Red Clay Soul

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ledbury for a little over a year now (they do advertise – full disclosure).  They are such a great group of people that really love what they do, and create some awesome products.  I look forward to the short-run shirting releases they do every month.  From an outsider’s perspective, there is an opportunity to try some new things, introduce new fabrics, and get some buzz going about some really cool shirts.

They asked me to check out their new ‘luxury’ shirt from the May collection:

This is the Poplin Stripe 120 slim fit in purple and white stripe.  While I’m used to the Ledbury quality, this shirt was different.  The fabric is extremely soft – it almost has a silky quality to it without any sheen.  The purple is a very masculine shade, and the micro-stripes give it a nice detail for the close talkers.

Comparatively speaking, the fit and style of the luxury line is on par with their regular (for lack of a better word) shirtings.  They all take to ironing very well – if that’s your thing.  The difference is the fabric.  A $165 price point vs. a $135 price point is somewhat significant, but in this case, it seems worth it.  There is a clear difference.

Check out the purple stripe details…

In comparison to the white poplin…a shirt that is permanent fixture in my rotation.  Seriously – every man should own a couple white oxfords.  Put them with jeans and loafers or under your best suit and you are good to go.

P.S. – Beware – both of these shirts are coming with me to New Orleans for a rehearsal and wedding this weekend.  Check out the Red Clay Soul Instagram to see them in the wild…

It’s been a while since we’ve done a giveaway on RCS, so how about we get back on track with a GREAT one?  Form Function Form is a great outfit out of Florida that makes insanely cool watch straps of some interesting leathers.  The watches are sizable with a moveable knob that holds the watch in place.  An interesting concept that works very well.

To show off his goods, Shawn has supplied us with a classic Timex watch and three of his bands:

First: Red nylon.  Good stuff; very versitile.
Second: Natural Horween chromexcel leather.  Seriously cool.
Third: Football leather.  This one is reversible…

Leave a comment to this post to enter.  For additional entries:

• +1 (2 Total) ‘Like’ Form Function Form on Facebook
• +1 (3 Total) ‘Like’ Red Clay Soul on Facebook
• +1 (4 Total) ‘Follow’  Form Function Form on Twitter
• +1 (5 Total) ’Follow’ Red Clay Soul on Twitter
• +1 (6 Total) Tweet the following about the giveaway: I entered the @formfunctnform X @redclaysoul giveaway for some straps and a watch.  Click here to enter: http://www.redclaysoul.com/?p=4594

Get your entries in by next Monday (5/20) at midnight, and I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday around lunch.

Thanks to my buddy Shawn at Form Function Form for supplying the straps and the watch for the giveaway

A couple things.  First, I’ve grown to become anti-boat shoe.  Nothing personal, but they are overplayed.  I am more of a driving loafer or a penny loafer guy when opting for casual leather footwear.  I have all but worn out (and re-soled) my Sid Mashburn snuff suede penny loafers.  After getting them back from the shop, they are back to running on all eight cylinders.

Second, I wanted to add another pair of versatile loafers to the rotation, and after pining for the natural chromexcel beefroll penny loafers from Oak Street Bootmakers for quite some time, I pulled the trigger.  The worst part: waiting six weeks for delivery.  The best part: the communication from George.  He was very proactive in letting me know the progress of my shoes, and even got them out a week or so early.  It was a risk ordering these directly from the Internets, but after their arrival, I knew it was a risk worth taking.

The first thing I noticed about the loafers was the high level of craftsmanship.  They are very sturdy, but not heavy (I went shagging in them last weekend).  The fit was spot on (thanks, Ryan), and the chromexcel leather looks and feels outstanding.  The toebox is narrow enough for me – I prefer a smaller toe box as to avoid the Ronald McDonald look.

The leather is aging nicely.  I have worn these with jeans (selvedge, tan, and gray), khakis, and shorts.  They work perfectly in casual situations as well as in a ‘dressy’ business casual environment.  Any scratches have buffed out with minimal elbow grease.  I’m excited to see how these look after they get some serious play.

All in all, I am more than satisfied.  For $318 I got a pair of American-made loafers that have timeless style and can be repaired.  I expect to rinse and repeat that process for years to come.

The man.  Even he gets hooked sometimes…

1. Traditional South Carolina Hat from State Traditions: Add some flavor to your hat rotation with an off-color version of the classic.
2. Westward Leaning No1.1 Children of California Shades Black with California Redwood:  Eventually all of this rain will stop.  I swear.  When that happens, you’ll need something cool since the future is so bright.
3. Twice Again Black Watch from Swatch:  A good beater for the summer.  It can stand whatever you throw it’s way – the pool, the beach, a music festival, or leaving it in your pocket through the wash cycle.  
4. Sid Mashburn Green/White Bengal Stripe Cotton/Linen Popover Shirt:  The cotton/linen blend will breathe during the hot summer days, the popover style will keep the conversation fresh.
5. Jack Black Sun Guard Sunscreen:  Protect your skin.  Enough said.
6. Boglioli Washed Wool Navy Blue K-Jacket:  Probably the coolest jacket out there.  It’s a lightweight wool, but the washed finish gives it a rich look and feel.
7. Epaulet Slim Walt Trouser in Scarlet Irish Linen:  Wearing linen pants requires responsibility.  Wearing scarlet red, slim cut linen pants requires confidence.  You’ve got it.  Ball out. 
8. Filson Navy Tote:  Do I go on and on about totes?  Yes.  Navy AND Filson?  Do it.
9. G Fore Golf Glove in Azure:  How bored are you with a white golf glove?  Me too.  Try this one and you’ll never go back.
10. “Don’t Bend Over In The Garden, Granny, You Know Them Taters Got Eyes” by Lewis Grizzard:  Consider this the first entry in the ‘Red Clay Soul Summer Book Club’.  Oprah has nothing on this.
11. Basil Hayden’s Bourbon:  This is a rich, versatile bourbon that is perfect neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of ginger ale.  A great crowd pleaser.  Cheers.
12 The Freshy P’s Shorts from Chubbies:  Guys – it’s time to stop wearing the man-pris.  These bright blue shorts from Chubbies are cut just right – with a shorter inseam that qualify these as ‘shorts’.  And they are awesome. 
13. “Endless Summer” by the Beach Boys:  This is the summer anthem.  You’ll be surprised that you know all the words.  So will she.
14. A Frisbee:  Sports.  Don’t be bashful.
15. Martin Dingman Beck Belt:  Stylish, and perfect for the warmer weather.  It gives your shorts, your pants, or a pair of jeans a ‘lighter’ look for this time of year.  Pair it with some loafers or oxfords (sans sock, of course) for a spring-casual vibe.
16. Mocassins by The Car Shoe:  Don’t listen to the ‘no suede after Easter’ rule.  Make your own rules.

 …drop me in the water…

Beautiful Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs. On Saturday, May 4th, the thoroughbreds will thunder around the track on their ‘run for the roses’. While the horse race gets all the TV coverage, the traditions and style are on full display at the track. Mint Juleps, the ladies’ hats, and ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ are long-standing traditions that make the day.

For the guys who know their Derbies, there are standards. Standards in the way we look, the way we carry ourselves, and in what we drink. Whether you are watching the race from the infield or up in the stands, make sure you look good by dressing the part:

1. Persol 3028 Sunglasses: First and foremost, it’s important to protect your eyes during the day-long tailgating festivities.  Secondly, these are great for doing some incognito people watching.  Staring is rude, unless they can’t tell.
2. Brooks Brothers Tan Suit: Let’s be honest.  You want to look like a man who knows what you are doing at the Derby.  Wear a suit.  A good suit.  Since it’s springtime, a tan suit is the perfect pallet to add some punch.
3. Sid Mashburn Pocket Square: Think of this as your napkin for the day.  It’ll start as suit pocket decoration, and eventually serve to wipe the bourbon off your chin, dab the sweat off your forehead, and later on to dry your tears when your pick doesn’t take the top prize.
4. State Traditions Kentucky Hat: This may spend the first part of the day in your date’s purse, but there is a time and place for all hats at the Kentucky Derby.  Don’t let the ladies be the only ones to join in the fun.
5. Ledbury McGuire Gingham Shirt: Add some color to that tan suit with a bright Kentucky blue gingham.  The fit is spot on, and the style is timeless.
6. Smathers & Branson Jockey Silk & Derby Flask: You never know when the line for refills is too long, so prepare accordingly.  Fill this bad boy up with some Knob Creek and share accordingly.  Don’t lose this one though; it may end up being your lucky flask.
7. Smart Turnout Royal Horse Artillery Socks: Of course, socks are optional, so if you choose to partake, keep with the Kentucky blue theme.
8. Southern Proper Dixie Dot Neck Tie: A timeless yellow tie that will be the finishing touch to your ensemble.  Tie the right knot, though – stick with the Windsor.
9. Johnston & Murphy Ellington Saddles: Break out those saddles.  This is as good a time as any.  Remember that there is a good chance these could show some wear after a day at the Derby, but that is no excuse for great style.

Thanks to the great folks over at Knob Creek for asking me to contribute to their ‘Brothers of Bourbon’ series.