Maximilian Sinsteden is going places. The 21-year-old college student isn’t just a budding interior designer and bon vivant. Nope, he’s already opened his own firm and recently completed his first commission; a 78-foot motor yacht. Max has already worked for classical designer David Easton and design powerhouse Charlotte Moss. This kid is already on his…
Great Interview on Ivy Style
Check out this interview with documentary film maker and columnist Jamie Johnson over at Ivy Style. Christian Chensvold leads a great discussion with Johnson, who filmed one of my favorite makes-you-squirm-in-your-seat documentaries, “Born Rich.” Jamie’s position as heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune and an interest in history and psychology give weight to his…
Traveling With Style
Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, can be a stressful endeavor. And if you are not well prepared, it can also be a disappointing one. As with most of life the key to success is often nothing more than preparation and perspective. By planning ahead, playing well with others and accepting that stuff happens, you…
Going Custom – Part 2
I wanted to give everyone an update on the progress of my VM Clothiers custom suit. I am very happy to say that it is now in my hands after being literally hand carried back from Hong Kong. Part 1 of this series can be found HERE. I’m now in the process of putting it…
Investments: Buying A Watch
When it comes to watches there tend to be three types of people. The first views a watch as a tool – it tells time and maybe what day it is. To this person, a watch is functional and is not an investment per se; it is a commodity. This man may spend some time…
The Challenge of Branding Real Life
An anonymous gentleman posted the following comment about the recent “Vineyard Vines” column. He raises a very interesting point and I quickly drafted three paragraphs in response. So, instead of overloading the comment screen, I decided that a more organized response was appropriate. OTC- Being a Vineyarder, I’ve always been a little frustrated with Vineyard…
Be Better Guys Final Four Contest
The guys over at the men’s lifestyle website Be Better Guys.com are running a pretty fun contest with some darn nice prizes for the winners. BBG is partnering with Rolling Razor and Smart Turnout for the BBG Men’s Final Four Pick’em contest. With daily prizes each day of the tournament and a grand prize of…
Going Custom – Part 1
“Once you try custom, it’s hard to go back to off the rack.” These words, spoken by Vishal Mirpuri, owner of VM Clothiers, come back to me each time I slip into one of my still-new-to-me custom shirts. Yes, I have finally entered the world of custom tailoring. However, I saved myself the airfare to…
OTC Article On Dressing For DC Association Execs
I was recently asked by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to write a “Top 5” article that would help the association and non-profit executives of Washington step their wardrobes up a notch. Click on the image to the left to view the full piece. Now, for those of you outside the Beltway, it…
Esquire’s Spring Big Black Book & OTC Updates
Thanks to a watchful OTC reader, I can let you know that a pre-order site for Esquire’s new 2009 Big Black Book, Spring edition, is up and running. As you may recall, in my review of the annual 2008 edition, I mentioned that Esquire was going to franchise the Big Black Book brand and start…