Adidas seems to be getting all of the media hype as of late, especially when it comes to their shoes. Shoes are not all that they are doing well though. Adidas sent me these shorts recently as part of their #FreetheKnee campaign. While the 10″ length is not my go to for shorts the fabric that these are made from makes them perfect summer gear. A lightweight stretch short, mesh pockets, and a silicone lined waistband.
Now if I am completely honest, I am no golfer. Actually, I have never played a true 18, (unless you count mini-golf…I am a champion at that). I did however have a blast driving golf carts around this beautiful course while capturing these shorts. It should be mentioned that these shorts are not restricted to the course. The shorts are made to be worn from the country club to the course without compromising appearance or performance. As a consumer, I fall on the country club side of these shorts, wearing them more for casual wear than for sport.
There is something to be said for the versatility of a garment made to be athletic while still remaining stylish.
If you’re interested in the shorts you can find them here
The 4th of July has passed and summer in North Carolina is going strong and it is hot. Most days I feel like shorts and a T-shirt are about as much as I can possibly bear to put on, but I wanted to show you guys that you can dress up in the summer.
This look is super simple and focuses on light layering and breathability wherever possible. The jacket is a lightweight un-constructed blazer from J.Crew which allows a lot more air in then a lined and structured jacket. The removal of the shoulder padding and other structural elements also allows this jacket to be dressed down easily. I highly recommend adding a light weight blazer to your wardrobe as
A pair of slightly off white or white pants are a necessity this season. Almost any outfit that you would throw a pair of dark jeans on, swap out with these and you will be on your way to summer style success. The tie from Mosaic Menswear is lightweight cotton making it a great feel for the summer. Allow your ankles to breathe all summer and invest in no-show socks. You will prevent your shoes from smelling, stay cooler and really accent the shoes of your choice.
My tie and socks (not shown) came in my last Sprezzabox. It is great to have perfectly seasonal accessories show up at my door every month. If you are interested in your own box CLICK HERE. (use code “thedl” to get 10% off)
So I know for some of you, as soon as you hear floral shirt your mind jumps to the “Hawaiian” shirt your grandfather had. You know the one; coconut buttons, some artistic interpretation of a hibiscus flower and surfin’ USA sewn in to each stitch.
Well…this is not your grandpa’s floral shirt.
This shirt by J.Crew is the moody grandchild to that shirt. Yes it’s floral. Yes it is short sleeve, but it’s darker tones and slim fit set it apart from the more historically vibrant shirts. Speaking of history why don’t we touch on the history of the “Hawaiian” Aloha shirt briefly.
Would you believe me if I told you these statement tops are over 100 years old? To the millennial in me this is shocking as I only associate them with tacky fashion choices in the 90s. Hawaii was a land full of Asian immigrants due to plantation work in the 1880s. The Japanese brought with them their bright kimonos and the Filipinos their barong talongs. The fusion of these items for work purposes is considered the beginning of the Aloha shirts. In 1931 a recent Yale grad Ellery Chun returned to his families store in Honolulu and just five years later had marketed his tropically designed shirts officially as Aloha shirts.
The shirts still remained a lucrative business through the great depression and World War II. After endorsements by presidents, pop stars and the military itself the shirts would find no slowing as they carried on through the decades.
Additionally, you owe “casual friday” to the Aloha shirt. In the 60s Operation Liberation sought to allow officials to wear lighter attire around the Hawaiian offices even giving out free shirts to members of the Senate and House of Representatives. This soon caught on in the other states and now you too are afforded such relaxation.
Alright, now that we have emerged from the time capsule. The year is 2016.
The shirt is awesome, but in order to appropriately style it without looking like we are attending a luau we must consider our other pieces.
A pair of light wash denim is a great way to downplay the shirt and make it feel effortless. If you are in the mood of embracing the darkness you could throw on black pants and change the look entirely. There are a good variety of options for this shirt! Cuff the denim a bit and forget the long socks to add an even more nonchalant attitude. Sticking with the lighter tones I chose the suede chukka boots. Don’t be afraid of the short sleeve shirts! I know that they have a long history in very unappealing style but find a nice fitting well considered shirt and give it a whirl.
Next time you’re enjoying a casual friday think of how it all started and maybe you won’t hate your grandpa’s shirt as much.