Around The Fourth of July Weekend

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

New from Steele Canvas, The Nantucket Red Collection - Made in Massachusetts

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

Steele Canvas has just launched their new Nantucket Red Collection, which I am loving.  

Anyone who has tried their bags know how incredibly sturdily made they are - heavy canvas and a sizable YKK zippers.  And now they have added this terrific new color. 

Shown here is the Nantucket Red Island Tote and Nantucket Red Canvas Duffle Bag.  (They also offer this color in a Weekender Bag and a Dopp Kit.)

• Nantucket Red Island Tote <https://www.steelecanvas.com/products/nantucket-red-island-tote>

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

• Nantucket Red Collection <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/nantucket-red-collection>

Shown with:

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

• Jack Donnelly Original Twill - 02 Straight <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino/products/twill-chino-m2-straight>

I have been using their bags for years now and can't say enough good things about them.   And as with all of their products, the bags are made in Massachusetts.  

Nantucket Red Canvas Duffle Bag

Nantucket Red Island Tote with a 10” Handle Drop and Leather Grips

Outdoor Cooking and Eating (r)

Photos by Salt Water New England

A question for the community: 

Which foods do you prefer for outdoor cooking and eating? And what are favorite techniques or occasions?

A Flotilla of Sperrys

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

What a D-Ring Belt Resupply Looks Like

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

 

Short-sleeved collared shirts vs. rolled up sleeves?

 A reader question:

Dear Muffy,

May I ask the readers a question please.

In years gone by I would wear short sleeved collared cotton shirts e.g. short sleeved OCBD's, with shorts, khakis and dress pants in the warmer months. I no longer do so preferring to wear long sleeved shirts and roll the sleeves up. When I want to wear short sleeves I wear polo shirts (Yes I know that button down collars were the original polo shirts - for playing polo, but I'm referring to the soft collar knitted polo shirts we wear today).

What are other readers views on short sleeved collared cotton shirts.

Kind regards

Reader Question: Favorite Poolside Drinks for Guests

Photo by Salt Water New England

Hi Muffy,

Yesterday's post begs the most important question of all for readers.  What is your favorite poolside drink to serve to your guests?  

  

Boat Shoes vs. Camp Mocs

“Boat shoes” have been trendy this year.  On the fashion runways this season, all kinds of styles of shoes have been lumped together and called “boat shoes” - such as by British Vogue – including Camp Mocs, Driving Mocs, Blucher Mocs with their 4 eyelet tie, and the Timberland 3-eye with a lug sole moccasin type shoe that my father wore in the 80s.

But if you are shopping for shoes, “Boat Shoes” should refer to a specific type of shoe.  And if you just ask for a Boat Shoe and actually get it, one might be missing out on something better suited.

One example.  Two newer readers have recently asked me about how Boat Shoes compare to Camp Mocs,  so I thought I would compare the two across some common use cases.  

First, they do have many similarities, of course.  They both have moccasin construction.  They are made of leather uppers and rubber soles. They are both casual shoes.  They are both equally good for women and men.

But there are difference, highlighted by different uses.

Boat Shoes, 3 Eyelet.  All photos by/of Muffy Aldrich.

Camp Mocs with White Sole, 1 Eyelet

Steele's Steeletex Beach Tote Now in a ZipTop, Made in Massachusetts

Lime Green Open Top Tote, Light Blue Zip-Top Tote, and a Lime Green Carryall Pouch.  Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Steele, or specifically Steele Canvas Basket Corp, is a terrific company.  They've been in business for over a hundred years and everything they offer is still made in Massachusetts.  And they make them well, sturdy and practical and sometimes,  as with their Steeletex Beach Totes, brilliantly!  

Their water-resistant and tear-resistant vinyl totes in brilliant colors are ideal for the beach (among other things)  and now,  in addition to the open-top options, they have zip-top options.

These totes are big with an inside pocket, and the handles fit comfortably over the shoulder.

Shown:

• Lime Green Steeletex Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/lime-green-steeletex-beach-tote-medium>

• Light Blue Steeletex Zip Top Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/light-blue-steeletex-zip-top-beach-tote-medium>

• Lime Green Steeletex Carryall Pouch <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/travel-bags-accessories/products/lime-green-steeletex-carryall-pouch>

Also see:

• Blue Steeletex Zip Top Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/blue-steeletex-zip-top-beach-tote-medium>

• Forest Green Steeletex Zip Top Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/green-steeletex-zip-top-beach-tote-medium>

  

 

Late June in Preppy New England

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

Summer Sailor Bracelets

Photo by Salt Water New England

Summer means it is time for new rope bracelets from Mystic Knotwork.  Made in Connecticut.

• Stripe Sailor Bracelet in White and Royal Blue <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

• Adjustable Woven Bracelet in White <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/adjustable-woven-bracelets-choose-from-18-colors>

Seersucker Weather Has Arrived. All Made in the U.S.A.

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

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

• Twill Chino - 02 Straight <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/twill-chino/products/twill-chino-m2-straight>

Boat Shoes

Photos by Salt Water New England

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags - The Complete Guide (2024 Edition)

Photos by Salt Water New England

I have received quite a few questions about L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags.  Here are the top ten, and my answers (and some answers from the community).  

• Boat and Tote, Zip-Top <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/37037>

• Boat and Tote, Open-Top <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381>

1. What is an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag?

Polo Shirts, Back in the Day. Photos by My Father.

Photos by My Father.

 

Patchwork Madras Shorts

Muffy Aldrich wearing patchwork madras shorts in Newport, supplied by Cape Madras.  Photo by Salt Water New England

Somewhere between khakis and GTH pants are Patchwork Madras Shorts.  Definitely jaunty, comfortable enough to be put on and forgotten about, and always game, they epitomize summerwear.  As with most preppy staples (and Bond movies and pizza), even fairly mediocre examples of patchwork madras shorts are completely serviceable.    

Given the summer season is quickly approaching, what are your thoughts on patchwork madras shorts (dos and don'ts), and where do you get yours?

 

Bathing Suits?

Photo by Salt Water New England

A reader question:

I hate hate hate bathing suits.  Ugh.  Someone wrote "the near-death experience of trying on bathing suits" and yes!  That is me.  Where do people go to get bathing suits for people older than 25?  Help!  Also, where to find the best ones for men.  An easier category but still not an obvious source.

Two Tote Bags from Steele Canvas Basket, Made in Massachusetts

All Photos by Salt Water New England

Many here already know about Steele Canvas Basket company.   They've been making hard wearing canvas products in Massachusetts since 1921.

I have very much enjoyed getting to know two of their awfully good looking totes, their classic and low-key natural canvas tote in Small (now my camera bag) and their vinyl beach tote in a brilliant green in Medium (headed for the boats next).   Durable and tasteful, be sure to read the measurements provided on their site carefully as they are generously sized bags.

• Lime Green Steeletex Beach Tote - Medium <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/steeletex-beach-totes/products/lime-green-steeletex-beach-tote-medium>

• Natural Canvas Tote Bag - Small - with 10" Handles <https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-tote-bags/products/small-tote-bag-canvas>

Lobster Rolls

At Red's Eats, which has often been credited with popularizing of lobster rolls in the 1970s.  

Lobster rolls—lobster meat served in a hot dog style bun —are close to perfection for some.  

Deciding to have one for lunch is easy.  Finding the best source, however, is a bit more difficult.   Different venues vary greatly.  Some are generous with the lobster, and others skint.  Freshness matters.  Expensive restaurants do not have an advantage over local "no frills" establishments.  

There are also two approaches to lobster rolls, which each originated in different parts of New England. The classic warm lobster roll, with just lobster meat and melted butter in a toasted bun, originated in Milford, Connecticut in 1927 at a diner named Perry's.  The cold lobster salad approach, with mayonnaise, celery, lemon, lettuce, salt, pepper, and various other ingredients, first appeared in the late 1920s at Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, Maine.   Today, variations abound. 

Best of all, even an average lobster roll is still pretty great, and often the easiest thing to order, especially on the go.

Photo credits:  Salt Water New England 

Camp Mocs

 

Camp Mocs for Women and Men

Camp Mocs, short for Camp Moccasins, are a classic casual slip-on shoe for men and women.  Flattering and easier than boat shoes, they are perfect for business casual when new and for everyday wear when older.   They were invented by Leon L. Bean, and L.L. Bean first introduced these shoes in 1936.

With white soles, they can be worn on boat decks.   A red sole is a fine alternative for autumn.  They can be worn with or without socks.