Around the world that name defines classic American style. And with nearly 200 years of Ivy League, East Coast establishment history under its belt, Brooks Brothers can claim title to a rare crown: of being an authentic American legend.
Category: Ivy League Style
Defending Elitism in 2011
Happy New Year. If you are an avid follower of Off the Cuff, you’re probably an elitist. This heady topic is one that we debate often here at OTC. And as Capitol Hill here in Washington, D.C., prepares for an ideological and partisan handover, that word is again popping up. “Elite.” Grab a brandy and…
Vineyard Vines: An American Original (Part II)
In Part One of this column, we took a look at the philosophy and strategy behind the brand that is Vineyard Vines. Now, let’s look at the business side of that ubiquitous pink whale. A very important thing to note about Vineyard Vines is that they are opening brink-and-mortar stores while almost any other brand…
OTC Recommends: Anything from Kiel James Patrick
I spoke with Kiel James Patrick, the founder and chief designer of his eponymous brand of preppy accessories, on a sunny late summer’s day. As it turns out, we were both doing yard work, talking on our headsets and looking forward to a cold beer – I liked him right away. My wife of course…
The Roots of American Preppy – Redux
I originally penned this column several years ago as a meditation on the real roots of American preppy and what it means today. Well, just this week the iconic cult classic “Take Ivy” and long anticipated Preppy Handbook follow-up, “True Prep” were published and I thought now was a good time take a fresh look…
Win a Summer Wardrobe from Tucker Blair and Bonobos!
Two of OTC’s favorite brands have joined forces to help you look a little more casually cool this summer. Tucker Blair and Bonobos are hosting their first ever “Win A Weekday Wardrobe” contest, and they want to make sure OTC readers have chance to get in on fun. Take a few minutes and fill out…
True Prep: Raise Your G&T To TOPH Part II
So, a couple of weeks ago, OTC received a simple brown envelope. Inside was an advance copy of the most anticipated book in the world of Prepdom. True Prep is the highly anticipated, or dreaded, based on your world view, follow-up to the eternally classic The Official Preppy Handbook. I was genuinely ambivalent about this…
Inside J. Crew with WSJ
J. Crew has in many ways redefined the American look. The distinctive mix of dressy and casual, carefully curated pairings and thrown-together favorites, have created a new definition for the burgeoning “heritage” look. Even through the New York Times writes today about the important role heritage themes are playing in the current retail climate, it…
A Classic: The Canvas Tote
I have a lifelong appreciation for designs that respect a product’s utilitarian roots. Classic and traditional styles have always done that. In fact, the hallmark of the true preppy aesthetic is the re-purposing of utilitarian items for everyday life: foul weather gear becomes a fashion statement, prep school ties and jackets appear in the office,…
J. Crew in Georgetown
Last Tuesday evening, the J. Crew Men’s Shop in Georgetown was closed down for a private cocktail party with Frank Muytjens and an invited cross section of Washington D.C.’s style crowd. OTC was happy to be on the list. Frank is the head menswear designer for J. Crew, so if you love the weathered updated…