Slice of Lifestyle: Fall Fashion

by Katharine Dyson

The Great Gridiron Escape

What to Do When Guy Golfers Settle In for Football? Go Deep Into the Shopping Zone

It’s that time of year again. Like clockwork, as fall rolls around, a strange rite of passage takes place combining high levels of testosterone with the sudden urge to do nothing except eat, drink and stare at the TV with your pals. It’s called gridiron fever. So what’s a woman to do while the guys slump on her sofa nibbling chips and peanuts? Shop? There’s an idea.

For the golfing woman, this is a good time to hit the sales, perhaps pick up a sharp new outfit for the cooler months on the course.  Or get a head start on the holidays and find something special for that man in your life.

For Him

Black is the new Black

Score a touchdown with the black on black diamond-textured sweater from Jack Nicklaus Apparel inspired by the Country Club of the Rockies ($85). Highlight it with a flash of bright lime green in the stripe Performance 18 jersey ($64). It comes in 100% polyester (Coolplus®) with wicking and UV protection. Pair it with a the 7-Wale Corduroy black slacks (85% polyester/15% nylon/$79) and he’s good to go. Want to really go over the top? Spring for the black microfleece  jacket ($89). So as far as his next gift, you are good to go. 800-598-0451

For that oh so la di dah British look, check out Cutter & Buck’s Hampstead collection with its rich argyles and plaids including apparel in tones of pale grey and Charcoal Heather along with selections in black and white ($115). We like the Expanded Argyle Zip Mock, a winner both on and off the course with its large-scale argyle pattern. www.cutterbuck.com
Bamboo fabric? Who would have guessed? Aureus for one. They have a bamboo tech fabric that does a great job in wicking moisture as well as providing SPF-15 protection. A mock neck sweater with a half zipper comes in six colors and drapes and feels like silk and cashmere but — three cheers — is only $69. Go bamboo. www.aureus-usa.com

Watch It

You’ll have a tough time choosing just one watch from the classy Bobby Jones collection. Kickoff with the very smart XH20 Men’s Chronograph watch with a blue urethane strap, mineral crystal and date indicato ($295) or the classic round mock croc strap watch ($150) with very readable numbers and a pretty detailed face. Mid-priced but very snazzy, the round aviator watch ($195) comes with an orange rim and strap or a red rim and black strap. And the sleek Ribbon Series watches are available in a number of color combinations. www.bobbyjonesshop.com

For You

On the course or for tailgating on a crisp fall day, Aureus has come through with a ribbed quarter zip sweater with a self-collar and a stretchable totally windproof lining. It makes total sense.   They call it their Breeze Blocker and it comes in five colors. ($84.95) It’s also available as a full-zip vest. ($74.95) www.aureus-usa.com

A classic, Tehama’s cotton/nylon v-neck baby cable, long-sleeved sweater is one you’ll wear over and over again and it keeps its shape so well thanks to a tad of spandex. It comes in black, red, white, mandarin, fuchsia, royal and turquoise — the red is a wow, guaranteed to get  you fired up. ($70) www.tehamainc.com

Cutter & Buck’s Plaza Collection — think the Big Apple’s Plaza Hotel in December— pairs a black and white color palette with a neutralized and blushed down pink. Take the Striped Sleeve Half Zip Sweater with a mock neck accented by a thick band of contrast along the sleeve and shoulder  ($88) or the Mosaic Quilt Vest in the trendy longer length featuring a “bricks” pattern with micro suede trim at collar and flap pockets ($125). Very hot.

Cool Ideas

Get a Grip

Golf Pride (the grip guys) has a very clever new pocket-like towel designed to keep your grips dry. It’s terry on the outside top, suede on the other side so that when you lay it on the grass with your grips inside, they don’t get wet.  I’ve tried it and it works. It clips right onto your bag. These make great gifts for your golfing pals.www.golfpride.com

SOK It To Me

The Etonic G>Sok glove fits, well, like a glove. It has a super soft Cabretta leather palm and index finger with a back constructed of Dri-Lite™ microfiber. It’s a winner ($14.99). Or for fall rain showers, pick up a pair of Etonic  G>SOK Rain Gloves. The wetter they get, the better they work ($20). Any serious golfer’s gotta have a pair.  www.etonic.com

Cool Off, Dry Off

The two-sided frogg toggs Chilly Pad™ all-in-one towel helps you dry off or cool down. It feels kinda strange, but it really works. It’s made from a hyper-evaporative material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch. When wet, the towel becomes cool. And guess what: it comes in several colors and is machine washable. (Keep it damp in a plastic zippy bag and it will stay soft for weeks (and not get yucky).  ($14.95)  www.froggtoggs.com

Another Cool Idea

It’s so light, you’ll forget it’s in your bag, but it works great on those days when the ground is wet and you want to keep your clubs dry. Invented by entrepreneur Dan Kozan,  “The Keeper” is a tough, skinny chromium stake with a vinyl handle and top bent into a “U” shape. You grab it with your clubs, walk to your ball, jam it into the ground and lean your sticks against the “U.” Works great. 561.302.6106

Stay Dry

Who can’t use a super umbrella that won’t self-destruct in the wind? Huddle up under a GustBuster® with its Raindrop-Shaped Wind Release Vents™ and double canopy. In addition to fullback-type colors, there is a pretty pink and white model for the ladies along with some whimsical prints. The Metro is especially useful as its sheath doubles as a backpack: sling it over your shoulder and you’re on your way down the field. www.gustbuster.com

Smoke Screen

Need we suggest a Cohiba Black Supremo cigar? Just an idea.

Nah. Bad idea. FG