Off the Cuff was recently interviewed for a Washington Post Express article (below) on the impact of blogs on how men dress. Assistant Styles Editor Katherine Boyle, pulled together a great piece explaining how the rise of the menswear blog has helped guys become more comfortable with style. More importantly, many blogs, including OTC, provide…
This is the fourth part of an extended profile of Brooks Brothers, the iconic and influential American clothing company. Click here to read Part 3. BRANCHING OUT After 114 years, Brooks Brothers opened its first full-sized store outside New York City in 1932. Located on Newbury Street in Boston, today still the retail heart of…
When it comes to wardrobe basics, one garment stands head and shoulders above all others. The blue blazer. The backbone of any serious wardrobe, the blue blazer is probably one of the most versatile garments ever designed. Without a doubt, it is the one article of dress clothing all men should have hanging in the…
This is the third part of an extended profile of Brooks Brothers, the iconic and influential American clothing company. Click here to read Part 2. Brooks, as it is affectionately known,created what we today view as a distinctively American sense of style – classically designed but comfortable in execution; English in heritage yet breezy and…
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.
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…
Vineyard Vines is everywhere. A classic American success story, the company, most associated with whimsical yest office compatible ties, was most recently feted in the long-anticipated follow up to The Original Preppy Handbook – TRUE PREP. In fact, TRUE PREP and TOPH author Lisa Birnbach worked together to promote the new book. In September, Vineyard…
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…
I grew up sailing 420s on Long Island Sound and still have a real love of the water. Sailing, as with many physically challenging sports, makes you appreciate the quality and construction of your equipment and accessories. For example, Sperry topsiders are beloved by sailors because they actually work well and last. They look pretty…
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…
