Plaid Men

After Six formal jacket and taffeta bow tie & Palm Beach madras patchwork (in)formal suit –from GQ magazine, 1973

With summer in full swing I thought I had to do a brief post on on of my favorite fabrics: Madras.

Actually, what really inspired this post is that my two oldest nieces are heading off to school in a month and are in the process of getting ready. As this is their first time away from home and the school will supply all necessary furnishings, the one design element that they really bring to the table is bedding. I remember going through this same process so many moons ago.

The pickins' were slim in 1992- but I knew exactly what I wanted. Laura Ashley was big then, especially where I grew up as it was on of the only stores that sold bedding in town, and I had always loved this Bramble pattern:

I can't remember if I bought the duvet cover or quilt, but whatever it was, it was lined in this pattern:

With the exception of my brothers Marimekko cars and trucks bedding, we grew up on a household with mainly white sheets. I did not venture out when I went away, and instead went with the old standby:

Traditional scalloped sheets, in blue, from Schweitzer Linens, here.

Now, for the girls, there are a million options our there. While I have not done a thorough search, I have loved this patchwork madras pattern from Pottery Barn kids since it came out a while back.

Patchwork Madras can be so overdone, or even just a little off, but this pattern is spot on. The colors work and it is fun and fresh and could be mixed with any number of patterned sheets to femme it up. If Pierce were older I would not hesitate to buy this quilt for his room and maybe even the curtains, with a few extra to make a slipcover for his club chair, and perhaps a slipcovered headboard and bedskirt. Actually, that would look great with an all white bed, just like mom used to make...

Here a few more of my favorites out there right now:

This is a good time of year to buy madras as it is on sale everywhere. Like this smart sport coat from J.Press, 40% off for $297, here.

You have got to love a company that still refers to pants as 'trousers'. And speaking of trousers...

I bought 'party pants' for Jack in this pattern a few years ago at Bahle's in Suttons Bay.

A sampling of Bahle's shorts, available here.

While I think patchwork madras can get a little preppy-centric, Brooks Brother's does it right with their version:

Clarke Plain-front Patchwork Madras Pants, $70.80 on sale here. (They have about three different seemingly identical styles in this pattern- I would suggest buying them all and keeping the one that fits best.)

Either way, Jack will definitely sport his plaid whenever Pierce dons this darling little number:

Look at all of that luscious hair.

Bella Bliss Shortall, $52 here.

But the boys don't get to have all the fun. While I have not found my dress or skirt to match Jack and Pierce, my cousin was sporting this dress a few weeks ago and I loved it...

Vineyard Vines Harbor Madras Shift Dress, here for details (though I was having a little bit of trouble with the website...)

And this cute versions for your mini-me:

Girl's Harbor Madras Tiki Dress.

I am a true believer in matching outfits with your childrens, in case you couldn't tell.

And if you are still hungry for more, check out this source for all things madras at... Just Madras.

I especially like the ice bucket, as you know I take my vino blanco on the rocks.

Okay, time to get to work

Xox,

Jenny