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.

Week's Lagniappe

la-gnaippe [lan-yap, lan-yap] - noun: something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure; bonus

SGNews Alert: As PCW put it, Glory! Glory! Garth Brooks has announced he is coming out of retirement for an extended concert run at The Wynn in Las Vegas. Beyond excited.

Misc: King Curtis of North Carolina is the precocious son on ABC's Wife Swap. His video on 'Bacon' is below, but click HERE for more including his love of 'Chicken Nuggets' and defense of food.

SGSports Fan: Most importantly, #4 Saints (Who Dat!) go against #2 Giants (and hometown native, Eli) on Sunday in a 4-0 vs. 5-0 showdown in the Dome.

Who Dat! Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints!

The Finer Points

In preparation of the 72nd running of the International Gold Cup on Saturday, October 17th, I wanted to follow up on my previous posts (HERE and HERE) with the finer points of how we tailgate:

1. The Spread: From country concerts to steeplechases, it is proven that fried chicken, a ham, veggies and a few seasonal sides will please even the most discriminating tastes.

2.The Details: But doesn't it all look so much better with flowers, pressed linens, polished silver and crystal-clear acrylic.

3. People Watching: A guaranteed cast of characters.

4. The Ponies: Unlike the other steeplechases, we are usually focused on the races and winning a few GW's to pay for The Spread.

5. The Camaraderie: With friends you bring and those you make

With a packing list a mile long of furniture, artwork, taxidermy and all of the aforementioned, post event pictures should be pretty phenomenal.

Giddy Up!

Hunt Club: The Kit

Last year's hunt was on private property in Georgia, requiring not much more than a swatch of blaze and some boots - both pretty easy to manage. With a pheasant hunt in Connecticut this fall requiring a legit vest, brush pants, and 400 inches of blaze, I was surprised by the process of finding decent quality, moderatly priced gear.

From Cabela's, to Orvis, to Bass Pro Shop, to Ugly Dog, to many other vendors, it was more difficult than I expected given all the press hunting is getting this year.

After compiling recommendations, lots of research, and multiple purchases across the last few years, here's the collection I've acquired and endorse for upland hunting.

• Kevin's Single Patch Shooting Shirt

• Cabela's Upland Tradition Vest & Pant

• L.L. Bean 10" Bean Boots
  

• Orvis Hunters Blaze Orange Ball Cap

• Ray-Ban Aviator Outdoorsman

PULL!

Born on the BAYOU

Or at least close to it. (New Orleans, LA - 10/13/1981)

Image Credit: Southern Marsh Collection

Southern Outdoors

Found on eBay:

According to the seller it was made by The Great American Buckle Company in 1986. I'm not sure what I love more: the deer, the bass, the duck, the title OR the "fur" background.

I'm half tempted to bid and y'all can bid against me HERE.

Update: It's been changed to "Buy Now". Finders keepers...

Image Credit: Kentucky Rick

Duck Heads

I was recently given a membership to Ducks Unlimited.

Besides supporting the conservation of wetlands, protection of waterfowl habitats and member education on sustainable hunting practices, DU has some amazing photography.

Image Credit: Ducks Unlimited

Upland Shooting Life

Virgina Hunter Education Course: Check
CT DEP Conservation ID: Check
Firearm License and Pheasant Tags: Check, Check

Now if only this book would arrive so I can brush up on some of the finer points of upland hunting...

4Runner 10

"Off-Road Capability for an Enhanced Wilderness Experience"

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner will be the biggest in its history - taller, wider and longer than the 15 million already sold. Getting 17/23 MPG, it will have more horse power (34 more than previous models) and according to the EPA-estimate 5% more efficient.

With squared off front and rear bumpers and more towing capacity than ever before, 4Runner 10 is straight hot.

It now deserves it place on this list.

Image Credit: Toyota

Something Like That

"Well it was five years later on a southbound plane
I was headed down to New Orleans
To meet some friends of mine for the Mardi Gras
When I heard a voice from the past
Comin' from a few rows back
And when I looked, I couldn't believe just what I saw
She said I bet you don't remember me
And I said only every other memory"
- Tim McGraw

For the first time in 5 years, the significant other and I are seeing a close college friend and meeting her significant other for drinks to kick start Reunion Weekend.

MVW is the quintessential Belle - straight out of Laurel, Mississippi she came to The George Washington University sight unseen to pursue a career in journalism. With her sweet drawl, pearls, and an unforgettable leopard print coat, she charmed her way through a sea of New Jersey girls in black sweat pants and hoodies acquiring admirers along the way. Today you can see her on WAPT 16 as weekend anchor and reporter.

One of my fondest memories is our shared love of this song - singing it throughout the summer of 2001, on the dance floor of the MadHatter, and since graduation texting each other when we hear it on the radio.

While there was never a romantic connection, we certainly connected in many other ways and I look forward to great conversation, a few cocktails, and hopefully listening to Something Like That...

"I had a barbecue stain on my white tee shirt..."