With the upcoming release of its spring line, Concord Button Downs has joined forces with five additional clothing companies to help expand the importance of American made clothing. In partnering with these other organizations, Concord Button Downs has released a lookbook highlighting products exclusively made in the United States. The project has been coined, “The Made in America Collaboration.” Along with this new partnership, Concord Button Downs has introduced their new line of fine shirting, as well as a renovated website.

Just like their previous line of men’s shirts, Concord Button Downs’ founder, Dan Castelline, continues to produce quality products that are made in the United States. To help with “The Made in America Collaboration,” Castelline connected with: Collard Greens, an eco-friendly neck wear company located in North Carolina, Jack Donnelly Khakis, a Georgia based pant company, Lemon & Line, a bracelet brand founded in Rhode Island, Gameday Blazers, a South Carolina company producing colorful sport coats, and Orvis, a renowned sporting brand with headquarters in Vermont and Virginia.  All five companies seek to create products that represent the richness and history of American-made clothing.

After waiting patiently since he first started dropping hints this winter, KJP has finally unveiled his genuine handloom Indian Madras Shirts to the world. The 100% pre-washed cotton shirts are slim fit, with an executive button collar and box pleat. Crafted in America, these hand-sewn summer classics are adorned in hand-carved scrimshaw bone buttons, honoring New England heritage and folklore. Father’s Day is coming up soon, right? Just saying. Available in the following below colorways.

$98

A short time ago we were introduced to Philadelphia-based Duke & Winston and their Bulldog Bow Ties. As the weather finally starts heating up here in Buffalo, D&W quickly becoming one of our favorite brands for the Spring/Summer months. Not only because of their beloved top hat-wearing bull dog logo (Duke), but also because the brand so effortlessly covers all of your wardrobe staples. Polos? Check. Tees? Check. Hats, ties, even outfits for your pets?! Check, check and double check. The stuff is all handsomely designed, very reasonably priced and is the perfect balance of dress vs. casual. God save the Duke.

After being home for two weeks caring for Dandy Jr. and Mrs. Dandy, this past Saturday Mr. Pentheros and I decided to take a trip to Toronto to do some shopping. I had particular interest in stopping by the Brooks Brothers Flatiron Shop to check out the Great Gatsby Collection.

Targeting a younger generation, I love the look and feel of the Flatiron shops and their collection of slimmer cuts and modern wardrobe items steeped in tradition. Not everyone shares my feelings about the stores, but I’ve always been a sucker for shops that envoke a certain feeling, and the Flatiron shops do just that with their fine attention to details throughout the store. It was also a special treat to see first-hand the new KJP Brooks Brothers Bracelets and even picked one up for the wife for her first Mother’s Day.

Traffic was pretty rough getting in and out of the city, and I managed to yet again get a parking ticket (bad form, old sport). I did, however, enjoy the store immensely and managed to get my hands on one of the new Gatsby bow ties after they sold out rather quickly online. So all in all, not a bad trip.

Aaaaaand we’re back, with the Dandy family officially plus one! Dandy Jr. was born without complications and both Mrs. Dandy and baby are doing great. We enjoyed our first Mother’s Day brunch at one of my favorite local spots, Salvatore’s Italian Gardens and snapped this Gatsby-inspired family portrait. More Dandyisms to come!

Posts have been a bit scarce lately and I do apologize. The reason behind this is the wife and I have been getting ready to welcome Dandy Jr. into the world and needless to say, we’ve been busy. With than in mind, I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be stepping away from the blog for a little bit as we start this new and exciting chapter in our lives. Fear not. Posts will still be appearing, just not everyday, and certainly not in the next couple of days. If I do manage to get a break between feedings, diaper changes, and caring for the Mrs, I’ll try and upload some Dandy outfit posts. Of course they may or may not be featuring my son. No promises.

With all that in mind, check out these awesome Bow Tie Bibs for Bow Tie Friday! What can I say, our family and friends know us well.

Thanks for reading everyone, and as always, stay Dandy.

-BD

I tried calling in a few favors to get a pair of these Nike 1972 Quickstrikes this past weekend, but was unprepared for how fast they would sell out. Like, within 30 minutes after going on sale at 8am Saturday, every pair was gone. I knew I shouldn’t have rolled over for that extra 20 minutes of sleep… Made of premium leather in both a brown and deep red color with a goodyear welt sole and waxed cotton laces, it looks like even Nike wants to get into the Dandy game with these shoes.

Sneakerheads be crazy, but if you’re like me and admit there is something joie de vivre about these kicks, I’ve got good news. For what will undoubtedly be a short time, these limited edition Nikes will be available here on Wednesday. Check out the exclusive video by LACEBAG below.

$177

Among my many vices which include amassing countless vinyl records, bow ties and lately bottles of scotch, another weakness of mine is collecting sketchbooks. Always on the hunt for one with unique characteristics, I recently came across these wooden journals by Boarding School, which is an Etsy shop run by an old colleague of mine and fellow designer: Ashley Flanagan.

Based out of Seattle, Ashley works with her brother Erik who is a woodworker in Maine. Erik carefully selects pieces of wood with character and ships them off to Ashley who then assembles the journals into various styles and designs while utilizing vintage paper and topographical maps. The books are coptic bound with waxed linen thread and then finished with natural tung oil and letter stamped. Her shop offers a wide range of styles and sizes, with custom orders also available. Read more about Boarding School in this recent article on Etsy. Keep up the great work, Ash!

$45-$80

We tend to get pretty casual here at Buffalo Dandy as the weather warms up; usually trading in our wingtips for boat shoes. If you’re looking to go a bit more rugged but still want to rep Buffalo, try these Buffalo leather moccasins from Engineered Garments. Handmade in the USA, the grain of the Buffalo leather has a much more textured look than traditional cowhide. This rugged aesthetic is further heightened by the use of braided  laces and thick stitching throughout. Available in both tan and red here.

$385