Southern Tide washes ashore for Brittons Beach Blast Party

Columbia, SC - This past Saturday Brittons of Columbia held a Beach Blast Party with Southern Tide. The fundraiser for ETV/ETV Radio was held at the store from 11am - 6 pm with food, beverages, prizes and giveaways.

Founded in 2006, Southern Tide is the brainchild of Allen Stephenson, a Greenville, SC native who came up with the idea for the company while studying abroad in Italy. According to the company's bio, Stephenson was inspired by the countries common threads - exceptional craftsmanship, clean lines, fine quality, and classic design - that he married with his southern upbringing and aesthetic, to create Southern Tide. The first item produced by the company was the men's Skipjack Polo. Using True-Vent Micro Pique™, it was Stephenson's desire to create a high-quality, well-designed and assembled polo.

And, as if needs to be said, he obviously succeeded in creating a product that consumers were drawn to. From the humble beginnings of one polo and using his parent's house as a warehouse, the company has expanded to select retailers in over 35 states and offers a complete line of menswear, select items for women including polo's, and various accessories. The company's attention to detail and quality as well as its blend of southern tradition and comfort with Italian style and quality are attributes consumers can appreciate.

Camille Wingate, Inside Sales Rep for Southern Tide

Lachlan Medley, Britton's college ambassador of Southern Tide, with Wingate

As the company bio boasts: "Our way may not be the most conventional, and may take a little longer, but we want our clothing to make you look and feel your best. Superior fit, classic design and comfort are key elements of our effortless style."

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I just came back from my first ever dog birthday party - true story. Everyone else seemed to get the memo to bring dog clothing as a gift, whereas I brought chew toys and dog treats; silly me, right? What's your take on dog clothes? Should I have gotten the birthday dog in question something to wear instead of something he'd enjoy?

Signed,

Doggy Clothing Curious

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Dear D.C.C.,

My personal opinion on dog clothing has varied over the years. On the one hand, you have an owner, excuse me, "pet companion", who loves their four-legged friend so much that they begin to regard them as "part of the family" or even as their "child" - and you wouldn't let your child run around naked would you? On the other (saner, heavier) hand, to see an animal in a tutu can be hilarious and absurd all-at-once. What really burns me up is seeing a pooch in clothing when it's already hot outside. Brings new meaning to the expression, "dog in heat".

Unfortunately, we may be on the loosing end of this debate D.C.C., but I can almost assure you that if you put a chew toy or treat in front of a dog next to a pile of clothing he's going to go for the treat. My suggestion is the next time you're invited to a dog's birthday bash to stick to your guns, break with the new canine convention, and give that dog what he really wants: a snack and a good scratch behind the ears. Call it non-progressive if you wish, but if I were a dog I'd appreciate your gift that much more than clothing, paws down. Just because dressing your dog has become de rigueur doesn't mean you have to conform to societies new barking orders.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com