This Mainer recently left Manhattan to move back to his native land. He was dressed in a plethora of pastels, though when I asked him if this attire was in honor of the Cinco celebrations, he admitted he always dresses this colorfully. A man in mint-colored jeans? Amen to that!
It’s hard to look cool in the cold. A fauxhawk and black Bean Boots are a surefire way to do it though.
Alex and Ashley never let me down in the fashion department. When I asked them to come up with Formal Holiday Attire, I knew they wouldn’t disappoint. Here they are in their finest tartans and Christmas reds (champagne in hand of course) in looks that left me inspired. It doesn’t get more dapper than this folks. Here’s what Alex had to say:
When you’re wearing formal wear it’s all about “classic”. Fortunately classic also means that you can buy it anytime, you don’t need to update every season. I’m wearing a vintage wool blend tuxedo with a shawl collar. Purchased for $25 at Twice Upon a Time (Brattleboro VT), it’s got unstructured shoulders and high armholes that give it a relaxed nonchalance that might run you $800 if you wanted to buy it new. These wool Royal Stewart tartan trousers are also a vintage pair, they offer a great shot of color into a black tie ensemble, and at $11 over a decade ago at Roz’s Place (Northampton MA) they’re about 1/20 of the price you might pay online. The outfit is completed with black wholecut oxfords (more vintage, Sebago, Made in Maine baby, $8 @ Salvation Army Portland ME), vintage Brooks Bros satin bow tie ($2 at Goodwill, Falmouth ME), and a spread collar shirt by Banana Republic (christmas gift about 10 years ago). Pieced together over a decade from all over New England, a great, classic, black tie ensemble for about $50.
For me, these guys really live up the stereotype of the Maine man. Exhibit a: Buffalo plaid, whether it’s on a Maine Guide Shirt or used as a jacket lining. Exhibit b: Roughed up looking boots including the perennial Maine Hunting Shoe. Exhibit c: Interesting facial hair. I’m a fan of the ‘stache. Well done boys! Just look at the woman in the background - clutching her chest to be in the presence of such manly men!
Only a real man can pull off a chunky knit cable sweater with anchors on it. We stopped to chat with Adam, co-owner of Moody Lord’s, while he was soaking up some sun and sharing a slice outside the shop. More urban than urbane, his fitted cap and oversized plaid shirt were an unexpected compliment to the preppy grandfather sweater. Where did he score such a sweet piece? Moody Lord’s of course.
Behind every good personal style blog is usually a patient photographer boyfriend, husband or roommate. It’s true - these men (or women) are often behind the camera but are sometimes as stylish as the blog’s daily centerfold. Such is the case with Terry, the photographer (and sometimes star) behind Sweet William. Like every good Maine man, his closet was filled with plaid shirts, a collection of underwear and socks, a few ties in case of an emergency and a bevy of cardigans for layering options. And as only a Portland man can do, he was able to give us a tour without ever putting down his Pabst.
This dapper gentleman exemplifies a style that Nate likes to call “newsies chic.” If you aren’t familiar with this cult classic, you might not get the joke. We stopped this Mainer while he was en route to Salvation Army (probably to pick up some more vintage goods). He told us he always rolls his pants up, in this case revealing two almost matching socks, with a nicely worn pair of loafers. The plaid shirt, wool scarf and conductor cap are a modern homage to “the union.” Alright, enough Newsies jokes. Just watch this video and thank us later.
While Nate and I were perched in one of our usual spots, we happened to notice an impromptu fashion shoot going on behind us. These close friends and students were trying out an early Christmas gift - a fancy new SLR - and were using the Old Port as their backdrop.
We interrupted their photo session and took note of their cozy chic knee-high boots and colorful cold weather accessories. Hot pink gloves, plaid earmuffs, a teal scarf and a pretty plum coat were the highlights of this moddish quartet.
Still shopping for your maine squeeze? (Ahahahaha! Maine puns never get old.) Here are some great gift ideas for the ladies in your life.
For true vacationland aficionados, a permanent reminder of the summer with this Bottle cap ring from Little Eye Designs.
For the gal that has it all - she definitely doesn’t own vintage mouse and cheese salt & pepper shakers from Vintage Home Recycled.
Perfect for her morning portion of kashi, cute cafe bowls from Blanche & Mimi.
Oh-so-luxe pop top Carolina Amato mittens from Chantal.
A rad plaid vintage L.L.Bean bag from Rice & Beans Vintage.
And a rad plaid new bag from L.L.Bean Signature.
