Product Review: Oxley Pants

Manufacturer: Bonobos (www.bonobos.com)
Price: $98.00

A couple of weeks ago, Bonobos sent me a sample of their Oxley pants in mint green (pictured), but they come in several different colors. The sample I was sent was too small for me so I haven't actually been able to wear them, but I can tell you a little bit more about them after having seen them in person, and felt them.

This casual pant is from a lightweight, breathable fabric (100% cotton), so it is perfect for the warm summer months. The fabric is high quality, and very soft; they felt  very comfortable in my hands, and I really wished that I had a sample in my size. The pants have a straight leg opening, with a medium-rise waist.

Southern Tide Lacrosse Helmet

Here is another example of lacrosse and prep culture colliding.

This is the helmet I will be using for summer lacrosse this season. The helmet is an all white Cascade CPX-R with a chrome cage, and I put a Southern Tide logo sticker on one side. The other side of the helmet has a Carolina blue number 25, and I added a Carolina blue mo hawk stripe to the top of it.

NCAA Lax Brackets

Here are the three brackets I did for May Madness. The first bracket is my selections for D1. I have Notre Dame, North Carolina, Johns Hopkins, and Duke in the Final Four, with Notre Dame beating Hopkins for the National Championship. This was an extremely difficult bracket to pick from, as there are about 10 teams that have real shorts to make it to the Final Four, and some of them play each other in the first round. There are also about 7 teams that I think are capable of winning a National Championship this year. Every scenario I picked seemed so right, yet so wrong at the same time. This is what I finally decided on.

Given the difficult nature of selecting from this pool of teams, I did a second D1 bracket: the "coin flip bracket." I flipped a coin for each game (the team on top was heads, and the team on bottom was tails), just to see which bracket ended up being better. This Final Four consists of Loyola, Princeton, Duke, and Stony Brook in the Final Four, with Stony Brook winning the National Championship over Princeton. I think it's pretty safe to say that my bracket of picks will end up being better.

Third is the D3 bracket, which has 28 teams vs. D1's 16, and first round games start tonight. I've wanted to fill this out for a few years, but given that I was playing D3 in the NCAA for the last four years, I wasn't sure what the legal ramifications might be. This bracket has fewer upsets in it, as the competition level throughout D3 isn't nearly as tight as it is in D1. Perhaps most interesting to me is that New England College (NH) made the tournament this year. In 2008, my team beat them 10-5. They did leave our conference, which features two top-20 teams, and won their new conference's AQ this year, but it just goes to show you how fast things can change in D3. My D3 Final Four is Cortland State (NY), Tufts (MA), Salisbury (MD), and Stevenson (MD), with Tufts beating Stevenson in the Final.

Michigan Lacrosse: Legacy

Prep Essentials: Brooks Brothers Etiquette Books

Here's something that every gentleman should own. John Bridges and Bryan Curtis wrote a series of etiquette books that is sold by Brooks Brothers.

The books cover lessons from dressing to grooming to toasts to being abroad, and more. Altogether, there are 11 books in the series, and they are rather quick, but extremely beneficial reads.  I own, and have read, A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up and 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know. I still reference them when I need to quickly look up an answer for appropriate attire, or double-check to see what is acceptable behavior. The books are sold here for $32 each.

A Day in the Life

A lot of people wonder what life is like when college ends and the grind of the working world takes its place. The days of class for a few hours, with time for naps in between (or homework, if you prefer), going to practice and doing homework at night, and staying up late are now behind me. Here's a sample weekday schedule for me:

7:00 AM: My first alarm goes off. I prefer to gradually wake up, so I promptly turn it off, roll over, and try to go back to sleep.
7:15 AM: My second alarm goes off. I unhappily get out of bed and get ready. To get ready, I shower, shave, get dressed, make my hair look semi-presentable, put my packed lunch in my briefcase, and grab some pop-tarts to eat for breakfast.
7:40 AM: Leave for work.
8:00 AM: Arrive at work. The day starts with checking emails, and if necessary, fixing any emergencies that have come up since I left the night before. You'd be surprised how often this happens. I usually like to start my day with the "brainless" work since I'm not a morning person.
10:00 AM: This is when I usually eat my breakfast. It is also when I dive into some of my harder work for the day.
1:30 PM: I eat my lunch. I like to wait until 1:30/2:00 to eat my lunch because then I don't have to stay at work very long after I'm done eating. I eat at my desk (if we eat at our desk, and are available to handle things that come up, lunch counts as part of our hours for the day), and I check various websites for some mind-clearing entertainment.
3:00 PM: For the last hour of my day, I try to find something easy to do and let the day wind down.
4:00 PM: Leave work. If I need to do laundry, or go to the grocery, I try to make these errands on my way home.
4:25 PM: If I don't have to run any errands, this is when I get home. I always change out my work clothes and put on running clothes, and go for a jog, usually about 2 miles.
5:30 PM: I have completed my run, taken a shower, and changed into sweats. I try to decide on something to eat for dinner while mindlessly watching TV. If the weather is nice, I go outside and read on my balcony.
6:00 PM: Make dinner. I never make anything too complicated (mostly pasta or frozen food), and dinner is usually done being eaten within 45 minutes of me starting to make it. I spend the rest of the evening watching TV, or a movie.
8:30 PM: I get ready for the next day at work. I pack my lunch up (sandwich, chips, string cheese, cookie, bottle of water, banana), and iron my clothes for the next day.
10:30 PM: Bedtime. It usually takes me a while to fall asleep, so I feel like if I get in bed at this time, I will fall asleep shortly after 11:00 and still get my 8 hours of sleep.

VV Pink Whales Gear

The Vineyard Vines Pink Whales are a post-collegiate men's lacrosse team out of the Boston area. Here are some photos of their shooting shirts, and team helmets that were done by ZimaGear.

I'm 24

After publishing my post earlier this week about the awkward age of transitioning from college to the working world, I found this video, on the same topic, by Pat Stansik.

Lacrosse Makes Business Sense

I recently came across this article on USA Today about liberal arts colleges in the Midwest adding varsity lacrosse programs. Schools in the Midwest are seeing a boom in growth of high school lacrosse in the region, and noticed that they were losing students to East Coast schools simply because the students were only interested in schools that offered varsity lacrosse (my younger sister and I are both examples of Midwest lacrosse players choosing East Coast colleges).

The article also gets into stereotypes a bit, in explaining that most students who grow up playing lacrosse come from middle-class, or even wealthier, families that do not qualify for financial aid. This means that schools these student-athletes attend, are getting tuition payments at the sticker price of the school--an advantage for the college on the business end.

There was one concern that the schools had about drawing lacrosse players to campus: the lacrosse reputation of being partiers. Most school administrators plan to combat this stereotype by hiring coaches who they feel have the ability to keep players focused on academics and athletics.

The article was very interesting (and does talk about more than lacrosse), and worth a read.

That Awkward Age

I'm 24 years old, and hold real world job, with bills to pay. There's rent, a car payment, cable, internet, gas, and electricity, and then food. This means there's a lot of budgeting for entertainment, traveling (gas prices), and buying things that I'd simply like to have because I can't call Mom and Dad, and get them to give me some more money to last until the next pay day. Despite all of this, I'm young, and not really tied down--the biggest financial commitment I have is the car payment that I'm tied to until 2016.

I work 8 AM-4 PM everyday, at a small company. The people that I work with are all in their late 30s/early 40s, are married, have kids, and own a home. I have an entirely different lifestyle from my "peers;" the people that I'm around on a daily basis. I feel more like a college student, and I feel like sometimes  (hopefully they do this on accident) I am treated like the kid in the office.

On the other hand, I have a lot more responsibility than the average college student. I can't go out late on weeknights because I have to wake up early every day of the week, and I no longer have breaks during the day where I can nap. I do have friends who are in the same position as me (but quite a few of them are getting married or engaged), but the people I talk to most either fall into the 'working and have kids' category, or the 'college student' category.

It almost feels like I'm being torn between two worlds. During the week, I am a responsible adult with a job and support myself, but on weekends I revert back to a college student. It really is an awkward age.

Gotta Have It: Vineyard Vines iPhone Case

Vineyard Vines currently has limited quantities of iPhone cases available. The case is compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, and only available in white. You can order the case here for $38.00. Hurry, though, this item is sure to sell out fast!

Tufts Lacrosse Documentary

After posting the documentary, The Men of Harvard Lacrosse, yesterday, I found this documentary of the Tufts University D3 national championship run in 2010. It is also produced by Drew Innis, and I liked this one a lot better--it tells the story of Tufts historic season in chronological order; plus, I was at the championship game in Baltimore when Tufts (an almost Boston school) shocked the heavy favorite, Salisbury University. Left out of the documentary, though, is when Salisbury beat Tufts to capture the 2011 national championship.

Product Review: iPopper

Manufacturer: iPopper
Cost: $19.95 (www.theipopper.com)

Back in March, I introduced you to the iPopper. About two weeks ago, I got the chance to try out this iPhone case with a bottle opener attached.

Much to my surprise, as I carried my phone around, and for once, actually had a bottle opener, it seemed that I never needed one. I finally did come up with a reason to use it, and I can report back that it does work in opening bottles without damaging your phone. However, the metal bottle opener is not attached to the case, so it does fall out of place without your phone holding it in.

My biggest concern when I saw this product online was its bulkiness. I don't like bulging pockets, and I typically look for the most slim phone cases that I can find. I was pleased though, that although this case was thicker than the bumper case that I'm used to, it was not as bulky as I was expecting from the pictures, so I don't have too big of a complaint there.

Personally, I will be alternating cases depending on the situation. If I'm going more formal, I will use a slim case on my phone to eliminate the pocket bulge. If I'm going out casually, or any event that I feel may merit the use of a bottle opener, I will be bringing the iPopper with me.

The Men of Harvard Lacrosse

This is a documentary of the Harvard Men's Lacrosse Team, which lasts about 20 minutes, and gives  brief insight into what it is like to play lacrosse for D1 team that is a contender to make the NCAA tournament every season, while simultaneously being a student at one of the top universities in the world. The film is by Drew Innis.

Happy Seersucker Season!

Easter Sunday also marked the first day of seersucker season. I celebrated both holidays by wearing a pair of seersucker pants. There was a slight debate at lunch with my sister as to whether or not the Southern Tide Screenporch Sport Shirt went with seersucker. I argued that it was okay because the pattern on the shirt was so small, but she didn't buy it.

In honor of it now being seersucker season, here's a link to an early post I did (last summer, when I had few readers, and I'm sure a lot of people haven't seen it yet). From August 8th, 2011 Prep Essentials: Seersucker.

The Weekend That Was: Easter

For Easter weekend, I was able to fly to Indiana to visit my parents for the first time since January 2nd. Friday night, I went over to Allison's parent's hotel and we did some swimming, and spent a little time in the sauna and steam room before calling it a night.

I had to wake up at 4 am Saturday, and Allison's dad drove me to the airport for my 6:10 am flight. I landed in Chicago just before 9 am eastern time, where both my parents picked me up. This was surprising because my mom is like me: not a morning person. It's about a two hour drive from Midway Airport to my parent's house, and we made it home right around 11 am.

That afternoon, I went to the Notre Dame vs. Providence lacrosse game. ND won easily, 9-1. It wasn't a very entertaining game, but I always enjoy watching lacrosse games in person--especially when the weather is nice, and it was right around 60 degrees and sunny for the game. I even got a bit of sunburn. After the game, we decided to skip out on the extended family Easter--there had been lots of traveling that weekend, and everyone was pretty tired.

In the evening, my family ordered pizza and we watched the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship. Boston College ended up beating Ferris State 4-1, which was a little disappointing since our family was hoping for a sort of local win from Ferris State.

Sunday was Easter. It started off with Easter baskets, and the day before I had to confirm with my mom that we did still get Easter baskets. The last four years, I had lacrosse games of my own on Easter weekend, so it was my first time being home for Easter since 2007. We went to church, and then had a light lunch at Panera.

That evening, my aunt, uncle, and their three kids came over for some ham, and a few other side items. For dessert, my aunt brought over a cake that is shaped like a bunny, which became a tradition in 2002. I was in eighth grade at the time, and someone had cut the entire cake, except for the two pieces that make up the ears. I didn't know the ears weren't cut, so I just plopped an ear onto my plate (it was probably 8" long, and 4" wide at its widest point). The next year, my aunt made an entire bunny cake just for me. My family still brings this up at every get together.

One of the best things about being home was being able to have a yard again. I spent a few hours Saturday, and Sunday, out in the backyard running around with Abby (the dog) and shooting lacrosse balls. Sunday my sister even joined me outside for a game of catch. I just don't get the chance for that type of self-entertainment in my apartment.

Monday morning, I had to wake up at 6:30 am, on my day off, to catch my flight out of Chicago. It's interesting to note that when I wake up for work, I don't roll out of bed until 7:15. I landed in Boston around 12:30, and then spent the rest of the day with Allison.

At the ND lacrosse game.

ND celebrating a goal.

Product Review: Screenporch Check Sport Shirt

Manufacturer: Southern Tide
Price: $99.50 (www.southerntide.com)

Smooth. Crisp. These were the first things that came to my mind when I first tried on Southern Tide's Screenporch Check Sport Shirt. I have worn it multiple times now, and simple ironing before putting it on brings it back to the like-new crispness that every man strives for in a sport shirt.

A key feature of this shirt is its versatility. I wore it to the office, church on Easter Sunday, and out on the town, and the shirt fit in all settings perfectly. This shirt looked great tucked in, and untucked, and I got many compliments on it.

Being tall and lean, I often struggle to find sport shirts that are long enough for my torso, without looking like I'm swimming in the chest, shoulders, and sleeves. This shirt fit me great in all areas. When tucked in, I could sit down, grab something off the floor, and reach for items on the top shelf without the shirt coming untucked. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.

Special thanks to Rachel at Southern Tide, who helped make this product review possible.

Gotta Have It: Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style

This 170 page hardcover book, by Jeffrey Banks and Doria de La Chapelle, takes a look at the fashion, history, roots, growth, and offshoots of the American preppy style.

Preppy explores the prep fashion evolution from its origins of elite east coast universities to its influence around the world, and presence on the fashion runway. This book publishes photos from editorials, and personal photographs from the original Ivy elites.

The book looks at all aspects of men's and women's preppy fashion, including: Oxford shirts, khakis, Shetland sweaters, Peter Pan collars, madras pants and Lilly Pulitzer tropical blooms.

The authors also take a look at designers who helped to influence the preppy look, like J. Press, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren--designers who marketed a lifestyle, as well as a look. There is also a feature on 21st-century Ivy stylists and fashion labels who have combined preppy with modern design.

Foreword by Lilly Pulitzer. Available on Amazon for $28.48.

Sperry Top-Sider Featured in Boston Globe

This morning, the Boston Globe featured an article by Christopher Muther about the reemergence of the Sperry boat shoes in the fashion world.

To summarize Muther, Sperry Top-Siders were extremely popular in the 1980's, as helped by Lisa Birnbach's The Official Preppy Handbook. The clientele was 90% male, and most of them were in their 40s and 50s. According to Ms. Birnbach, "You were saying, 'Hi, I'm Chris, I'm running over to the yacht club.' But you were saying it with your shoes. Or 'I'm going to squeeze in a quick sail in between going to the library and going to a cocktail party' to create this idea of a great life."

The shoe was first invented in 1935 when Paul Sperry noticed that his cocker spaniel had great traction while on the ice in Connecticut winters. Sperry studied the treads on his dog's paws, and created a shoe with a similar tread pattern to give him traction on the wet deck of his boat. The shoe reached the peak of it's popularity in the late 70s and early 80s because it represented a posh lifestyle.

However, the shoe lost most of its popularity in the 90s and was frequently found in discount shoe stores. President of Sperry, Craig Reingold says, "it was clearly a declining brand. That was when they were cheapening the product. They were using a lesser grade of leather. You can't do that."

Beginning in 2008, (to make a much longer story short) the brand was seen on the runways of NYC fashion shows by designers who were looking for "American Heritage" brands. It has been seen on the feet of many celebrities from Kanye West to Blake Lively. The brand has seen a shift, in that now more females are buying the shoe than men.

In spring 2013, Sperry will start selling luggage, watches, and other accessories. In the next couple of years, sunglasses, belt, swimwear, and even a clothing line will be introduced.

You can read all of Christopher's article, here. It is definitely worth a read.

10 Spring Date Ideas

As the weather starts to get warm, but not unbearably hot yet, spring is the perfect time to get outside. It's a chance to show some creativity, and get away from the normal dinner and a movie dates. Below are 10 ideas that I've come up with for some fun spring dates, and they're all outside!

1. The Zoo
The animals are most likely to be out and active in the spring before the heat of summer comes. Going to the zoo will also spark some conversation topics that you might not get otherwise. And, let's be honest, every girl loves cute animals.

2. Sporting Events
Obviously, I'm partial to going to lacrosse games, but baseball games, and spring football games, work, too. If you live near a horse track, you could check that out--any sport that is played outside, really. You may not realize it, but sporting events actually are good atmospheres for dates: you sit next to your date, it is okay to talk the entire time, and you don't have to be self-conscious about what you look like while you're eating.

3. Hiking
Hiking trails are all over the place and going for a walk in the woods is always fun. Not to mention, it's exercise, which will release endorphins. It will be a very scenic walk, as everything is just starting to come into bloom (at least in the North it is; it's already bloomed in the South). Just be sure to pick a light trail if you are in the early stages of dating--no one wants to work up a sweat at the beginning of a courtship.

4. Picnic
This can accompany a hike, or be by itself. It will be fun to pack up a lunch, and take that special someone to a quiet little spot, and have a nice lunch outdoors. Eating by a river, lake, or the ocean will be scenic, and provide some serene sounds if you live near the water.





5. Historic Tours
This one is better for people who live near places where exciting history actually happened, but going on a tour of a fort, battlefield, or something else along those lines would be a great way to spend the day outside and to learn a little bit more about the history of your area. Usually these are offered at a low cost, and many places will let you explore the grounds by yourself for free.

6. The Beach
It may be too cold to swim, but it is warm enough to kick off your shoes and go for a barefoot walk in the sand. Being off-peak season, the beach will be less crowded so it will really give you a chance to talk without feeling like sardines. Go ahead, get your toes wet!



7. The Park
Head over to your local park. If it's a state park, it will have hiking trails, and other activities, to participate in. If you don't live near a park like that, go over to a playground and hit the swings, or let your inner child out, and go down the slides.

8. Outdoor Concert
You may have to do some digging to find out about these, but typically the spring time is also the beginning of outdoor concert series. I'm not talking about big headline musicians, but local bands that put on free (or close to free) concerts for the public.

9. Ice Cream Shop
Springtime also brings a few hot days here and there. On the next hot day, head over to a local ice cream shop (try to avoid the big chain places, if you can), and treat yourselves to a delicious ice cream cone while you walk around outside. If you lack coordination, sit and eat, and then walk after. Pictured is Mad Martha's, located on Martha's Vineyard.
 

10. Mini Golf
What makes a great evening activity in the summer, also makes a great daytime activity in the spring. If you, or your partner, is ridiculously competitive, this may not be the best date idea, but it can be a great way to relax and have some fun. Perhaps putting a friendly wager on the outcome of the game can add a little extra spice?

Cooking for a Cause

On Friday night, Allison invited me to accompany her to Cooking for a Cause at the Seaport Hotel. The event was to benefit East End House, which is an NPO that offers after-school programs that encourage community strength.

Several top chefs in the Boston area were on hand to offer samplings of their creations, from sushi to meatballs to cupcakes to wine, there was something for any and every palette. The event also had a silent and live auctions, with the proceeds going to the East End House. This was my first time ever seeing a live auction, and listening to the auctioneer ended up being the most fun part of the night.

When I got the invitation, and was told it was cocktail attire, I immediately did what most guys do: jump onto Google and see what "cocktail attire" actually meant. The answers ranged from a dress shirt and slacks, to a full suit. Not exactly very helpful.

With Allison's help, I decided to wear this shirt and tie, with my navy blue blazer, and brown chinos. I ended up fitting in just fine--except for the fact that I was 20 years younger, and made about $20 million dollars less than most of the other attendees.

Most males did wear a blazer and tie, but there was also some more casual suits with ties, jackets and no tie, and shirt and jacket, but no tie. Most females wore a nice dress and heels, but slacks and a blouse with flats were popular, too. The best advice I can give is this: when in doubt, over dress a bit--you can always take your tie or jacket off, but you can't add items to your wardrobe that you didn't bring.

US Lacrosse Growing at Every Level

In 2011, more than 680,000 people played on organized lacrosse teams, according to the 2011 US Lacrosse Participation Survey. This number is up from 2010, in which 620,000 people participated in lacrosse in the US. More than half of that number is participating at the youth level (U15), but high school, and college both saw a growth from 2010. Youth lacrosse increased 10.9%, high school lacrosse increased 7.8%, and college lacrosse (varsity and club) increased 4.6% from 2010.

The sport is growing rapidly in terms of exposure, as well. ESPN is airing regular season match-ups, and over 100 games can be seen nationally on ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, and NBC Sports Network. Additionally, the sport is also covered through a vast expanse of internet and print sources. It truly is the fastest growing sport in the country.

Text Tone

People say it's impossible to convey tone in a text message. False. Just think of the different messages conveyed if you receive a text saying "No" versus a text saying "No." The one with the period at the end is clearly a much more firm tone. The same is true with an "I don't know" compared to an "I don't know." The latter is clearly signaling that the sender either doesn't care, or more than likely, is expressing that this is the end of the discussion.

As you can see in the picture, the sender does not know what they are going to be doing in the future, and is not happy about that fact. They also do not want to discuss it further. An "I don't know..." as a response would have a very different meaning: that they were still thinking about and trying to decide the best course of action.

Perhaps the most dangerous situation to receive a period at the end of a text message is when it received from a female. If you ask a girl if she is mad about something, if you get a "No." response, she is very mad. Watch out.

Of course, if you're texting with a parent, or someone else who feels the need to always use proper grammar  and punctuation in text messages, then good luck trying to decipher what tone they are actually using.

Featured Brand: Bonobos

Ever get frustrated trying to find a pair of pants that fit comfortably? Bonobos founder Brian Sparly did, and that's what lead him to starting the men's apparel company. To get started, he borrowed his girlfriend's sewing machine and began crafting his solution. With the encouragement from friends and family, Spaly turned his project into a business venture. His Stanford University Graduate School of Business partner classmate, Andy Dunn joined in, and became the company's CEO. The company then moved its headquarters to Manhattan, and is still headquartered there today. The brand has also expanded from just pants and also sells shorts, suits, sweaters, t-shirts, swimwear, and more for men.

Bonobo's offers a selection of pants made from organic cottons, and other materials. The website also offers discounts to customers working in the public sector, education, non-profit organizations, and discounts in their online referral program.

The company sells its products to customers via its website only. However, customers in Manhattan can schedule an appointment online for a personalized fitting at the Bonobos headquarters with one of their style experts. Bonobos is well-known for the exceptional customer service as well, so be sure to check out Bonobos.

Featured Brand: Southern Dignity

Headquartered in Roland, Arkansas, Southern Dignity is a clothier selling men and women's clothing, and accessories. For men, they offer suspenders, neck ties, bow ties, polos, and pocket tees. They also have pocket tees and polos for the women. Southern Dignity offers a selection of croakies, koozies, and car decals, as well.

"Embodied by rich tradition, the south is much more a way of life than the geography that defines it." -SouthernDignity.Com

Marked by the Great Dane logo, Southern Dignity captures the southern culture into a clothing line. As they put it, "what some see as simplicity, those who know it best see it for its subtle eloquence."

To read more about the brand, or to shop around online, head on over and check out Southern Dignity.

Check it Out: Boston Lax

Spring is full swing, which means so is lacrosse season. There's a new website out, dedicated to Massachusetts high school lacrosse. The newly-launched site features stats, schedules, rankings, news, rosters and videos. Definitely worth checking out for fans of lacrosse. Head over to BostonLax.Net.

The Big Three

Women have purses. Who knows what they carry in them. I'm sure there's a lot of variety from woman to woman as to exactly what goes into the purse--some have entire drug stores, some have entire liquor stores, and some have more surprises than Mary Poppins. Honestly, I'm afraid to even ask/look at what most women carry in their purse.

However, men really only have three things that they need to carry with them. Some may have others, like a pocket knife, or other tool, but there are really three basic needs that men have when they go out. Well, the three things they need, plus whatever items a lady has given him to be in charge of for the night. Conveniently, all three of the man needs comfortably in the pockets of any pair of chinos or jeans. A simple tap on each of the three pockets before going out the door is a fresh reminder that you have everything you need. On the other hand, going out without one of these items when it's not needed will be the cause of constant mini heart attacks because you don't have it. Like most things with guys, the reason for needing them is obvious. The essentials:

1. Cell Phone
I keep mine in my front left pocket. Times that it has accidentally been put in the front right pocket has lead to numerous split second freak outs because I thought I had lost my phone. It was immediately returned to the proper pocket. The cell phone is essential because it allows you to keep in contact with everyone (only in emergencies if you're out with other people), and now you can play endless games, watch videos, and surf the web. It's like a hand held laptop that allows you call and text.

2. Wallet
Mine is always kept in my back right pocket. I know a lot of guys keep their wallet in the back left pocket, but since I'm right-handed, it's easier for me to reach for my wallet with my right hand. Having the wallet is important because it holds so much essential stuff: cash, debit and credit cards, ID. I also keep business cards, frequent flyer cards, and a few loyal customer cards in my wallet. Wallets come in many different materials, colors, and styles, but I've always preferred a black (fake) leather tri-fold.  

3. Keys
Yes, if you're wondering, that is a picture of my actual keyring. I keep it in the front right pocket. The keyring holds the keys to my Jeep and my apartment, my rewards program cards (although, I think I can get rid of the Borders one now), and the key chain. Mine is a lacrosse key fob, but the key chain is an chance to have some self-expression in The Big Three. My office keys are kept in my briefcase because I rarely use them, and bulging pockets look good on exactly no one.




The Big Three: don't leave home without them!

Sentry Lacrosse Helments

Back in January, I showed you the helmets that George Washington University club lacrosse would be rocking this year. The same guys who designed those helmet decals, HeadWrapz, are at it again for Sentry Lacrosse. Sentry Lacrosse is a select club team, located in Dallas, TX and got HeadWrapz to design a patriot theme for their Cascade CPX-R helmets. The helmets have a white shell, and blue visor and chin piece. The right side of the helmet features a lax stick wielding Uncle Sam, and the left side has the Sentry Lacrosse logo. The top of the helmet has the stars and bars decal, and the back panel decal has the Sentry Lacrosse logo, as well as a map of Texas. Check out Sentry Lacrosse online.

Syracuse Lax 2009 National Championship Video

I'm not really a fan of Syracuse, but this video still gives me goosebumps when I watch it. It's from their 2009 National Championship game--the game that they scored a goal with 3 seconds left in regulation to tie Cornell, and eventually win in overtime.

Product Review: 8" Thinsulate Bean Boots

Manufacturer: L.L. Bean
Retail Price: $99.00 (www.llbean.com)

I did a post a few weeks ago about the L.L. Bean Bean Boots, better known as the Duck Boot. Prep Essentials: LL Bean Duck Boots. I got my first pair this year, and New England did get a couple of snowy days this year that I was able to try them out.

First off, these boots are extremely comfortable. At first they were a little stiff, but when I took them out of the box, I laced them up tight, and the leather broke in pretty quickly after that. Not only that, but they are also warm. Even on the days that I wore them into work with only my dress socks under them, my feet stayed warm. I felt like a little kid again, as I would trample through snow piles, or walking through rain puddles, just to see if my feet would stay warm and dry--and they did.

Driving in these boots was a little shaky at first. Obviously, these boots are stiffer and bigger than shoes, so it took me a little while to get a feel for the pedals. Nothing too major, but my stops and starts were a little quicker than most passengers would prefer a driver to have. I can only assume that this gets better as the boots break in more.

The boots are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and insulation materials to choose from. As spring is upon us, and it will inevitably rain, the moccasins could come in quite handy for keeping for feet dry this spring. To see the full selection, head on over to LL Bean and take a look.

Gotta Have It: The iPopper

Reef put them on the soles of their sandals (kind of unsanitary if you think about it), and now you can have it on your phone case: a bottle opener. Available for the iPhone 3G/GS and iPhone 4, the iPopper allows you to make sure you have a bottle opener with you anywhere you have a phone; chances are, that means you'll have a bottle opener with you where ever you go. The iPopper is available online, here, for $19.95 + $3.95 shipping and handling.

Look for a review of this product coming soon!

NCAA Hockey Predictions

The 2012 NCAA Frozen Four tournament starts on Friday. Although only 16 teams make the tournament, it's very hard to predict. With fewer teams making the field, the lowest seed can beat the highest seed in the first round. My Frozen Four consists of Michigan, Union, Western Michigan, and Boston College. I haven't seen Union play, but Michigan, Western, and BC have been playing very well as of late, and I think all 3 teams will make it deep into the tournament.

As you can see, I struggled with BU. They were playing really well at the start of the year, but after losing the Beanpot Championship to BC, they just haven't looked as sharp lately. They also fell to Maine in the Hockey East semi-finals. The team has had a lot of distractions this season (two rape allegations), and ultimately, I just don't see them doing very well this tournament.

What Happened to Abercrombie & Fitch?

Remember, back in middle school, when all the popular kids were wearing Abercrombie & Fitch? A&F used to be the "it" brand, and in fact, back in the day it was very preppy. If you don't believe me, just check out Lisa Birnbach's The Official Preppy Handbook from 1980. It's no longer in print, but you can still find some used copies online if you search for it.

Anyway, here's a brief history lesson: A&F was founded in 1892 by David Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch in Manhattan. Abercrombie & Fitch was an elite outfitter of sporting goods, including: pricey shotguns, tents, and fishing rods. Very preppy. In 1976, the brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the flagship store in Manhattan closed in 1977. The brand, at that time, was very similar to still preppy L.L. Bean.

In 1978-79, Oshman's Sporting Goods bought the Abercrombie & Fitch name, and their mailing list. A&F was now a mail-order store for hunting wear and novelty items. It also opened stores in Beverly Hills, Dallas, and New York City. The brand was sold to its third owner, The Limited, in 1988.

Now the brand is clothing-only, mainly worn by guidos, preteens, and high schoolers--although their target audience is 18-22 year olds. A big shift in the clientele occurred through the brands advertising: they primarily use photographer Bruce Weber. The style is slightly racy, using gray-scale photos, usually taken in outdoor settings, featuring models who are semi-nude.

The brand has been accused of promoting the sexualization of preteen girls by marketing thongs to 10-year-olds and padded bikini tops to 7-year-olds. It has also gone through lawsuits for discrimination in their hiring. The in-store costumer service reps (called "models") were recruited to work based solely on their looks (primarily they were Caucasian), and they used to have to buy (out of their own pocket) A&F clothing to wear while working.

So, where did the brand go so astray in the prep world? My opinion is the marketing. Going for the hardcore sex appeal is not in line with preppy traditions. Compare Abercrombie & Fitch's marketing to Vineyard Vines or Brooks Brothers. Anyone can see the difference immediately. Preppy women want to feel, and look, classy and sophisticated; the men want to look dapper and refined. The two images simply no longer coincide.

To further drive this point home, just take a look at MTV's Jersey Shore. Many of the characters wear the Abercrombie & Fitch label as they go to night club's, and other places, while getting sloppily drunk, and looking for meaningless sex. The brand has now adopted that image, despite it's preppy, outdoor roots.

And that's what happened to Abercrombie & Fitch.

Spring Proof

Further proof that it is now spring time. Because you never know when you will get invited to go sailing.

Brooks Brothers Light Blue Garment Dyed Chinos


Sperry Top-Sider Classic Brown Leather Authentic Original Boat Shoe

Question 4: List 10 Things You Would Tell Your 16 Year Old Self, If You Could

Here is the fourth answer on my list of Questions.

1. No one thinks you're cool for speeding, and flooring the accelerator where ever you go. In fact, they actually will think you're being a tool.
2. Amanda is no good for you; the sooner you get her out of your life, the sooner you'll be happier.
3. Enjoy high school sports while you can--you will miss them dearly.
4. Don't try to take the Cavalier off-road. You will get stuck very quickly.
5. Your parents are just trying to protect you; they don't make rules just to be mean.
6. Don't spend so much time locked in your bedroom. Instead, spend it with your family. Before long, you'll live 900 miles away from your closest relative.
7. Keep your shirt tucked in--the dress code violations really add up.
8. When you take Sacraments in school, try not to come off so offensive to the teacher in class discussions.
9. With a tiny bit of effort, you can do way better than a 3.0 GPA.
10. Hang in there, have a little fun along the way.

Whalehouse Sale Success

This is why I love the Vineyard Vines Whalehouse Sale. The photo above shows all of the stuff that I got at the sale, but the truly great thing is the price. If all of this were purchased in a Vineyard Vines store or online, the total would've been just shy of $600. Whalehouse prices were roughly around 40% off, and the total at the sale was just over $300.

It gets better! On Saturday, when I went to the sale, everything was 40% off. I was able to get everything for just under $200. It's hard to argue with that type of savings.

Happy First Day of...Pastels

 "As you can see I got a lot pastels. I went to boarding school; we always rocked pastels." -Brantford Winstonworth

Welcome, Spring! Today marks the first day of spring, which, more importantly, also marks the first day of Pastel Season. If you're anything like me, which you probably are, your closet is overflowing with bright (some might say "obnoxious") pastels.

In the form of not only polos, t-shirts, and button-downs, but also pants and shorts, pastels should make up a large percentage of your wardrobe. Wearing Carolina blue plants with a yellow oxford, or Nantucket red pants with a white oxford are classic preppy looks, and will certainly turn heads. To the people that matter, their heads will be turned in a positive look.

J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, and Brooks Brothers all have a great selection of pastel tops and bottoms for the season. Also be sure to check out the selection they have over at Southern Tide.

If you're ever in doubt about what to wear this spring, remember: you can never go wrong with pastels.

Preps by Region: Mid-Atlantic

Here's a look at those preps in between The Southeast and New England: The Mid-Atlantic preps.

Family: Based around Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the Mid-Atlantic prep is from "old money." The money either came from Baltimore's shipping industry, a powerful political career in D.C. It is possible that the political career in D.C. brought on "new money," but the old stuff is more respected. Names like Landon, Tanner, and Bryce are popular for boys, and popular girls names include Avery, Ryan, and Ainsley.

Summers: The Mid-Atlantic prep will summer at Virginia Beach, the Maryland or New Jersey shore; or perhaps North Carolina's Outer Banks, or even the Hampton's. The time will be spent sailing, crabbing, and playing lacrosse on the beach. A common summer wardrobe staple is the lacrosse pinnie. The rarer the pinnie, the more respected it is.

High School: In the Mid-Atlantic, preps will go to lacrosse-factories, known as single-sex boarding schools. Gilman, Boys' Latin, and Georgetown Prep are a few at the top of the list. Other high school activities will include sailing, crew, and some dabbling in football. Crab cakes and lacrosse: that's what Maryland really does.

College: Many of these preps will continue the private school education route in college. If not private, then one of the "public Ivy" schools: North Carolina, Virginia, William & Mary. For the lacrosse players, it will either be a top Division I school, or a Division III powerhouse like Salisbury, Roanoke, or Stevenson. A few will even continue with the single-sex education, and males will enroll at Hampden-Sydney, and females will head off off to Sweet Briar College.

Career: Political and law careers are very popular among the Mid-Atlantic preps. These are the ones who will stay close to home. Others will take careers in finance, prompting a move to New York City, and they will return to the Mid-Atlantic region to summer.

*This article is meant to poke fun and laugh at stereotypes, and not meant to offend anyone.

Question 3: Describe Your Relationship With Your Parents

My parents and I get along very well. I'm sure it helps that my parents are still married and I have rarely ever even seen them argue. We don't talk daily, sometimes we don't even talk weekly, but we stay close. Living 900 miles away from them, we also don't see each other much. A lot of our communication is actually done through text messaging and emails. It's difficult for outsiders to understand how we still keep a close relationship with each other.

My family is not very emotional, and we prefer it that way. We show affection though picking on each other, typically in the use of sarcasm. It fits in nicely with our dry sense of humor. We're able to pick on each other because we show love through actions instead of words. When I was little, I knew that I was loved and cared about, and I still do, even if it isn't expressed verbally. When things get tough, we are all always there for each other, and to me, that means infinitely more than any words ever could.

When I was growing up, they were strict, yet kind, and gave me the responsibility to make my own choices. They always made it clear where the boundaries were, and it was also clear that I would be in trouble if I stepped over a boundary. However, I did have a lot of freedom within those boundaries. When I did mess up, they would give me support, but they always made sure that I still felt the consequences of my actions.

I was raised in the church, and Christian principles were a big part of my upbringing. They taught me how to be polite and respectful, and that I would always have to work hard to achieve the things I wanted to. These principles still guide my life and decisions, and I consider myself blessed that I was introduced to faith at a young age.

If it weren't for my parents, and seeing them apply these principles in their own lives, there's no way I would have achieved what I have in life.

So, Mom and Dad, thank you.

St. Patrick's Day in Boston

St. Patrick's Day is kind of a big deal in Boston. Many Irish immigrants made their way to Boston, and their descendants still inhabit the area. While I typically have never celebrated the holiday very much--aside from going to South Boston's parade every year, I decided to go out this year.

While many people go all out with wearing green on St. Patrick's Day, sometimes including large bow ties, beads, or leprechaun costumes--I choose to keep it simple. I donned a green, with blue check pattern, Brooks Brothers button-down, jeans, Sperry's, and a blue Vineyard Vines hat. Good enough to not get pinched, but still looking like a normal functioning member of society.

After a quick stop at the Vineyard Vines Whalehouse sale in Lowell (more on that later), I went in to Boston and met up with Bill, Pepe, and a group of their friends to do some celebrating. We met up at a bar near Faneuil Hall called Hong Kong. After 45 minutes of waiting to get in, and paying a $10 cover, we hung out in the very crowded bar for a while before deciding to move on.

When we did move on, we headed to Whiskey's, which is in the Back Bay. The line there was even longer, and it took us an hour to get to the door. While waiting in line, a couple of people would run across the street to the food court and the Prudential Center for a little nourishment.

Inside Whiskey's, we did end up getting a table after about an hour, and had dinner there. By the time we were done there, it was around 10 o'clock and most of us parted ways to head home. Sorry that this story was not very detailed (thus, making it pretty dull), but many of the details are best left undisclosed on the internet.

Question 2: Describe 3 Legitimate Fears You Have And How They Became Fears

1. Ladders: I'm not entirely sure how this became a fear. I just absolutely hate ladders. It's really bad; even by the 4th or 5th rung I start getting nervous. Lately I've realized that I do okay on the ladder once I'm not climbing anymore (like if I'm painting and am stationary for a while), but am incredibly nervous if I'm climbing up or down the ladder. I also usually do okay with pretty much anything else dealing with heights. It's weird.

2. Letting Other People Down: Again, I'm not sure exactly how this became a fear. Maybe fear isn't the best word, but I'm going to go with it. It's not that I'm afraid that I will let them down; I actually am very confident in my abilities to follow through with everything, and do what is expected of me. I just know that when someone gives me something to do, or if I give someone my word, I don't want to drop the ball. I do everything I can to make sure I follow through. Maybe I'm just afraid of that person thinking less of me if I do fail.

3. Being Able to Financially Support a Family: This fear started pretty recently. Having a job, and a less-than-stellar economy, I can support myself. I'm just not sure I could support others, too. The job I have now is pretty low-paying, and I see little to no room for advancements/raises. I currently have to pay rent, gas, electric, cable/internet, and a car payment, which I manage, but there's not too much extra spending money left over very often. I don't think I could support others. Plus, my apartment is pretty small, and having even two people living it would be a challenge. I would need a bigger place, and therefore, the cost of rent would go up. Hopefully, the economy will get better and employment opportunities will be better, too.

Product Review: Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Sport Shirt

Manufacturer: Brooks Brothers
Retail Price: $88.00 (www.brooksbrothers.com)

Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and fit, the Brooks Brothers Non-Iron sport shirt is a must-have for any prep wardrobe.Pictured is the regular fit double-check sport shirt. Brooks Brothers has regular fit, slim fit, extra slim fit, and country club & luxury fits available.

When I first put this shirt on, the high quality of the fabric stood out right away. The shirt was very soft, yet still held the crispness of a nice, new shirt. Also impressive about the shirt was how breathable it was. I wear mine to work, but also when I am just going out with friends. The temperature in my office is set higher than I would prefer, and I feel much more comfortable on the days that I'm wearing one of these shirts.

Many shirts can also be purchased at the price of 3 for $219, which is a savings of $45. I would highly recommend the Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Sport Shirt to anyone. Some of the shirts have the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece logo, and some do not, which allows you to go more a more formal (no logo) or more casual (logo) look. You will look good and feel good--or feel good and look good. Either way, all is good.

Question 1: List 20 Random Facts About Yourself

A couple days ago, I did a post called Questions. For my readers, I've decided that I will do a post that answers each one of those questions. First up, 20 random facts about me.

1. My favorite color is Carolina blue.
2. My birthday is September 14, 1987.
3. My middle name is Aaron.
4. I've been to 32 of the 50 states.
5. My 5 least favorite cities are: New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
6. My 5 favorites cities are: Boston, Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans, and Baltimore.
7. My favorite book is The Lincoln Lawyer.
8. My favorite animal is a moose.
9. In high school, my favorite subject was US History.
10. The only place I've been to outside of North America is London.
11. I'm 6'1" tall.
12. I would love to start my own business one day (not sure in what, yet).
13. I once ate 12 Krispey Kreme donuts in 1/2 hour. I don't recommend trying it.
14. The first CD I ever owned was Britney Spears.
15. I enjoy making a competition out of anything and everything.
16. My favorite TV show is How I Met Your Mother.
17. I've started to collect koozies and shot glasses, although neither collection is very impressive, yet.
18. I'm not a morning person. At all.
19. The first person to tell me that I was a good writer was my 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Peck.
20. I have a diet comparable to that of a 5 year old boy.

Preps by Region: The Midwest

Here's the third installment of my look at preps throughout various regions of the country. Today, we take a look at the Midwest Prep.

Family: In the Midwest, the preppy family comes from "new money." Most likely, a relative got in at the ground floor of a start up tech company, and rose to the top. The family lives in suburbia, probably even a subdivision, but the parents work in a bigger city. As a result, they will have a good-sized yard, but nothing like the plantation homes in the Southeast.

Summers: The Midwest preppy will summer at the lake. The lake will either be one of the Great Lakes, or a tiny lake somewhere that has good wake. One of the most popular locations is to actually head north to Michigan's upper peninsula. In addition to the summer house, the family will also take a vacation to somewhere in the Gulf region.

High School: In the Midwest, preppies go to a private/prep day school that they can commute to from home. Being the Midwest, it will be a Catholic school with a strict dress code. The Midwest prep will play football, basketball, and either baseball or track. The preppy girls will pick up soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading. A select few will navigate towards hockey or lacrosse, but that is rare.

College: Much like SEC schools call to the Southeastern preps, the Big 10 calls to the Midwestern prep. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Indiana will be the most popular choices. Many will still pledge a fraternity or sorority, but this isn't a requirement. Football and basketball season will be the highlights of the school year activities. They will major in business, or a technological field.

Career: After graduating, Midwest preps will most likely find themselves starting a career in the greater Chicago area. If they aren't around Chicago, they've completely left the Midwest and starting a life somewhere else. Florida, New York, and California are popular destinations lately.

*This article is meant to poke fun and laugh at stereotypes, and not meant to offend anyone.

How to Watch March Madness at Work

If you're like me, you'll find yourself having to work during many of the March Madness games. While I was interning, my boss was just as interested in the games as I was (it helped that he was a Cornell alum and they were playing), so we set up a laptop to stream the games on. I no longer have that luxury and will have to be a little bit more...creative in how I stay up to date with the games. Here are 5 ways to catch March Madness live, even if you're stuck in the office.


1. Download the App: I know it's on the iPhone, and probably most other smart phones: NCAA March Madness Live. This free app allows you to check scores, fill out and follow your bracket, get game alerts, and listen to live game radio. For the price of $3.99 you can steam all 67 games live.

2. Get a Second Monitor: If you have the luxury of having two monitors at your work station (it helps if you frequently use both), just dedicate one of the screens to March Madness. Watching the games on mute will help conceal your actions. If it's like last year, CBS' website had a link that instantly switched the video feed to a hilarious flowchart.

3. Bring in a Small TV: This only works for the games that are being broadcast on a local station, but a small TV should be pretty easy to conceal in your desk.

4. Watch it on Your Desktop Anyway: If no one else can see your screen, keep the games open in a different window and minimize it any time you think someone might be about to walk by. If you get caught up in a game, be sure to hit buttons on the keyboard, or click your mouse a few times, to make it sound like you are working.

5. Call in Sick: If you have some sick days, or vacation days, use them up and stay at home to watch the games on your couch. Or, go to a sports bar. No one can judge you if you start drinking at noon (when the first games of the day usually start) during March Madness.

*Disclaimer: you are NOT allowed to blame me if you get caught trying these tactics. These strategies may lead to disciplinary actions, or even termination from the workplace.

Perspective

Here's proof that I'm an architecture nerd: I'm borderline obsessed with this photo because of the perspective. It is almost perfect, and easily could be perfect had it been centered. Still, it is one of the few photographs I've seen that the perspective lines can be traced to the vanishing point. I also have a strange attraction to columns. Architecture nerd.

Questions

In case you ever find yourself having a lull in conversation, here are some questions to get the ball rolling again. Great questions to ask if you're just starting to date someone, too:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.