Burberry Plaid ~ by Kipp

There is nothing I love more on a cold and rainy day like today than my Burberry scarf and trench. It is a timeless combination that men and women should have in their wardrobe. The trench is one of the most functional pieces I own and no matter what you combine it with, never fails to complete any look.

However, this post is on the classic Burberry plaid. It has come under fire recently as Burberry has been adopted by the masses and has done some of the ridiculous prints and pieces. The only items that should be the full plaid are the scarf and umbrella. The clothing and handbags I have from Burberry only have a delicate lining or pipping of the plaid. It is never elegant or WASPy to have obnoxious displays of branding; no matter the quality of the item.

Personally, I adore my giant cashmere plaid scarf, like the one shown above. Scarves are my favorite accessory (after jewelry of course) and never fear, I will dedicate at least an entire post to them. So ladies, and gentleman alike, I urge you make your Burberry scarf and trench the staples of your wardrobe this fall.

What's Richard Wearing - by Richard

A Halloween Story - by Richard

Halloween is not a WASPy holiday but the upcoming event gives me an opportunity to tell a story that demonstrates the known fact that every WASP family has an eccentric among them. In this particular case, my aunt is the subject of eccentricity.

My aunt is a antique car collector, and for the most part, I enjoy her collection. However, I will never forget the year that she added an antique hearse to her fleet. The car is perhaps the spookiest car I have ever laid my eyes on, and to this day, I refuse to step near it.

Being the eccentric she is, every Halloween, my aunt pulls the hearse out of her car storage area and parks it in the front yard. She then proceeds to pull the stretcher out of the back of the hearse, only to place a coffin on top. To make things worse, she then lays a dummy in the coffin to give the impression of a dead body lying inside.

As trick-or-treaters arrive on Halloween, they are terrified but unfortunately, there is more! As the children approach the porch, they encounter a witch (my aunt) standing beside a stump with a fake amputated arm holding the basket of candy. Wow, is all I know to say, and though I love my aunt, she is clearly our family's eccentric being.

Happy Halloween (And yes, I know it is Monday)!

Topic of Debate #13 - To Cummerbund or Not To Cummerbund - by Richard

Photo Credit: Polo Ralph Lauren

Personally, I have always detested cummerbunds with single breasted evening wear, and for the first time ever, I plan to ditch mine this holiday season. In my opinion, going without the cummerbund provides a more debonair look......what are your thoughts?

Meeting up with Richard~ by Kipp

Today I had the special pleasure of running into Richard! Every once in a while our paths cross due to our profession and we end up at the same event. Today was a special charity luncheon that my company was hosting and since we are one of Richard's clients he was of course present.

Richard was looking dashing as always, and I was delighted that he was dressed in his new Harris Tweed, Fitzgerald fit, sport coat. I am happy that I got to witness it in person, because honestly, no picture could do it justice. On closer analysis you can see that the multigrain strands are woven with a surprising mix of colors that allows one to pair this jacket with just about anything.

I was simply dressed in a winter white all lace dress which I wore with red satin ballet flats and a red silk plaid scarf tied as a headband in my hair.

Looking forward to seeing you again soon Richard!

Matchbook Magazine ~ by Kipp

A dear friend of mine recently introduced me to Matchbook Magazine and I am officially addicted! It is a new digital publication that started in January of 2011 and has become quite popular. It is a monthly publication and I can hardly wait to see what they do for November and the upcoming holiday season.

Matchbook describes itself as a “field guide to a charmed life,” and it is just that. The articles are very well written and highlight people and places that are quintessentially WASP. I especially enjoy the layouts featuring clothing, accessories, and furniture that are of preppy and classic taste. It is a joy to read and I recommend that everyone take a moment of their day to sit back with a lovely cup of tea to read WASP 101 and Matchbook Magazine.

http://matchbookmag.com/

Ivy Caps - by Richard

Photo Credit: Brooks Brothers

For the life of me, I don't understand why frat boy types herd toward the baseball cap masses. But then again, it is obvious that most of them have little style, and they simply adopt trademark looks to fit in with their pack. And though, I eschew most hats, if I am to wear one, it is always an Ivy Cap. I own two, one in tartan plaid and the other in gray donegal.

Brooks Brothers has a very nice Ivy Cap this season in patchwork tweed, but I just can't see myself paying $98 for something I will only wear a handful of times. Plus, I remember that Chensvold character wearing something similar a year or so ago, and I certainly would not want to be mistaken for him. Eh, I guess I will just pass on the patchwork hat for now.

Christmas Sweater for The Pup - by Richard

Yesterday, I previewed part of my holiday wardrobe, and today, I want to display the new sweater I bought for the pup to wear in our Christmas Card. I am now on the hunt for a boys Royal Stewart Tartan bow tie to finish the look off.

Dinner With Friends and A Preview of Holiday Attire - by Richard

Today, my extremely wealthy friend who has his own private plane called and asked if I wanted to fly into Georgetown this afternoon for dinner at his favorite spot, Rugby Cafe. Of course, I replied by saying yes, and I decided to ditch the jeans for a while and dress in my full regalia. In the photo I am wearing:

Sport Coat- Herringbone Tweed from Polo
OCBD from BB
Ralph Lauren Khakis
Saddle Oxfords- Johnston & Murphy (not a fan of their shoes but these are nice saddle oxfords)
Repp Tie from Polo

Dinner was lovely and besides enjoying all the decor, I also thoroughly enjoyed my Roasted Pumpkin Salad. I didn't have any dessert, but I did take one bite of my friend's pumpkin cheesecake. My wife had the Chicken & Avocado salad which also looked lovely.

Also, I wanted to take the chance to preview one piece of my holiday attire. I recently purchased a pair of paneled tartan trousers from Brooks Brothers. I plan to wear these holday trousers to a a semi-formal event at a friends home. The plan is to pair the trousers with a tuxedo jacket (probably single breasted, not sure yet), tuxedo shirt with straight collar, tartan bow tie, and black velvet slippers with my initials. I promise to show the outfit once it is displayed.

Alright, hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, and I will see you on Monday.

Are Jeans The New GTH Pants For WASPs - by Richard

Lately, I have not been handling a lot of clients, and I have just been roaming around town having tea and meeting with chums. Therefore, I haven't really dressed to the nines of late, and for me, my sweatpants are jeans. Perhaps, one might even consider jeans to be the new GTH pants for WASPs. Denim has certainly been visible in many advertising campaigns, which includes Brooks Brothers. As I write this, I can already see the comments from the troll community, but that is okay. They have been at me for four years now, and obviously they have not educated themselves to know they just simply do not bother me. While they are sitting in their basement eating a twinkie, telling me how fat I am, I simply respond by saying eh, whatever. Anyway, enough time wasted on the trolls.

So, here are the details of what I am wearing in the photos:

Jeans - Polo Ralph Lauren

Sport Coats - Herringbone Tweed from Polo, Vintage 3/2 roll sack blazer from Brooks Brothers

Sweater Vest - Cable Knit in Cream from Polo

OCBDs - Pink University Stripe from Polo, Blue from Brooks Brothers

Shoes - Saddle Oxfords from Johnston & Murphy, (not shown) Shell Cordovan Penny Loafers from Alden

Rugby Tweed Run/Jamie Beck/From Me To You - by Richard

Photo Credit: Rugby Tweed Run, Jamie Beck

This past weekend, Rugby Ralph Lauren hosted the first annual Tweed Run at their flagship store in New York. I sincerely wish I could have attended this event, and if that were possible, it would have capped a wonderful birthday weekend. The pictures I have seen from the event are remarkable, and I have never seen so many combinations of tweed accompanied by patrons smoking pipes and drinking from fine china.

Also, a delightful young lady named Jamie Beck was at the event, and if you have not checked out her blog (From Me To You), I highly recommend doing so. Besides being absolutely beautiful, she is a wonderful photographer. Also, she know how to dress well, and she does wonderful inspired photos in a section called, Daily Photos.

Alright, its time for me to spend some time in my closet.....night!

Moleskin Trousers Unveiled - by Richard

Here are the moleskin trousers I referred to in an earlier post! The pants are terrific in my opinion, and I especially love the nap of these trousers. Moleskin is a great alternative to corduroy, and it looks great with tweed or a flannel blazer.



Posing above my dog's blanket at the door, the trousers were worn with suede tassel loafers. My pup has been sick the past couple days, but a blanket and a sunbeam always perks him up a bit.

Stealing From The Boys ~ by Kipp

Inspired by Richard’s appreciation for women in bowties, I decided to take on the challenge myself. The women who decide to try out this bold menswear look should remember two helpful hints: First, layering is essential for balancing out your neckpiece to avoid looking like a schoolmarm or playboy bunny (a WASPY woman is neither of these extremes). Layering adds dimension to your outfit so that the eye isn’t immediately drawn to your neck; the bowtie should add to your overall look, not steal the show. Second, at least one other element of your outfit should be distinctly ladylike. Whether you decide to do that with color (pink!), fabric (lace), or a body hugging pencil skirt like I did, a girlish component balances out a traditionally masculine bowtie. Of course, I never oppose to topping the look off with a feminine headband and pearls either!

My habit of borrowing from menswear does not stop at bowties. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present my favorite new loafers! I am absolutely addicted to their comfortable insoles and sumptuous leather. Women before me have long known that loafers are an essential to the WASP look. Throw them on with a skirt or dress for a look that is fresh, not forced.

So, ladies, do not be afraid to dig around in your husband’s/boyfriend’s closet and try a bowtie out for yourselves! Wear it confidently; you’ll be turning heads in no time!

William Buckley Jr. & Hugh Hefner Interview - by Richard

William Buckley Jr. was always known for his conservative beliefs, patrician voice, and WASP style. He wore OCBDs shirts, and again, spoke with such elegance. He was born a WASP.

Hugh Hefner embraced the Ivy League style, and masterfully made selling photographs of nude women classy. He dressed as if he walked off the campus of Princeton, and he was photographed with his pipe in hand for more than 20 years. Sure, I would not call Hefner a role model, actually, he was nothing more than a smut peddler. Regardless, both men had class (well at least Buckley) and style.

I just wish that Buckley had in fact smashed Gore Vidal in the face (different interview)! Classic, just classic.......

(The entire interview can be viewed at www.youtube.com)

Growing Older - by Richard

Outfit for the steak dinner I was treated to by my parents:

Coppley MTM Navy Suit with peak lapels
Brooks Brothers OCBD with pinned collar
Brooks Brothers Repp Stripe Tie
Polo Ralph Lauren Butler Loafers

WASPs like all inhabitants of earth, grow old and age as the years pass. This past weekend (yesterday), I turned 34 years old. To most teenagers, this age would seem rather old, but actually, I still feel very young. It is amazing though to see how we change throughout the years. Even though WASPs are born innately with tradition in their blood, our taste mature and change ever so delicately as we age.

This upcoming year of my life, I plan to do some things I have always dreamed of doing. Also, I promise to continue my work with WASP 101, and help this site grow to what I always envisioned it would. We have brought on two new writers, and who knows, maybe Worthington will rise from the ashes before we know it!

So, to all my readers, let me say thank you! I truly do appreciate you all reading my ramblings each day.

More Arse Resting - by Richard

I am tired, and it is 12:26 am. I just arrived home and I am going to bed. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am having dinner with my parents after church, so I have got to get some rest. Take care and I will see you on Monday.

Wellies~ by Kipp

In my neck of the woods this past week we have been experiencing some fall rain. This gave me the perfect opportunity to pull out one of my favorite items: the Hunter rain boot. They are the best shoes to wear in the rain, hunting, or taking a walk through uncharted paths.

Hunter is a Scottish company that holds the Royal Warrant for waterproof footwear to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. They double as a classic item, one that will never go out of style, as well as being completely functional. They look great tucked in to dark jeans or paired with a plaid skirt. They have a gorgeous shape with a bit of a heel that make this boot both beautiful and feminine.

So this fall, I wholeheartedly recommend taking a walk through your grounds with your loved one and Hunter boots!

Book Review - Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style - by Richard

This week, I received my copy of Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style in the mail from Amazon. My initial reaction was that I loved the cover (Brooks Brothers blazer, hoping they might revive this style from their archives), and the photos on the inside cover were delightlful. The rest of the book was filled with images that I had seen before, but there were a few that I had not. I enjoyed reading the books depiction of today's preppy, and the authors discussion about designers like Mark McNairy and Michael Bastian. Overall, the book is filled with many photographs and very little dialogue. Officiailly, I give it 2 1/2 stars.

I will add, that the blogging community has been a little rough on this book. However, I remind the bloggers that we do research for these kind of pictures, etc. and it is going to be difficult to show us something we have not already seen or read before. On the other hand, the title would be useful in the hands of a young teenager trying to find their style.

A Day Of Purchases - by Richard

Photo Credit: Orvis (not my trousers referenced in the post, but my trousers are of similar color)

Today, I was a bad little boy and I made two purchases that I should have avoided. However, I cannot wait to pick up my garments when alterations are complete! What are my garments you may be asking? The answer is the most exquisite moleskin trousers I have ever seen and a Harris Tweed sport coat from Brooks Brothers in the Fitzgerald cut. I already have the trousers due to their perfect off the rack fit, and I am having the sleeves slightly shortened on the jacket. Actually, both items look marvelous in unison, and I will definitely do a post to display them soon. I am without question a huge fan of both moleskin trousers and Harris Tweed Jackets. More to come......

Not Showing Labels ~ by Kipp

There are few things that I hate more in this world than people who show labels. We all know those people; they are the nouveau riche who will not buy anything with out an obnoxiously large print or label. Sadly, top designers are catering to this market. Even more traditional makers like Ralph Lauren are losing prestige in order to expand their customer base. His line of Big Pony attire is an eye sore and is beloved by the trashy worldwide. Well constructed, quality clothing speaks for itself. The cut, color, and design of a piece will show its value without the need to display its designer.

I am by no means saying that you should immediately get rid of your Ralph Lauren oxford shirts with the small pony. What I am saying is try to stay away from even the small emblems by covering with a jacket or a scarf. Small Chanel Cs on one point of a handbag or scarf is fine. Opt for the designers who hide their name in the most delicate of places, like Hermès. Also, never carry a purse with a logo print.

Post Script: This does not apply to crests. Crests usually have only a detail of the label, and I cannot get enough of them!

The Very Useful Tweed Sport Coat - by Richard

Tweed sport coats are a staple for the WASPy look, and fall of the year brings many opportunities to wear one. Today, the temperature fell into the fifties, and for my evening errands, I sported one of my favorite Brooks Brothers tweeds.

This coat for example is very versatile. It can be worn with gray flannels, moleskin trousers, dark brown flannels, khakis, olive corduroys, jeans, etc. Plus, the necktie combinations are endless.

The Versatile Yellow Foulard Bow Tie - by Richard

If you are looking for a versatile bow tie that you can mix with your gray flannel suit, tweed jacket, or navy flannel blazer, then try purchasing a yellow foulard bow. In the photo, I am wearing a wool yellow bow tie, and I always prefer wool or tweed during the fall or winter months. The girth of the wool or tweed fabric creates a better look bow, and without question, nothing irritates me more than a blasted thin/flimsy bow tie. They are nearly impossible to tie, and I just assume to throw one away as to own it. So, if you only own one bow tie this fall, make it a wool yellow foulard bow. You will not regret it!

Another Arse Parking Session Is In Order - by Richard

It is after midnight, and I just have arrived home. Today, has been an insane day with lots of travel! To top things off, I have had a gruesome headache for most of the day that I just could not rid myself of. So, therefore, I am going to park my arse for a while, and take some medicine. Where is my blasted medicine....oh, there it is! Have a good night and a wonderful Sunday!

Topic of Debate #12 - Who Is Your Favorite English Monarch - by Richard

It is not arguable that the WASP culture began with the British. And, I freely admit that I heavily admire their old world style and tradition. However, the upper-crust elite class has almost vanished from Britain today, and the royal family is nothing more than a tourist attraction. However, there was once a day that the privleged elite truly ruled the empire, and there are many of these rulers to look at and read about. This brings me to my question, "who is your favorite English Monarch?" My choice is Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and his beheaded queen Ann Boleyn. Who is your favorite?

The Show Glee Bothers Me - by Richard

Photo: Retrieved From Find & Dandy Blog, Princeton's Tigertones Glee Club, 1949

Shows on television like the silly song and dance show Glee really bother me. However, I can not pinpoint the exact reason why! Perhaps, it could be the ultra fake preppy culture the show displays, or it could just be that I hate the silly singing. After watching one episode, I literally threw up a little.

If networks want to do a quality show about glee clubs, they should do one set in the 1940s on an Ivy League Campus. By displaying some authentic costumes and adding some drama with girls in plaid skirts and knee socks, myself and three others would certainly watch. Think about it networks, think about it!

Today's Kids Have Gone To Hell In A Hand Basket - by Richard

The thought of having a child has always scared me! For the most part, the fear begins and ends with the thought of one signing away their youth to take care of another. And without question, I am not ready for that! However, if I ever have a child, I hope to teach them respect, decorum, and the personal hygiene displayed above.

Unfortunately, upon my annual visit to speak at one of the local high schools, I was reminded of the bleak future for today's children. These kids were covered with tattoos, piercings, and one could only imagine if they have chains connecting the rings. Just to antagonize them, I mentioned the prospect of the school requiring uniforms, and as expected, I was greeted with boos.

To add more fuel to the fire, today's politicians (Democrats & Republicans) are aiding and abetting in the creation of a generation that demands entitlements. Sadly, I think they (today's generation) are all headed for hell in a hand basket

Pearls ~ by Kipp

Yes, that is me! I love piecing together a classic black and white outfit with a pop of color in the heel. However, my focus for this post is not myself, but rather pearls. There is no other piece of jewelry that says classic WASP style like pearls. Pearls are something that have history, character, and distinction. Pearls are also the perfect gift for a woman. Just a warning gentlemen, a little knowledge is necessary before heading to your preferred jeweler. Of course, natural pearls are best, but they are hard to come across in the perfect large and round shape that is so desired. Therefore, cultured salt-water pearls from a reputable source such as Mikimoto are a good alternative.


The traditional short single strand pearl necklace is something that will never go out of style and can be paired with any outfit, for any occasion. Even though I have multiple versions of the short single strand, the pearl necklace I use most often is the one shown above. This longer single strand is much more versatile and can be used in a plethora of ways. My favorite is a simple knot, which I adjust depending on the neckline of what I am wearing underneath. So even though pearls are an eternal classic don't be afraid to tie them up and play with them!

Topic of Debate #11 - The Duke's Suit

The Duke gave this suit to Sir Cecil Beaton, for his 1971 exhibition. The garment dates back to the 1940, and it falls in line with the Duke's taste for flamboyant tweed. Apparently, the Duke paired this suit with a fair isle vest, and I imagine that he gave the sweater, etc. to Sir Cecil Beaton as well. I give it a thumbs up, what do you give it?

Topic of Debate #10 - Patchwork Tweed Jacket From Huntsman - by Richard

I am not really a fan of patchwork tweed jackets, but this version from Huntsman does require one to take a second look. Without question, one must not doubt the quality of this jacket due to its maker, but the selection of tweeds gives this coat an inspirational look. What are your thoughts?