L.L. Bean Blucher Moc

Blucher's are a prep essential. Period. My Mom remembers wearing these in college, and I followed in her footsteps (at the same college). They're a great alternative to Topsiders, less well known, and they break in better. In recent years Sperry has upped prices and expanded their brand, marketing to a wider and younger audience. I bought my first pair of Topsiders in high school and paid $60 for them new. Today Sperry sells them for $80. For the same price my Bluchers come with a lifetime guarantee and better quality leather. Buy 'em once, and L. L. Bean will make sure they're yours for years.

Workwear

After some hiatus, I'm revamping this blog to note some of my favorite finds, wants, and desires. HICKOREE'S has some great stuff, but rarely falls into an affordable price bracket. These pants are an exception. Like Carhartt or other "blue collar" workwear, Earl's Stan Rat Pants are great.  For my money, they're perfect: rugged, understated, cheap, and unusual among people my age. The fact that they're made in the USA is an extra incentive to invest.