A debate has been slowly but steadily percolating to the surface in the world of menswear opining as to whether or not the wallet’s luck has finally run out. With digital currency inevitably moving into the mainstream, and cards otherwise replacing cash for many transactions, the question of the wallet’s relevance and even need is…
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…
Although my trusty iPhone is always within easy reach, without a doubt I’m equally devoted to my old, reliable Filofax. Though many have sounded the death knell of paper planners, nothing really engenders the same emotional reaction as a loose-leaf planner filled with a calendar, note pages and To-Do lists. My particular organizer has seen…
New York-based British Apparel recently contacted OTC with the news that, along with its Italian partner Punto, they had developed the world’s first, 12-month, year-round cashmere socks. And, they are machine washable. Would I like to try out a couple of pair? Of course I did; not only because I’ve wanted to check out cashmere…
Mike T. from Scottsdale Arizona recently asked if OTC has ever written about bow ties. Mike has been sporting them for 30 years and I couldn’t be happier to hear it. As a guy from New England, and an Ivy League college town to boot, I know from bow ties. I have long been a…
A couple of months ago, as the weather was heating up, I posted a piece about Smart Turnout’s new line of argyle socks. Although I still think wearing lightly patterned argyle in the summer is a fun, albeit incongruous look, it’s now Autumn and this is truly argyle season. Argyle’s classic design of overlapping diamonds…
Dear Sir, I apologize for the unsolicited email, but I thought it you might have a free moment you might be able to help with something. I am about 6 feet tall and prefer the windsor knot. I have noticed that the short end of my tie, once the knot is tied, is much shorter…
I am very happy to announce that Ashley Ashoff is offering OTC readers 30% off of her tie and pocket square collections for Father’s Day. Ashley’s beautiful ties and squares are a longtime favorite of OTC. All you have to do is send an e-mail with your order selections to salesinfo@ashleyashoff.com, and mention that you…
The weather is finally kicking into summer mode here in the nation’s capitol, and I’m restocking the OTC closet with a more season-appropriate wardrobe. Adding color to the mix is standard fare for most women. The flexibility of layering it on while still maintaining a professional or at least classy level of style is a…
I have always tended to think of argyle as an Autumn thing. To me at least, argyle’s fundamental overlapping diamond motif has a certain heavy warmth which reminds me of bundling up on crisp mornings to walk the dog. Maybe it’s the historic pattern’s Scottish heritage or its current prevalence in sweaters and thick socks,…
