Unabashedly Prep

  • Lookmatic

    Style  

    Tortoise frames have long been a part of my daily uniform since high school. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me who made my glasses, I'd have $88—enough to buy another pair. The hand-made, hand polished frame of my favorite pair is vaguely reminiscent of Tart Optical’s classic FDR silhouette, only hundreds of dollars less.

    Lookmatic RX FDR glasses in tortoise ($88)

    I distinctly remember the era when stylish eyeglasses were a high dollar solution to a common problem. In fact, the tail end of that era is still lingering. It was only two years ago I coughed up close to $500 for a pair of stylish prescription eyeglasses. That’s fine for those with more money than sense. But for the rest of us replacing our prescription eyewear every year, it’s a bittersweet experience.

    The dirty secret about the eyewear industry is that the margins are huge—fragrance margin huge. That’s changing. From the industry movers and shakers that brought you “glasses in about an hour”, comes Lookmatic, the one-stop online shop offering high-quality, stylish prescription eye glasses, prescription sunglasses, and readers. Their offering is vast but cohesive; and a home trial of up to five frames ensures you’ll find the most flattering silhouettes. The kicker? They’re only $88.

    Jan 19, 2012 | Permalink (9) View/Leave Comments

    cam left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 10:25 PM:

    @ethan..fred wears many a hat depending on the situation as explained to me.


    ethan left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 9:14 PM:

    Hmmm…  What I find interesting is the first pair of glasses you wear on this site was about a year ago.  The first two years you didn’t wear glasses.  In fact a google images search doesn’t show you wearing glasses at all before last year.  I smell bullshit.


    tyler left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 4:46 PM:

    Great discovery. Thanks for sharing. What is the name of the model you have on in the photo? Thank you!


    Brad left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 4:40 PM:

    If readers enjoy this post, they should also check out Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com). Not only are their prices just as reasonable as Lookmatic, but they also provide a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair they sell.


    Makaga left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 2:09 PM:

    Hey F.E. Castlebery, I enjoyed this posting.  As an eyewear designer I do enjoy the margins (it pays my salary) and I do enjoy the other brands popping up that are cutting down their margins to improve sales.  It’s a neat business model.  I wonder how long they’ll last in the industry.  What are your thoughts?


    Laguna Beach Fogey left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 2:04 PM:

    It’s amusing to see you wearing such nice clothing—in greasy diners and downtown burger parlors.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 12:00 PM:

    @Jeff—Lookmatic offers the home trial. Simply call them if you cannot find it on the website. They will get you set up.


    Jeff left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 11:58 AM:

    I am trying to find the home try on, but cannot find it anywhere on the site.  Are you getting it confused with the Warby Parker home try on that they do?  Or does Lookmatic do it as well and I just can’t find it.


    Alfred left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 10:58 AM:

    Love the burger joint background.


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  • The Home Bar

    Culture | Prep Essentials  

    There is a saying, “If you’re lucky enough to live close to the water, then you’re lucky enough.” Consider yourself lucky enough when you find yourself in Lyford Cay—the gated community in the Bahamas considered one of the world’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods. When members aren’t quenching their thirst with the club’s signature Rum Dum*—a mix of Light Bacardi Rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, water, raw egg white, and dark rum—they’re pouring their own favorites. Every Lyford Cay house boasts the one key ingredient to entertaining—the home bar. Whether atop a liquor tray or hidden neatly behind folding doors, it’s always discreet. Preppies don’t advertise their affinity for it but it’s always within arms reach.

    Pytchley Lodge home bar

    I’m here on a job for Quadrille, the WASPy fabric company which happens to cover the walls, windows, and pillows of every other Lyford Cay home. After settling into a pale pink cottage by the name of Pytchley Lodge (WASPs name their homes, don’t ya know), I pull back the doors to the charming bar and mix up my favorite warm weather drink, a Southside. It’s refreshing but don’t take my word for it. Mix it up for yourself.

    In a shaker, muddle a few mint leaves (don’t pulverize them). Then add ice, two shots of gin, three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup, three-quarters of an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and a few drops of Angostura bitters. Shake hard for a good ten seconds and strain into a glass, either up or on the rocks.

    *Since Lyford Cay Club bartender Wilfred Sands concocted it in 1971, it’s been a mainstay ever since.

    Jan 18, 2012 | Permalink (7) View/Leave Comments

    Stockton AndrewsII left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 5:05 PM:

    Very nicely done! I like the miniature figures in white tunics on the center shelf. Never drink alone!


    The preppies left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 2:59 AM:

    For some american fashion, visit my blog


    http://thepreppies.wordpress.com/


    cam left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 10:54 PM:

    @tad - indeed bourbon can be made anywhere in the US as long as it follows the formula. that being said, only bourbon made in kentucky can use the word “bourbon” on the label. if you ask anyone from kentucky, which I so happen to be, it isn’t bourbon if it isn’t from kentucky


    Tad Allagash left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 9:45 PM:

    Nice bar, love all the mini portraits, like the ghosts of cocktails past.  @Bridey - Indeed Jack Daniels is not a bourbon, but being from Tennessee has nothing to do with it.


    Laguna Beach Fogey left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 9:20 PM:

    Well said. There are loads of Preps hiding out in the Bahamas—some of them Loyalist descendants—drinking Gin and hunting sharks and grouper. Divine.


    Bridey left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 4:30 PM:

    Great pic, but I hope there’s a good bourbon hiding back there. Jack Daniels, of course, is from TN and does not count.


    y. l. hollander left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 4:07 PM:

    Loving the fact that the proprietor opts for call brand liquors and mixers. No need for fever-tree quinine or superduperpremium hooch—- just a good, solid drink.

    Cheers!


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  • In the Red

    Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: brightly colored duffel coat and reversible scarf. When you travel as much as I do, the reversible scarf becomes more and more appealing. I have found very few outfits this red tartan/grey herringbone combination doesn't work with.

    Rig:
    • Gloverall duffel coat
    • Ralph Lauren reversible herringbone/tartan wool scarf
    • oxford cloth button down
    • Gant Nordic ski sweater
    • Ralph Lauren sterling silver engine turn buckle and leather strap
    • Rugby raw selvedge denim
    • marled socks
    • Bass Weejuns

    Jan 17, 2012 | Permalink (23) View/Leave Comments

    Miguel Ramalhao left a comment on 1/26/2012 at 2:48 PM:

    I’de never seen a red Gloverall… Nice!!!!


    M. Arthur left a comment on 1/25/2012 at 10:16 PM:

    F.E. You were at the head of the line when they were handing out a good full head of hair!  Seems you are not parting it in this photo.  My vote, dump the part, go with the full Gekko look.  It works for you as does the red coat.


    Katherine left a comment on 1/25/2012 at 4:23 PM:

    Handsome!


    Weston left a comment on 1/25/2012 at 2:27 PM:

    The burnishing on those loafers is awesome—I’m assuming those are a different pair than the ones you linked to. Where can I find those brown Weejuns? Great looking shoes.


    MGM left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 9:12 PM:

    FEC should come to Missouri and photograph me


    Brad left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 7:53 PM:

    Just spitballing here, but that’d actually be a pretty dope series of photos - “The Odd Couple.” You know - something like a campaign along the lines of “Meet the Hilfigers,” but with you and KJP, or even FEC himself. Seeing somebody who’s a bit more buttoned-up juxtaposed with somebody a bit more “braceleted-up” - each, however, still sharing the same basic foundation of style. I’d enjoy it! You’re all so photogenic too wink


    AEV left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 6:07 PM:

    @Brad - Fair enough. Somewhat to my surprise, our correspondence thus far has uncovered a fair amount of agreement and a number of commonalities. While colored bracelets will never be my thing, I’ve always admired KJP’s enterprising spirit, marketing savvy, and success.


    Brad left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 5:52 PM:

    @AEV - I was just thinking how fun and interesting it would be to listen to a conversation between the two of you. (I hope that doesn’t sound as pathetic as it reads.) And, please take this in the spirit in which it’s intended, I’ve imagined the encounter would play out a bit like an episode of the “The Odd Couple.”


    AEV left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 5:11 PM:

    @Brad - I have not met KJP, though we’ve corresponded and I’m hopeful we’ll meet in person some time soon. Why?


    Brad left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 4:48 PM:

    Has AEV ever met KJP?


    LSM left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 2:35 PM:

    I need to get a good quality leather band for my old seiko 5, what are some stores/ sites that you might recommend?


    trip left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 11:36 AM:

    Looks like the last Dress Code post featuring someone other than FEC was December 12th…


    Luke left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 12:26 PM:

    Are those the 75th edition Weejuns? They look different then the ones the link brings up.


    Big Jon left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 10:51 AM:

    This is a cool picture. What are you listening to or is it just a prop?


    RismoMax left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 10:24 AM:

    The style blogger has nearly an identical jacket, scroll down to 1/19: http://sbdaily.thestyleblogger.com/


    Paul left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 9:38 AM:

    This is a fantastic photo. The red of the coat is brilliant against that wall. You look cold, though. Being from Boston, I’d love to see what you would do when, like we often do, hats become necessary accessories.


    aggiek left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 9:22 AM:

    Great outfit, especially the coat and scarf.


    TJH left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 6:39 PM:

    Oh and it looks much colder in this one, stay warm!


    TJH left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 6:38 PM:

    One of my favourite posts you’ve ever done. The scarf and the coat go together perfectly and everything is just spot on.


    Hallock left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 6:38 PM:

    What do you usually use in your hair?


    Michael left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 6:27 PM:

    One of my top five favorite posts of yours—ironically it is in company with your other photo in NYC with the red Gloverall. Love the camp socks from JCrew this season, the brand has stepped up their game immensely.


    HarrisonK left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 5:55 PM:

    Very nice as usual.  Everything looks great together.  NYC was very cold the day that picture was taken.  May I ask why you chose penny loafers over something else that may have kept you’re feet warmer?


    Nate left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 5:54 PM:

    Never considered it, but I might give the loafers + camp socks a go tomorrow…


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  • Power Cord

    Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: throw a down parka over your jacket and tie when the temperature dips below 30 degrees. Just be sure to keep your parka longer than your sport coat. Although there are quite a few textures and patterns going on, it works since they vary in size and color/contrast. Lastly, if you're looking to sport fun socks, look to anchor them down to the secondary colors in your tie.

    Rig:
    • tortoise shell Ray-Ban Wayfarers
    • Penfield parka (similar)
    • Rugby wool herringbone blazer (similar)
    • Rugby corduroy trouser (similar) and striped sock
    • Thomas Pink spread collar bengal stripe shirt
    • Ralph Lauren wool tartan tie
    • J.Press brass engine turn buckle and belt
    • Allen Edmonds long wingtip shoe

    Jan 16, 2012 | Permalink (24) View/Leave Comments

    David left a comment on 1/25/2012 at 9:58 AM:

    Great post but I was just wondering if it is easy to get cords tailored. I have two pairs that I’d like to get tapered and shortened. Is it possible or do the wales cause problems? Thanks in advance


    Julia left a comment on 1/25/2012 at 6:10 AM:

    Hey =)
    Please support my blog and follow!
    http://lifelajulie.blogspot.com/

    Thanks


    msinc left a comment on 1/23/2012 at 11:08 AM:

    There was something subliminal that made me love this coat immediately when I saw it which I chalked up to color, quality of the photograph, etc. Then, over the weekend I watched The Empire Strikes Back with my two young sons (first time for them - glorious). As soon as Han Solo, my boyhood hero appeared on screen dressed for the bitter cold of the planet Hoth it instantly dawned on me.


    Fredrik Holst left a comment on 1/22/2012 at 5:22 AM:

    Great stuff!

    Visit my blog for an insight in a swedish law students life!
    http://thepreppies.wordpress.com/


    Kionon left a comment on 1/21/2012 at 3:39 AM:

    @FEC and Alex S. Thank you, I have a similar tie. It’s quite old, the tartan is MacArthur, so just the yellow highlight. It has no brand except to say it is made in Scotland.

    Thank you, FEC, for your unique style. It’s you, and that’s all that really matters, because it is your sandbox. Your rules.


    cam left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 11:38 PM:

    fred, would you consider your style classic or peacocking?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 7:50 PM:

    @SL—A Barbour would certainly work but wouldn’t have the same affect because of the tweed and corduroy I’m already wearing. The pairing comes off as predictable with a Barbour because of tweed’s association with hunting and corduroy’s implementation on many of Barbour’s collars. It wouldn’t feel as fresh.

    @AEV—It is those preferences and beliefs (which you are entitled to) that form and define your style…and it is pairings like this here that form and define mine. I don’t think it would be a stretch to say what I’m doing requires a little more imagination than what you would typically prefer.


    SL left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 5:07 PM:

    I really like how this looks together. Would love to see a similar combination with a black parka and for the fall, pairing this to a Barbour jacket may also arrange nicely.


    AEV left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 10:37 AM:

    I like and appreciate the individual elements, but believe a formal shirt, tie, shoes, and blazer require pressed pants. I also think they’re best paired with a more formal/appropriate topcoat, not a parka.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 9:12 AM:

    @HarrisonK—I agree with everything you have to say. I can assure you my cords embody your preferences. Consider that the wind was blowing from my back and the fact that I have my hand in my pocket and am not standing flat footed. All these things affect how the trouser lies. This photo is not a “fit” photo you would find on an commerce website in order to help you decide whether or not you like the fit of the garment you are considering buying…this is taken on the street without being styled for all those preferences you mentioned below.


    HarrisonK left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 9:02 AM:

    I’m no expert but I think if you are going to wear your pants with a shorter hem, they should be slightly more tapered at the bottom.  The bigger leg opening makes it look like the pants are “flaring” out at the bottom.  It also looks like they are shorter in the back then the front.


    Laguna Beach Fogey left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 8:43 AM:

    Outstanding combo. Well done.


    Alex S. left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 5:05 AM:

    Nice, this blog is always an inspiration!

    @Kionon—The Tartan is Malcolm Modern.


    Miguel Ramalhao left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 6:27 PM:

    Uau.. love the color of those cords.. to bad that in europe we can only get RL Rugby in London.. I’ve got to go there some time soon!... Great pics.. Cheers..


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 5:33 PM:

    @Kionon—It’s a blackwatch base with a red, yellow, and light blue stripe overlay; a variation of a Malcolm Modern.


    Kionon left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 5:27 PM:

    FEC, can you tell us the tartan type on the tie?


    Scott left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 5:05 PM:

    I would have chosen a simple color such as marine blue, dark grey. Not in all cases, but I would have done it here.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 5:04 PM:

    @Tad Allagash—The patch is actually French in nature: Rhone Alpes. A little souvenir/reminder of from my travels in that region.


    Tad Allagash left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:56 PM:

    That’s a nice military patch on the chest of that parka.


    TJH left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:45 PM:

    I read that it was in New York and realised! British winters look AND feel miserable. I do enjoy swishing around in a big coat though.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:38 PM:

    @TJH—Sunny doesn’t mean warm by any stretch of the imagination. It’s 27 degrees in this photo. Unfortunately, no amount of sun can bring comfort in those temperatures. Stay warm out there.


    TJH left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:31 PM:

    Love the look, especially the tweed and cord. It does look quite sunny and hot in the picture though which makes you look overdressed. Totally not your fault though, keep up the good work.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:15 PM:

    @Epi—Thank you. I did not get them for free when I promoted them a while back. Allen Edmonds asked if they could gift them to me, I accepted (as I wear and own other pairs of Allen Edmonds), and then I chose to write about them. The difference can appear subtle, but it’s there.


    Epi left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 4:11 PM:

    Nice Allen Edmonds. Did you get them for free when you promoted them a while back?


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  • The Hobbit

    Music & Books  

    J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: or There and Back Again is considered by many the “original and still best fantasy every written.” Many in the UK and US are already familiar. The fairy story has been instrumental in stretching young readers’ literary minds for digestion of the works of Dickens and Shakespeare. With the highly anticipated film adaptation due out this December (in two parts no less—Middle Earth fans rejoice!), I’m currently revisiting the fantasy novel with my sons so they know “it’s a dangerous business, going out your front door.”

    Shortly after the first edition printing in 1937, The Hobbit's publisher, Stanley Unwin, asked Tolkien for a sequel. Tolkien responded with drafts for The Silmarillion, but the editors rejected them, believing that the public wanted "more about hobbits". Tolkien subsequently began work on 'The New Hobbit', which would eventually become The Lord of the Rings, a course that would not only change the context of the original story, but also lead to substantial changes to the character of Gollum.

    Pick up a used hardback copy from Amazon and experience the journey there, and back again, as Tolkien originally intended.

    Jan 13, 2012 | Permalink (14) View/Leave Comments

    Hailie Durrett left a comment on 1/24/2012 at 4:15 PM:

    I am so happy you posted this! I am reading Tolkien’s bio by Humphrey Carpenter right now and will soon be starting on The Silmarillion as I am taking a Tolkien class this semester.


    Laguna Beach Fogey left a comment on 1/20/2012 at 8:45 AM:

    Wow! I’m really happy to see this on your site. Tolkien, as you know, is one of my favourite authors. A true Fogey, rough Tweed-style. Very nice.


    GLG left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 9:01 AM:

    What I enjoy most about the Hobbit is that it is a book tailor made not just for children, but for the child within all of us.  The Lord of the Rings is a vastly different work in both tone and length, because Tolkien was aiming it at his original audience, who had since grown up, instead of the original demographic. Amazingly Tolkien considered the work to be a single novel - the whole “trilogy” angle was developed to work around paper shortages, the same problem that prevented T.H. White’s Once and Future King from being compiled in a complete state till after the war. My favorite anecdote about the tonal differences revolves around Tolkien’s attempted rewrite of “The Hobbit” to bring it more in line with the Lord of the Rings, which had overtaken it in popularity.  Tolkien sent one chapter to a friend who advised him to stop at once as the darker tone squashed the soul of the original.  Sadly, I believe Peter Jackson may need to learn this lesson, as judging by the trailer for the film and the fact the rather tightly paced story is being stretched out over two films, it seems to be going for the angle of that rewrite - needlessly dark.  Of course, I try to keep a very open mind with film adaptations, and my fond memories of the original work could never be perverted by any movie, but I can’t help but wonder what this adaptation could have been, especially for children unfamiliar with the Hobbit rather than the rabid fans of the Lord of the Rings films.


    Miguel Ramalhao left a comment on 1/19/2012 at 6:46 AM:

    This will be the next book on my night stand.. I’m just finishing On the Road (again!)... And I’m ready for more adventure… not the same kind but nevertheless Adventure.


    H.K. Rahman left a comment on 1/18/2012 at 9:32 PM:

    @bucephalus - since you asked, I believe Hobbits were the first purveyors of the “Go-To-Hell-Ankles” look.


    A left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 11:16 PM:

    I love hearing about you and your boys.

    You once posted a pic of my son in a madras blazer.( http://bit.ly/whwipX )

    Scary how fast they grow up.
    http://bit.ly/x2HWwN smile


    ian left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 8:01 PM:

    Peter Jackson did an incredible job adapting TLOTR’s trilogy. I am hoping his adaptation of The Hobbit is as well done. I’ll have to reread it, as I recall it is significantly different in style as it is a children’s book so I’m interested in seeing the finished films. It’s wonderful that you are exposing your kids to it. I suggest The Wind in the Willow’s as well.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 6:36 PM:

    @Kiel James Patrick—Most importantly, don’t forget your Longbottom Leaf; cram it down in your pipe real good.


    Kiel James Patrick left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 6:08 PM:

    I love you man.  Little Hobbit smile crept upon my face when I saw you posted this today.  Think I just may crack open my favorite Tolkien tale by the fire tonight.  Might even curl my hair and throw on an emerald green robe for the occasion.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 12:39 PM:

    @QD—Yes, I have two sons.

    @Jon—Tough question. Tolkien is certainly one of my favorite authors. What I’m reading right now is Tom Wolfe’s “The Bonfire of the Vanities” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”.


    QD left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 12:24 PM:

    You have children?


    Jon left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 11:58 AM:

    Hi, Fred.  Who are your favorite authors?  What are your favorite books?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 9:44 AM:

    @bucephalus—At what point do you relinquish what you “think” Unabashedly Prep is for I am showing you it is? Unabashedly Prep is (and always has been) me sharing my tastes with anyone who might appreciate it.


    bucephalus left a comment on 1/17/2012 at 7:52 AM:

    The Great Gatsby—that I can understand.  It will be a preppy-costumey film.  But The Hobbit ?


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  • THIS ENTIRE SITE Ⓒ 2009—2012 F.E. CASTLEBERRY. ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS HEREIN (DENOTED BY "PHOTOGRAPHED IN... ") ARE COPYRIGHTED BY F.E. CASTLEBERRY. IMAGES (DENOTED BY "IMAGES VIA...") ARE READILY AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS PLACES ON THE INTERNET AND BELIEVED TO BE IN PUBLIC DOMAIN. IMAGES POSTED ARE BELIEVED TO BE POSTED WITHIN MY RIGHTS ACCORDING TO THE U.S. COPYRIGHT FAIR USE ACT (TITLE 17, U.S. CODE). NO PART OF THIS SITE, OR ANY OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED HEREIN, MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER(S).