As with much of life, the modern aesthetic we refer to as “preppy” bears only a thin resemblance to the historical roots upon which it rests. Often, the substance of a philosophy or belief is obscured over time as the surface decoration which was initially its outgrowth comes to define the entire idea. The same…
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OTC Favorite: Triple Aught’s Praetorian Hoodie
Triple Aught Design, based in San Francisco, is a favorite of OTC because they make unique and functional gear that works in the real worlda nd with real wardrobes. A perfect example of this form-follows-function approach to TAD design is the Preatorian Hoodie. As with most of TAD’s apparel, there is a decidedly tactical and…
Trackline Belt: Casually Sharp
Lately, micro-adjust belts seem to be making more and more appearances, and for the most part it’s a nice chance of pace for many men. Too often we have to deal with a belt that lands exactly between two holes and neither is comfortable. Either it’s too loose or too tight – usually because we…
OTC Lauded by Refinery 29, Real Men Real Style
We here at OTC are honored and humbled by the fact that two top style websites, Refinery 29 and Real Men Real Style, recently selected Off the Cuff as one of the best style blogs out there. Both of these websites are serious fashion and lifestyle authorities in their own rights, so being chosen by…
Paul Evans Shoes: American Energy & Italian Quality
We realized there was something special about Paul Evans oxfords the moment we put them on. OTC tests products in a somewhat unique way, taking longer to assess a brand than most other blogs or websites. We make the products we review part of our daily lives. That means we wear the clothes, carry the…
Find the Right Bag for You
Everyone has their odd interest; that particular thing you love and obsess over, the subject that’s never far from your thoughts. For example, a friend of mine is obsessed with anything related to trains. He is always coming across books on trains or railways, or finding china from famous lines for sale on eBay. He…
James Prosek: The Audubon of Fish
Posted on Author OTCPosted in Books & Publications, Culture, Home & Office, Made in America, Master Craftsmen, Preppy, Sporting Life
James Prosek first gained notoriety back in 1996, when, as 19 year-old student at Yale University, he published Trout: An Illustrated History. Prosek’s ability to bring vibrancy and life to his watercolors, and his obsession with contextual and anatomical accuracy, won him quick comparisons to famed naturalist John James Audubon. These accolades were no lighthearted atta-boys;…
Ignatious Joseph’s 2014
Posted on Author OTCPosted in Custom Tailoring, Dressing Well, Great Brands, Master Craftsmen1 Reply
Ignatious Joseph, while the consummate gentleman, is not at all a subtle man. The designer, known for his colorful, elegant, and distinctive style of dress, particularly his ubiquitous red shoes, makes some of the finest dress shirts available. As we enter 2014, he is also poised to introduce an expanded line of custom clothing founded…
H&B London’s Holiday Gift – 25% Discount
British luxury goods maker and OTC friend, H&B London, is offering Off the Cuff readers a special promotion. As his post-holiday gift to you, founder Stephen Brister will take 25% off your order from now until Monday, January 6, 2014. Just use the code offthecuff at checkout to receive the discount on your entire order.…
2013 OTC Holiday Style Guide: Modern Classics
For this year’s OTC Holiday Style Guide, we look to some modern classics that are designed and built for how we live life today. That means timeless practical design, like Rotring mechanical pencils, or a handmade heirloom that will only get better with age, like a Frank Clegg bag. But it also means technical dress…