online communities around, I wondered if I can pose a question?

I am watching the once quaint and beautiful place my family has called home for generations being destroyed in real time. Overdevelopment, over crowding, insane traffic and aggressive drivers everywhere. As we are in proximity to NYC, we are being inundated by  transplants leaving Manhattan and the boroughs and It’s only going to get worse. I am looking to get out in the next few years and have been eyeing a few towns in CT that remind me of what my area used to be like.

In researching, the best matches for my needs have been Essex, Old Saybrook, East Lyme and Niantic. Does your community have any suggestions for someone at mid life starting over in this area, or other suggestions? My most important factors are going to be quaint, quiet —but some sense of community- and coastal. Parks to walk the dogs and equestrian facilities in proximity are ideal. I promise not to be an obnoxious transplant like the people ruining my hometown!

Went to the Farmers' Market for Vegetables...

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

All Made in the U.S.A. — Shown:

• Classic Blue Bengal Stripe Broadcloth <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/stripes/products/classic-blue-bengal-stripe-broadcloth>

• Cool Blue Seersucker Check <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/cool-blue-seersucker-check>

• Blue Bold Check <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/blue-bold-check>

• The Triumph Briefcase <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase>

• No. 12 Weekender Bag <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/duffles/products/no-12-leather-weekender-bag>

• The Dopp Kitt <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/travel-dopp-kit>

• Classic Journal Cover <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/basic-journal-cover>

• Leather Travel Journal <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/leather-accessories/products/lotuffjournal>

• Original Twills <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino> 

• Surcingle D-Ring Belt <https://www.elizab.com/surcingle-d-ring-belt.html>

• Nantucket Red Canvas Duffle Bag <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/nantucket-red-canvas-duffle-bag>

 

A Reader Question: Non-demanding, non-fiction summer reading?

A reader question:

I have enjoyed your site for years.

My wife, who has a rather stressful job, is looking for non-demanding non-fiction for summer reading.  Are there any relevant posts on this subject?  Thank you.

Dress Like the 80s...

Photo: Muffy Aldrich

When briefly in 2022, L.L. Bean not only offer this particularly good shade they called Lawn Green,  it also had the Natural color (not the typical trim color)  for the Zip-Top version, and was only available in Medium and Large...

Yes, I stocked up.

So if you order from L.L. Bean by phone, feel free to suggest they:

• Bring back Lawn Green
• Bring back Pink Berry
• Bring back Natural Zip-top color option

 

Swedish Visiting Cake and Grandmother's Spode

Photo by Muffy Aldrich