F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 9/1/2010 at 12:07 AM:

@Ted Roosevelt—I’ll start that today…off to soccer practice to presumably maintain my “figure.”

Ted Roosevelt left a comment on 8/31/2010 at 5:08 PM:

Lay off the chow if you insist on wearing slim-fitting clothing.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/31/2010 at 12:22 PM:

This is 100% preppy and this style is been used since at least 50 or 60 years ago.

Mark Sinclair left a comment on 8/30/2010 at 10:35 PM:

Love the look. The shoes are fab!

Ted Roosevelt left a comment on 8/30/2010 at 6:20 PM:

This is not preppy. It is contemporary - along the lines of J Crew. The look is modern/metro/homo-sexual chic. The question must always be: Can I wear this in 10, 20, 30 years? Look about the streets; one pair of Top-Siders (or fake ones) does not a preppy make. Call your blog what you will, but we’re not fooled.

ssn left a comment on 8/27/2010 at 5:09 PM:

FEC this is like the alter-you. you know, from the Windows 7 commercials.

Xanax left a comment on 8/26/2010 at 1:03 AM:

Haters gon hate but Mr. Castleberry is looking fresh! I would much rather see men looking like this than see them wearing oversized polo shirts with MC hammer fit like pleated pants or some baggy jeans falling off their ass.

Nice arms by the way Fred!

Christopher Tawney left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 11:01 PM:

Jock, not prep, unabashedly. Keep up.

Hannah left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 10:51 PM:

Love the outfit. I tend to like your photos of guys more than your photos of girls. More classically prep.

Omniscientcause left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 10:05 PM:

i dress like this to work on a daily basis…but yes I work at RL

good stuff F.E.C. I’ve been following your blog for awhile and good stuff keep it up.

Justin left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 9:49 PM:

@F.E. Castleberry - Front tucking rocks.  Seriously.  I practice it everywhere but work.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 2:18 PM:

@Zack—I pick up my watch straps from J.Crew and Smart Turnout.

@Will—These white jeans are made by Rugby by Ralph Lauren.

@Nate—Yes, these are the new Ralph Lauren Singleton Loafers made in New England.  Next time simply click on the link I provided in the “Noteworthy” section.

@lafreshness.tumblr.com—It’s the missing glasses. With glasses on it’s Clark Kent.

@Joey dee—And exactly what is wrong with school uniforms? Sometimes we have to stare our fears in the face…especially when that color looks incredibly good on you.

@robdarko—I have to call bullshit on this one. Do you know anything about prep athletes??? Lacrosse? Soccer? Crew? You think all these guys are aesthete wimps? Of course not. And for the record, I don’t work out…these forearms came out of nowhere. I would encourage you to expand your view on how belts are worn…if I would have had this belt “peeking” out I would have been crucified for front-tucking.

@Shawn Garrett—I wear slim jeans and chinos…not skinny.  I am always comfortable when sitting, standing, running from authorities, etc.

@Sunday—I wholeheartedly agree…not only be happy in their clothing but laughing in them.

@JMA—I don’t ask for trouble, I make it. And the fact that you think my pants are too short lets me know they are just right.  It’s that touch of “just off” because being perfect is over rated.

@Rashidi—These jeans are not made by Levi 501s but are made by Rugby. The only tailoring needed was taking the inseam up to 29”.  I have loved them hard this summer.

@MJL—I’m not wearing Cole Haan Air Rivingtons, but the loafers that replaced the Rivingtons I previously wore.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/25/2010 at 12:21 AM:

I think he said once that he gets them from Smart Turnout.

Zack left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 11:14 PM:

You always have the nicest grosgrain watch straps. Where do you get them?

Laguna Beach Prep left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 8:46 PM:

Crikey, this is an awesome photo! This young chap looks like a Polo model. Green polo, white denim trousers, ribbon belt, tan loafers, muscular forearms, side-parted hair. Classic.

http://admiralcod.blogspot.com/

Dane-Andrew left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 8:25 PM:

Very intelligent !

Justin left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 6:58 PM:

Love the shoes.  @robdarko - I always think of preps as athletes.  Lacrosse, rugby, tennis, golf, racquetball.  Makes it tough buying clothes sometimes though - I’m a 48” chest, 36” waist, and 17x35 shirt and finding shirts and jackets to fit can be hell.

All worth it for the athletic glory, right?

bunny left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 6:26 PM:

colors read gucci. equine. southern prep. reminds me of sid’s story about his sisters bf’s. it’s great.

will left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 6:07 PM:

are those 501s?

Bill Smith left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 4:54 PM:

Classic look, I got the same shirt and I love it.

Nate left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 4:26 PM:

Are those the new RL made in the USA loafers?

Elmo left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 4:09 PM:

Nice Lincoln Mark V there in the background.  Sweet ride.

CLG23 left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 3:35 PM:

well played sir…well played
the pants length is a thing of personal taste which isnt that of my own, but STILL, great look. And I like how the neon lights compliment the shirt and belt.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 3:06 PM:

The belt looks so good, and it obviously shows up because its function is to hold up the pants and it keeps the polo tucked in. Brilliant outfit!

http://lafreshness.tumblr.com/ left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 2:48 PM:

Why do you look like Superman?

Luis Alcaraz left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 2:33 PM:

Looks great, I really like that everything is the right size and the right fit.

Rhonda left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 2:11 PM:

I absolutely love this look.

Joey dee left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 12:46 PM:

Great look. Your jeans are always meticulous. Not sure about the green, it always haunts me of school uniforms.

Andy M. left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 12:26 PM:

Rashidi, yes, Fox Brothers is the best BBQ I’ve ever had.  Right up there on mac and cheese too.

Robdarko, I see where you’re coming from in not showing off, but I guess I look at it as varying by outfit.  If I were in chinos, a button down and a sweater, then sure, a flash of a leather belt on occasion is what I’d want.  But with an outfit like this the belt and the watch are your primary sources of color and they set off the entire outfit.  Difference of opinions I suppose but I like how this looks.

Elizabeth left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 11:30 AM:

Looking good. The hunter green polo is especially nice.

robdarko left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 10:32 AM:

There’s the rub, Andy M.  You do not “show off” the belt.  The belt should just peek every now and then as you go along.  Actually, you try not to “show off” anything. 

F.E.C., you may look great and broad shoulders are desired male trait but I think you may be too athletic for preps.  IMHO.

P.S.  I might be getting my preps and WASPs mixed up.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 10:08 AM:

Great look! I specially like the loafers and the belt. The polo is great too.

Shawn Garrett left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 10:00 AM:

Like the outfit. Not to be crude, but you wear awfully tight pants, which, I gotta say, don’t leave much to the imagination for your readers ... Don’t they squeeze the hell out of, well, you? Especially when you sit down?

Sunday Ibok left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:39 AM:

Love the smile. More people should be happy in their clothing. The hunter green color is a great way to usher in fall. The white pants are great. Keep knocking ‘em dead.

JMA left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:34 AM:

White jeans at a BBQ place?  You’re just asking for trouble.  Though the sauce might match the shoes. I understand the look but think the pants are still a bit short, by maybe 1/2-3/4”.

cws left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:28 AM:

Great belt…

Brad Corona left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:27 AM:

The loafers are ace, and the break (or lack thereof) on the jeans is perfect.

Mattie P left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:22 AM:

coming from a rugby playing background I must confess how nice it is to see people athaletic builds looking good.  clothes so often seem cut for either the fat or the skiney.  please keep up the good work

Rashidi left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:15 AM:

I like the tucked polo looked. Digging the loafers too. Did Sid alter the 501’s for you?

I’ve lived in Atlanta for 14 years, and I rarely go to Fat Matt’s. I normally go to Fox Bros. for BBQ. Best wings ever!

mjl left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 9:11 AM:

cole haan air rivingtons.  nice play.  i wear mine like they’re going out of style.

Andy M. left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 8:41 AM:

Not the tucked polo?  I rarely if ever go untucked in my 501s, and how else are you going to show off that belt?

Fat Matt’s…  decent food made so much better by live blues nightly.

Ethan Osten left a comment on 8/24/2010 at 8:30 AM:

Not the tucked polo! Even with the white pants all I can think is “IT Paraprofessional.”

Ellebelle left a comment on 8/23/2010 at 9:09 PM:

THIS BOY IS HOT

Joey Dee left a comment on 8/21/2010 at 11:26 PM:

Max, this guy and others are always alone because, and correct me if wrong, they are rugby sales associates modeling the look of the line. They look great doing it. It is nice to see kids making an effort to to get dressed and not look like something that got kicked off a rap video set.

Mattie P left a comment on 8/21/2010 at 6:35 AM:

big fan of this look.  wish madras ties were easier to come by in my part of the world..

PRL Fan left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 6:01 PM:

A four in hand knot should never be used with a keaton style collar…otherwise the look is good for the summer.  Would have preferred the standard four in hand knot with a button down collar which is true preppy American style!!!

bunny left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 4:43 PM:

i love a madras tie. never see ‘em irl but i don’t exactly live in a prep haven.

capitol a left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 4:05 PM:

Overall look is great, but i agree about the contrast collar. Its sort of like a moc turtleneck: it will either make you look stupid or like a priest.

Emmy left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 12:31 PM:

I’m not really a fan of the white peter pan - looking collar, but it’s a nice look nonetheless.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 11:41 AM:

This picture is absolutely fantastic.

JMW left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 10:40 AM:

Gosh! I haven’t bought any white bucks in years and this is inspiring me to do so. Nice photo!

Laguna Beach Prep left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 9:00 AM:

Totally epic, dude. Love those dirrrty bucks. He’s sitting on the lawn of my church.

Max left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 8:09 AM:

Cool look.  How come these people are always alone though?

AndrewSo left a comment on 8/20/2010 at 7:15 AM:

I love it; this is so me!  I have a belt that looks almost identical to his and I wear it all summer long.  I think bucks are a bit cliché (I prefer a pair of unlined, chocolate brogues or simple white canvas sneakers) but he looks absolutely charming.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/22/2010 at 11:58 AM:

@East Egg—J.Crew.

east egg left a comment on 8/21/2010 at 8:20 PM:

Who makes the shirt?

WestEgg left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 4:07 PM:

The double belt is a great relic of ‘80s prep—we called them “safari belts,” for no discernible reason—but one of the loops should be lower slung and fall asymmetrically: insouciant, like a tangled double strand of pearls.

chino couture left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 4:04 PM:

awesome! I would really love to wear this

http://chino-couture.blogspot.com/

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 1:47 PM:

@JMH—Her skirt is made of cotton (chino).

bunny left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 1:05 PM:

belt is fun. i love her wrist jewelry. the nude shoe is starting to grow on me. looks cute on her and the rugby teen.

The Boss left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 9:48 AM:

Noteworthy: Castleberry’s father in the background.

pat s left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 7:58 AM:

great pose love the outfit.

JMH left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 7:57 AM:

I anticipate a bit of a reaction to the double belt, but I like how it looks, as well as what she is doing with her sunglasses.  FEC, what material is her skirt made of?  It might be my screen, but I can’t quite tell.

Fausto left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 7:26 AM:

Love this look, similar to the one that started the big debate a few days ago about whether it was “real prep” or not.  I think it’s wonderful.

Mix left a comment on 9/2/2010 at 10:27 PM:

I live in new Canaan, prep heaven

Bill Smith left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 8:29 PM:

Great look and she’s adorable.

AAAck left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 4:09 PM:

Just looks so Rugby and suburban strip mall. FAIL. But cute shorts.

Joey dee left a comment on 8/18/2010 at 7:29 PM:

Wow best post. I love the brand a is more prep than brand c which at it’s core is preppy with several spins applied but who cares? Really people? The rule is there are no rules wear it, be sure it fits proper, be confident. Best post yet. Like going to a tea party about who’s preppy who’s not!

Cary Randolph left a comment on 8/18/2010 at 4:04 PM:

Reading the comments below I’m taken by how little attention is paid to the girl’s facial expression and posture. She evokes total confidence and comfort - in what she’s wearing and how she wears it, and more importantly she clearly does not give a damn about whether it’s in style or out of place or otherwise worthy of debate.

And that, you have to admit, is what the true “preppy” M.O. is all about: being relaxed and at ease. A man could wear a space suit to a dinner party in a John Cheever novel and nobody would know the difference as long as he takes his Tom Collinses on the strong side and participates in lively conversation.

naked left a comment on 8/18/2010 at 3:20 AM:

You guys just made my day. I could easily spend my whole day reading your ongoing discussion (which I actually cannot because I have some work to do).
However, I get both points. On the one hand I can understand why one may not like Rugby for its fashiony interpretation of prep clothing (although I quite like it). On the other hand people may be offended when hearing the same criticism all over again.
Last but not least, my opinion towards the picture: I like her attitude and I think she can pull off this rather unconventional outfit. The only thing I do not like are the shoes because of the nude look.

TS left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 8:37 PM:

in my humble opinion, the heels don’t work.  i do like the gold watch as it compliments the hardware on the shorts very well.  as far as the tie tuck goes, i’m undecided.  she’s got a great smile and exudes confidence so she still pulls it off. 

thanks for posting FEC!

fsp left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 6:38 PM:

Nice, classic look, strange debate …

Reds & Tops left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 3:45 PM:

@AEV wins the internet battle. Woo!

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 3:44 PM:

When I see a post or a picture that I personally like I will always say a positive comment about it. When I see a picture or a post that I don’t like I usually don’t post anything. I like this picture and in my opinion she looks unabashedly prep and natural.

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 2:07 PM:

@ prep robot-  Fighting criticism and negativity with criticism and negativity - the irony is terrific. My “Good look..” is “token” but the consistent, long list of positive, two word accolades are constructive. Got it. Thanks!

Here’s a shocker: My posts reflect my well established opinions. As they should. I assure you, few who know me would suggest my style is boring or stuffy (and, since you asked, I’m neither overweight or old…).

That said, there is a Grand Canyon size difference between updated preppy clothing (see 2010 J. Press, Brooks Bros, Paul Stuart, Ben Silver, L.L. Bean, Lands End - heck, even J. Crew) and pics like this that appear costume-ish, forced, and more Urban Outfitters/Americal Apparel than prep. Again, FEC makes no bones about the fact that these are Rugby marketing pics - and that most of these models are Rugby sales reps - why do readers seem to ignore this fact and want to believe that these people are strangers on the street? Just weird.

To equate my criticisms to an implicit endorsement of old fashioned, antique, stuffy style is strange, exhaggerated, and inaccurate. I’m not “attacking” Rugby - I’m simply pointing out the vast differences between preppy styles from brands with history and true style heritages, and modern spin offs like Rugby who, in my opinion, tend to alter the prep style past the point of traditionally rooted clothing. Have you been to a Rugby store lately? That’s preppy to you - really?

I find it odd to have to write it, again, but - I enjoy and appreciate this blog. When I post something positive, I mean it…jusy like everyone else apparently does. Do I think it’s important for a preppy clothing blog to differentiate between authentic brands/styles and those that move beyond prep by reinventing too much? Yes, I do - otherwise, everything becomes prep. Untucked cotton shirt? Prep. Neck tie with jeans and a suit jacket? Prep. Trucker hat? Prep. Retro club collar shirt, men’s tie tucked in, heels, military shorts? Prep. C’Mon. It all generally looks good - and I get the fashion aspect of it - but I see no reason to confuse or label it Prep.

prep robot left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 1:34 PM:

@AEV - I have to agree with Patrick and FEC on this one. As a casual reader of this blog for some time now, it appears that many of your posts are incessantly negative. Now, I am not one to discourage criticism- I think that DOES represent the essence of blogs and is a welcome and healthy aspect of their existence. However, it seems that, in your case, you are prone to trolling around this site to solely find fault in the particular aesthetic that FEC is trying to convey and foster with HIS blog, rather than a specific item or style element. As an example, one need only look at your post below, about the gentleman in the blazer and jeans. Going beyond your own clearly phony “Good look,”- Why can you not accept that one person’s definition of ‘prep’ does not have to pigeonhole into your dated, stuffy and boring view of what “true” prep (whatever that means) really is. I think the man looks great and his outfit would be appropriate for literally dozens of settings. How boring would preppy style be if everyone wore blue blazers and khakis? This blog would cease to exist as a site for inspiration. One need not adopt an entire outfit that FEC photographs, but if a picture allows someone to step out of their comfort zone and attempt an ensemble that they normally wouldn’t have worn, then i believe FEC has been successful. And on top of that, your last sentence is borderline condescending. You clearly do not work in men’s retail and yet no one here cares or needs to hear about it.

As far as this young lady goes, maybe her outfit is a wee bit over the top, but I think she looks gorgeous and her style represents how one can take the traditional ‘prep’ aesthetic and let it individualistically flow. Repp tie? Collar pin button down? Could these items be any more prep/trad? What would you rather she be wearing and how? Button down shirt? Boring skirt? Why would anyone want to look at a blog for that? It’s clear from your comments that you are missing the point of why this blog exists in the first place and you need to be less rigid in your tiresome, old take on a style that has most certainly evolved (as everything does).

You appear to have taken it upon yourself to defend what you deem to be “true” prep/trad. It is obvious that you have a chip on your shoulder against Rugby and what you believe it represents. Are you some fat old man that can’t fit into good looking clothing? Why not just leave it alone and let people enjoy what this blog has to offer? Critique the clothing, not the purpose of the blog itself. Only one man can define what this blog is truly about. You do not own the definition of prep, nor does a “standard” definition of the word even exist. It is, like anything else in the style lexicon, up for interpretation.

Sorry for the long post. very nice blog fec.

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 1:17 PM:

@ M.D. - I have indeed posted plenty of positive comments; many recently…they’re all easy enough to go back and read if you care to.

I could list all sorts of companies that, unlike Rugby, sell traditionally preppy clothing. I’m sure you know them too - FEC lists many of them on the right hand side of his blog. That’s not the issue here at all.

What would be more contructive would be for you to point out to me a constructive criticism you’ve posted on the blog. Or, why you feel outfits like the one posted today, from a brand like Rugby, are examples of authentic preppy clothing. It’s interesting to me that I’m being questioned by people who robotically post 1-4 word postive comments to every single post on this blog….if that’s constructive and/or additive, I’m at a loss.

Kate Higdon left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 1:09 PM:

I work in men’s retail and love to see women take a traditionally male item (or two or three…) and use it for a beautiful, feminine look. I love the club collar.

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:57 PM:

@ Patrick - It’s clear to me that you simply don’t agree with my comments - and are attempting to read far more than reasonable into my psyche and motivations to justify your personal disagreements. It’s fine if you don’t agree with me, but save me from the armchair psychiatrist stuff.

Are positive comments also only useful if they aren’t for their own end? How useful do you view something like, “Adorable.”?

M.D. Cooley left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:45 PM:

AEV can you link me to something that you consider prep or actully approve of cause I cannot recall the last time you ever said anything positive or truely constructive. So please share with us all here waht you actully do approve of.

Patrick left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:41 PM:

@AEV - No,  you don’t really get under my skin. I just find people that seem to like the sound of their own voice (or rather, the look of their own type) annoying. Criticism is good and helpful, as long as it isn’t its own end.

Baby Bootlegger left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:38 PM:

To me, this woman doesn’t seem out of place/context at all.  Well, maybe, in a too good to be true sort of way.  But I wish I saw an outfit like this more often.  Which brings me to a quite possibly dumb question:
@FEC-Are these photographs of complete strangers you bump into?  The ones from the wedding a few weeks ago seemed to be.  As opposed to yesterday’s post which wasn’t.  Today’s pic has been featured on Rugby’s blog.  Does that mean she is a model?  How can we tell the difference?

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:28 PM:

@ Patrick - Nothing about this blog offends me; but, thank you for your concern. In fact, as I have commented previously, I find of much of the blog quite enjoyable.

In addition, I have no designs on impressing anyone by reacting to FEC’s posts (something I consider essential and elemental to any blog).

In fact, I would argue that if anyone is striving for positive impressions, it’s the dozens of folks who appear to post knee jerk style “Great look!”, “Super cute!”, “Amazing.” comments to every single picture FEC posts. I trust, given your strong reactions to my reactions, that those posts must really get under your skin…

Patrick left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:18 PM:

@AEV—My question is, if you are so offended by Fred’s take on “prep” style, why do you continue to troll around on here? You’re really not impressing anyone, you know.

bunny left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:16 PM:

super cute

Straw Boater left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:05 PM:

Very, very hot.

EdoubleM.blogspot.com left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 11:15 AM:

Great look!

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 10:58 AM:

@ FEC - I spent over 20 yrs growing up in CT, all my family lives there, and I am there often. I don’t know a single person who whould wear anything like this outfit in public or who would consider this look “buttoned up.”

“Preppy” style, by almost any definition, is about traditional style and classic fashion cues. There is, in my mind, a rather dark line between “modern fashion” - which these days appears obsessed with repurposing elements of preppy styles - and traditional, preppy styles and fashion sense. I think it’s less that I’m “stuffy” and simply more that I don’t consider shops like Rugby (essentially the same as Abercrombie) or Urban Outfitters (where many of the clothes on this blog would feel right at home) as prep/trad. You named your blog “...Prep”, not me.

I agree, context is key and your point re: Lilly Pulitzer is well taken. That said, the “context” in your Rugby shots isn’t geographical or seasonal as much as it is “in store branding and marketing.” When 17 year olds in Abercrombie are shirtless and tossing a football around in the lobby (as I’ve seen them doing as I’ve strolled by the D.C. shop) they aren’t doing so for geographical reasons. Ditto in this instance - to suggest that this “look” is evocative of CT or “late summer” is simply nonsense. This context is pure “help us sell a Rugby concept…” - a concept which is almost purely imaginary, entirely unauthentic, and makes a farce out of the prep style tradition.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 10:36 AM:

@AEV—Your view of prep is stringent and stuffy…allow it to breathe, air out and evolve. Take the pieces here for example: club collar OCBD, repp tie (and the bravado to employ a collar pin), and the fashion kicker—a short that finds its roots in a traditional navy blazer w/gold buttons (hardly military inspired).  These shots are meant to highlight their associates style…and yes, they are more apt to take certain liberties within their own personal style, but that is what makes them fun to shoot. They having fun with it.  Your definition of traditional preppy appears to be shaped by your by your Alexandria locale. Would you consider Lilly Pulitzer a marketing costume if you were walking around West Palm Beach? It’s all about context. Above, this is Connecticut…a bit more buttoned up than Virginia. You don’t feel this evokes “class” in your neighborhood…I can understand that. What I am encouraging you to do is view these street style shots within their geographical/seasonal context.

Though Unabashedly Prep has a deep appreciation to maintain the timelessness of the prep aesthetic (from a style perspective), it also balances a fashion element as well. It must if it is to remain relevant. If this blog were an exact replication of 1960s style, it would simple look out of place. How out of place would she look by your side if you were in your navy gold button blazer?

JMH left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 10:33 AM:

Were I a girl and my body type allowed it, I would wear this out and about.

Eric left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:50 AM:

She is absolutely gorgeous. I love the little tucked in tie, it adds color and is such a unique twist.

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:47 AM:

Rugby, by design, will almost always look like it’s “trying too hard” because their entire aethetic mission is to copy authentic and vintage items and sell them to a young, aspirational segment. These sorts of outfits are meant to sell/highlight Rugby’s clothes in their stores - few people would be caught dead wearing this sort of thing in public. Narural and classy? A tucked in, faux repp/crest tie with a pinned collar shirt, military “inspired” poof shorts, a bright gold, fashion-y watch and somewhat oddly chosen, tan, open-toed heels is “natural” and evokes “class”? Not in my neighborhood.

Again, this woman is attractive and, given her audience and environment, more or less “put together” - but the outfit screams “marketing costume” and isn’t traditionally preppy at all. That’s fine and good….folks just shouldn’t confuse the two.

Michael left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:47 AM:

Just stunning.

spiffydave left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:35 AM:

i like everything except the military tie-tuck. it looks like a little boy trying to avoid spilling food on his tie at the dinner table. other than that, she’s priceless.

spiffydave.wordpress.com

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:35 AM:

Great look. She looks natural and I love her pants. She looks classy and pretty.

Mark Sinclair left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:24 AM:

Looks like she is wearing old lady fat pants. Not a good look at all. Much prefer Vineyard Vines dresses for women. Outfit is trying too hard… Sorry that I don’t agree with most of you.

robdarko left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:21 AM:

This girl defines the word cute.

haroldF left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:10 AM:

She is owning that.

AEV left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 9:02 AM:

Cute, but certainly not trad/prep….which shouldn’t surprise me coming from Rugby.

trini prep left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 8:56 AM:

Gorgeous. This blog is beginning to have me think that prep style is infallible!

A.Willis left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 8:55 AM:

Possibly one of the best looking girls ever

Andy M. left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 8:07 AM:

Goodness.

Laguna Beach Trad left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 7:10 AM:

Adorable.

Fredrick left a comment on 9/9/2010 at 7:59 AM:

This is my guy.  He does his own look as good as anyone I know.  Everytime I see him he’s doing something I secretly admire.  Love the rig!

Baylor80 left a comment on 8/19/2010 at 4:17 PM:

Here’s a guy you’ll see in a Rugby store when pigs fly.

Canaan&Able; left a comment on 8/18/2010 at 10:52 AM:

Like the beat-to-hell loafers. Not “Boston cracked shoe” just yet, but get the duct tape ready in the next few months, Gray.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 2:44 PM:

@JMW-Gray is wearing a chocolate brown suede loafer (split toe).

JMW left a comment on 8/17/2010 at 12:26 PM:

He looks great and it sounds as if he gives excellent customer service, as well! What kind of shoes is he wearing? I love ‘em!

Victoria left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 10:21 PM:

Oh wow, he is beautiful and beautifully dressed.

Mat left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 9:38 PM:

Gray helped me out on my last visit, good guy.

ATL left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 7:12 PM:

Jeans need to be tapered.  Jacket is way too long in body and sleeves.  Shoulders are huge.  Surprised Sid’s guys would even let him wear that in the store.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 2:19 PM:

@Glenn—I prefer pairing blazers (especially navy w/gold buttons) with denim. A suit jacket more often than not is going to look very wrong.

EdoubleM.blogspot.com left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 12:18 PM:

Great look! Everything flows real well!

JFD left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 11:30 AM:

Too much blue for me. Needs a little more contrast between the jeans and the jacket and needs a tie that brings out a color (other than blue) in the shirt. I can’t see well enough whether the shoes are 30 year old beat-to-death weejuns crusted in mud, or what, so I will withhold comment. I think the jeans/blazer/tie look with no socks is just fine, but the monochrome needs breaking up in this instance. Otherwise he looks like a hipster Regis Philbin.

Glenn left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 11:04 AM:

FEC-do you know if that’s a suit jacket or a blazer. It looks to me like a suit jacket (not that it’s a problem)  I ask because I’ve been experimenting with this look with a couple of nice orphaned jackets, my fear is that it can look to mis-matched.  This however looks well put together.  Thoughts?

patgig left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 11:00 AM:

Are we all just too polite to mention the shoes? Kind of beat up looking, eh? And the jeans a bit too dark. Nice try.

F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 10:54 AM:

@AEV—If the contrast in textures isn’t great enough for you, try a navy blazer with gold buttons or a slightly lighter denim. The formal shirt/tie/jeans doesn’t really work without the blazer. As far as appropriate goes…why not try a casual Friday at the office or when on a date?

@robdarko—I purposely leave tidbits of noteworthy material out in for you guys to pick up things on your own…to actually study some of the photographs and draw your own conclusions.  Gray looks smartly tailored because he is…but then again, that is implied since he is one of Sid’s guys (I veer away from pointing out the obvious, because ultimately I believe you guys are pretty smart).

@Ben—Yes, that tie is a silk knit tie.

@Deanna—As Andy M. mentioned, Ann Mashburn just opened up her shop next to her husband’s in Atlanta.

Andy M. left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 9:16 AM:

@Deanna, Sid’s wife just opened Ann Mashburn in the same complex, so you may be in luck.

Great outfit at a brilliant store.

Christian Bourasseau left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 8:47 AM:

Very nice picture.  I specially like the jacket, the shirt, the jeans and even the belt. Thumbs up!

AEV left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 8:46 AM:

Good look - though I too worry that the navy blazer and dark jeans can be awkward and almost appear as if it’s a suit….the lack of contrast is tough to make work. I also find it tough to make the necktie, formal shirt, and jeans work (ditto for a tie/formal shirt and no socks) - I just don’t “get” when that sort of outfit is called for or is appropriate….perhaps if I worked reatil in a men’s shop…

robdarko left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 8:41 AM:

F.E.C.  I think you may be leaving some other noteworthy information out.  This fellow’s dapper sharpness may not be off the rack.  He looks smartly tailored (jeans for sure/jacket maybe).  Am I wrong?

Paul left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 8:15 AM:

Ah Matt, what a helpful fellow.  Spent a good hour talking to him during my last visit talking about the most random things… clothing related and otherwise.

Laguna Beach Trad left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 7:58 AM:

This is an awesome look! Really well done.

Ben left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 7:56 AM:

I really like the look and have always struggled with trying to pull of the navy blazer and denim.

Is that a knit tie?

Deanna (Silly Goose Farm) left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 7:44 AM:

Sounds like my kind of store - if only it sold women’s clothing!

Love your blog - it’s a must read for me. Thanks for representing NE gals like me!

SunMan left a comment on 8/16/2010 at 7:39 AM:

Brilliant! I’ve been looking for a great suit jacket, something that fits as amazing as this. Jeans also a great fit, taking notes now. Well done gentlemen.