$75 Gourmet Tailgate for 15

Washingtonian Magazine's "The Frugal Foodie" challenged Firefly restaurant chef, Danny Bortnick to create a tailgate for 15 for less than $75.

• Open-Faced Roast-Beef Sandwiches
• Chicken Wings
• Homemade Hummus
• Peanut Butter Cookies and M&Ms
  

Check out how he did these three pretty delicious courses HERE.

Thanks to DC Rogue for the topic tip.

Image Credit: Washingtonian.com

Bean Mocs & Wool Socks

There are many indicators that we are right in the middle of Autumn and Winter is just weeks away - Halloween has past, the football season is in full swing, the leaves along Rock Creek Parkway are shades of orange, yellow and red, and the temperature is crisp during the day and cool at night.

But the real indicator for me is when the temperature drops enough that I can wear Bean mocs and wool socks.

I got these as gift last Christmas and while I too couldn't ever get the bows to stay tied, I refused to double-knot them and cut off the excess. Remembering those Eastland Bluchers I had as a kid with the barrel knots, this would be the perfect solution (clearly not alone, L.A.S seems to feel the same way).

Knot Credits: Thanks to Ledlie for tackling the blood/barrel knots in the wee hours of a celebratory Friday night.

Bayou Battle

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:

vs. Detroit Lions (45 - 27)
@ Philadelphia Eagles (48 - 22)
@ Buffalo Bills (27-7)
vs. New York Jets (24-10)
vs. New York Giants (48-27)
@ Miami Dolphins (46-34)

And for the first time since 1991 a 7-0 season start...

vs. Atlanta Falcons (35-27)

WHO DAT! WHO DAT! Who dat say day gonna beat dem Saints!

Image Credit: Chuck Cook/Times-Picayune

All Hallows Eve

I thought this dandy's elegant attire captured a SOUTHERN GENT Halloween: I'll be dancing, wearing at tux (albiet powder blue) and while not at one, certainly be having a ball across the weekend.

The usual suspects are headed to THIS party where I am sure to we'll see traditionally conservative women in costumes like THIS and THIS and plan to consume THIS at it's own signature open bar.

What are y'all doing?

Image Credit: Allposters.com

SGEndorses: Southern Proper

"Haberdashery for the Southern Gentleman"

Even before SOUTHERN GENT launched at the beginning of the year, I have been inspired by the brand built by Reagan Elizabeth Hardy and Emilie (Emmie) Claire Henderson, Southern Proper.

From Emmie's years growing up on a farm in Tennessee and Reagan's childhood in North Carolina, their shared experiences - from the country to the coast - inspired more than another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand that perfectly captures the spirit of the South.

Described as "southern heritage and classic haberdashery," Southern Proper believes it's "the tradition of sophisticated and influential attire...for field or fancy, [that] men of the South are always well-dressed."

Naturally, there is a lot I love about Southern Proper: strong Southern imagery, seasonal and regional designs (Mint Julep in Green/Steamboat in Yellow/Magnolia in Navy), the quality of product, how well they actually tie, and their customer service/response time.

But what draws me in and checking back regularly is the beautiful and brand-building graphics, captivating photography and well designed website that creates the quintessential backdrop for their products to take center stage.

Southern Proper's turn-of-phrase for naming their products and collections is extraordinary, from the Beau Collection (above top) to the Gent Collection (above below)...

...to Southern Drawls (boxers), Frat Hats, Proper Polos and Sweet Tees (my favorite - Beau Basics) clockwise from top left.

The majority of the products are for the gents, but they didn't leave out the belles. Reagan & Emmi say: "Look your best, but more importantly, hang your arm on someone who looks his best too" and provide Belle Bands, Proper Polos, Sweet Teas, and a rather new addition Proper Pearls to do just that.


And while they have a captivating website, exceptional products, and a solid brand, don't think Reagan and Emmie are resting on their laurels - from giving back through their foundation Fashion for Farming, launching the new Cotton Collection and publishing a new blog, Pransey Proper, they are building a solid reputation above and below the line.

Image Credits: Southern Proper, LLC.

Sartorially Inclined

Overall, I'd say I am sartorially inclined and it is reflected in SOUTHERN GENT posts. SGStyle captures my clothes horse inclinations - classics with a southern slant. But to get a more global view on men's clothes and style, how-to and a bit of history on classic garments and gear, head over to Sartorially Inclined.

Lawrence, residing in Charlotte by way of New Jersey, has made his presence known with almost two posts a day - one new content and one news post - since launching in September. His comments on other blogs are insightful, to the point, and interesting to read; much like you'll find when reading his own posts at SI.

And if my endorsement is not enough, he was invited to the L.L. Bean Signature brand launch in New York and asked to contribute to Debonair Magazine.

All that being said, the best part of this blog launch has been the opportunity to get to know L.A.S. over email, through Facebook and via his blog. I hope to connect with him over a bourbon soon, be it above or below the line.

www.sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com

Alligators & Armadillos

I found these images some time ago and was waiting for the right post, when a colleague of mine was asked over lunch what it was like growing up in northwest Louisiana and she replied, "It was all alligators and armadillos."

This is the right post.