Shop Talk : The well-dressed man
By Katie Brewer
Published: June 4, 2009
While my love for shopping is forever dragging me into all my favorite Edgartown women's stores like 20 Main, Katydid, and Rags, I decided that it was time to do some shopping for my brother's upcoming birthday. Over the years, I have come to realize that most men simply don't enjoy shopping for clothing - my brother included. So why not help them out?
I decided to pop into a few Edgartown stores in search of some items to dress up my brother's wardrobe. After finding a parking place -already a challenge - I stopped in at Chappy. I was immediately drawn to their assortment of men's Taylor Vintage Madras shorts ($98), which I think are a great way to compliment a basic polo. They also carry a wide variety of polos and oxfords from brands like Blegatchi, Quicksilver, and Project E.
A few feet away is Island Pursuit, with its similar styles in different brands. Although I went in to shop for my brother, after finding their Nove linen oxfords ($115) I couldn't help but think, Father's Day. These lightweight shirts are great for every day, or for an evening out. A little farther back in the store I found myself surrounded by Lacoste - everything from shorts to pants to polos. Stores like Island Pursuit and Chappy are great because they carry such a wide spectrum of styles to suit many different tastes.
One of my final stops was at Sun Dog. I must say I was surprised when I walked in and encountered six teenage boys looking around. I've always had the impression the dark exterior and window displays of this store give the impression that it is for older men. Wrong. Many of the clothes are both young and fashionable, and the variety of styles is impressive. They have everything from Belted Cow belts ($45), to Nautica linen pants, to straw hats. I even saw Cleve madras shorts, very similar to the ones carried by Chappy, yet at $63 a little more reasonable. I looked around a bit longer before making the decision to head to the car and hit the beach.
As I wandered back to the car, it took every ounce of resistance to keep from going into every tempting new store on Dock Street. I didn't quite make it. I had to stop at one final new store, Texas Leaguer. Once inside, I knew immediately it's a man's-man kind of store. Carrying casual tees by Tailgate Clothing Co. and Lucky, and oxfords by Splendid Mills, this was the kind of store a guy could walk into, and find something he likes without feeling overwhelmed.
Of course my brother doesn't have to think about that - he's got me.
Email Katie Brewer at krocka@yahoo.com with your suggestions.
