Unabashedly Prep

  • Wardrobe XIII

    Style | Dress Code  

    Last weekend, a group of friends and I packed up the car (last minute) and headed south to Firefly music festival despite the wet forecast. My vintage Mighty Mac was one of the few things I grabbed while running out the door. Originally based out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Mighty-Mac was a popular sportswear brand up until the late '80s, known for making stylish and functional clothing for boating. Despite closing up shop around 1989-1990, 35 summers of Japan recently acquired the rights to the name and are now recreating the same jackets that were made decades ago in its original quality. I picked up my late 80s model gently used and then had it tailored in all the right spots. Notwithstanding the rain, The Killers did put on the best show I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing and I stayed plenty dry.

    1. FujiFilm X-Pro1 rangefinder camera
    2. Mighty Mac of Gloucester jacket
    3. Ralph Lauren whale embroidered chino short
    4. vintage Omega Seamaster wristwatch with Rugby nylon watch band

    Jul 31, 2012 | Permalink (8) View/Leave Comments

    PSP left a comment on 9/6/2012 at 10:00 PM:

    Great pick on the Might Mac jacket.  Do you know where I can find one?


    Kingston left a comment on 8/29/2012 at 7:52 PM:

    The Gold, Silver and Bronze of Prep: Stylin’ - Prep & Maiden http://www.prepandmaiden.com/articles-1/stylin/


    PSP left a comment on 8/22/2012 at 9:21 PM:

    FEC I purchased the blue and white J Press band really liked it for Summer.  FYI for fans of the Vintage Seamaster there are currently a few up for auction on Liveauctioneers.


    mike left a comment on 8/18/2012 at 4:16 PM:

    Is it possible that you might model the Mighty-Mac for a future post. I’d love to see what it looks like.


    S/Amatourist left a comment on 8/15/2012 at 5:00 PM:

    like the watchband. just got one - almost identical - from J Press in DC earlier this summer. ran into the speaker of the Texas House while there. love it when time and place just come together. i was wondering… how do you shoot your gear? light box? i’ve struggled like hell with mine… everything washes out on white bg, though i think i’ll give colored paper a shot. ~SAM


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/15/2012 at 4:17 PM:

    @Tom—There wasn’t exactly a tropical storm during Firefly, so yes, my jacket kept me dry.

    @Desmond K—I was in my leather boat shoes all weekend.


    Tom left a comment on 8/15/2012 at 8:08 AM:

    A 25 year old cotton pullover jacket was waterproof?


    Desmond K left a comment on 8/15/2012 at 7:54 AM:

    Eternally jealous of u. The killers have been one of my favorites for a while. Out of curiosity, what kind of footwear did u pack in preparation for the rainy weather?

    Chinos & Cheesecake


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  • Go Monastic

    Top Drawer | Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: comes homes to this lovely lady every evening. In all seriousness, I don't want to list everything here as noteworthy, but it really is. Pay attention to the details here. The wingtip monks, the lack of break in the white jean, the spread collar, the vintage wristwatch...etc, etc. Great southern sensibility. In fact, I first met this gentleman when he was working at Sid Mashburn's shop.

    Jul 26, 2012 | Permalink (9) View/Leave Comments

    Big Jon left a comment on 9/4/2012 at 8:59 PM:

    This is a cool look. It’s definitly something I would wear. By the way, what does that say on his arm?


    Derek Shiekhi left a comment on 8/17/2012 at 12:44 PM:

    Gingham shirt and monk straps?  A man after my own heart.  Bonus points for a proper umbrella and rainboots.


    JRenee left a comment on 8/14/2012 at 5:45 PM:

    Great shot, FE.


    NJGlenn left a comment on 8/13/2012 at 6:51 PM:

    Perfect Summer outfit.  I may be biased though, I was wearing a very similar rig today. (RL driving loafers instead of monks).


    Paul left a comment on 8/13/2012 at 11:30 AM:

    What an adorable couple. I admire thier floors.


    J left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 5:32 PM:

    Funny title.


    Daniel left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 10:37 AM:

    Thanks for showcasing understated, tasteful style. Great profiles, FEC!


    DBCC left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 9:07 AM:

    Awesome work, Fred.  They seem like a great couple.  Love the denim.  I would have thrown some Wurkin Stiffs in or gone with a non-spread collar when sans tie, but I understand the effortlessness.  What does his tattoo read?


    Desmond K left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 6:17 AM:

    Nothing like a happy home. It makes coming home on the bus, train, or in traffic a little less unpleasant. They look to be an awesome couple that would provide great company on a double date.


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  • A Jacket for Life

    Prep Essentials  

    When it comes to coats, there is Barbour…and there is everything else. From the moment the olive waxed cotton hugs your frame and the corduroy collar kisses the nape of your neck, an enigmatic bond is formed not unheard of to span three decades. A recent documentary, A Jacket for Life, showcases the 30-year love affairs several Barbour owners have with their jackets—revealing why those relationships last longer than many marriages.

    It also pulls back the curtain of a customer service center where beat-to-hell, but still stylish coats are emitted for repairs. Each garment is meticulously repaired by one Barbour machinist who does all the work needed to restore the coat to its former glory. Don't get too attached though, you'll likely be sharing it once you have teenagers.

    Jul 24, 2012 | Permalink (12) View/Leave Comments

    Gunnar left a comment on 1/15/2013 at 3:12 AM:

    Just bought a brand new Barbour Beaufort for 133 pounds.. Best buy of my life!


    Grace left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 2:25 PM:

    Ironic timing since I’m currently saving my teenage minimum wages and allowance for one! They’re just so perfect, though.


    Jan left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 8:05 AM:

    Lovely for us to read your comments and know you like our film.  Read our diary about the film-making process if you want to find out more http://jancawood.wordpress.com/


    PSP left a comment on 8/10/2012 at 12:25 AM:

    Hi ZRA,
    I would recommend the Beaufort.  It is not too long.  I have had mine since 1990.  Barbour makes a removable zip in liner which I would recommend.  It makes the coat suitable for both winter and fall.


    Joe left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 10:53 AM:

    I have a 20 year old Beaufort that is a Ducks Unlimited editon, priceless…Best investment ever in clothing, all 4 of mine are good to go.  Best repair service in the civlized world.


    ZRA left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 10:32 AM:

    FE-
    Which model would you recommend for gentlemen? I can’t seem to decide which one I’d like the most, and I’m interested in your opinion.

    Best,
    ZRA


    Kristen Sayan left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 10:24 AM:

    I got my first Barbour when I was 18 and it was used as intended-for riding and foxhunting in foul weather. Now, more than 20 years later, I have added a new Barbour for “fashion,” though my old one accompanies me to the barn on rainy mornings.  For riders, the arms are the first thing to wear out. I have had full arm patches put on mine.


    Tobias left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 8:31 AM:

    My 20 + yr old Bedale is in the “shop” being re-waxed as we speak.


    Josh left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 8:20 AM:

    I grew up with Barbour jackets. At school, they were not considered cool, but I still love the smell of a damp Barbour hanging up, drying out.
    They really are a great brand, and not worth going with any imitation.
    They are also guaranteed for life. When the wax starts to wear out, you can just send it back to them and they’ll rewax it. Now that’s customer service

    Preposity.com


    NJGlenn left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 8:14 AM:

    Excellent! I got my first Barbour back in 95’ (Border, needed the length for commuting to NYC in a suit). Now that this one is nicely broken in, I just picked up a NWOT Beufort on ebay for a fraction of what I paid new 17 years ago.


    Glenn left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 8:05 AM:

    Brilliant video! I’ve owned a Barbour since the early 80s it so true about the Barbour Jacket! Worth the investment!


    Kionon left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 2:05 AM:

    The essence of prep is clothing that works and clothing that lasts. Barbour does both.


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  • Breton Stripes

    Top Drawer | Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: vintage Gucci surcingle belt (snaffle bit hardware on back), Breton stripe dress.

    Jul 19, 2012 | Permalink (17) View/Leave Comments

    Fabio left a comment on 10/5/2012 at 7:50 AM:

    She’s hot!

    Great work. I mentioned you on my blog among the sites worth to see.

    Fabio,
    The Bespoke Dudes


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 9/18/2012 at 3:02 PM:

    @Rosie—No, no, she is someone else’s wife.


    Rosie left a comment on 8/28/2012 at 2:18 PM:

    Lovely! Is she your Wife?! ; )


    G .Pearson left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 12:58 AM:

    I love seeing a young women in pearls! Perfect


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/7/2012 at 9:02 PM:

    @AEV—If you go back and read comments where I’ve spoken on the matter, I list specific items whenever I’m featured or pieces of my wardrobe are. I do this simply because if I didn’t, I’d be emailing the many people who would be asking about it. In regards to when other people are featured, I typically do not get into specific brands save when it is noteworthy. Here, a vintage Gucci surcingle belt is certainly noteworthy in my opinion.


    Kat left a comment on 8/7/2012 at 8:18 PM:

    Wow.  She is simply stunning.  What a classic look.


    Shep left a comment on 8/7/2012 at 7:49 PM:

    Wow!  Stunning…


    gbourgeaiseau left a comment on 8/7/2012 at 1:59 PM:

    Very, very pretty.


    ALYRICLIFESTYLE left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 3:22 PM:

    Natural, understated and truly elegant. Great shot. #hardwoodfloorenvy

    Twitter: @alyriclifestyle & @weareamore


    Kendra left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 2:32 PM:

    Lovely outfit.  I’d wear that on a casual Friday in a heart beat!  And the vintage belt adds just the right touch.

    Closet Confections


    Angel left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 2:01 PM:

    Beautiful! Nothing else worth saying. Well done.

    Angel’s Point of View


    Paul left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 1:15 PM:

    One of the best, Fred. Totally classy.


    CHK left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 12:05 PM:

    AEV - New challenge: make a genuine compliment, without following it with snotty remark.


    AEV left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 11:00 AM:

    Classic, restrained, stylish, seemingly honest.

    Fred, I thought you refrained listing brands? Your last two posts seem particularly reliant on their specific promotion, no?


    y l hollander left a comment on 8/6/2012 at 8:50 AM:

    She looks like every college girl I fell in love with 30 years ago (when I was but a high school lad), right down to the Gucci belt. Timeless. Lovely.


    Nic left a comment on 8/5/2012 at 10:14 PM:

    She looks positively lovely, and I quite like the vintage skis on the wall behind her


    Desmond K left a comment on 8/5/2012 at 9:21 PM:

    You captured one heck of an image!! Love those hardwood floors too.

    Chinos & Cheesecake


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  • Wardrobe XII

    Dress Code  

    1. Ralph Lauren oxford cloth button down dress shirt
    2. Rugby limited edition Cone Denim (made in the USA) jean
    3. Church's navy suede tassel loafers
    4. Ralph Lauren silk knit tie

    Jul 17, 2012 | Permalink (1) View/Leave Comments

    Desi left a comment on 8/5/2012 at 4:26 AM:

    Those are the nicest tassel loafers I have ever seen.


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