St. Patrick’s Day 2016 – The Best of Green

Green gets hosed. Kermit knows this. For 364 days out of the year green takes a back seat to blue, black, grey, and a host of other colors. But not on St. Patrick’s day. That’s the one day when Green reigns supreme. In honor of Green and St. Patrick’s Day, here’s the annual list of green things maybe worth the green in your wallet, 

 

A Green Gingham Button Down

• J. Crew Slim Secret Wash Shirt in Lampost Green – $64.50
• GAP True Wash Gingham Slim Fit Shirt – $49.95
• Brooks Brothers Madison Fit Green Sportshirt – $59 ($108)
• Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Regent Fit Button Down – $92.00
• Bonobos “Mint” Ging Crosby Button Down – $85.00

Break free from the blue and white shirt tyranny! Yes, plenty of us like having mostly light blue and white shirts in our closet. But green gingham is a great way to step outside (yet not too far outside) the box. Looks great with a navy or grey sportcoat, under sweaters, or with a solid knit tie.

 

J. Crew Italian Cotton Sportcoat in “Dark Loden” – $228

Their “Caspian Blue” shade will always be favored, and for understandable reasons, but the earth-tone “Loden” shade of green is a perfect pairing for Jeans and Chambray trousers. Little to no construction, but still crisp enough to dress up.

 

Jameson Gold Reserve – $73.99

Look, it’s not immensely different than plain ol’ Jameson (which is a bargain in and of itself) but for that extra money, you get selected casks, maturation in three different woods, and a much rounder, less rigid version of Jameson. Unlike their other options, the Gold Reserve is partially aged in virgin oak. So it’s the first stuff to hit that wood, and the end result is a nice amount of mellowed out vanilla flavor. Many might even favor it over their 12-year and 18-year options. Hints of bread pudding spread with a small dab of stone fruit compote. If regular Jameson is a nice merino wool sweater, than Gold Reserve is cashmere. Not worth the extra cash for most, since the original is so good on its own, but for a special occasion? It’s a fun splurge. Can run as high as a hundred bucks in some markets.

 

GAP Slim Fit Vintage Washed Chinos in “Mineral Green” – $59.95

This shade of green, almost Kermit like (with a little less yellow), is a criminally underrated color of spring and summer. It’s not as loud as Nantucket Red, but it’s still more interesting than a standard khaki. Great with sneakers or boat shoes, and will even do well with a black polo. Always on sale since it’s GAP.

 

A green tipped cotton or linen pocket square – $10.00

Adds a nice shot of alternate color if you’re doing the all blue thing. Looks plenty fine with a medium grey suit + light blue shirt too. Pictured above is an Italian linen pocket square via J. Crew that’s now sold out, but, TheTieBar has you covered for cheap.

 

The Ten Dollar Bill – $10.00

Whatever happened to the good ol’ sawbuck? Of course it’s still in wide circulation, but ever since ATMs started cranking out nothing but $20 bills, it feels like the $10 has taken a back seat. Too bad too, since it’s perfect for most smaller purchases when cash might be more convenient to use. Buying a $2.00 cup of coffee with a $20 feels like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight. Hamilton. I miss you boo.

 

Clockwork Synergy Heavy Duty Nato Strap – $17.49

Been getting a lot of mentions on this site as of late, but for good reason. Great tension to the PVD coated rings. Thick webbing. Great shade of green up against those red strips with the black base. Very 007. Shown here on the $41 Casio Quartz Diver.

 

Beckel Canvas Made in the USA War Bag – $75.00

Made in the USA from 20 oz canvas, beefy cotton webbing, and leather accents. At 2700+ cubic inches, it’s got enough space for a weekend away, yet still fits most carry-on requirements. Perfect shade of green, with the leather and cotton webbing contrast looking extra sharp. Shades of a vintage sports car with this color combo. A favorite.

 

Suitsupply Silk/Linen/Wool Green Check – $399

The key to wearing this thing and not looking like Uncle Leo on vacation in Boca Raton, is to keep the rest of the outfit dead simple. Jeans or navy chinos. Brown loafers. White shirt. Or? White chinos/jeans, light blue shirt, brown shoes. Suitsupply’s styling here (as long as you feel like you’re good with the washed out jeans look) is spot on. And the Silk/Linen/Wool blend is real tempting for the warmer temps. The combination of blue and green checks on a neutral background should do great in the summer.

 

Filson Original Briefcase in Otter Green – $265.00

Made in the USA. A total classic. Most guys will favor the navy or tan options, but the Otter Green, while more casual, has been a companion to many. Tough to find on sale, unless you catch a site wide code or something at Brooks Brothers?

 

Banana Republic Silk/Linen V-Neck Sweater – $69.50

The strength of silk mixed with the texture and breathe-ability of linen via a 55% silk / 45% linen blend. A brighter shade, but leaning more towards the cool side instead of the warm tones. Goes on sale a ton.

 

Citizen Field Chrono – $176.25 | Citizen Field Canvas – $123.75

Sure it’s their bands that are green (the dials are black), but one glance and you know these things are built for the outdoors. Powered by light, plenty of looks and water resistant to 100m. Checks all the boxes for a field watch. Chrono is 41mm while the standard field watch is 37mm in diameter.

 

Ralph Lauren O-Ring Suede Belt in “Bosco” – $29.99 ($89.50)

Started at almost ninety bucks in the fall. Went on sale in late fall. Continued to fall in price and they’re still kicking around at thirty bucks on clearance. Quality? Not half bad for thirty bucks (got one of the brown options myself). And that green shade should go with both brown AND black footwear. So it’s unusual, but still useful.

 

J. Crew Shawl Collar in “Forest Shadow” – $129.99 FINAL w/ SPRINGSALE

Debuted back in the fall and seemed to be an instant hit. Meanwhile, if you’re the type to break out the green velvet shawl collar on St. Patrick’s day? Then my green felt top-hat is tipped to you sir. Much more appropriate around the holidays, and a smartly done pivot by the J. Crew design team. Nothing wrong with a classic navy shawl collar, but the velvet looks great in this deep forest green.

 

Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chrono w/ “Autumn Green” strap – $199

One of the best looking chronographs on the market. It’s a quartz with a mineral glass, but it has all the looks you could want for under two hundred bucks. Slightly domed glass, terrific hands, and the classically styled font is oddly rare in today’s watch market. Powered by a Miyota Japanese Quartz Movement. Sells for $199 via Huckberry.

Have a safe St. Patrick’s Day, and remember, Guinness trumps lite beer that’s been greened up with food coloring every single time.