left a comment on 9/24/2011 at 5:03 PM:
That’s why I make it a point of honour to wear a jacket and a tie when I go get drunk.
left a comment on 9/14/2011 at 3:42 PM:
My yearbook page-mate and I chose this as our quote, with credit to you of course!
left a comment on 9/8/2011 at 3:51 PM:
This is too true. I am so glad I discovered this while still in my mischievous years.
Noteworthy: burnished penny loafer (made in USA), Ralph Lauren Purple Label club tie, red gingham button down by F.E. Castleberry for Jack Robie. Simply a preview for now, the shirts are currently being made here in the States and will be available for purchase at JackRobie.com in the latter half of October.
left a comment on 12/22/2011 at 11:51 PM:
FEC- I’ve just discovered the wonders that is UP. So a FEC for Jack Robie was something I found of which I had to follow up. Went to the site and found a few sizes still available.
Question: how would you recommend (if at all) a woman sport your signature shirt?
I’m thinking this would cap off perfectly a look with Cole Haan loafers, go-to-hell shorts and tort Persols.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 2:15 PM:
this looks very nice fred. good luck and continued success. i don’t know why you waste your time responding to the continued negative feedback…lol
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 1:35 PM:
“Made in the states”? That’s great. This seems to becoming important to fellow preps.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 1:15 PM:
Fred- How do you feel about red gingham on most men? It looks good on you, but I’m not sure if it will work with all complexions. Thanks.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 11:30 AM:
Great look, congrats on your new venture. I’m excited to see the products.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 10:07 AM:
@AEV—You are right, they do offer a button down collar; however, it is cut to be worn untucked in large part. I took bits and pieces from their sport shirt and dress shirt then added my own touches. Shirting is about fit, fabric, and the subtle details. I hope you like it.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 9:55 AM:
Fred - Got it. I thought Robie already offered a button down collar, ginghman shirt (in a size/style that looks very similar to the one you’re wearing)...perhaps I’m wrong. Regardless, looking forward to seeing what makes your’s different!
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 9:49 AM:
@AEV—The fit, yes, is the same. That’s one of the reasons I even agreed to work with Jack Robie. Changing the fit of a shirt is also very costly. Jack Robie spent thousands of dollars working with one of the best fit models in NYC to nail down the fit present in my red gingham shirt.
The fabric, while I considered a number of red ginghams, settled upon a fabric from a mill Jack Robie already had a relationship with.
The style, as I explained below, is different than what Jack Robie currently offers.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 9:45 AM:
As much as I love a nice check/gingham shirt (and appreciate FEC’s enterprising spirit), I think folks should know that many options (below $105.00+) exist: e.g. Lands’ End sells great, all cotton (not non-iron), button down ones (in original or tailored fit) for less than $40.00. Also many made to measure brands, including J. Hilburn, will ‘custom’ make one to your exact measurements - J. Hilburn’s start at $89.00 (incl. shipping) and have a wide range of gingham fabrics (and collars/cuffs/details) to choose from.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 9:39 AM:
Fred - So, the fit, fabric and style are the same as the gingham shirt they already sell? I’m confused.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 9:25 AM:
@wj—The jeans are 501s with the leg taken in from the knee down.
@JAH—I have considered it and will be working towards that. Is your interest in knowing how to dress for work?
@AEV—Great question. In designing this shirt for Jack Robie, I kept the great fit of the dress shirt they introduced last spring. Off the rack, it sits close to the body but allows for a wide range of movement given the side pleats I used. I also chose to keep the inherent sportiness of gingham with a button down collar, chest pocket, and a couple more little surprises.
The inspiration for this shirt was born out of its limited availability in a good fabric. Some were too sport shirt, others’ checks were too large, others’ fabric was too cheap, etc.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 8:35 AM:
Looking forward to seeing them on Jack Robie. I have been in the market for a red gingham and I think I found it! Cannot wait to see what else you have in mind. Keep up the great work!
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 7:47 AM:
Congrats! my friend and good luck on your Collections.
Nice start with Jack Robie Collaboration.
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 7:35 AM:
As always, great work, Fred. Have you considered doing a series of more formal outfits? Dress pants, dress shirts, blazers & sportcoats, suits, et cetera?
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 6:32 AM:
Fred - how will your shirts be different than the bold gingham shirts already offered by Jack Robie?
left a comment on 8/23/2011 at 4:01 AM:
It may be hard, but the result is there. This self-portrait is very successful. Your work is great… As usual.
NB : Excuse me for the mistakes ... I’m french.
Androgyny is at the bedrock of preppy style. The term itself is derived from the Greek words for “man” and “woman”—referring to the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. And yet, I find it still altogether sexy. This portrait of Cintia Dicker I discovered while curating images for my inspiration board, Collection, captivates the eye and the very essence of the aesthetic. That, and I have a predilection for freckles and club ties.
left a comment on 8/18/2011 at 6:50 PM:
Great picture! It is a great shirt and tie combination. I like the stripes!
left a comment on 8/12/2011 at 1:36 AM:
I came across this image a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I have an unhealthy obsession for Cintia Dicker, she always the poster girl for preppy in my opinion, check out her Lands End Canvas images 
left a comment on 8/11/2011 at 9:08 PM:
Concur completely. Well, not about the club ties, but short of breath on the girl.
left a comment on 8/11/2011 at 3:46 PM:
Great picture! It is a great shirt and tie combination. I like the stripes!
-Emily (www.urbanadventurer.com/blog)
left a comment on 8/11/2011 at 1:00 PM:
Cintia Dicker is one of my favorites - she also models for Land’s End Canvas. If you receive their catalog, you get to enjoy many images of Ms. Dicker.
left a comment on 8/11/2011 at 12:35 PM:
Absolutely stunning. The look on her face is unreal. A beautiful woman and a great shirt and tie combo…the best of both worlds. haha
by Kiel James Patrick
Jean René Lacoste was famous not only for his considerate achievements on the court, but off. The Frenchman found traditional tennis attire too bulky, stiff, and completely uncomfortable for the court. He embarked on a mission to create the ideal shirt for the game in white loosely knit piqué cotton. Ironically, the true brilliance was the small, green smiling alligator stitched on the left breast. What began as a joke from a ridiculous nickname* would soon become one of the world’s most recognized prep fashion logos of all time.
Kiel James Patrick's vintage Lacoste polos
In the 1950s, the polo shirt became a classic fashion staple when Lacoste partnered with Izod to expand from their classic "tennis white" and introduced an array of brightly colored shirts. The sport shirts were then exported to the United States in 1952 and advertised as "the status symbol of the competent sportsman," influencing what the debonair layman was wearing. During the 60s, the iconic gator crawled onto chests of the rich and famous, including celebrities by the likes of JFK, Clint Eastwood, and Audrey Hepburn. The brand reached its height of recognition throughout the U.S. in the late 70s/early 80s, garnering a notable mention in Lisa Birnbach's The Official Preppy Handbook while being heralded as an essential preppy accoutrement in the film Making the Grade of the same era.
Today, Lacoste is no longer associated with Izod and produces a second-rate shirt that leaves most longing for the classic tennis tail, loosely-knit pique cotton, and particularly thick collar that we used to wear upturned to block the summer sun from burning our necks.
*Lacoste later explained the origin of his nickname, “le Crocodile:” “The American press nicknamed me 'the Crocodile' after a bet that I made with the Captain of the French Davis Cup team. He had promised me a crocodile-skin suitcase if I won a match that was important for our team. The American public stuck to this nickname, which highlighted my tenacity on the tennis courts, never giving up my prey! So my friend Robert George drew me a crocodile which was embroidered on the blazer that I wore on the courts.”
left a comment on 11/28/2011 at 12:07 AM:
Many that are quick to disassociate Lacoste from the Izod brand should remember the Izod-era produced the style and quality we fondly remember Lacoste for.
left a comment on 11/6/2011 at 12:45 PM:
I am very disappointed in the current quality of Lacoste polo shirts. I was elated when they finally disengaged from Izod a few years back and returned to the US market. The initial product which sold primarily through ultra high-end retailers was similar to the classic polos of the 1950s through the early ‘70s. The shirts were substantial with longer tails, and heavier cotton material that wore well. The current shirts however do not even compare with some generic outlet polos. The material is very thin, shrinks and starts to fall apart after a few washings. I am sure Lacoste has done their homework and perhaps the 40+ year old market is not where they want to be. However if they made a line of true “Classic” heavier Lacoste polo shirts that reprised the quality of the early ones they would have a winner.
left a comment on 9/6/2011 at 7:41 PM:
That is an amazing collection of vintage lacoste polos. Where are the best places to find those? Sure I’ve seen one here and there at thrift stores but never the right size… How do you have so many?
left a comment on 9/4/2011 at 8:38 PM:
Although I like the Lacostes I have, I’d prefer Ralph Lauren.
left a comment on 8/5/2011 at 4:31 PM:
I too am glad to see others having the same issues with Lacoste as I have. They look great initially but after a few wearings the circumference of the shirt bottom seems to grow by 20%, leaving me with a shirt that fits fine up top but balloons out at the bottom and just looks silly.
All in all I’m still happiest with my Polo polo shirts.
left a comment on 8/5/2011 at 4:03 PM:
Glad to see others mention the poor quality of current Lacoste polos. I get them as gifts all the time (of which I am still grateful), but the quality is horrible. The collars are flimsy and after multiple washings begin to look very worn. I am buying/ wearing/ and encouraging gifts to be Vinyard Vines polos. I like the fit, the quality is great, and the VV people are great! I also grabbed a few BB polos this summer which fit great and so far are wearing well.
left a comment on 8/4/2011 at 6:57 PM:
Great article Kiel, and a lovely spectrum of vintage Lacoste shirts in your collection.
I love how the colours dull with age, that beaten in look. Fresh ones just seem too bright.
www.preposity.com
left a comment on 8/4/2011 at 5:01 PM:
i never knew the quality has changed so dramatically, though i have noticed that it depends on the style of polo. i have their original one and one that’s styled to be more fitted. the original is made better than the fitted ones.
left a comment on 8/4/2011 at 3:44 PM:
I have a vintage Lacoste polo made in France. I also have one from a few years ago. The difference is quite noticeable.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 8:44 PM:
Almost forgot…
If you’re interested in brand heritage, I recommend the superb history of Lacoste in images published by Assouline:
http://www.assouline.com/9782759404773.html
I picked up the Classic Green copy from my local Assouline shop.
LBF
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 8:39 PM:
I love Lacoste polo shirts and still wear them. They fit well and frame my chest and biceps like no other shirt. But, I’ve noticed the tails are a bit short—a definite problem for taller chaps such as moi.
The Penguin brand should not even be mentioned in the same sentence as the classic brand under review, IMO. No comparison.
Brooks Brothers polo shirts are a f*cking joke.
I did wear a lot of Polo polo shirts when I was younger, and am considering going back to try Polo again after all these years.
Fred Perry is another polo shirt brand I used to wear back in the 1980s, and maybe it’s worth another visit.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 6:39 PM:
@Tom Bosché—We can’t let the cat out of the bag on that one just yet.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 6:12 PM:
Kiel - Nice post. Le Crocodile was a truly talented athlete and businessman. As long as you and Fred are switching roles, it will be interesting to see how well FEC can design and make belts, bracelets, ties, etc. Next step, Fred?
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 2:10 PM:
Lacostes are still great. But they absolutely need to be broken in before the pique tightens and the collar gets a little stiffer. The process of getting them to that point, however, is frustrating. But this may be why vintage are preferred. I have Lacostes I bought 13 years ago and Lacostes I bought this year, and the quality seems the same to me.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 1:25 PM:
My 7th grade yearbook shows homeroom 7E, 28 kids in the class, and on picture day, 5 kids had on black Lacoste polo shirts on. They were very very popular in 1982.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 1:11 PM:
I still love a Lacoste shirt…before I accidentally slip one in the dryer. My brand of choice for polo shirts had quickly become Faconable - fits well, washes well and feels great.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 12:12 PM:
The colors are always great on Lacoste. They are always my go-to polo brand. Nice post!
-Emily (www.urbanadventurer.com/blog)
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 12:04 PM:
nice collection KJP. it’s either vintage lacoste or ralph lauren for me no exceptions
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 11:57 AM:
When I was in college, at a Big-10 school from 1976-1980, the Lacoste shirts were all the rage among the Greek crowd.
In the 1970s, Penguin shirts (I think it was a Munsingwear brand then) were considered to be a middle-tier brand, at best. They were part of the polyester-clad uniform of the professional golfer. I think Chi Chi Rodriguez wore them.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 11:28 AM:
@AHD depending on how you feel toward thrift shops, you can score vintage izod lacoste for much cheaper than ebay.
Lacost is not the polo I remember wearing when i was a kid, and have opted for other polo brands. Polos by RL, are the standard for quality and longevity. If you are near a Dillards, their Roundtree & York Gold Lable line of polos are a personal favorite, because they are well made, wash better than most, ready to wear out of dryer, and the best part is they are logoless.
Another great polo with heritage happens to be Fred Perry, an English tennis and table tennis champ, with their laurel logo. These are good because of the cut, fit, and the quality is better. I can’t get enough of them. I agree about penguin, its ok, not exceptional.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 10:04 AM:
Where could one pick up vintage lacoste polos other than on the occasional ebay posting?
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 7:33 AM:
@GLG - Great idea. It is a quintessential American brand and was formed to battle Lacoste in the 1950s. Although it is more seen on hipsters, the Penguin can be just as classic as the crocodile or the polo player if it’s worn right.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 7:13 AM:
@NWR Original Penguin is a great brand, definitely unsung among current preps. I always get a compliment on my Penguin clothes, they’re high quality and can often be acquired for next to nothing at an outlet. I recently picked up a lambswool sweater for $20 - a real steal. Fred should do a highlight of the company on the blog.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 6:34 AM:
Right on. I ditched my Lacoste polos because they didn’t fit well at all and are completely overpriced for the quality. Personally, I’ll take an Original Penguin polo any day, despite their lack of presence in the preppy handbook. The Penguin was Lacoste’s American rival, after all.
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 5:26 AM:
Question…..just outta curiousity, which polos do u prefer: Lacoste or Ralph Lauren?
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 5:24 AM:
These colors are exceptional! You are so very right the quality and craftsmanship has left the crocodile. Solution? Shoot for vintage. Great post. (auniversitygent @ blogspot)
left a comment on 8/3/2011 at 5:16 AM:
I agree, the collars on recent Lacoste polos are ridiculously thin.
Top Drawer | Style | Dress Code | Prep Essentials
Image via Justin Chung for Tretorn
Noteworthy: Saint James tee, painter's khaki (with cuff), alligator watch strap, Tretorn Nylites. Nylites are the canvas sneaker the 80s prep-set grew up in. Introduced in 1967, the Swedish sneaker was regarded as the first luxury sport shoe. Today, its classic silhouette is still as relevant as it was 40 years ago.
left a comment on 7/23/2011 at 3:47 PM:
It’s funny how I can’t seem to find the Nylites in the stores, though I am from Sweden. My search will continue…
left a comment on 7/19/2011 at 3:03 AM:
i wear my paint clothes out all the time, and get it confused as desighner. i love the idea of art tranfer from medium to medium. Nice pairings between accessories and the overall attitude. :D
left a comment on 7/15/2011 at 8:48 AM:
Great picture! I love the stripes on the shirt! The facial expression is also priceless.
-Emily (urbanadventurer.com/blog)
left a comment on 7/14/2011 at 11:16 PM:
To Daniel FEC would never tell you this, but in a high school of about 1000 students, one year he won 1st and 2nd place in the annual art show. “Jeans” from his grandpa who was a bronze sculptor and his great grandpa (circa 1880) who was a photographer in the early 1900’s. It;s quite a treat to watch the development.
left a comment on 7/14/2011 at 6:18 PM:
Where’s a good place to find a nice pair of slim-fitting khakis?
left a comment on 7/14/2011 at 12:14 PM:
Great look Fred, especially that you created the pants. Not a huge fan of off the shelf painters I was conflicted between Tretorns and Spring Court this Spring and went with the SC’s. I thought I was satisfied but those Tretorn’s look good.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 6:51 PM:
Ah! my sweetie has “painter’s khakis” but they got that way by painting! your take is one part prep and one part Clash (as created by the delish Paul Simonon). FUN!!
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 2:07 PM:
Everything about this (especially the chinos) is outstanding Fred. Don’t entertain the thought of anything less!
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 11:56 AM:
@FEC Sounds great. I think I might try a similar idea, but instead of painting the pants themselves, just wear them while painting for a while - I need some practice with oils anyways.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 11:51 AM:
@GLG—Indeed they can. Oil paint doesn’t wash out. Turn pants inside out and wash in cold water. Hang dry.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 11:48 AM:
This is a killer shot Fred - it lacks all of the boring conservative elements of prep fashion and replaces them with a right-brain creative zaniness. Just one question though - can these pants survive the wash?
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 10:33 AM:
Hi Josh,
Yes I like the style and have done for years, and funny enough my daughter has it in her “jeans” too and has been working at Ralph Lauren recently.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 9:41 AM:
Great to see some classic European brands featured, both St James of France and Tretorn of Sweden. lovely.
I have painted in Oils since art school and have an old pair of trousers shirt for painting in, I can’t say they’re in quite such an artful state though.
Hi David (From England), I’m also from England, nice to see some English preps around.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 9:02 AM:
@DAM—I wear them on the weekends with a polo, this Saint James tee, a blazer, an oxford…with whatever. These are not for everyone…these are not safe if you dress to be invisible, unnoticeable, or seek to deflect attention from yourself. Me, on the other hand, I like to make people look and then think about themselves. This is an expression of who I am as a creative. Not that it matters to me, but I get compliments in these…plenty.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 8:48 AM:
I get the look and the idea of building a character for the sake of this shoot. And can appreciate the overall styling.
But tell me, where and how would you wear this pants outside of this unique situation?
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 7:27 AM:
@GD—Purcells and Nylites are both certainly viable canvas sneaker options (both of which I wear) but I lace up my Nylites more often because they aren’t on American pop culture’s radar as much.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 7:05 AM:
Thank you for the feed back Fred, I wonder how many other people from the UK follow your blog ? It would be fun to see some photos of your apartment when you get round to it. Cheers.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 3:11 AM:
@Peter—The paint is oil.
@David (from England)—I am a fashion creative with a heavy emphasis on photography and writing as of late. I live in an apartment in Dallas/Ft. Worth built in 1920. It’s interior is a reflection not only of the content making up Unabashedly Prep but more importantly, my personal style. As always, it’s a work in progress. Maybe eventually I will photograph it.
left a comment on 7/13/2011 at 1:29 AM:
Hiya Fred, a couple of things I would like to ask if I may, As I am newish to your blog I don’t know what you do for a living but would be intersted to know and secondly as a great people watcher when I see people that dress well I often wonder where they live and what their houses/apartments look like have you ever posted any pictures of your home ? It would be fun to see what style you have. Thanks
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 11:16 PM:
FEC: “I’m thinking like a fashion designer her…thinking aspirationally…creating a character…ultimately, having fun with it.”
Exactly. And that’s why you’re going to make it and outlast the others who lack your vision. Well done, ol’ chap.
http://admiralcod.blogspot.com/
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:19 PM:
@Sleeve Length—Let’s be clear: J.Crew doesn’t have a version of the St. James tee, they simply stock them. That being said, it is long sleeved; although, the sleeve still falls shy of your wrist though…by design.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:15 PM:
Is the J Crew version of the St. James tee 3/4th sleeve or full length sleeve?
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:09 PM:
@Bing G.—The belt is from Polo and the khakis are Gant by Michael Bastian.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:00 PM:
Great look all around - where did you pick up the belt from? And the khakis are fantastic.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 9:44 PM:
@Mr. Castleberry, thanks a lot and I agree love the Tretorns I have had a pair for a long time and they need replacing but they have lost that glaring white they started out, and I am not looking forward to wearing another pair in.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 6:53 PM:
FEC or anyone who owns one, how is the fit on the Saint James tee? I saw an earlier comment about the size but didn’t see a response. Just trying to get an idea on what size to order, used to have one but don’t remember the sizing.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 6:10 PM:
Oh Mr. Castleberry…fantastic shot!!!!
I believe you may have started something. I’m bringing out my dusty fabric paints, unused since the early 90’s and taking to make khakis. I’m certain to be the only one in all of D.C. with this look. The “navy suits” will love me! Thank you!!
-J. Flores
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 4:24 PM:
Whats lacking from this post is a vespa and a roman holiday! Great inspiration, love the fact that you painted the pants yourself, not sure I could pull it off, but is inspiring. If this shot was black and white, i would be hard to pinpoint a timeperiod .
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 4:12 PM:
@Daniel—Art (of all media, including oil) has had a significant place throughout my childhood.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 1:34 PM:
How is the fit for the Saint James? Thinking of ordering one for myself.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 12:25 PM:
One of your best shots ever. Love the Tretorns. The painted pants remind me of some of the excellent hand “paint-splattered” t-shirts by Rogues Gallery.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 11:54 AM:
Great photo. I initially doubted the “prep-ness” of the painter’s khaki but I like the Warhol tie-in.
I may need to pick up a Saint James tee soon.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 11:21 AM:
@AEV—Further explanation will be provided later in the week but in short, this is an aspirational look inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso. Pollock spent summers in East Hampton painting in a converted barn—this is what I imagined a pair of his chinos looking like at the end of a summer. The bandana, well, that’s to wipe the summer sweat from your forehead, of course.
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 11:14 AM:
Interesting shot for sure. What are “painter’s khakis”? Will you please explain the red bandana in your rear pocket?
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:46 AM:
This is a cool shot!
I was skeptical about getting pair of Tretorns, but know you convince me…
left a comment on 7/12/2011 at 10:42 AM:
Great pic. Can never go wrong with a Saint James tee. Are you responsible for enhancing the khaki?
Vic Delta left a comment on 1/29/2012 at 6:35 PM:
Can you imagine waking up in jail wearing cargo shorts and flip flops?
Spinning out of control in an airliner headed tail
first back to earth…..wearing an outfit made by Nike?
I think about these things when I go out.