Recession Proof

As I've noted before, my real love for the blogging world came from Giuseppe at An Affordable Wardrobe. I've tried contacting him a few times to no avail, but for those who haven't kept up with him the man is seriously a genius. Like many, I always confused fashion and style, while the first can be bought, the latter is priceless. Without him, I would've continued making trendy purchases each season, rather than building a classic wardrobe through hard work and dedication. Speaking of which, I'd love to make it to Boston for the next Top Shelf Market.

Today was one of the many days I walked out the house feeling like a million bucks, all while outfitted in nearly all thrift store gems. Up top, it was a RL Golf Polo with a wool J. Crew sweater thrown over it. The two ran me a combined $5 on a recent trip to a local honey hole. I still splurge every once a while, but even splurging involves deep discounts, landing this Timex for 40% off.

I kept it calm on the bottom with a pair of slim brown cords found recently at Target (another helpful hint from Giuseppe). The socks are one of my treasure, bought many years ago at H&M in NYC, I don't know how much longer they'll last, but I dread to see them go. Finally, I've featured these shoes many times, but never explained them fully. Johnston and Murphy Kilties, that seems nearly molded to fit my feet, for only $3. The lady friend has accompanied me on a few shopping trips, but is yet to experience the true joy of finding a diamond in the rough...

On a non-sartorial note, being thrifty is one of the foundations of the prep lifestyle. It's nice to find clothing on the cheap, but there are other ways save as well. Our economy is terrible, and gas has long been a problem, which is why it's almost unbelievable I took this photo just yesterday. For those unaware, as I was until a few days ago, Kroger has a monthly rewards program that accumulates points for dollars spent in groceries, which can be cashed in for up to $1.00 off per gallon. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I filled the F150 up for under $75, it felt like they were giving it away....


Thank you for your time, JBH

From The Desk of Southern Demotrad

I was always a fan on this series on A Continuous Lean, and while I'm still holding it down each day in terms of fashion, I thought I'd give you guys a look at the area I've been spending most of my time at lately.

The desk itself is old, really old actually. Put it and the antique bankers lamp together, and I've probably got close to 100 years sitting there. I didn't want to show too close a look at the inspiration board, as I keep some pretty touchy things up there. Hey, I live alone, and seeing these things each day keep me hungry and ready to hustle. I'm big on notes, hence the post-its, ranging from phone numbers, quotes, questions, hell you name and I've probably had something up there about it before. While you can't see too closely, my pipe is on there as well. I wish it belonged to my great-grandfather, but I picked it up at an estate sale, nonetheless it's still pretty damn old. The cookies and milk aren't there every night, but the mason jar is. An absolute southern-staple, who needs fancy china? I sometimes wish it were a bit bigger, but then it again it helps me keep from letting useless stacks pile up. From scheming, to blogging, to becoming a lawyer, it's all happening at this desk. Just imagine hearing southern rock Pandora, smelling the luscious black cherry Cavendish, and the taste of something a little strong coming out of the mason jar. It may not be for everyone, but it'll do for me...

Thank you for your time, JBH

A Worthy Cause

His blog is definitely worth checking out, and the belt design is fully American with a bit of personal style, what more can a true gentleman be? He's patriotic, a golfer, and a fan of the SEC, let's help the guy out...

Thank you for your time, JBH

Until Next Year..

While one can never really be sure about the season in Kentucky (hence 75º December days), fall is nearly here in the bluegrass. It goes without saying that seersucker and white have been retired until spring, but there are a few other things I put up over winter and just can't wait to break back into the following year...

 I love madras, as it provides the ability to be a step above every other man in tshirts and sloppy polos during summer outings.

 For those who live on a beach, I see nothing wrong with corona as a year round option, but when the temperature begins winding down I prefer moving along to something that provides  little more "blanket" as we like to call it.

Although I see them fit for nothing more than the beach and the lake, it's sad to put the rainbows up, as you know it means it'll be a while before the beach or lake calls your name again. But just like an old friend, they'll be there waiting on you when you really need them for an improptu trip to Cabo in a few months..

No matter how old I get, it's always sad to see summer fade away, as I can't help but wonder if another good one will come my way. Yet the beauty of the great state of Kentucky is the fact that it's a very seasonal state, meaning just when the fruits of one season have exhausted, the completely different and unknown pleasures of another await as you close the closet door..

Thank you for your time, JBH

Something to Agree On..

It may have just been the way I was raised, but questioning anothers political views is simply a no-win situation. It's unfortunate to think about the political turmoil in America and have to endure the constant bickering across the aisles each day, but last night during the President's job speech, I finally noticed a somewhat cohesive agreement between the parties:Vineyard Vines.

While paying attention to his usual skeptical-I'd-rather-be-golfing glance, I noticed that Speaker Boehner was sporting a Vineyard Vines tie. This exact tie to be specific. And although Biden's purple silk wasn't from VV, I was positive I'd seen him in one before, so it was time to put my ever-developing research skills to the test...

Turns out my hunch was right, as the dapper Vice President can often be found in VV. Although Obama spent the week pre-Irene in Martha's Vineyard, I doubt we'll see him donning the whale anytime soon. But in the meantime, members of both parties can often be seen adding a little color and character to Capitol Hill..

Boehner once again, no pun intended through this photo, it's just the most revealing tie shot I could find.

While I believe Boehner has reached the pinnacle of his career, it's not beyond reach for the whale to make its way into the White House, as John Kerry nearly proved in 2004.

It could perhaps be sooner than we think, as Mitt Romney would love to prove.

Being that our politicians may not agree on much these days, it's nice to see them on the same page for a change. Although a beautiful necktie from Shep and Ian isn't going to fix the deficit or fight terrorism, it can be viewed as a message that although our parties differ vastly in many ways, a nice tie can make even a politician look good.

Thank you for your time, JBH

Labor Day Fun

With Labor Day here once again it is always sad to retire the seersucker and other fun items of summer, but today's 65 degree weather in Louisville couldn't have had me any more excited for fall...

I was fortunate enough to spend this morning walking 9 with one of my classmates at Cherokee Park, needless to say the legal studies have taken a toll on my game, but just getting the chance to play these days makes me realize how truly beautiful the game is. Also, notice the putter sticking out of my bag up top, it's the magic wand. I felt inspired after the Bradley's PGA heroics, we will see how it works out.

It was a nice change going from 100 degree days to wearing a pair of slacks on the course, and the DryJoys remain classic, I just can't get myself into the hype surrounding "athletic" golf attire.

To cap the day off, this was the view I witnessed walking out of the coffee shop/ my office this evening, needless to say the  Derby City is beginning to grow on me.


Thank you for your time, JBH

Not Quite Fall

Before I felt today's near record temperature, I decided that yesterday would be another good opportunity to wear another fall classic. It felt amazing on the morning commute, but as the  afternoon blistered away I was unpleasantly reminded that those pleasant days are still a few weeks away.

1. J. Crew Slim Fit Khakis
2. Vintage Florsheim Loafers
3. RL OCBD
4. No-Name watch on AE Band
5. J. Crew Bracelet
6. Custom Needled Belt

Thank you for your time, JBH