John Varvatos may not one of those brands that comes to mind when you think of OTC. However, we have been big fans of his for some time; the ability to combine classic rock and fashion in a non-kitschy way is a feat in and of itself. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the…
Ralph Lauren Goes 4D – Amazing, Of Course
Vineyard Vines: An American Original & Preppy Heavyweight
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…
Alan Flusser takes on Gordon Gekko (v2)
Imagine being forever tied to one of the most distinctive and influential characters in movie history. Even though not real, he has inspired the career choice for an entire generation of would-be masters of the universe; the men who would, ironically, lead the world’s financial markets into a tailspin eerily reminiscent of their make-believe progenitor….
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…
Truely Preppy Travel: True Wind Sailcloth Bags
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…
BeSpeak Launches Upgrade to Dressing Well
When Alan Flusser decided to create BeSpeak his goal was not a modest one. He wanted to take his own exceptional ability to dress a man perfectly, for who he himself is, and put it in a handheld device. He wanted to make himself into an app. Though it may sound like one, this is…
Tip of the Needle: Bespoke Clothier Jon Green & LVMH
I have been negligent. An early and cherished friend of OTC was recently part of a remarkable project…and I missed it. Jon Green is perhaps the most preeminent custom clothier in the United States and quite possibly the world. His clients happily dispense with upwards of $9,000, and subject themselves to on average, six fittings,…
Wall Street: Back in Style
Wall Street is back, both in the theaters and in style. From Indochino’s swanky new collection to the next evolution of Brooks Brother’s Mad Men wardrobe, city elegance is looking strong this fall. OTC will be reviewing this new urban elegance and it honored to be working on a sartorial review of the new ‘Wall Street’ with Gordon Gekko’s original clothier, Alan Flusser.
TRUE PREP Swag Bag Contest – We Have A Winner!
I am happy to announce that we have a winner in the OTC TRUE PREP Swag Bag Giveaway! Jack A. Mallon (#26) and his dad’s patched tweed blazer, ancient history class, squash racket and professorially demeanor added up to a winning combination. I cannot tell you how hard it was to select a story that…