Events | Off the Cuff

OTC Giveaways: ‘Tis the Season for Classic Style

On November 24, 2010, By OTC

Off the Cuff is partnering with two great brands for two quick stocking stuffer giveaways!

Here is what you have a chance to win: All American accessory brand Kiel James Patrick is offering up a belt and bracelet of your choice and British maker Smart Turnout is giving away one of their signature cricket sweaters (size L).

How to win? It’s easy (…if you follow OTC on Twitter @OffTheCuffDC, you already heard about this yesterday). And, because Smart Turnout has joined in the fun, you now have until next Tuesday, November 30, to join in!

1. Friend us on Facebook (facebook.com/OffTheCuffStyle)

2. Leave a quick comment on the stocking stuffer giveaway post. Tell OTC why you should win either the KJP or Smart Turnout swag!

Ralph Lauren Goes 4D – Amazing, Of Course

On November 13, 2010, By OTC

Vineyard Vines Fetes Lisa Birnbach in Georgetown

On September 21, 2010, By OTC

Last week I had the chance to hang out with Lisa Birnbach, author of The Original Preppy Handbook and it’s newly published follow-up, TRUE PREP.

Vineyard Vines hosted Ms. Birnbach at their Georgetown outlet for an evening of preppy bonding, book signings and roll-out of a capsule collection dedicated to TRUE PREP. The TP line, at least what they had on hand, is a fun collection of clothing and accessories that touches on the book’s name and dog logo, but will remain perfectly usable and stylish once the book’s furor settles down.

And on that note, let me just say that if you are looking for some seriously sharp seaside, New England inspired classics this fall, take a good look at Vineyard Vines. While the past few years have been, style-wise, on the bland side, this season Shep and Ian hit a store full of home runs.

The Murray brothers were kind enough to send OTC a box of Fall 2010 product to check out and we’ll be posting a review shortly. As a preview though, without question, my go-to sweatshirt/rugby is now the Raft Up Rugby.

Back to The TRUE PREP event, here are a few pictures from the evening. It was a big crowd and we were treated to a nice spread of hot and cold hors doeuvres and full octane Arnold Palmers. Apologies in advance fro some of the fuzzy iPhone shots.

‘True Prep’ Swag Bag Giveaway!

On September 14, 2010, By OTC

UPDATE: The contest is now closed. Thanks for the outstanding responses and great stories of your favorite preppy moments! We’ll have a winner announced shortly.

Off the Cuff is happy to announce that it’s partnering with TRUE PREP to give away a great swag bag full of old school accessories for guys and gals. The centerpiece is your own copy of the just-released ‘TRUE PREP’, by Lisa Birnbach.

This outstanding gift bag is made possible by the generosity of some equally outstanding brands: Vineyard Vines, L.L. Bean Signature, Cole Haan, Tommy Hilfinger, Kockaround Sunglasses and Jewelry for a Cause.

And before I forget, make sure to check out Lisa’s appearance on yesterday’s The Colbert Report. As Stephen, said, he is the man he is today because of TOPH. Colbert the actor is also enshrined in the official Prep Pantheon.

So, on with the Swag Bag Giveaway! To win this great collection of fun Ivy League merch, please tell us:

What is the best preppy moment of your life?

I can’t prevent anyone from making up a story, though of course I’d prefer you didn’t. Be honest, be detailed and have fun. Get your response in (just leave it as a comment) by midnight, Wednesday, September 22 (NOW ENDED). I’ll announce a winner the following Monday and this preppy swag will be sent right to their door. Domestic US delivery included.

Let’s hear about your best preppy moment ever!

A Night of BeSpeaking With Alan Flusser

On July 16, 2010, By OTC

On Wednesday evening the inaugural BeSpeak Sartorial Summit was held at Alan Flusser’s Custom shop in NYC. It was a unique opportunity for some of the top menswear, trad and fashion bloggers to meet and mingle with Alan Flusser and some seriously well connected insiders.

Equally important was the chance to learn all about Flusser’s amazing iPhone application from the man himself. Nearly 30 bloggers, publishers, style leaders and a couple of well-known names spent the evening with the BeSpeak team, learning about this innovative tool and chatting with the legendary Alan Flusser about the art and science of dressing well.

Michael Drake, the founder of Drakes-London and style legend in his own right, was in town and joined us as well. Michael’s ties and other luxurious accessories are some the finest available and he’s even made ties, pocket squares and scarves for Alan’s shop over the years.

Robert Bryan, the founder of one of the most iconic men’s style magazines, “M”, was also in attendance. For those seriously interested in classic style and menswear, “M” – published in the late 1980s through early 1990s – is still considered one of the forerunners to today’s men’s lifestyle magazines. As you might suspect, he was impeccably attired.

We were also honored to have the editor and men’s fashion editor from RalphLauren.com, some heavy hitters from Brooks Brothers and the publisher of the forthcoming, and rabidly expected, Take Ivy reprint. On that note, a head’s up – the entire first printing is already sold out and it hasn’t even hit the shelves yet!

Equally important are the outstanding blogs that showed up, including Rugby, Street Etiquette, The Trad, Alex Grant, Image Granted, The Mod Revival and Made To Measure. Thanks for spending the evening with us guys!

For more information on BeSpeak, make sure to visit www.BeSpeak.com or stop by our home on Facebook. You can also check out OTC’s own dedicated BeSpeak page.

Here are some more pictures from the event: