Last week, we were excited to launch our updated website.  However, that’s not the only thing that we were excited about at Jack Donnelly.  We are proud to introduce the newest addition to our khaki pants line, the British Khaki.  There is a rich heritage behind the British Khaki color that we thought was essential to include in our line.

Khakis were made popular in part by the British and US Army.  It was the British, however, that first introduced the khaki color most similar to what we cherish now.  The khaki color was originally used to create uniformity between the British Indian Corps of Guides in 1846.  Uniforms were died in mulberry juice, which gave the cloth the yellowish shade we wear today.

As you can see, there is a rich history behind the British Khaki color, as well as khaki pants in general.

Gregg Donnelly, owner and founder of Jack Donnelly, had this to say about the excitement surrounding the new British Khaki pants:

 It’s a great step for us – one for which we’re very excited.  It gives our customer more options and more ways to wear our khakis.  It’s a classic color and a must for anyone in the khaki game.  We want everything we put out to have a purpose and not just grow for growth’s sake.  With that said, this is just the beginning of new product launches.  We’re working on some awesome new seasonal fabrics and colors.

Memorial Days is coming up this month, and we couldn’t think of a better way of celebrating it other than sharing with you one of our favorite Timeless Champions of Khakis, John F. Kennedy.  The Memorial Day holiday has become a lot of things to a lot of people over the past decades.  Overall, it’s a time to honor the men and women who have died serving our country, and it also marks the beginning of summer.  JFK seemed like the perfect guy to feature this month because, of these two reasons.  He was not only our Commander in Chief, but an Officer in the NAVY and an avid fan of sailing.

The Kennedy family is the closest thing that we as Americans have ever had to royalty, and it is no secret that they spent their fair share of time sailing the coast.  John and Jackie spent a lot of their time on the water, while they enjoyed time away from D.C.  John’s classic Americana style has outlasted the decades and remains something that many men make their own today.  If you go through photos of the Kennedy family, you will see that many of them appreciated a good pair of khaki pants or khaki shorts, boat shoes, and sunglasses.

If you’re looking for a style upgrade this summer, take a few pointers from a man who set the bar decades ago.

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• Timeless Champions of Khakis: Steve McQueen(jackdonnellykhakis.com)

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(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At Jack Donnelly, we have the opportunity to deliver the best American made khakis to the world.  Everyday, we are hustling to make things run smoothly whether it be for customer service, new product launches, and more.  It’s great to take a break from our busy lives and put into perspective that life is precious, and that we can’t take a single second for granted.  We like to think that the guys who wear our khakis everyday are men of honor and courage; that they do the right thing, even when it’s not comfortable.  For this reason, we support the Pat Tillman Foundation with Pat’s Run.

The Pat Tillman foundation was created in 2004 in honor of Pat and his commitment to leadership.  As many of you know, Pat served on the battlefield in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, choosing to serve his country and put his NFL career on hold.  The foundation provides resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active service members and their spouses.

This upcoming weekend, we will be attending the 8th Annual Pat’s Run.  Technically, we will be running the Shadow Run in Atlanta.  Pat’s Run is based in Tempe, but the event has grown so much that through the help of the ASU Alumni Association, they have been able to have Pat’s Run Shadow Runs in cities across the country.  Pat’s example of courage, honor, and service continues to spread, and we are proud to support it.

If you plan on running in Pat’s Run, or in a participating Pat’s Run Shadow Run across the country, please post a picture on our Facebook page.

Motorcycle or automobile, it didn’t matter; Steve McQueen will always be famous for going full throttle in his vehicle of choice and arriving to his destination clean-cut, and well tailored.  In a new era where guys are beginning to care about how they present themselves again, Steve McQueen still stands out to this day as a fashion maven for men.  His masculine style influences gentlemen from every walk of life.

Whether you’re pushing trends with a denim shirt, or rocking a tailored pair of khakis like McQueen, take note of his style and make your own from it.  McQueen wasn’t badass by accident, and his style didn’t come to him from a magazine.  Just like the cars he drove, McQueen’s style was simple, clean, and to the point.  There was nothing overdone, or flashy about it.  When it comes to developing personal style, McQueen was able to show how easy it is by not trying too hard.

Whether you’re a guy wearing khaki shorts or khaki pants this spring, one style choice which is strongly suggested is to let your feet be free by kicking off your socks.  If you’ve ever seen a guy wearing socks with their boat shoes and shorts, it just looks a bit weird.  Many gentlemen like to wear a pair of loafers or lace-ups with their khakis to work too.  What matters most is that you stay comfortable when going sockless (that’s probably why the trend took off.)  It’s hard to stay comfortable if your shoes start smelling after the second or third time you go sockless.  In fact, you will probably feel more self conscious than anything.  So how are you supposed to feel comfortable and stylish without stinking up the place? Try a few of these tips to keep your shoes from smelling so that you can enjoy this spring and summer sockless.

• Wash Your Feet - If you’re going to solve a problem, start by trying to prevent it in the first place.  The reason why your shoes are smelling is because of the bacteria that grows on your feet when they sweat.  Wash your feet with antibacterial soap (with a washcloth) along the bottom of your foot, in between your toes, and around your toenails as well.  Don’t just run water over your dogs; scrub them.
• Switch Your Shoes Out - Give your favorite shoes a break and alternate through your collection.  Letting your shoes breath for a day or two before wearing them again will prevent bacteria build up.
• Use Cedar Wood Shoe Trees – Not only can you extend the life of your shoes by maintaining the shape, but you will also reduce the ability for damaging moisture build up.  Cedar shoe trees are essential for those of you who plan to wear shoes without socks.
• Wear Half Socks - Most of the moisture build up around your feet will occur towards the front with the toes.  If you feel unsure about your foot sweat, pick up a pack of half socks.  They cover the first half of your feet, but keep your ankles exposed so that your feet still feel free and you achieve the no sock look as well.

Don’t let your feet ruin a classic look, appropriate for weekends on the boat, weekdays in the board room, and nights out on the town.

What are your favorite shoes to wear without socks?

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• Pair the Perfect Boat Shoes with Your Khaki Shorts (jackdonnellykhakis.com)

Has the pollen count dramatically increased around where you live?  It looks as if these early spring days are promising some warm weather ahead, and that means it’s time to break out your khaki shorts.  Once the work day is over with, it’s time to find a fresh pair of shorts for the week night or weekend ahead.  Once you find your perfect pair of khaki shorts, it’s time to pick the right footwear.  A timeless classic, no matter where you live, is the boat shoe.  A quality pair of boat shoes and khaki shorts worn together is a great way to stay casual and comfortable in the spring and summertime.  Here are a few of our favorite boat shoes to wear:

Oak Street Bootmakers – Brown Boat Shoe - $252:  Handcrafted in America, these hand stitched boat shoes are based off of the classic look.  Whether you spending time on the dock, or walking from your loft to your favorite corner pub, your feet will thank you.

Quoddy – Boat Moc - $300:  Do you love the classic look of boat shoes, but want a modern twist?  The Quoddy Boat Moc’s might be the perfect pair of boat shoes for you.  These moccasin shoes feature a Vibram rubber sole, and are “made to order.”

Sperry Top-Sider – Cloud Logo Authentic Original 2- Eye Boat Shoe – $80:  This iconic boat shoe brand takes a modern leap with their Cloud line of boat shoes.  For a great looking and durable boat shoe, this is a great price point as well.

Whether you are looking for a classic, or a more fashion forward boat shoe to go with your khaki shorts this spring, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in them.

Photo via Flickr

A few months back, we were featured in John Briggs’ blog to accompany his upcoming book, Simply American.  The article is very flattering.  Briggs’ quest to find the best American made khakis finally lead him to Jack Donnelly.  If his site is any hint to how great his book will be when it’s published, then we are pretty excited about the day that it flies off of the bookshelves.  We reached out to Briggs last week to ask him a few questions about his book, the blog, and of course, khakis.

JD:  How did the idea for this book progress from a trip to buy a broom (I read the Crane blog) into sitting down and writing out pages to be published?

Briggs: I began to do lots of research on what firms were still making great products in this country that ordinary Americans can buy.  I started reaching out to American manufacturers and they were all very interested in getting their story out.  There were a few “Made in America” books out there, but not a book that focused solely on consumer goods.  So I figured, if the book I need isn’t out there, there may be a lot of people who want to buy American made consumer products, but they don’t have a book that helps them to do that.  So I figured I would try to write that book.

JD:  Have you noticed an increase in awareness for American made brands as you have been busy writing your book?

Briggs: Absolutely.  That has been one of the trends that has kept me so motivated to get the book written.  The importance of the ABC News series on Made in America that premiered last year can’t be over emphasized.  It seems as if I am reading about a new Made in America initiative every few days.  It is very exciting to see and I hope in a small way to help promote the awareness of buying American.

JD:  How far have you gone to buy American made products?

Briggs:  The product’s country of origin is now the first question I ask when shopping.  Thankfully, it is not very hard to buy products made by members of our extended American family if you know where to look.  Over the last year I have purchased shoes, socks, tools, yard equipment, housewares, shirts and lots of other products made in this country.  If you are in the market for all things Made in America, stop by my blog simply-american.net for a visit.

JD:  Do you have a favorite memory behind one specific product from when you were growing up?

Briggs:  My absolutely favorite memory from when I was growing up was riding my Schwinn Stingray bike.  I grew up in L.A. in the 1960s and my friends and I used to ride around all weekend on our Stingrays.

JD:  What makes you optimistic about the future of American made products?

Briggs:  First of all, Americans make world class products, be it cars, major appliances, clothing, shoes, kitchen goods or tools.  And Americans are increasingly understanding the importance of creating jobs for members of their extended American family by making American made goods their default purchase when shopping.  Every day I am reading articles about American consumers are asking for American made products from the stores where they shop every day.  Together, we can create hundreds of thousands of jobs in manufacturing just by substituting American goods for foreign goods when we go shopping.

JD:  What’s your favorite American look from head to toe (shoes, pants, shirt, watch?)

Briggs:  I am a fairly casual dresser, unless I am going to court; as a lawyer mind you, not as a defendant!  On the weekend, my shoes and belt are made by Allen Edmonds, my socks are woven by Wigwam, my khaki pants of course are Jack Donnelly, my polo is made by my friend Zac Painter who runs Loggerhead Apparel.  If I am going to court, same shoes and socks, but either Jack Donnelly  and a Nordstrom Made in America Blue Blazer or a Hart Schaffner Marx suit.  My dress shirts are White Dress Shirts made by my friend Jeff Fletcher in New York.  I have a bunch of American made ties.

JD:  How does it feel to finally have a pair of Made in America khakis?

Briggs:  It feels great.  My Jack Donnelly’s are soft, comfortable and easy to iron.  But the best part about them for me is knowing that they were made by Americans, Americans who put their care and expertise into making a great pair of Khakis that I enjoy wearing every time I put them on.  We need more American business people like Gregg Donnelly who are passionate about making great Khakis and making them right here in America.  Way to go Gregg!

Check out John Briggs’ Simply American blog to learn more about amazing products produced in America and about his upcoming book.  What’s your favorite American product?  Leave a comment!

It’s starting to look a little like spring time around Jack Donnelly headquarters and we can’t help but think about baseball and horse races.  If you’re like us, you plan on attending a few tailgates too.  Attending a tailgate is half of the sporting event, so you need to make sure you plan accordingly.  After you pick the perfect pair of khaki pants or shorts to wear, you need to pick the perfect cocktail to serve and share with your tailgate friends.  We have put together a list of three easy to make cocktails to bring along to your tailgate this spring.

The John Daly

Bust out the adult version of the Arnold Palmer with an easy to make John Daly.  Here’s what you need:

• 3 oz of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
• 3 oz of Simply Lemonade

Mint Julep

Off to the races! No horse race is complete without a traditional Mint Julep.  You can pre make a mint and simple syrup infusion, but there’s an easier tailgate method that is just as refreshing.

• 1 oz of simple syrup (homemade or store bought)
• 2 oz of bourbon (we suggest Buffalo Trace or Four Roses)
• 4 muddled mint leaves

Muddle mint leaves (bring a mixing glass), add the simple syrup, and a splash of water.  Then pour your bourbon of choice into a cup, add ice and garnish with a mint leaf.  If you want to look like a real pro, make a mint julep mixture 24 hours before the big event.

Ginger Ale and Bourbon

This southern classic is a hit across the country for all.  Add this drink to your repertoire.

• 1.5 oz of bourbon (We suggest Bulleit Bourbon… Bulleit Rye is a great alternative for a spicy flavor.)
• 2 oz of ginger ale

Stir the bourbon and ginger ale together and serve on the rocks.  If you want to spice it up a bit, follow Garden & Gun’s Spicy Ginger Soda and Bourbon recipe.  It takes a bit more work, but you can mix it together the night before the event.

These three easy to make cocktails for the tailgate will make you a hit with all of your friends.  Try them and let us know what you think by leaving a comment.  If you want to follow more of our tailgate tips, follow our Tailgate Board on Pinterest.

Photo via Flickr

Back Down South, a Southern fashion blog, just featured Jack Donnelly in one of their most recent posts.  The featured article highlighted Jay, our friend from Red Clay Soul, and his list of Southern favorites.

If you would like to read the rest of the featured article on Back Down South, click the image below.  Don’t forget to follow two of our favorite fashion friends from the South while you check out the article.