Purveyors of Prep: The Great Retailers

The last bastions of the old guard, these are those traditional outfitters that are regarded as the arbiters of prep, ivy league and trad style. Sadly, many of these august and venerable stores are no longer with us and many more may close as the pressures of changing consumer habits, online competition and, in some cases, owners approaching retirement age risk bringing the shutters down for the last time. With that too, years of tradition, knowledge, expertise and customer service which has seen loyal and new customers alike treated as though family. If you're ever in town and keen to pick up something new whilst supporting an iconic business, why not pop in.

Put a Ring On It: Signet and Chevalier Rings

Photo, Marc Baronnet

In modern times, the wearing of jewlery (Br. English: jewellery) by men has often been viewed as highly suspect, effected and unnecessary. Indeed, it is that stuffy default view that has resulted in the adornment of oneself with various sparkly pieces and/or an array of leather or beaded items as an expression of rebellion, something that might be associated with rockstars or biker gangs. Outsiders.

However, this has not always been the case
with men of wealth and substance. Throughout history, such men have sought to demonstrate their power and their riches in the display of fine clothing and elaborate, often expensive, items of jewelry.

Rings were an essential means of demonstrating status and power, many even coming to represent great offices.