Richard & Kipp's Rugby Picks ~ by Kipp

Richard and I were having a discussion about Rugby and I complained that there was much more for men than for women and that I really never found anything from Rugby. Of course, Richard did not let that rest and immediately did his research and called me back to prove me wrong. I must admit that I was just that. This season Rugby has many items that I am going to have to pick up for my fall wardrobe, my favorite being the Tartan Schoolboy Jacket. The pieces highlighted below are the ones that Richard and I both like best, maybe for different reasons ;) , but still our picks.

Fair Isle Vest & Corduroy mini

Windowpane Tweed Skirt

Striped Fleece Cricket Jacket



Tartan Schoolboy Jacket



Houndstooth Tweed Jacket



Fenella Tartan Kilt (and the socks of course)

Give Me A Girl That Wears Headbands - by Richard

 

 

To continue to pay homage to Gossip Girl in its final season, today we salute Blair Waldorf and her vast collection of headbands.  I have always loved girls that wear them, and this was always one of Blair's crowning attributes.  However, I was disappointed when the show decided to ditch her bands in season three.  It was almost heresy and the beginning of the show's decline.  Regardless, enjoy the photos of Blair's favorite hair accessory. 

 

Tweed Slippers by Rugby - by Richard

Every season for the past several years, Rugby Ralph Lauren has pushed to the outer limits of slipper wear.  Remember the tartan plaid number with the hunter, and last seasons herringbone tweed run slipper.  This season, Rugby is back with another tweed version which I think is just lovely.  I will admit, I have never seen tweed slippers before last seasons run.  How do you wear these?  In my opinion, they would look great with khakis and a tweed jacket or blazer, or even possibly a tweed suit.  Should I invest in pair?

Preppy Girl Theatre (Emma Watson) - by Richard

Serena at Connecticut Boarding School - by Richard

For a brief moment during season four (I think) I was captivated by the fact Gossip Girl went back in time to tell why Serena left the upper eastside.  As much as I love Serena's sexy outfits at Constance, I thought her school girl look was better at the Connecticut school.  I love the schoolboy blazer, houndstooth stockings, and tartan shirt.  The ensemble with the gray blazer is pretty nice as well. 

As stated, this is the last season of Gossip Girl and we will occasionally commemorate noted characters on the show.  However, it is highly doubtful that Nate Archibald will be featured, and I know for sure Dan Humphrey will not make the cut. 

Working on a Friday afternoon - by Crawford

I was speaking with Richard this afternoon, and he told me that several friends had recently asked -- where's Crawford?  Well I've been busy at work, and I haven't had an opportunity to post; however, I have enjoyed reading the posts of Kipp and Richard.

So I thought I would post just to check in.  This afternoon, I find myself sitting at my desk returning a few telephone calls preparing to head home to mix a pitcher of Pimm's (my wife's favorite) to enjoy before dinner.  I look forward to posting again soon.  Cheers (and have a fantastic weekend)!!

A Look Back At Chuck Bass, As We Say Goodbye to Gossip Girl - by Richard

I have recently read that this will be the sixth and final season of the CW's Gossip Girl, and I also read that this will be a shortened season with about half the usual episodes.  The show started out with a bang, and I was highly tuned in to this show, but my interest honestly faded after about season two.  The show had a brilliant opportunity to transition the characters to college which they did only briefly, and then they all become teenage business brokers (not exactly how it happened but close).  Chuck Bass, my favorite character never attended college!  Sure, he is a billionaire but what a waste with his preppy style. 

Chuck Bass was the classic womanizing playboy that dressed very dandified.  During the first two season, he embraced extreme prep, but again, his style did falter as they tried to age the characters too quickly.  This post is to commemorate some of the best outfits I saw Chuck wear during his tenure on Gossip Girl.  Sure, I don't like all the elements, but overall the looks are winners. 

Duck Boots (Or Shoes) - by Richard

  This fall season, the go to shoe appears to be the camp moccasin, and without question this is a good shoe that is produced by L.L. Bean.  However, I have wondered why we have not seen more of the duck boot which is also manufactured by L.L. Bean.  The Official Preppy Handbook paid homage to the iconic shoe, and I sometimes sport my duck boots on days that it is not raining (as suggested by the OPH). 

Duck boots come in many forms, but my preferred form is the moccasin.  I enjoy being able to just slip them on the same way I slip on my tassel loafers or penny loafers.  The shoe can be dressed up or down, and I have even worn my duck boots (moccasins) with cords, OCBD, sport coat, and tie. 

When purchasing duck shoes or boots, always, always pick L.L. Bean.  As much as I love Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, etc. I would never stray from L.L. Bean when purchasing this shoe.  The only exception I could think of is if Polo did something really special with theirs, but looking at past renditions, I am not impressed. 

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 Campaign ~ by Kipp

The Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 Campaign gives us much to look forward to with this brand.  The focus is more along the lines of a Ralph Lauren with their fall hunting theme.  One can easily spot a focus on more tweeds and richer colors and materials. I am enthralled with many of the coats and scarves for women.  I am heading into the city for the US Open and I fully intend on stopping by Tommy Hilfiger to see these items in person and report back!

Secret Societies - by Richard

Secret Societies have been a part of American History since it began, and we have to look no further than to our first President of the United States to find a prominent member of history that was a member of one.  George Washington was of course a Mason, and many other high ranking political figures were also members of the Mason society.  Then we of course have the Skull & Bones at Yale who boast members such as Howard Taft and the Bush clan. 

Being that my friends and I are fascinated by this culture, we decided to dub our weekly guys night a secret society meeting.  Sure, it is corny but we dress in our most preppy attire and enjoy a fine evening of dinner and cigars coupled with intense conversations.  We discuss everything from politics, classic fashion, and the box at the Texas Rangers stadium (an inside joke).  The name of our little group is Dukes of Crestwood Manor, and we are planning to have a tie and crest created for the club. 

I have no clue who the group is above, but I thought it looked like a good picture to use to portray a secret society.  They look just a little bit snobbier than frat boys, and they must be taking their annual photo.  The chap in the navy blazer, white OCBD, repp tie, Nantucket Reds, and velvet slippers kind of reminds me of myself when I was his age.  He clearly is the best dressed of the bunch.  Look at how his trousers appear to be perfectly cut, and how the other chaps have that horrid bunching effect at the bottom.  His haircut is also sharp and very reminiscent of my own. 

Do you want to be a member of the Dukes of Crestwood Manor?  Well, you can't!  But, you can start your own group and maybe we can send each other secret notes on fancy stationary sealed with wax of course. 

Rugby Fall 2012 Video - by Richard

I am finally able to post Rugby Ralph Lauren's new Fall 2012 video.  Kipp should be posting the more extensive Hilfiger discussion soon. 

Hilfiger 2012 - by Richard

The Hilfigers are back and this season they are sporting their hunting regalia.  Kipp will do a more in depth post to start the week, but until then, enjoy the new Hilfiger video. 

J. McLaughlin - by Richard

While in Charleston this summer, I visited J. McLaughlin, but for some reason I forgot to write about it until now.  My forgetfulness was not due to the lack of being impressed, and I did enjoy my visit inside the store.  J. McLaughlin is a wonderful place to pick up that much needed accessory.  While in the store, I purchased a beautiful horse regalia tie which I will debut at a later date.  The shop (though small) had numerous ties, whimsical belts, and socks that were all acceptable.  There was also a fine selection of critter shorts and trousers.  WASP 101 gives J. McLaughlin two thumbs up, and we highly recommend that you stop by. 

Heeled Loafers? ~by Kipp

Heeled loafers have come to my attention recently, but I still find myself on the fence about them. I like the combination of a feminine heel with a more traditionally masculine form of the shoe. However, I have seen many heeled loafers done horribly wrong. Some have a platform that is way too thick and some have an awful, tread-like sole. I wish I knew who makes the ones above! What is your take on the heeled loafer?

Preppy Girl Theatre ~ by Kipp

Cool Slippers - by Richard

As many may know, I enjoy velvet slippers and on occasion, I wear them outside my home.  I sincerely wish I had this pair of beautiful bottle green slippers with boy and girl golfers.  The tartan accents give these shoes that extra zeal, but I cannot see who makes them.  Plus, I fear that they may be vintage and unavailable. 

Kipp's Picks ~ by Kipp

 Fall fashion shows may have been months ago, but we are just now seeing the first fall previews in stores and online. The following are some pieces that have caught my eye and are going to have to make it into my fall wardrobe! Don't worry, this is just the beginning of fall, there is always more to come!

Brooks Brothers Tartan Scarf

Brooks Brothers Black Watch Shirt Dress

J.Crew Minnie Pant (best hues- Boulevard Green and Cabernet: perfect to pair with a tweed blazer)

J.Crew Tie-Neck Top (in Manchester Purple)

Stubbs & Wootton Slippers in Fouquet Plum (Handler is a 2nd favorite)

Summer Hats ~ by Kipp

 Although I am looking forward to the tweeds and scarves of fall, I am thoroughly enjoying getting use out of my favorite summer hats.  The two shown in the pictures I have here are very easy to wear and versatile. I like a hat with a wider brim such as the one above for a bit more drama. I am also in love with the entire outfit of the girl above, simple, elegant, and very chic! For these more casual hats I suggest keeping with simple neutral colors with an added touch of a satin bow in a bright color. The hat itself is already a big enough statement piece without adding too many additions.

So don't be afraid of adding a hat and strolling around your favorite areas of the world!

Technical Difficulties - by Richard

I broke my laptop last night, and I cannot post today!  Apparently, when Google updated blogger, they created as process that my desktop is not innovative enough for.  Regardless, Kipp should be with you throughout the weekend.  Thanks, for the extra hand Kipp, and it is good to have you back from Europe safe and sound. 

Polo Factory Stores - by Richard

Today, I received an e-mail to notify me of the current sale going on at the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store.  On occasion, I will stop by and I do find some neat items in the store.  However, the significant change in the stores has become very obvious.  Once upon a time, the stores were littered with all kinds of items ranging from thousand dollar sport coats and suits, and that must have item from the season before that you just didn't pull the trigger on.  Today, it seems that all the items are catered for the factory store, and the past hopes of finding something really really amazing in the store has gone.  Regardless, I suggest stopping by and seeing their new stock.  The navy fair isle sweater looks lovely, and it does pair tremendously well with the pink OCBD.  Check them out!

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard