A friend recently tipped me off to the needlepoint accessories purveyor Smathers & Branson. The company is basically a southern interpretation of Vineyard Vines. The “collegiate” offerings are either SEC, ACC or Southern-based schools and the first image on the press page is G. H. W. Bush. It doesn’t get more Southern Trad than that. The collection is a little too preppy for me, but it is perfect for the Garden & Gun types of the world. The company does make custom belts which I think is the best route to go with these types of things. Makes you a little less fratty. I was going to joke that they should extend the line to include Beer Koozies, then I saw that Smathers & Branson already makes them. Hilarious. I suppose that still leaves Chevrolet Suburbans, visors and Croakies.
Not to beat a dead horse – – Earlier on the Gant post I mentioned how sad it was that Gant contracted with off shore vendors to make their “American” shirts.
These belts are made in Vietnam. And they are not the highest quality you’ll find. For that, go to:
1. Your Girlfriend/Wife.
2. J. McLaughlin. You’ll pay a bit more but the quality is there. Better than my girlfriend actually.
WHAT!??!?! THOSE MCLAUGHLIN ONES ARE TERRIBLY MADE! THEY ARE FALLING APART AND MADE IN CHINA BY A MACHINE.