Unabashedly Prep

  • Bootstrapping

    Top Drawer | Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: riding boots, over-sized hoof pick belt, hand block silk pocket square.

    Jun 19, 2012 | Permalink (20) View/Leave Comments

    Krystal Clark left a comment on 7/21/2012 at 8:36 AM:

    She looks great! Lovin’ the sistas on Unabashedly Prep! We like to prep it out too :).


    Elizabeth left a comment on 7/16/2012 at 3:21 PM:

    I especially like the color of the pocket square—it livens up the whole outfit.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/15/2012 at 11:52 AM:

    @Brad—Do I? You’d be hard pressed to find a post in which I list the specific brands a person is wearing (outside of a notable accessory,  piece of jewelry, or vintage). When someone asks in the comments where a particular piece is from, I make an effort to reach out to the subject and find out (if it didn’t previously come up in conversation when I shot them).


    Brad left a comment on 7/15/2012 at 7:50 AM:

    @FEC - you list the brands of items profiled all the time….many times following up with add’l brand names in the comments section.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/14/2012 at 2:08 PM:

    @AEV—I couldn’t tell you since I don’t ask the people I photograph what they are wearing head to toe.


    AEV left a comment on 7/14/2012 at 9:23 AM:

    @FEC—What pieces of clothing on this woman aren’t by Ralph Lauren?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/13/2012 at 11:30 AM:

    @Alba—I believe the riding boots are by Ralph Lauren. There aren’t too many outfits making this quality of fashion riding boot but Ralph Lauren is one of them.


    AEV left a comment on 7/13/2012 at 9:59 AM:

    @Alba - My educated guess is that the boots are by Ralph Lauren.


    Alba left a comment on 7/13/2012 at 12:26 AM:

    Love the look, thanks for sharing!

    The humour with Ralph Lauren aside, where did the lady in the picture get her boots?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/11/2012 at 2:27 PM:

    @AEV—For me, this look works. Had I thought about riding boots with chino shorts for women before? No, honestly. This inspired me. Do I think riding boots are meant to be paired with shorts? They were initially designed to be worn with Jodhpurs…but all the more reason to share this image with everyone here—because she makes it work with shorts.


    AEV left a comment on 7/11/2012 at 12:00 PM:

    @Fred—Are you suggesting that leather riding boots are a summer shoe? Do you think riding boots are meant to be paired with shorts?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/11/2012 at 11:53 AM:

    @AEV—This particular blazer isn’t cotton, but tropical wool. Even better in the summer.


    AEV left a comment on 7/11/2012 at 11:47 AM:

    Sure, a cotton blazer works fine in June.


    cam left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 10:58 PM:

    @Leo - where else but Ralph Lauren of course….....HA mr. castleberry, I beat you to the punch ;)


    Leo left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 9:19 PM:

    I love the picture!

    My girlfriend really likes those boots, can anyone point me in the right direction as to where she can find some?


    C.L. Young left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 6:54 PM:

    The look is very polished! I especially like the blazer/ocbd/pocket square combination. As a man, the upper half is what I would wear (but with bow tie). The boots are “too die for” and work well with the look. The shorts in place of skirt looks really good and the colors all work very well. Women can get away with so many things in fashion! Just let me try getting away with wearing cowboy boots with khaki shorts! She looks very serious but I agree with Desmond in saying that she most likely has an awesome smile.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 2:22 PM:

    @Caroline—My best guess would be Ralph Lauren.

    @Margaret—I shot this photograph about a month ago. This young lady is in cotton shorts and a lightweight navy blazer…this seems to be perfectly suitable for early summer in the city on a weekday.


    Caroline | Back Down South left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 1:59 PM:

    Would love to know where the oversized hoof pick belt is from..


    Margaret left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 10:02 AM:

    When was this photo taken? Doesn’t strike me as comfortable in 80 degree+ June/July heat….


    Desmond K left a comment on 7/9/2012 at 10:14 PM:

    I love this look on ladies. I can never get enough of it. I bet she has an awesome smile too.

    Chinos & Cheesecake


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  • Set Sail

    Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: Lilly Pulitzer enthusiast, Dorrian's regular.

    Jun 14, 2012 | Permalink (17) View/Leave Comments

    Elizabeth left a comment on 7/16/2012 at 3:23 PM:

    She’s adorable, and while those shoes are not my own style, I have to respect anyone who can walk city streets in those.


    cam left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 11:02 PM:

    dream girl


    Nic left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 5:52 PM:

    Great looking girl, I dated a girl who was 4’10” for awhile at university. Outstanding girl and ended being our new coxswain.


    RP left a comment on 7/9/2012 at 5:07 PM:

    @MGM Being the young girl featured, I am 4’10”, so “serious” shoes are a way of life for me. :)


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/9/2012 at 9:22 AM:

    @MGM—I met this young lady during K. Cooper Ray’s book signing at J.McLaughlin’s UES boutique. This photograph was taken just right outside the shop.


    MGM left a comment on 7/9/2012 at 6:41 AM:

    Lovely picture.  And those shoes are serious!  I get the sense from the background that she is just walking around the town in this outfit.  So, those shoes are awfully serious!


    JD left a comment on 7/7/2012 at 10:17 AM:

    Love the girl, love the dress.


    Jack left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 5:29 PM:

    Nice work.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 3:06 PM:

    @Angel—Yes; however, filters would be misleading. I am developing my images using some of VSCO’s presets as a starting point.


    Angel left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 2:36 PM:

    Cute girl.

    Side note - F.E., you using VSCO film filters on your images now?


    Caron left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 1:32 PM:

    The dress is fantastic.  She has the bloom of youth—gorgeous.


    Penny left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 11:37 AM:

    Love the dress.


    Christine Jennings left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 9:55 AM:

    “You Gotta Regatta”
    Definitely a Summer 2012 Staple Dress.


    George left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 9:08 AM:

    Tim beat me to it. Love the girl, love the dress. Very nice package, indeed.


    Tim left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 8:57 AM:

    Nice dress (and smile). Dorrian’s regular for sure.


    Desmond K left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 6:18 AM:

    The print on that dress is awesome! And she looks so flippin innocent and adorable. I’m guessing it was a pop up shower that day?

    Chinos & Cheesecake


    phosil left a comment on 7/6/2012 at 3:20 AM:

    that is such a cute dress


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  • Sweat Equity

    Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Jun 8, 2012 | Permalink (37) View/Leave Comments

    Robert left a comment on 7/9/2012 at 8:06 AM:

    The fit is absolutely perfect. While there is an abundance of accessories, they appear very subtle.  Perfection!


    Michael left a comment on 7/5/2012 at 9:49 AM:

    Great Look! Love it!


    Gbourgeaiseau left a comment on 7/3/2012 at 8:47 PM:

    Lovely girl.


    Glenn left a comment on 7/3/2012 at 8:48 AM:

    Try the Tombs & 1789 also the original Clydes on M Street! in the Fall! I’ve enjoyed it since 1970’s!


    lics left a comment on 7/3/2012 at 6:14 AM:

    That is the correct blog for anybody who wants to seek out out about this topic. You notice so much its virtually arduous to argue with you (not that I really would need…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply great!


    James left a comment on 7/2/2012 at 10:39 PM:

    That’s my girl. Doing what she do!


    Saturdays left a comment on 7/2/2012 at 10:07 PM:

    @JAH - I wish I could experience working there. I actually don’t work for a clothing/apparel company whatsoever. Though I think its the direction I would hope to move towards as my career progresses.


    JAH left a comment on 7/2/2012 at 7:31 PM:

    Saturdays, don’t you work at Gant Rugger?


    TTG left a comment on 7/2/2012 at 9:36 AM:

    Those are some really cool shorts. But i would think if it’s that hot to wear those shorts, a sweatshirt wouldn’t be a good choice?

    http://thetreasuregentleman.wordpress.com/


    Saturdays left a comment on 7/1/2012 at 9:59 PM:

    @AEV - I don’t see how it doesn’t take some confidence to wear her outfit. If she didn’t put effort into the outfit and radiate confidence this would be a completely different look.

    I personally wear my pair around friends and co-workers and everyone gives my compliments, and mentions it takes guts/confidence to wear something like that. There’s no need for a Ralph Lauren or Rugby store to be anywhere near me to wear them. As Fred mentioned, there are several occasions and spots wear they fit in just fine.

    I suggest you grab a pair and try them out yourself, they seem to be on sale at the moment.


    J.Miller left a comment on 7/1/2012 at 7:09 PM:

    Want to be a real rebel sweetheart.How about you bring this Jew home to mommy and daddies for the weekend. :)


    Thad left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 11:09 PM:

    @ Mr. AEV-

    You have convinced me to give The Tombs another chance. Is there a time of the year (season) and day of the week that you would suggest that I revisit this establishment. I cancelled a reservation that a lady made for us at 1789 once and made a reservation at the uber- pretentious Inn at Little Washington instead. I regretted having interfered with her plans after we had a particularly unpleasant dining experience that evening at the Inn, so I will also keep 1789 in mind for the future. Where do you prefer to frequent for a well mixed and reasonably priced gin and tonic in the District?

    I hope that the arrangements with the lady are coming along well as she is clearly betrothed to a gentleman of distinction.


    AEV left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 2:51 PM:

    @Thad - The Tombs, for what it may be worth, has been around since 1962 (making it one of the oldest, continuously operating restaurants in the city). It inspired the setting for “St. Elmo’s Fire” (and was profiled in the Original “Preppy Handbook”). It’s breads and desserts are made fresh daily by the restaurant 1789, a five star establishment next door that is rated one of the area’s very best restaurants. It is well reviewed and recommended by the Washington Post’s dining critic. It oozes authenticity and is a right of passage for Georgetown seniors/faculty/alumni/residents. Simply put, while you may not have enjoyed it, I don’ think it sucks.

    I agree, Martin’s is great…I never said otherwise.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 1:45 PM:

    @Cam—What is effortless to one may be laborious to another. It’s about how you carry yourself.

    And most importantly, remember that this is New York (more fashion), not New England (more function)


    cam left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 1:30 PM:

    @F.E. Castleberry - you conducted an interview with Glenn Ebert in 2011 and he asked you what your definition of prep is, your response “prep is about dressing perfectly without trying to, appearing to do everything well with ease..”. Do you feel that this picture is in that spirit?


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 1:01 PM:

    @Thad—Would you turn that date down?


    Thad left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 12:39 PM:

    Oh, and The Tombs sucks, AEV. (Thanks for recommending it, sir.) Martin’s is a better establishment.


    Thad left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 12:30 PM:

    @AEV

    A date at the Rugby Cafe in Georgetown with Mr. Fred Castleberry.


    AEV left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 11:56 AM:

    @Saturdays—This outfit strikes you as ‘gutsy’? A logoed sweatshirt and critter shorts? I don’t get gutsy.


    Saturdays left a comment on 6/30/2012 at 2:53 AM:

    @AEV - if you have the guts to do it, you can wear that or other outfits similar to hers anywhere.

    It just takes some courage and sense of style.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 6/29/2012 at 8:56 PM:

    @AEV—Perhaps…and other spots and occasions.


    AEV left a comment on 6/29/2012 at 8:27 PM:

    @Fred - Yes, in a Rugby shop, in NYC.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 6/29/2012 at 8:07 PM:

    @AEV—New York, NY ;)


    y l hollander left a comment on 6/29/2012 at 8:40 AM:

    Bow tie with untucked shirt; sweatshirt with short shorts—-> Contradictions + complexity = CONFIDENCE. And she looks like a young Marilise Flusser which is never a bad thing.


    Red Tag Chic Los Angeles left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 11:54 PM:

    The shorts are utterly adorable!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com


    Reginald IV left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 8:51 PM:

    I love this. Bow tie plus the skull patterned shorts.


    Jack left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 5:17 PM:

    Nice advert!


    cam left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 2:49 PM:

    The shirt works


    Victor Delta left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 2:26 PM:

    Watch and learn, America!


    Courtney left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 1:33 PM:

    Adorable. It’s all about those pink shorts, isn’t it? Any other bottom would just change the feel completely.


    DL left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 12:41 PM:

    A pretty nice outfit. Studied and outlandish? Absolutely, but women can pull that off far better than men.


    Angel left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 10:36 AM:

    @Paul, dude I think so. My guess is she is a Employee at the Rugby story.

    Angel’s Point of View


    C.L. Young left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 9:56 AM:

    A beautiful young lady in a bowtie and OCBD is hard to come by and sexy as hell…when done correctly! This is perfect and this is done correctly! I love it! Job well done, F.C.


    Caroline | Back Down South left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 9:53 AM:

    She is my hero.


    Paul left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 9:51 AM:

    Is everything she has on from Rugby? Really?


    Saturdays left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 8:37 AM:

    She is a masterpiece. Great shot Fred!


    Desmond K left a comment on 6/28/2012 at 6:46 AM:

    I love the color of those shorts. And the belt is a nice touch as well. Great photo.

    Chinos & Cheesecake


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  • Tickled Pink

    Style | Dress Code  

    Sara Kerens, a budding fashion photographer and friend of mine, recently shot a few frames of me for her blog series "People I Know." It's quickly becoming a collection of friends in her life doing what she finds to be interesting things. I am honored to be photographed by her and hope that through this interview, you might stumble upon a thing or two about me you didn’t know before.

    Photographed in New York, NY by Sara Kerens

    What inspired you to start Unabashedly Prep?

    I was thumbing through a Teen Vogue issue (January 2009) and stopped at an article about a teen shoe blogger. Straight strawberry blonde hair framed these youthful milky-skinned cheek bones—she'd just been awarded the opportunity to design a capsule shoe collection for Urban Outfitters. She was only 17 and publishing her wildly popular style blog out of my backyard (Dallas). All I could think was, "Why am I not doing this?"  It was inspiring. Seventeen seconds later I was brainstorming what would later become Unabashedly Prep.

    What men's brands and styles have influenced your own taste?

    While most Americans possessed, at the very least, an ambient awareness of Polo by Ralph Lauren in the early 90s, I wasn't wearing it. I loved the sensibility but the fit wasn't what I wanted. There was this baggy thing going on at the time—all the kids were practically drowning in their clothes. What did fit was Abercrombie & Fitch. I remember meticulously pouring over the first ever A&F Quarterly and seeing a pair of slim denim with a slight taper that actually fit properly. I thought, "That's it. That looks great." I grabbed my mom, flipped on the charm (hey, somebody had to pay for the Shetland sweaters, chinos, and oxfords I was feverishly circling in the catalogue), and we were off to the nearest A&F shop 40 miles away. The next day at school classmates stared at me like I was sleepwalking the halls naked. I couldn't care less because it didn't feel juvenile...it felt cool. I was 15 at the time.

    Eventually, Abercrombie & Fitch mutated into the sex-peddling, logo-flinging jeans and T-shirt monstrosity you see today—a brittle shell of its former nouveau-prep glory. They lost me when they quit designing sport coats, sweater vests, and ties. When Ralph Lauren introduced Rugby in 2004, a line with the silhouettes and sensibilities of a younger guy, I started pulling their new takes on old classics into my wardrobe.

    Three years later, I met Sid Mashburn when I interviewed him for Unabashedly Prep. It was then that I began to appreciate the beauty of a "uniform." There is an ease about a great jean, an English bench-made shoe, a dress shirt, tie, and blazer that still looks put together.

    Check out the rest of her interview with me accompanied by additional images over at her blog.

    Rig:
    • Randolph Engineering aviator sunglasses
    • Ralph Lauren cashmere cable knit sweater
    • Rugby white denim
    • vintage Omega Seamaster wrist watch
    • Smart Turnout nylon watch strap
    • brown Alden snaffle bit loafers (not pictured)

    Jun 5, 2012 | Permalink (6) View/Leave Comments

    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 12:32 AM:

    @Alice—No worries at all. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the site. For the record, I was subscribing to Teen Vogue at the time because Bruce Weber was shooting for them, often. His work still serves as a huge inspiration for me.


    Alice left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 12:15 AM:

    Oh shoot!

    I forgot two quick things in my super long comment.

    1. I love your comment box! It’s so cute and a nice throwback to the days of paper and pens. Those were the good ol’ days.

    2. Sorry for commenting on such an old post! It may seem a little creepy so my apologies!


    ~Alice
    The Ace of Hearts


    Alice left a comment on 8/9/2012 at 12:13 AM:

    Hello hello F.E. (if I may call you that)!

    I came across your blog a while back and absolutely loved the idea of it!
    However, today is my first time commenting so I was trying to find something special to share my insight on.
    I originally was planning on commenting on your newest post (about Barbour coats) but I somehow landed on this page.

    First, oooh I know who you’re talking about! Jane from Sea of Shoes! I love that she’s from Dallas since that’s where I grew up. It’s pretty cool that you’re from near there too! :)
    Wait…you’re a 27 year old man reading Teen Vogue? Okay. I’m not judging! It’s a free country and everyone does strange stuff!
    Oh Abercrombie&Fitch;...what happened?
    My older brother used to work at A&F and I remembered loving the clothes there. Then, as I got older, I realized that all they did was sell sex. Tight shirts, short skirts, A. Fitch written on anything. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve owned anything from there in a while. It feels nice being able to say that.

    Anyways, before I ramble on and on anymore, I just want to say that your blog is awesome! Even though it isn’t really like the other blogs that I currently read, it’s very inspirational and full of lots of pretty clothes and pretty people.

    Awesome sweater here by the way! It’s such a happy color and so vibrant!

    Have a lovely day! :)


    ~Alice
    The Ace of Hearts

    P.S. This is totally random but I feel like you would get along really well with my older brother. He seems to have the same taste as you (and a bajillion other people in the world I suppose).


    PSP left a comment on 7/17/2012 at 5:03 PM:

    FEC, you should consider posting the back of the Omega Seamaster, very cool.  Also if you need to remove scratches from the crystal headlight restorer works pretty well.


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 12:09 PM:

    @Thomas—As a photographer, Bruce Weber is one of my chief photographic influences and often shoots for Teen Vogue. That’s why I had a subscription…for the tears.


    Thomas left a comment on 7/10/2012 at 10:08 AM:

    What is a 27 year old man doing reading Teen Vogue?


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  • Summertime Blues

    Dress Code  

    Photographed in New York, NY

    Noteworthy: Tretorn Nylite canvas sneakers, braided leather belt, button-flap patch pocket (not seen) on oxford.

    May 31, 2012 | Permalink (16) View/Leave Comments

    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 9/2/2012 at 10:01 PM:

    @Stroh—The shorts are a salt wash chino short by Rugby.


    stroh left a comment on 9/2/2012 at 8:36 PM:

    info on shorts?


    PB left a comment on 6/22/2012 at 4:22 PM:

    You seem to dig those sneakers since they come back quite frequently… Nice history with Borg wearing them but seen from the front I personnally find the central piece of canvas coming up to the rubber is not very nice.
    I do not think they are distributed in France anyway. Can’t you find Supergas or Spring Courts in the US or do you really consider Tretorns are “preppier” ?


    Angel left a comment on 6/21/2012 at 12:13 PM:

    Not bad, I was did the “front tuck” quite often in my golfing days with polo shirts. Not sure if I dig it with a button up. Then again I have a big butt so wouldn’t look as clean on me anyways.

    Angel’s Point of View


    JNG left a comment on 6/20/2012 at 12:12 AM:

    hello


    Kiki Palome left a comment on 6/19/2012 at 4:13 PM:

    Such an utter treat to see Neal on my favorite blog! Love this look! I suppose Andrej has forgotten preppiness is also synonoymous with effortless…


    Gian left a comment on 6/18/2012 at 4:31 PM:

    Nice post!
    If you like take a look at http://gntstyle.wordpress.com/ I’d love to hear from you

    Take care
    Gian
    Consultant Style Advisor
    http://gntstyle.wordpress.com/


    david left a comment on 6/18/2012 at 1:38 PM:

    Sorry, but GQ’s street style could use some lessons in street photography.  They could start with reviewing the work here.


    Jarvis C. Veira left a comment on 6/18/2012 at 12:23 AM:

    Let’s see if this is preppy or not.

    http://www.gq.com/style/street-style/201206/ben-ferrari-new-york-city-street-style-06-06#slide=19

    Also, check out:

    thepreppyleague.com


    Tom Bosché left a comment on 6/17/2012 at 8:55 PM:

    Forever ...


    F.E. Castleberry left a comment on 6/16/2012 at 6:52 AM:

    @Andrej—When has it not been OK?


    Andrej left a comment on 6/16/2012 at 2:58 AM:

    Is it still okay/cool to only tuck in the front half of your shirt?


    Karla Reed left a comment on 6/15/2012 at 3:19 PM:

    I like this look. All the basics are there and I like his laid back spin in it. Being a modern prep is all about inserting your own attitude into classics. Well done


    DBCC left a comment on 6/15/2012 at 2:57 PM:

    Great wheels.


    cam left a comment on 6/14/2012 at 8:04 AM:

    This is more like it…i would however tuck in the shirt and button that third button.


    Desmond K left a comment on 6/14/2012 at 6:05 AM:

    Nothing like a pair of canvas sneakers in the spring/summer. Gotta love it!!

    http://chinosandcheesecake.blogspot.com


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