Bodywarmer Vests

MUST HAVES  |  OUTERWEAR  | Bodywarmer Vests

Fall is soon upon us and that means cooler evenings, breezes, falling leaves and that weekend visit to New England/The Maritimes to admire the autumnal leafscape (did I just make up a word?). I love Fall. I love the changing weather, I love the warmer clothes and I love to walk in the big piles of leaves that litter the streets!

One key item in my Fall wardrobe is my quilted bodywarmer vest (sometimes referred to as a gilet in the United Kingdom, though this is not strictly the correct term). I have a couple of these - my favorite being my black one from The North Face. I also have a lovely navy one from Tommy Hilfiger. These vest jackets are great for keeping you warm whilst not stifling you and still allowing you to engage in activity without restriction. A recent visit to London and a spot of chilly weather showed me that these jackets are part of the uniform in the posher areas of the city.

I would advocate staying away from bodywarmers with the corduroy uppers - these are just too city slicker escapes to the country to be preppy.

Fencing

FASHION  |  A SPORTING LIFE  |  Fencing

"A hit, a very palpable hit"

This quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet goes to show that fencing has been a noble pursuit for many centuries. Whilst it's popularity has been waning in recent years, there are still a significant number of preps participating in fencing and it is still an essential component of the athletic program of many of the finer prep and public schools.

It has long been the case that a true gentleman should be able to defend himself and this is why fencing and, to some extent, other contact sports such as boxing and wrestling are still esteemed preppy sports despite their somewhat violent nature.

The premise of fencing is that two combatants duel using a light bladed sword (non-lethal). Points are scored by way of making contact with the torso of the opponent.

There is something romantic about the sport given its long and illustrious history and the championing of caped heroes such as Zorro, D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers, Puss in Boots, Hamlet etc. It is this romantic image that has so inspired fashion designers over the years to incorporate fencing elements in their design. I particularly like the jacket in the picture below.

Navis Biremis

PROFILES  |  BRANDS  |  Navis Biremis

My love of rowing has lead me to discover this new label - Navis Biremis. They are a Swiss brand inspired by the "eternal quest for perfection" which consumes rowers. Navis Biremis primarily targets rowers and rowing fans, selling their apparel at various European regattas and through go-to rowing kit suppliers such as Godfrey.

They manafacture a range of casual clothing in classic colours, including v-neck sweaters, tees and polo shirts in 100% cotton. In a classically preppy way their polos have pointed reinforced collars (a touch I particularly like).

This is a label that is worth keeping an eye out for. I am sure that they will become increasingly popular as they expand their range of casual apparel for rowers and preps alike.

Nautical Striped Sweater

MUST HAVES  |  SWEATERS  |  Nautical Striped Sweater

"Sailing is like sex to these people"

Preppy folk love sailing and all things nautical. The above quote (taken from "The Wedding Crashers" movie) is indeed true. Thus it can be of no surprise that nautical stripes (i.e. white and navy alternate stripes) are often used to pattern preppy paraphanalia.

Pimms + Rahs = Epic Party

Finally back from my trip to England and had an absolutely amazing time!! It was great to catch up with so many old friends and to see some of the sights too. Unfortunately, my camera got stolen so can't post any of the pics I took which is a real shame...

London is, as always, bustling and vibrant. I love that city. I stayed with friends in Fulham in West London - a delightfully preppy borough ("Sloaney/Rah" as they call preppy in England - a post to follow). It is relatively close to the key parts of the city (i.e. Mayfair, St. James and Chelsea) and is a haven for preps who like cafes, restaurants and little boutique stores. I picked up a couple of new items which I am absolutely delighted with, including a tweed sportscoat and an antique telescope! Was a bit tricky getting the telescope home though... I also attended the Oxford City Royal Regatta with friends who were competing. I love Oxford, having studied there back in the day. What a glorious city it is... full of history and interesting architecture. I'd strongly recommend a visit. It's also a really preppy area (though there are pockets of extreme poverty in the city)... with towns like Abingdon and Radley nearby (and the eponymous public schools of the same names). The weather was fantastic and it was a real treat to sit out along the banks of the Isis and enjoy a Pimms whilst watching the rowing. Many thanks to Oxford City Rowing Club for organising an excellent and laid back regatta!

Anyhoo, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and it's given me some new ideas for this blog which will be evident in the following posts! I hope you enjoy!

77kids

PROFILE  |  BRANDS  |  77kids by American Eagle

77kids was a label under the American Eagle stable which was specifically aimed at children. The label's staples included hooded sweatshirts, polo shirts and rugbies in bright and preppy colors, as in line with the company's adult brand American Eagle Outfitters.

London Calling

I'm getting very excited... like a schoolboy the night before a school trip. Tomorrow I fly to London where I will be spending a couple of weeks catching up with friends and family. I'm hoping to get around some of my favorite shops and cafés and will be sure to post the best here for you. I'm also due to make a visit to Oxford to watch some of the Oxford City Royal Regatta (in which some of my friends are competing). I'd better bring the camera to get some snaps from the weekend too.

I hope the rioting and looting has quietened down some, if not, maybe I should prepare a map of the choiciest stores to ensure I loot some nice stuff... :)

In other news, I was asked today if I was one of the preps at my High School... a question that always irks me. Preps attend prep schools - this is the very origin of the term. Thus, everybody at my prep school was a prep and nobody at the High School was a prep, save for the one or two who transferred for whatever reasons (normally disciplinary). What do you think about this? Has preppy culture evolved to the point that people who do not grow up in the textbook preppy environment can now be assumed to be preps?

I also stumbled across a discussion about the values of attending a prep school vs local high schools. Many people seemed to have strong opinions on the matter. A large number of non-preps who had very successful academic records (Ivy plus colleges) and great careers were of the opinion that prep schools had no value. Personally, whilst I agree that one does not have to attend a prep school to succeed, I do think that there is a massive intrinsic value. It's all about the network. The Old Boys Club. Also, statistically, prep school alumni have a higher proportionate representation in the professions, arts, politics and diplomatic services then do non-preps. Surely these are good reasons to go prep school over local schools? I'm keen to hear what your thoughts might be.

Rugbies (Rugby Jersey)

MUST HAVES  |  SHIRTS  |  Rugby Jersey

I love rugby (union not league). In my mind it is the greatest team sport that there is. Few other sports are so dependent on the quality of the team as a unit rather than the individual flair of key players. Few other sports can offer a position for people of every shape and size. Few other sports require the level of strategic planning and tactical gameplay. Few other sports are as preppy. It is no surprise that rugby union is the primary sport of so many prep schools around the world.

I spent many a wet and cold Wednesday or Saturday afternoon (you see my boarding school had lessons and rugby on Saturdays!) togged out in my oversized jersey (not dissimilar to the above - let's see who can work out which school I went to...), covered in mud and sore from all of the heavy tackles I had taken. It made a man out of me!

The school rugby jersey was worn with pride even on non-rugby days. In fact, at every match an army of old boy pastmen would be present wearing their old school jerseys too. I often wear mine to this day. Made out of a heavy cotton with a soft collar, rugby jerseys are a perfect casual top. They are smart, functional and very comfortable. Rep stripes are the most versatile. Pinks and blues are the preppiest!

Modern rugby jerseys aren't quite as preppy as they have been developed in keeping with modern sports science and tend to resemble soccer jerseys (never to be worn under any circumstances!!).

Canterbury of New Zealand are the pre-eminent supplier of rugby gear and have also recently launched a range of casual wear which has my seal of approval! Look out for their "uglies" range as these are very preppy (and are available at Amazon). Kukri, Samurai, KooGa, RugbyTech, Russell Athletic and various others also make a range of technical rugby wear. Rugby by Ralph Lauren has a delicious range of classic rugbies as do Cotton Traders, Edwards Heavies and Eden Park.

Sunshine, Lollipops and... a Computer Virus!

No matter how fine one's plans may be fate always has a way of changing them. As this is a relatively young blog, it was my intention to update regularly with daily posts... however, my computer contracted a virus and has spent the last week in the shop being repaired. What a disaster!

Anyway, the problem is fixed now so I can get back to my blogging!

As the computer has been out of action I have had to occupy myself with other activities. Not a problem given the good weather! I've managed to get myself quite a tan and have overdosed on frozen ice lollies made by my exceptionally talented brother (elderflower and raspberry flavor, ginger and lemonade flavor etc). Delish.

It's been a pretty good week for me all in all. I've picked up a lovely new linen blazer from Brooks Brothers which I'm now looking for an excuse to wear and I've also been out on my father's new yacht - an absolute beauty. It's a day sailing ketch which is particularly easy to manage as a solo yachtsman so I'm hoping to get plenty of experience at the helm!

Lighthouses

CULTURE  |  ARCHITECTURE  |  Lighthouses

Coastal living has always been a preppy dream. Being able to take Spike (the cocker spaniel) for his constitutional walk along the beach in the morning, the salty sea breeze blowing through the hair and being able to take the sloop out for a cheeky jaunt at every possibility... Key.

Grandfather Clock

MUST HAVES  |  HOMEWARES  |  Grandfather Clock

"My grandfather's clock was too big for the shelf,

so it stood ninety years on the floor;

it was taller by half than the old man himself,

 though it weighed not a pennyweight more.

It was bought on the morn of the day he was born

and was always his treasure and pride,

but it stopped short-never to go again

when the old man died"

The Black Dog T-Shirt

MUST HAVES  |  SHIRTS  |  The Black Dog T-Shirt

There's something about The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven... Despite its overwhelming popularity with tourists and the increasing commercialisation of the brand (think Planet Hollywood but not as tacky), it is still a preppy classic and is known for the chowder and the t-shirts. I always find myself there for a drink if nothing else when on The Vineyard and still wear my The Black Dog t-shirts for a tongue-in-cheek casual look.

Preppies rue the day that celebrities started donning these t-shirts in the 1990s and ruining their little treasure (similar to the celebritisation of The Hamptons). The t-shirts were made even more famous as Bill Clinton used to give them as gifts to Monica Lewinsky during their scandalous affair.

Back in the day, people would queue outside the Vineyard Haven tavern for ages to get a table at The Black Dog and to buy one of these t-shirts. Despite the fact that these t-shirts can now be purchased online or at one of the various The Black Dog locations around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, I still reckon the t-shirt is a preppy Must Have.

Crab Cakes

CULTURE  |  FINE DINING  |  Crab Cakes

"Football and crab cakes, that's what Maryland does"

Henleys/Zephyrs

MUST HAVES  |  SHIRTS  |  Henleys/Zephyrs

Firstly, I would like to apologise if a lot of my posts seem to have a rowing theme running through them! We are deep into regatta season and I find that I am training every hour available so it has consumed me somewhat of late! Nonetheless, rowing is a preppy sport so I still think that these posts are most relevant!

Greenwich, CT

PROFILES  |  NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH  |  Greenwich, CT

Today I have decided to commit some serious hours to writing some material for a book which has been haunting my mind for the best part of the year. I am having some serious difficulty determining a setting for this work... On the plus side, this gives me an excuse for hitting the road and doing some "research"!

Tote Bag

MUST HAVES  |  ACCESSORIES  |  Tote Bag

Tote bags are very preppy. You see preps are always "just going" somewhere - the beach, the marina, the grocery store, the picnic spot et cetera. These little trips inevitably require the carriage of a variety of items (food/swimwear/croquet set) and thus a simple no-fuss bag is needed. The tote bag is just that.

Adirondack Chairs

MUST HAVES  |  HOMEWARES  |  Adirondack Chairs

As mentioned in my previous post, I recently attended a garden party hosted by a good friend of mine and was inspired to post about a couple of things which came to my attention as being quintessentially preppy. One was the Cucumber Sandwich, the other was the Adirondack chair. Our host had a number of oak Adirondacks near the pool and it reminded me of my parents summer house on the Cape. My parents also had a number of Adirondack chairs and loungers (stained white). It is quite clear to me that this style of garden chair is very, very preppy.

Cucumber Sandwiches

CULTURE | FINE DINING | Cucumber Sandwiches

Those of you who read my previous post will know that I was recently at a hog roast garden party with a number of old college friends. A jug of Pimms and a game of croquet (with modified rules involving drinking penalties, of course) kicked off the evening and set for the tone for what was to become a raucous party that ended fully-dressed in the swimming pool...

Madras Shorts

MUST HAVES  |  PANTS & TROUSERS  |  Madras Shorts

It is another disgustingly hot day today, one of those days where one finds oneself constantly sweating. I don't think there is anyone that can successfully look good and be sweaty at the same time! I certainly am not feeling particularly attractive at the moment. Oh well... another ice tea by the pool will help some.

Seersucker

FASHION  |  PRINTS, PATTERNS & FABRICS  |  Seersucker

Is there anything preppier than a beautifully cut seersucker suit for summer socialising? Probably not. I Love seersucker (capitalised for effect)! I do have a couple of seersucker suits as well as a fantastic light blue seersucker bed linen set. Delightful!

Norman Hilton

PROFILE  |  BRANDS  |  Norman Hilton

I've said it before and I'll say it again... preppy brands reflect quality, heritage, classic styling and so on. Thus there is nothing preppier than small-scale clothiers with an historic reputation for dressing preps in the finest finery. This is what encouraged my recent purchase of a linen jacket from Norman Hilton.