Happy New Year. If you are an avid follower of Off the Cuff, you’re probably an elitist. This heady topic is one that we debate often here at OTC. And as Capitol Hill here in Washington, D.C., prepares for an ideological and partisan handover, that word is again popping up. “Elite.” Grab a brandy and…
I headed up M Street feeling a bit like an archaeologist being ushered into a dig site long after the locals had cleared out. With the White House a few short blocks away, I strode up to the National Geographic Museum and promptly entered the wrong door. After finding the right entrance, I found myself…
In Part One of this essay, we discussed some of the recent and dramatic changes that have set the concept and practice of brand loyalty on a dramatically new course. It’s still an ongoing shift, but the edges of the curve of the new pathway are becoming clearer. In plain terms, what is changing, and…
Brand allegiance is a funny thing. When it works well the customer clearly and deeply identifies with the brand. When it doesn’t work, more specifically when the brand lets the customer down in some way, the old loyalty can be almost impossible to win back. In menswear, brand loyalty has historically been a deep seated…
As an avid reader and hardcore information junkie, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect publication; the one which combines news on culture, style, design, architecture, clothing, art, politics, and global affairs. While OTC focuses primarily on the physical side of style and culture – clothing, bags, shoes, ties, watches, etc. – equally if…
Living and working in Washington, D.C., definitely has its perks. One day I’m in the elevator with Fox News heavy hitter Chris Wallace and the next day it’s former majority leader and almost-DHHS secretary Tom Daschle. And by the way, Daschle is a very sharp dresser. It’s a pretty cool town. Even cooler though, is…
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…
This is a great lecture that I came across on T.E.D., a remarkable site I’ve had on the “Lifestyle & Creative Resources” list for some time. This video lecture by journalist Benjamin Wallace is about the pitfalls of trying to put a price tag on happiness. He tested out a number of the world’s “best”…
The economic crisis currently scorching balance sheets across the globe has finally reached up to singe some prominent retailers. Companies like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks which have so far been able to ride above the economy’s troubled waters, are now getting caught in the unprecedented economic downturn. In a nutshell, people are realizing that…
For all my American readers I have a small request: vote. If you have not yet done so please, and it pains me to say this, turn off your computer and go vote right now. Apart from my personal belief that voting is a civic duty akin to paying taxes, keeping your lawn neat and…
