Shorts (A Summer Solstice Repost)

Photos by Salt Water New England

Questions for the Community:

Where do you get your shorts?  Do you have a favorite source or do you treat them more as a commodity?  For colors and styles, what are the "must haves" and deal breakers?

 

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>

Calling All Yachties! Two Smashing New Guernseys from Le Tricoteur - Made in Guernsey

Port & Starboard.  (Or when wearing it reversed, Starboard & Port.) All Photos of Muffy Aldrich.

An authentic Guernsey is an unparalleled piece of knitwear for when out on the water.  And Guernsey's Le Tricoteur is the real deal.  Their tightly knit worsted wool blocks all kinds of salty wind.  I have worn them for decades.

And now they have re-introduced two smashing versions from their archives.

With special permission from the Royal Navy, they have introduced the Cresta Run (which is a natural ice track in St. Moritz), one of the oldest races in history and one of the first events at the Winter Olympics.   They will donate 10 pounds from each sale to Royal Navy and Royal Marine’s Charity.

• Cresta Run Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/le-tricoteur-archive-collection/products/cresta-run-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

And also from their archives, the very snappy Port & Starboard Guernsey.  Le Tricoteur will donate 10 pounds from each jumper sold to the Guernsey Sailing Trust.

• Port & Starboard Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/le-tricoteur-archive-collection/products/port-starboard-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

As always, these garments are Made in Guernsey, 

Port & Starboard and Cresta Run

 

Lobster Ropes Never Looked So Good - Mats and More from Maine Rope Mats, Made in Maine

Photos by Salt Water New England

Back when they first started making their mats, I visited Maine Rope Mats at their facility on the Maine Coast, right after a very satisfying breakfast at Moody's Diner, if I remember correctly.   (And having watched a moose across the street, while finishing up our breakfast.)   Fast forward to today, and their mats, baskets, and accessories today can be spotted everywhere, including throughout the Sea Bags' many stores.

Tough as nails and available in an array of vibrant colors, as well as more subdued hues, everything is still Made in Maine.

• Five Stripe Rope Mat - Royal Blue with 2 Green Stripes <https://www.maineropemats.com/collections/newrope-mats/products/five-stripe-royal-blue-with-2-green-stripes>

• Maine Rope Mats <https://www.maineropemats.com/>

• Key Chains and Dog Leashes <https://www.maineropemats.com/collections/newrope-products>

A Flotilla of Sperrys

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

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

Sloane Knitted Jacket from Cordings Of Piccadilly, Made in Italy

Preppy Rule: Blend in with your environment.  Photos by Salt Water New England

This is the ideal season for the Sloane Knitted Jacket from Cordings of Piccadilly, and it has been getting a great deal of wear recently.   

Made in Italy and offered in Navy, it is a densely knit and heavy garment, perfectly suited for when the winds off the water are cold and the spring sun is bright.  

Half jacket, half sweater, it features a shawl collar, two front pockets, two internal pockets, and a full-length zipper.  It provides excellent coverage.

• Navy Sloane Knitted Jacket <https://www.cordings.co.uk/us/navy-sloane-knitted-jacket.html>

Le Tricoteur Navy Blue Traditional Guernsey Jumper

Photos by Salt Water New England

• Le Tricoteur Navy Blue Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/mens-plain-guernsey-jumpers/products/letricoteur-co-plain-guernseys-mens-navy-blue-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

• Le Tricoteur Cream & Navy Striped Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/mens-striped-guernsey-jumpers/products/letricoteur-co-striped-guernseys-mens-cream-navy-striped-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

Boat Shoes

Photos by Salt Water New England

Early April Along the Coast

Photos by Salt Water New England

 

Freeport Watch: Sea Bags

Photos by Salt Water New England

Sea Bags have exploded in popularity recently, with stores in Portland, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Bar Harbor;  the North Shore and South Shore of Boston, the Cape, the Vineyard; Watch Hill, Newport; Florida; California; the mid-Atlantic; Burlington, Vermont for sailing on Lake Champlain; and along the Great Lakes in Michigan.  But they are still all cut, assembled, and hand-stitched in Maine.

While there are a great number of new designs they have added, I prefer their original approach  – what is now called "vintage" – which are bags made from recycled sails.  (Bring in your old sails, where they'll be weighed and you'll be paid.  And you'll get a bag made out of your sails.)

• <https://seabags.com/>

They're solidly made and have natural colored hand-spliced rope handles which wrap around the entire bag for durability.  The Freeport, Maine store, shown here, is a pleasure to visit and the people exceptionally nice.

  

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?

 

Le Tricoteur Men’s Navy Blue Traditional Guernsey Jumper and Bosie Trawlerman Chunky Glenugie Nep Sweater

Photos by Salt Water New England

Shown:

• Le Tricoteur Men’s Navy Blue Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/mens-plain-guernsey-jumpers/products/letricoteur-co-plain-guernseys-mens-navy-blue-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

• Le Tricoteur Women’s Navy Blue Traditional Guernsey Jumper <https://letricoteur.co/en-us/collections/mens-plain-guernsey-jumpers/products/letricoteur-co-plain-guernseys-mens-navy-blue-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

• Dubarry Women’s Sailing Boots <https://www.dubarry.com/us/women/footwear/sailing-boots/>

• Dubarry Men’s Sailing Boots <https://www.dubarry.com/us/men/footwear/sailing-boots/>

• Jack Donnelly 03 Tapered <https://jackdonnelly.com/collections/m3-tapered>

• Bosie Trawlerman Chunky Glenugie Nep Sweater - Jura Navy <https://www.bosie.co/blue-mogganer/blue-mogganer-chunky-glenugie-nep-sweater-jura-navy>

Le Tricoteur Guernsey Jumpers

 The Old College Roommate - Photos by Salt Water New England

All Le Tricoteur Jumpers are Made in Guernsey.

Unisex Guernsey Jumpers

A reader comment from Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/muffyaldrich/>:

I still have @letricoteur Guernseys inherited from my Grandfather, along with my RNLI Guernsey which was issued during my time as volunteer lifeboat crew. I’ve added to the pile with more recent sweaters in some of the fantastic colours they have now. They’re the most comforting and comfortable thing to wear ever.

Patsy's (New!) Preppy Fun Earrings

Photos by Salt Water New England

Want some fun?  Patsy has you covered with her brilliant new colors (above), adding to her already joyful collection of her preppy Monkey Fist earrings (below).

• Monkey Fist Earrings <https://www.patsykane.com/yachting-collection-earrings>

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>

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.     

New Breton Rouge Guernsey from Le Tricoteur, Made in Guernsey

Photos by Salt Water New England

Le Tricoteur has released a new Breton Rouge Guernsey, based on a color they produced over 40 years ago.

• Women's Breton Rouge Guernsey <https://letricoteur.co/collections/womens-plain-guernsey-jumpers/products/womens-breton-rouge-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

• Men's Breton Rouge Guernsey <https://letricoteur.co/collections/mens-plain-guernsey-jumpers/products/mens-breton-rouge-traditional-guernsey-jumper>

It was perfect for a walk today, shown with:

• Patsy's Mariner Shackle Earrings, Sterling Silver <https://www.patsykane.com/product-page/mariner-shackle-earrings>

• Arthur Beale Sailing Cap <https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-sailing-cap>

• The Leather Small Tote <https://lotuffleather.com/collections/mens-totes/products/leather-small-tote?variant=44254110318896>

Arthur Beale Erebus Boat Neck Pullover

Photos by Salt Water New England

The Arthur Beale Erebus is a beast of sweater.  Smelling faintly of lanolin, and of a not inconsiderable weight, the Erebus is designed for sailing to the Arctic.  However, for those who sleep with their house cool, they are also ideal for putting on first thing in the morning to make getting out of bed that much more pleasant.  And of course they are ideal for shoveling snow, walks, and other winter activities.  (It is these latter uses that justifies having a few of these bad boys around in our house.)

These are also surprisingly handsome sweaters, almost mysteriously so given their bulk.  And they are reversable, so wear and tear (and the odd spill) can be evenly distributed.   

Arthur Beale Erebus Boat Neck Pullover:

• Light Welsh Grey <https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-erebus-boat-neck-pullover?variant=42129133437157>

• Ecru <https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-erebus-boat-neck-pullover?variant=42129602871525>

• Black Welsh Mountain <https://arthurbeale.co.uk/products/arthur-beale-erebus-boat-neck-pullover?variant=34891915657374>

Shown with:

• Navy Montgomery Duffle Coat for Men <https://www.cordings.co.uk/navy-montgomery-duffle-coat.html>

Turtlenecks

Past Season L.L. Bean Turtleneck - Photos by Salt Water New England

A reader question:

Help! Please can you or your readers tell me where I can find good turtle necks that are like the ones you wear that don't stretch? Many thanks.

Turtlenecks shown:

• Women's L.L.Bean Interlock Turtleneck, Long-Sleeve Stripe in Cream/Classic Navy <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/121875>

•  Women's L.L.Bean Interlock Turtleneck, Long-Sleeve in White <https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/22350>