THE LOVE LIST

2012-05-15T12:42:00.003-04:00

SIAMESE ABSTRACT

48x48 mixed media on linen

...and from a native Atlanta gal, no less!

2012-05-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

The first time I read On The Road, I was in high school, and it changed my life. Now here was something that made sense. The mix of self-determined, unbridled freedom, youth, jazz, drugs, and Americana was a heady and intoxicating scent, and I inhaled deeply. Jack Kerouac's Sal Paradise was the kind of free-spirited maverick hero I could identify with - one of the singular, standout voices of a generation -- his; the Beat. It was the first time someone had taken an idea I'd long held in my heart, that life should have greater meaning, that one should find a sense of purpose, and made me feel like it was tangible.

I still read On The Road every few years or so. I have the same copy I did when I was sixteen, a dirty old paperback nested in my shelf amongst a few other well-loved, heavily highlighted and footnoted books in my collection like Anthem, Hell's Angels, and The Old Man and the Sea. I am sentimentally attached to those books, Sal, and in turn, Kerouac himself. Because of that, thinking about how he'd outfit himself today is a fun practice -- and really, maybe just a huge testament to the durability of a classic.

1. Field Notes 2. Swiss Knife 32 GB Flash Drive 3. Pendleton Brave Star Blanket 4. Taylor Stitch Forest Rust Flannel Shirt 5. Gentleman's Pipe Cutter's Knife 6. 1950's Royal Typewriter Quiet De Luxe 7. Sir Jack's Clarendon Navy Gingham Shirt 8. Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses 9. Archival Clothing Field Bag

Reading List: On The Road (paperback) (Kindle) / Tunes: Miles Davis - Kind of Blue + Charlie Parker - Ornithology

2012-05-13T22:56:00.001-04:00

Opposites attract, music cross-references, always leave bleed room...

I love this country. It's eclectic nature delights me. I think long after my youth is over, I will still be fascinated by young Americans. We may not vote in powerful numbers, but our influence wields itself heavily just about everywhere else, and we generate the heat that fuels the mad place we call home. This mix begins at one end of the spectrum and gradually works itself over to the other -- but in a way that makes audible sense. The trail of breadcrumbs from one genre to another often isn't that long... and that's how we begin with The Lumineers and somehow end up somewhere around Wiz Khalifa. Here's to the Nation of Heat we live in: black, white, and all the gray that gets us from one periphery to the other.

Peripheries

Track Listing:

01. Cary Ann Hearst, Michael Trent - Gasoline

02. Joe Pug - Nation of Heat (coming to Atlanta in June)

03. Whiskeytown - Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart

04. The Civil Wars - Poison and Wine

05. The Lumineers - Slow It Down (this is a sexy one)

06. My Morning Jacket - Wonderful (The Way I Feel)

07. Futurebirds - Sam Jones

08. Future Islands - Balance

09. Blood Orange - Champagne Coast

10. Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed (playing in Atlanta Friday)

11. Reptar - Sebastian

12. Flux Pavilion - Haunt You

13. Kid Cudi, Ratatat, MGMT - Pursuit of Happiness

14. Asher Roth - Party Girl

15. B.o.B - Ray Bands

16. Wiz Khalifa - When I'm Gone

17. Lupe Fiasco - Till I Get There

18. Jay-Z - 99 Problems

19. OutKast - Rosa Parks

2012-05-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of reasons to like Courtney. For me, it was when we figured out we were both born in the same home town of Ft Worth, Texas -- and she's a Texas gal through and through, right down to the hair spray. Whip-smart, funny, and quick, her tweets and emails always crack me up, which is proof of Bravo's great casting decision to put her on Most Eligible Dallas. If you haven't caught her on TV, you might have spied her on the blogosphere. Courtney's got a slick fashion blog where she recounts her outfits from the show, her travels, and around her hometown of Dallas, TX. Aside from the aforementioned hair spray, what can't she live without? Read on...

1. Avocados: If I could bite into them like apples, I would. About 3 times a week I slice one up into cubes, mix with olive oil and garlic salt, and scoop with water crackers. I justify it by reminding myself that avocados are the "healthy type of fat"…right?! 2. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl: I was once told on date by a man that red lips are intimidating and say "stop…step away!" Well until I meet someone worthy of kissing, then this lip color will remain my go-to choice. 3. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing: My southern mother's homemade version are TO DIE FOR. My favorite part of them is that they stain your mouth and fingers for hours…and they are worth every calorie. 4. Kris Nations Texas Necklace: The more I travel across the country and spend lonely nights in hotels, I like to have a reminder of home hanging close to my heart. 5. Enjoy Hairspray: No Texas girl is complete without her big hair. This stuff keeps my hair big…bigger…biggest…all without weighing it down. And if I could get a man to run his hands through my locks, he might even comment on how yummy it smells! 6. Mac Skinsheen in Dark: I'm a strong believer that if you can't tone it, tan it…yet I refuse to lay in a tanning bed or be a leathery-looking sun goddess. Airbrush spray tans are my favorite indulgence, but at $60 a pop, it can become an expensive beauty ritual. This stuff is like bronzer for the body…comes out in mousse form, spreads evenly, and won't rub off till you shower! 7. One Kings Lane: I'm currently in the process of redecorating my home and this site has everything I need! Everyday I promise myself I won't buy anything else…and everyday I break that promise. 8. Bravo: I can't thank the network enough for giving me a platform to share style tips with the ladies, torture the men, and hopefully, make America laugh a little along the way. I probably owe them my firstborn.

Playlist Pick: 80's Super Hits: I am a full blown child of the 80's, and the music still runs through my veins…I love it all. Gimme some Billy Idol, early Madonna and Michael Jackson, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper or Aerosmith…I will dance and sing along till the wee hours of the morning!

Courtney on Twitter / Courtney's Facebook Fan Page / What Courtney Wore

Courtney Kerr photographed in Dallas at the Bravo Upfronts Presentation and party

2012-05-10T15:02:00.000-04:00

Love it or hate it, you have a choice: do it, or be naked - shopping. Some days, it's a full-on event. You've got to cover ground and haul your cute rear end around in a comfy outfit that you can easily get in and out of in the fitting room that doesn't garner any disdain from the sales girl. I'm a big fan of dresses when shopping -- easy on, easy off. Past that, stores can be chilly, so I always work in a blazer (but a cute cardigan or jacket would work just as well.) While I pride myself on performing many feats in heels, pounding the pavement on a long street like Worth Avenue or in a huge mall like Lenox is not one trick I'm willing to perform (who wants to unbuckle twelve sandal straps to get into a pair of pants?) -- slip-on flats it is. Topped off with a roomy bag and few well-placed accessories, I'm ready to rock some retail world.

1. Sunglasses, Lookmatic "Jesse" (c/o) 2. Silk Scarf, H&M (similar here) 3. Blazer, Theysken's Theory 4. White shift dress, H&M (old, similar here and here) 5. Velvet Slippers, Del Toro (c/o) 6. Bag, Goyard (a gift from one hell of a fabulous mentor)

...and since I know a Goyard isn't exactly in the budget for most normal people (hell, it isn't even in mine) a few more of my favorite roomy totes at more attainable price points:

1. Frank Clegg Leatherworks (beautifully handcrafted right here in the USA and worth every penny, Frank is a true artist.) 2. Tory Burch (for that logo look) 3. Forever 21 (for the gal truly on a budget) 4. Zara (because you can't screw up patent leather)

photography, Caroline Fontenot

2012-05-09T15:46:00.002-04:00

2012-05-08T17:34:00.003-04:00

Drawings for Three Rooms in Your Home, Steve Lambert, archival print on paper

...at which point I would think, now this is a fun couple.

2012-05-08T17:14:00.001-04:00

Colorful clutches fashioned from exotic skins and a ring that bites so hard, it needs two fingers. Two items on my current covet list, both less expensive than you think...

Snake skin clutches, Presmer / Vampire ring, Verameat

2012-05-07T16:38:00.001-04:00

...and a new recurring feature is born, y'all. "5 Staples" is a quick list from my favorite well-dressed ladies and gents on five essential items in their closet. You know, the stuff in heavy rotation. I thought it most appropriate to kick things off myself, and as anyone who knows me will attest, I really do plod around in leopard and button-downs 80% of the time! Luckily, I have enough crazy shoes and jewelry with skulls on it to offset the snooze factor...

1. Loren Hope Lindsey Gold Link Bracelet 2. Isabella Oliver 365 Chambray Shirt 3. Alexander McQueen Chiffon Scarf 4. Christian Louboutin Pigalle Pumps (the definition of "investment shoe") 5. MiH Jeans Pistol Suede Jacket

2012-05-07T14:30:00.003-04:00

Dem bones, dem bones... how does the rest of that song go? Regardless, Thomas Paul's recent iteration of the human skeletal system on cozy pink cotton voile strikes the perfect balance between badass and beautiful. Forget wearing it, I want to frame it in my studio! Grab one at Burke Decor, then head over to my CurrentlyObsessed.me page for my other Thomas Paul scarf picks -- plus other can't-miss-it items that made my wish list... if you're feeling it, hit "follow" and stay current! I'm always updating.

2012-05-03T12:48:00.004-04:00

The impending summer weather heats up more than just the temperature -- it ups the fahrenheit of a Southerner's entire lifestyle. The beats get heavier, the clothes get lighter, and everything's just a little bit more sticky. As we peel off layers and concert season gets underway, here's a mix to compliment the shift in attitude -- a whole lot of sex, some frothy pop bubblegum, something chill for those slow evenings, and moody tunes for making an entrance (or an exit.) Play on.

Tell Me About It, Stud.

Track Listing:

01. David Bowie + Mick Jagger - Dancing in the Street

02. Shalamar - A Night to Remember

03. The Rolling Stones - Gimmie Shelter

04. YACHT - Dystopia (The Earth is on Fire)

05. Lykke Li - Get Some

06. Penguin Prison - Don't Fuck with My Money

07. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back

08. The Cure - Hot Hot Hot !!!!

09. Blondie - Rapture

10. The Black Keys - Next Girl

11. Pretty Lights - Finally Moving

12. Kanye West - Flashing Lights

13. The Japanese Popstars - Shells of Silver

14. Florence + the Machine - Addicted to Love

15. Joy Division - Love will Tear Us Apart

16. Madonna - Vogue

17. M83 - Graveyard Girl

18. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

19. RUN-DMC - Walk this Way

20. Ghostland Observatory - Give Me the Beat

2012-05-02T15:30:00.000-04:00

Fashion blogging, in terms of "outfit posts," is something I'm having to re-think. Not because I have anything against it, but because when it comes to my wardrobe, variety isn't exactly the spice of life. I tore an article out of Vogue years ago about "the uniform" -- a certain stylist had fashioned a minimal, no-fuss, classic wardrobe from only a few mixable items; Chanel handbags, tailored blazers, cigarette pants, sailor shirts, oxfords, tees, and a Birkin. Something about that struck a cord in my 23 year old self, and with the exception of my time in Palm Beach, I've been dressing that way ever since.

The anchor item in my repertoire? Blazers. Clean, simple, chic, sexy, and readily available in just about any combo that suits your fancy. Personally, I buy classic colors like black, white, and navy and mix them in with everything - I just found a great lightweight jersey blazer at Zara that I'm sure will see me through the summer. No matter how hot it gets, you won't see me caught dead in a tank top, so it's a cool alternative.

If you're smart about fit and tailoring, a great blazer can last you years on end -- a tall order for a woman's wardrobe, where fashion is fast and trend turnaround renders some items wearable for only a season or two. Styled with current accessories and often, bold shoes (where I have more fun,) I'm usually ready to head out the door with little thought... and as a girl, there's something to be said for that.

1. Kate Moss / Halston Heritage Blazer 2. Blake Lively / Theory Blazer 3. Lauren Santo Domingo / Hoss Intropia Blazer 4. Emannuelle Alt / Pierre Balmain Contrast Smoking Jacket

2012-05-01T11:58:00.002-04:00

"Sleeping Mask" Phil Jung

archival pigment print, 11x14

2012-04-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

Every so often on twitter, I ask @TheLoveList's followers one question, and I always get great responses. Follow along with me on twitter and who knows, I may post yours!

follow on twitter and tune into their song picks... @chevronsarah: Robin Thicke - Lost Without U / @notetosarah: Josh Turner - No Rush / @BitsofBeauty: Miles Davis - Generique

2012-04-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

Nothing lends an outfit some sinful edge like a pair of chic serpents. Despite their size, Suzanna Dai's earrings are incredibly light on your earlobes, a happy discovery I made one day after wandering into Calypso Palm Beach. Though at the time, I picked up the Cheyenne drop earrings, my next pair is definitely this little beaded duo of slick-bellied Medusas. So go ahead, take a bite of the apple. I did.

2012-04-20T02:43:00.003-04:00

I admit it. I'm a bit partial to this week's Love List subjects. Van is a dear buddy of mine, and when he and Lauren launched their style blog Necessary & Proper a few months ago, I knew it was going to be a big hit. Van: handsome arbiter of good taste, yes, but an even better friend - a result of being raised by his amazing Mom who I also love. Lauren: covetable style (I always joke with her that she spends all my money!) a sweet disposition, and no fear of color - now that's a girl after my own heart. Read on to see what these DC gadabouts name amongst the things they can't live without...

1. Monogram Necklace: I have an "L" in white gold that I wear on the daily; a yellow gold "W" will be my next purchase. 2. Elizabeth Cole Earrings: I love anything animal inspired, the parrots and the jaguars are my favorite. 3. Kate Somerville Tan Towels: I use one each week. They give the perfect amount of color and apply evenly. Magic. 4. Penelope Chilvers Pillow Bag: I am currently coveting this ethereal bag in tan and gold. 5. Diet Sunkist Orange Pop: My dad and I inhale this stuff. And yes, I'm from Michigan, so it's "pop." 6. Karen Walker Perfect Day Sunnies: They're just bitchin' 7. Chanel Rouge Coco in #19 "Gabrielle": This is the perfect red lipstick; no girl should be afraid to punch up her lips! 8. Nude Shoes: Nude shoes are my weakness, as is anything by Loeffler Randall. A nude pump or sandal lengthens your legs and pairs easily with just about anything. Right now I am loving a lower heel. 9. Philosophy Amazing Grace: The scent is light, feminine, and perfect for spring. Plus the bottle looks so pretty on my mirrored vanity. 10. Party Shorts: Shorts are my favorite thing to wear in the summer - for day and night. The brighter the better, like this Mara Hoffman pair.

1. Honest Tea Community Green Tea: I'm not a coffee person, but I drink green tea religiously every morning. 2. Chubbies Shorts in loud colors: What better way to show some summertime thigh? 3. Hermès Cape Cod GM watch with double tour strap: A practical watch/leather bracelet hybrid that ages perfectly and looks good with everything. 4. Ralph Lauren custom fit blue and white stripe oxfords: I have about five of these on rotation and I wear 'em til the collars and cuffs fray. Dressed up with a bow tie or dressed down with jeans or shorts. 5. Sharpie retractable highlighters in five colors (pink, yellow, green, blue, orange) -- the only thing getting me through law school is my complicated highlighting system. 6. Oliver Peoples for Nom de Guerre sunglasses: Just make sure they're not other people's Oliver Peoples. 7. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer: Unfussy and refreshing, this stuff is part of my morning routine. 8. Stubbs & Wootton shoes: I wear these slippers everywhere--velvet with a tux, linen for the beach, needlepoint just about everywhere. I love the cheeky embroidery on the uppers. 9. Surfside sandwich from Jetties: Delicious carved turkey + bacon + avocado on fresh bread = best sandwich in DC! 10. Georgetown University Needlepoint Keyfob from Smathers & Branson. Love the Bethesda boys behind this needlepoint supplier. This keychain is a daily reminder of my alma mater. Hoya Saxa! 11. Home delivery of the Sunday New York Times. Sometimes online just doesn't cut it. I read Sunday Styles and Sunday Review in bed before Sunday brunch (at Hank's Oyster Bar, natch). 12. Bang & Olufsen EarSet 3i headphones. These babies have killer bass. I rock out to Beyoncé videos on the treadmill at Vida Fitness every day! 13. Kiel JP braided rope belt. The natural color stands out on the colorful pants and shorts of summer (see #2 above!)

Necessary & Proper blog // N&P on twitter // Van on twitter // Lauren on twitter // N&P on fb // N&P on Pinterest

2012-04-18T23:07:00.001-04:00

Was that not a long one? Felt like forever. I missed you guys! As you can probably see (if you're not visiting through a RSS reader) The Love List has undergone a bit of a visual overhaul. After a few years of the same look, I'm growing up, and I thought it was time the blog did too -- it still feels like The Love List, I've just cleaned up, streamlined, and toned things down a little. Hope you don't mind. No looking back now!

It's been quite the few weeks! My travels have taken me to Austin, Texas, New York City, and now I'm off to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. It will be nice to get back to Atlanta at the end of the month, settle into a new house and finally "plant my flag" here.

The site is merely a mothership, so we rebranded all of our satellite communities (that's techy jive for social media jazz) as well. Pinterest is still serving as my inspiration board, but due to that, I felt the tumblr was a little redundant -- so Love Notes has undergone a bit of a makeover to serve as my little travel diary. It's full of notes, quotes, my photos, videos, and music for a more personal glimpse into what's going on.

You can of course, follow me on twitter -- but now we've added facebook to the fold and I'd love your "like" if you feel so obliged. For my fellow music junkies, you can still jam along with me on Spotify as well. I'm always adding to playlists and diving into what's new -- feel free to drag and drop me stuff you're digging too!

Now, about content. We're streamlining some of our features, adding some new ones, and some will stay just the way they are -- keep an eye out for all the cool stuff coming down the hatch. Some of the best giveaways and collaborations are still yet to come. The biggest addition? "The List." Sounds cryptic, no? Folks are always emailing and asking for recommendations on good eats, drinks, and shopping -- so I thought I'd keep a running list of my favorites, categorized by the places I frequent. Hope it's helpful!

Finally, addressing that finicky filly... fashion blogging! Who knew outfit posts would be so very controversial? It's an odd bird, posting photos of yourself online for public consumption -- but we're going to take a less traditional slant on it moving forward and make it more useful for you guys. I just can't get comfortable with the whole outfit posting thing. It doesn't feel "me" quite yet, but I'm working on it. More power to the awesome folks like Merritt, Fred, Blair, Sarah, Van, and Lauren who rock it out.

Oh! And a few thank you notes: to Ward Williams for all he did and does (he knows), and to he and Van for the most fabulous birthday ever, to Garden & Gun for letting me share the CJ Laing love last week, to Tom Cary and Jack Rogers for the fun outings, and to Jason at J.Falkner, my favorite Palm Beach stationer, for the use of his fabulous zebra artwork in the header!

We'll return to your regularly scheduled programming on Friday with a double-dose Love List for the books. 'till then, thanks as always for your support, clicks, tweets, "likes", repins, and general, all-around love. You guys are seriously the best. Holler at me, let's keep an open dialogue.

love,
Jess

2012-04-18T00:30:00.002-04:00

2012-04-07T16:04:00.002-04:00

Howdy weekenders. Since my feet are barely touching Atlanta soil at all the entire month of April, I made myself a mix for down time during travel. Like my destinations, (Austin, TX, New York, NY, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia) the song selections are all over the place. Just as I'm patronizing a hippie juice bar this week in Austin and the Graydon Carter-helmed Monkey Bar in New York the next, the only continuity to the songs is that they just feel "me" right now. I thought I'd share the mix with you so you can listen along while I'm in trains, cabs, and planes.

April Latitudes

Track Listing:

01. R.E.M. - What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

02. OutKast - Idlewild Blue

03. Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

04. Jackson Brown - A Thousand Kisses Deep

05. Fleet Foxes - Blue Ridge Mountains

06. Duran Duran - Come Undone

07. Tom Vek - Aroused

08. Go West - The King of Wishful Thinking

09. Chilly Gonzales - You Can Dance

10. Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus

11. Theophilus London - I Stand Alone

12. Fun. - Some Nights

13. St. Lucia - Closer Than This

14. Queen - Don't Stop Me Now

15. Oasis - She's Electric

16. Gotye - Smoke and Mirrors

17. The Naked and Famous - Girls Like You

18. The Temper Trap - Fader

19. M83 - Reunion

20. Local Natives - Wide Eyes

21. Arcade Fire - Keep the Car Running

22. Feist - The Bad in Each Other

23. The Belle Brigade - Losers

24. Our Lady Peace - Is Anybody Home?

25. Kings of Leon - Back Down South

26. Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Coming Down

27. Mavis Staples - You Are Not Alone

2012-04-05T18:42:00.000-04:00

I'm in Austin, Texas right now visiting my sister and we have BIG plans for Easter brunch... mostly in relation to cocktails. Before it's all lamb shanks and gin though, a Sunday-appropriate outfit is probably in order. A ladylike jacket like this needs a little funky juxtaposition in my opinion - mixed animal prints, bright accessories + lips, and sparkly vintage bee brooches felt right.

1. Bee Brooches, Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane: Groovy Palm Beach Vintage (561.628.9404) 2. Jacket, Ammara 3. Leopard blouse, Zara. 4. Clutch, DKNY (old, but love this one) 5. Shoes, TopShop. 6. Lips: NARS Larger than Life Lipgloss in Place Vendome Cheeks: Nars Mata Hari

P.S... if you love JNG Got Dressed, you can now follow me on Pose for more outfits and style tidbits!

2012-04-04T13:39:00.000-04:00

Three related items, from one spectrum to another...

Clutch, Diane von Furstenberg / Chain link heel, Giambattista Valli / Bright green pump, B by Brian Atwood

2012-04-03T14:07:00.000-04:00

Remember when Tom Cruise wasn't crazy? Yeah, me either. I wasn't born yet. That being said, I can still revel in the flashbacks granted all us late-80's babies through a solid vintage flick. And I do love me a good oversize white men's shirt. Here's a couple of accessory suggestions to build out from -- pants optional, of course.

White oxford: Total bargain, Old Navy (Men's for that boyfriend look) Shades: 1. Ray Ban Honey Lens Wayfarer 2. Dynasty Animal Print Wayfarers 3. SUPER Francis Wayfarers 4. Knockaround Fort Knocks in Black/Gold Socks: 5. Happy Socks Stripe Socks 6. J.Crew Tipped Cotton Socks 7. J.Crew Camp Socks 8. Chup Socks by Fair Isle

Playlist Pick: Jim Daniels & the Bourbon Brothers - Old Time Rock n' Roll

2012-04-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sephora + Pantone seem like a long-overdue collaboration, no? Especially when it comes to nail polish. If you're a compulsive color changer like I am, then you're probably just as excited to see this duo in action. Sephora's even turning the volume up by offering 15% off for the rest of the week with code CHIC. How apropos. Grab a bottle here and dot your digits Tangerine Tango.

Tune in on Twitter today -- I've donned it "Makeup Monday" and I'll be live tweeting all kinds of my favorite beauty products throughout the day in honor of Sephora's 15% off excuse to stock up. Be sure you're following me @TheLoveList!

2012-03-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

Oh please, dear. You know you follow @gayWASP on Twitter. We all do. His deadpan (and dead on) musings on UES and Palm Beach prep culture have coined #gayWASP as an irrefutable buzzword in New York -- yet nobody seems to know his real name. Is he a fictional character? A flesh and blood human being? Perhaps a little of both? Muse on his identity if you must, I'll never tell...

1.T. Anthony Luggage – That’s me winking at you across the luggage carousel. It’s the easiest way to spot PLUs (that's people like us) in the world of horrific commercial air travel. Hey, it’s a guy with the purple set. Call me? 2. Scalamandre Wall Covering – Nothing says, “You get me.” like a powder room full of leaping zebras. 3. Assorted Matchbooks – It’s a little less about utility and a little more about ephemera. Look, I go places. I belong to clubs. These things are out of my control. 4. Ikat Dog Bed – When I was in prep school, I spent a summer ~~fluffing my college resume~~ helping the less fortunate in India. I fell in love with their textiles and now my pooch rests in style. 5. Hermes Saddle – I like to believe this is the gentleman’s Birkin. It may seem a bit excessive from a cost perspective but we make sacrifices (and chances are it will outlive your polo pony). 6. Brightly Colored Brunello Cucinelli Sweaters - This cashmere will last a lifetime. Plus, it's important to use color to stand out to fit in when at McCarty's during Season. 7. Anglo American Tortoise Rimmed Glasses – What can I add that the name doesn’t already? 8. Tervis Tumblers – If I must drink from a plastic cup, I prefer that’s it’s monogrammed – or features a sailfish at the very least. 9. An original signed copy of A Separate Peace – Like a biography of my life. So far. 10. Belgian Loafers - Something so simple that says so much - like, "My backhand really needs some work." or "Very dry, up, with a twist." or "Mother heard he married a hair-dresser named Krystal ." 11.Herend Figurines – I’m partial to the bunnies because I know so many people by the same name. 12. Mrs. John L. Strong Calling Cards – Just a simple name and number. Plus, it’s important for me to remain in her good favor JIC (just in case) I need her to fit in my invitations for the GWOTC (Gay Wedding of the Century).

Playlist pick: Billy Joel - Uptown Girl / Follow @gayWASP on twitter

2012-03-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

On Hil Harper: left 1. Knockaround Fort Knocks, Tortoise/Amber 2. Southern Proper Golf Shirt in Seafoam Green 3. Southern Proper P.C. Shorts, Rebel Red (belt, Hil's own) 4. Cole Haan Adrien Penny Loafers (Hil's own) / right 1. Southern Proper Golf Shirt in Sun (win!) 2. Smathers and Branson 'Front Nine' Belt (win!) 3. Jack Donnelly Dalton Shorts (win!) 4. Martin Dingman Bill Penny Loafers (Hil's own)

left 1. Southern Proper Azalea Bow Tie (win!) 2. Brooks Brothers Regular Fit Irish Linen Shirt 3. Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit Plain-Front Americana Trousers in Stone (Alligator monogrammed belt, Hil's own) / right 1. Club Monaco Phillip Shirt (old, similar) 2. Smathers and Branson 'Front Nine' Belt (win!) 3. Peter Millar Washed Twill Flat-Front Pants 4. J. Parker Limited Horsebit Loafers (Savannah, Georgia. Call for Availability 912-234-0004)

Every year, there's a little event in Augusta that sends Southerners and golf fans nationwide into a tizzy - The Masters. From practice rounds to cocktail hour at the club, attire for the event is specific - clean-cut, conservative, preppy. With the help of some great brands, Hil over at Gentleman South, who was a great sport as our affable model, and Caroline, resident whiz photographer, we put together four menswear looks for you gents (and ladies dressing gents) getting ready to hit the fairway. And you know we weren't gonna work a good giveaway into it all!

How do you win some free Masters swag? Pay attention, there are TWO giveaways...

1. Southern Proper Men's Golf Shirt + Jack Donnelly Dalton Shorts: Leave a comment on this post and 'like' Jack Donnelly on Facebook. One entry per comment, double the chance for 'liking' Jack Donnelly. One winner will be chosen for the golf shirt and shorts in colors of their choice! (Giveaway now closed. Congrats to our winner Michelle Malone!)

2. Southern Proper Azalea Bow Tie + Smathers & Branson 'Front Nine' belt: go to the SoPro Facebook page, find the giveaway post, and 'like'! Do the same for Smathers & Branson on Facebook for another chance to win! Two winners will be chosen, each winner gets a belt and tie of their choice! (now closed. Congrats to Rachael McCaslin and Tim McWhirter!)