Here at OTC, we are fans of both the elegant and the basic. A handmade suit definitely has its place in life, but so does something as simple and reliable as a favorite baseball hat. The baseball hat is a basic staple of the American male wardrobe. It is comfortable, familiar, functional, and in many…
The folks over at John Varvatos were kind enough to send over a pair of sunglasses from the brand’s new retro collection. For it’s latest ad campaign, Varvatos has partnered with Green Day, the band which basically created the distinctive rock-punk hybrid sound. Green Day sports several versions of these sunglasses in the new ad…
This year, the OTC Holiday Wish List has a great mix of interesting items, price points and functionality. Some of these brands may be familiar to you, while others may be something new. And that’s what we try and do at OTC – remind our readers of why certain brands are indeed great, and introduce…
Along with the general movement these days towards better dressing and personal expression through style, a certain element of dandyism has again come to the fore. However, instead of exploding with color, pattern and anachronistic flourishes, today’s dandies are taking a refined and targeted approach to flair. In many ways, this is a natural extension…
Award winning designer Michael Bastian recently joined forces with eye wear maker Randolph Engineering, provider of classic aviator specs to the U.S. military, to give a fresh take on classic sunglasses. The 2011 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year and head of design at Gant by Michael Bastian, reinterpreted five of Randolph Engineering’s classic frames. …
From billfolds to pocket secretaries to slim card cases, a wallet is one of the most personal items a man carries. In addition to credit cards and cash, IDs and licenses, your wallet is often home to those personal scraps of memory and nostalgia unique to you. Unlike your bag, your shoes or even the…
Raleigh Denim’s workrooms are not the only operation run by Victor and Sarah in Raleigh’s warehouse district. They also founded the Curatory, a highly edited shop which showcases both their own wares and a selection of other unique brands. The space was carved out of the front of Raleigh Denim’s workshop. The small shop also…
Most of us regularly tote around briefcases, computer or messenger bags, rucksacks and even the odd updated map case. The bag, long a fixation of mine, is a staple in many guys’ lives. And bags seem to be everywhere – more so than in the past, really. We have more to carry around and and…
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…
