By Elle Brec
Fashion is our only true pallet of expression that we can convey a picture of who we are and how we feel to the world around us. The warm days of summer have given way to fabulous fall colors and textures that will provide function and warmth to our late season rounds. It is said that fall is the finest time to enjoy the game, though we may be short on daylight, there is no shortage of magnificent picturesque places to play around New England with far less crowds and great rates.
The fall lines from many golf apparel companies have given us a fresh new look at style for the season. Great new button up sweaters and wonderfully styled headwear from Ian Poulter and Callaway are turning back the clock on golf fashion, and I love it. Traditional styles in classic fabrics mixed with the best innovation has given us a look at days gone by, but with better performance and much more daring color.
While we are at the doorstep of what next for spring lets not forget the moment. Golf is a great social game a place where we can play and be ourselves in what we wear and how we feel. Enjoy the season and dress and feel the part of your own game.
As senses reveal the faint smell of wood burning, apple cider, pumpkin pie, autumnal hues of red, orange, yellow, and brown, the excitement of upcoming holidays is approaching. Here is a glimpse into the fall 2010 golf season, what is hot right now. If someone you know is still wearing that old cotton polo shirt, upgrade them for the holidays. Be prepared for spring 2011 with this preview of dazzling looks to come. Enjoy my new feature about color, style, and expression in golf and in life. It is just the beginning of much more to come.
Etonic introduces a new Stabilizer golf shoe for 2011 that features an athletic-inspired design
and the latest advancements in footwear technology which results in superior levels of comfort and performance. The new Stabilizer is 20 percent lighter, 40 percent cooler and 110 percent more comfortable.
The Stabilizer is lined with Outlast, a NASA-engineered material that reduces heat and moisture inside the shoe by more than 40 percent and keeps the foot extraordinarily cool, dry and comfortable, even in the hottest weather conditions. The upper is made of performance microfiber material that reduces weight by 20 percent while providing a soft and supportive fit that does not lose its shape. The outsole features Etonic’s best-in-class PowerUp Technology™ Outsole System which provides superior traction, flexibility and stability.
Its six components include Etonic’s proprietary PowerSpike™, Inside-Out Spike placement™, PowerPod™, Dynamic Reaction Plate™, PowerPlay Flex Zone™ and Stabilizer Heel Technology™, which all work together with the foot’s natural anatomy to maximize traction, flexibility and stability to improve balance while maximizing power transfer to the ball.
Etonic Shoes was founded in 1876 by Charles Eaton and headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, to view their entire line visit www.etonic.com.
IJP Design is obsessive about performance and precision, you only have to watch Ian on the fairway to know it is no surprise that IJP incorporates the very latest in fabric technology into all apparel designs. Innovations are about maximizing on how the garment looks, feels and moves. IJP is focused on fusing functionality with fashion.
Short sleeve shirts are comprised of mercerized cotton, a strong high luster yarn of the finest quality that is soft to the touch. The Cool max superior moisture management technology allows the apparel to dry faster than other competitive fabrics and reduces skin temperature, making it perfect to wear underneath a sweater on a picturesque fall day. The material surpasses competitive fabrics in comfort index rating as well as meets the highest
Invista standard performance certification.
Another fabric offered by IJP Design is the specialty knitting Otnydry, a revolutionary high performance technical fabric. Quickly removes perspiration and reduces odors. It has high breathability and heat dispersion capabilities making it healthy and clean with long lasting freshness – wash after wash. Environmentally friendly and cool wearing comfort, what more could you want.
All IJP designs meet the highest standards in quality assurance. The sweater photographed in black is made of 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool with four metal buttons with the IJP logo. At first thought, high quality wool has to be dry-cleaned however this wool is machine 
washable and crease resistant. It is extremely soft to the touch and also has a reduced impact on the environment.
All IJP belts are made of genuine, natural leather of the finest quality and are guaranteed long lasting. IJP Limited Edition with the Quintessentially British logo featured in this hat and shirt. Ian’s unique style makes him standout not only on the fairways but in the fashion world as well. All IJP Design tartan’s are licensed under the Scottish Tartan Authority. View the entire Spring 2011 line at www.ianpoulterdesign.com 
As the Ryder Cup event is in our recent memories, let’s examine the differences between American and European fashion. Americans enjoy being comfortable at all times. Europeans enjoy looking extremely fashionable at all times. Thankfully we have come to a point in history where both goals can be achieved at the same time.
Antigua showcases the athletic look that is most popular in the United States where the fitted look is more popular amongst Europeans. Versitile colors for Fall, Spring, or whether you destination golf in between, oranges, plums, and blues are always safe colors to go with. They are great for New England in the fall, perhaps with a fleece or sweater over it, or if you are planning on traveling to a warmer climate, such as Florida or Arizona, it is a great garment for travel. Antigua is based out of Arizona and knows how to dress for that climate.
Polyester and spandex mixture, Antigua’s Phoenix Men’s Desert Dry moisture
management pointelle short sleeve polo with a gradient pattern, three buttons, a flat knit collar, open sleeves and a signature Antigua branding on the right sleeve. Shown here in Mango.
Available just in time for the holiday travel season is the Expert Short It is made of equal composition of cotton and polyester with the signature Desert Dry™ moisture management woven yarn dye. This plaid short with self-fabric waistband and belt loops, front and back pockets, hidden tee pocket in back and lower leg scorecard pocket. Shown here in Birch with multi colored stripes also available in black and brown, both with multi stripes.
Antigua’s Frost is a polyester brushed back jersey polar fleece with Antech® anti-pill long sleeve pull over with zip placket, elastic binding at cuff and collar, cover stitch details, side zip pockets and adjustable bungee double toggle bottom. Antigua square embroidery patch on right sleeve Shown in silver.
To see the entire Spring 2011 line, view their e-catalog at www.antigua.com/Flip/GolfSpring
Antigua’s Keen polo is one of the most comfortable golf shirts available to women. Made of polyester Desert Dry™ Xtra-Lite D2XL moisture management pointelle. The half sleeve is a perfect length with just enough fabric to keep warmer on cool days, while keeping cool if the mid-day sun becomes very hot. It is a function and fashion blend with contrast self fabric detail at tab cuff and placket with 5-button top-set placket, self collar, forward shoulder and side slits to make it easy to keep tucked in. Of course with their signature Antigua branding on the back yoke, underneath the collar.
Ritzy reversible vest is made of a polyester water resistant woven heat transfer fabric with all-over embossed poly interlock knit inside and is perfect for cool autumn days. If the sun gets too hot it can always be taken off, or if the air remains crisp throughout the day the golfer will remain comfortable. Side welt hand pockets and inside left chest pocket for added convenience. Antigua logo. Shown here in scarlet and birch.
Core Skort is polyester and spandex Desert Dry™ moisture management stretch woven satin twill skort with poly/spandex woven undershort, front hand pockets and front panel slits for ease of movement. Back welt pocket.
Glove It
The Glove It 2011 Signature Collection higher-end line features rich tonal colors available in three prints, Obsidian, all black collection is dimensional with three different textures detailed with silver metal studs. The Platinum collection with embroidered crystal detail for added sparkle. The Mixed Metals, multi-tonal collection includes bronze, taupe, silver, and a hint of gold that creates a neutral shimmer.
Glove It debuted seven new patterns for Spring 2011: Riviera, colorful navy, pink and
green paisley with bright gingham; Purple Herringbone, metallic deep purple herringbone paired with a jewel amethyst solid; Linen Luster, light Khaki and silver damask print with a shimmering linen colored crocodile; Limoncello Plaid, red, pink and yellow plaid; Aqua Argyle, aqua, blue, white and yellow argyle; Zig Zag, asymmetrical black white and yellow zig zag and polka dot; Tribal, detailed tribal print with corals, browns, gold and hints of green, blue and purple.
Glove It, based out of Tempe, Arizona, is the leading manufacturer of women’s fashion golf accessories. available in the full line of accessories which includes glove with matching pouch, visor, cap, accessory bag, tote bag, water bottle cover, belt combination, club covers, shoe bag and towel.
Cabretta leather is the only way to go, it is the softest leather there is. Glove It gloves are extremely comfortable and especially made for a women’s hand. Normally it is recommended to always try gloves on before you buy them, but this glove is highly recommended and can be found on www.gloveit.com.
Callaway Men
Callaway is known for their cutting edge technology as they need to meet the demands of the best players in the world. For a classy look on the fairway or around the resort, pair khaki pants and a slate blue shirt with brown accessories. This look is multi-seasonal and is a combination of looking great along with flexibility and comfort for the best performance. Men’s Callaway flat front polyester microfiber twill pant with tonal chevron above back right pocket. Made from a water resistant material, it has moisture wicking capabities, a stretch waist, and maintains the classic style for golf. The short sleeve micro-stripe polo is has anti-microbial technology. Along with moisture wicking technology this polo has an embossed Chevron overlay and branding on the sleeve.
Callaway Footwear is one of the best with their commitment to research and development
of their products. Their Xtra Traction Technology offers excellent traction and performance throughout the round, whether you’re standing on grass, dirt or sand. The 9-spike configuration provides the most stable and slip-resistant traction technology in any golf shoe and the Dynamic Cleat Technology Patented feature that allows the cleat to flex and shock absorb with every step a golfer takes.
Callaway’s Comfort Technology provides three levels of premium comfort on the ball of your foot, the heel area, and the surface area of the tongue to reduce lace pressure.
Xtra Width Technology provides players with the ability to adjust and customize fit from medium to wide. Callaway Golf’s proprietary DrySport moisture management and RainSport waterproof technologies provide golfers the ultimate in comfort and dryness. Moisture-wicking linings and breathable waterproof systems are engineered into every Callaway Golf shoe. View the entire Callaway collection at www.Shop.CallawayGolf.com
Callaway Women
Women’s Golf Shirt moisture wicking anti-microbial fabric is multi-dimensional as it can be wore as a layer in the New England Fall and Spring weather or, by itself if you are planning on traveling this winter. Callaway fabrics dry extremely quickly and do not allow moisture to remain on your skin. There is nothing worse perspiring as the game gets intense or sun becomes warm, and then a cold front moves in out of nowhere and sends chills through you. The plaited Pima cotton piped cotton and polyester blend polo silver has heat transfer technology that allows skin to remain comfortable. Callaway apparel allow for maximum performance as featured here in black with red stripes, power colors for all seasons as Tiger has proved.
With a red skirt by Callaway, you can be ready for the fairway, clubhouse, or restaurant, as
it is a classic golf look while being versatile enough for off the links. Their shoes are fashionable and functionable, although it is recommended to always wear socks.
Another great feature of the apparel is the SPF 15+ protection to protect against sunburns when traveling to resorts during the winter months. Chances are sunscreen will be applied to areas exposed to the sun and not to the areas not exposed. SPF is also a great feature for Spring as skin is more likely to burn as it is not protected with it’s summer tan.
Callaway women’s Spring 2011 is flirty and classy with a progressive edge, to view the line visit www.CallawayGolf.com
Birdy & Grace
The Birdy & Grace Eden air polo shown here in navy blue is one of most innovative pieces on the market yet. Made of a blend of fabrics, it is perfect for fall days as it absorbs the warmth of the sun with mesh underneath the arm to allow for breathability. Paired with the butter and navy dot print knit skirt makes is perfect to wear on a warm fall day. The great feature of this knit skirt is it is versatile and not limited to the golf course only.
They also have an Adam and Eve Line with a tan sweater with black lace and other pieces that finally are comfortable and fashionable at the same time. Their Spring 2011 are inspired by Monaco is in the southwestern Europe it is so fitting the line is comprised of hues of corals, golds, aquas, and bright blues reminiscent of the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sharon Sunoo had a dream of finding a golf outfit that not only respected the country club dress code while fashionable, figure flattering, and would allow enough room to swing a club. After countless hours looking through pro shops, boutiques, and online stores, she realized that such an outfit did not exist for her.
To fill this void, she created Birdy & Grace with partner and designer Teress Stephens, to create a line made for women by women who care about the way they look on and off the golf course. Inspired by lifestyle, need for detail, and love for the classic look with a rebellious edge, designs are trend conscious without being too trendy. It is apparent there is a focus is on functionality while maintaining a flattering fit, use of the best fabrics, and superior pocket placement. Their goal is not to make disposable golf wear, but to have pieces that are easily incorporated into a women’s wardrobe.
Birdy & Grace is based out of Greenwich, Connecticut and is available at golf course such as Stanwich Country Club, Greenwich, Tamarack Country Club, Greenwich CC of Waterbury, Waterbury, Fairview CC, Greenwich, Innis Arden Golf Club, Greenwich, Rockrimmon CC, Stamford, Stanwich Country Club, Greenwich, Tamarack Country Club, Greenwich. It is available in two Massachusetts locations, Pocasset GC, Pocasset and Swing with Style, Danvers.
Rain On / Sun Mountain
Are You All Wet?
By Elle Brec
During our Fall Fashion Inspiration shoot at golf courses throughout New England over the last few weeks we were in the unique position in that we had the same Sun Mountain gear as the U.S. Ryder Cup Team in Wales. As there was a fashion faux pas at the Ryder Cup, we thought we had better test the gear to see what the malfunction was. And just as the European team raised the trophy on October 3rd the skies opened in New England for three days of torrential rain to accommodate our staff.
There are a number of technologies used in the design of golf rain gear. Many factors come into to play when playing in the rain and
especially when the rain is wind driven. For a garment to truly function at the highest level of performance with today professionals it must be comfortable, breathable, waterproof, warm and in many cases quiet. The final test is always how you feel and how did the garment perform.
For us we had an opportunity to play golf in driving rain wearing the Sun Mountain Rain Flex gear with no measurable failure rate. To take the test one step further we enlisted the help of one of our delivery staff who was in and out of the truck over 200 times in heavy rain the next day. Though his seat in the truck was soaked he was dry. So just to get crazy we actually went to the garden hose test, which I am sure is not recommended by any manufacture. So lets talk failure rate, turns out, there was none.
Our Take: Sun Mountain keeps golfers absolutely dry even in the most severe conditions. The technology allows for breathability so golfers moisture does not accumulate from within, golfers stay dry. On the outside, the raingear repeals the rain droplets. What it does not repel it absorbs into the fabric making it a bit wet. Turns out the jacket becomes just a little heavier but it is worth it to have a jacket that keeps you dry and warm in cool conditions inside and out.
Golf Fashion Forward is a new section of New England Golf Monthly with complete coverage each month of golf fashion, style & design. In the issues ahead I will cover all the newest trends in the game and hoe look, feel and play your best. To suggest a feature contact ellebrec@gmail.com
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