My Blue Blazer

Preppy New Year

2010-01-01T16:32:00.008-05:00

We enjoyed a low-key New Years Eve in the apartment, ordering Chinese food and watching Kill Bill, Vol. 1, then getting to bed early. Must be a sign of old age approaching (I'll be 30 this year). So, anyway, I like Tarantino's ironic sense of humor, giving us characters like Gogo Yubari, the ninja in a preppy schoolgirl uniform. WARNING: This is the bloodiest movie you will ever see.

Winter

2009-12-21T18:29:00.006-05:00

Hermione and Ron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

One of the reasons I like the Harry Potter books and movies is the realistic portrayal of privileged boarding school students struggling with normal adolescent issues (in addition to magical problems). Based on my experience, I think J.K. Rowling makes a good point: The advantages of wealth and power do not eliminate all of life's challenges. Still, a magic wand or pile of gold comes in handy.

Happy holidays everyone, and enjoy the snow!

Duffle Coats

2009-12-24T18:02:00.012-05:00

Everyone knows I'm into duffle coats. They are just so damn preppy! I wear mine at work and play, in the city and the country. The duffle coat is a basic part of my winter dress code.

I've been wearing duffle coats since around 8th grade. My first was a Brooks Brothers hand-me-down (from my brother) like the one pictured here. When I outgrew it, I got a new Gloverall duffle coat, camel with horn and leather toggles. I'm still wearing it after twelve years and the coat is practically as good as new. That's quality!

A few years ago I found a navy blue duffle coat at Banana Republic. It was marked down 60%, so I couldn't resist buying it. This duffle, like my old Gloverall, is a traditional 3/4 length mostly-wool coat with plaid lining. It has wood and jute toggles and a "bucket" hood, bigger than my Gloverall "pancake" hood, good for me because I wear the hood a lot.

Some duffle coats (like the ones from Brooks) have a zipper in addition to the customary toggles. I've come to believe that the zipper is superfluous, that it detracts from the classic design of a duffle coat. I just don't get it. Why foul things up with a zipper? I can fasten three or four toggles in cold weather just as easily as I can close a zipper. If I wanted modern technology I'd wear a Gore-Tex parka with a special pocket for my iPhone.

Preppy Chic

2009-01-25T11:39:00.003-05:00

French designer Vicomte Arthur puts a modern spin on classic preppy style. The result is an exciting line of clothing for a new generation of preppies. The bright colors and body-hugging cut of these clothes isn't for everyone, but Vicomte Arthur will appeal to physically fit young preps with a cosmopolitan sensibility.

I was drawn into Vicomte Arthur's boutique in Palm Beach the moment I saw it. What impressed me the most was the quality of their polo shirts. The cut and quality of the fabric is really good, and I love the VA logo on the arm.

Note to self: Bring fishing rod on next trip to Paris.

Popped collars are common in France, more so than in America. When I pop my collar it makes me feel so continental.

VA shirts have contrasting collar and cuffs. The reverse side of the collar may be accented with striped fabric or text. Such nice details deserve to be shown off. These collars are made to pop!

Great Expectations

2009-12-18T18:20:00.000-05:00

Ezra Koenig and Santigold on this month's cover of Paste magazine

Polo Golf: The Next Generation

2009-12-15T14:13:00.009-05:00

Davis Love III has been Polo's #1 client on the PGA Tour for many years, and who can argue with that? He's a great golfer and is regarded as one of the most likable players on tour. Plus, he has WASPy Polo model looks and a Roman numeral to boot. But Davis is now in his mid-40s and Polo needs a younger face in the PGA.

Ralph Lauren appeared to be grooming Jamie Lovemark for the position. The former USC star and number one ranked amateur was affiliated with Polo RLX for two years and it looked like a good fit. But Lovemark announced a new endorsement deal with Nike when he turned pro in July. This seems like a loss for Polo. Anyway, I was hoping to see more of the lean blond from Southern California wearing a big pony and popped collar, as he's pictured here.

Groundskeeper

2009-12-07T20:00:00.005-05:00

One day, I'd like to own a large estate with servants including a groundskeeper who looks like this. Cute, isn't he? Not preppy, but groundskeepers don't need to be. I think there is something quite charming about this woodsy outfit from Creep by Hiroshi Awai.

Nordic Sweaters

2009-12-09T14:01:00.014-05:00

Add to my Christmas Wish List:

Nordic style sweater from Polo Ralph Lauren. This is the kind of sweater that could last a lifetime. A special one-season sweater, hand-made, expensive, festive, fun, ever-so-preppy.

The Luxury Intarsia-Knit Sweater (above, center) is one of my favorites. I like the model's outfit: drop the skis, throw on a duffle coat or down jacket, and you're ready to go out onto the Xmas party circuit.

The Hand-Knit Wool Zip Sweater (right) is another favorite. This cardigan with reindeer on the front and back has a nice tonal quality.

The Hand-Knit Wool Toggle Sweater (below) is my very favorite. I like the bold Faire Isle pattern and interesting collar. Quintessential Polo!

Dressing The Boyfriend

2009-09-24T17:12:00.049-04:00

If he's not preppy, I'm not interested.

I used that litmus test over and over again when I was single and dating. I never would have met my long-term boyfriend, Ben, if his Craigslist personal ad didn't include that most important keyword: preppy.

When we met, Ben was a 22-year-old from California who described himself as preppy. But he was only grasping for the concept of prep style. He shopped at Abercrombie, Old Navy, and Hollister (not my idea of preppy). He wore baseball caps backwards. He popped his collar. He wore flip flops a lot. He owned a blue blazer. As my real estate broker might say, Ben was a fixer-upper with potential.

Fortunately our personalities clicked. Ben admired my taste in clothing and was willing for me to help him dress better. I'm a bit of a control freak, so I suggested that Ben let me decide what he should wear on a daily basis. Ben tends to be passive and I wasn't surprised when he agreed.

Given a green light, I jumped into action. I wanted to dump Ben's entire wardrobe right away and start from scratch, but our budget necessitated upgrading a little at a time. I had to prioritize. My first task was to eliminate the baggy and frayed clothes Ben liked to wear after work and on weekends. I wanted him dressed neatly at all times. All of Ben's cargo shorts, blue jeans, and oversized shirts went to Goodwill. I replaced them with Bermuda shorts, chinos, fitted polo shirts and Oxford cloth button downs. I also got Ben a pair of penny loafers. That was a good start.

After four years, most of Ben's old clothes are gone. I continue to upgrade Ben's wardrobe and, in general, he's cooperative and appreciates my guidance. It is interesting to observe Ben's reaction the moment he opens a package I've brought him from the store. A cheerful expression is most gratifying for me. When his expression is doubtful I am satisfied knowing that I'm pushing Ben's boundaries; it means we're making progress. Occasionally, Ben resists one of my ideas (pink Oxford cloth shorts, for example) but I always manage to coax him along.

Ben's new wardrobe is ultra preppy, like mine. At this point I think Ben could choose his own clothes, but I like dressing him up and I plan to continue doing it. To be honest, this is not only for Ben but also for myself. What he wears reflects on me. A well dressed boyfriend is the best fashion accessory.

Christmas Wish List

2009-12-01T00:17:00.006-05:00

I like giving and receiving Christmas presents. The problem is that I never know what other people want for Christmas, and vice versa. My family sidesteps the problem with Christmas Wish Lists. The arrangement works for us, I think, because we all understand these are suggestions, not demands. I find that making a long list helps maintain the element of surprise because I only get a few presents each year. Here is my list for 2009:

Tag Heuer chronograph

If you have to ask how much, you can't afford it. I don't expect to get one of these, but you never know. My parents have surprised me with extravagant gifts a few times and it could happen again. I'm not holding my breath.

Shetland Sweater

The Andover Shop has these great crew-neck sweaters knit in Scotland, plain or cable knit. I already have one of these and it is better than the common imitations made in Sri Lanka or wherever. You get what you pay for.

All Clad Saute Pan

Martha Stewart says I need one. Enough said.

Braces

I have my eye on these Latigo Leather Suspenders from Orvis. But to tell the truth, I'd be grateful for any good leather or silk braces (traditional patterns only, please). I regret that many clothiers stopped selling braces after the 2000 dot com crash.

Hip Flask

I would prefer one in pewter (silver is too fussy) with an interesting design or monogram. I'm not crazy about stainless or leather-covered flasks. Does not need to be a large vessel, it's for sippin' whisky.

Realm Goggles

Gift or not, I am going to get these googles soon. Made by Anon for Burton, the 'Realm' model is available in a wide range of frame colors/graphics and several lens options. I like this combination of the Apocolypto frame with Green Solex lens.

Country Club Camel Hair Stripe Gloves

These luxurious gloves from Brooks Brothers are part of a matching set which also includes cap and scarf, sold separately. Obviously not for snowboarding. Ice skating, maybe.

Long-Sleeved Polo

The perfect polo shirt for winter. Ralph Lauren calls this color Nutmeg Brown Heather. I could use one.

Binoculars

I want high magnification optics in a rubberized/waterproof case, like the Nikon Monarch 10x36 binoculars shown here. Brunton is another company that makes binoculars I like.

Tartan Bow Tie

Brooks Brothers is now offering bow ties in a variety of Tartans. I'd love to find the Farquharson in my stocking on Christmas morning. Or surprise me with one of the other patterns.

Riding Crop

Giddy-up, pony!

Porsche Cayman

My dream car. Santa Claus, you're my only hope. I've been a really good boy this year. Seriously!

Casual Friday

2009-11-27T00:04:00.000-05:00

Mad Men

2009-11-16T12:21:00.005-05:00

Mad Men wrapped its season last week, so I had nothing to watch on TV yesterday except the Colts-Patriots game (and that ended badly).

I had to laugh at this scene: the Princeton dope connection. Marijuana leads to former college chums fighting over glee club politics. Naturally.

Ezra

2009-11-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

Moto Preppie

2009-11-11T14:10:00.006-05:00

Motorcycles are not particularly preppy (well, maybe BMWs are) but scooters are different, especially Vespas. Many a fratboy can tell you these nimble motorbikes are perfect for cruising the campus in style. Oh, and what style! Vespa is practically synonymous with panache. But the word literally means Wasp. Perfect.

What is the preppy biker to wear? A blue blazer, khakis and helmet would work. But why not have a little fun stretching the boundaries of prep style? I like Visvim designer Hiroki Nakamura's idea:

Taking the rough aesthetic of a riders jacket and purposefully combining it with a more refined 100% cashmere sweater with high gauge knitting, and layering a shirt tailored in France that is endorsed by Nakamura as the world's best. Matching a masculine outerwear piece with a sophisticated inner layer that is constructed using premium materials is the Visvim way.

Vampire Weekend

2009-05-21T08:22:00.004-04:00

I started listening to indie band Vampire Weekend after noticing their preppy (and adorable) frontman Ezra Koenig on MTV. The whole band has a preppy look, not terribly surprising for a group formed at Columbia University.

Here is a video of Vampire Weekend performing their song "A-Punk" at the 2008 Woodie Awards, "the only award show 100 percent voted on by college students" according to MTV.

Vampire Weekend - New Music - More Music Videos

Summer Shower

2009-08-02T01:35:00.005-04:00

Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend at the All Points West Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City on Friday

Preppy Prisoner

2009-10-23T06:00:00.005-04:00

Punished for defying Lord Voldemort. Happy Halloween!

Sea and Sand

2009-11-01T13:16:00.000-05:00

Caps

2009-06-05T11:10:00.026-04:00

I have an assortment of baseball caps and knit caps, but my favorite type of cap is the flat cap, sometimes called driving cap or newsboy cap. I am now in the market for cotton driving caps for summer. Brooks Brothers has a good selection on their website, but I always go to the store to make sure I get a good fit.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-27T20:42:00.004-04:00

I went shopping for eyeglasses recently and learned about a new line, Geek Eyewear, specializing in classic styles often associated with nerds, geeks, and of course preppies. The frames are solid and attractive, but this is not a high end product and the prices are reasonable, especially if you shop around. According to the company website the frames are acetate (not plastic) and come with optical quality clear lenses. Geek Eyewear may be fitted with prescription lenses, but the market for these glasses obviously includes people with 20/20 vision looking for a geeky/preppy fashion accessory or something to wear on Halloween.

Anglophilia

2009-10-18T02:03:00.002-04:00

From E. Tautz's Autumn/Winter 09 Collection

Boot Up

2009-10-13T21:25:00.004-04:00

We're getting into the cold wet time of year, and that means time to boot up!

Ralph Lauren is famous for blending all kinds of classic American styles, from Ivy League to The Wild Ones, giving us fashions that are unmistakably preppy if not exactly traditional. Take for instance this edgy look featuring black combat-style boots and a matching lambswool crew neck, a tartan plaid shirt with denim jeans tucked into thick black socks. I'm thinking "urban lumberjack," or something like that.

How do you pull off this look? I mean, most preppy guys don't run around in boots like this, and some people may jump to the conclusion that you have a leather fetish. Don't sweat it. If you like this look (and I sure do) all you need is the right attitude. If you are self-confident, maybe even a little cocky, dressing like one of Ralph Lauren's booted models is no problem at all.

Murray Mania

2009-07-01T19:35:00.004-04:00

Andy Murray is exciting the tennis world and giving Britain hope for it's first men's singles title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. Murray, ranked #3 in the world, won the Queen's Club Championships last month and now has advanced to the Wimbledon semi finals.

It is fitting that Murray wears Fred Perry gear, and I really like the traditional look of his kit. Incidentally, 'kit' is my favorite British word.

I love tennis whites and Wimbledon is one place where the dress code requires them. Three cheers for the dress code!

Macho Man

2009-10-09T22:05:00.001-04:00

Abercrombie & Fitch: Preppy?

2009-10-05T02:35:00.010-04:00

A reader commented on my recent post where I wrote that Abercrombie & Fitch (among other brands) is not my idea of preppy. The reader was surprised that anyone would have this point of view.

So, this seems like a good time for me to explain.

But first, I want to thank Abercrombie's owners and management for all the hunky models and borderline homo-erotic advertising campaigns of the last fifteen years. Well done.

In terms of fashion, Abercrombie doesn't have enough traditionally-styled clothing for me to take the brand seriously. Part of their collection is based on prep classics (like the crested polo shirt shown here) but then you have all those T-shirts, cargo pants, fleece hoodies, hippie-surfer necklaces, and so on. Abercrombie isn't what it used to be. My grandfather remembers when they carried fly fishing gear, shotguns, and clothing made of tweed or flannel. I'm kind of sorry I missed out on that.

In fairness to Abercrombie, I think their clothing is stylish (in a way) and if you like it you should wear it. Call it preppy if you want. But it isn't my style. Most of my play clothes (youthful, casual clothing, i.e. Abercrombie's niche) is from Ralph Lauren's Polo and Rugby lines.