Unabashedly Prep

  • Navy Blue Blazer

    Top Drawer | Style | Prep Essentials  

    If there has been one mainstay in the closets of the well-dressed for the past century, it's the gold buttoned navy blue blazer. It's the work horse behind any prep's wardrobe worth a damn. Out grew the 9 year-old hand-me-down with your older brother's Prep school insignia? Not to worry. This one, interpreted by Norman Hilton in an 80/20 wool/cashmere blend, is as pure as it gets. And it's soft...real soft. Interpreted from an original Norman Hilton pattern from 1963, it boasts an undarted front, single hooked back vent, true natural shoulder, a classic 3/2 roll notch lapel, and a detachable throat latch.

    Norman Hilton Charter Navy Blazer ($695), Benson & Clegg Fox Mask Buttons ($100)

    In a move as sly as...well, a fox, I had my tailor swap out the unembellished buttons for a set of fox mask gold buttons redolent of Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. They are handmade in England by Benson & Clegg, a top quality bespoke tailor who happens to be a Royal Warrant holder to the Prince of Wales. The buttons are created by craftsmen following a tradition of artistry and excellence established in the 18th century. The navy blazer and fox mask buttons are both available at Sir Jack's, a preeminent outfitter to the modern gentleman.

    Dec 2, 2011 | Permalink (22) View/Leave Comments

    PP2318 left a comment on 12/31/2011 at 8:55 PM:

    Is there a code to get the 35% off??  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!


    Matt left a comment on 12/29/2011 at 3:07 PM:

    After needing a new navy blazer for the better part of two years, I bought this exact one today. Norman Hilton now 35% off. I don’t believe I’ve seen it drop more, so get on that.


    AGW left a comment on 12/28/2011 at 2:05 AM:

    UP’ers- Pinstripe navy blazer v. navy blazer…. your take?


    Donovan Addler left a comment on 12/19/2011 at 2:37 AM:

    This is an absolute killer blazer. www.Theliverygoods.com has a Navy Brooks Brothers blazer for a great price! check it out.


    aiden left a comment on 12/15/2011 at 2:23 AM:

    where can u find that tie i love it pls help me castleberry


    Robert left a comment on 12/7/2011 at 3:46 PM:

    Great jacket. Even better styling and photo. Will be pinning to my inspiration board.


    Makaga left a comment on 12/7/2011 at 10:37 AM:

    Thank you for the headsup about this blue blazer.  Mine is getting a bit raggedy and this one sure looks good!


    Brian E left a comment on 12/5/2011 at 3:16 PM:

    Did this blazer come with four-button sleeves, or did you add more when you replaced them?  Most 3/2 sacks I’ve seen come with only two widely spaced buttons on the sleeves.  I think it makes it that much more distinctive.


    Walker left a comment on 12/3/2011 at 12:16 PM:

    Wonderful blazer and Fox Head button combo. Really impressed with the selection at Sir Jack’s.

    Keeping with the fox theme: http://www.sirjacks.com/knot-belt-co-fox-head-horn-d-ring-belt/


    emjkmj left a comment on 12/3/2011 at 7:28 AM:

    @Rake, Thanks.  A little shocked at the retail difference though.


    Rake left a comment on 12/3/2011 at 5:57 AM:

    @emjkmj, Ben Silver does indeed source its buttons from Benson and Clegg - the vast majority of them, anyway. I am unsure of where the custom buttons are sourced from.


    M Arthur left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 10:46 PM:

    Doesn’t get any more prep than this.  The foundation of any wardrobe.


    emjkmj left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 9:37 PM:

    @AEV, I would not be surprised of Ben Silver sourced their buttons from Benson & Clegg.  The fox head buttons are identical.  I know Ben Silver sources a lot of items in England.  Also, knowing how value driven you are, The Benson & Clegg are $100 and the Ben Silver are $225.


    Mike E. left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 7:03 PM:

    The blazer looks great.  Do you know if it’s fully canvassed?


    khordkutta left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 5:41 PM:

    Outstanding looking blazer, niice touch with the buttons, good looking combo.


    Shawn left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 3:51 PM:

    Tip of the hat sir.


    AEV left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 3:38 PM:

    Ben Silver has a wide range of blazer buttons too…and, I believe, will even custom make them for an add’l fee.


    CJG left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 3:04 PM:

    Workhorse indeed.


    Scott left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 3:04 PM:

    Wonderful highlight of an indispensable classic.  Well done.


    Chris left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 2:57 PM:

    Love it!
    Who, may I ask, is YOUR tailor Mr. Castleberry? Fingers crossed he is near my hood (Nolita)

    Cheers,
    Chris


    Blevins left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 2:50 PM:

    Benson and Clegg hold a royal warrant for their supply of buttons and badges and are possibly the best source of buttons on the planet.


    AEV left a comment on 12/2/2011 at 2:21 PM:

    Great combo - looks to be a terrific blazer.


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  • C.W. Dixey & Son

    Top Drawer | Style  

    C.W. Dixey & Son of London have been crafting exquisite eyewear for a discriminating and sophisticated clientele since 1777. Founded by William Fraser, the family proudly served as optician to the King or Queen of England. But it wasn’t without its hardships. Despite its resilience throughout recessions, depressions, and wars, dishonesty from within has almost bankrupted the company on several occasions (e.g. an assistant, Mr. Grice, used the premises as a gambling den in the early 1800s). It comes as no wonder their motto is ‘vide verum’—see the truth.

    The company’s distinguished patrons included the likes of Kings and Queens of England (seven to be precise), Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor Qianlong of China, Tennessee Williams, the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill, and various other leaders, artists, writers, and royalty. Legend has it that Churchill discovered C.W. Dixey & Son while he was a pupil at Harrow school. My Chartwell 01 frames are a faithful replica of his legendary circular frame. Rendered in a light tortoiseshell, it simply boasts a two white spot motif on the temple tips, just as Churchill personally requested in September 1944. Each pair is still accompanied with an invitation to enter your name into their storied archives dating back to 1780.

    “I am easily satisfied with the very best.”  —Sir Winston Churchill

    C.W. Dixey & Son remains the oldest independent eyewear company in the world. Since its inception, ownership has passed only between friends or family and to this day they remain an English family business, based in London.

    Nov 28, 2011 | Permalink (25) View/Leave Comments

    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/30/2011 at 11:06 AM:

    There is some good discussion going on here gentlemen.  The reality here is that the prep/trad style of dress is enjoyed by many different men with differing taste levels…various price tolerances.  I never want to imply that a young man in college (or even in his young 20s) should be able to afford such items as these frames by C.W. Dixey & Son.

    Stanley Marcus once said, “Good taste, I am convinced, can be acquired through environment and education; the eye can be disciplined to differentiate between good and bad by a constant looking process.”  This is what a piece on C.W. Dixey & Sons is about…it’s about developing taste.  Justin, below, understands that.  You may not be willing to spend this kind of money on a pair of eye glasses, but one day you might.  Either way, now you know they exist…and why they exist.

    No company that is selling eyewear for under $100 is going to have been around since 1777.  That’s not the way the world works.  I have an appreciation for beautiful things and every now and then I will share those things here.


    Justin left a comment on 11/30/2011 at 10:34 AM:

    @Dan From England, that is my point exactly.  I love many of the items featured on the blog, but would never pay the indicated price.  It’s the thrill of the hunt!


    Dan from England left a comment on 11/30/2011 at 9:52 AM:

    Half the fun of buying things is to get a deal,or a bargain. I bought a pair of double monk strap shoes earlier in the year and paid £185 for them in the sale , just round the corner in Ralph Lauren the same shoes were selling fit £850 ! I love the RL look / product but it is so over priced I really enjoy sourcing similar stuff at a fraction of the price.


    Justin left a comment on 11/30/2011 at 9:05 AM:

    I believe the big take-away from this conversation is that, yes, there are wonderful examples of expensive goods available to us but this does not mean that we’re forced to pay the price for these items as there are many less expensive options out there, many of which are of similar quality to their luxury counterparts.  I appreciate seeing the high-end offerings being displayed because it gives me the inspiration to go out and find a similar product in my price range.  Seeing a high-quailty example of these frames, for example, also shows educates me on the finer details that distinguish between quality goods and low-end knock offs.


    Jim Kelleth left a comment on 11/30/2011 at 3:57 AM:

    ‘Glenn’ is right about the Anglo American frames, but you don’t have to pay Ben Silver prices.  What they call the Liberty is the model 406….a classic.


    Michael left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 8:03 PM:

    Dare I say Churchill took a page out of Wilde’s book?  Good for him!

    have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”
    ― Oscar Wilde


    Tyler P. left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 6:35 PM:

    @cam I’m pretty sure that’s AEV’s point. That being said, both the jacket and glasses are both quite nice.


    Daniel left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 6:16 PM:

    Glasses worn by emperors, kings, and PMs? Cool.


    J left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 6:09 PM:

    I remember you recently saying only a fool would pay more than $100 for frames (in your endorsement of Warby Parker), which makes this post seem a bit contradictory.

    But if I could get free $600 frames like these I’d do the same thing.  Also, people might be surprised to hear prescription lenses (at least mine) go for nearly $300.


    Glenn left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 4:19 PM:

    A similar line of eye wear can be found at Ben Silver in Charleston, SC The Anglo American brand which I own a pair are also made in England! Very similar to the C.W. Dixey & Son styles! They’re top quality also!


    cam left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 3:16 PM:

    @aev - but fred didn’t pay $600 for them. heck, i’d endorse a ferrari if someone would like to “gift” me one


    JUmm left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 1:59 PM:

    i adore those glasses!
    STYLE DECORUM


    AEV left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 1:38 PM:

    Fred - I’m not only interested in “value”/cheaper prices - I just don’t believe that something being made in the USA automatically means it’s worth paying a steep premium for - in addition to some wonderful stuff, lots of crap is made in America. A casual, cotton duffle bag hardly seems worth $400+ - just my opinion. There is also a grand canyon size gap between “value”/cheap prices and $600.00…all sorts of high end, quality eyewear brands, Oliver Peoples (largely US designed), RL Collection(largely Italian made), etc., etc. can be had for 30-50% less…


    Makaga left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 1:38 PM:

    It’s great to read the message board.  As an eyewear designer, it’s nice to get a peak into what people feel about luxury/classic/storied brands like CW Dixey and Son.


    Dan from England left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 1:36 PM:

    Thanks Fred I checked that out but the picture today showers the cloth of the jacket so much better. When are you coming to London ?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 1:17 PM:

    @AEV—Items call always be had at a cheaper price. My taste isn’t solely value driven.  I am extremely interested in C.W. Dixey & Son’s history…I like and appreciate that story…their patronage. It subtly reaffirms me that I’m in good company wearing these eyeglasses.

    If value oriented eyeglasses are more your speed, you will be interested in another eyewear company I will be writing about soon. That value will be hard to beat.


    AEV left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 12:57 PM:

    Thanks Fred - that’s certainly helpful information to have when digesting your ‘endorsements’. Just because something’s made in the USA, doesn’t mean it’s worth over-paying for….especially since you seem to be endorsing similar ‘over paying’ for French made/UK designed eyewear. Heck, I’ve seen vintage, all leather RL black watch duffle bags sell for $200 or less on sites like etsy/eBay…personally, I think black watch travel bags are a bit much for men anyway.

    I don’t need glasses (yet), but I do know that very nice, high quality frames can be had for far less than $600.00….but, like I said, the Dixey ones are sharp and I appreciated the post. The vintage Press blazer is killer as well….


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 12:24 PM:

    @AEV—In defense of my Ernest Alexander waxed cotton weekend bag, it’s the price I pay for a bag produced in NYC from a boutique (in blackwatch nonetheless, few, if anyone else, is doing that).  Yes, Filson makes a similar sized duffel bag in the USA for $100 less…and that’s a great option if you like earth tones.

    C.W. Dixey & Son gifted these frames to me upon my request for them to do so. I do like them very much.  I’ve found this shape is difficult to find. Given C.W. Dixey & Son’s price point, heritage, and patronage (and let’s not forget the weak dollar against the stubborn pound), their frames are essentially a luxury accessory; therefore, qualms over steep pricing don’t hold as much water as it would with a company competing on price.


    AEV left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 11:58 AM:

    Cool frames. Fred, were these a ‘gift’ or did you purchase them? They, like the $400 cloth bag you endorsed a couple wks ago, stike me as a bit steep at $600.00….no?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 11:28 AM:

    @Dan from England—Every article of clothing that appears on Unabashedly Prep is mine.  What you see is what I wear…what I wear, I endorse…what I endorse, I share with you.  If you’d like to see me wearing the jacket, check out the piece I wrote up on J.Hilburn—I’m wearing the jacket there.


    Dan from England left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 11:20 AM:

    Oh thanks for the info, I didn’t realise it was your jacket , don’t hink we have that make in the UK but I really like it, maybe you could do one of your collections and include it showing what you wear with it. Really cool jacket.


    Mike left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 11:09 AM:

    I thought that quote was by Oscar Wilde.  Yes, they make superb frames!


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 9:50 AM:

    @Dan from England—My jacket is vintage J.Press.


    Dan from England left a comment on 11/29/2011 at 8:23 AM:

    Love the herringbone jacket, do we have any idea where it came fom ?


    ERIII left a comment on 11/28/2011 at 10:46 PM:

    Great post! I love the info!


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  • J.Hilburn

    Style | Dress Code  

    Once you go custom, you will wonder how you ever settled for off-the-rack clothing. Bespoke shirting can be expensive (my Ascot Chang shirt was upwards of $300) but it doesn't always have to be.  The gentlemen behind J.Hilburn offer custom shirting, not out of the confines of a  brick and mortar shop, but from a stable of style advisors who meet you in your home or office.

    Admittedly, the custom shirting process can be overwhelming given the myriad of options at your fingertips. Fit, fabrics, collars, cuffs, pockets—the list goes on; however, J.Hilburn simplifies this in a very smart way. For example, they refined what is traditionally a conversation about how you like your shirt to fit on your body with an illustrative diagram of four precise fits ranging from "traditional" to "European" (slim but not skinny). Custom shirting is no longer solely for the guy who knows exactly what he wants but for the guy who has an idea of what he likes.

    J.Hilburn custom dress shirt with repp tie by The Windmill Club

    While J.Hilburn has built their reputation on offering a great value, they aren't cutting any corners.  The (indestructible) buttons feel really good in between your fingers. It's the first thing you notice while buttoning up.  Shirt bags and metal collar stays are also included.  After being measured, I opted for a pale pink oxford fabric (Monti) in a European fit with a spread collar, side pleats, barrel cuffs, and my monogram (left side at the bottom of my rib cage)...all for around $120.  At that price, you may never want to go back to off-the-rack.

    Nov 10, 2011 | Permalink (26) View/Leave Comments

    Bri Euton left a comment on 12/19/2011 at 11:07 AM:

    Boulder/Denver, Colorado guys-shoot me an email bri.euton@jhilburnpartner.com or give me a call at 720-443-2383


    Susan Klapkin left a comment on 11/20/2011 at 6:41 PM:

    Anyone in Central New Jersey or manhattan- please contact me for your person J. Hilburn appointment
    susanklapkin.jhilburn.com
    susan.klapkin@jhilburnpartner.com


    Chris Anderson left a comment on 11/18/2011 at 4:49 PM:

    I love this New England style.

    I do.


    Jennifer left a comment on 11/18/2011 at 1:39 PM:

    Any Boston gentleman interested in looking at the J.Hilburn line can check out my personal site jennifercasner.jhilburn.com


    Hilton left a comment on 11/18/2011 at 9:46 AM:

    This is a great shot of you, Mr. Castleberry. (You appear to be more sophisticated and manly.)


    Michael left a comment on 11/15/2011 at 9:52 PM:

    Same pose without the sport coat would have synced better with a piece about the shirt you are wearing.  True?


    Al left a comment on 11/14/2011 at 4:46 PM:

    Woah…I have that exact same jacket.


    c^left left a comment on 11/14/2011 at 8:43 AM:

    Although initially dismissed by scanning eyes as another tweed jacket, the subtle plaid pattern gestured at by the blue trousers is exquisite.


    Susan Kantor left a comment on 11/12/2011 at 6:27 AM:

    CTBAKER or other Fairfield County CT guys, I would be happy to show you the J. Hilburn line.  Check out my website at http://susankantor.jhilburn.com.


    cam left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 11:10 PM:

    Socks no? It is November after all….


    Laguna Beach Fogey left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 10:16 PM:

    Wonderful. Hilarious photo!

    I wonder what song you were jiving to…

    I’m thinking Elvis.

    Or, are those jazz hands?

    Please advise. wink


    Andi left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 1:46 PM:

    You kind of look like Cosmo Kramer in that picture (in a good way).

    BTW, I usually have my shirts made at CottonWork, and I nothing but good things to say about those guys.


    kelly johnson left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 12:07 PM:

    Hey L.A. area guys!
    Click here
    kellyjohnson.jhilburn.com


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 10:52 AM:

    @ML—My moleskin jeans are Ralph Lauren and my sportcoat is J.Press.

    @logicsalmon—From the photo, it looks like I’m very happy with the fit. I described the options I chose within the copy above. Because the shirt is custom, showing you all the little details of mine isn’t extreme relevant because your shirt will inherently be different.

    @ctbaker—When you visit the website you can request a style advisor contact you I’m order to establish the relationship and measure you up.


    ML left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 10:14 AM:

    Great jacket and pants, makers?


    RBC left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 8:20 AM:

    Something worth noting is that an individual pattern is cut for each shirt just like at bespoke shirting outfits Charvet or T&A (both of which cost a TON more than J.Hilburn).


    logicsalmon left a comment on 11/11/2011 at 12:55 AM:

    Really intriguing.  Although the website has some great swatches of the fabrics, would you mind maybe showing us how it fits and what options you decided to get?  I do trust your word, but it would be nice to see the shirt itself.

    Thanks!


    Joey Dee left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 9:18 PM:

    I must agree, this photo of you has a great energy!


    AEV left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 8:49 PM:

    For the money, my J. Hilburn shirts are the nicest I own. If you live in/around DC, and want to get in touch with a great local sales/fitting rep, let me know - I’d be happy to share her contact information…


    ctbaker left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 8:11 PM:

    if J. Hilburn doesn’t have stores how do I get one?


    emjkmj left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 7:46 PM:

    @FEC- Don’t get me wrong, this is one of your best portraits.  A few detailed pics of the shirt, would have served well.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 7:36 PM:

    @emjkmj—There are plenty of detailed fabric swatches available for viewing on the J.Hilburn website.

    @gotleib—My cordovan tassel loafers are Ralph Lauren (Crockett & Jones).


    emjkmj left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 7:16 PM:

    Maybe next time you will show the shirt…


    gotleib left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 6:26 PM:

    Will definitely have to try one of those shirts! What’s the brand/model on the shoes?


    Richard Ross left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 6:21 PM:

    Hey, nice jeans.


    K. Cooper Ray left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 6:16 PM:

    J. Hilburn is amazing. And that is quite the dapper photo, Mr. Castelberry.


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  • Ernest Alexander Weekend Bag

    Style  

    Trains, planes, and automobiles are a permanent fixture in how we live, work, and play. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a week long vacation, an overnight bag is a necessity (and reduces checked bag fees). My weekend bag by Ernest Alexander has proven a top drawer travel companion over the past year. Made from black watch wax canvas with soft vegetable tanned leather handles and warm brass hardware, its wax finish sheds water while developing a unique patina over time. I pack it for my Northeast stints (in lieu of my leather duffle) at even the slightest chance of rain.

    Bedford Black Watch Wax Overnight Bag, $395.00

    Ernest Alexander designs and makes their bags in New York's Garment District. "We craft each of our pieces from the finest materials and pay specific attention to the small details, from our signature wax cottons, to contrasting linings, double stitching, zipper pulls and extra pocketing."

    Nov 9, 2011 | Permalink (10) View/Leave Comments

    Charlotte Wilder left a comment on 11/14/2011 at 12:17 PM:

    Wow, such a beautiful bag. Love the size and the plaid, they somehow are perfect for each other!

    check out my blog (i’ve got some menswear stuff up) at www.thewilderthings.com


    David left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 3:30 PM:

    Good looking bag, reminds me a lot of the old Ralph Lauren black watch duffle I use for travel.


    Joey Dee left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 1:31 PM:

    Personally, I still have issues grasping the conept of bags; but I beliee this is one that I can pull off. Nice nod to rules for my unborn son?


    AEV left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 10:50 AM:

    @FEC - Thanks. I didn’t expect anything different than that.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 10:21 AM:

    @AEV—I paid for my bag.  Any product featured on Unabashedly Prep is pulled from my closet.  My closet only contains pieces I love and personally endorse.  Whether or not they are gifts or purchased are irrelevant to my endorsement of the products in question.


    Snaaby left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 10:03 AM:

    Black Watch is my all-time favorite plaid. Just added this to my Christmas list. Nice pick-up.


    GAH left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 7:57 AM:

    Love the blog, FEC.


    AEV left a comment on 11/10/2011 at 7:25 AM:

    Fred - Was this bag “gifted” to you by the retailer? Such information helps readers intepret your praise….regardless, $400 strikes me as needlessly steep for a cotton/canvas bag.


    emjkmj left a comment on 11/9/2011 at 9:14 PM:

    I like your black watch patterned bag.  Though, it’s really hard to beat the Filson duffles.  Made in the USA, and more importantly guaranteed for life with no questions asked.  As you know, duffles start to breakdown over the years as the stress points take their toll.  Having the ability to send it back in ten years for a brand new one is hard to beat.


    ERIII left a comment on 11/9/2011 at 8:04 PM:

    Nice! Great bag!


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  • F.E. Castleberry for Jack Robie

    Style  

    The year is 1995 and I'm dropping a pair of chinos off to my tailor (yes, I had a tailor at fourteen). I've carefully pinned scads of cotton chino swatches in hopes the patchwork chinos actually emerge from my mind's eye. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to design clothes. Over the course of my stint in high school, I would rip (I hated logo plastered clothing), stitch, and alter scores of pieces in my closet.

    It is with that excitement that I'm introducing this red gingham button down I designed for Jack Robie. Co-founder, Brad Corona and I first threw around the idea last spring while on location in Nantucket photographing their summer campaign. Not only did I want to introduce a red gingham sport shirt to their existing offering, more importantly, I wanted to design it for myself. Keeping the signature Jack Robie fit throughout the body, I added a left chest pocket, employed side pleats along the yoke (a master tailor once riffed to me on the box pleat's functional shortcomings)—a move which prompted the vertical orientation of the locker loop peeking out from under the collar—and a button down collar (a choice inspired by my habitual use of collar pins on my button down collars when wearing tie). The limited run of shirts are made of 100% narrow-loomed Japanese cotton and cut and sewn right here in the U.S.A.

    The shirt is currently available at JackRobie.com.

    Nov 2, 2011 | Permalink (18) View/Leave Comments

    Snaaby left a comment on 11/8/2011 at 3:05 PM:

    Love the shirt! Need XXL.


    Sam left a comment on 11/4/2011 at 11:45 AM:

    This is really great, Fred.  Congratulations!


    Emmy left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 10:26 PM:

    This wasn’t photographed at Fordham University, was it?


    Richard Ross left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 9:02 PM:

    ‘Atta boy.


    B. L. Davis left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 7:31 PM:

    Fred:  Done.  Ordered a size (L), and I’m hoping that it fits well.  I’m concerned about the length in the body, but I’m willing to try it out to support you.  I’m 6’3”, and prefer to tuck my shirts in.  Hopefully it will work out.  Congratulations on the product launch.
    Most Sincerely, Ben


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 1:50 PM:

    @Hilton—this shade of red is going to look great framing the face of most men, despite variations in skin color, eye color, and hair color.


    Hilton left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 12:06 PM:

    Mr. Castleberry, What are your thoughts on red gingham and a man’s complexion? Would your shirt work on most men? Thank you.


    cam left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 11:09 AM:

    Thanks FEC. I was just a little confused. Congrats on the line and continued success!


    College Prepster left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 10:28 AM:

    You’re the best! Congratulations!


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 9:30 AM:

    @AEV—This is a close up of the vertical locker loop.  Patchwork chinos would probably best be described by imagining a pair of chinos worn to hell and sewing on squares/patches of chino cotton in various shades of khaki to repair stress points like the seat and knees.  Using a collar pin in lieu of the buttons on a button down collar is just one my “winks” or quirks I use when getting dressed.

    @JRenee—I’m leaving that door open…

    @Benn—The gray flannel jacket is from Rugby and the square from Pochette Square

    @JASH—Is a 35.5” sleeve not long enough for you (assuming your neck is 16.5”)?

    @Kory—I’m so pleased to hear that the fit for your body is top drawer.  Wear in good health and thank you for your business.

    @Cam—The short answer is “yes.”  Some form of it has been with me since I was 14…and even really before that (I was wearing white jeans in the fifth grade). Of course now it is much more refined.


    AEV left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 9:18 AM:

    Fred - congrats on the shirt. We may disagree on many things you post on here but I appreciate your enterprising spirit a great deal and I’ve got no issues with crisp gingham shirts. A few questions, if you would be so kind:

    What’s a “vertical locker loop”? What are “patchwork chinos”? Why would you ever use a collar pin in lieu of the buttons you purposely added to the collar?


    Julie left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 9:16 AM:

    Congrats FEC!  I’m a fan of the ‘whole story’ so I appreciate hearing where your journey began.  Here’s to the first of many successful designs.  And thank you for eliminating logo plastered clothing!


    JRenee left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 9:03 AM:

    Will there ever be a day that you will design for the female kind? Just trying to manage my expectations.


    Benn left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 8:54 AM:

    Shirt looks awesome! Never thought you could wear one into fall, seemed more summer. But this looks good. On a side note, where are the jacket and pocket square from?


    JASH left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 8:11 AM:

    You once told me, “You have a thick neck, my friend.” I’m regrettably passing on these, not due to neck sizes, but sleeve lengths.

    Nonetheless, congratulations on the launch. The shirts look great and the details are on point.


    Kory left a comment on 11/3/2011 at 7:52 AM:

    Congrats Fred. The UPS guy just dropped mine off yesterday and of course it fits like a glove. I would not expect anything less from yourself and the guys at Jack Robie. Keep up the great work!


    ERIII left a comment on 11/2/2011 at 11:56 PM:

    Congratulations F.E.C!!! Great job! I can’t wait to buy one. Red gingham, yes!!!


    cam left a comment on 11/2/2011 at 9:07 PM:

    So the aesthetic of Unabashedly Prep has been your style since you were 14?


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